Why Wear a Wristlet

Everyone needs time to shop, even if it’s not balloons that they’re buying. There comes a time when I must purchase other necessitates, things I can’t get at the supermarkets. Macy’s doesn’t sell balloons, but they make up for the lack in sales with pocketbooks and wallets. I need something to carry my ID, credit cards, and money if I’m to buy balloons. The color and tailoring of a pocketbook should go with the season. Pennsylvania has four seasons; ergo, four pocketbooks with matching wallets are ideal. I’d also want a clutch purse for dress-up occasions, one for “dressing down,” and one for conferences. 

Macy’s has tempted me with its glittery towels and pocketbooks. Coach and Kate Spade, to name a few. Alas, I have champagne taste, but beer finances. The trick is to get my champagne during sales at “beer” prices. I have one lovely purse I received as a gift, and most of my wallets are too big for it. The one that fits doesn’t go right with the colors. When Macy’s had its Labor Day sale, I thought I’d browse its website for affordable wallets that would fit. A Coach wallet like the one below called it me from the page. I thought the glittering fuchsia would go nicely.  

What I ended up with was a beautiful wallet that was still too large for my purse. Then I realized I could use it for a wristlet. Wristlets are becoming stylish, and you can read about their uses here. Basically you wear it on the wrist, using it for a mini-purse. I decided to give mine a go since Mike’s nursing home was holding a flea market sale. I’ve read about other people wearing them on the wrist, using as a mini-purse. I tried mine out and liked it. Mine went on the elbow though because my arms are small. It left my hands free to shop, take notes, and not have it get caught on something. I could fit my ID, insurance, and other important cards in the purse. Makeup, too. At the Giant and Acme, both of my arms were free to latch on to my balloons. The wristlet might make a good getaway purse during a zombie apocalypse.

I still like having a regular shoulder bag, so I’ll keep my eyes open for the ideal wallet for that one purse. I’ll still come home from the supermarket wearing Mylars in my hair. Whether it’s food, balloons, or purses, I’ll always need time to shop.

 
Have you considered getting a wristlet? Do you feel it’s practical? I look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Store Brand versus Name Brand…when Best Laid Plans Float Away

Recently I tried to shave my grocery bill by buying store brand cereals and other items. With cereals, I didn’t notice any difference in the consistency or taste. The store brand ice cream had a flat taste, however, so I continued to pony up the money for name brand. Most store brands are no-frills. You get the same quality and ingredients, but you lose the pretty packaging and designs, especially with paper products. As for tissues…well, my nose didn’t notice any difference. I was able to get manila envelopes at the dollar store for a fifth of what I’d pay in a stationary store. For medications, I’ve stayed with the name brand Allegra because there’s something reassuring about the orange color of the pill. Otherwise, the generic medicines work just as well.

Sometimes, when the store’s offering a great sale and a coupon, I find it cheaper to stick with name brands. At the Giant last week, I bought a box of Eggo Waffles for seventy-five cents. Because I had a decent coupon, I got two Venus disposable razor packs for the price of one. Allegra’s always on sale, and with a generous coupon, too. Today, I found HP paper on clearance, and got two packs for $5.00 each. I recommend sticking with HP or other name brand computer paper and ink because the wrong paper / ink can damage or jam your printer.

Why do I go through all this trouble to save money? Because I have Walter Mitty dreams of getting my bedroom redone. Perhaps I want to save the money for jewelry or a trip. Maybe I saw a Coach purse with my name on it. So the question is, did I succeed in saving money at the supermarket? So far, no.

This past shopping expedition was a case of best laid plans floating away...literally. When I walked into the Giant, a glittery Mylar balloon with blows blocked my passage. I tried running the other way and bumped into a Mylar planter. Going sideways, I headed straight into a Mylar heart with butterflies – all Mother’s Day balloons and pricey ones at that.

"Why?” I gazed at the balloons helplessly. “I’m not a mother. I don’t have any children.”

“Of course, you do.” The balloons smiled at me. “You’ve got 68 balloons and you’ve been a great mother to them.”

So the glittery balloon with the bows went home me. Cost: nine dollars. What’s more, I drove home with the AC on because I didn’t want the balloon to overheat. I remember shaking my head, thinking I was the first person on this planet to use air conditioning for a balloon’s comfort. But this one is a real beauty and well worth it.

 

 

This got me to contemplating my character Alexis of Steel Rose and her buying habits. If Alexis could jump out of the pages, she’d brain me for spending nine dollars on a balloon. She and I make the same salary, but she takes a plethora of expensive medicines that insurance doesn’t cover well. She’s got to stick with store brand items so she can pay for her treatment, although in a weak moment, she might indulge in a CD. In the sequel, Blood Moon Rising, things are getting ugly fast. Because of the zombie invasions, traditional mail and FedEx have ceased services to Philadelphia.

Because of this a zombie invasion would preclude balloon offerings at any supermarket. Fewer stores would remain open, if any, and soldiers would police the aisles for walking dead. In Alexis’ world, I’d buy whatever brands I could get and thank God I made it to the store alive. I’d hope I had plenty of food at home because shopping might mean a longer drive. The balloon with the bows might be available through the black market, so I’d better prepare to spend twenty dollars.

This is assuming I can get to the supermarket and back unharmed.

Zombies aren’t choosy where they feed, especially if they’re hungry. A bunch of them might gang up on my car while I’m heading to the store. My option? Shop at a local deli or learn to use a gun. I tried picturing myself shooting zombies so I could get to a supermarket. Yeah, it could happen. You always find a way when you want something badly. An image formed in my mind of me staring at the gun, and thinking, good grief, I’m the first person who shot zombies so she could buy a balloon.  

So, do you find buying store brands have saved you money? How would a zombie invasion affect your hobbies and shopping habits? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.