A Little of This and That

By Marcy McGuffie

Thursday, November 29, 2007

I have never claimed to be a worldly person, but with each passing day (even as a housewife who doesn’t get out all that much), I acquire new tidbits and life lessons. Many are quite personal and kept to myself, but some things just need to be shared.

Here are a few recent things I am excited about (obviously, simple pleasures…) and would like to pass on to others.

1. Shop Aldi. Call me a snob – go ahead, I really don’t care. But, when I met my husband, I refused to step foot into this “cheap” grocery store. Well, he finally coerced me into it and I discovered a world I’d been missing out on. I do not do all my grocery shopping there, but I find it suitable for many needs.

For some reason, I was initially freaked out to shop there. I had heard rumors that they didn’t have sacks and you had to bring your own. OMG! The HORROR, I tell you. So, I did a little research to properly prepare myself.

Aldi link

If you have never been, keep in mind that there are some “rules” to follow at this store.

a. Bring your own sacks/bags/boxes. To keep costs cheap, Aldi’s will charge

for sacks and encourage you to bring your own. Recycle, baby. Don’t toss

those old bags from other stores. Occasionally, you’ll run across some boxes

for grabs in the front, but usually other savvy shoppers have snagged ‘em.

b. Carts are all located outside. Bring a quarter if you plan on using a cart.

When you return your cart, the quarter pops back out. This is a brilliant idea.

They don’t have to hire cart boys and more shoppers are responsible as a

result. I’ve never seen a “parked” cart just waiting to hit a parked car at this

store. Once again, eliminate extra staff and eliminate extra costs.

c. Brand names are not the norm. If you’re a brand name whore, maybe this isn’t the place for you. But – they always seem to have 89 cent Pringles..mmm.

d. It’s a small store. Just because you have picked something up from there before, doesn’t mean they will have it in stock the next time you venture there. Some items are staples, though.

e. Their produce is usually fresh and tasty although the selection is limited.

f. When it’s time to check out, the cashier grabs an empty cart and throws your items into the cart. When you have paid, take your cart to the wall and there is a shelf for you to bag things up. Remember to bring your own bag!

g. Aldi’s accepts cash or debit cards only. If you only have a credit card or checkbook to your name – FUGGIDABOUTID.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a tasty, frozen pizza, this is where it’s at! For a mere $2.19 you can get a Mama Cozzi’s which knocks all competition aside. I prefer this to Jack’s, Digiorno, Tombstone, Tony’s, etc. I laughed when my hubby told me they make good frozen pizzas. But, damn if I haven’t been missing out on this jewel! Don’t make the same mistake. Also, they make the best damn frozen mac and cheese I’ve ever had. Move over “stank” Swanson. This tastes like real mac and cheese!

Shop Aldi. Your palate and pocketbook will be pleased….

2. If you happen to find yourself in the market for a new vacuum, buy DYSON. They

are pricey as hell, but worth every damn penny. Most of their uprights are also

covered by a 5 year warranty – free of charge. Obviously, they have confidence in

the product they deliver (as well they should).

And even if you’re the most mechanically inept individual ever, it only takes

minutes to assemble. Trust me. I know.

a. Apparently, there is a loyal club out there. Talk to another Dyson owner and

you will both get giddy discussing a freaking vacuum cleaner. I DESPISE

vacuuming, but I adore this contraption more than words can describe.

b. There are no bags to buy or change. With a few presses of the button, a quick

shake in the trashcan, the canister’s emptied. Voila! I have honestly

considered making a YouTube video demonstrating the fantabulous features

of the mighty Dyson.

c. There is no icky vacuum smell.

d. They’re allergy friendly.

e. They pick up animal hairs like a mofo. I didn’t even purchase “The Animal” model, but my Dyson takes care of it all.

f. They work wonderfully on or off carpet. Only our bedroom and our

dog’s tiny room are carpeted. I use our Dyson on wood floors and linoleum.

Fuck the broom – it’s a thing of the past!!!

Thank you, Mr. Dyson. You are THE MAN. Oh yeah- men. Don’t buy your ladies any appliances or cleaning accessories for Christmas UNLESS they specifically ask for one!

But, this would make an awesome present for ANYONE regardless of gender.

3. Now, a simple life lesson. If you get something pierced, listen to your piercer. Yesterday, I decided I wanted a new nose stud. I was told to wait three months before changing the stud. Also, she informed me that she would be happy to help me with any changings. Well, my nose felt healed and I wanted a purty blue stud. What difference would two weeks make?

So, I wiggled that nose screw around. After messing with it for an hour, I should have given up. For the life of me, I couldn’t get that thing out. Finally, it happened. Next, I attempted to insert the new screw. I could only get it part way through before hitting a wall on the inside of my nostril.

A smart person would have made a trip to the piercing studio. I never claimed to be smart. I spent 5 hours poking and prodding my abused nose. Blood dribbled and my nostril got all swollen before I finally gave in and went back to Skin Illustrations.

She re-stretched my hole (ok - go ahead and giggle, that does sound foul) and bent my new nose screw in less than five minutes. It was simple and pain free.

Now, I just hope I don’t get a frigging infection.

Live, learn, and for (to borrow a phrase from Misty) tit’s sake, leave some things to professionals!!!

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Posted by beatle919 (Marcy McGuffie) on November 29, 2007 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgive my formatting errors...I'm too damned lazy.

Posted by Dazie (Aileen Dingus) on November 29, 2007 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It took almost a full year for my nose to heal enough to change studs. *shudders* That's what I get for smacking it the day I got the pierce. (talk about blood and swelling!)

Posted by linswri (anonymous) on November 29, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a fellow Dyson lover...I've never been so happy to vacuum in my entire life. I got mine for my wedding anniversary :) Nothing says love like a canister full of dog hair....

Posted by mitzibel (Misty Nuckolls) on November 30, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, it was at least two years after I got my nose pierced before I could change the jewelry by myself. The dude at Skin Ill. has spent far too much time with his finger up my nose for me to not get embarassed when I run into him socially. Now, I tend to lose my bone studs while I sleep--lucky for me they're 5 for 10$ at Third Planet. By the time I get a new one shoved through, I usually have to break the inner membrane again, which is painful, but not a big deal.

Yes, Aldi's freaking ROCKS. Who really cares that you've never heard of that tomato sauce manufacturer before, it's TWELVE CENTS A CAN!!! I'm a huge fan of their knock-off Red Bull, I think it's called Red Thunder or something. Doesn't taste *quite* the same, but for something like 70 cents a can, it's a hell of a deal when you and the girls have picked up a bottle of cherry vodka and are looking to get ridiculous ;)

Posted by beatle919 (Marcy McGuffie) on November 30, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dazie - ouch! I should have consulted you when I ran into you on Mass the other day...I could've saved myself some unnecessary pain!

linswri -that's awesome. I was hoping to pull some fellow Dyson lovers out of the closet. I'm not one to pimp a product unless it's the best thing ever. ;) That's something I forgot to mention in the blog...you get to see the nastiness pulled up from a quick vacuum. People would be amazed at the amount of funk these powerful machines suck up.

Misty - aaah - you said break the inner membrane! And you helped me further realize there's no shame in having professionals help a girl out (well, not TOO much shame anyway). I felt all big and bad thinking I could do it myself, but I won't make that mistake again. I reduced myself to watching YouTube videos on how to change nose screws and then felt crazy inadequate when chick did it in less than a minute. Apparently, it takes practice (and a healed nose).

I've never been a huge fan of Red Bull, but I don't mind mixing it w/alcohol every now and then...and lord do I ever appreciate me some cherry vodka (I usually mix it w/Sprite for a dirty shirley temple). Red Thunder...here I come!

Posted by Dazie (Aileen Dingus) on December 1, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh God. Red Bull + Vodka had me leaving a work function early and screaming for a taxi to take me back to my hotel a few years ago.

heh heh heh.

Good times. Nasty drink.

Posted by DOTDOT (anonymous) on December 1, 2007 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've always been intrigued by the Dyson, but now sad fascination makes me feel all housewifey.

I may just go bake something.

Posted by DOTDOT (anonymous) on December 1, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As far as Red Bull and Vodka, I'd personally worry that the energy drink would counteract the Xanax.

JUST KIDDING!!

Posted by beatle919 (Marcy McGuffie) on December 2, 2007 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't be too concerned about your fascination w/the Dyson. The hubby was the one who clued me in that I should buy one. He thinks its cool too.

I love the Xanax...that along w/a bloody mary has helped me through many flights...

Posted by mitzibel (Misty Nuckolls) on December 3, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hell, yeah. That's the only way I can fly--I have this *thing* about being in ANY vehicle that I'm not in control of, much less one that I irrationally, but sincerely, believe cannot actually do what it seems to do. I'd buy time travel before air travel, and sometimes I think we're secretly being teleported while they play movies of clouds on the "windows".

A Little of This and That

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