Going (Slightly) Greener

I finally gave in. Some of my dear readers will take issue with some aspects of the Green Movement. But I finally caved. Granted, it's not much, but I hope it helps. They say every little bit does.

I finally started buying those recyclable grocery bags. You see them at grocery stores, Wal-Mart, etc. I've begun using them. I bought a bunch from different stores. I use different ones at different stores. For example, I will use the Wal-Mart bags at Tops, or the Wegman's bags at Wal-Mart. This way, they can't accuse me of stealing the bags. I also avoid being charged for them twice.

They're actually really convenient. The tough part,initially, was actually remembering them. But now, I keep a stash in my truck. Also, you kind of feel like a tool carrying them in the first couple times. Don't worry, that passes.

I'd recommend using these bags if they're available in your area.

The Brand-Name List

I usually don't get hung up on labels, designer or otherwise. Usually, the store brand or an off-brand is good enough for me. However, there are a few things I use both in my daily life and occasionally, where I do prefer the "brand name". Here's the list, in no particular order, as is usually the case unless otherwise noted:

1. Peter Pan peanut butter
2. Wrangler Jeans
3. Method cleaning products
4. Metromint bottled water
5. Silk soymilk
6. Meow Mix cat food*

*This is an interesting one. I won't say she prefers Meow Mix, but that's what she's been eating for so long, the cat is probably used to it. But, she eats a lot of it, so she must like it.

Two side notes:

A: Unless I'm feeling adventurous up here, I usually look for Labatt Blue, since Schlafly Beers aren't available up here.

B: I divide my shopping loyalties up here in western NY. But as far as national companies go, I prefer to shop at Home Depot, since they were good to me for 3 years.

Just As Good

You ever have that sensation of being disappointed and then a few minutes later it's OK because things turned around in a hurry? I had that exact sensation 2 times last night.

I went to Borders last night. With no football, I got tired of being cooped up in the house. So, I braved the cold and headed to Orchard Park. I had a coupon and a gift card to use, so that was added incentive. I had my heart set on this Ingmar Bergman DVD boxed set I saw before Christmas. I remembered it being $42.99. Apparently, I have a bad memory. I got there, hoping it was still in stock. (I figured I can't be the ONLY Bergman fan in Western NY.) It was in stock. Only, it was $99. Clearly, a big discrepancy. I figured I would wait until Borders sent me the 40% coupon.

That still left me with a 20% coupon and the gift card. So, I looked around for a bit. Then I saw it: The thing that made it all better! There was a Bogart-Bacall DVD boxed set for a much more reasonable $39.99. So, I got that instead. I also picked up a collection of Ray Bradbury stories.

On the way home, I pass by the Wegman's across from the McKinley Mall. I realize, then, that I'm out of shaving cream and Metromint water. I stop in. I discovered that they are out of the Peppermint water I like so much. However, they do have the lemon, orange, and 1 box of spearmint varieties in stock. I picked up the lemon and spearmint. I'm not really a big fan of spearmint candy or gum, but why not try them all? So, I put them into my cart. Then it gets better! Shaving cream is on sale! So I stocked up!

So, twice I didn't get EXACTLY what I wanted, but got stuff just as good. Hard to beat that!