This summer edition of South Shore Woman is all about Reinvention. What does it mean to you? More importantly, do feel like it's time?
The Reinvention Issue
In our Wink Signature story this month, we feature best-selling author Claire Cook whose latest book "The Wildwater Walking Club" is about a woman whose life is turned upside down in one fell swoop. She walks, she talks, and she transforms. Claire has also undergone her own metamorphosis as she turned her passion for writing into a lucrative career. She recently shared some of her experiences with others at her Reinvention Workshop. If you didn't make it, no worries, South Shore Woman was there to pass on her tips. Read all about it in the article "Rewriting Your Story".
Also in Wink, contributor Diane Snyder shares her tales of worry, and makes some changes in her mindset. Fashion correspondent Kathleen Sullivan tells us how little things can make a big difference on the road to reinvention. And, our newest writer, Anna-Marie Marinelli, shares a frustrating moment in Super Wal-Mart that shed some light on her own life. Also in Wink, Jenna has some advice for "mean tweens", namely, 'knock it off'!
Of course, since we South Shore women are creative and innovative, we thought a little inspiration from the Scarlet Oak owners/entrepreneurs would be fun. Read this month's Featured business in the Local Spotlight section of SSW for the secret sauce of success. Speaking of sauce, why not whip up some Grilled Chicken Salsa? The Fieldston restaurant's owner and executive chef, Jan Perrin, shares his freestyle formula.
And, of course, we're still bloggin'. Are you? Join the conversation, or start your own blog-we're happy to help get you started! You can also follow us on Twitter at our handle, SoShoWo for quick updates and observations. And, once again, don't forget to take some time for yourself. There's some good stuff happening around town this time of year, so take advantage of it. But also try to relax and rejuvenate.
A nice walk or a snooze on the beach might be just what you need to start thinking about the story of your life...And what the next chapter will be! When you figure it out, tell us! Write us at info@southshorewoman.com. We'd love to hear-and share-- what you're thinking, what you're doing, and how you are designing a life that allows you to live your dream.
Cheers!
Tracy & Steph
We Love!,
The Brajama
Let's face it, some of us need a little support all of the time. When you and 'the girls' are tired, give 'em a little pick-me-up with the "Brajama", the pajama with the built-in bra.
The BRAJAMA is great for:
* Lounging around the house or dorm room
* Reading the newspaper, making coffee or breakfast
* Working at home (SSW's personal favorite: How many times have you been on a conference call with your boss and realize you are not wearing a bra?)
* Wearing around house guests
* Snow days or sick days (Actually, on a sick day, you should go bra-less-- comfort is key, we think)
* Vacations and Relaxing
* Walking the dog (Yup, cover up those puppies for the neighbors!)
* Makes a great gift!
For more information, visit the BRAJAMA website at:
http://www.thebrajama.com/
AppeTeasers,
Chef Perrin's Grilled Chicken Salsa
It is time to go freestyle!
It is so much more fun, more creative and more satisfying to use you own culinary instincts. Use your own amounts, add an ingredient or two of your own, and then it is yours. Take the credit and enjoy it.
Ingredients:
-Seasoned grilled, chilled, sliced chicken breast
-Cannellini beans with liquid
-Black beans drained and washed
-Kernel corn with liquid
-Chopped tomatoes
-Chopped red onion
-Chopped garlic
-Chopped cilantro
-Chopped jalapenos canned or fresh
-A few capers
-Fresh lime or lemon juice
-A splash of Citron
-Salt and pepper taste
Substitute with grilled shrimp, pork tenderloin, baby octopus or rattlesnake...
Get the gist?
-Jan Perrin, Owner and Executive Chef of The Fieldston restaurant
About Us,
Let SSW Promote Your Business!
SouthShoreWoman.com writes about the local people who follow their passion and build new economic opportunities in our communities. But, whether you have started a popular jewelry line, have an established retail store or restaurant, or offer a unique service, you will always need to reach new customers.
SSW, an online magazine, serves as the perfect venue for businesses that want to go a bit beyond their town borders. Let us help you get your message to the masses by being your vehicle into the larger world of social media.
Our affordable promotional packages give you an advertisement on SSW, plus a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In addition to getting directly in front of our audience (there are over a thousand South Shore readers-- that we know of), your business will also be exposed to many of the 750 million Facebook users, 100 million Twitter users, and over 100 million LinkedIn members.
Let's put it this way: Print advertising is dead. Social media is the surest way to gain new customers in this Internet age. Yes, we know, you are running a business! You don't have time to tweet and post all day....
We want you to continue to grow and become social media savvy. Let us help!
We offer three packages that appeal to your needs and budget:
Packages: |
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Standard |
Basic |
*Advertisement |
Leaderboard graphic (728x90 pixels) OR video (**including link to your website) |
Sidebar 1 (300 pixels wide) graphic OR video (**including link to your website) |
Either the Sidebar 2 (120 pixels wide) or the Footer (728x90 pixels) graphic (**including link to your website) |
Sponsor e-mail |
A dedicated e-mail blast to SSW subscribers (about 1,000 members) |
A dedicated e-mail blast to SSW subscribers (about 1,000 members) |
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-Creation of a Twitter handle for your business-Multiple Tweets/day from your business handle and @SoShoWo-Community building through “follows” and “lists” |
Multiple Tweets/ week about your business from @SoShoWo |
One Tweet/week about your business from @SoShoWo |
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-Creation of a FB page for your business-Multiple posts/day on your page and outreach to community to ‘Like’ your page-Multiple mentions and links to your fan page and website on SoShoWo FB page |
One mention/week about your business on the SSW FB page |
A couple of mentions/month of your business on the SSW FB page |
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Weekly mention of your business within groups that target your customers |
Multiple mentions/month of your business within groups that target your customers |
One mention of your business within a group that targets your customers |
SSW story |
If SSW has already done a story on your business, we will update it (text or embed video) and put it on the SSW home page as well as link to it on Facebook and Twitter |
If SSW has already done a story on your business, we will link to the archived article on our Facebook page and Twitter, and write a short update to tell our audience what you are up to now |
If SSW has already done a story on your business, we will link to the archived article on our Facebook page and Twitter |
Reporting
PRICE |
At the end of the month you will receive a report on all SM activity and results$750/month |
At the end of the month you will receive a report on all SM activity and results$500/month |
At the end of the month you will receive a report on all SM activity and results$250/month |
**Don't have a website? We can build one for you. Contact us for more information.
*And, if you don't have an advertisement ready to go, we'd be happy to create one for you! (Monthly prices do not include $100 fee for ads created by SSW.)
For more information contact:
Tracy Coyne at dtcoyne@comcast.net (781) 413-6508
or,
Stephanie Neil at stephanieneil@comcast.net (781) 378-1652
Wink webzine,
Wink's Signature Story
Claire Cook never gets sick. But, like a storybook character caught in a sorry life plight, there she was with a fever and migraine just days before 'The Today Show' producer and camera crew were to arrive at her house.
"I hope I don't die before they get here," she quipped in her signature comedic style. But nothing-including Lyme disease-was going to stop her from living the dream! A few antibiotics later it was lights, camera, and action, she said, recounting the incident to a lawn full of South Shore Women attending her Reinvention Workshop last month at Front Street Bookshop in Scituate.
Cook's dream came true when she published her first novel, "Ready to Fall", in 2000, which she wrote in her minivan while waiting for her daughter at swim practice. Six novels later-including "Must Love Dogs"-- adapted for the big screen, and Cook is well on her way to superstardom. Yet, even with celebrity status, Claire remains down-to-earth, approachable, and connected to the South Shore. In some sense, she's still in awe of what's happening in her life. Who wouldn't be when you go from being 'just another mom in town' to having a camera crew follow you around for eight hours?
Walking the red carpet, meeting other famous authors, getting invited to swanky parties is fun, she admits. But her success was not a simple stroke of luck. It was, however, a simple formula: Passion + hard work.
"It's about the dream and evolving to become the person I really was...I knew I always wanted to be a writer, and then I choked," she said, recalling the 16 years she spent teaching and not writing.
She often got hung up on what she thought she couldn't do, rather than focusing on what she knew she could do. Many others on the road to reinvention stumble on that same negative intersection, she said. And, it's often fueled by family, friends, and colleagues. For example, when Cook finished her first novel, a friend-trying to be supportive-told her that, "Lots of good things don't get published."
"When you tell people about something you are going to do, they jump in to all of the things that can go wrong. You have to rise above the negativity," Cook said.
It can be tough to do. We are typically our own worst critics, and to have someone else slam something so sensitive and personal as a dream can be paralyzing. For that reason, Cook-who just published "The Wildwater Walking Club" in May-recommends keeping your work quiet for awhile until you are well on your way toward achieving your goal.
Cook also suggests you 'don't wait'. "If you wait for the right time, it will never be the day."
And, it doesn't have to be a genius work of art. Cook's books are all about everyday people with everyday problems (like getting sick before a big interview), and her stories are best-sellers. "Our lives are normal, relatively small lives, but [even though] we spend time in the kitchen, with the kids, or with friends, it's just as important as the big literary themes."
Anyone with any dream can succeed, she told her audience of women (and a few good men) all there listening intently on the lawn-with 'The Today Show' camera crew in their midst. You just have to remember the things you always wanted to do before life got in the way, she said.
To learn more about Claire Cook, visit her website at, www.clairecook.com.
Follow Claire on Twitter at WalkwithClaire, and join her Facebook Group, "The Wildwater Walking Club"...and, watch for her on The Today Show!!!
Claire Cook's Reinvention Tips:
-The troubled economy is creating a new generation of entrepreneurs as people shift gears to pursue a business based on their own interests and skill sets. Still, you'll be spending a lot of time on this business, so: Don't Do It Unless You Love It!
-Procrastination is painful (and unproductive). You're never too busy....Busy people get things done! It's all about structure. How bad do you want it?
-Although creative people are always thinking up new ideas, pick one thing and focus on it.
-Rise above the negativity. Keep spinning things until it feels positive.
-Network and share ideas.
-If you start a business, you don't necessarily need a website, but you do need to be on Facebook, Twitter, and social networking sites.
-Confound expectation. (Don't do what everyone else is doing, you'll be a bore...For example, what's the book that only Claire Cook can write?)
-Do nice things for people. "Karma is a boomerang."
Local Spotlight,
Scarlet Oak
Scarlet Oak
All the Right Ingredients
By Stephanie Neil
To make it in the restaurant business you need three things: An excellent (and dependable) executive chef; killer décor; and savvy business sense. Jed and Josh Webber, owners of Scarlet Oak restaurant in Hingham, have all that going on-and more.
The restaurant has been in business since 2007 when the brothers took over the site, a 250-year old Colonial house that was formerly Tony Ambrose's BlackFin Chop House. Since then, the upscale tavern has defied the odds of today's tough economy. Overall, the food and liquor industry is down, some say by as much as 30%, yet Scarlet Oak is still bustling with business as couples come for a romantic candlelit dinner, and commuters stop in for a quick bite and a beer.
It could be the culinary quality of executive chef, Brian Sway, whose creative concoctions include Lobster Bake pizza (Jed's favorite) and the Blue Crab Burger. It could be the antique interior design (with a modern flair-including the very popular back bar), or, it could be the convenient Queen Anne's Corner location at the intersection of Rt. 53 and Rt. 228. Most likely, however, it's the brains behind the operation.
Jed and Josh both have business backgrounds, and, despite the fact that this is their second restaurant venture, the first being Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton-which they still own-- they consider themselves more entrepreneurs than restaurateurs. Afterall, Josh worked in the mergers and acquisitions group at Morgan Stanley for five years and Jed was a consultant at Booz Allen & Hamilton. Given their backgrounds, they approached Scarlet Oak as a business that includes a good management team, a 401K plan for employees, and, of course, an image.
"A lot of people open restaurants and don't put in the right resources," said Jed in an interview with South Shore Woman. "It's a complicated business, and there are so many reasons why restaurants fail. We made sure we did it right the first time."
Doing it right meant hiring a professional design team. "If you have the décor down, the battle is half won," Jed said. The Webbers are also constantly shifting the menu to reflect the season. "It's critical to do that on the East coast because when the seasons change, tastes change," he said.
The Webbers support local farmers, but this summer they are taking that commitment to the next level. The menu now includes fresh vegetables from the Webber's own farm in Groton. Recently, two acres of the family's 100 acre cattle farm was converted into a garden that grows tomatoes, specialty onions, herbs, and more, all to be served up in their own restaurants.
The ‘farm to fork' initiative that the Webbers have embarked upon not only delivers fresh and tasty tomatoes, but it is also good for the environment (they are not shipping vegetables from California or using pesticides).
It's also indicative of their understanding that business-regardless of what it is-can't sit still. Keep innovating and keep reinventing. The Webbers, for example, recently started Fireside catering as a way to continue to build on food foundation. And, there are likely more new ventures to come.
"We have about 10-to-20 businesses we haven't started," Jed said. "We are getting good at figuring out if it will work or not, and if it will be fun or not."
And therein lies the secret to Scarlet Oak's success. The Webbers are working hard and having fun.
For more information, visit the restaurant's website at: www.scarletoaktavern.com
About Us,
SSW in the Air-CLICK HERE TO HEAR
Tracy Coyne and Stephanie Neil, co-founders of SouthShoreWoman.com, were recently guests on Teri Sica's talk show "Discovering Authenticity". The two talk about friendship, starting a business, and what SSW can do for you. Take a listen!
Here's the link: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow29.mp3
More WATD/SSW interviews:
11/20/2010: Jay Cole, owner of Riva restaurant recently sat down with Teri to talk about starting a business and being SSW's Male Muse. Tune in here: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow34.mp3
And, to read Jay's Male Muse columns, click here! http://southshorewoman.com/author/jay-cole
12/4/2010: Stephanie Neil talks with Teri about turning challenges into opportunities and the life lessons along the way. http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow36.mp3
Members,
B2B
SSW Business Members
(Click on the company name to read their stories here on SSW, then visit their websites to learn more about these local companies.)
FOOD (Restaurant, Catering, and Personal Chef Services)
Beach Fire Restaurant, Hull
http://www.beachfirehull.com/
Riva Restaurant, Scituate
www.rivarestaurant.net
Jay Cole, Owner
The Fieldston Restaurant, Marshfield
http://www.thefieldston.com/
Jan Perrin, Owner
JennaCAKES
Jenna.perette@yahoo.com
Jenna Perette, Owner
Scarlet Oak Tavern, Hingham
www.scarletoaktavern.com
Jed and Josh Webber, Owners
Aoyama, Marshfield
781-837-6990
The Chef’s Table
http://www.thechefstableonline.com/index.html
Mark and Julie Ellis, Owners
Fruit Center Marketplace
http://www.fruitcentermarketplace.com/
Oro Restaurant, Scituate
www.ororestaurant.com
Jill and Robin King, Owners
Orta Restaurant, Pembroke
www.ortarestaurant.com
Jimmy Burke and Joanie Wilson, Owners
Beach Plum Baking Company
http://www.beachplumbaking.com
Jennifer Love, Owner
Barker Tavern, Scituate
www.barkertavern.com
Savor: A Personal Chef Service
www.savorathome.com
Meghan Haney, Personal Chef & Owner
Darlene Calcagno, Personal Chef & Owner
781-878-9700
Joanie Wilson, Owner
SPECIALTY SHOPS
Harborlight Toy Company
146 Front Street (Welch Company Bldg), Scituate
781-544-5487, website coming soon!
Jerry & Kelly Burke, Owners
Almar Building and Remodeling
Allison Quinn Guido, General Manager
781-826-2577
Hingham Sewing School
Alexis Kletjian
617-549-6755
APPAREL/ACCESSORIES
Sealore Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sealoredesigns?page=1
Michelle Murphy, Owner
Roaring Stones
http://www.roaringstones.com/
Casey Kerr, Owner
SpitDudes
http://spitpermit.com/
Andy White, Owner
Crystals n Pearls
http://www.crystalsnpearls.com/
Carolyn Cattaneo, Owner
Boot Chic
www.bootchic.com
Kim O’Connor, Owner
Babushka Style
http://www.babushkastyle.com/
Rebecca Pimentel, Owner
Ring by Ring Designs
Bev Carlson, Jewelry Designer
FASHION/STYLE
Ready Set Style
Eva Gaiardelli, Owner/Fashion Stylist
eva@readysetstyle.com; 617-433-8295
Tracey Leahy, Owner
Charlotte & Company, Hairstylists & Makup Artists
Charlotte Phinney, Owner
Mary Kay
Shakira Perry, Independent Beauty Consultant
617-653-6796
FUN
East Coast Hui
http://www.eastcoasthui.com/Home.html
Bobby Fenton
HEALTH/FITNESS/SPA
Stacey Shipman, Feel Good Living
http://staceyshipman.com/
Stacey Shipman, Owner
A Healthy Balance
http://www.ahealthybalancenutrition.com/home.html
Nikki Tierney, Owner
Mariposa Body Massage and Therapy
http://www.mariposabody.com/
Cindy Doody, Owner
Healthy Options
http://www.healthyoptionscoaching.com/
Sheela Calhoun, Owner
Perpetual Motion
Jennifer McGilvray, owner
Dolce Med Spa & Boutique
www.DolceMed.com
Tracey Lively, President/Owner
781-792-0919
Spa-tique Day Spa
781-837-1850
South Shore Healing Center
Martha Tassinari, PT/CST
781-934-0100



ART/DESIGN
Cut River Gallery
www.cutrivergallery.com
Chris Lewis, Owner
Hawkmoon Studio
www.hawkmoonstudio.com
Michael Coyne, Owner
Everything Emily
www.everythingemily.com
Emily Loverin, Owner
Interiors by Daryce
http://www.interiorsbydaryce.com/home.html
Daryce Morris, Owner
SERVICES/Personal & Business
JKC Design
www.jkcdesign.com
Jada Coyne, Owner
Errands Etcetera
http://www.errandsetcetera.biz/
Stacy Mafera, Owner
South Shore Skin Center
www.southshoreskincenter.com
Fastteks
We travel to home or business for all computer services.
www.fastteks.com
Concierge Service
Gennie Litchfield Murphy & Chrissy Sladen McCormack, Owners
www.adminsanderrands.com
Columns,
JennaRation
Q: My BFF is cool to me and our group. She can be mean to people who don't hang with us, like make fun of how they act and what they wear. She really upsets people. She gets mad if I don't join in and diss the people, that makes me feel bad. I really love hanging with her and we have all of the same friends! What should I do?
Jenna: Well for starters it's good to know one of you has a heart. Making fun of someone to make yourself feel good is LOW - and a sure sign of insecurity.
We've all been on the receiving end of nastiness for no reason and it sucks.
You need to stand up to your friend and tell her that the way she is acting is not cool. If she continues to behave that way you need to stop hanging around with her - or at the very least call her on her bad behavior.
She'll have more respect for you, if you do. More importantly, you'll be true to yourself.
TTYL,
Jenna
Wink webzine,
Wink South's Inspiration Article
If I had been named for a personality trait, I would be known as "the worrier". My dip into the genetic pool brought up an extra dose of the worry gene. I used to tell people I emerged from the womb worrying. While my recall does not go back quite that far, I do have a clear memory of an event when I was five years old. I was sitting on a swing next to my friend Carol. My long brown hair, pleated into braids, swung with the same rhythm as my legs pumping up and down, up and down. I was a year older than Carol and had entered the world of public school, specifically the world of the strict and stern Miss Strumm, the kindergarten teacher. In a most serious voice I turned to Carol and said, "Kindergarten is so hard."
I continued wrinkling my brow with every test, every paper, every project, right through public school and into college. That is my explanation for the lines that are now a permanent part of my middle aged face. Those advertisements for Botox are tempting, but then, of course, I would worry about the toxic side effects. Instead I refer to those creases on my forehead as laugh lines slightly misplaced.
If I had thought the world of school was a testing ground for the worry personality, I discovered that marriage and motherhood were rich with opportunities for angst. I have heard the expression "little children, little challenges, big children, bigger challenges" and I agree. I remember spending hours researching the safest car seat that would protect my precious cargo from the dangers of the road. That same precious cargo went on to get a driver's license and then a motorcycle. I remember, too, researching travel programs for teens that offered good supervision and then sending son #1 off on a YMCA bike trip. That same son, now an adult, flew to South America just before a political coup, took an eight hour bus ride to a small coastal town to spend two weeks windsurfing, and returned to the States battling dengue fever. By the time I found out about the dengue fever, he was fine and I was reminded of something another friend often tells me. "It's usually not the things we worry about that come to pass, but the things we do not worry about."
That philosophical thought brought me back to a children's story written in the '70's by Roger Hargreaves titled "Mr. Worry". The main character has an endless list of worries that drive him to despair. Finally he meets a wizard who, after reading this lengthy list, promises him that none of these things will happen. With great relief, Mr. Worry has the happiest week he can remember until a new thought occurs to him and he returns to see the wizard. Perplexed, the wizard confronts Mr. Worry. The problem now is that Mr. Worry is worried about having no worries. While written with humor, that little tale evokes pain for those readers who, like me, identify with the character. If only that worry energy could effectively prevent all those fears from ever coming true.
But, I will concede, this trait is not all bad. Through the years of growing from child to young adult to middle aged woman I have harnessed the worry energy in positive ways. I see myself as responsible, reliable, well organized, and like a good scout, always prepared. For me the worry has been like a navigational tool guiding me on the twists and turns of my path. And that little girl on the swing did not fall off, kept on pumping, kept on pushing.
I smile now when I think of a poem my mother used to repeat, its author unknown. "Why worry about the future?" she recited. "The present is all thou hast. The future will soon be present and the present will soon be past. So why worry?" Perhaps, as I head into my senior years I will be able to answer that question.
Wink webzine,
Early Morning Injustice
Now, I know there are some people in this world that technology has passed by, the elderly being the easiest case to point towards, but this woman isn't even old. She must be an idiot, I thought darkly. The stupid machine has a picture on it showing you what to do - a little debit card showing you which side to place the strip when you slide it through. How difficult is that? It's only difficult if you're a moron. Do you live in the 21st century? Have you never used a debit card before? Look at the picture!! Yup, she's definitely an idiot.
With judgment passed, I shifted on my feet and looked around as the checkout woman said, once again, "Okay, slide it through once more." I noticed the seventeen checkout stations at the front end of this Super Wal-Mart and thought, great, seventeen registers and they only have two open. I looked over at the only other register where a girl was flirting with the woman at the register. The Wal-Mart employee expertly avoided eye contact with me as the two women giggled and leaned towards each other. The sister of two homosexual brothers, I have no problem with these two women evidently finding each other interesting, but for crying out loud, Butch and Sundance are holding me up. What happened to Sam's ten foot rule? I should pull out a tape measure and stretch it out under the woman's nose and say, "See - nine feet! Smile at me, wait on me!" Sam must be rolling in his grave.
"Okay, put in your PIN number." My checkout lady was now saying to the idiot.
"PIN number?"
"Yes, your PIN number," said checkout lady, patiently.
Sure, I thought, she could be patient. She was being paid to be here - probably not much, true, but it was her choice to work here for that pay and these hours. I, on the other hand, have been working all night and simply wanted to go home and go to bed. Instead, I'm standing in line behind a fool who can't remember her PIN number. And what's with how messy the front end of this store is? Carriages filled with items to be returned to their spot in the store by the conspicuously missing employees. The floor should be swept and why wasn't someone making Butch stop flirting and wait on me? Couldn't they see me standing there waiting for the stupidest woman in the world to press in her PIN number?
"No, that didn't work - you'll have to slide the card through again and retry the PIN number."
OH MY GOD! I've heard it's theoretically possible, and no one has ever seen it happen but at that moment I truly believed a human being could spontaneously combust. I think my head, at least, was going to explode.
I'm going to write a letter, I resolved. When I get up to the register, I'm going to ask the woman to whom I would write a complaint letter. I should have known when I pulled into the parking lot and there were some ten thousand carriages strewn all over the place. Why wasn't anyone bringing in carriages? Why did I have to drive around them to simply park and now had to worry about my car getting dinged?
Again, failing with her PIN, Stupid said, "Can I write a check?"
"Yes, of course," checkout lady replied. "It's $22.68."
While Technically Challenged rummaged through her purse, looking for her checkbook, the injustice of it all began to weigh heavily on my shoulders. I mean, what the hell, I don't even have a kid. Why am I at Wal-Mart at 1:45 a.m. getting poster board for my niece's fourth grade report due the following morning? I mean, when is she going to draw the poster -- between cereal bites? Where are her parents?! Why didn't they have the damn poster board BEFORE the morning the report was due?! True, I picked up batteries, but I could have waited for those. Also true I found a couple of books to read, but that's not really the point either. My brother and sister-in-law should have seen to the poster board well before now. The fact that they didn't and then had the nerve to call me at work and ask me to stop at Wal-Mart at this ungodly hour just goes to prove the point that I am most definitely underappreciated and somewhat abused. I mean, what would they do without me? They certainly wouldn't ever have poster board, that's for sure.
Where is the damned front end manager? There has to be a front end manager, doesn't there? Somebody must be in charge. That's it, I'm going over to that other register and demand that Butch wait on me. My feet are killing me, my back hurts and I just know I'm going to get a screaming headache if I have to stand here much longer.
"I'm sorry I took so long," the woman I damned to stupidity said to me as she picked up her bag from the counter. "It's my husband's card."
"It's okay," I smiled sweetly. As I placed the poster board, batteries and books on the counter she just evacuated and the checkout lady whose name appeared to be Sally, began ringing up my order.
"Well, have a good night," she said after replacing her checkbook in her purse. "At least what's left of it." She smiled.
"You too," I replied, smiling back.
I slid my debit card through the card reader and watched her as she walked away, and I thought, well, she wasn't too bad. Perhaps, I might have rushed to judgment a tad.
"Ma'am?" Sally said.
"Mmmm," I responded looking back towards her.
"You need to slide the card through again. Make sure you have the strip facing the right way." Sally smiled and continued in the same patient voice. "Just look at the picture if you need some help."
Wink webzine,
Retail Therapy
It has been difficult deciding on what to wear in past months. The rain, the cold, the stubborn weather pattern, etc., has certainly put a damper on enjoying all the fun, light clothing that we so look forward to wearing after a long winter. Regardless of what is fashionable, or what we would like to wear, we have had no choice but to continue sporting the heavy sweaters and jackets of winter. Without a doubt, the temperatures and the current economic conditions have put added strain on our mood and state of mind. We've all been cooped up inside for far too long. If you have not been affected, you are one of the lucky few, and I would love to know your secret!
That being said, the search is on for what will make us feel better. Shopping for the purpose of lifting one's mood is referred to as "Retail Therapy". It temporarily takes the mind off of what is troubling and fills a void inside. I've done it and it really works. Unfortunately, continued or excessive retail therapy strains the budget and that defeats the purpose. So, how to find the happy medium?
I have noticed a growing trend since this past fall into present. Customers are much more price-conscious, for obvious reasons. They are being more selective in what they buy, and, as a result, jewelry and accessories are flying out the door because they want to get something small for themselves (instant therapy) or buy a gift for a friend, without spending a lot of money. And, it works!
Retail therapy during a recession requires being as conservative with your clothes as you are with your money. Take advantage of the hand that has been dealt. This is the time to conserve gas, eliminate waste, and spend time instead of money.
Recycling is now fashionable, whether it be paper, plastic or clothing. Why not reinvent some of the classic pieces in your wardrobe with something new? Remember a prior SSW suggestion...there are no rules, wear what you like and what makes you feel good. Jewelry and accessories add spice to an ordinary outfit, they can be worn much more than some articles of clothing, and the possibilities are endless. And, oh yeah... they always fit. (Another thing about a long, cold winter with comfort food, my clothes have shrunk.)
There are endless combinations of stones, metals, color and design incorporated into pieces of varying price points. Jewelry design by local artists has also exploded. Why go out and spend money when you can explore your creative talents and make the perfect piece yourself? Bead stores are popping up in various locations offering classes in jewelry making if you are so inclined. Therefore it is easy to find something for any style, taste and budget.
When it comes to jewelry, there are as many choices as there are personalities. Choices include chunky or delicate necklaces, beaded or cuff bracelets, "bling" or chandelier earrings to name a few. Some popular materials include turquoise, mother-of-pearl, abalone shell, crystal and sea glass. Hand-made, embellished belts are still going strong and are works of art in themselves. Great choices can be found at small, local boutiques or larger chain stores, wherever you are comfortable. As the summer continues, look for art festivals and fairs offering different and unique pieces. Whether it be made with semi-precious or man-made stones and materials, the designs are fun, timeless and the perfect pick-me-up to brighten a cloudy day. It's not about the money you spend on an item, it's about how you choose to wear it, that you love it, and that it makes you smile!
The sun will come out shining and the economy will grow stronger eventually. It always does. Until then, treat yourself, or a friend, to a little something special.