*Return To Sender*
Do you know what I don’t want for Christmas? This neck warmer.
Available at Banana Republic.
First off, for $59.00 $35.40 (sale price), I’d expect to get a whole sweater, not just the neckband. Could they at least throw in the wristbands while they’re at it?
Available nowhere. This is a figment of my imagination.
I also do not want a marshmallow blaster, unless you are going to blast those puppies right into my mouth. It’s the thought of marshmallows going to waste that bothers me.
Pump-Action 50-Foot Marshmallow Blaster ($39.95) available at Hammacher Schlemmer.
Another item I’ll pass on is vibrating mascara.
Available at Sephora ($34).
A vibrator? Sure! Mascara? You bet! But not together!
What is on your *Return To Sender* list?
It’s the simple things that bring joy to my children. Simple as in dum dum lollipops.
Natalie pulled a dum dum from our candy bowl the other day, and said, Mom, this one is pepper flavored. She mistook the sour apple for a green pepper.
Ewwww!
The idea of a pepper flavored sucker sent me off in two directions. The first direction was to find odd-flavored lollis.
Margarita Lollipop
Complete with salty exterior. Available at Firegirl.com.
Absinthe Lollipop
Available at Kegworks.com.
Javapops
60mg of caffeine per lolli. Available at ThinkGeek.com.
And the obligatory Insect Pops.
No thanks. Available at Hotlix.com.
The second direction was to check out dum dums. If you’d like to elect two dum dums (no comment), head over to DumDumPops.com
Go, Cool Lime!
I was surprised to learn that you can send in 20 wrappers plus $1.00 to receive a toy prize.
Really? What can you get for a dollar anymore?
• Have you tried an unusual lollipop?
• Would you try an unusual lollipop?
• Who are you voting for in the dum dum flavor election?
The setting: A chic, high-end designer boutique.
The atmosphere: Sleek, trendy and cool. Glossy black walls frame the colorful collection of clothing, heels, handbags and other accessories.
My Life: Unhappily married, no children, and a part-time job.
I stand and stare, never daring to enter. I admire the perfectly dressed, ebony mannequins. Footage of runway shows airs on the large screen t.v. just inside the window. I am completely mesmerized.
How am I perceived?
Shy, insecure, frightened, lonely.
My perception of this store is that it is off-limits and unattainable.
The Following Year
Same setting / Same Atmosphere
My Life: New Husband, New Baby, New Responsibilities (running a business with my husband).
I have gained enough confidence to actually step foot inside this wondrous boutique! My heart races as I touch the clothing. What are these sizes? 42? 40? I don’t understand. No one approaches me. I’m here, yet invisible. The staff are indifferent as I depart.
How am I perceived?
Curious, bold, naive.
This visit changes my perception. I CAN enter, and I CAN touch.
2 Years Later
Same setting / Same Atmosphere
My Life: Happily Married, 2nd Baby Arrives, Business is Booming.
I am now FULL of confidence. I’ve strolled in and out of designer boutiques throughout the city. During this particular visit, the added bonus is that my best friend is visiting. Arm in arm, we admire the latest collection. We stop in front of a particularly beautiful piece, the little black dress lined in silk animal print. Something happened this day that had never happened before. We were approached! Yes, Ricardo made his way over to see if we needed assistance. My size: 46 or 48, in stock just off the main floor. Knock me over with a feather! I AM TRYING ON THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS! The staff is no longer too busy or uninterested as they bring me shoes, purses and little jackets attempting to complete the look.
How am I perceived?
Emboldened, confident.
My perception of this store has now changed 180 degrees.
What changed? My perception of self.
