Yesterday I went to Target for the first time in 18 months and let me just tell you… I am not missing anything.
Mrs. HB if you are reading this I just want you to know I think about you all the time…. Even when I’m out and about and see something totally ridiculous in a store like giant pink flamingo pinatas. I bet you totally would have found a reason to buy that!
But mostly I think about all the arguments dumb conversations we used to have. Like how many toiletries a person really needs, or why on earth someone would need more than one tube of chap stick.
Take cut off shorts for instance. Why is Target {and about a million other stores} trying to sell cut off shorts {WITH HOLES IN THEM!!!} to adults when HELLO, we’ve all been there, done that. When we were like 8 years old.
Back in the old days you didn’t pay $19.99 for jean shorts because by the time you had worn through your back to school clothes, it was summer and the pant legs on the jeans were too short or you had worn the knees through {from PLAYING outside}. The edges would be frayed and you’d have to trim the ends of the shorts every few washings but man, you had earned that worn in jean short look.
Kids these days, they must not play outside as much so stores have to try and sell them clothes with holes in them. That’s my guess anyway. I just don’t get it. I don’t think I ever will.
I have absolutely no idea who this person is or why she is hawking a mortar and pestle that will just end up as next years garage sale fodder. Where the heck does mango would come from anyway?
Seriously? A herb stripper? Why not just light your money on fire?
A 1% off sale. Wowza. I wonder how much time, money, advertising, paper, and labor went into this really awesome discount. This is just one of the {many} reasons why so many big box retailers will be shutting down their physical stores in the years to come.
Because come on now, who wants to waste their time having to walk past a plethora of 1% discounts and entire aisles dedicated to granola bars with just five bars in them to get the one or two items they need when they can just order it online.
It wasn’t me.
$399.99 for a vacuum. The teeny tiny canister would be full in about 2 minutes at my house {thanks to Lucy}. Do you own one of these things? Do they really work? Like they work soooo good you’d be willing to pay $400 for one?
And last but not least, $13.99 for 3 rolls {114 yards total!} of tape. That’s insane. When did everything get so expensive? Clothes with holes in them, overpriced appliances, things I wound never buy in a million years but have to tell you about just to make sure I’m not the crazy one.
Oh my word. I’m starting to sound like an old person again. Pretty soon I’ll be reminiscing about when a Charleston Chew was a quarter and nobody used dryer sheets {you just had to deal with static cling}.
The weekend, it’s here. Hopefully you won’t have to go to the store. 😉
Peace Out Girl Scouts,
~Mavis
Ann says
I completely agree with you. When you think things can’t get more ridiculous, walk through a store. They are packed so full of merchandise, yet I cannot find basic things that we actually need.
Kelly Levesque says
It’s insane!! Have you really looked at clothes for 8 year old girls? The shorts today are made for hoochies!
Robin says
I am always astounded by kids clothing prices, there is not enough material put into them to warrant the price, and they are made to looke like cheap crap. Discount stores are the way to go 🙂 you are not crazy, just sensible!
JD McCue says
I was a total non-believer about robot vacuums and thought the price was insane until I bought my iRobot E-6 on a whim on sale at Costco. I know Mrs. H loved Costco and they have a great return policy. I figured I’d be returning mine if I hated it. Best $300 ever I ever spent! I have 2 cats and thought my house was clean until I saw iRobot pick up softball sized hairballs full of dust and crumbs every single day! Really helpful for dust allergies. It runs about 1.5 hours before finding home base and re-charging. It even goes under beds and coffee table (unlike regular vacs) as long as they are clear of clutter. It really forces people to keep floors cleared of junk. I just wish my couch was higher so it could go under it. Great entertainment for the pets, too. (Yes, regular vacs have attachments for under beds, but it’s not something I did on a daily basis.) My advice is don’t poo poo until you test drive one.
gigi says
I love mine. We use it in between upright vacuuming. It cleans the corners well also. I hate vacuuming..
Sandy says
I’m not an early adopter of anything — except Roku and robot vacuums. I’ve had them since I can remember. My last Roomba died about 6 months ago and I gave myself a stern talking to “I will just vacuum with the regular vacuum as it isn’t that hard and I will save my money”. About a month ago I looked down at my hardwood floors and thought “well, apparently it is that hard.” Cat fur and crumbs everywhere. (aack) I just bought a Eufy and I love it. Much smaller and quieter than a roomba.
Otherwise I completely agree with you about Target. I am in the thankful position in my life of getting rid of stuff and not buying more to consume.
Judith Johnson says
Our son gave us a Eufy for Christmas, and I love it, too. I have natural stone floors (quartz) which are rough and tend to trap dog hair, dust and dirt. The Eufy gets it all, and I now sweep once a week before I mop instead of every day. If/when it dies, I will buy another for sure. My 90 year old mother received one also and finally is able to stop dust mopping; she loves it, but calls it “Goofy.” Imagine, 90 years of floor cleaning….
Ronda says
I love mine, it gets under the couch and the beds and all the tables and yes I have to empty it each time it runs but I vacuum way more often too because I can get other things done while it is vacuuming. Perfect for all the dog hair and regular dust and dirt. I bought a used one as I didn’t want to spend as much money on it and I haven’t regretted it once.
Kathy says
I totally detest any form of shopping, regardless if it’s in a physical store or online. Am I the only female on the planet that can be in and out of a shoe store in 10 minutes or less? Have to hit 2 stores today, 1 being drug store for a pick up only, the other grocery shopping that I’m forcing the youngest man-child do while I stay in the car. Wish me luck!
Have a blessed summer solstice!
lynne says
Amen. I have a list. I go in, get what I need, and get out! Don’t get me going on clothes shopping…the dreaded bra shopping trip has to happen soon – Lord, give me patience. LOL!!! So no, you are not the only female that detests shopping :-)! LynneinMN
Lisa says
Hey Lynne!
I’m in Minnesota too and a few years back did a bra fitting at Allure Intimate Apparel in Edina, and it was the best bra shopping experience I have ever had! I was just at my cousin’s getting an opinion on a dress for a wedding tomorrow and got talking about the bra fitting experience. She finally went and wishes she had gone long before she did. It can be a bit intimidating but so worth it!
Happy bra shopping!
Pam says
You are not alone. I am counting the days until my daughter is 16 and can do all necessary shopping for me!!!
Mel says
I don’t need 99.99% of the stuff in Target, but once a year when I really need the tiny fraction of things that I can only get there (due to where we live), I’m very grateful for them.
We do have a robot vacuum, and it’s lousy for pet hair due to the volume our pets create, but it’s okay for picking up dust in between real vacuums. We have three floors with carpet on top and bottom, so I can’t always lug the big vacuum downstairs and back just for touchups. But our basement is very prone to dust, so it’s not the worst compromise, but it’s not a replacement for real vacuuming for us. We also vacuum so much that we wear out vacuums every year or so, so we’re always spending money on that.
Lana says
One of my grandchildren gave me that herb stripper for a gift. It is the bomb for herbs with tiny leaves like thyme.
Melissa says
My kids love to tell people, “When Mom was little, she got to ride her bike all over town all day long & she could buy a really big candy bar called a Charleston Chew for 25 cents!”
Janet says
I remember getting a Charleston Chew for 10 cents. When it went up to 15 cents, I didn’t have enough money. Those things were big and lasted a LONG time and so yummy.
I walked, rode bikes, and rode my horse all over when I was young. I live close to my parents’ home and I wouldn’t let my kids do that now. Sad.
Crystal says
The herb stripper could be very useful to someone who has a disability. You may not be able to grasp at full strength, or grasp small objects very easily. I had surgery about six months ago on my wrist, and was unable to use it for almost a month afterwards, and boy, all those gadgets that seem silly suddenly make so much more sense. Like electric can openers. Pointless, until you don’t have two working hands to use a normal one, and then suddenly, it is the biggest life saver.
And, having these products that make life a bit more accessible to those who are disabled or injured just means that it is easier for them to participate in life.
Don't say no says
Yes, in theory to your several comments but do they all work or have better alternatives?
When I try to use the herb stripper on thyme fresh from the garden it breaks the stalk rather than stripping the leaves.
Electric can openers – fine until the battery runs out, expensive and difficult to attach to the can (and cannot be used on many cans).. We have a very cheap alternative that even my weakened wife can use one handed; all cans now have ring pulls and a very cheap device goes through the ring and when the handle is pushed down the lid comes off – and is held on the hook for disposal. £0.99 including tax – say $1.25.
What I haven’t found is left handed scissors, garden shears and left handed hotel door handles. Even my Korean microwaave is set up for right handed users. (One person – an American – that I know of, demanded a discount because the door is right handed and he is left handed. The hotel concierge didn’t pick up on the obvious answer!)
Crystal says
Not all cans have pull tabs on them. You can buy most things with those, but it often costs more, so it isn’t possible for everyone, and there are some things that rarely come with pull tabs available. An electric can opener (I’m specifically thinking of the plug in, sits on the counter kind, not a magnetic one that sits on top of the can and runs on batteries) is a life saver if you are one handed and need to open cans.
You can find left handed scissors, measuring cups, and many other things at the Left Handed Store. You can find them online, or in some cities like Portland, Oregon. You can also get left handed scissors on Amazon- I did!
shawn says
I have gotten so frustrated with Target! The have set aside many close parking spots for people who aren’t even getting out of their car (order pickup). Prices are so high, they don’t carry basics anymore…as in things like a simple dishpan, and when I get to the registers, of which there are many, there is only 1 checker. They want everyone to use the self check stations, and those are backed up with a queue. Wish we could go back to local general stores. Ugh.
Tracy says
We have rob the Roomba (roomba 960). He is awesome!!! He runs every evening while I make dinner, I usually have to empty the canister 1 or 2 times. We have 2 dogs and I work construction, so we have dirt, dog hair, etc. He does get stuck from time to time on a rug or under a recliner. That is why I usually run him while I am around. One of the best features, is he gets under most of our furniture (bed, dinning table, chairs, etc. ). I still vacuum once a week before I mop floors. I was surprised how well it sucked up everything. We have wood, tile, and carpet floors.
Nan says
I have Ruby Roomba and I LOVE her! My kids bought her for me for Christmas a few years ago and she still does a great job. Now I pretty much have all hardwood floors and no pets any more but I dog sit the grand dogs occasionally and she does pick up the dog hair. My daughter has one too- she uses it daily; just turns it on when she and the kids leave the house,
HeatherS says
Does the Roomba transition well between floor types? I have mostly hardwood on the first floor but with a few area rugs and wondered if it would run around on both or if I would have to move it onto the area rug myself.
Pat says
Yes it does. I love my Roomba mainly because it goes under the furniture where the regular vac doesn’t go. It even stops and turns around at the top of the stairs.
Laurie Graves says
I laughed when I read this post, especially when I came to the shorts with the holes. Silly is right. However, Target does have legitimate sales. I have saved a lot of money by using their cartwheel offers (an ap) and stacking them with coupons. Work, I know, but when you have tiny budget, that is what you must do. But I’ll be sure to stay away from those shorts with the holes. 😉
Laura says
That mortar and pestle must be for decoration only as mango wood is poisonous!
Dianna says
I’ve been using the Target pick up option when purchasing my cat litter or other items (I use the American Airlines shopping portal so I can get miles) online. This has stopped me from going in and walking down all the aisles and wasting money on stuff I don’t need. Also since they have a parking spot reserved just for pick up’s, I can get in and out without a care and in a set time (they are very strict on how long you can park in that spot!)
Susie Janov says
Try using the holes in your colander to strip herbs.
Mavis Butterfield says
AWESOME idea Susie!
Christie says
Over consumerism at it’s worst. Let’s start saving and stop spending on useless things made in foreign countries by a poorly treated labor source. I’m with you 100% and vowed years ago to never stop into a Target or Walmart ever again. I try my best to support local businesses and buy ethically sourced products…not always successful but it’s a priority when spending my hard earned dollars.
renay says
Amen, sister. Same here.
Lindsey says
Ditto
Maria Zannini says
I love my Roomba. Not only is it one less chore I have to do myself, but it’s helped immensely in keeping our allergies at bay. Plus it gets under furniture so I don’t have to get down on my knees and sweep out the dust bunnies. I set it and forget it. Before I go to bed, I empty the dust bin so it’s ready for the next morning.
The herb stripper is useful, but silly to buy. You can make one yourself by drilling holes in a piece of plastic. I wish I had thought of that. I just finished stripping an armload of rosemary branches only yesterday.
Vicki in Birmingham says
I saw one of those “life hacks” where someone was pulling herbs (and greens, like turnip greens) through the holes in a colander. It worked perfectly…and it was free!
MrsHB says
Yes I am reading . And I did see the flamingo at Target . The Hillbilly boy wanted it for your flamingo flock you left behind ( I still have them up ) and a birthday party we will be having soon but I said no! Progress.
Rita says
WTG Mrs. HB! Miss your posts – hope all is well 🙂
Don't say no says
Loved the empty Hershey Bar (?) wrapper immediately below Deloitte’s promise; “Experience the future of law, today”. Did someone with a full stomach did get the full law experience?
Pam says
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I laughed so hard and even read your post to my husband who laughed just as hard. We feel exactly the same way and thought we might be the only ones in the whole world who did! Haven’t been to Target in 3 years and don’t miss it one bit.
Debi says
I only go to a store for grocery shopping. Right now between 2 neighbors, sister and niece giving me all their items (clothing, books, misc) I have plenty, and I sell the remainder on the local FB buy/sell sites and ebay. I sing after each sale, Hi ho, hi ho it’s off to the bank I know!!!
My vacuum was brand new being ready to just be tossed due to a house fire. It was still in an unopened box and wrapped in a plastic bag. I took that vacuum over 8 yrs ago, and it still runs great. I have a dog and reside in a rural area, so it gets dusty here as well. Hey, it’s free and still going strong so why purchase another?
MEM says
I have three small dogs and one Roomba. His name is “Reginald” and he works perfectly in my open concept home – hard wood floors, porcelain tile floors and area rugs. We do program him to run every day and he keeps the floors clean with no problem at all. I did buy extra filters for him but they are hand-washable and I haven’t needed to use the new ones yet.
Jenny Young says
I have a Neato named Rosie & my son & daughter-in-law have a Roomba named Nigel. We both love ours though I can vacuum three or four times faster than Rosie with my upright vacuum. I hurt my back & was down for months so I was very grateful to have Rosie do it for me. And thankfully we got ours on sale so we didn’t spend a crazy amount on her.
Candy C says
Roombas rock! Less time inside and more time to enjoy doing the things I love outside.
Diana says
The bit about burning money is what I think when I see someone selling stuff on Etsy for big $$$ that a kindergartener could draw; and then I see someone bragging that they actually bought said thing. One person’s unabashed income scheme is another person’s worthless junk. Target knows it well. I almost never go there, but they have a few items that will entice me into the store once or twice a year.
Pat says
Roomba. Best. Purchase. Ever.
Carrie says
I love my Eufy. It was only $150ish on Amazon. I run her twice a week to get up the pet hair tumble weeds that accumulate from having a long hair cat and double coated dog. I still use a regular Dyson once a week to get behind doors and on area rugs. I have all hardwoods and a tiled bathroom and the Eufy does okay on area rugs but she’s great on hardwoods and tile. I didn’t even think of allergies but my hubs and I have had a better year with seasonal allergies now I am wondering if its the robovac.
I agree about the already made distressing in clothes. I wear out my clothes fast enough (1-2 years) and then patch them because no one wants to see my inner thigh where the actual wearing of jeans happens!
Erin Lowmaster says
Haha. Thanks for the amusing post. Got me started on the right track this morning 😉