Newsflash: People with children "report a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives than those who've never had kids."Oh my god, do you think we come off as smug? I hope not, 'cause nobody likes a smug bug. Anyway, that little bit of kinda-science was buried in a Newsweek piece that screamed HAVING KIDS MAKES YOU HAPPY: FALSE! Ouch. Well, I think they are just speaking of Advertising Business Happy. Having kids does not give you ad biz happiness. Having kids turns you into a tired, anxious, out-of-shape person with ill-fitting clothes, a messy house, and a low bank balance. Compared to your "happy" childless friends, you have a dated haircut and you spend more time yelling. I can't remember what my point was, except that I wish I spoke in gentle, gracious tones and that I had pretty hair.
My top 3 bargain spots (when shopping for ME) are, in random order:
1. Opitz Outlet on Exelsior Blvd.
2. Nordstrom Rack at Mall of America
3. Saks Off Fifth downtown.
Getting honorable mention is Macy's in Southdale. They have great stuff on clearance... sometimes. I once got a $395 Coach bag for $50! (Actually I bought 2 and sold the other one on eBay, hee hee!)
Even the big box stores may offer a discount, if you ask. When most Americans think of haggling, they think of an open-air market in some exotic land. Evidently, the suburban Best Buy and the local merchant are rethinking their attitudes toward fixed pricing. Are you taking advantage?
