Step away from the boxers

As I walked through Target on a quick mission to grab one more birthday present for my son with a quick stop and grab of a loaf of bread, I noted something.

There was a lot of really really (I am talking super) ugly stuff available for you, the shopper, to waste your money on. Stuff that is just plain unnecessary and ridiculous!

I came to a quick conclusion one I hope one you all pay attention to this holiday season:

Just because they sell it,
does not mean that it is:
~good - nice - pretty - necessary ~
~needs to be or should be worn~
~is gift worthy or would be appreciated~

I also decided that:

Just because they make it in your size does not mean you will look good in it!

I am serious about this.
Stop, drop, and roll
(no, that is fire).
Stop, look, and listen
(no, that is train crossings and streets).

STOP and THINK!!!!!!

pic from here

Now this can apply to many things in life. It definitely could apply to a lot of things this holiday season. But, please people, please, apply it to shopping.

Let me give examples - because that is how I learn best.
As I breezed through I spotted a rack of Christmas boxer shorts. Now, I am all for getting in to the holiday spirit, but, really? A cute little tree or reindeer stitched at the bottom of the leg would have worked for me - but not these. These were a reddish pink color and in big letters - big enough to fill the whole leg of these XXL shorts were the words "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid" now as if that wasn't just attractive enough the other leg had a picture of Ralphie - obviously from the Christmas Story. No? you don't remember - here, here is a pic:


Now ladies I don't know about you, but, I don't want to be unwrapping my man to find those. Men, I don't really think you want some guy spotting these from the next urinal. What does a picture of Raphie spread from your crotch to your butt crack really say about you???? Or better yet, what does it say about the person that gives those as a gift?

Don't even getting me started on the resurfacing of the leggings and other 80's wear .... ok, I will say this---> it held true in the late 80's and early 90's and still holds true today. If you are over a size 5 maybe a 7 you should not, and I repeat should not put on a pair of leggings. Now, for those of us who aren't 12 yrs old. If you wear Ms. sizes.. you know, the even numbers... you shouldn't even think about it - size 4 or not. See - I told you not to get me started!

Now about the "holiday" sweaters - you know them. The ones with Santa stitched in... now, I really better quit...

Shutting up now.

Chime in -

What horrible things have you seen in the stores or on people this or holidays past?
or
What is the worst gift of clothing someone gave you.

Did you read what I wrote on Throwing Quarters yet?

Hide and Go Ewwwe!

The snow has melted (except for a few stubborn patches) and the shaggy dead rug of grass is showing. When this happens every Spring there is a week or two where things are just plain ugly. It is like bed head - but worse. Much like your hair would look if you had slept all winter with three feet of dirty snow on your head.

Anyway. Beside the dead ugly dirty grass there is the mess from the Winter and Fall that are now uncovered. Mostly garbage. It has been hiding under the layers of snow all winter - and now it has come out and Ewwwe!

Let me tell you this - the solution to pollution is not dilution! Things like plastic bottles, cans, cigarette butts, and shoes do not just disappear! (there are ALOT of people out there missing ONE shoe aren't there?! ) They do not dissolve into compost or evaporate into thin air.
I often wonder what possesses a person to throw their trash out the car window? Do they think someone else will pick it up? That it will magically disappear? Do they just not give a rats ass? Seriously...

I could take the time to compile stats and amaze you with facts. I could guilt you into promises you may or may not keep. I could sit here and give you all the reason by stating numbers or example of why this is so harmful, or prevalent. But, you are smart, you don't need that. In fact I am sure you don't trash the earth. But, there are people out there that are.

Earth Day is coming up. You know that. You also know there are things you can do. Are you doing them? Because YOU can do something.
Clean your block, your back yard
Buy recycle bins and start using them:
Separate your paper from your cans
Start a compost pile
Try to keep your trash down to a bag a week (if a family of 6 can do it, so can you)
Buy smart - Avoid things individually packaged
Look for things in enviro containers or recyclable containers
Think about it, you know what to do. You have heard it before. I don't need to keep nagging here.

However I would like you to consider one HUGE thing you can do that would have a profound impact on the earth-
use reusable grocery bags - stay away from the plastic bags. Pretend you just found out that using them will cause you cancer and exposure to them could cause a sudden death.... because that is what you are doing to the earth!

I am surprised if you can watch this video and not reconsider your choice of bag - I will eat a plastic bag - well, no, it would kill, me so ... but you get the point!




Sometimes you just need a reminder.

photos from Google image search