Emily turns 6 today!
Whenever one of my kids has a birthday, I look back at all that’s happened in the time passed and feel so disoriented. Could also be the 4-5 hours of (broken) sleep per night I lived on for several of those years making it tough to remember. I’m still not completely over that so better off not discussing it.
Em is so smart and independent now that I can’t believe she’s the same child who wouldn’t let me walk 2 feet away from her for 2 years, 24 hours per day, and who aggressively insisted on nursing well into her second year. I think she’s just THAT smart and knew exactly what was good for her (but I’m biased of course and also have to justify it somehow.) When I tell her about the extended nursing now she finds it hysterical. Actually, she finds pretty much everything bodily-function-related hysterical, and, I joke that she has the mind of a 19 year old frat boy in the body of a 6 year old girl. She’s always scheming and sneaking too so don’t be fooled by the doll face.
I still have the blank Valentines Day cards I bought for everyone in my family that year and then didn’t give to anyway, because, childbirth. Strange that I still have them because I’m not purposefully keeping them but every time I see them I leave them alone. I guess I am purposefully keeping them 🙂
Thanks Amanda for the Thinking Out Loud link-up!
So what else is on my mind today?
Being brainwashed.
Not in a sci-fi way (at least I hope not) but in more of a “I think I’m receiving subliminal messages and my brain is too weak to fight and reject them” sort of way.
I experienced it at Whole Foods this morning. I haven’t been to Whole Foods in several months since it’s 20 minutes from my house, and, you know, because of the highway robbery thing. Not that I wouldn’t happily participate in being robbed blind at that store if I could afford it or even remotely justify it. It’s just that I can’t so I decided to quit cold turkey at the end of the summer.
But I went this morning and since I was coming in clean I noticed the brainwashing this time. If I could decode the initial message I was given as I entered the store, it would be something like:
“Feed your kids our fresh, local, organic produce, or, die.”
or
“We care about your well being here and if you don’t shop at our store you clearly don’t care about your own. Or your family’s. Or humanity in general. Save yourself and the planet and shop at Whole Foods. Or, die.”
Seriously it wouldn’t surprise me at all if I found out they were using some sort of subliminal messaging system all over the store. You think I sound crazy right now but I really think I’m onto something. Don’t forget that all your skin will fall off (and die) if you don’t buy their soap. Oh, wait, I think skin is supposed to do that anyway. Bad example.
You know where else I get brainwashed? Lululemon. In fact I think there’s a conspiracy between Whole Foods, Lululemon, Free People and maybe in the past Victoria’s Secret, against all of us females to get us to surrender our hearts, souls, and bank accounts to their “Powers That Be.”
VS is just so way over the top now (and I’m old) that my brain has no problem rejecting, but, the others kill me with their emails, the clothes, the fit, and the fact that I can resell their products for good prices on ebay. So much rationalization, much more willpower needed.
I say I hate being scammed by rapair men, but, I actually visit these stores and WANT to be scammed into buying a new pair of leggings. As if those leggings will fill up all the empty spaces inside and I’ll never need another pair. They don’t even fit in my drawers anymore let alone the empty spaces in my heart. That made no sense but I think you know what I’m trying to say 😉
Now to sum up my rant, in the words of Sheryl Crow: “Lie to me, I promise I’ll believe. Lie to me, but please don’t leave!”
But honestly I can’t afford it, so, I’m out. For now. Probably because I just got my fix this morning 🙂
What are your thoughts on stores like Whole Foods and Lululemon?
Worth it if you can afford it? Highway robbery? Both?
Happy birthday Emily!! 6 is so fun!:) I hope she has the best day ever!
I’ve actually never been inside of a whole foods nor do I own a single thing lulu…WF is bc there isn’t one by my house, and lulu is because I find their sizing to be odd & I’m not sure what size I am so I’ve never bought anything. I do agree with you on all of your points! The brainwashing for young girls is everywhere-Buy this brand and you’ll be cooler/better/more popular! I see it with my high school kids all the time…their wardrobes are ridiculously expensive and overpriced and meanwhile I’m spending $20 on an entire outfit from Marshall’s! HOWEVER….VS does have the best leggings and yoga pants…I will give them that!
Thanks Nicole! And as for the Lulu, I wish I had never been introduced to it! You have the right idea spending $20 at marshalls! I must learn from you!
You can get really good deals of you’re willing to spend the time sorting through the masses of stuff!:)
I always feel so brainwashed in those stores! I was sort of able to see past the lululemon scams when I went into the store last month (my first time ever in the store) but still walked out spending my entire gift card plus $20. Its kind of ridiculous that you can only get like 1 (maybe 2) items there with $100 gift card.
I give in way more easily to Whole Foods. I think when I walk in I instantly compare everything to my regular grocery store and it just looks a million times better. I’m in big trouble when I have one down the street from where I’m moving.
Happy birthday to Emily!
That was my exact thinking yesterday at Whole Foods! I was comparing everything and feeling down about my local store. And I hate that it gives a sort of elitist vibe along with that. Plus the “everyday low prices” are NOT low! Unfortunately I heard about Lululemon 3 years ago and have been under their spell ever since. I always sell one thing on ebay when I buy something new though and the resale is how I justify it!
I think Whole Foods is too expensive. It’s not practical for the average shopper. Now I do shop at Athleta, Lulu and BCBG which are all over priced but the quality is really good or at least that’s how I justify it to myself. Here’s the thing im not shopping there everyday so it’s treat when I do. Happy Birthday to your little one!
I agree that if it’s a once in a while treat and it lasts it makes sense! Whole foods is not practical at all though, especially to shop for a large family. So many of their products are just useless too! The “prettiness” of the store makes you feel like their stuff is magical somehow 🙂
Aw, Happy Birthday to Emily! I hope she has a great day. It goes so fast! I try not to let the stores brainwash me, I relate it to the gift shops in Disney World because when you are there, you think you need it all but in reality, you just don’t.
Thank you! I think the more expensive stores have to do some serious psychological marketing to get people coming back. If you take a step back you realize how overdone it all is!
i love that you kept the blank v-day cards. that’s special. I would too! and happy bday em! she’s gorgeous, like her mama
Thank you so much! And those blank cards, not normally something I do but I can’t get rid of them!
Happy birthday to your little girl 🙂
We don’t have a Whole Foods up here in my neck of the woods so I don’t really have to deal with the brainwashing thing on a regular basis, but I do notice it in placed like Lulu… which I still end up shopping at because I just like their stuff so much 😆 And hey, it lasts as long as you take care of it, so it’s a good investment.
I like to think of it as a good investment, especially since I spend my days and nights wearing their clothes! I even sleep in 2 pairs of sweatpants I bought there 2 years ago. That’s brand loyalty! You would die over Whole Foods. It’s like the heaven of grocery stores, until you check out of course!
I think certain things at Whole Foods can be priced better than the regular grocery store (when comparing organic to organic items) BUT Trader Joe’s beats it for me- I can spend $150 at TJ’s for what I would pay $300 at Whole Foods! It’s CRAZY!!
Now Lululemon..I have a problem when I go in there. I LOVE everything I have bought from there. LOVE. Not that I have a LOT but what I do have..apparently it was worth it or I spent so much I’m making sure it’s worth it 😉
That is my problem with lululemon! I LOVE everything I have and the fit is so awesome, for running, daily life, lounging, and I even sleep in sweats from there! BUT I don’t NEED all that I wind up buying, and I have to stop it!
I’m lucky to have a grocery store near me that has many of the same things Whole Foods carries for a lot cheaper. Similar to how you describe TJs! When I think about how much food I need I can’t justify shopping at WF at all!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! XOXO
Haha! All that marketing (and the stuff we don’t realize they do) is brainwashing! But when I go in to Whole Foods I am on a mission and know what I need to get and only buy those things. Yes I wonder the aisles in amazement, but I hate spending money so I never impulse buy!
I really just want to create my own grocery store that is a mix of Whole Foods/Trader Joes/ and every natural food store and have low prices and quality service for all! (I can dream!)
If you ever make that dream a reality, I’m there! I don’t have the willpower you do at WF and I always wind up with things that aren’t on my list. Things I still NEED, but could have gotten cheaper at my local store. And thanks for the bday wishes 🙂
Happy Birthday, Emily! I go to Whole Foods pretty regularly but I go in knowing that they’re trying to brainwash me. Same with Lululemon. Sometimes they win and suck me in, but I’ve gained (some) willpower to recognize the price ridiculousness. But some of their stuff is worth it!
Agree, some things are worth it and then I wind up questioning if I should pass it up! Lulu also uses the scarcity effect by not repeating certain styles and patterns and then you feel like you NEED it now. I need to get myself together! Good for you to have willpower with these places!
Putting things in my Lululemon cart online is about as close to buying them as I’ll get.
BUT I did read that grocery stores like Whole Foods put their beautiful, pristine produce section in the front so that right when you walk in you feel happy and inclined to buy something. Sneaaaakkkky grocery stores.
Happy birthday to your daughter!!
That totally makes sense with WF and that’s really where that brainwashing effect takes place – right in the gorgeous produce section! As for lulu, I think I just need to get off the darned email list!
And thank you for the bday wishes 🙂
Lol…yes about all those stores. There is definitely some powerful messaging at Whole Foods and Lululemon. VS used to get me with the sales. I still like their things but I used to feel if one pair of leggings were good then three were better Thanks for the laugh this morning!
VS and the sales used to get me too! I had to PRY myself away at some point when I realized I didn’t even like their stuff really, just the idea that I could look like the model wearing it! What am I, 15? Apparently 🙂
This was a fun read! Brainwashed… yup! I type this as I have some Lulu pants on AT WORK today. Oh yes. I drink the Kool-aid. Not hate to anyone in marketing… but marketers are an especially devious breed. They know how to connect to your emotions. When something becomes emotional (buy good food for your kids!) then I’m pretty sure we are biologically required to follow through and buy the $5 apples. Crazy. But it works. And Lululemon is just amazing and I’m thankful for every pair of yoga pants that grace you beautiful women’s lower half. =)
I’m so glad I’m not alone in this (as I too am lulu-clad) and that even other typically intelligent minds fall to the genius marketing! And you’re spot on with the emotion thing. Definitely plays to women’s body insecurities. I FEEL prettier in lulu, period. Magic pants!
Happy birthday Emily! How adorable is she… I totally think that the majority of advertising is subliminal and an attempt to brainwash you, and that Lulu and WFM are more overt about it. Not even a quesiton. Look at beer marketing as well!
Thank you for the birthday wishes! Beer marketing makes me laugh, that’s another demographic I suppose! When it’s not directed toward you it’s easier to see the absurdity!
LuluLemon originated here in Vancouver, BC and I bought my first pair of yoga pants back then when I was only 19 (17 years ago…eeep). They were made of WAY better quality fabric back then and lasted forever. But yes, I still buy them. My favourite pair of running tights have lasted me 5 years and they’re still going strong.
Even 3 years ago I think their clothes were better quality. The things I bought then are going strong and a couple of things from last year, not so much!
happpy happy birthday Emily! 6 was my best year lol 🙂
yeah i totally get what you mean. i haven’t even stepped foot inside a lululemon because i just can’t drink that koolaid – i know myself enough to know that i don’t need another obsession! lol. but seriously, i guess i just haven’t jumped on that wagon because i still consider myself a rebel, and i don’t want to wear the same outfit that all of my friends are wearing… LOL there is some truth to that. i’m fine with the clothes i have and the stuff i get on sale at random athletic places. labels don’t mean much to me when it comes to clothing, but maybe my tune will change. who knows. i’m constantly changing my mind about stuff! but today i’m still a lulu virgin and fine.
now whole foods is another beast. i used to be so adverse to going there but i’ve eased up a little bit recently. it’s so funny you even mention it because i actually went there yesterday, and went out of my way 20 minutes as well because i was craving something for lunch and didn’t feel like going to a restaurant, and didn’t want an actual meal. i actually just had a craving for these seed crackers and coconut spread that only whole foods has, so off i went. i got my stuff and managed to find some cheap wine for my husband. yes i spent a large amount on just snack food, but i left happy. happiness is worth a lot i suppose, or at least $50 yesterday 🙂
have an awesome day, Michele!!!
You are better than I am, stay away from Lulu! Better to be a happy rebel with a happy credit card 🙂
Oh Whole Foods! It’s the whole atmosphere, plus they do have some interesting products. It’s like a natural foodie museum!
Happy birthday to Emily!
I don’t have a Whole Foods near me now, but when I used to live near one I got so excited every time I was able to go. Their produce selection is just too enticing. I’ve never shopped at Lululemon – somehow their clothes don’t seem fit well for taller women like myself – but I am obsessed with Victoria’s Secret leggings and yoga pants, they just fit so well and last so long.
That darned produce section! It totally gets me 🙂 I am the opposite in that VS doesn’t seem to fit me well, I am on the petite side at 5’4″ so I think that’s it! Thank you for the birthday wishes 🙂
I rarely shop at whole foods and don’t own anything lulumon, but I just about peed my pants reading the last half of that post!! I’m a trader joes girl through and through. WF is out of the way and too expensive, so I only go there for the occasional specialty ingredient.
And kids birthdays are always so emotional, it’s just so hard to believe that our babies aren’t babies anymore. Time truly does fly by! Hope your daughter has a fantastic birthday!! 😉
Haha glad you enjoyed my humor! I think I have to laugh at the absurdity of it 🙂 Thank you for the bday wishes!
We dont have whole foods OR trader joes where i live but do have local sort of knock offs that have been here for like 20-30 years so i think WF doesnt want to compete with that. they are pretty overpriced but carry a few GF foods i like so thats why i go there. I was wondering though….you are always talking about organic and grass fed meats….we dont have a ton of that at my local grocery store but i did notice some grass fed beef at one store on saturday (thats what the sign said so i have to assume it wasn’t just regular meat with the fancy sign right….) and it was DOUBLE the price per pound. i was like WOW going grass fed or organic would be huge for me (for my wallet). Any suggestions or a post on how you made those types of changes in your food budget would be great. i have to eat GF so i have already made certain changes that cost more but even something like cage free eggs is like triple the price of “regular” eggs at my stores. and because its so expensive I wonder about the turnover of the products as well. and i know i know i should be eating organic produce but even that requires a special store and a lot of it just doesn’t really look that great ! thanks in advance !
I buy the Nature’s Promise brand grass fed beef for the most part, and at my store it’s 6.99/lb which I can certainly justify considering how much healthier it is. I also buy organic boneless chicken thighs I believe for 5.99/lb. I don’t buy packaged snacks or products like I used to and it seems to even out. Plus I don’t do all organic produce, except for fruit for my kids. I also by cage free eggs at 3.50/dozen at my store. I do go to two different stores each week (2 trips) to try to take advantage of the good deals at each. I do have at least 2 posts I think on budgeting on the blog! Hope that helps a bit. I will put together another post too since the others might be a bit outdated.
WOW you are getting some great deals ! the grassfed beef at my store was on sale for $10.50/lb and non organic chicken i dont know price per pound but the “better than store brand” is about $12-13 for a 3 pack where i am. you re paying less for the grass fed beef than i pay for regular ! good for you to find such great deals. funny…eggs are a little cheaper here ! i will search the blog for those posts. thanks!
Funny how prices vary by location! Those prices ARE expensive and I’d have the same reaction and not want to buy. I wonder if a store like Costco (if you have that around you) would have better deals? I know some people also say they love Trader Joe’s for sales. Honestly for those prices I wouldn’t feel bad about getting the best of whatever’s available, even if it’s conventional. Still better than pasta every night!
Marketers make BIG money knowing our weaknesses, so it’s normal to feel brainwashed. You’re a step in front of most of us by noticing. Stay strong and realize that if you skip the trip to Whole Foods/Lululemon, your loved ones won’t die. Target is a big one for me. More along the lines of “You can totally legitimize this purchase — it’s only $30. You may die without it.” 🙂
I’m better with target for some reason, as long as I stay focused! Otherwise I can get lost in their cookware section. Ultimately it seems to have less pull than WF!