I have driven a red Ford Focus since I turned 16. I learned how to drive in one. I took my driver’s test in one. In 2002, we traded in the old red Ford Focus for a new one. Red. Ford. And still a Focus. When my family moved across the country, the red Ford Focus came with us and even had its own spot in the moving truck next to our couches and table. I eventually bought it off of my parents and when I came home from my mission, it was still in one piece waiting for me. Now, it’s friends with Chris’s white Toyota Camry…they share a driveway. The truth is, although I have always driven a red Focus, if someone gave me a Lexus–I would be okay with that. If someone gave me a cute little Rav 4, I would be okay with that, too. It wouldn’t even matter the color. I am not completely loyal to my red Ford Focus…it’s just always been there. Given the opportunity and, more importantly, the financing, I would trade her in. Is that sad, or what?
You must be thinking, wow, she is not a very loyal person. Untrue. I will prove it to you. There are some products/brands that I cannot live without. Some have been in my life longer than red Ford Focuses and some I have only loved for a few months–but these products, I am 100% loyal, wouldn’t buy another brand, must haves for me (disclaimer: I am talking only of products/brands, I am very loyal to my husband, my church, my family, etc.):
1. The Proactiv system. I know you have seen the commercials, so I am not about to pull a Jessica Simpson on you and tell you how much it has changed my life. I’ll just say, I had problems with my skin for awhile and now, I don’t. I thought my acne was cured so I stopped using Proactiv for about 8 months and realized I wasn’t cured at all…so now I am using it again and I vow to never stop. It works for ME and has since 2005.
2. Kosher Salt. This one is a new one for me. It tastes different than regular salt, I promise. It tastes SO much better. It even makes food look prettier. We keep it in a little black crock on our counter top right next to our peppermill. Kosher salt is part of our family now. I would never go back.
3. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipgloss in Dreamy. I have tried to hard to walk away from this. Over and over I keep convincing myself that I can wear a different lip color. I have tried! I have spent money on lipsticks, stains and glosses that end up lost in the bottom of purses because I don’t care to find them again. I’m stickin’ with Dreamy. It’s neutral enough that I don’t think it will ever look like I’m stuck in an era…I hope.
4. Blistex Silk and Shine Chapstick. I got it in my stocking maybe 6 years ago and I am so completely loyal to it. I don’t always want/need color on my lips, sometimes I just want great moisture with a little bit of shine. Um, this is the product. My sisters sometimes make fun of me because I “still use the same chapstick!?” (They all got it in their stocking, too.) I say, “Why not?”
5. The Chi. Sigh. Where would I be without my straightener…one day I will have to post a picture of that with a viewer discretion advisory. My hair is quite out of control prior to straightening. Huge and puffy. The Chi has solved all my problems. I used to use a Revlon straightener, but it damaged my hair quite a bit and burnt out after 3 months. I have had my Chi for 4 years and I will never look back. Mwuah! I love you Chi straightener.
6. Victoria’s Secret So Sexy Hair Serum. I don’t even remember my life before this product. I don’t even know what it exactly does, or if it does what it says it does because I don’t go a day without it. If my hair is washed and wet, before I do anything–this product goes in it. Period. End of discussion. That’s just how it is.
7. Orbit gum. I don’t care what flavor. I don’t care that it might be more expensive. It’s a nice package and a good size portion. Currently chewing: Sweet Mint. :)
8. Heinz Ketchup. This loyalty goes deep into my childhood. I grew up in Pittsburgh where Heinz is manufactured. I have gone on fieldtrips to the factory. I am disgusted when I go to a restaurant and I see Hunts or any other brand. I just won’t do it. I can’t. It’s against who I am. If Heinz ketchup isn’t available wherever I am, I will either leave …. … OR choose to eat something that I wouldn’t normally have with ketchup–because I notice the difference. And the difference isn’t good.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
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Ok, mom said I should read this and she was right. This it a great post, Jules. I love it. And I love my Chi too. I’ll never buy Morton’s table salt again because sea salt is better and better for you and who needs Crest when you can have Sensodyne!!? And I get the chapstick thing because, for more than a year now, I’ve been buying Blistex Deep Renewal. Nothing else works! I panic when I can’t find it so, when I’m at Walmart getting ready to check out and I notice all of the ‘spontaneous buy crap’ by the register, there is my Blistex and I buy one…just in case. P.S. We’ve had our Buick for almost 7 years…it’s green and ugly but I’m grateful to have it. However, I’d trade it in a heartbeat for something even a little bit better! :)
Ok, mom said I should read this and she was right. This it a great post, Jules. I love it. And I love my Chi too. I’ll never buy Morton’s table salt again because sea salt is better and better for you and who needs Crest when you can have Sensodyne!!? And I get the chapstick thing because, for more than a year now, I’ve been buying Blistex Deep Renewal. Nothing else works! I panic when I can’t find it so, when I’m at Walmart getting ready to check out and I notice all of the ‘spontaneous buy crap’ by the register, there is my Blistex and I buy one…just in case. P.S. We’ve had our Buick for almost 7 years…it’s green and ugly but I’m grateful to have it. However, I’d trade it in a heartbeat for something even a little bit better! :)
I’m laughing. Okay. Have you tried Redmond’s Real Salt? Totally amazing. The regular, nasty white table salt will never do….I agree!
You are a crack up. I too am loyal to Proactive…I sometimes wonder if they put something in their product so you can NEVER go without it…the rest of your life. Shoot, I thought, “Well, I’m 28, I shouldn’t have acne anymore.” Like you, I stopped for a few months. BAD IDEA. Just called in my order a few weeks ago!!!!