Something weird happened to me today.
I had some time to kill while waiting for Chloe to finish her spa treatment (a.k.a. grooming). I avoided the bookstore at all costs and decided to walk around a kitchen store instead. I figured I’d be safe here. I’m not a big cook. I am easily intimidated by small appliances I don’t know how to operate. I couldn’t tell you the difference between a grater and a zester. I have no baking skills whatsoever. And yet, I have a fully stocked drawer of measuring spoons and cups, a wide variety of peelers, strainers, and slotted spoons, and a plethora of dishtowels, pot holders, coasters, and trivets.
Basically, I went in to browse with no guilt, no culinary needs, and no clue. So, it surprised me to find so many COOL THINGS in that store!
OMG! Where do I begin??!! I saw the prettiest multi-taco holders and a Taco Carousel with a matching set of spoons for Taco Tuesdays. Who knew there was a dedicated carousel for tacos? My mind was blown. I was drawn to the mortar and pestle bowls for the next time I make guacamole. Side note: I’ve never made guacamole in my life! But, now I want to so badly.
I found special glasses that promise only “tears of joy” while chopping onions Only $24.95. I passed, but they looked like the real deal.
And who knew there were six different kinds of peppermills?!
I considered buying a delicious whiskey peach marinade, but I decided to stick with my Lawry’s Sesame Ginger sauce instead.
Everything I saw looked so nice, and I wanted to start a registry for myself. Is there such a thing as one for empty nesters? There should be!
I walked over to the cookbook section, and started to recognize those warm feelings I have when I get to the bookstore. That’s when I realized it was time to get the hell out of there.
What sorts of stores do you get those warm feelings? How do you stop yourself from a little retail therapy?
XO,
Elisa
P.S. Okay, I admit it, I bought a cookbook. 🤦
Carol Newman
January 26, 2024 at 9:30 am (3 months ago)You can’t pass a bookstore, I can’t pass a kitchen store. I even check the Dollar ($1.25) Store kitchen aisle if I happen to be in there. When Alton Brown had a cooking show on the Food Network, Good Eats, he always stressed that there should not be any “single-use” items in the kitchen. He would be appalled if he ever entered my kitchen.
Victoria+Juster
January 26, 2024 at 7:22 am (3 months ago)Bookstores and Cookstores, 2 of my happy places. I get that same yen to buy things to make things that I know I’ll never make. Very fun read.
Elisa
January 26, 2024 at 10:57 am (3 months ago)Thanks, Victoria. I had so much fun looking at everything.
Tamara
January 26, 2024 at 6:43 am (3 months ago)Your post makes me smile.
What a brilliplan to lill time in a shop you don’t expect to find anything of interest!
The taco 🌮 carousel though 🤩
I an sure you missed a bunch of fancy spice racks and / or carousels!!!
What kind if cook book did you buy? And what dish are you gonna make, based on a recipe from this book?
My dangerous stores are stationary. Love my pens, pretty booklets and erasers thar smell like strawberry chewing gum! Same goes for body lotions. Bath and Bodywork usually offers buy two, get three 😇
Doug
January 26, 2024 at 1:20 am (3 months ago)I like hardware stores. I am a tool guy and i consider computers and cell phones and tablets to be tools as much as electric drills and a good set of screw drivers.
Unfortunately, hardware stores are disappearing, being replaced by bigbox building supply stores.
Kebba Buckley Button
January 25, 2024 at 9:05 pm (3 months ago)Elisa, you were brave indeed to go into a kitchen store! I am quite the cook and have the same issue in kitchen stores that I have in bookstores. (emojis for hearty laughter) Thank goodness you got away in time! No, I did not really know there are 6 types of pepper grinders, although now that you mention it, I have a few I prefer for different purposes; also several colors of pepper for different nuances in cooking. Also yes, those onion cutting glasses are for real! And they come in many amusing styles!