Simple Joys

With the initial plan of venturing to Barnes & Noble last Friday afternoon, Lauren, Ricky and I somehow found ourselves sifting through the endless amounts of inventory at Toy Joy on the corner of Guadalupe and 29th. I guess I've never given the store a chance due to its creepy, carnival-like appearance and random location but I really have to express my utter satisfaction and well, joy while shopping.

It was a serious time travel back to the best days of our lives... when yo-yo'ing was a sport and Glow in the Dark stars were practically a bedroom necessity. Unfortunately, common sense kicked in as I made it closer to the register and put back the several items I was planning on splurging on. Lauren, on the other hand, found the perfect companion to her birthday card for Katie in two miniature, 25 cent plastic babies.

I knew Katie would obviously be pleased with the obscurity of the gift but I wasn't sure exactly what purpose they would serve. With some serious contemplation and trial testing while heating up the glue gun, our two new friends found their way in to our kitchen where Lauren states "washing the dishes will now always be exciting." Name suggestions now being accepted.

I heart Costco.

Recently, while doing some Costco shopping/food sampling with the roommates, I came across this puzzling, yet inconspicuous sight. We were cruising the most sample-saturated area of the store (naturally), when she rolled on up with her beef jerky, toilet paper, and....well, extra large lava lamp. 

Now I understand normal sized lava lamps...trust me, we Johnson girls had our fair share of groovy lamps and blow-up plastic furniture as pre-teens...but really, who needs one this large? Obviously shopping at Costco has gotten to this woman's head. Everything big and everything bulk!  

My real question here though is, was this an unplanned purchase? I'd say about 85% of the items my dad [and Katie] come home with after shopping at Costco are impulsive buys. Power washers, food sealing machines, Tommy Bahama picnic sets, you name it. The wide range in products offered makes it the greatest place on earth.

Enjoy your oversized lamp you loyal Costco member, I'm sure we'll see you around.