My father is a wise man. His colorful aphorisms have peppered my life.
Of his many tropes, my favorite is about acquisition:
If you can’t eat it,
and it doesn’t make you money…
what good is it?
I recognize there are many things wrong with this statement. Clearly- this is not the logic to use when considering things like having a child or adopting a pet.
My father would buy me as many books as I wanted. He sent me to camp each summer and encouraged me in extra-curricular activities. He knows the importance of enjoying life’s pleasures. In fact, he is cruising the British Isles as I write this.
This is not the logic to employ when navigating life’s more philosophical pursuits.
No- This is the type of logic one needs to pack when navigating the aisles of Target.
When you head to Target for two things:
It is quite easy – dare I say unavoidable – to be distracted by items you do not need. Items you never knew you wanted until you saw them.
They are “out of sight, out of mind” items. You easily fall for them upon first sight – and they are quickly forgotten when you walk away. Unless they wind up in your shopping cart.
It’s during these pivotal moments when I hear my father’s voice.
“If you can’t eat it and it doesn’t make you money, what good is it?”
I’m often able to walk away.
Did I leave Target with just two things? Ah, hail naw. I’m female human.
I picked up a new bathing suit (my pool eats a bathing suit every two weeks), a travel tumbler (saves money in the long run) and some nude eye shadow (why do I even bother?). All practical items.
Then, you know, I saw these. They don’t make you money.
But you can eat them.
You can eat them together!
Lightly steam your carrots, sprinkle with gomasio and make this nutty dip:
Far-East Nutty Dip Baby Dip
- 3 T nut butter (I used the almond, peanut & cashew blend from Target)
- 2 T Bragg’s Aminos or soy Sauce
- 2-3 T water for desired consistency.
- Cayenne, Garlic Powder and Sweetener to taste.
Nuke it and stir until smooth, it thickens as it cools.
Totally Money.
Dip Baby Dip!!!
Oh, and about that sparkling coconut La Croix. 
Not for everyone, but I like it. Tastes like the smell of suntan lotion.
Curious? If you put it on your Target list now, you won’t feel so bad when it winds up in your cart later.
- What was your last Target acquisition? If you don’t have a target by you I don’t know whether to pity you or envy you…
- Do you like to steam or blanch your veggies for crudite? I always do.
- Did/does your Dad have any sayings?
