I’m not going to say a lot about it because I’m sick of talking about it, but as I reflect on this past year I am so happy to tell it goodbye. 2007 was the year that I fought for my life. It wasn’t all bad of course, because here I sit victorious over the disease and death, but getting there was much more grueling than I could have imagined. So really, in all this, I just want to say thank you to the hundreds, possibly thousands of you who encouraged, helped, and prayed me and my family through the worst year of our lives. Thank you, because I wouldn’t be here without you!
Enough about that. Let’s do my annual Kari’s Favorites of 2007. Although, as an excuse, since I was kinda going through some stuff I didn’t have a whole lot of time to find and obsess over new products or stores. The list may be shorter than in years past, just a warning. But I did include lots of colorful pictures, so as not to disappoint.
Best children’s product: Tummy Ticklers! These wonderful sippy cups are leak proof (no, really!) top shelf dishwasher safe, have only 2 parts–a screw on top and a bottom, and come prefilled with 100% apple juice. They come in a 2 pack for around $4. We have Ariel, Cinderella, the cast of Clifford, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Belle. I have banished all other sippy cups to thrift stores and the grandparents houses. Random lids, valves, and plastic nipples that failed me have been donated to landfills. You’re welcome, Mr. Gore.
Best household purchase: Cuisinart Grind and Brew. Every day, programmed to brew fresh Starbucks coffee. I bet it’s already paid for itself in times I *haven’t* gone to Starbucks in the mornings. This, my friends, is a miracle machine. Cleanup isn’t exactly a breeze, and in typical Kari style, I complain every time I have to clean it out, but well worth it all things considered.
Best church ever: Northview Community Church This church has been a place of healing, growth and ministry to my family and I can not thank God enough for bringing us here. My relationship with God is very much who I am, so naturally I want a place that believes like I do. I will forever be grateful for my church family. I love being in a church that I can be myself and feel like God will use me, crazy as I am. I love knowing my kids are being loved on while in the nursery and children’s church. I love that the entire church embraces creativity and authenticity…
Best online boutique: EverythingButThePrincess.com because Deanna packs extra goodies in the orders. Little trinkets bring big smiles to the girls’ faces and she knows it. She’s also willing to find sizes and has a great return policy (that I’ve never used…but just in case, I know she’ll take care of me!) Shop her sales for deep discounts on beautiful clothes for next season.
Best overall online shopping: Amazon. Not only did they have a huge toy sale the month before Christmas, but they were expedient in getting a price adjustment refund out to me when a few of the toys in my order were further discounted after I ordered. Amazon, I heart you forever. Don’t let me down, kid. You’re doing just fine.
Worst online shopping: New York & Company. What kind of company emails a customer with an order confirmation and shipping notice, and then when I call to find out where my order is, the girl on the phone can’t find any record of my order? Really? Alright then. Here’s a shipping confirmation for the package I FedEx’d you containing my store credit card, carefully cut into 23 sharp pieces. I hope you put it somewhere you find slightly uncomfortable.
Worst refund policy: Target. You know I love Target, but can I just say, their return policy SUCKS. First off, if you don’t have a receipt don’t bother. They have a 3 strike system and by the scan of your license they can tell what strike you’re on. Apparently I have returned 3 things without a reciept in the past so I have been blacklisted from Target customer service. Whatever. Also, you need to know when making a purchase at Target, that if a cashier makes a mistake on your reciept and you want to return something you will be interrogated about it. It will be YOUR fault. This is the conversation I had with the red shirt at CS:
Red shirt: This sku on the reciept shows a large pajama pants, and you’re returning a medium.
Me: um, well, these are the only pajama pants I bought, so…that must be wrong. I actually need the large but the hanger was mismarked and I picked up the wrong ones.
Red Shirt: *rolling eyes, smacking gum* They don’t scan the hanger, ma’am. You have the wrong size on this reciept.
Me: Yes, I am aware that the hanger wasn’t scanned. I’m also aware that you think I’m so sneaky I somehow switched the tags. But I assure you I didn’t. *shifting Trinity to my other hip* Are you going to help me or not? I just need a different size.
Red Shirt: *heavy sigh* Go get what you need.
Was that so hard, now, Target? Are all your customers criminals or is it just me? Because for as much business as I give you, you should be a little nicer to me.
needs an a$$ kicking from the Customer Service Fairy
Okay, guys. That’s really it for now. I’m sure I’ll think of more but this will keep you entertained for awhile, no? I’ll try and get some pictures of the girls up later on.
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