An entire post on grocery shopping and magazines.

I L-O-V-E to cook, and I used to really like grocery shopping. I would enter the store with no pre-conceived notions as to what I wanted, and decide on a meal based on what ingredients stood out to me. Now that I have a FAMILY to worry about and health standards to maintain, it's less of a pleasure and more of a chore. Darn! When did that happen?!

What makes this once-a-week trip more enjoyable, however, is my husband. No, he's basically no help in deciding what we eat, but he does pick out a mean juice! AND we have excellent banter. I, admitedly, take pride in providing some entertainment for the unfortunate souls waiting in line to check out.

Last week we were the poor unfortunate souls waiting in line and Ben's eye was caught on the magazine rack. No, he wasn't checking out the cover models (I don't think....). He was just checking out the covers.

"Why do all the women's magazines have other women or food on the covers? Shouldn't they have men?" -Ben

"Nah, women like to look at other women, get motivated to try one of those 10-minute abs workouts or find the best bathing suit for their shape, fail, feel bad about themselves, binge eat, then get motivated by a beautiful women all over again." -Suz

But he was right, and it is a good point. Why do all the women's magazines feature other women and food? I wouldn't mind looking at a handsome man when I'm waiting to check out at the grocery store (oh wait.. that's why I bring Ben.)

We look at and buy magazines all the time. But why? To stare at other, usually better-looking-though-unnaturally-enhanced women? Yay.

Besides, trashy magazines only really tell women how to get or keep your man. But do men really notice the subtle difference between kitten heels and flats, or highlights v. lowlights?

"Ooooh.. check out that girl. Her hairstyle really compliments that outfit. And her nails! How classy. I'm gonna get her number."

Not any guy I've ever met.

Worthwhile magazines (should) advise on how to be happy by yourself. The best nail color to boost your self-esteem, a quiz to find out if you talk too much. But if you listened to the trashy magazines you'd have a man to boost your self-esteem for you, and he'd definately tell you straight out if you talk too much.

Fitness magazines tell you how to look and feel your best so you can attract a man and intimidate other women. But if you find a good man and share a strong relationship he won't care if you have a 4-pack or 6-pack and you won't have insecurities to flaunt.

So what's the point to them?!

Well... Ben may not notice if my shoes match my handbag or a different hairstyle, but I do feel some pride when he tells me I look pretty. He isn't watching me do crunches, but he notices when I have more energy and skill to go longboarding with him. And, it took a few weeks, but he told me he likes the french manicure! And he was the one to pick out my "flashy" sunglasses.

Not that I do those things for him.

Sometimes it just plain makes you feel good to look good. It can give you a conversation topic with your sisters or girlfriends. You can escape to a completely unrealistic world. And, yeah, Ben and I get closer when I try something new with myself and he notices.