Keeping Your Bronze: Looking Smart Post-Labor Day

Ok, I admit. I'm definitely one of those girls who is darker in the winter than she is in the summer. I know, I know. I chaulk it up to the constant GRAY that seems to hover over not only Worcester, but all of New England from end of September through April¹.

But, in my defense, when it's in the twenty's outside and you get a twelve minute vaca of nothing but the bronzing rays, it's sure to put a smile on your (not-so-pasty) face. 

I'm an advocate for (moderate) indoor tanning²:

1. You regulate the amount of exposure you get v. baking outside all day in the damaging rays of the sun³.

2. You can't get enough Vitamin D!

3. Indoors you're exposed to more UVA rays v. UVB rays (think B for burning) 

And, in true WORCESTERistas fashion, we're going to share some tips:

> Before you go, check to see if any of the salons have a "first time free" with an ID.

> Two words: Student Discounts.

> Think ahead: Package deals are often more economic than paying as you go. (And you can save the extra dough and stop for a martini at 111 after!)

> If you've been to Indian Summer - West Side, you must check out the East Side location by Greendale Mall, Wild Willy's, and the new Carbonneau's location for your complimentary tan!

> Don't forget moisturizers after your tan - it's essential for the longevity of your color!

Get ready for your best Miss America impression and wave goodbye to the wintertime blues!






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1. Who says we have four seasons? We have three: humid (better known as the 8 weeks from the end of June, through July and the first couple of August, chilly (August through October), and colder (everything else). Bla.

2. Moderate, because, really? Who wants to look like a California Raisin. Sure they can dance and sing...but it's not becoming for a lady! (Or orange like a poorly tanned Guido!)

3. Might as well just say, "Pass the barbeque sauce!"

It's that time of year again...

...back to school!

Which really only means one thing around the Tatnuck area: new, fine college specimens to check out on my daily workout¹!

Things haven't been all that interesting on my three mile strut jog, now that Little League is over and the DILFs aren't out. (When does Little League start up again anyways? Answer: not soon enough.) We just get the occasional honk from the teenage admirers, the exaggerated stares from the brothers rollin' by, and, of course, the thumbs up from Wheelchair Guy who's always scootin' around Mill Street².

But, now, school's back in session (or soon will be for others!) and the eye candy will be plentiful.




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1. Some call me Mrs. Robinson. I kid, I kid. And, it's not like they're all under 21. For instance, KG and I's new favorite bartender for martinis: self-described as on the "ten year plan at Worcester State." Not overly ambitious, but good to look at, and he makes one fine Cosmo.
2. All of these: always appreciated.

Crowley's

Having rid my body of my weak liver cells last week on vacation, I have quickly become friends with Crowley's Package Store at Tatnuck Square.

(I think they liked me when I desperately asked what time they opened in the morning when they were getting a new shipment of my new favorite treat, Michelob Ultra fruit infused beer: pomegranate-raspberry, tangerine-orange, and lime-cactus¹. All amazing.)

Don't let the size of the storefront fool you, either. Although small, they have quite a wide variety for all taste buds, plus they're sure to always have your favorite 30 in stock.

The prices are less expensive than the Discount Liquor Store on Mill Street².

And, when you stock up for the weekend's (or day's!) activities, and you've bought clearly more than you can handle³, they walk your packages to your car with you!


Salute.






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1. What? I was leaving for the Cape that next morning. Don't judge.
2. And, they're on my shit list for the punk working the check out that would not accept an out-of-state ID from someone who was clearly over the age of 21. I had my in-state ID, too, and the sale was still a no-go. I shant be patronizing that establishment anytime in the near future.
3. Calling all strapping young men...where were you?! Thank you, Poppa Crowley!

Gas Prices Going Down?

...at least for the next 5 minutes.




I don't know about you, but I hate spending money on anything car-maintenance related - new tires, oil changes (seems I need one every 2 months with my commute!), and especially gas. With the national average topping $4.10 per gallon, I definitely found a bargain here, especially considering the other nearby choices:

• Getty Station (right next door to Cumbie's): $3.99;


• Mobile Station (diagonal from Cumbie's): $4.09.
  

There are somethings I just cannot sacrifice - fashion magazines, Starbucks, dry cleaning, the regular mani/pedi - so I might as well save a few cents here and fill up so I can continute to indulge myself later!