Calling all Imeldas: shoes, shoes, shoes!

Even it you're not currently in the market for shoes (but really, who isn't always in the market for shoes?) you should check this out. NOW.

Through YouData (where they pay me to look at ads, and they'll pay you, too), I found LoveMyShoes.com. This site has great prices (lower than Zappos, but without prepaid shipping for returns) and huge selections, specializing exclusively in female footwear.

I ordered these for my daughter, Tessa
...these for my sister, Tami

(in tan)

(which do wonders for her stature,
and were $3, TYVM)

...and these for myself.

(in black)

(so cute and kicky)

I received my order in a timely manner, all pairs fit us, and each one looks fabulous.

Why the rush? Because through this Thursday, January 15, you can save 40% from their already low prices when you buy two pairs or more. FORTY-FREAKING PERCENT!

When you get to checkout, use this special code: 40NY2009

You still here? Click already, Imelda!

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Not smart, WalMart.

Yes, WalMart-bashing has become de rigeur, but I have been so frustrated with it the last two times I went in (and I use "last" as a double entendre), I need to vent.

We got two of those government-issued cards for use in purchasing television converter boxes, which we'll need after February 17, 2009 when analog signals will no longer be transmitted, and unconverted TVs will become antiques overnight.

True to our nature, we waited until about a week before the expiration date. OK, two days before. The cards were worth $40 each, and we wanted to find the best deal, a box that didn't cost much more than that.

Enter WalMart, who carried the cheapest converter boxes according to my online research.

Apparently the government's memo didn't get to the Walton clan -- they didn't have any converters in stock. The pimply clerk told me he had no idea when any new ones would arrive. And then he threw in a dig, chiding me for waiting so long. Did I mention I hate to feel stupid?

So we headed to Radio Shack and paid an extra $20 each. Radio Shack also did not have any converters in stock, but they were happy to ship them to us. No hassle, no attitude. The boxes arrived a week later.

This past weekend, my parents were in the same boat. An unexpected emergency occurred with 2 days left on their coupons. I offered to go to WalMart for them, certain that it had worked out its supply and demand issues during the preceding month.

Silly me. I overestimate its business acumen. I was told again that there were no converters in stock because, dang it, people kept buying them. I asked when the next shipment was expected. A young man with the name tag labeled, Matt P, tells me, "No clue."

Okay...I thought. "Do you have regular delivery days? Do you have trucks restocking your electronics?"

Matt P said, annoyed, "Yes. But it's completely random."

Throw me a bone here! "When would be the best time to call to see if you have more?"

He hands me his business card ("Matt P, Sales Associate") and says, "Call at 8:30 in the morning. I won't be here."

Dee-lightful.

Once again, we trekked to the nearby Radio Shack, arranged for shipment and completed the transaction. Quick and helpful.

Thumbs DOWN for Wa.lMart. Thumbs UP for Radio Shack.

Bottom line? Don't expect WalMart to have digital converters in stock, and don't wait 'til the last minute on your coupons. Head straight to Radio Shack and save the gas.

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Since we're neighbors let's be friends. OK!

Even though my neighborhood supermarket occupies 30 thousand square feet and stocks 35 thousand items, it somehow manages to act like a small grocer.

This, I believe, is impressive.

Is it because the employees truly care? Or that they are well-trained and made to care?

I don't care why. I just know that I feel important in their store.

I'm talking about my Safeway, the one down the street. But I get the same treatment when I go to the Safeway near the kids' school, and the one near my gym, and the one in my old neighborhood by the library we still frequent.

Safeway (or, for those of you in other parts of the continent, Von's, Dominick's, Genuiardi's, Randall's, Tom Thumbs, Pavillions, Pak 'n' Save and Carrs) had a jingle in the 1970s: Since we're neighbors, let's be friends, Safeway. While they've dropped the catchphrase, they've maintained the sentiment. Here's why I feel special:

• Checkers bid adieu to me by name. And it doesn't seem forced.
• If I wander down an aisle with even a hint of witlessness (which happens often), someone appears to ask if I need help.
• If I do ask where something is, I don't just get an answer. I get an escort.
  

It's as though I have "secret shopper" written on my forehead in invisible ink, perceived only by Safeway employees. Each one of them treats me as if his/her next employee evaluation depends on how satisfied I am when I leave the store.

I like that feeling.

I do not get that feeling with its largest competitor (King Soopers/Kroger).

Selection, price, and gas discounts are similar to the other supermarkets I could patronize. But what makes Safeway my #1 supermarket is that I am treated like I am someone special.

Which I am.

Do you get that from your grocer?

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Want easy access to products recommended by Lori and Chicklet? Help support us by visiting the All Thumbs Store, which has no added markup. Just easy shopping, good prices, and thumbs up ratings.