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Times-Advocate, 1979-02-21, Page 6Odds 'n ends Times-Advocate, February 21,1979 my »Rising prices require new shopping skills By ELAINE TOWNSHEND Last week the subject of television commercials made me realize how much a part of my life those ads have become. For example, when my coffee tastes bitter, I grum­ ble, “Where is Mrs. Olsen when I need her?” and when I buy cookies that are tough, I fume, “Why didn’t that tv granny warn me?” When the milk pitcher slips, I remind myselh “There’s no sense crying over spilled milk especially when I can call on the job squad. • “If gelatin dessert, ready to serve, can grow on trees, why can’t money?” I reason. When my drain clogs, I’m tempted to call Josephine the plumber. Every time I hear the words “Hi, guy!”, I im­ mediately picture two men separated only by the door of a medicine chest, and the remark “One shot and I’m good for the whole day” seems like a natural thing to say. A re-run of a Morris classic brings a tear to my eye and makes me wonder whether his successor will be able to cut it. A sad-eyed beagle reminds me I need new shoes. Time and time again I stare at blurred photos and wonder what Mr. Goof Proof and Ms. Goof Proof of radio fame would say about them. When I hear a certain tune on the radio, I suddenly yearn for a cup of coffee, and if someone says, “We do it all for you!” I’m suddenly overcome by a craving for burgers and fries. Other times I find myself humming tunes that aren’t hit songs but are catchy jingles instead. What about you? If I quipped “You, you’re the one” or “Let the Colonel do the cookin’” or “You want it; you got it”, would you know what I was talking about? People who watch as much television and listen to as much radio as we Canadians do, are bound to be influenced by the ads that bombard our senses every two minutes. The characters and products become part of our everyday lives; slogans and jingles creep into our everyday conversation. When I’m shopping I don’t consciously think about commercials. I’m too busy trying to remember what I need, comparing price tags and adding figures in my head to avoid a total shock when I reach the cash register. But maybe, subconscious­ ly, my choices are influenc­ ed by commercials. Ads must have some affect on the buying public or they would be abandoned for more practical selling methods. I can tolerate most com­ mercials and even get a chuckle out of a few clever ones, while they are new. Others cause me to scurry from the room, bury my head in a book, turn volume down, or close eyes and plug my ears. They bore me; they infuriate me. Ads aimed at kids bother me, because they fill their heads with all the wonderful things they should have and then turn them loose on un­ suspecting parents. The kids become the promotors most effective tool/ I’m not a militant women’s libber, but those ads with a demure lady close by her man’s side watching him adoringly and saying not a word tempt me to join. The ones that irritate me the most are those created on the theory that everyone out there in tv land is a dum­ my. If the sellers want us to buy their products, can’t they give us credit for hav­ ing at least a few brains? Commercials - some in­ sult us, others merely irritate us; some bore us, while others amuse us. But, where would we be without them? And where would they be without us? To support missionary February 13 the congregation of the Exeter Christian Reformed Church held their annual meeting at which most families were represented. Rev. Clarence Bishop opened the meeting with Bible-reading and prayer and welcomed all present. Lawrence Kodde, the Church clerk, then gave a review of the various events of 1978. The latest survey shows that the church now has a membership of 58 families. The various leaders of the clubs and groups then were given an opportunity to report on their activities during the past year. The main item on the agenda, the budget for 1979, was adopted after relatively little discussion. Also introduced was a paper outlining some key concepts of Evangelism. Following this there was a discussion regarding salary­ support for a missionary in the foreign mission-field. The congregation decided to contribute ?500. to this cause. The consistory then ex­ pressed their appreciation to all those who gave of their time and talents to further the work of the church. Parking and its attendant problems were discussed during a miscellaneous question period. Following Durk Bakker’s suggestion that ever body follow his example and walk to church, Herb Verbeek then closed an amiable and enjoyable meeting. Coming out of a super­ market with only half the items on your shopping list and no spare change in your pocket can be a dishear­ tening experience. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of advertising and gimmicks that surround the business of buying and selling food. And it’s easy to end up spending too much Tor too little. But somewhere out there, among the aisles and shelves, are just the things you need, and it’s surprising how little they can cost — if you shop carefully and ef­ ficiently. Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada recognizes that the amount a shopper spends on food is affected not only by what is bought, but by how it is bought. To help you shop more wisely, the Department recommends some common-sense tips on skillful shopping. A very basic point. Studies show that a hungry shopper who is not overweight, can spend up to 10’ percent more on groceries. Overweight people, however, who have just munched before shopping are in a different situation — they should wait until after shopping to eat, as snacks can stimulate hunger. If you follow the guidelines that suit you, then it will help you to buy what you need, not what you want. Buy only what you need. Make a list of the groceries you need, and buy only those things on your list. Look around. Many stores keep their more popular items at eye-level, so it often pays to bend down or reach up for a cheaper product. Also, those end-of-aisle displays aren’t always of­ fering bargains. Check them against the regular price. Shop quickly. The longer you spend in a supermarket, the more time you’ll have for buying on impulse. Your whims can cost you money. It’s best to stick to the list. Forget brand loyalties. A lot of chain stores have their own brands of food items, and the quality is just as good as the popular brands. In fact, inside the packages, most of these products are identical, and you’ll find the store brands are usually cheaper. In some areas of the country, no-name products are appearing in supermarkets. These items have lower prices largely because there is less ad­ vertising and the manufacturer is using a lower-grade product. Nutritionally, however, there is little difference between the grades. Buy seasonal foods. It really pays to vary your menu according to the seasons, especially when it comes to vegetables and fruit. Prices are lower and selection is better when foods are in plentiful supply. Buy less meat. About one- - quarter of your food dollar is spent on meat and poultry. It’s a very expensive item for which there are plenty of Shop alone. It’s more ef­ ficient. Other members of the family can cost you 15 to percent more with their good substitutes like eggs, cheese and milk. Often fish and poultry are cheaper than beef and pork. But you can save a lot just by buying less meat, choosing cheaper cuts and serving smaller por­ tions. impulse-buying. If you have to take the children along, be firm about what you need and try to stay clear of the20 ELEGANT 80'S ENJOY VALENTINE'S — Residents of the Helen Jermyn Seniors home on Sanders street enjoyed a Valentine's party Wednesday night. Those over the age of 80 known as the Elegant 80's are shown above. Back, left, Louella Simpson, Lily Mason, Violet Huntley, Andy Orr, Dewey Price, Myrtle Hunter and Mabie Glenn. Front, Vera Coward, Ethel Schroeder, Irene Brintnell, Agnes Davis, Rosetta Laub and Mary Elliott. T-A photo candies and cookies. jShop only once a week, or even less often. And shop towards the end of the week when more bargains begin to appear on the shelves. Specials are usually ad­ vertised in the Wednesday newspapers. It’s a good day to write out your list. Read labels carefully — to find out exactly what you’re getting and how much of it. Also, check the unit prices marked on the shelves. They’ll tell you how much a product costs per gram or ounce. Watch for mistakes. When produce is being weighed, keep an eye on the scales. And watch that cash register as your purchases are being rung up. To err is human, but every nickel counts. Pay cash, To make sure you don’t overspend, never pay for food with a cheque or on credit, And don’t be embarrassed to put something back on the shelf if the cash register says you can’t afford it. £J> X. A flea circus may be a good act, but it takes ter­ mites to bring down the house. Decorofe your home with beautiful ! Xra . -<3 A* w CUSTOM DRAPES J? m kA;I p 3 FL rtii 1 I Av®? |W Hi > | r -J Choose the fabrics and the styles you want and Barb Whiting will custom make your drapes for you. You can also choose matching bedspreads and pillow shams. WHITINGS whR v •V v CHARGEX . VISA master charge WAREHOUSE! ■i lMain St. Exeter 235-1964 k WE SELL FOR LESS f Luncheon Meat Sunlight 3 varieties 12 oz. tin DETERGENT 8 Varieties Natures Best Choice SunlightJUSTPEAS FLAKESARRIVEDwith Pectin 24 oz. 99- 4.23 ’1.09 4.98FABRICS4.38 ’2.29 FROZEN the junction 24 oz. oaf Wonder 235-0270 SAVE COMPLETE 4COMPLETE KjP coverage for * Home * Farm ★ SAVE Exeter Beautiful shades and designs at attractive price. SENIORS SINGING — The two eldest residents at the Helen Jermyn Home for seniors exercised their vocal chords during a Wednesday Valentine's party. Organist Ethel Schroeder ac­ companies Mabel Glenn and Louella Simpson. T-A photo -------- * Farm * Life ” * Commercial * Automobile Registered Retirement Plans CONTACT Bev Morgan Insurance Agency Ltd. 238 Main St. Phone 235-2544 Across from Saveway Lumber Orange Nut Banana Nut White or Coloured DETERGENT Fresh Centre Cut SIDE BACON Burns Go den Gar ic Bluewater Cod Aunt Jemima ' Regular or Buttermilk PANCAKE Rich s 16 oz. Burns Frozen SAUSAGE Monarch LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK — THURSDAY & FRIDAY TILL 9 P.M. F H\I FLOOR COVERING • WALLPAPER FAMILY CLOTHING • DRAPES • FABRICS EXETER PHONE 235-0212 PLENTY OF PARKING AT REAR OF STORE - WE DELIVER V" ✓ >Clarks BEANS with .. PORK 2/89' 4*» A r Kraft Y CHEEZ WHIZ 16 oz. jar •1.48'^ Cottonelle White or Coloured BATHROOM TISSUE scon TOWELS 3/89- Betty Crocker Super Moist 2 Roll Pkge. Guest1 Raspberry or Strawberry CAKE DETERGENT •2.49 « LAUNDRY QUIK-LOAF Date & Nut Apple & Raisin 63' New Shipment of SPRING & SUMMER SUPERIOR QUALITY MEATS Pork, Either End of Loin LOIN ROASTS LOIN CHOPS Burns Campfire POLISH SAUSAGE COFFEE RICH 3/4 FISH & CHIPS 4.19 Cut & Wrapped 4.69 4.89 4.45 Ellenzweigs For Your Freezer Whole Pork Loins 12-14 lb. avg. s1.59 BAKERY Superior Enriched Burns Pride of Canada Regular WIENERS LINK SAUSAGE Store Sliced COOKED HAM Schneider's Thuringer SUMMER PRODUCE CRUSTY ROLLS WHITE BREAD Ontario No, 1 Fancy CARROTS MAC APPLES 3 ibs. Produce of U.S.A, Can. No. 1 CELLO RADISH