OH! How I love thee...

I have driven a red Ford Focus since I turned 16. I learned how to drive in one. I took my driver's test in one. In 2002, we traded in the old red Ford Focus for a new one. Red. Ford. And still a Focus. When my family moved across the country, the red Ford Focus came with us and even had its own spot in the moving truck next to our couches and table. I eventually bought it off of my parents and when I came home from my mission, it was still in one piece waiting for me. Now, it's friends with Chris's white Toyota Camry...they share a driveway. The truth is, although I have always driven a red Focus, if someone gave me a Lexus--I would be okay with that. If someone gave me a cute little Rav 4, I would be okay with that, too. It wouldn't even matter the color. I am not completely loyal to my red Ford Focus...it's just always been there. Given the opportunity and, more importantly, the financing, I would trade her in. Is that sad, or what?

You must be thinking, wow, she is not a very loyal person. Untrue. I will prove it to you. There are some products/brands that I cannot live without. Some have been in my life longer than red Ford Focuses and some I have only loved for a few months--but these products, I am 100% loyal, wouldn't buy another brand, must haves for me (disclaimer: I am talking only of products/brands, I am very loyal to my husband, my church, my family, etc.):

1. The Proactiv system. I know you have seen the commercials, so I am not about to pull a Jessica Simpson on you and tell you how much it has changed my life. I'll just say, I had problems with my skin for awhile and now, I don't. I thought my acne was cured so I stopped using Proactiv for about 8 months and realized I wasn't cured at all...so now I am using it again and I vow to never stop. It works for ME and has since 2005.

2. Kosher Salt. This one is a new one for me. It tastes different than regular salt, I promise. It tastes SO much better. It even makes food look prettier. We keep it in a little black crock on our counter top right next to our peppermill. Kosher salt is part of our family now. I would never go back.

3. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipgloss in Dreamy. I have tried to hard to walk away from this. Over and over I keep convincing myself that I can wear a different lip color. I have tried! I have spent money on lipsticks, stains and glosses that end up lost in the bottom of purses because I don't care to find them again. I'm stickin' with Dreamy. It's neutral enough that I don't think it will ever look like I'm stuck in an era...I hope.

4. Blistex Silk and Shine Chapstick. I got it in my stocking maybe 6 years ago and I am so completely loyal to it. I don't always want/need color on my lips, sometimes I just want great moisture with a little bit of shine. Um, this is the product. My sisters sometimes make fun of me because I "still use the same chapstick!?" (They all got it in their stocking, too.) I say, "Why not?"

5. The Chi. Sigh. Where would I be without my straightener...one day I will have to post a picture of that with a viewer discretion advisory. My hair is quite out of control prior to straightening. Huge and puffy. The Chi has solved all my problems. I used to use a Revlon straightener, but it damaged my hair quite a bit and burnt out after 3 months. I have had my Chi for 4 years and I will never look back. Mwuah! I love you Chi straightener.

6. Victoria's Secret So Sexy Hair Serum. I don't even remember my life before this product. I don't even know what it exactly does, or if it does what it says it does because I don't go a day without it. If my hair is washed and wet, before I do anything--this product goes in it. Period. End of discussion. That's just how it is.

7. Orbit gum. I don't care what flavor. I don't care that it might be more expensive. It's a nice package and a good size portion. Currently chewing: Sweet Mint. :)

8. Heinz Ketchup. This loyalty goes deep into my childhood. I grew up in Pittsburgh where Heinz is manufactured. I have gone on fieldtrips to the factory. I am disgusted when I go to a restaurant and I see Hunts or any other brand. I just won't do it. I can't. It's against who I am. If Heinz ketchup isn't available wherever I am, I will either leave .... ... OR choose to eat something that I wouldn't normally have with ketchup--because I notice the difference. And the difference isn't good.