Rolemommy

You Scream, I Scream

Just arrived in Southampton and took the kids into town for our ritualistic visit to the park and the ice cream shop. But something strange has happened in the year that's passed since we've strolled down main street. Out of nowhere, the neighborhood has become "shi shi." In place of my favorite dress and furniture shops are galleries with enormous paintings that I would never buy in my lifetime. Not because the prices are out of the stratosphere, but because they're just plain ugly.

Unfortunately, the town has become a haven for the uber wealthy, fashionistas and parents who no longer drive their kids in upscale minivans, but in bright red porsches. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Sure everything is expensive in the la-la land of the Hamptons, but when they start gauging me at the ice cream counter, that's when I have to draw the line.

While my daughter decided she was going to sample the ice cream from a brand new place in town, the rest of us chose to hit one of our favorite fudge shops that sells candy, ice cream and shakes. While my son ordered an oreo cookie shake, I opted for a cone with fat free heath bar crunch and then I glanced at the board to check the prices. Nearly $7 for the shake and close to $5 for the cone. Huh? I mean, I know there's been an increase in milk prices and gas too, but when did inflation hit the ice cream parlor?

Not to be outdone, when my daughter went to try out the brand new Cold Stone Creamery copycat down the street, her cone was nearly 5 bucks too! So now, after spending nearly $20 for ice cream, my husband has decided we're boycotting the Southampton ice cream stores and opting for the Stop & Shop brand instead. Where is the Good Humor man when you need him? I guess he can't afford the gas.

Posted in: Blog, Undercover Mom on 07/03/2008