I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. I would drink 5+ cans a day. I’ve talked before about how I finally kicked the habit and have been much healthier ever since. When we got married, David (being a graphic designer and all) said how he liked the Coca-Cola logo – and I loved anything retro/vintage – so we decided to do a “Coke Kitchen.” I had everything Coca-cola. It was all I got for wedding gifts, showers, birthday, Christmas and more – and I was happy for it, I loved my coke stuff!
I began wondering if it was strange that we still had this Coke stuff around – even though we don’t drink soda anymore and don’t keep it around. Weren’t we just “advertising” for it?
My questions were confirmed when “M” & “B” stayed with us the first time. “M” asked me why we had so much Coca-cola stuff and that we must like it. She went on to say how her Papa drank lots of Coke and he likes it, which then lead into “my mom lets me drink soda!” It was hard to explain that, no, we don’t drink soda (and no, I don’t have any to give you!) but we still “like” all this Coke stuff?? Seems a little backwards. We’re just being mass marketers for Coca-Cola right now because everyone that walks into our home (or reads this blog!) will see the Coke logo.
I figured that when we had kids, I would get rid of the Coke because I was worried about the same questions “M” was asking coming from my own kids. We already know we won’t have a TV and will try to limit how much advertising/commercialism our children sees each day – this seemed weird then to have advertising in our home, essentially, for a product we don’t “agree” with anymore.
Now that we’re moving – it is a natural time for me to get rid of it. We’re getting a new house – with a huge amazing kitchen! – and it’s the perfect timing to get rid of the Coke. I don’t regret having it. It’s been fun to collect! I’ve been letting family know – so they don’t buy me more. And the great thing about having a vintage goodies shop, is that some of my vintage Coke pieces I will sell online. The rest will be in the garage sale before we move.
grace said,
July 17, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
That’s impressive that you were able to stop drinking 5+ Cokes a day even with all the Coke logos around. It was very interesting that you mentioned in the linked post that you were able to stop taking several medications after quitting drinking Coke. That leads me to wonder if your doctor ever tried to diagnose your problems’ as being caused by Coke or diet rather than just prescribing you medication after medication. People drink way too much Coke and soda, and I know it is fairly addictive. That is a ton of caffeine and artificial sweetener. Just think how many other people’s health problems are caused by similar reasons. Thinking about how much money is spent on health problems caused just by people drinking too much Coke is kind of shocking. If your case is an example, then if people across the country just stopped drinking Coke and ate healthier, our health insurance premiums would drop by hundreds of dollars per month. Seriously!
AnnMarie said,
July 18, 2008 @ 7:09 am
Similar story with me and my daughter. I was a big fan of Winnie the Pooh. Although I don’t really like the Disney version, my MIL has given me a lot of things (mainly clothes) with Disney Pooh on it. But we’re keeping logos and Disney and commercial stuff away from my daughter as well. I have only a few favorite items left…and last week, I also thrifted her one Disney Pooh sweatshirt. (We’ve also always just said it’s a bear, piglet, donkey, and tiger rather than giving them names.) It’s hard when it’s an icon you’ve loved, but you’re so right about it just being free advertising. (I wish Classic Pooh was easier to find.)
And did you tell us about the house before? I don’t remember it! I looked at all the pictures! Congrats on finding something you love. The downstairs woodwork is lovely.
joshua said,
July 22, 2008 @ 11:11 am
I remember walking into a really old home that had no branding at all. An elderly person lived there, my aunt actually. Nothing in the house identified where it came from. No IKEA furniture, no Target silverware, and the fridge is full of drinks in unlabeled containers. Things like “sun tea” and “lemonade.” It felt odd because the branding wasn’t there. At the same time it was a fresh breath of air from the choking smog of branding. Several silly things went through my mind like “is this safe to drink?” and “This probably doesn’t taste good because I don’t recognize it.” It’s then I realized fully the taste/branding connection.
Awesome kitchen by the way.
-joshua