I've heard news announcers tell us to use the seat belt in a shopping cart to keep our purses safe by putting it through the handle of the purse and snapping it closed. Sometimes the seat belt is broken or missing, so it isn't always possible.
I went to the hardware section of Walmart and bought a carabiner. A carabiner is one of those hooks climbers use that you see now on water bottles or tubes of sunscreen. I put the hook on the shoulder strap of my purse.
When I go to the store, I put my purse on the baby seat and just clip the hook to the cart. It only takes a second to clip it on and off. It is much safer than using the seat belt. My everyday purse is multicolored and the clip I got is blue, so it matches. Cashiers almost always remark about how much safer this is than the seat belt.
I also put one on the strap of my cell phone so I can just hook my phone to my belt loop or to my purse, or whatever. I got some smaller ones and put my house keys on one, my car keys on another, etc. I also put all of those little discount cards the stores give me on one.
I can quickly give the clerk my card without handing over all my keys, or I can give my gas key to the gas station attendant quickly (Yes, I live in Oregon where we aren't allowed to fill our own tank). Carabiners have so many uses, I love them.
By Di from Wilsonville, OR
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Off topic, but why are you not permitted to pump your own gas in Oregon? Just very curious.
Sandy/Pittsburgh
Those a such good ideas. I never even gave it that much thought. I'm going to take your idea and use it for myself.
It will take less time for me in the long run.
In Oregon it is illegal to pump your own gas simply because it is on the voters ballot, and voted down. Gas is no cheaper, and the gas station owners have to pay a "gas person" to pump it, taking the profit away from the station. My daughter and her DH have a store and gas station, and staff is a huge expense.
I wondered about it because here in Pittsburgh full service gas stations are few and far between. We used to have them where they would clean your windshield and offer to check your oil but I would say 90% of those are gone.
I never, ever thought about purse safety in the market before and appreciate the info!
Regarding self gas pumping. I wish there were still full service stations here in Washington State because I have COPD and have to beg help from fellow customers to help me pump gas, wash windshields and fill air in tires during 'difficult to breath days' :-( I would gladly pay a few more cents a gallon for the service!
More feedback on the "pumping your own gas" than the carabiner. I hadn't thought of using the clip for that, and I already have my car keys on a bright colored one...so I can trade out my other keys when I trade cars with my husband. Good idea. I also live in Oregon and am always happy to have someone else stand in the wind, snow, rain, ice, or blistering sun to fuel my tank.
If you travel much, you would realize how pleasant it is to get your gas at a place with REAL people. I have had to fill up many times at some scary looking spot just off a freeway..sometimes with a boy behind bars to take the $$...often with no humans, only an automated pay station There is no place to get out of the weather, even while paying/no air/no water/no gas cans for emergencies.
All "service" stations turn into just pay stations if they don't need employees. I always wondered what Mothers do with children in the car...they have to go inside somewhere first and stand in line to pay for who knows how much gas and then out to the car and pump the fuel...back inside to stand in line to get their change. Do you take your kids along with you or just hope they are there when you return? I never had to deal with this when my children were small.
Not trying to rain on your parade but although attaching your purse with a carabiner is a really great idea, please keep in mind that anyone can reach into your purse and pull out your wallet in seconds when your back is turned. I've gave up purses years ago and keep some cash, drivers license and debit or credit cards in my pocket. I've been told by a couple bank people that it's a good idea. No purse - no chance of a robbery.
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