Do you remember that campaign that used the tagline, “A little dab’ll do ya?” I never knew the origin but I sometimes use that phrase. But with a little snap of the fingers on the keyboard I learned that not only was it a famous advertising jingle from the 1950s created by the brilliant ad agency Young & Rubicam for a men’s hair styling cream, but that there were a few more lines after the one that’s become part of our current vernacular. The full jingle was, “Brylcreem, a little dab’ll do ya! Use more only if you dare! But watch out, the gals’ll all pursue ya—they’ll love to run their fingers through your hair!” How funny? And what’s more is that this viral saying inspired Fred Flintstone’s catchphrase “Yabba-dabba-doo!” Who knew??
So the concept of a dab got me thinking, that sometimes just a little goes a looong way. Take for instance perfume or cologne. Sometimes too much is waaay too much. And those of us with sensitive olfactory bulbs despise those who are nose blind to super intense smells. You should not be able to detect a coworker by scent before she enters your office. The smell of a fraternity brother should not waft down the hallway in your freshman dorm. We should not have to wear gas masks at restaurants to avoid overactive atomizers. A note to those who tend to spray and splash? Let’s all say it together… a little dab’ll do ya.
And then there are those who could use a little dab if ya know what I mean. Both deodorant and toothpaste are readily available in most drug stores, convenient stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Use is encouraged daily! What’s with those who abstain? Is it laziness? Did they run out? Do they not think it matters? Newsflash– we KNOW who you are. We can smell you. And we’d really rather not. So on behalf of absolutely everyone with a nose, please roll, spray, swish, brush and dab. Please?
For those women clanking around in waaay too much jewelry, are ya wearing your entire jewelry box on the same wrist today, sweetheart? When it’s fashion overload, it’s hard to focus on one item that might be a total showstopper because it’s covered, crowded or colliding with lesser contenders. Is that really the look you’re going for, Alexa? I’m all about a nice stack, but let’s keep it tasteful ladies.
Hangry is one of my all time favorite words. I have low blood sugar, so if it’s been a while since I’ve consumed some calories, I suggest you stay away or deal with me at my most moody. My shoulders drop. I get lethargic. I can be snappy, and not in a good way. To quote Pretty In Pink, “The Donger need food!” In those instances, I try to carry a lil’ snack with me so I don’t attack a waitress or pull up a seat to the salad bar before my party has been seated. And in truth, even when I’m not starving, I do love a little dab of something delish!
We all wish we had the kind of problems that if we threw enough money at them, they would go away. And then of course we wish we had the money to throw. A little dab of dollars is so great. Buying a tiny luxury can feel so elite. I was in CVS the other day and bought a mini Tony’s Chocolonely in the cheerful red packaging. It was a big $3.79. Have you tried this brand yet? The chocolate is really something special and I’m a huge fan! I am so grateful that I have an extra four bucks to throw at a tiny treat. Cause for me, a little dab’ll do juuuust fine. And yeah, it was yabba dabba delicious.
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