As soon as I heard the latest commercial for one of my kids' favorite  cereals, I knew that I would probably buy it.

Why?

Because breakfast is about the only meal my kids will eat - with very little begging and in one place, at the same time - but, we go through cereal pretty quickly and there are only a few brands that my kids and I can agree upon.

Have you seen the prices of breakfast cereals, lately?

Keeping up with the weekly groceries can be an expensive proposition -- having a vested interest in companies labeling their products as jumbo, mega and family-sized -- but, have these monikers become a part of my daily life, as well?

I began to notice a definite sales trend in personal care merchandise, alone - having three girls and owning products that allude to the promise of making me look and feel better than I did...well, before I opened the container, at best.

Cough.

After all, don't I clean my house with products that promise nothing less than "to kill germs and odors" - dead?

Now, with a fresh new scent and improved cleaning power!

"Can we pleeeeeeze get this, today?"

Because my 5-year-old insisted that one can never have enough of a sugar rush.

"No, sweetie...you had lots of chocolate on vacation...besides, that cereal is just way too expensive!"

My two oldest daughters point to the sign in front of the shelf.

"No, it's not...look, Mom...it says that it's on sale for $1.99...that's at least $3.00 less than usual...and we could still get the "new one" you've been dying to try...because, you see...it's on sale, too!"

I have to admit it, this morning - while the kids were eating their cereal and totally loving me, you know, being their mom - the thought of having fallen under the seduction of some corporate marketing guru, more often than not, doesn't make me very happy.

"Don't forget your change, lady!"

But, I also happen to think there is a fine line between compulsive behavior and totally losing control  - not to mention, my kids just happen to believe my buying a box of breakfast cereal to be the next best thing to winning the lottery - so, I am learning to deal with all the hype and hope my children understand, as I explain this week's grocery bill to their father.

"In order to save money, you have to spend it and can you believe I got it on sale, too!"

For me, food shopping never tasted better - well, except perhaps Costco  during their sample Fridays - but, nobody better even think about messing with my Diet Coke!