When mommies shop
About a month ago, I was out running errands with Darling Husband. I insisted I wanted to go to Old Navy, because I’d gotten an e-mail about a big Kids/Baby sale.
About 95% of Baby Boy’s clothes are hand-me-downs and items bought at the used clothing store, but he needed a new pair of winter boots, and I knew we’d get a great deal.
Seemed simple enough.
When we walked through the doors, I was overcome with that feeling of I-want-to-buy-everything. I used to get that feeling all the time, because I was always going into stores — on my lunch break, evenings after work, on the weekends. I loved looking at stuff, I loved buying stuff, I loved taking stuff home and hanging it in my closet.
The store was intoxicating. I know it was just Old Navy, but to a mom on maternity leave who rarely gets to leave the house, it was like walking into Saks. It’s a fantastic feeling, where you’re looking at brand-new clothes that are so crisp and fresh. It all looks so good! Sweaters in different colours than the ones you already own! Dresses in pretty prints! Scarrrrrves — I need them!
These feelings slammed me, but I managed to walk past the womens’ section entirely. I wanted so badly to look at the clothes, but didn’t for three reasons.
- Being on maternity leave means money is tighter than Justin Bieber’s pants
- I couldn’t think of an item for myself that I really needed
- We couldn’t spare a minute — naptime was approaching
- Just because a store is having a big sale doesn’t mean you NEED to go there and buy things — there will always be another sale!
- Just because something is marked down doesn’t mean you NEED to buy it (even if it’s half-price)
- When you need something, write it down on a list (I keep an ongoing one on my BlackBerry).
- When you’re out and you see store is having a sale, you can see if there’s anything on the list that might be in that store.
- If you want to go shopping, refer to your list so you have a good “mission,” and buy one of the items you actually need, so you’re not just buying stuff you spot unexpectedly
- If you see something that is so absolutely freaking perfect or rare that you know you will kick yourself if you don’t buy it, then it’s OK to take a chance sometimes (even if it’s not on sale)
- If you get that nagging, guilty feeling when you’re considering buying an item, don’t buy it
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Heather's Handmade Life 