Shopping confessions...

**peanut** · 11-24-2007, 07:30 PM

Okay, I think I've discovered a pattern. I shop when I'm bored, or wanting someone to talk to. I tried talking to DD#2 today, but she was in a recluse mode. So I walked to a nearby shopping district and dropped $75 by the time I got home. On tea, on journals, on fabric, on groceries. Sure, I got my walk in, but man, at that price it's much cheaper to go to the gym!

On the other hand, I have enough tea for 2 weeks at 1/10th the cost of buying it at a cafe. I have 3 quality journals at $8 each. Plus I found a journal within walking distance for the same price as the one I buy for my diary...where I have to take the car. And I have some wool felt to try penny rug making. And we have mushrooms and peppers for a vegetarian pizza that cost a lot less then ordering pizza in!

Good thing I only do this shopping district once a month.

Jean

**Jamauk** · 11-24-2007, 07:49 PM

I used to do that - when my oldest was an infant and I was a new SAHM. DH would be gone on a trip and I'd get bored and just go to the mall.

Now, just the thought of taking my two wild boys into a mall makes my blood pressure shoot through the roof! I only go shopping when DH is available to watch the kiddos - then I have to be careful what I spend because he knows I'm shopping and he always asks!

I'm not sure how I'll handle it once they're both in school!!!

**mikandmari** · 11-24-2007, 10:31 PM

I use to ease my boredom by going to Borders Books. Now I've found it's just as satisfying and MUCH cheaper to go to the library! You could try a thrift store. Or, walk at a park rather than to a shopping center.

Sometimes, I just go for a drive. I know gas is expensive, but it's still much less than shopping. Just a nice drive with the radio on makes me feel like I got out for a while.

But hey, tea is healthy, so are mushrooms and peppers for pizza. It's not like you spent money on things like junk food!

**Royal** · 11-25-2007, 05:48 AM

Just like Jessica, the thought of my 2 boys in the mall fighting/playing/taking off(one in each direction) withholds me from going to the mall. As of September '08 they will both be in school full-time(kids start at an early age here in Holland). I might have to adopt a puppy or something to keep me home!!!!

**AmyMCGS** · 11-25-2007, 10:44 AM

I did that sometimes when DD was little and I was a new SAHM. I'd find myself "needing" to run errands all the time-- usually it was more like a feeling of wanting to get out of the house and speak to adults. Most of my friends were at work during the day, so I felt isolated.

The library helped, and I also joined a MOMS Club which helped at the time. Another thing I'd do is only go to the thrift store or Dollar Tree, so I couldn't spend too much even if I tried.

**nodmicks** · 11-25-2007, 11:08 AM

I find I shop to much if dh is with me! I hate shopping and I really dislike doing it with dh because it takes lots longer. I find myself throwing things in willy nilly to get done! Ugh!

**AmyBoz** · 11-25-2007, 11:12 AM

Oh my...when I was on maternity leave (all three times) I was a shopaholic, and Target was my drug of choice. I could stroll for hours and find this and that. It was crazy. As soon as I went back to work each time, the insanity left.