spending hiatus - week 6

Wants:

this book (as heard on NPR)

Purchases:

Organizational containers 

Thrift store: winter clothes for Avery - $8

I enjoy escaping the house for a quick jaunt to the thrift store early Saturday mornings. There is something so thrilling about scavenging through dusty bins and sifting through racks of clothes which really satisfies my primal gathering instinct. I appreciate quality family time on the weekends, but an hour of mindless puttering spent alone is a much needed break.

And I found the cutest baby Zutano pants at the thrift store for a buck. Regarding the book, my coworker lent me this book instead and I'm really enjoying it (though I only get to read it while I'm taking my pumping breaks at work). This was probably my best week yet, as we spent the entire weekend organizing the house and discarding unwanted items. I gave away some winter sweaters to the soup kitchen down the street, which added up to more than I consumed this week. 

Speaking of the soup kitchen, if you local guys have any clothes or shoes you'd like to donate, I'll gladly take them off your hands. The soup kitchen provides the clothes at no cost to the homeless and these people truly appreciate the donations. 

spending hiatus - week 4 & 5

I failed again. It doesn't help that I work beside the largest mall in the area and can easily stroll over on my lunch break. The Addy award ceremony is coming up later this month and feeling all post-pregnancy body conscious, I stopped by to look for a cardigan to wear with a dress I already own. And I found one...and some really cute linen pants I couldn't live without. My coworker decided to go to the mall the next day for some "retail therapy" and I tagged along because I was feeling strong about not giving in to the spending urge, but I did stop by the Cuddly Hippo boutique and I happened to notice the sale rack holding the Zutano outfit that matches Avery's hat. I am weak.

But it was Valentine's Day and he's the new love in my life, so I broke down. And while at Target, I saw the My Natural line of organic cotton stuffed toys and thought he deserved a couple of those for Valentine's Day, too. He loves them. And so do I.

Avery in his new little outfit and his favorite new toy

Wants:
Too many to list this week

Purchases:
Pants: $29
Cardigan: $37
My Natural Dog: $15 (V day)
My Natural Raccoon: $5 (V day)
Zutano Outfit: $16 (V day)
Hoodie for Bobby: $10 (V day)

how I blew my spending hiatus, week 3

wants:
• new eye glasses (also a need)
• new sewing machine (mine is malfunctioning)
• Eat This Not That! (supermarket edition) book
• something for Avery

purchases:
• Eat This Not That! book (approx. $10 + shipping) - I justified it by putting it in the health category. It's very captivating and has encouraged me to spend more money on food. Fabulous.
• The Wide-Eyed Beanie for Avery ($20 + shipping) - I was feeling really low the night before his surgery and when I saw this hat, I felt compelled to buy it for him. Plus, it was on sale and the colors are divine. I wish it came in my size.
• But this is the best part - I borrowed a sewing machine from my coworker! I mentioned I was looking for a new machine, but didn't want to spend any money and she offered to lend me hers. Apparently, she hasn't used it in ten years. It's very basic, but it'll do the job.
• I found myself in the thrift store last weekend ($4) and in the craft store ($15). Purchases for Avery.