“We only buy things we need and only if we can’t go without or repair the ones we have. We don’t waste. We take care of things we own and treat them with respect.” ~ Ludmila (my mom).
Fast forward 35+ years.
It takes me a long time to press that “buy” button. Stuff sits in my cart for a long while and often gets deleted by way of selling out. I never shop in stores. I always shop online. I do browse and think thoughts like “wouldn’t it be nice to have ____.” And I stop there.
T thinks I’m cheap. But I like to think of myself as an under-buyer. With a twist.
I have the money, I don’t have the desire to spend it. Even if it’s something that I technically “need.” For example, I need a winter scarf. The bulkier, the better. I have two gauzy and light summer/fall scarves that I also use as coverups, but I do not have a winter scarf. And I’ve been dragging my feet. I am so indecisive. I know what I like (bulky, plain, no lettering or labels), I know where I can get one (Aritzia, Nordstrom, Ardene) and I just don’t do it. Price? There is also Amazon but… I’d rather give my money to Walmart. Not that they are any better.
What I wrote above doesn’t mean that I have nothing to wear and that I don’t invest in some pieces. Two years ago I bought a Sam Edelman coat in bright red and have been enjoying it ever since. I invested in a few of Becca swimsuits. But they are the only three swimsuits I own. Winter boots? Two pairs from Thursday Boots and one pair of heeled boots from Vince Camuto. Sneakers: 2 pairs. Jeans: 3 pairs. I’m going down the rabbit hole so I’ll stop here. Clearly, I wear my pieces “on repeat.” A lot.
I admit that I do not like the idea of spending money. And I don’t like cheap sh*t either. So I shop rarely and with intent.
How will Christmas look?
T and I decided how much to spend on each other and that is the biggest amount. He knows I either want a gift card for Airbnb or Nordstroms.
Kids will get something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. In essence, four things each. I will fill their stockings with little chocolates (say hi to Kinder eggs!) and play dough.
R and L’s teachers are getting the same gift (a hand soap set from Bed, Bath and Beyond).
Aftercare teachers will get a big Cheryl’s cookies basket (individually wrapped).
Our mailman is getting a gift card, trash guys- same.
My friends and I we usually don’t give each other gifts but instead get together for dinner instead.
[on the cover: William Morris refrigerator magnets that I splurged on at the Met gift store a year ago]
How about you? Are you a spender or a saver? What will Christmas look like in terms of gifts in your family? What kind of feelings do you associate with shopping?
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Mom of Children 