Give in to the impulse!

So, yesterday I went to my favorite place in the world - Wrentham
Outlets (www.chelseapremiumoutlets.com) - with my cousin.
Can I just tell you? I cleaned up...I had unbelievable, unbelievable
deals.

First stop: Burberry. Where I bought myself this little number:
http://store.collivinghome.com/10labunochpl.html -- for a mere $48.00.
Not. Too. Shabby.

Then, off to Uggs. Where I found THE BEST pair of black, furry boots.
You know the ones that Pam Anderson, Jessica Simpson and Mariah Carey
always wear? They had them in Pink (
http://www.pointsincase.com/chad/uploaded_images/Fluffy%20Uggs-794883.jp
g) which is just a bit over the top for me stylewise - for $75. But
they did have one pair, in black (much more functional!) in my size --
for $125. And I had this AMEX gift card in my pocket just BURNING A
HOLE to buy them. But I thought, "now that's not too practical" - and
considering I was there specifically for Williams Sonoma to buy dishes,
which IS practical....I put them back with a sigh and thought "if
they're meant to be, they'll be there when I'm done and on my way to the
truck". Not that I couldn't have just bought the bullet and purchased
them, however...I am going on a vacation this week so truly, I should
save some money.

An Ann Taylor (www.anntaylor.com) pitstop always makes a girl feel good.
I found a navy on navy pinstripe skirt for $6.77 - and a pretty light
teal wrap front sweater for $9.99. Tada!

Moving on to Strasburg Children. (http://www.strasburgchildren.com/)
This is a store that has the most gorgeous children's clothing -
especially if you're a fan of crisp cotton and detailed smocking; but
unless you're Katie Holmes - one can't afford to dress their child in
these clothes on a regular basis. Maybe an occasional special occasion
item, but...so my cousin says "let's go in just for fun". Well - let me
tell you, their clearance section is "to die for". I spent $25.00 --
and got my daughter 4 outfits, a pair of shorts and a hairbow. My
reciept said I saved "$188.00". Clearance + another 30%. Moms, don't
walk -- run to their clearance sale. Not sure how much longer it's
lasting...

Next stop: Coach. (www.coach.com) Because now I'm thinking, "if I'm
going to skip buying dishes, and buy those fun boots, wouldn't it make
sense for me to indulge in a Coach bag. Far more practical than fun
boots!" Only problem was, every bag I went towards was $300-$400. The
ones that I would've spent the $100 on, over and above my gift card --
were too small. I couldn't commit. My cousin however, did find a
fabulous scarf for $25.o0. If that isn't a deal....?

And finally...Williams Sonoma. (http://williams-sonoma.com) Where I
found the prettiest dishes! I picked out 8 black & bisque colored
plates, with 8 coordinating salad/soup bowls in bisque with a pretty
raised pattern on the edges - and then 8 salad plates that were cream
with a beautiful rooster on them that has bright colors and really just
bring the whole setting to life. Plus, a coordinating Pasta Bowl in the
same pattern as the soup/salad bowls. And...2 boxes of Peanut Butter
Meltaways. (YUM!) Total damage to the AMEX gift card: $75.00!

Which meant I had $25.00+ on the gift card...which meant I'd only have
to pay $100.00 for the boots....which meant....I was buying them.
Except I didn't. Because they're not practical, and January is always a
financially difficult month with holiday bills - if this was March, it
would be a no-brainer! But I'm going on vacation this week...and truly,
the timing just isn't right. Besides, I bought my very practical
dishes.

So while I was in the shower this morning, I started thinking about
those boots. And how sure, I'd only wear them 5-6 times a year; but how
often will I use those dishes? The kids can't use them, they'll break;
and how often do I actually have people over for dinner where it isn't a
holiday? Not nearly as often as I'd like...so, let's say I use the
dishes, 5-6 times a year. And while I love, love, love my dishes....not
all that practical anymore, are they? As a matter of fact, they are
about as practical as those fun boots I wanted to buy.

Which means the moral of the story, is the title of my story. Give in
to the impulse.....you'll be thankful that you did!