I’m not sure I’ve told you this before… it’s something I’d kind of like to forget.
I’m a recovering spend-a-holic.
I worked retail for (too) many years (but oh, how I loved it). I got into a very bad habit of buying… a lot. It didn’t really matter what. I just bought. Because I had very few expenses, I spent nearly every dime I had on ‘stuff.’
Ryan steered me away (willingly) from a future of credit card payments and closets full of clothes. Thank goodness he did. I am so much happier and more fulfilled when I don’t go shopping for fun and spend more money than I should. And I can actually save money now, easily. Who’d have thunk?
But, I may have relapsed last weekend… because I haven’t felt this good about ‘things’ for a long time.
It started when I spotted this lamp.
I’d been toying with the idea of bedside lamps. You know, I thought it may be time to bring another lamp into the house – we only have two right now in the entire place. Shameful.
And, when I spotted this one at Marshall’s – for $19.99 – I nearly died. Died … and then threw the lamp into the cart and ran to the checkout.
Unfortunately, there was only one lamp. But, you’d better bet I’ll be watching Marshall’s like a hawk for #2, or at least something similar. I’m obsessed with this lamp.
Then, I walk into Tuesday Morning and I see these sheets.
They are a really pretty and modern chocolate brown and white pattern. I love them. I’m moderately obsessed with them.
I’d been scouting for sheets to replace our old fitted one that was having a hard time staying on the bed. Now, making the bed has never been so easy. Or pretty.
I honestly did squeal when I found these. The only ones on the shelf. In king size.
Hello, lucky day. I’m Kim and I love you.
So that’s why I had a great day.
But, you know what else is great? That now I can buy things now that fit into my budget. That I don’t have to be stressed about bringing home something I love. A lamp for $19.99? Fits in the budget. An inexpensive set of sheets? Fits in the budget.
So, perhaps I can sometimes relapse into the material girl I used to be and enjoy the beautiful things in life. Without compromising other things, like peace of mind.
What about you? Are you a material girl or guy?
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*claire* says
what a perfect lamp! your bedroom looks fabulous!
i totally agree with you about the spending. i was never a huge spender, but would buy frivolously in college. but once tony and i started saving -it’s amazing how much more special purchases seem – even little ones!
it makes you appreciate it much more – and i can’t tell you how much thought goes into the $40 “personal money” that i get each month. 🙂
Lauren says
Love that lamp and the sheets! I am also trying to curb my spending since I am back in grad school and not working full time. Great finds! Looks like I might need to take a trip to Marshalls in the near future!
Oonafey says
Oh and that lamp is A.Maz.Ing. Don’t give up if you want a mate for that lamp. I agonized over buying a pair of lamps at TJ Maxx for a month – I finally decided to bite the bullet and they only had one. So I bought the mercury glass ones instead. But then I went back and they had the ones I originally wanted! I like the ones I bought better now though.
Oonafey says
I do occasionally buy stuff “just because”, but I am actively trying to stop. I haven’t been to HomeGoods, HobbyLobby, Marshalls, etc in over a month…
Robin says
You bet! Although I try my best to be a good girl.
I loooooovvvve your new lamp – Looks perfect in your room.
ashley morgan says
I love the lamp!
Joi says
We have to treat ourselves sometimes. Now, can you help me rehab my materialistic ways? I could use some help–that’s for sure! ; )
Leigh says
I love that lamp! I’d be driving to all the Marshals within 20 miles to find another. Those sheets are great too, my Tuesday Morning sucks.
I think my spending habits depend on the day and type of item. Sometimes I’m too cheap and should spend more for better quality items.
Emily @ thirtyeight20 says
great find on the lamp! it’s motivating me to stop by marshall’s and goodwill after work to see if they have anything on my wish list.
i’m usually the opposite of a material girl. i appreciate a beautiful home and nice clothes, but i’m the type to be watchful about it and buy one or two nice things here and there — and even then I usually buy things on sale or used. a few nice things have way more impact than a whole bunch of okay things.
i’ve found that saving can be just as addicting as spending once you get started! seeing that money add up in the bank is even more motivating and fulfilling to me now than shiny new things used to be in my younger days! (it also helps that i don’t particularly love shopping and that it requires driving well out of my way to hit the most tempting stores!)
Tara @ Tara Being Tara says
I think this relapse is totally ok!! You didn’t exactly break the bank, and those are AWESOME buys! Congrats on great finds.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Working in retail is the WORST for spenders…which I learned in college. 😉 I think I spent all of my paychecks in the places I worked. I love your new lamp, and the sheets too!!!
Mrs. Chic says
I’m in love with that lamp and for only $ 19 bucks!! I so would have ran to the checkout too 🙂 lol
When I was younger and spent spent, now I’m more into being thrifty and saving my pennies. I really try my best not to impulse buy unless its GOOD DEAL – like what you found
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
I love the lamp, but the sheets are what have me swooning – love the pattern! If we didn’t have white cats and all their white fur, you can bet I’d be hunting for my very own set. 🙂
I have the hardest time spending money wisely. I kind of suck at it. I’m one of those people that hates to shell out the big bucks for something I really want, so I wind up basically spending the same amount of money on some crap that doesn’t really do it for me. I’m working on it! 🙂
modern jane says
I’m a shopper too but I’ve been much better since owning my own home. I love to spend.. love love love.. okay now I’m depressed.. 🙂
I would have plopped that lamp in my cart too. In a heartbeat!
Shanade says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that lamp!!! I wish we had a Marshall’s nearby. You can bet I’d be on my way over real quick if we did.
Katie @ Chirp in the Forest says
Hey, budgeting is exactly for what you did – when you spot a great deal or something you *just can’t live without*….you can buy it no problemo. Sounds like you’re in a really great spot to take advantage of fun stuff like new sheets!
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
Whoa, what a steal on that lamp! And I love it. But the sheets are a-mazing. Gloriously gorgeous. I should probably buy another set of sheets someday. I’ve heard you’re supposed to have more than one for your bed (except then I’d have to fold fitted sheets. Boo). But I have these glorious red ones that I love, so I’d probably never use another set anyway. Unless they looked like that set you just picked up. Then I’d probably use them. Beautiful!
Kate@TwentySixToLife says
I love that lamp. It would’ve been a crime to not get it at that price.
And those sheets are gorgeous. I have to find a Tuesday Morning near me…
Kristen says
LOVE those sheets! I just got a set for my bed last weekend…. they are egyptian cotton, 1200 thread count… holy heaven! And to top it off, $20.00…. yes that’s right, I said $20.00!!!!! Gotta love going out of business sales!
Emily says
That’s my favorite thing about the budget. Oh, I have $50 to spend on the house right now – don’t mind if I DO buy those fabulous sheets. I love that lamp mucho. If I see one at Marshalls by me I’ll let ya know!
Kylie says
love the shape of the lamp. And those sheets are SO great in your space – gotta love a lucky shopping day 🙂
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
LOVE that lamp. I’m actually starting a hunt for bedside lamps and I’m looking for pretty much exactly what you got.
And I love those sheets. Big sucker for that pattern.
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow girl I love it, seriously as in… I’m going to stalk my Marshalls for a lamp or two as well!
PS: I’m hosting a GIVE-AWAY this week be sure you enter :+)
Teri says
Well, I don’t buy just to buy (tho we did in the past… now I’m butt deep in decluttering), but I do want to have a nicely turned out home. At a good price. Love Home Goods/TJ Maxx. Love Target. Love thrifting (tho I usually seem to come up empty handed…but that’s OK too).