Oh My - I Went On A Shopping Spree!!

The very few people who read my blog know that I've challenged myself to a year of non-consumerism, of frugal living, of being grateful and focused on all that I have instead of wanting and buying more.
 
Now, before you get judgmental about the title of this blog, let me explain myself.  I've done quite well since January with my pledge to not buy new.  There have been some exceptions, particularly when it comes to my grandson, but I put him on the "does not count if I buy him any amount of clothes or toys" list before I ever agreed to this endeavor.  Though I'm proud to say that I mostly buy his clothes at baby consignment sales.
 
Back to my confession of my tremendous, excellent, stupendous, amazing shopping spree, the likes of which I've never experienced in my life!  You ladies who like to shop will just laugh and think I'm loony, but I really HATE shopping.  Yet, this was the most fun I've ever had shopping for clothes.  The good news is......

I DIDN'T BREAK MY PLEDGE!!

My closet really has become sparse when I discount all the shirts with holes in them and the clothes that don't fit anymore.  It was time.  I had to get some new duds.

Thank God for a wonderful resale clothing store in Tyler where I spent 4 hours shopping (folks I've NEVER spent 4 hours shopping for clothes) and tried on at least 100 pieces of clothing!  To my surprise, absent was the pressure I would've normally felt shopping at Macy's to find the perfect ensemble at a price that didn't give me buyer's remorse.

It was also surprising to me how I felt a new sense of freedom and adventure in choosing what I liked.  When a name brand skirt is $6 or $8, you can venture out and try a style that is a little different than what you would normally do, with no guilt.

I left the store with 17 gently used pieces of clothing, including one pair of dress shoes that looked like they had never been worn, spent about $170 before tax, and felt like a million bucks! 

Now, I have 2 dilemmas. 

The first is when I'm going to wear each of my new items!  And, the second is will I ever go back to the old way of living and consuming?  I feel so much better shopping this way where I save my family money, reuse items that are still wonderful and viable, and feel like I'm being a much better steward of all that God has given me. 

It's something to think about.....

Be love and be blessed,