I have an unofficial tradition I impose on myself every birthday weekend. It’s been more of a tradition in the past decade or so, but I honor it nonetheless and it involves self indulgence and total “me” time. I shop. I shop all day. I go to stores I may not visit for another year and just have a dang good time browsing, trying on clothes, shoes, looking at curtains, dreaming of what could be, and just absolutely having a blast – by myself. This kind of shopping is not something I can do successfully with anyone else. Guys will get frustrated with all the girly stores and frankly, I don’t want the peer pressure of someone else (male or female) making me feel guilty if I really want to buy something I absolutely don’t need.
So, today was that shopping day. I hit DSW Shoes, Off Broadway Shoes, Stein Mart, Ikea, Petco, and Marshalls.
The coolest thing I got and probably the most fiscally responsible (read cheapest) was this napkin holder. I know! A napkin holder! But just look at how cool it is. It’s from Ikea. The napkins (also from Ikea) lay on top of a black plate and there’s a weighted arm that holds them in place. I love it! (P.S. Hey, did you notice the awesome photo in the background?)
The biggest purchase of the day was my 4 new pairs of shoes. Yes – 4 pairs! For you shoe-nistas I am so going to disappoint you. I buy frugally and purchase based on 1) comfort 2) usability 3) need and lastly 4) fashion. Don’t come here expecting to see me in Jimmy Choos – it ain’t gonna happen.
But I am excited about these pretty shoes:
The photo doesn’t do them justice. They’re really dark black suede pumps and look amazing on my feet. I got some really fun shoes today between DSW and Off Broadway.
Back to cool stuff – I also got a pretty new duvet from Ikea. It’s really lovely in person.
One last note, nothing to do with shopping. The other exciting thing that happened this weekend was Mikita jumping into the pool all by herself, no pushing by me or Mike. Last year she learned to swim.. this year she’s learning to jump in alone. Yea for Mikita!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the shoes. And what a unique napkin holder!
Kudos to you for taking “me” time. My hubby is letting me have a whole weekend to myself in two weeks while he takes the kids to see family. I plan on getting pampered at a spa and doing some shopping myself! After the last couple of weeks…I need it!
Once again, happy birthday!
A girl after my own heart. I love those rare days when I can shop all by myself with no pressure to buy or save. As for shoes, I’m all about price and comfort too. Happy Birthday – enjoy your treasures!!
I’m ALL about bargains and comfort! I love your finds and hooray for Mikita!
Way to treat yourself Leanne! You deserve it more than once a year for sure. Love the napkin holder and napkins (as well as the cool picture in the background). You can have my share of shoes-I prefer barefoot LOL.
Sounds like you had a great shopping spree. Love the napkin holder and the shoes!
And your new blog looks great! Very professional and fun.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Thank you everyone for your comments. I really did have fun on my shopping spree. And I didn’t spend “that” much money which is even better. Yea!
IKEA is my feel good place – the one after WDW! I can wander around there for days, and come out with no memory of anything sad in the world….and full from the Swedish meatballs!