My B’day Shopping Spree

 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!