It’s that time of year again – the time of year when I bow to the man in the red suit. I LOVE the holidays – love them. One of my favourite things to do during the holidays is shop – love that some more. As any mommy may appreciate, I find it especially enjoyable when I get to do it ALONE. Being a stay-at-home mom, I relish the little alone time I have, what can I tell you.
After years of practice, I have discovered the necessities I need to have with me, when I’m about to go on a shopping marathon. If armed with these must-have items, I can ensure a successful shopping trip. In the spirit of giving, I’ve decided to share them with you – consider it my gift to you. You are so welcome.
1. A Shopping List – Don’t go anywhere until you have an organized and complete list. I find it’s an absolute necessity because it often guilts me into focusing on the task at hand. YOU NEED TO FOCUS! This is NOT the time to buy yourself another sweater!
2. Comfortable shoes – Its all about a cute flat, don’t you think? I totally believe that if your feet look cute, your shopping experience will be that much more comfortable. But more importantly, your feet will look cute and what’s better than that?
3. Cell phone – Despite the much appreciated alone time, as a mom, you are on-call all the time (I am anyway). Don’t forget your phone! How else will the hubs call to annoy you/ask redundant questions/find out how much you’re spending? More importantly, you can’t TWEET without it! Don’t be crazy – just take the phone with you!
4. Credit Card – My word of advice regarding the credit card is to APOLOGIZE before you leave the house – that way you don’t have to do it when you come home.
5. Reusable Totes – Caring for the environment is very chic these days. I personally like the totes that fold up really small and fit in your handbag. Then you can use the money you save not having to buy the plastic bags, to buy my next must-have.
6. A Latte – Mummy needs a latte! PRONTO! and that’s all I have to say about that.
7. A Picture of your Children – It could take HOURS to get your shopping done, and you don’t want to forget what your kids look like, do you?
8. PURELL – Disinfect to protect yourself, your babes, and your pets – before, during and after your shopping expedition. Bring an extra bottle so you can squirt it at people who cough in your general direction.
9. GUM – Because nothing says gross like garlic breath.
10. A BIG, FABULOUS HANDBAG – My theory is the bigger the handbag, the more crap you can put in it (I AM A GENIUS!). Seriously, my handbag can hold a ton! Why carry a diaper bag, when you can just throw it all in a cute handbag. You may not know this, but cute handbags make the world go round. Google it. I swear its true. (P.S. if you have to Google it, you are missing out my lady friend).
So, that’s it. You’ve read the list and now you are ready! I have every confidence that you will go out there, shop like its 1999 and find the perfect gifts. Now go on – SHOP! You can thank me later. I’m always looking for another cute sweater. I could also really use some flats and a hot handbag while you’re at it.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
(Please Note: You may have noticed that I used the word “cute” in this post WAY too many times. If you are allergic to the word cute, be advised, this post may make you break out in hives. It may also induce spontaneous vomiting. Just sayin.)
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Only thing missing from the list is a great girlfriend to share the day (and a fab lunch somewhere with!) Have fun, sadly my shopping is done. Would love an excuse to get out and do more but my credit card won’t cooperate.
I have to agree that this kind of serious shopping needs to be done alone! I think all women need cute flats and a big cute purse! Have a fun day shopping.
I make lists upon lists…I don’t know how someone could go without one. My husband shops without any forethought, and kind of sucks at it.
I here that. My husband TOTALLY SUCKS AT IT TOO. I have to give him an exact list if I want any chance to get something I want.
OMG that is tooo funny. “A Picture of your children”! I love it.
Shane
Have forgotten a few of the essential items far too many times (Credit card? ya – I always have it with me, until this time of year when it’s near the computer for holiday shopping. oops)
However, I disagree with Christine a bit – while I like shopping with friends or my sisters, I get nothing done (or at least not as much) as when I’m alone. Alone shopping – no kids or time restraints is a dream!
If we all go together and then split up we take our “walkie-talkies.” My husband is a nerd like that. I got a really strange look in Banana Republic one day when he called me by my handle.
OMG, That is so freakin’ cute. I would love to see the two of you interact in person, I bet he is totally smitten with you. You’re both probably in deep smit. So sweet.
Fun post, Maria. I needed some BOREDmommy humour tonight!
“Deep smit.” *snort*
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I love your list and comfortable shoes tops mine! Have a wonderful holiday Maria!
I make a spreadsheet every year with everyone’s name on it. I research gifts, list where I can buy it, and the costs. Admittedly, I make a lot of online purchases since most of my family is out of state. However, when I hit the mall, I am on a mission! Nothing can distract me! Lists are life savers!
And I love your reusable tote idea. I MEANT to do that this year, but I forgot. Oddly enough, though, a couple of stores gave me reusable totes instead of plastic or paper bags (thank you Steve Madden and Lucky Jeans!).
I love your list and hand sanitizer! Late and big bag! Ohhh we could so shop together:) Hope it went well.
I can’t believe I never thought of bringing a reusable tote with me rather than lugging around a dozen plastic bags that cut into my hands. Freakin genius.
I would become Canadian just to use words like… favourite and colour and neighbour…
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