A shopping surprise

Here I am. One month into fair trade, and not that I need anything, but I miss the idea of not going to the mall.

Okay, so last weekend my son, Zach, and his girlfriend, Adrienne, were at the house and Zach said, “Mom, you want to go to the mall with us?” About the same time we all said,  ohhhhhh, and I was quick to reply, “Well, I can still go to the mall. I can look. And underwear is an exception and Victoria Secret is having their semi-annual sale." So we jumped in the car and headed to the mall. I came home with a $2.99 pair of undies that I needed, really. I watched Adrienne try on cute clothes, I looked at sale items and I enjoyed it, even if i was just looking. Part of the fun of going to the mall for me is just to see what is out there. As I browsed, it did occur to me that there are holidays and I have a birthday, so I may have verbalized that if one day if I find something that I just can’t live without, Zach could get me a birthday present. To this he made the comment, “It’s only January, mom.” Well, I was just thinking.

Truthfully, there is nothing I need from the mall. I am so thankful for this opportunity to stay clear of the excess of shopping. I have enjoyed looking through old things in the closet. I found an old suit that I thought I had sold in a garage sale. I was so excited to find it, because I love how old clothes come back in style. 

Now, I have to admit that when you are used to filling a little bit of your free time with finding a great bargain, it is hard to break the habit of checking out the local discount stores or a sale at the mall. So I had to try my hand at the local thrift store.  Yes, it is a little awkward if you are not used to frequenting them. Yes, I do wonder how people are looking at me and what they are thinking. No, I didn’t tell anyone when I made eye contact that I was sacrificing, or that I’d joined my daughters in a quest. I did want to, but I just pilfered through the racks of old clothes like everyone else. Yes, lots of old stuff, lots of stuff at which I grimaced or snubbed my nose. BUT guess what, you won’t believe what I found! I was actually just looking for a straight winter skirt to wear with my boots, and I then I eyed a long red coat. Seriously, I have wanted a long red coat for a long time. I even ordered one online once and sent it back because it didn’t look good. So I see this long red coat….I tried it on….it was perfect. I was so excited and as a lady walked by, I asked how much and she said, “All women’s clothes are $1.97.”  You’re joking me right. Yes, $1.97. You just won’t believe it.  I came home with 6 things and spent around $12.  Wow, this thrifting may not be such a bad gig.  I am going to have to pace myself. Best of all, this store supports a charity.  Stop by Christian Community Action in Lewisville, TX.  It is my new shopping stop!