I'm giving up self-restraint for Lent

Kevin always jokes that the time between me talking about buying something and actually going to the store and paying money is about six months.

So it was with a fearful heart that I planned my morning of baby-free shopping, to be concluded with a family trip North to H&M (for Kevin) and Sephora (for me). Because even when I plan to buy something and have actual cash to pay for it, I second-guess myself. Is this really the best use of my money? Shouldn't I spend it on something else? What if it's a bad purchase? What if I don't like it? If I was buying, say, a new house, this could be partially reasonable. But I can spend just as much time fussing over a 2.99 Burt's Bees Lip Balm. Seriously. And if I was going to spend some money, I want to enjoy it! Kevin talked me down more than once last night, and sent me off with a kiss to blow some cash.

And blow I did.

Such a nice amount of swag, huh?

Fred Meyer: OPI "I'm Not Really A Waitress" nail polish. Maybelline Lip Gloss and eyeliner. Two shirts and a pair of shorts for Patrick off the 70% additional clearance rack.

Target: Two pairs of lounge pants (one pair might be returned...who am I kidding...I'm keeping both) in black and dark teal. A short-sleeved green t-shirt for St. Patrick's Day (impluse for $4). Fancy-pants hairspray. Olay Regenerist face serum. Garnier Fructis eye cream. Burt's Bees Lip Balm. Almay eyeshadow. Cover Girl eyeshadow. Sonia Kushuk blush brush. Jergen's Natural Glow Healthy Complexion with SPF 20.

And now, the mall.

Gene Juarez: Essie "Mademoiselle" nail polish. (both nail polish colors were recommended by Nadine Haobsh, the author of "Beauty Confidential." My goal is to keep renewing it from the library and never give it back. I carried it in my purse all day for reference). This was the only place in town that sold it to non-cosmetologists.

Old Navy: One bucket hat on clearance. One patterned t-shirt that I used my 40% off coupon. A bright teal scarf. (Another impulse)

Victoria's Secret: I was lured in by a new bra for a discounted price in the window, and remembered that they had some fun makeup. The bra didn't work. More architecture is needed. But I found a gray zip hooded sweatshirt for a nice sale price. Lip Stain. Lip Gloss. Shimmery black eye-liner.

Now I have to pick up Patrick, who is fast asleep on the couch at day care. Nancy (day care lady) and I talk about schedules, sleeping, and meal. She agrees that Patrick is a pretty scheduled kid, likes to graze, and was pretty punky today. As he spent over an hour refusing to go back to sleep, then 40 minutes screaming his head off about it, I'm not surprised.

Home to Daddy, then off to the fancier mall. Kevin shops first, and gets a FAB deal on the nicest jacket and slacks for Arizona, the inspiration for most of my shopping as well. Dark gray with white pinstripes. He'll wear it with a pink-on-pink lightly striped button up from the Gap, and plans on getting a shiney solid pink tie to match. Hot hot hot! He spends less than $80 today.

Patrick and I spend most of our time going up and down the escalator.

Then Daddy takes over, Patrick is off to the play area, and I waltz into Sephora. The best aspect to Sephora is the ability to play with loads of different brands without needing a sales associate hovering. The aplicators, makeup remover, and garbage cans are scattered throughout. And there is lots of help and advice as well. I found loads of stuff that someday I will not be able to live without. I still love my Bare Escentuals, it's not the fastest routine. I want something a little quicker as the warm weather hits. So I'll be saving my pennies after I buy a guitar with my share of opera money.

This was my most expensive trip. Shu Uemura eyelash curler (Nadine says it's the best). Tarte A Perfect Whirled Natural Cheek Stain. Lancome Definicles Mascara. A BE Flawless Finish Brush. BE Prime Time. Stila Kitten eyeshadow. The other Stila cream was my free sample.

Mom, you could probably look up the price of all that stuff. But you really don't want to. Your head would explode.


And I still need a dress and shoes for the wedding!