Shopping Smart?

I have a confession… I love to shop.  I especially love to shop for home-related items.  But, the Great Purge of 2012 and our decision to only bring items into our home that have an intended purpose have led to big changes in my shopping habits.  I fully admit that when confronted with a “sale”, a great price or something I want while out shopping, I get a full-on shopper’s high.  My heart starts beating quicker, my palms get sweaty and my adrenaline kicks in.  Yes… I am one of those women who goes to Target with dog food and cleaning supplies on my mental list and comes home with new dishtowels, a pretty basket, a knick-knack for the kitchen, a few cleaning supplies and NO dog food.   I am so completely distracted and disoriented by all the fabulous knock-offs and limited edition lines… and I am a sucker for a good sale and immediate gratification.  As a result, my local Goodwill was the recipient of a ton of barely used you-know-what I’d purchased over the past year.

Great Inspirational Quotes“>

This picture reminds me of my former self, out shopping and checking my watch to see how much time I had before preschool pickup… except that I would  be wearing yoga pants, running shoes and no makeup. Source: Great Inspirational Quotes

But I am taking control and saying no more!  I now go to Target with a written shopping list in hand and wear a device that emits an electric shock if I deviate from that list.  But does that mean we’re not making any purchases for our home in 2013?  No way… not at all… we’re just going to think through those purchases and make sure that they are needed and that they serve a PURPOSE here.  If an item meets that criteria, then they go onto a list… and if and when we I purchase those items, we I will do the legwork necessary to make sure we are buying a quality item; something we can enjoy for years to come.

So, I am developing a master shopping list!  A list of things Mike and I feel like we need to add to our home in 2013.  I’m calling it My Must-Have List for the Home in 2013.  My goal is to add one item a month to our home from the list.  Some of the items are major items… like new bedding for the master bedroom.  But some of the items are little, everyday items that we don’t yet, but feel like we need (like a real-deal cast iron skillet).  When it makes sense to do so, I want to purchase these items through Estate Sales or Thrift Stores and when that doesn’t make sense, I want to research, take my time and choose things for their price AND quality.  Our goal is that by the end of 2013, we’ve added about 12 items to our home… things we needed… things that are made of quality construction… and things that are classic and will last in our home for years to come.

ExileLifeStyle“>

Love this quote.  A little funny and very true.  Source: ExileLifeStyle

I’m going to take you all along with me on my search for these items if you want to come along!  First, you can follow my Pinterest board, 12 Must-Haves for the Home in 2013.  There’s not much there rigt now, but that’s where I’ll pin items we’re looking for and ideas on where to get them.   Then, I will be doing a post each month call The Thrill of the Hunt.  I’ll profile one of the items I’m looking for and how I’ll go about getting it.  Lastly, for Raleigh-area readers, I’m going to be putting together some Storywood Designs’ field trips!  Follow me on Facebook to get updates on getting together to hit area flea markets, estate sales and thrifting excursions.

Impulse buying is going to be a hard habit for me to break… but one I’m excited to work on.  I saw the effects that impulse buying can have on the level of clutter in my home.  I cringed as I thought about the dollar amount of the stuff I donated to Goodwill.  I’m excited to really think through my home purchases and make choices on items that we will enjoy in our home for years to come!  How do you shop for your home… do you think through your purchases or snap something up when it catches your eye?