On Saturday a miracle happened, and for a moment I really didn’t believe it, but there I was standing in Target and the mall all ALONE!!!
No kiddos, just me.
As the doors slid open for my arrival, the familiar smell of Target popcorn greeted me and then I made my way to the mall {our Target and mall are attached, convenient and gets me into trouble}. There were no little people tugging my coat begging for rides on the mechanical toy cars, that eat quarters like candy. There was no whining about going to the stinky candle and soap store. But there were other things that were missing too…
Because sometimes taking them shopping with you isn’t all bad.
{or at least one of them, the good and peaceful one}
1. You can steal their snacks.
We have a ritual. Every time we enter Target we stop to get popcorn before we do anything else. While I pretend we don’t need it, I secretly LOVE it, and snitch my fair share from the bag.
2. The stroller makes a great bag holder.
I haven’t had to carry a single shopping bag for almost five years. Yesterday I had to schlep two VERY heavy and cumbersome sacks across the length of the mall, and I thought my arm was going to fall off. Which is why we will be using the stroller until the kids are in high school, I’m too old to carry all that stuff.
3. You don’t buy as much.
Seriously, I bought so much extra crap yesterday without the boys. When they are with me I don’t have time to get distracted by shiny clearance racks, and I definitely don’t have time to try anything on, which means I save more money.
4. You can skip your workout for the day.
Because chasing two boys through the mall and Target will be all you need for cardio that day.
and last but not least….
5. You have someone to talk to.
I spent two hours shopping yesterday and didn’t speak more than five times. My boys are a bevy of factoids and conversations, I love talking to them and showing them things. Even the whining is ok…to a certain point…because at least I’m engaged with someone. By the time I was done and heading home I actually missed them.
Until the two year old had a meltdown over “snacks” and the five year old was begging for Angry Birds…then I just wanted to drive back to Target again.
I have found many of the same things when I get a rare moment to myself. As much as enjoy “me” time, I always end up missing my kids!
Ashley recently posted..Eggshell and Air Dry Clay Art
I love this! I have a 5 month old and ALWAYS buy more when I shop alone. That carrier takes up a lot of valuable real estate in the cart!
Found you through Sharefest. Have a GREAT weekend! 🙂
Erin @ The Grass Skirt recently posted..Weekly round-up (3/30)
Great list. My girls are 8 and 10 now and I miss the stroller for carrying things sometimes. And now that they are older (and girls) I buy more when they are with me because THEY shop the clearance racks! Your love for your kids is so evident in this post. Visiting from the Sharefest.
Laura @ Pruning Princesses recently posted..Earth Treasure Stored In My Heart
Nice try, but I’m not convinced. You need to get away from them so that you miss them.
Denise recently posted..Free or Cheap: Magic House, Laser Tag and Zoo
Love this for so many reasons! A. You’re a fellow redhead. Bonus points for that. B. I have a 2 year old son and he DOES make my Target trips more exciting… although not so much Thursday when he had a meltdown. C. Your perspective is so positive and refreshing. I’m happy I discovered you! I’m going to follow you on BlogLovin’ and Twitter. 🙂
Christina recently posted..Naughty Little Mice
What a great post. My boys are 14 and 12 now, and I love leaving them at home because their tastes haven’t gotten so expensive, especially when it comes to clothes!
Jen@Making Our Life Matter recently posted..Finding The Best Planner To Meet Your Organizational Needs
This is me to a T! When I do get alone time shopping, I’m more distracted and prone to impulse buys than when my kids are with me … when they’re there, I’m on a mission to buy what’s on the list and get the heck out of there!
Teresa @ Working Traveling Mom recently posted..No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Love this! You are so right about carrying the heavy bags versus having a stroller! Stopping by from SITS Sharefest on Twitter.
thedoseofreality recently posted..Pinterest Nightmare #384: The UroClub
You are totally right! Especially about the snacks. I have no qualms opening up a bag of snacks in the grocery store as long as the kids are along for the ride. No one needs to know it’s more for me than it is for them 🙂
Michelle recently posted..Easter Is Coming!