Well, I have a weakness for a lot of things. But I have to be good and rein myself in, since we try to stick to a budget and I’m trying to save money for fewer large purchases as opposed to tons and tons of small purchases. In the end I find a trip home or something big like that more satisfying than lots of little things scattered around the house.
That said, when I do have money to spend, these are the things that always get my wallet out:
1. Books. Our local Goodwill store has a huge wall of paperbacks priced for a buck each. Yep, $1. I do get most of my books from the library but I like to keep some books on hand for the dry spells when none of my holds are available. And when I’m done reading them, I can pass them on to someone else so they’ll be loved thrice-over–it’s a win-win all around. Recently I managed to snag Shutter Island, Anna Karenina, and a bunch of others all in practically new condition.
2. Nail polish. In my defense I almost always wait until there’s a sale. I can’t go really wild with makeup at work but I can paint my nails any shade I please, so I hoard more nail polish than any other makeup item.
3. Coffee/tea. There is always room for coffee and tea in Martha’s Monthly Budget, especially once the limited edition holiday flavors hit the shelf!
4. Chocolate. Little things make life sunnier I think, so I can almost always justify buying chocolate as a sort of low-cost mental health item.
5. Things with cute animals on them. Whether it’s a penguin coffee mug or a wallet with a fox on it, I manage to find all sorts of reasons not to pass up an item with some cute animal on it. I’m partial to cats (obviously), penguins, foxes, polar bears and birds, especially owls.
So what are some of the things you can never resist buying? Tell me in the comments!
22 Comments
M.
Ah, books. I am right there with you. I just got some excellent tea – Harney & Sons lavender-chamomile. So good! Though my all time fave is Numi rooibos Chai. SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!
Martha Woods
Ooh, that sounds good…I keep looking for the vanilla chai at the grocery store but they’re perpetually sold out. (stamps foot)
Katrin
Could be my list. :) We have so much in common! And oh, I can’t resist things with cute animals on them either. I forgot to add that to my list. It is really horrible. I don’t buy it because I need it but because it is cute.
Thanks for linking up, love!
Martha Woods
Right now I’m looking at a bunch of penguin and polar bear stuff for Christmas and trying to refrain from buying any of it :D
Lin
Nail polish seems to be one of the main things we all can’t stop buying haha. At lease we’re not alone.
I’m usually not much of a chocolate eater but lately I’ve been craving it like a mofo. Ok – I’m giving in. I need to go buy a Twix bar. Now.
Martha Woods
We all need PolishAholics Anonymous!
Have you seen any of those recipes for candy bar pizzas?! Oh my gosh. They look like diabetes in a pan but oh, the layers of chocolate upon chocolate!!
Pang Ly
2, 3, and 4 are my vices, lol. I can’t seem to get enough of them.
Martha Woods
I think chocolate and new polish is a great way to unwind after a stressful day though :)
Yun, The Polish Hideout
I also can’t resist nail polish, but you probably already knew that. :P Right now for fall, I’ve also been picking up quite a few cute sweaters. It’s nice to feel warm and stylish, especially with the weather being so yucky. :) Tea is also a weakness for me, but I’m totally on no-buy now. I was acquiring faster than I could possibly drink, so no more until I put a dent through my hoard. :)
~ Yun
Martha Woods
LOL but you have an amazing collection, I’m sure! I really should buy more sweaters since the weather is so dreary. With enough sweaters and tea together, I can almost pretend I’m in England or something :)
Rebecca and Lori
I’m all about the books. Goodwill is one of my go-to places to find a bunch of well priced choices.
Lori
Martha Woods
I can always justify it by telling myself that reading enriches the mind :)
Elle Sees
polish…i’m the same way. i can’t help it.
Martha Woods
On the bright side it’s a fairly cheap habit!
Celeste
I have to agree on the books, although mine are always kindle. I also get National Geographic and The Economist every time they are out..I need to get a subscription one day :)
Martha Woods
I finally got us a subbie to Nat Geo as a birthday present last year and have not regretted it at all…it’s a great magazine!
Chantel
Cool post!
Martha Woods
Thanks :)
Rebecca B. Bird
Great list! I also have a weakness for the thrift store book sections… it’s nice to find classics on the cheap, but I’ll admit that I’ve also bought a number of cheesy romance/mystery novels at thrift stores. Most people don’t tend to hang onto those for long so they are always lots to choose from!
Martha Woods
It’s a great way to pick up something you wouldn’t otherwise buy…plus the thrift store is a charity, so you’re also benefiting someone else. Win-win.
Jannatul Rahamoni
what about a cute bunny!!! (you didnt mention!! @.@ ) :D
want to see more nail polish post :D
Martha Woods
That’s true too!!! :)