Smiley Saturday - Shopping
While in part this blog was supposed to be about my journey toward a more simpler life, I will admit that I still LOVE shopping. Not that I think Simple Living and a love of shopping need to be mutually exclusive (hee, hee, I just used something I learnt in MATHS on my blog - shock, horror!!! 
). I think the point with Simple Living is to shop MINDFULLY. Some would also say it’s to shop for NEEDS more than WANTS. So perhaps I’ll never be as “good” at Simple Living as some. 
But that’s okay, I’ll happily carve my own path in life.
Where am I going with all this dribble on such a fine Saturday morning? Just self-justifying a little here, that’s all. Cos I want to show you a couple of purchases that made me smile this week.
First up - we bought a new television:
It wasn’t quite within our original budget or plan but that had changed before we went shopping. We talked the whole “digital” vs “analogue” issue over and in the end decided on a budget of $1000 instead of $500. We received some extra money from Centrelink after our last tax return was done (part of the old baby bonus that was spread over 5 years) and I suggested that we could use $1000 of that toward the television.
Farmboy did well and spent only $850 of it. While it was the “baby” of the television screens in the store, this one fits our cabinet perfectly and has created lots of smiles from the whole family. One thing I do enjoy about being frugal is that when we do “splurge”, the gratification is quite high.
I bought myself a netball:
Singstar Princess wanted to take it to netball training this week instead of her own netball. Farmboy and I allocate $40 each per month as personal spending money. I usually spend mine on magazines, chocolate and craft supplies. Oh, and sometimes clothes. Due to my lack of organisation so far this year, we got 4 months of spending money all at once. $160!!!! What a windfall! I felt very decadent and rich. One of the things I really like about having our own money is that I can say “no, it’s mine. I bought it with MY pocket money”.
She can hardly complain. I bought her netball for her - she didn’t even have to spend her OWN money on it. Of course, I am going to need someone to do some passing with me!!!
While I’m on the subject of netball. Some of you have probably picked up that my netball coach is a regular reader and commenter here. Next time she makes a comment along the lines of “it’s not boot camp” - DON’T BELIEVE HER!!!! 
We ended up training for 2 HOURS this week. 2 HOURS!!!! I certainly slept well Thursday night!!! Fingers crossed I actually play better this week as a result.
My new shoes:
Ever since boots started making their appearance in stores this season, I’ve been hankering after a pair. These weren’t actually my first choice. My first choice were more than twice the price. Unfortunately, when I got to the check-out, I realised they were damaged and they didn’t have any others in my size. 
So I bought this pair instead. I REALLY liked those with a much narrower heel but my knees didn’t like the unsteadiness. *sigh* Must be getting old. I have to settle for low boots cos my legs are too fat! 
So, there you have it. Lots of new toys to make me smile this week.
Sticker Swap
How are the Sticker Swappers going? I’m sitting here looking at mine waiting to be posted off (sorry Trish 
). Has everyone been able to at least make contact with their swap partners? Please let me know if you’ve hit a snag there.
Why Not Join Us?
Anyone can join in Smiley Saturday. If you’ve not done so before, please read the Smiley Saturday page before posting your link into the Mr Linky below. I have added the regular particpants list to that page also. If you’re blog doesn’t appear there and you fit the criteria mentioned, please let me know and I’ll add you.
Wishing you all a wonderful Smiley Saturday everyone. 
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- Smiley Saturday - Dove Chocolate
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[...] now make sure you pop over to Lightening’s and see some more smiley moments from blogs around the [...]
Hey, great shopping !!!!!
I e-mailed my sticker swap partner but haven’t heard back. Thanks for reminding me.
“One thing I do enjoy about being frugal is that when we do “splurge”, the gratification is quite high.”
This is so true.
I’ll echo the thought that ’splurging’ is good for you.
Having digital tv is also good even if you don’t watch a lot, you and the rest of the family now have a greater choice and there are some really interesting choices available.
Take care
Cathy
Great purchases!
My smiles this week are all about the cookies.
It’s not splurging when you NEED a new tv and boots is it? Is it? I hope not
Wants and needs are very flexible aye?
BTW I love the idea of smiley saturday and am definitely going to try and participate fully.
Eve
I LOVE those boots. I’ve been avoiding buying boots for years because I too have large calves. I never gave a single thought to buying low boots, but I’ve seen several very nice styles lately, so maybe it’s time.
Mmmmm well I splurged recently and bought some long boots but with a shorter heel and I love them… but it sure must look funny when I try to zip them on…… I need more flexibility!
The calf part is so tricky but worth the effort!
Because my boots were more expensive than the shoes hubby chose, his were half price from the already half reduced price, so he got good Colorados for a mere $35 so he had the last laugh!
Its a good time of year here in Oz to get end of financial year sales…… I could not believe the bargains when we went shopping at Westfield recently but thankfully I stuck to the needs list! The average price of all we bought(mainly clothing for work needs) was very good and also the quality too.
Isnt it nice to feel spoilt?
How’s netball today?
I love your new boots … they are just my style too.
I enjoyed your smiley shopping splurge too.
I need one too - soon - my FIL gives $$ as a present so I hope he remembers this year.
I am slack too - it is still on my undone list to buy more and post . Next week
Boot camp? I don’t think I can be blamed for the boot camp section!
In answer to your question, yes you did play better today. You and Steph did a fantastic job of keeping that WA under control for the centre pass and you stuck to her like glue. Go you! Your passing was much stronger and controlled today too …. must be that pink netball!
Nice boots.
I can’t seem to find a pair that have the right heel.
Very nice boots and tele! Enjoy all of your treats… simply cause they make you smile :0)
Ah shopping … always brings a smile … though I’ve made a conscious effort to give the practice up this past year and (for the most part) succeeded. That said, I did order a new laptop about two and a half weeks ago that could arrive today or Monday (I’m hoping for today, of course) … so I’m smiling BIG TIME in relief after some ups, downs, and ups ;–)
I hope everyone’s having a wonderful week. I just published my 9th Smiley Saturday at Small Reflections. Thanks for adding my link to the Smiley Saturday page here.
Hugs and blessings,
hi, i accidentally clicked mr linky with the address of my other site. but here i am participating from my other blog. it’s my first time.
the impulse to buy things cannot be avoided at times. for me, if you have the money, then go or else you’ll end up not having a good sleep thinking about something you should have bought but didnt.
Very nice. I love your new pair!