Shopping Update - 08/23, 24 and 25

08/23: Returned a light bulb to get a replacement. This is significant as I have fallen out of the habit of ever returning anything. I had just bought the light bulb and when I got it home, it didn't work so it had to be exchanged. Other than groceries - needed at home and for a lunch I was hosting with a friend the next day - that is all I bought.

08/24: Went to our local fair. This is apart of the philosophy of spending money on experiences, not things. It was money well spent. My DD had tons of fun on the rides. She did talk me into purchasing a light-up wand for her - $5. I relented knowing full well that carrying around the multi-colored light was apart of the 'experience' of being on the midway at night and that I would have to get rid of one of her other toy flashlights when I got home. The problem is, despite my searching, I couldn't find anything else that qualifies as either a flashlight or a wand. I know she has tons of both! I finally settle on getting rid of a plastic princess crown that has seen better days.

08/25: DD will be playing basketball this fall and today was a demo-camp with a local female basketball team. This is an experience I didn't want DD to miss. What I didn't know was the registration fee included a regulation sized basketball, in the team colors, for each child and the sports team was holding an autograph signing for the balls. Is the basketball something NEW that I purchased by paying the registration fee? Sadly, yes. Now I have to find another ball somewhere around here that will get donated to charity. Good thing the thrift store truck is coming to make a pick-up next week.

The problem is that DD likes the few balls she already owns. Among basketball we only own hubby's regulation-sized leather ball and DD's smaller basketball which is easier for her to handle. The obvious choice is to get rid of DD's smaller basketball, which needs to be filled with air anyway, but the new autographed basketball doesn't really replace it. They have two different purposes. I'll have to dig around in the sports equipment to see what I can find. Out in the backyard I find a basketball that I don't even remember owning. It is in fine shape except for the fact that it has obviously seen several seasons outside in the weather. It is worth keeping which means it is also worth passing along. How many basketballs does a family need?

And as DD's birthday approaches, I realize I'll be facing similar challenges in the near future. Trying to find old toys that she is willing to give up in favor of her new gifts shouldn't be a problem, but I know it will be. That we have already decluttered a bulk of DD's toys - which are sitting in the garage waiting for us to hold a garage sale - isn't the issue. We obviously will benefit from decluttering more. Just the other day I was raggin' on DD about how she has so many toys she can't take care of them properly.

Good news! I finally squeezed every last bit of accessible toothpaste out of two different tubes. Those went in the trash and I was able to withdraw another tube from the stash. Slowly the box empties.