Why is it that when you go to Costco or Target (as in the photo above) you end up spending more money than you would EVER spend anywhere else? I took Rosie to Target to buy one thing -- a prize for having survived another week of Lindamood Bell. ONE THING. A Polly Pocket. I did not intend to replenish the present closet by purchasing a dozen Lego, art supply packs, etc. I did not intend to buy enough shampoo to last this family three decades. Nor did I plan on stocking up on razors or Advil or Method cleaning products (please tell me these are okay for the environment, because they smell so good.) NO! I planned on a quick in and out. A quick grab and go. And what happened? I was trapped, lured, seduced. Do you KNOW how much all that crap cost? A prize for the person who guesses!
At least I can rest easy knowing I have contributed to the economy.
Oh Lord, Target is pure evil. I can walk in there to buy a $5.99 pack of underwear for one of the boys and walk out $200 poorer.
That being the case, I am going to guess $170 because that's in our usual range, and you and I are in pretty much the same boat, kid-wise.
Comment created on April 27, 2009 at 7:31 PM
I say $250 minimum. That's my guess....
Comment created on April 27, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Oh you guys are so so far off.
Comment created on April 27, 2009 at 9:36 PM
ayelet...am laughing...went to target yesterday for one glass jar -one....$450ish later...who knew i "needed" so much stuff??
robin
Comment created on April 28, 2009 at 6:50 AM
Ayelet, I am laughing, laughing, laughing!! It is impossible to guess how much you "contributed to the economy" at Target. Costco, Target, etc... are pretty much financial black holes! A girl goes in to buy toilet paper, and the next thing you know, the cart is full and it's hundreds of dollars later. How in the heck does that happen?!?!?! I avoid it as much as possible --- I even sent my husband last time! Anything, oh anything!!, to stay out of the money pit!
Comment created on April 28, 2009 at 3:50 PM
My guess: $300. I know how it is, and when I shop, I usually forget the one thing I went to the store for!
~Kimberlee
Comment created on April 29, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Costco is the worst, its so easy to blow $300. I'm guessing you spent around $325 final answer :)
Comment created on April 30, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Ayelet,
So great to see you blogging!!! Keep doing it!!
best,
Jocelyn
Comment created on May 1, 2009 at 8:17 AM
I'm going to weigh in...and say over $500...I shop at Target ALL THE TIME...and it certainly adds up.
Comment created on May 1, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Wow! You should all feel lucky to have an extra $300, or so, to blow on impulse purchases at Target! If I did that, we'd be eating spaghettti for the rest of the month, lol! But my guess is $600...
Comment created on May 1, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I agree! Even when I go to Safeway I buy way more than I intended. And Costco is a joke--we always take a cart -- even if we're going in for socks and come out with more than we need, condiments that expire before I can use them, and fruit that spoils -- all of it leaving me to feel very guilty. Not guilty enough to stop shopping mind you...
I love your honesty and have urged my married daughters to read your blog!!! I wish someone like you had been around when my kids were little and I thought I'd go stark raving mad!
Comment created on May 1, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Joanna! You are the winner of a free book! Email me your address and I'll send it to you.
Comment created on May 2, 2009 at 6:43 AM
Just so you know... I just listened to your NPR interview sitting in my car at the target parking lot while my 9 month old naps. I bring about 3 things to return from the previous trip, and then spend $150 more. And ditto on the method products. The eucalptus bathroom wipes are my favorite! Your interview put a smile on my face and made my day. Thank you! Courtney Karam of Ridgewood nj (formerly the upper east side for 10 years).
Comment created on May 7, 2009 at 10:15 AM