Confessions of THIS Shopaholic...

Hi, my name is Nicki...and I'm a shopaholic.

(Hi, Nicki.)

Now that we've been introduced, I'd like to start by saying that I don't have a problem. I haven't really researched the exact definition of "aholic" but I'm not so sure that it should have such a negative connotation.

Case in point--I bought 4 pairs of shoes today. But wait--before you cast your judgment (and forward this link to Brad), hear me out. I'm going to, once again, say the 4 most important words in my vocabulary: They. Were. On. Sale. Seriously--I'm talking 50% off sale. And, they weren't even for me!!

As a mom--and ladies, y'all back me up on this--I'm constantly on the lookout for good deals on stuff for Ben and my nieces. It's OK to buy stuff 2 or 3 sizes too large because I know that eventually they're going to be able to wear it. Plus, it makes my life a whole lot easier to know that "hey, Ben likes these shoes and I know that he won't freak out when they don't fit and he can't wear them anymore because I've bought the exact same ones in 5 different sizes!"

Enter New Balance...specifically the store in the Winter Park Village. Their children-sized shoes are 50% off right now. That's right, mommies--HALF off. So, even though Ben wears a size 10, I bought a pair of 13s. And 1s. And 2s. (Now, I know you're perceptive and have done the math...that's only 3 pairs of shoes. I generously bought a pair of pink ones for Hailee because I called Michelle and could hardly contain my excitement...she wasn't quite as ecstatic about this deal of the new decade.) Granted, there are tons of other tennis shoes out there, but my kid couldn't even lift his head up when he started wearing 992s. What can I say...I have a thing for those gray suede sneakers...just ask Brad. ;-)

Here's the point--and I apparently have the gift of justification--he won't wear these shoes today...he won't wear them tomorrow...and he won't even wear them the next day...but someday, they'll be there. Several of his female classmates at school have already said they like his shoes--and girls, it's never too early in life to start appreciating a man's choice in sneakers. I'm just investing in his footwear future...in the meantime, I'm OK with his closet looking like the backroom of a shoe store.