The Mom Blog is written by moms (and a couple of dads) in Orange County. 
Taking aim at my Target spending
May 3rd, 2008, 5:30 am · 10 Comments · posted by Suzanne Broughton
I was driving with my son on the 5 freeway past the Irvine Spectum and I noticed the brightly lit-up, twirling ferris wheel.
“Look Ben!” I said, motioning in the direction of what would be most kids’ point of interest.
He looked out his window and said, “Yeah! Target!”
Uh-oh!
Target has a store in front of the festively lit-up, twirling ferris wheel.
I just couldn’t get enough of that red and white store with its tidy aisles, killer kid’s shoes, and P.J.s that I would stack to the ceiling of my closet, if my husband would let me. Obviously, this was a sign we were spending too much time and, more importantly, money at my store of choice.
“I would pay twice that somewhere else!” I schemed as I slid a new set of summer dishes in my cart.
“It’s a discount store!” I would lie to myself as I threw in yet another pair girl’s leggings.
Stop!
I made an earnest vow to myself to cut back since the ferris wheel incident, and after a painful (and tearful) “budgeting meeting” with my husband. All of those “little things” were adding up to a huge bill at the end of the month.
I am proud to say that I have stopped the splurges and unapproved purchases. Here is my easy-to-use, almost totally painless Target budget plan–don’t go. (Suzanne - Temptation = more $ at end of month)
I have found that simply not going to Target as much as I used to for incidental things–like for Icee’s or to pick up things I can get at the market–I have cut my family’s Target bill in half. (In half I say!)
Today, I did go for the first time in three weeks and I bought a new pair of P.J.’s on a whim, but with no nagging guilt.
I have been sooo good.
Target Linkage:
For support these Target blogs: Slave to Target and Target Addict.
Comedian, Orny Adams rants about: “How big are sales receipts going to get?” (Not specifically Target related, but I think he is ‘ilarious!)
From my blog, (Emphasis Mine): “Ira Glass coming to the Irvine Target.”
Fortune Magazine’s feature on how they do it: “Target’s Inner Circle.”
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 am
Suz – Maybe we could form a support group. Just last year my Target spending got way out of hand too. My husband had “the talk” with me. Target had turned into another $100 a visit store.
You are so right about just saying NO to shopping there for every little thing. It’s just an excuse to get in the door. Once in the door it’s too irresistible.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:34 am
Yes, Jenny, we should “MAT” Mom’s Addicted to Target, we could hold our meeting at Kragen Auto Parts–wouldn’t be tempted to buy anything there.
Oh, let’s add Costco too! Like I need 10 multi colored extension cords and a 20 gallon container of Dove Body Wash…”MACT!”
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Ohhh, you gotta try the Starbucks espresso truffles or chocolate covered coffee beans from Target & while there pick up some Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss and…and….
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 am
My husband is the one with the Costco problem. We have so many rolls of the toilet paper and paper towels that my boys are able to make giant forts out of them. Fun and useful.
BTW – I lived in downtown Minneapolis for a couple of years near Target’s headquarters. They had the most fabulous store located right down the street from where Mary Richards tossed her hat up in the air. This was before kids, so the shopping sprees were all about me and my husband. I was in heaven!
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
Carrie–you are mean! Why do you tempt me so? What is this you say about Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss, hmmmm?…
Jenny, Mary RIchards and Target together, my head just exploded with joy at the thought. She totally would have shopped there for her skirts and mascara. She would have been a Target girl.
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I too am a (recovering) Target Junkie. I am simply amazed how they managed to make everything- especially things I have no need for- look so desireable and well designed. It is still my go to place for birthday gifts (gift cards) and cheap clothes….but I don’t buy grocery or drug store items there anymore…it only leads to bigger problems. I simply can NOT resist all the other YUMMY looking stuff aisle after aisle….I am so weak.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Was just at a party over the weekend where me and some fellow mommies were bemoaning our Target weakness. One of my friends and her husband call it \”The $100 Store.\” As in, you can\’t walk out of there without spending $100 bucks! It\’s crazy.
I was in the Spectrum Target on Sunday and am glad to say I limited my spree to a Thomas toothbrush, a darling summer blouse for my little girl and a digital photo keychain. But I think I\’ll be returning that keychain.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I was there last week & when I went to pay I shouted out, “$76?!? YES!! A personal triumph!” The cashier stared at me like I was totally nuts. But yes, normally it’s my $100 store too. Blah.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Erika and Heather, the funny thing is the less I went, the less I spent when I did go–but $76 dollars is cause for praise!
May 7th, 2008 at 9:02 am
LOL @ Heather, I had a similar moment last weekend. I spent only $46 and the cashier looked at me like I was crazy for saying “Yahoo!” No, not “yahoo I spent $46″ but “yahoo i ONLY spent $46!” Ha ha ha