The Mall

I hate the mall. I can't even tell you the last time I went to the mall. I hate it. It sucks you in. Forces you to buy things you don't need. It's usually filled with mallrats, who have no respect for adults or families. So I just don't go.

So I'm sure you're wondering why I'm even bringing it up. Well...I was listening to the morning show on the way to work and this woman explained how each school year she chooses a color for her kids' clothes. Say she chooses blue. So she gets everything blue. Shirts, pants, skirts, shoes, socks, etc. That way, it all coordinates and it makes life simpler. More coordinates, more outfits, more easy for Mommy. I really thought this was a novel idea. But then I thought, where could I get a bunch of stuff in coordinating colors. Maybe Target?

That was my first stop. No luck. They didn't have much out for back to school. So I thought, maybe Old Navy. They always have cute stuff and it's pretty cheap. BUT...IT'S AT THE MALL. Ugh. Do I have to? Ok, I thought, I'll park closest to the entrance where the Old Navy is, that way I can get in and out. Quick. So I get there. Old Navy's got nothing really that coordinates. Lots of cute separates. But no "lines" with lots of mix-n-match pieces. So I decide it's not for me. Then I remember there's a kids store in this mall. I'm sure of it. And I think it's just across the hall from Old Navy.

The mall has officially sucked me in. This is why I don't go to the mall. Errrrr. Of course, I'm already here so I might as well go to the kids store. So I mozie on over. I've now realized it's Gymboree. $$$$. At the front of the store I immediately see all the cute back to school stuff. And wouldn't ya know. It's all mix-n-match. Oh and by the way it's 40% off. Oey vey. Sucking me in. I quickly gather a huge pile. Then somehow, I gather myself and put it all down. I ask the lady where the clearance racks are and she very politely directs me to them. I start browsing. I pick up a pair of shorts. $1.99. Oh, I can pay that. Then another shirt. $3.99. This ain't bad. Then a dress. $7.99. Oh...and look...the entire sale rack is mix-n-match coordinates! So excited. I'll just get a few things for Makayla for next year.

Yea, right! A few things. I bought every item on the sale rack in a size 6! I'm not kidding. Take a look...

That's 10 shirts, 5 shorts, 3 skirts, 1 capri, 1 dress, 2 flip-flops, 1 headband, 2 pony-tail holders. It's all mix-n-match so it should make about a hundred cute outfits. The good news is it was on clearance. The original retail price was $516.75. I only paid about 25% of that. You do the math. And I got $75 in Gym-bucks. Whatever that means. I'm never going back to the mall!

P.S. I'm praying for two things tonight...that Makayla will wear a size 6 next year and that I'll find this bag of clothes next summer.