Shopaholic VS Spendaholic!

So seriously, this has become a real issue lately! I can't stand it! I do not understand why my family has such a hard time just dealing with my HABIT! I am not a SPENDAHOLIC! I am not out there spending the family fortune here! Nay, the OPPOSITE is true... I shop to save money!

Here is my typical shopping pattern when left to my own accords. First of all if it is groceries, I like to go to "Discount" first to see what they have that is new, interesting and a BARGAIN! This would more than likely take about 1 1/2 hours on average and I would spend around $50 - $100. This would usually include many Health & Beauty items, Deli foods, Condiments, canned goods, Beverages ( both Alchoholic and Non) and House Care products too! Then i would head straight away to FoodCo where I lay down another 1 1/2 hours and $75 - $100. My family assures me I am just wasting my time, but I know better, I save money AND I have FUN doing it! Yes!

Okay, so I said it! Yes, shopping is FUN! I like it! Beat me, whip me, show me a good old dark overstuffed Thrift Store and you'll lead me to FantasyLand! My Kit says she cannot shop without money! I say she is spoiled to the ends of earth! I shop often without buying a thing, this is merely a scouting expedition!

How are you to recognize a bargain in the flesh if you have no idea what it looks like with your own eyes in it's "Natural" habitat! How can you know the feel of REAL irish linen until you hold the heft in your hand? The smell of genuine silk without smelling it first? Can you understand a handcrafted piece until you watch it crafted? What does a original painting really look like? What does QUALITY feel like? If you do not have an example in your minds eye... you have nothing to compare or judge it by!

THAT is Shopping! Not just "Spending" for the thrill of buying something regardless of it's value or need!