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I am usually a pretty frugal person. OK, perhaps not entirely frugal if you use the most purist definition of the term, but I am always trying to find the best deal, rarely buy things that aren’t on sale, try not to buy what we don’t need, and so on. I think that counts as being frugal, don’t you think?
But I’ve realized that sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more money to get a little more balance. And by balance I mostly mean more time. I don’t do this often and I am not talking about a lot of money, but when I am particularly frazzled (check) and have had a particularly tough week (check), it helps tremendously. So right before I wrote this post I…
…gave up on trying to find great exercise pants on sale and bought this pair from the Gap (full price, gasp!):
… went to Origins and restocked on Modern Friction (one of the only beauty products I use regularly and love) and some Twinkle eye-shadow:
… stopped by Crate and Barrel to buy a few serving bowls and wine glasses, to replace those that were broken in our move a year ago (I’ve tried to find both on sale before, with no luck):
..and put a cherry on this shopping sunday by eating lunch out with my husband (sans child! who is with grandparents).
I can’t say all of my stress is gone, but I do feel like I’ve treated myself to something fun and I can remove a few things from my long-overdue to-do list.
Do you ever throw some money at work-life balance?
This entry was posted on Saturday, May 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm and is filed under Balancing Act, Money.
Tags: balancing work and family, reducing stress
May 18th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Ahhh, just reading this made me feel more relaxed! And good job on the pant. When you work out often, you should have perfectly comfortable, functional pants. A must! And wine glass, OF COURSE!
May 18th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Thank you — I am such a cheapo, but I do work out a lot and I realize I need to have enough clothes to do it!:)
May 18th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Retail therapy that checks things off your to-do list? Multitasking at it’s finest! Great job!
May 19th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I am so with you on this. The way that I get through this issue is to think of all of my time (including my free time) as chargeable time (I’m a CPA-lawyer, what can I say). If saving money on something takes up too much of my time time, I rationalize throwing money at the problems based on the fact that I could use that extra time more profitably (either taking care of my family or working).
May 19th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I feel a little happier, reading this, even if it’s NOT frugal. It’s smart. And that’s all that matters. Enjoy your new goodies!
May 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Although we are currently on a budget, and I mean EVERY DOLLAR is accounted for most of the time, with my blow money each week, I can see myself shopping to alleviate that stressful day!
May 20th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
It really is all about balance. As moms, entrepreneurs, working women, wives, partners, friends… we are always “going” and often multi-tasking.
I think we forget how valuable and precious our time is. I try to splurge when I can and treat myself. If it will give me fifteen minutes in the tub with candles, a book and a glass of wine it is well worth it!!