I wish I could have days like this about once a month…that would be just right. I went to the mall today, with all the joy of a normal shopping spree. I tripped along to the house music, smelled the ubiquitous cologne-counter smells, bumped into millions of slow-walking, hand-holding teenagers, even tried on clothes and a few pairs of shoes. And though I came home with stuff, I spent exactly $0.00. The thrill of a mall trip with none of the spending!
I first picked up the Night Health Bedtime Balm at the Macy’s Origins counter–it’s tiny, but apparently contains 10 nights worth. And, amusingly enough, is really an aromatherapy cream that tries a bit too hard—not one with age-fighting, dermo-whatever qualities. The “acupressure technique” instruction card that came with it had some gems:
Step 1: “…apply to hollow at the base of the skull (The Wind Mansion point). Gently massage 3 circles forward, then 3 circles backward.” There are four steps, in which you’ll also learn that the crease between your palm and wrist in line with your little finger is The Spirit Gate. Too funny.
Then, I swung by Victoria’s Secret for the Free PINK Energizing Organic Body Lotion; it’s a nice, medium-weight cream with a citrus scent. I love the 1 oz size; perfect to use as a “purse cream!”
As I was walking past The Body Shop, I noticed a free sample center set up there as well…so of course, dropped by, and received a sample each of their Seaweed Cleanser and Seaweed Mask.
Walking into LUSH (in anticipation of next Saturday’s VIP party!), one of the employees gave me a free treatment right there in the store, using probably 5 different products. The Ocean Salt is definitely going on my short-list!
Finally, I went to my Clarins Free Facial appointment (I walked into Macy’s first, got the appointment, then shopped)…and wow, that was SO worth it.
They have a whole little station set up behind a plastic advertisement/privacy wall…you lie down, and they go to work! She used a cleanser, toner, exfoliated, more toner, mask, more toner, and finished with an eye-cream application and SPF moisturizer. It felt sooo nice and relaxing (even in the middle of Macy’s!), and she was very helpful at explaining the benefits of the products without being overbearing.
But wait, there’s more! After that, I went to the MAC counter, where they also had stations set up…and I got a free makeover! The makeup artist matched me up with a foundation (which I HATE doing, so that was very helpful), as well as an eye-shadow color that had their signature “pop!” factor, but wasn’t overbearing on my skin tone. I had her write down both numbers so I can perhaps buy it with my next Swagbucks Gift Card. 😉
I did have to chant “I want to be a SAHM with a house. I want to be a SAHM with a house” a few times, especially when trying on this Ann Taylor Loft Dress (retail $79.00)
or when encountering some similar J. Crew belts that had MATCHING HEADBANDS:
Sigh. But I’m glad I didn’t spend anything, and I suppose I have a few new sewing goals for before the summer comes. And by that time, all this scrimping will have allowed us to pay down even more debt. It IS worth it!
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