Online Shopping for the Win!

During this crazy pandemic time, people have found various ways to stay busy. At the beginning, it was housecleaning…people were decluttering like never before! The “deep housecleaning” and purging was all the rage! Afterall, we had to make good use of our time.

Then, as time inside continued, there were home improvement projects…some people got new carpeting, some people built room additions, some people re-arranged furniture or painted for a new look, and I know one family that replaced their basement steps! So many projects!

Soon it was summer and then came the yard cleanup, flower pots filled, mulch spread and perhaps pools put in! People were excited to find things to do outside after being cooped up for so many weeks!

There were others who scanned photos, cleaned out recipe binders, replaced shelf paper, and other time-consuming chores. Friends became busier cooks or bakers, trying new recipes and experimenting with new ingredients.

Most everyone I know, ordered carry-out to support their local restaurants and so many donated to their local charities, knowing that events could not be held.

For me, I can admit to doing many of the above mentioned, but I can add a move to Louisville in the mix.  However, perhaps the biggest change for me was my joy in ordering online. I ordered so many things online….photo albums, toys for Gabriel, hairspray, purple shampoo, powdered ranch dressing, Kate Spade purses, flowers, cookies, bagels, Easter candy, steaks, and of course, leggings and pajamas!

Despite the fun of online ordering, I know that there is a limit to what I can and should be spending online. However, it is so.damn.easy! For example, Mom and Dad saw an ad in the mail for a Betty Boop mask. It was $29.99 which I thought was too expensive. I typed “Betty Boop mask” into Google and all kinds of masks showed up, more reasonably priced. Guess what? I ordered and today, a Betty Boop mask showed up in the mail. 

One day, I was looking for a table runner for my dresser…I have one somewhere in storage, but I went to Amazon and found something, just what I wanted, the colors I wanted, and I clicked the button…it arrived yesterday! Mom needs some new shirts…a few clicks and they should be delivered later this week.

I’m getting email ads every day for fall clothes and you know this girl doesn’t need any clothes!  Afterall, where am I going? A few bargains have jumped into my online cart and every now and then, a package arrives. I’m loving my new water boots and can’t wait for that slushy Louisville day.

My Dad goes to the door daily, not just for the mail, but for our packages too! They usually have prescriptions arriving and it’s always a mystery (to all of us!) to what Lisa has ordered today! 

I’m not encouraging or condoning this behavior but I can tell you that it has made my life so easy and I think I am on board with this online thing.

For me, I will continue to shop when it is appropriate and when it’s just for fun…but I’ll also be aware of my budget and not lose control. I look forward to the day when I can stroll through Target or Kohls and not be worried about keeping my distance or hurrying to get out. I think I’m saving money because I’m not impulse buying…I am thinking about it before I push the button! 

I’m really not sure if this is a good thing or not, but it has been my pandemic “hobby.” Please tell me you have a pandemic hobby too!!  Stay safe and healthy friends!!