We all have those special lists we make and if finances allowed, we’d easily drop cash on them all. Despite what my practical and frugal side tells me, I like to create a monthly wish list with 6 items that I want/need in the following categories: Fashion, Beauty, and Home and I almost always reward myself with at least one. Never all 6 because well, I’m not loaded. Budget aside, Ie still have to live and have a little fun so here’s my wish list for March.

Anthropologie signac petal lamp (perfect for a desk), Virginia Johnson blouse, Lepidoptera embroidered shade, cashmere rosette cardigan in yellow from J Crew, sunny woods rug, and a perky green Kate Spade belle haven bridget bag for those afternoon strolls.

I know they’re material things and shouldn’t be our primary focus in life, and I realize that everyone lives within a set budget and that varies by person. Ten years ago, I lived in my own apartment in Boston, worked full-time, and had some debt to deal with. My life was very different back then. Even so, I still had my wish list and planned out what I wanted/needed so that I could have something to look forward to that made working long hours worth it. Sometimes it was just a haircut, but it was something and that made me feel good.

One of the best parts about being a grown up is that you take care of yourself now, parents no longer have a say. You can sleep in, stay up late, decide who to marry, and watch whatever you want on television. Of course, it’s good to exercise self control by setting personal limits, but it’s also a good feeling to treat yourself with something special now and then. A facial, a class, or a lampshade — it’s up to you and your budget to determine.

It’s not about being materialistic, it’s actually a smarter way to shop because you can avoid impulse buying if you have monthly wish list that you stick to. I no longer allow myself to veer off and spend $10 or $20 on little things, because they all add up. I’m no financial wizard, but I went into my 30’s debt-free and although I author a design blog, I’m still free of debt because making, and sticking to, my monthly wish list.

If you’re a blogger and would like to share your wish list on your own blogs, please do — I’d love to see what others are wishin’, hopin’, and dreamin’ of…

(images linked above)

14 Responses to “decor8 Wish List {March}”

1 jessilynn commented:
March 5th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

Love your wish list. They are always so colorfully coordinated! :) I think your idea of creating a wish list is great.

I can see how it would help say no to those impulse buys.You have inspired me to create my own, and I am definately going to share it on my blog tomorrow!

…off to wish shop…
2 Debbie Miller commented:
March 5th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

love your wish list. its so ’spring-y’.
I like how a list keeps focus and helps limit the impulse buying too. I’m thinking about my list now too.
but how do you make the multi – picture post? I cant seem to figure that out.
3 katie commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 2:12 am

I enjoyed reading this! it’s inspiring to think of a wish list this way–about it being smart, not just selfish.
4 Tamms commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 2:40 am

Oohh.. Fabulous wish list.

You make it hard not to love yellow!

Fab Kate Spade bag!!
5 decor8 commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 3:00 am

tamms isn’t that rug fab??

btw – I totally should have had you over tonight to watch PR with me. :)
6 Melissa Lewis-Off The Wall commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 3:14 am

now your talking! Everything on your list is exactly what I would pick for mine. Especially love the Anthropologie lamp!
7 beachgrl commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 6:02 am

What a fun and colorful wish list. My favorite is the rug. I want it now!
8 Pina commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 9:20 am

Very inspiring! Encouraging, too. Thanks!
9 Abbey Goes Design Scouting commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

I love your new header, and I love this post — I totally agree that you need to know what you want to get it and that a few perfect things is far better than many lesser items.
xo Abbey
10 Julie commented:
March 6th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Something to think about. Thank you for sharing your wish list. They are all very pretty. I am going to make my wish list.

Julie
Melbourne, Australia.
11 Emilia commented:
March 7th, 2008 at 6:13 pm

I LOVE this idea! I might have to make my own wish list for March!
12 freshie & zero commented:
March 10th, 2008 at 2:25 am

Oh! I recognized that lamp from Anthropologie immediately – I’ve been coveting the apple green version of it! It is so cute & pretty!
13 Alia commented:
March 11th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

I love your wishlist!! And I love the idea of doing posts and allowing your readers to interact! Bandelle Blog gave me the extra push to do my wishlist also for my blog! It’s a great idea to have one each month!!!
14 lena commented:
March 11th, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Thank you for this, it is a brilliant way to budget & cut out impulse purchases. I also love the Friday night date ritual. I am on it.

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