On Making Careful Purchases

The other day, I went to Ikea with Fox, because we needed to be out of the house for a few hours while some work was done on our apartment, and we ended up being there for a LONG time.  Maybe 2 hours?  Fox was having the time of his life running around the kids section, carrying around a stuffed bunny, and climbing onto beds and yelling "surprise!"

Anyway, right before you check out (I was buying two of these rugs), there is a big As-Is section, and there was this chair sitting there.  I have been looking at these chairs for a few years, and really wanted one a few months ago, when we moved into our apartment, and there was a bare little spot next to the fireplace.  But it was kind of expensive, and we didn't really need a chair there, so I made do with a smaller chair we already owned and forgot about my dreams for a wingback chair for that spot.

Anyway, this chair at Ikea was priced about $100 cheaper than normal, and in good shape, and immediately I wanted to buy it.  But, because it was still over $100, I texted Adam to ask him what he thought (We actually usually ask each other before we buy anything over about $5 #gradschoollife).  He was surprised, I think, and because he wasn't standing there with me, gently reminded me that it might be a bad choice to buy furniture for an apartment that we are moving out of in just a few months.

I was a little disappointed, but knew he was right. Even more than that, I was disappointed in myself for almost falling for the discount trap, because Adam and I have been talking a lot about getting classic quality pieces that will last for longer, and that we potentially will be happy with for many years (and embarrassingly enough, these conversations about quality pieces are usually started by me...).  And that isn't exactly Ikea's philosophy, although I do love Ikea, and we own a number of things from there.

Over the last few months, I have been making a mental collection of items that I want to purchase in the upcoming months and years. I try to keep that list small and carefully curated to reflect the kind of lifestyle that I want, so when I get a hankering to buy something, I end up with items that I actually need, rather than whatever happens to look fun that day.

I won't get any commission if you decide you need one of the items below, too.  I will just be happy in the knowledge that I directed you towards small businesses, and sustainable goods.  That is what I am trying to do for myself.  Except on days when I decide to buy the $4 rugs from Ikea, because we can't be perfect all the time.

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Happy Friday!