The Chronic Consumer

I’ve had the same eyeglasses for four years now, which is far too long — especially considering the fact that I haven’t changed the lenses in all that time.

So I figured this is as good a time as any to get rid of my scratched old frames for something new. I’ve got an appointment with my optometrist on Thursday morning, and have already been looking at frame options. I found a pair of red titanium frames that I like, but am going to keep checking around a bit in case I come across something better.

At any rate, I’m planning on being in completely new glasses within a couple of weeks, so I can’t wait!

I had to go to the home center to pick up some light bulbs, a washer for the kitchen faucet, and a couple other things today. I swear I wasn’t planning on buying anything for the backyard, but when I saw some of the end-of-summer prices on garden decor and patio furniture, I simply couldn’t resist! So I also walked out of the store with some wind chimes, a cow-shaped planter, and some Malibu lights for the path from the back door to the end of the yard. Because of the sales and discounts, I spent less than $80 for everything and am a very happy camper right now!

Back when I was in high school and college, I was a slave to name brands. I had to have the same jeans that everyone else had, the same Abercrombie sweatshirts and t-shirts, the same backpacks, etc. But after I grew up and realized how much money I was simply wasting by paying for a certain label or logo, I started shopping with a different attitude. Now I’m as likely to wear outfits from Wal-Mart or Target as J. Crew, and I don’t really care what anyone says.

Today, I was checking out a discount luxury goods site just for kicks when I saw some prices that I couldn’t believe. For instance, that Prada cell phone strap pictured above costs a whopping $136! There’s only one tiny little strip of leather on the thing, and the gold is just plate, so the only thing you’d really be paying for here is the name. Is it worth spending $136 just so you can attach a Prada logo to your cell phone?

I’m still shaking my head over this one. No doubt there are plenty of people out there who have no qualms about doing such things, but I’m not among that crowd anymore. Thank goodness!