Why Do We Shop So Much???

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FYI This is not a post to deter you from over-shopping or break your shopping addiction or save you money or think before you shop, but just to shed some light on WHY we are so obsessed! Hopefully you'll agree with some of my points.

Now when it comes to my shopping addiction it doesn't end with shoes or handbags, but is stretched to makeup, skincare, interior design, grocery shopping... (yea I have a problem)

So based on how much I over spend on items I will admit I DO NOT NEED, I've thought long and hard about why I do it.

There's the obvious, that we are all suckers for NEW/PRETTY packaging...

I mean I'll never ever use any color in a palette like this, but just the thought of having this neon splattered packaging shown on my vanity is intriguing. Same goes with a new foundation for dry skin, when I have oily/combo skin or mascara that volumizes when I like length, just because the packaging is shiny & its on the front display at the drugstore & says NEW!

You all know what I'm talking about. Have you ever been shopping and have been so tempted to buy a sparkly ball gown that made your boobs look perfect, when the fanciest place you go is outback? I have.. I've even seen new kids' snacks at Stop & Shop and thought hmm I usually hate prunes, but there's a cool looking monkey in a space suit smiling on the box so maybe I'll learn to like prunes... Seriously.

Along with the in store lust for new & impractical items, online shopping has become a source for over shopping.

One thing that always gets me to buy more online is the opportunity for free shipping. Why on earth would I spend $10 to ship something when I could drive 10 minutes down the highway to buy it in person?.. Laziness. Shipping prices have gotten ridiculous.. many sites like Pacsun & American Eagle (my favorites) offer free shipping very often or have $1.99 flat rate shipping, but like Victoria's Secret for example, you normally have to spend $100 for free shipping or pay as much as $17 for shipping!!! So when you want to buy a bra on sale for $30 and have to spend $70 more to cut out the $17 shipping, its tempting.. you can always find something else you want, or sort of want, or don't really want but you could give it as a weird over-priced gift or return it (if you're not too lazy to go to the store). Along with buying more to save more... a phrase we see way to often, EBATES..

My Ebates Link

If you haven't heard of ebates its AMAZING! You get paid to shop! No gimmicks or credit cards. You just go through their site to shop and you get a percentage of your purchase back in a check every few months. Sometimes its $.70 but sometimes up to $8 & it adds up quick. It's tempting to spend more so you can get more back. Sometimes the percentages rise, especially around the holidays (which is a whole other discussion) and you think YAY can't wait to get my $40 check, which is always nice, but you spent probably over $600 to get that!

Another reason for online over shopping is the discount e-mails. You sign up to get 15% off your first purchase then BAM! Discount e-mails are pouring out of your ears! Many of them are scheduled to come in at late hours in the evening so after you've had a long day of work or watching Netflix and you're tired & go to check your e-mail you see something like this...

It is intriguing & you think I really need a stuffed dog & a tumbler.. it is "FREE", I deserve something free, I haven't bought 5 for $26.50 underwear in like a month or so, I was thinking about buying that neon pink lace bra I can only wear underneath thick black shirts & then 10 minutes later you're hitting confirm my order. Or something that says 50% off or BOGO or CLEARANCE... all of these pull you in & make you buy things you probably would have never bought full price. Even with knowing this it doesn't stop me. I've purchased over a dozen shirts that were on sale that I would never buy for full price because I didn't like them enough, but when I see ~~$49.99~~ NOW $14.99 I think WHOA great deal, I'll wear that shirt sometimes...

Now this one might just be me, but I LOVE getting stuff in the mail! When a package arrives with my name on it or a bed bath & beyond 20% off coupon, or cooking magazine that I probably won't read.. I LOVE the excitement. Getting the scissors to cut open a cardboard box or rip open a big bag that I know is filled with clothes (that I'll probably return because they don't look like they did in the picture or don't fit right) is like a mini Christmas.

Last but certainly not least...