Home Parties

Ahh Home Parties.

You know the one, you have a friend who invites you to their home for a sales presentation, but you get free food and usually wine or coffee. You most likely know at least a few other people there and feel pretty good about getting out for the night.

I've been to a few, and admittedly, I've bought something at every one I've gone to. Sometimes out of feeling obligated, and also because I genuinely believed I would use the items I bought. I've gotten yummy spices (which I used about 1/8 of the items I've bought), cookware, make up and lots of creams and lotions.

I am not blaming my friends here, it's a fun time and I always enjoy getting out with the girls.

Last night I was invited to a party for something I had no intention of buying, a purse. First of all, I am a stick my debit card in my back pocket kind of girl. When I do have to carry a bag for the kids, I have very little in it for myself. I know ladies who couldn't live without their bags, and this particular purse was really REALLY cute, and you could interchange different covers on the outside so it was actually very practical as well. But for myself, I don't carry a purse when I don't have to. If I am lucky enough to get out on a date with my hubby, I ask him to throw a lipstick in his sports jacket pocket and sometimes my ID (although I haven't been asked for ID in YEARS for good reason) and that's about it.

That said, I actually declined the invitation because I honestly cannot afford the purse and my friend generously said, please just come and have fun, don't worry about not buying anything! Okay, so I went. I was completely honest with her, and myself. But oh boy, did I feel the pull! I was looking over the samples, and I was actually debating with myself if I could justify it! Justify over $100 for a purse that I would never use! That I didn't want! But that was so darn cute, and I was in a room full of ladies buying them and felt this *almost* uncontrollable urge to buy one! The purses were cute, practical and functional... And actually a very very good deal and I would say that if anybody was really into purses, and could afford it, it would be great! But I was shocked with myself, me! Who blogs about not spending money. Me, who declined the invitation in the first place, Me, who went into the party going "you don't need this, you don't need this... do not buy one" . And I was honestly considering it, the pull was so strong.

I cannot believe who successful these parties are. And I have always bought something before when I was offered "small " items that I could pick up at reasonable prices and feel like I'd gotten something of value to me (and admittedly most often didn't need or want or use).

I would be too ashamed to show my face on here if I did buy one, and I am very happy to report that I did not buy one. I left the party as I went in, purse-less.