It was the weekend. And what do I normally do on the weekend? I shop. Like it’s my job. But this weekend was oh-so different.

First, I’d like to reveal the shocking conclusion to the black tights dilemma I posted about on Friday. I ended up going to Walgreens after work to pick up a prescription (FYI: buying medicine is so not shopping). However, Walgreens just so happened to have black tights. So I picked up a pair. It was medicine and tights. Simple purchase. Not shopping. Here’s why: the tights were a necessary purchase that I bought at a drug store. I didn’t get to sift through racks of fabulous designer tights. These were $2.99. And did I enjoy buying them? Don’t think so. I don’t think this is cheating. Let me remind you again that the goal here is not to purge spending from my life—the goal is to see if I can go a month without any frivolous shopping (i.e. those after work trips to Neiman Marcus).

My roomie was very concerned about my tights, though. When I arrived home and started getting ready to go out on Friday night, she said, “Oh, Emily, I see that you found some black tights. What did you end up doing?”

“Well,” I replied. “I had to go to Walgreens for meds. While I was there, I just bought a pair of black tights.”

“Yeah,” she said. “I was gonna’ say they look absolutely fine.”

“Well they’re no Betsey Johnsons!” I dramatically screamed as I tugged at the waistline.

But I can’t complain, because my problem was solved. Thanks to everyone who suggested I mend my tights—that was funny. Mend is practically my middle name. Not. Me + Needle + Thread = Disaster. But, it was a worthwhile, very thrifty suggestion and I appreciate all the comments.

On Saturday I went to the grocery store with my mom, then I went out for margaritas and Mexican food. I passed out around 10. No shopping—just tequila.

Then, on Sunday I decided to drive to Iowa to keep from shopping. And it worked. I actually went to Iowa on a mini road trip with my family. But nonetheless, if you want to get away from consumerism you might as well just drive to Iowa (sorry to all my Iowa readers…but I think we can both admit that your state isn’t the forerunner in shopping).

In this race against shopping I think I’m winning. It isn’t fun. And I really want a new pair of jeans. But I’m being tough, I’m being brave and I’m bringing it.