Yesterday I felt off. Something in me felt heavy and just when I began wondering why that was, I remembered, oh right- the world is a dumpster fire and I just had a baby! DUH. As I was driving home after a site visit I had an hour to kill, which rarely happens and usually I try to work out before going into “Mom Mode”. But yesterday I had no interest in working out, I knew exactly what I needed to feel better– a Target run. Sometimes Whole Foods is a good stand in for this, but Target really just does it for me. A whole hour in Target ALONE to just wander the aisles and plop things I absolutely don’t need into my cart and forget about the world and all it’s horrible problems. Debate? What debate? I found an amazing new candle! COVID? Nah, how about a fluffy monster costume that turns my four year old into a walking, talking stuffed animal?! Global warming? I can’t deal right now, but I CAN deal with the $35 faux fur coatigan I just got! I also have channeled some of my negative energy into Halloween decorating/celebrating and am trying to find ways to make it really fun for Henry since it’ll be unlike any year past and he loves it so much.
We can’t spend all day every day worrying about the world. It’s not healthy. And there is A LOT to worry about. So when you can find a way to check out mentally for a little while, DO IT. Reading is one of the best ways for me, but these little Target runs (which I just started doing again recently, I never went when the pandemic was at its height). For some it’s baking, or Netflix binges or spinning.
But for now, my Target finds, with commentary below. CLICK IMAGES FOR LINKS.
Googly eyes are so fun! Wait til Emma starts crawling and she finds one hidden away in a corner you didn’t notice. And then you’re changing her diaper one day and there’s a creepy googly eye staring up at you amongst the poop.
This is the most “Basic” post ever – AND I AM FEELING IT!
I’m with you. I did my FIRST Home Goods run since March 17 yesterday. Admittedly the shelves were pretty bare, but it was still a thrill. For sure, reading has helped. A lot. But sometimes retail is the only fix that works. Next stop, Target!
Thank you, Erin for your post today encouraging us to take a mental break, whatever that looks like. Glad you were able to get a break in, too. Thank you for being you. You’re off the charts inspiring just living your daily life.
I co-sign the idea of Target runs as therapy, in theory. However, unfortunately, the cashiers and staff in my Target do not wear their masks. After it happened for a second time to me, I stopped going on Target runs until this Pandemic is over. I live in a metro city with a mandatory mask rule. Both times I have complained to a manager who sighed in an exasperated way, apologized, and indicated that the cashiers were basically refusing to cover their noses. I reported it online and Target apologized “for my inconvenience.” Yeah, it’s a little more than a an inconvenience. It’s called municipal ordinance and lifesaving measure.
The casually lounging monster pic on IG made me laugh out loud. No lie. A thousand thanks because you know I need all the laughs I can get these days.
After both my babies were born (and on…) Target was the go to place for comfort. I would strap my baby to my chest and wander the aisles for hours…just to get out of the house. I have not been surprised to learn in subsequent years I was not the only one. LOVE THEM! My mother and I used to make part of our weekly routine…in the before times. We still try to get there but our trips are a little more purposeful now….
Works for me!!! franki
When my girls were little I would go to Target once a week for an hour by myself. It was relaxing yet energizing. I need to start doing that again!
Target is my happy place! Glad you had a little fun. Sometimes you just need to make a little time for yourself. I will definitely need to look for that candle and the cardigan coat.
I did this today too. I had time between an appointment and work and went to Target. It was great.
This post makes me so happy…thanks for being MY escape.
I’ve been hitting the Yasso bars all summer. Didn’t know about this flavor thought… And I’m upset the Queen T only comes in little kid sizes. What about me? Those pirate sheets are adorable.
This post made me smile. I LOVE Target runs- great therapy. I just went last week- first time since Covid and I was SO happy making a few fabulous and frivolous purchases. I have to exert major self control with the under $5 bins at the front of the store – or not!
Target was one of the first “normal” things I did once Covid restrictions started to lift. It truly is my happy place :)
As a newlywed I lived in a new city with a new husband who was struggling through his first year of medical school. I don’t know how frequently I ended up in Target. We didn’t have any money to buy anything (except popcorn!) but I went and strolled the aisles while I talked to my mom or my sisters back home. It was a known and familiar place during a really rough time for me. I grew to love my new city and appreciate being married but I will always be grateful for that Target!
So funny, I literally did this for the first time in 8 months yesterday. What are the odds? It was nice to open the cap of the laundry detergent and smell the contents before selecting it. To hold up shirts for my daughter and assess the size in person. Quibble over what set of markers to put in my cart because there was a whole wall of markers and some were “ultra washable.” It’s the little things, no?
This spider sits on top of our front lamp at our front door. So spooky and awesome. And stores well year to year!
Did this last week, and took my eight year old with me. We both walked out lighter after looking at candles and nerf guns and Halloween candy. I think my brain needs that stimulation! I love books and blogs, but getting out and seeing and touching things in person is such a treat!
My sister and I regularly compare our weekend Target runs. My toddler daughter joins in too now. =)