Could you go 21 days without shopping? Wow, why would I?

A Hartford Courant reporter, and fellow shopaholic, was given the assignment to go 21 days without shopping, and then write about the experience.

Hartford Courant unshopping story

I'm not sure I could do it...nor would I want to. I admit I'm a shopaholic, but not a big spender. For me it's a sport...called bargain hunting. No harm done...just the thrill of the hunt. Some folks read books, play video games, go to the gym. I do outlet malls, consignment stores, flea markets, garage sales. It's fun to find $90 pants for $15, no?

On occasion, I even make money with my uncontrollable habit. I once bought a beautiful old art book for $1 at an estate sale, and turned around and sold it at auction on eBay, thrilled to see the final bid go up to $111.

I couldn't resist a new Waterford crystal mantle clock, still in the box, for $5 at a community garage sale. But I had a change of heart when I got it home. A large mantle clock? I don't even have a fireplace! Someone in Wisconsin was thrilled to buy that from me for $40. Still a deal, and they probably DO have a fireplace.

I won't say my habit is harmless, because I live in a small condo, and I have waaaayyyy too much stuff. My New Years resolution is to get control of the piles, which should involve curtailing the shopping, but can I do it?

Could you?

I have a friend who would rather pay double than dig through picked over sale racks. She gets creeped out at flea markets. We went to Renningers Flea Market in central Florida, acres of stands and goods displayed on blankets on the ground. She turned sheet white and I could read her mind, "What am I doing here? This is my worst nightmare."

Tell us about your shopping habits. Are you a retailer or a bargain hunter? Could you go 21 days without shopping?

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