A Fairy Tale About Overspending

Once upon a time there was a lovely, slim, well-dressed, young-looking mother (hey – it’s my fairy tale!!!) who allowed her daughter to draw her into a certain children’s clothing establishment so that the child could spend a few moments watching a video in the back of the store. While browsing, the mother foolishly allowed herself to be captivated by an unbelievably cute dress; she rationalized its purchase by bringing to mind the fact that said daughter did need a few new outfits for the impending winter.

Giving in to the impulse to splurge, she decided that the dress would be even more appropriate for cold weather if the coordinating tights were also bought. Totally swept up in the moment, this normally thrifty mother decided that the ensemble would not be complete without the matching hair clips.

Alas, the items were not on sale, but buried in her purse for just such an occasion was a 20% off coupon. The daughter’s face shone with joy when she saw what was planned. Once at the cash register, the total cost struck momentary fear into the frugal mom’s heart, but the appreciation of the daughter soothed her conscience.

Sadly, the outfit’s time in the closet was short-lived. After only a few wearings, it was evident that it was already too short to be worn out in public, even with those coordinating tights. The mother, poorer in pocketbook but wiser in self-restraint, now has the once perfect addition to a girl’s wardrobe listed on eBay, hoping to sell it and regain some of the cost.

It has one bid already; maybe there will yet be a “happily ever after.”