Need help buying a gift for myself :)

[becky]

My dear step-dad is just awesome and sent me money for xmas. He had just sent me $300 just becuase and now sent me another $200 to buy something that i cant normally afford but really really want. To be honest i have never really gotten such a generous gift before so I'm having a hard time figuring out what to get.

With the $300 i bought things i desperately needed like maternity pants and two dresses, winter jacket, took the girls and i out to eat and a couple other things i really needed. There is still some money left over :)

So what do i buy for myself, that i really want but wouldn't normally buy? The first thing that comes to mind is a diaper bag i have had my eye on for months but then i think to myself is that really practical? Then i think what about a mixer becuase i have been wanting one for years. I told Victor that is what i want him to get my for xmas though i doubt he will get it for me.

I just dont know. I honestly would love to spend all my money on the girls but that is not what the gift is for and i know it would hurt my dad's feelings if i didnt get something for myself.

I feel strange asking you all but this is a really tough decision so i wanted to get your feed back. What would you do?

[colleen&Kail]

personally i would go and get my hair done or something......save it for after you have the baby then go get a pedicure!

[becky]

oh i never thought of that...now that sounds like a great idea becuase other wise i jsut cant afford to get my hair cut and colored.

BTW-Last night i noticed how much grey hair i have. Can kids really do that to you? I'm only 30 years old and i think i'm way to young to have any grey.

[My3sonsplus1]

Personally I am inclined to say get a mixer. I know you love to bake so I think it is a fun practical splurge item and kitchenaids are items that have a long life yk?! and then if you need any new baking supplies any pampering products, bath stuff, fav shampoos, lotions etc. and/or music cds to round off the funds.

[My3sonsplus1]

Collen has a vaild option too, haircuts are on the very backburner of my abilities to have done, and I need one soooo bad!

[Sara]

I looooove my kitchenaid mixer, so if you bake a lot, it is a very worthy investment. I told John it was the main reason I got married because I knew someone would buy it for a wedding gift :) I think getting your hair done is another good idea. My mom keeps asking me what I want for my b-day coming up on the 29th and I might have her pay to get my hair done now that you guys mention it.

[LMS]

I'd spend it on a FANCY diaper bag (but i'm a purse whore)... infact i'm currently conniving ways to save $300 by valentines so i can sweet talk JR into a new black coach purse

[Mom of 2]

I would say the a nice mixer, then save some money for after the baby and get your hair done with a pedicure. Maybe instead of going to the hair place and paying a fortune to have them dye it, couldn't you just dye it yourself with one of those non permanent dyes in the stores?

Kate
Mom to Patty and Tyler

[daisydoc]

I would wait until after christmas to see if Victor gets you a mixer... if not go get one! You always talk about baking and I LOVE mine! Like Sara, I got it as a wedding gift!! :D It makes making cookies and such so much easier. After that I personally would get my hair cut; have a pedicure and save some for more later on down the road and get massage!

[Marisa]

Oooh Oooh, I'm for the massage!! I would definately wait to see if Victor comes through with the mixer. Give him a chance to surprise you. But if he doesn't, by all means, go get it. This is a pretty good price for the basic model. And it fits with what you have without spending any extra.
http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1361908&cp&origkw=kitchenaid+mixer&kw=kitchenaid+mixer&parentPage=search

[meeg124]

As much as I love a good hair cut and pampering, I think I would go for the KitchenAide or something that I will have long term. I love my KitchenAide but I would really like to upgrade to the bigger model because I bake and cook so much. I was drooling over the bigger one at Bed, Bath & Beyond the other day :)

[becky]

oh if i would end up getting the kitchenaide i would definately start with the bigger model because i know i would regret getting the smaller one.

[Lynette]

I vote for the mixer too, then the massage with any leftover money.

Although I am a hypocrit for saying that because I am known for taking the girls toy/clothes shopping when I get money as a gift :bag

Marisa: *LOVE* your pic signature! LOL!

[KaisaG]

I have a hard time buying gifts for myself when people give me cash too. I tend to be overly-practical and for that reason would probably buy the mixer... Plus not to sound corny but that would be a gift that kept on giving year after year. But then again it's ALWAYS fun to go to the salon... it might be a nice treat for yourself being pregnant and all. But you have such pretty dark hair I don't think you really *need* a dye job... especially if you just want to cover up the gray you said you've been seeing. What I mean is- I wouldn't pay a stylist all that $$ to cover a few strands of grey...

[LMS]

i think i would spend it on something more tangible than a haircut.. like kaisa said.. something that keeps 'giving'.
a mixer, a handbag, a nice piece of jewelry, or some other physical object you keep thinking you want, but won't spend the $$ on.

[KaisaG]

If I had extra money I'd buy myself a coffee pot that I could program. We just have one of those cheap crappy ones. I think I picked it up at K-mart of like $8 when I moved here 9 years ago! It's one of those things where I hate to get replace something that isn't broken... but it's such a POS! It would be nice to wake up on these cold mornings and not have to make my coffee. Sometimes I'm too lazy to make it and just microwave the stale coffee from the day before. Yuck!

[becky]

that is what i got Victor for our first xmas after we were married. Its is a coffee maker, expresso, capachino combo...i will have to show you tomorrow...he just loves it!

I really want this diaper bag. http://babypetunia.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=6&products_id=156

but this is just one of a couple i have been looking at LOL

[Sara]

Here is a cute one on e-bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Petunia-Picklebottom-Boxy-Backpack-Dynamite-Roll-EUC_W0QQitemZ110067644977QQihZ001QQcategoryZ117379 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110 067644977

[meeg124]

that is what i got Victor for our first xmas after we were married. Its is a coffee maker, expresso, capachino combo...i will have to show you tomorrow...he just loves it!

I really want this diaper bag. http://babypetunia.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=6&products_id=156

but this is just one of a couple i have been looking at LOL

A mom that I admitted for labor the other night had this bag and it is really cute. You should put it on your wish list for the baby and maybe your family would get it for you.

[becky]

you are right...I wish i was having a baby shower cuz then i could put it on a registery LOL. i was thinking of making one up anyway jsut so when someone in the fmaily asked what i wanted i can jsut send them a link to my registery....is that bad?

[justamom]

If I were preggo and someone gave me $300 as a gift for myself, I would save it until the baby comes and buy a few nice outfits for post pregnancy. You never know what size you will be post partum. Also a nice comfy set of jammies to wear to the hospital, perhaps satin! How about nursing bras?

Since you did not really enjoy your birthday cake due to baby sickness, perhaps you should get yourself another cake from your favorite bakery in Napa too!

I remember you mentioning you wanted a sleep/carry basket for the baby. I forget the name of the darn thing though.

[becky]

you are right Tina :) i know i had wanted the moses basket but since it is something for the baby and not really for me i dont want to spend the money on that. KWIM?

[Lynette]

I was just remembering why I hadn't colored my hair in almost 3 years now, I think the jury is still out on whether the chemicals from the color get into your bloodstream and can effect the baby either when you are pregnant or nursing?

Oh, and I think a big part of going grey is genetic and you would just notice it more because of your dark hair. I am 32 and haven't had any greys yet I don't think but then I dunno if I would notice in my hair so much but Brian is getting quite a bit around the temples and in his beard and he is only 6 mo older than me.

Check out Craigslist for the baby bag too, I have seen them on there before! Too cute!

[meeg124]

you are right...I wish i was having a baby shower cuz then i could put it on a registery LOL. i was thinking of making one up anyway jsut so when someone in the fmaily asked what i wanted i can jsut send them a link to my registery....is that bad?

I'm an only child, so to me, presents are never bad!!! :lol Seriously, you should have a registry because I'm sure you will have a lot of friends and family that want to buy things for the baby and that way it will help decrease duplicate gifts, etc.

[KaisaG]

That diaper bag is totally cute-- but I can't see Victor being very willing to carry it :lol That's why we have a lame black Samsonite one!

[becky]

LOL victor never carries my diaper bag but many once or twice...but that is something to consider :)

[Marisa]

Marisa: *LOVE* your pic signature! LOL!

Thanks Lynette!

Becky, Just remember the point of the gift is something
1. for YOU
2. that you wouldn't buy for yourself

Even though I wouldn't normally spend the $$ to pamper myself, there is something to be said for having an "object" like Jackie said that you will continually be able to appreciate.

[becky]

There is hope yet!

Victor just called and asked me what i want for christmas. Of course i told him i wanted a mixer since i love to bake. He said he was asking since he still hadnt gotten me anything and he hates going shopping so i kindly reminded him that this is what the internet is for. You can shop without all the crowds.

So i'm keeping my fingers crossed that i get my mixer or even a really nice food processor. I forgot i wanted one of those too until Victor asked me about it today.

[Lynette]

Oh yeah, I *love* my Cuisinart!

[becky]

We used to have a blender/prosessor combo until kayla broke it by accident. we tried to get it fixed but couldnt get the part. It was great for chopping onions and shredding cheese, two things i hate to do but love to eat.

[daisydoc]

Becky: I was at Costco today and they had the kitchen Aid Prof. Mixer for 269.99 I think it was! Came with extra rubber spatula and measuring spoons or cups too!

I was also at Macys and the cheapest one there was 329.99.

Thought you could pass the info on to Victor! ;)

[Mom of 2]

Maybe you should wait till after Christmas to buy yourself something. The sales will be there and maybe you cuold get your mixer(if Victor doesn't get it for you) and something else too???

Kate
Mom to Patty and Tyler

[Lynette]

I wonder if you could get a new one online or on eBay for even less now that it is so close to Christmas that shipping might not be guareented??

[becky]

ooh i didnt ever think of looking at costco...i have been forgetting so much lately.

[justamom]

OK, I went to the Costless Outlet today and they had a Kitchenaide Professional 5 for $225.95!!! They only had one. They get a lot of Costco products.

Also, at Costless Outlet today I bought my Hubby a Calloway Golf Polo for $4 (new not used), an Italian v neck gray sweater for $4 (new), and a blue Italian sweater for $4 (new). In the clothing section they have a deal that if you purchase any clothing $19.99 or less it is only $4!!!

Also all their flat screen TV's are either 20% off, or 30%, I forget. They could not tell me when the sale would end, of course.

All furniture was 20% off.

They are right across from Burger King on Commerce Blvd in Rohnert Park!

They are the place I mentioned on another post, to get the toys that Costco did not sell, after Christmas. Happy shopping!

[Lynette]

Becky- I just heard on the radio that Lowe's has some coupon on their site and that their Kitchenaide stuff is like 20% off this weekend :)

[becky]

thanks...i think i'm jsut going to wait until after christmas...just too much stress right now but victor knows what i want and we will probably just order online. I hate the thought of going shopping right now KWIM? Its nuts out there!

[Lynette]

I hate the thought of going shopping right now KWIM? Its nuts out there!

Yeah, I do. I am sitting here in front of my computer in pajama pants in total denial that I still have stocking stuff to do, a few more things I have to get Salina, and the grocery shopping for Christmas dinner and cookies but convincing myself that tommorrow I won't have a headache and it might warmer outside :bag

[becky]

Hey i'm right there with ya...i jsut barely wrapped the girls gift today but i still have a couple more sonce UPS arrives today. Of course there is more baking but i'm procrastinating on that too.

[KaisaG]

Hey Becky I was just going through the mountain of old mail on my kitchen table and I have an ad for Linen N Things. There is a 5qt Kitchenaid mixer there on sale for $299 + there is a 20% off coupon that you could use too! I'll keep the ad just in case you want it - the coupon expires the 24th. This is the smaller of them I think but still a good price!

[Lynette]

I haven't wrapped on single thing yet :bag

I do think I am done though, I went out and braved the rain and got Salina's big present and the stocking stuff so all I need wrapping paper and bows and a present for my niece. I was going to get a couple of other things for the girls but decided enough was enough, they will have plenty.

[justamom]

So it is called a Moses basket. I almost called it a Jesus basket for some reason, lol! Which one did you want? Do you have a link?

you are right Tina :) i know i had wanted the moses basket but since it is something for the baby and not really for me i dont want to spend the money on that. KWIM?

[justamom]

So it is called a Moses basket. I almost called it a Jesus basket for some reason, lol! Which one did you want? Do you have a link? I have never seen one!

you are right Tina :) i know i had wanted the moses basket but since it is something for the baby and not really for me i dont want to spend the money on that. KWIM?

[becky]

oh my gosh...i completely forgot about that...i swear my head is in the clouds with all the holiday stuff and babt preperations going on right now.

http://www.sweetpeachesbedding.com/k...0682-c446.html (http://www.sweetpeachesbedding.com/kauai-moses-basket-p20682-c446.html)

that is the link to the backet i have been eye balling but as you can see its super expensive. I did find a couple at baby's r us that i might consider but they aren't as nice. I was shopping the other day and started my baby registery online just for the fun of it...i love shopping for baby stuff :) and i figured if i had my registry started it would help the family to know what to get if they felt so inclinded.

[justamom]

OMG that is pricey, but very cute!

[becky]

oh i know that is why i havent gotten it and i dont think i will...but its nice to dream. I did find a bassenett type thing, kind of like what Lisa was talking about in another thread, that i may purchase instead becuase it works both as a bassinett and can be carried/moved from room to room like a moses basket. Its more pratical too.

[justamom]

I had a bassinet that had wheels on it, but you could not carry it. So upstairs was a problem. We were then given my SIL's rolling bassinet for upstairs. Lazyness is bliss, lol!

[becky]

i couldnt agree with you more Tina...this is definately one of those times i wish we had found a place in Benett Valley and have moved to a one bedroom house. I'm already dreding having to go up and down stairs with a baby. Not looking forward to it one bit. I do hope to eventually switch room with the girls and the office so that i can at least have the baby closer to the masterbedroom and if i'm really lucky get myah is finally share a room with her big sister.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403656&cp=2255986.2256245.2256271&view=all&parentPage=family

this is what i was looking at as far as bassinett. It looks small enough that it wont be completely terrible to keep down stairs or take the basket part upstairs to the office. I never had one of these things.

When Kayla was a baby she jsut slept in my room and later we co-slept. With Myah i just used the bassinett/playyard thing which was right next to the bed. Later i got lazy as she nursed every hour durning growth spurts that we also co-slept and eventually did away with the playyard all together.

[Lynette]

Hey Becky, so did you end up getting the mixer or decide on what to buy for yourself???

[becky]

nope to either. Victor said he would get me something so i'm patient. He knows he didnt get me anything for xmas so its just a matter of time before i stick it to him and we go get something. Its still a toss up between a mixer or TV but i'm pushing for the mixer becuase that is something jsut for me and the TV would be for the both of us KWIM?

[lmfike]

What size and type of tv are you looking at?

[becky]

when we moved into this house the master bedroom already had a wall mounted stand so we are looking for something to that will fit on it. maybe one of those that is a tv/dvd combo but we still arent sure yet. we just want to be able to watch tv in our bedroom.