I would sooner buy a dish than a new scarf, or a hand-held, battery powered, cordless, triple speed, multi-attachment blender than say, new makeup or jewelry. My cash flies out of my pocket when I see glassware that I must have, but I can walk right past clothing stores and perfumeries. Good wine or a manicure? Time and again: an upgrade on a bottle of wine.

But seriously. We all have our weaknesses, the things we save for---or fail to save because of.

Mine is kitchen accessories. In fact, it might be best if I don't go into that ceramic shop... though you never can browse too many of them. After all, a girl can never have too many small, olive-pit or salt holding bowls... right? And really, since I am living in Tuscany, I should come back with some tokens of my stay here; and ceramics are classic.

I don't actually want my kitchen bursting with Italian ceramics; I know myself---I would tire of them and need new white square plates or boutique teaspoons or something vintage from Anthropologie. Can you believe that price on that gorgeous apron? I would have to buy that new set of bowls to match the new paint I just put on my kitchen walls. But I do need would like some. So I made the executive decision (not a problem, since I am the owner/chairwoman and sole member of the executive board of kitchen accouterments) ahem, to buy a few pieces.

I bought a sangriapitcher or three, 3-4 tiny little creamers and now I am buying 'just a few' small, olive oil dipping bowls. They are inexpensive and everywhere. So if one catches my eye on a random tour of a tiny hilltop city: I will buy it. And 3 euros later I have a big smile and a warm heart. It really doesn't take much, does it? I mean, really.