Too Much of A Good Thing

I don't think it is any secret that I love perusing a copy of the Pottery Barn catalogue.  I get ideas for furniture arrangements, paint colors, art projects, things to look for on craigslist, etc.  And every once in a while I am lucky enough to purchase something.  Most of the time though I am just window shopping and daydreaming.  

Until last week.  

Last week we were given a very generous ($500) gift card from my husband's dad and his wife.  We weren't expecting it, and it was a really great surprise.  Yeah, um really great.  Except that I cannot decide how to spend the money.  It's just too much.  So I know you're thinking that I am off my rocker but I cannot make a decision on what to get with that much money.  

Say they had given us $100.  In a heartbeat I would have ordered these.

I have wanted those 12 days of Christmas plates ever since they appeared in a catalogue a few years ago.

Or for $100 I might choose a set of these candle holders.  I think I could use a pair of these in either our master bath or the dining room.  

Now if they had given us $250 it would have been more difficult but I probably would have gone with a quilt & shams like these.

Although this piece of art would look great above the sofa.  Does it remind anyone else of The Great Gatsby?

But this gift card has me paralyzed.  I know I won't have this opportunity again soon and I don't want to waste it.  So then I start thinking that I should get something that will last longer.  Something that I have been pining for like a new bed or a media center.

But both of these options are well above our gift card so we would have to invest a significant amount of money that wasn't in the budget right now.

I think another part of my hesitancy is that so often when I look at the things at PB I always say to myself that either I can find something similar on craigslist or make it myself for way less money.  So even though that bed is super appealing I know that given enough time I can find something close for much less money.

Now I know you're wondering what my husband wants after all it was a gift from his dad.  He's no help at all.  He said I could get whatever I want.

So here I sit everyday visiting the website and thumbing through my catalogue over and over not knowing what to do.  I never thought this would happen to me:)

Tell me what would you buy.  Would you get a few small items?  Would you use the money towards a larger purchase?  Would you hold on to it just waiting for the right thing?

~ Gold Shoe Girl ~