Somebody Went Shopping!

It has been so long since I have gone clothes shopping!! Since being on unemployment for 4 months, I didn't have any money, actually I still don't have any money, but I do have credit. I try to only use my credit cards IF I have too, and I think my new job was a good enough reason. I seriously can't freeze all winter long! After working 45 hours this week, I was ready to hit the town to see what I could find.

We hit a couple sporting goods stores. I wasn't expecting to find much at the first stop. But I ended up finding more there then the 2nd store. Plus there was a really good sale. Lovin' those sales! I bought a lighter weight jacket, but should be warm enough for those cold but not too cold days. I also bought 2 Adida's zip-up sweatshirts that have a collar that comes to the top of my neck. But I am thinking of keeping those for "good" clothes. You see, I have clothes that I wear specifically for when I am not working with horses. Working with my own horses and now at a horse barn has made me realize how quickly clothes can be stained and ruined quickly, so I want to make sure that what I wear to work, it doesn't matter what happens to it. I don't have a lot of money to keep going out and replacing my "good" clothes. I just fell in love with the style and fit of these sweatshirts. So for now they will be good, and maybe someday, sent to work!

Another great sale item I found was another zip-up, but one that should help keep me warm under my coat. I loved how it fit, and I really wanted the pink, but they didn't have my size in pink. So I had to settle for the only color that came in a small, black. I think black works well in my profession, I don't have to worry about stains! I also bought snowboarding/skiing socks. They are specifically for cold, wet weather and should help keep my feet warm. As I was checking out, my OH noticed that they had hand and toe warmers by the checkout stand. I bought a 12 pack of hand warmers, and they didn't have packs of toe warmers, so I just bought 5 of them to give it a try. I haven't made a trip to Costco yet, but when I do, I will be sure to buy a case, or more!

I made a purchase that has nothing to do with horses, I really needed another pair of tennis shoes and I found a pair. I usually wear Skecher's, they are the most comfortable tennis shoes ever! But I really didn't like their Skecher collection, so I ended up with a pair of Converse. I have never worn this brand, so I hope they are comfy!! I really need comfort because of my knees. I did try them on, but I will have to wear them around the house to make sure they are right for me.

I tried on gloves, and even found a pair of water proof ones. But they just didn't feel quite right on my hands. Although, I did find a pair in a supplement that Equus magazine included in my last issue. I am not sure if they would work, but I am willing to give them a try. They are water proof, breathable winter work gloves. I would be interested to see if any of my readers have tried them, and if so, how they work and fit. Here is the link to the website:
http://www.heritagegloves.com/WinterWorkGlv.html

At the second stop, I was looking for a heavier coat. They didn't have much of a selection, which shocked me. This place usually has quite a few. But there was one there that seemed to be perfect for what I need. It has a zip liner of fleece that is removable on the days I get too warm. It is water proof, breathable and was on sale. I also found another rain and wind resistant, it could be a lighter weight jacket, but I could also layer it under my coat, I am not too sure what to even call it. It doesn't have a hood, so I won't have any bulk under a coat. I also got another pair of snowboarding/skiing socks.

I also tried on about every pair of extra small gloves they had. I did find a pair that fit pretty good, but I changed my mind on purchasing them, I felt that I might not have a good grip when a horse tries to pull away from me. I now wish I would have bought them, to give them a try. They were only $14.99. Oh well, I can always go back and get them if I want.

All in all, it was a good shopping day. I still need a few more things, but I will get everything I need eventually. Gloves are a major focus right now. I spent more money than I thought I would, but I am sure it will be well worth it.

I would like to thank everyone for all their suggestions! It was very interesting to see what everyone wears in cold weather when working with horses!! I agree with everyone that mentioned gloves, this seems to be the biggest problem. I sure hope that there is a really good winter glove out there that I just haven't found, yet. One that will be slim fitting, warm, water proof and where I can still function around horses. I, of course, will keep everyone updated on how my new "work" clothes are working for me!!