When you work from home, it’s up to you to stay abreast of what is going on in the outside world. There is no coworker to say “did you hear…” as you walk into the office every morning. I established a morning routine long ago that went something like this: NYtimes.com and CNN.com, then all the way down to gawker.com, Popcandy, and a dash of Facebook. But something has happened last year, and I’ve gone wayyyy off track.
It all started with Gilt Groupe. I got the invite, signed up, and that’s all it took. Last week, my morning inbox had over 37 different “offers” from various discount sites, and that’s when I realized I may have a problem. News? What news? Did you see those shoes on HauteLook? OMG. I have to have that rug on OneKingsLane. 75% off laser on Groupon? Two hours later, I haven’t even started my day. I get so excited when I get a referral “credit” that I must spend it that second. Did I need a chunky bangle that Rachel Zoe declared a must-have? Not so much. Did I buy it? Yep.
Since it’s tax time and I owe the government my unborn child’s hypothetical college fund, I thought it was as good a time as any to go cold turkey. Now, in the morning, I turn my head away as I delete, delete, delete. I refuse to even glance at the most amazing deals to be had in all of .com land. No keratin treatment at a fabulous salon for me, thank you. Oh how I will miss the afternoon ring of the buzzer as the UPS man delivers my latest box of goodies. But I am strong. I can do this. I can also pay a bill or two and have a semiintelligent conversation about Libya rather than spring trends in lipstick. (OK, I peeked. Bold pink is totally in.)
[Image © Florian Augustin/Shutterstock]
