"Can I take you for a drink, my love?"

Sometimes I wish I had a camera following me to document my life. I might not be Snooki, but I'm pretty confident that I could provide just as much entertainment for American reality TV junkies as she does. Today I didn't have to work- no fairs, no visits, nothing for me to do. I was having mixed feelings earlier this week about having the day off. On one hand, I would have the chance to explore some of the historic sights in the area like the town of Sleepy Hollow (which would have been really cool because the whole town is decorated for the season and has lots of events going on since Halloween is coming up). However, I was also worried that I wouldn't have enough to do to fill my entire day. Anyhow, I woke up this morning and it was absolutely miserable out. It was not a good day to do any sort of exploring outside at all. Luckily, I work with a girl who loves to shop so she had suggested that I check out the Palisades Mall. I've been to a lot of malls in many different areas, including the almighty Mall of America, but I was immediately impressed by Palisades Mall. There are four floors and a wide variety of shops, including a glorious Sephora that I spent a good 45 minutes in and did NOT purchase a thing. Hold your applause though, folks. I want you all to know that I spent over four hours in the mall and did not spend any money. That's right. I did not spend a dime. Believe me when I say it was extremely painful and rather difficult not to buy any mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadows in Sephora, but I was determined not to spend my paycheck while on the road. Impressive, right? Yeah, I wish I could tell you that I actually did leave the mall empty-handed, but I started to cave at the very end of my shopping excursion. First, I came across a beautiful Barnes and Noble...and saw a copy of Ellen DeGeneres' new book sitting on the Best Sellers shelf...

...I love Ellen...and reading is educational, right?...so I needed her book...and then I came across the "Bargain Books"...and guess who was there?

...I mean...the hills are alive with the sound of music..and a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in the most delightful way...and now its mine for only $5.98!...plus the Barnes and Noble membership renewal fee. That's right. I am now a renewed Barnes and Noble member who will receive her whopping additional 10% off her every purchase.

I wish I could say that my foolishness stopped there. I wish I could say that I left the mall with those two delightful books and ONLY those books. I was prepared to do just that, I swear. I had just asked the nice woman at the customer service desk how to find the parking lot in which I had parked my car when to my dismay, I happened to look up and catch the eye of the tall, dark, and handsome HerStyler hair salon tools salesman. He flashed his pearly whites at me as I whizzed past his khiosk. "My love? I want to see your hair. What do you use on your hair? Blow dryer? Yes, my love? Flat iron too, yes? Sit down, I want to show you something, my love." Now, my hair did look completely awful. I cannot argue this fact. The miserable weather had done a number on my hair, especially since I had forgotten to bring my umbrella on my trip. My hair was a curly, frizzy mess...and truth be told, I couldn't entirely blame the rain. My flat iron was getting old and I knew I needed a new one. So, my new friend proceeded to straighten and style my entire head as he educated me about every detail regarding this ceramic plated, ionic, simply amazing flat iron. I sat in that chair for a good 30 minutes as he styled my hair....my hair is short now...it takes me 10 minutes to straighten it. Maybe this was because he did a bit more than just educate me on the flat iron. "My love, do you travel? Where in Europe do you travel, my love? My love, you've never been? You want to? Italy? I will take you to Italy, my love. How long are you here for? Can I take you for a drink tomorrow, my love? Tonight? Is it because of my accent? No? Ahh, you're too young to fall in love? Ahh yes, but I am already in love." I knew what he was doing, but you better believe I walked out of there with a new flat iron in hand.

I am a sucker.