Yesterday, I went shopping for something to wear for our upcoming family portrait. I actually got the rare opportunity to go shopping all alone and actually made the extra arrangements to go to the closest really large town in Montana - about 100 miles away - to make sure I got the very best selection.

So, you would think it would be an enjoyable day. No kids, lots of stores to shop in, no schedule or time table to stick to as my hubby was taking care of picking up both kids from their schools.... Not so.

The first problem was that I was limited color-wise. Photographers, when you have portraits made, want you to stick to having a color scheme - mine was red and white - and the clothing items should be fairly plain in pattern....so, no plaid, wild stripes, shiny stuff....

You would think that red or white would not be a problem, but I was not happy with the limited selection of things in those two colors. Even at the most expensive department stores, there was not a whole lot to choose from. The sales lady in Dillards, bless her, pulled every single red sweater from the ladies department and I tried every single one of them on. I actually did purchase a sweater in Dillards - to the tune of $150 - that I am returning today. I like it, but not enough to pay $150 for it! It is cashmere - and gorgeous - but honestly not my style at all so it is going back.

Finally, after scouring several stores, I went to one store that I never go to anymore - Eddie Bauer. Right in front, folded neatly in a pile, was the perfect sweater and it was white. Now, I had been looking for red for myself, but I ended up with white and that is fine. As long as it fits well, which it does, and didn't cost $150 - which it didn't. $50 is way more reasonable, don't you agree?

By the end of the day, I was disheartened though. Shopping used to be fun, but yesterday it was a chore that I didn't really want to do. Not sure why I felt that way, but I did. Now, the real chore begins.....getting my family all to sit straight, smile and co-operate for these portraits! LOL