A few months ago, Byrne noticed how much time (and money) I was spending at Target each month, so he bought stock in the company. Now I see my twice-monthly Target run for diapers, household necessities, and other things I really, really need (honest) as not only a must-do chore but also a way to buoy our family's finances.

It's so easy to drop serious cash at this store. You'd think there'd be little to crave at a big-box chain retailer, but Target has differentiated itself by working with noted designers on clothing, housewares, stationery, and even pet goods. Some people are so in love with the place that they've devoted their blog to what's new on the shelves there.

Here is just a sampling of the things I am currently digging at Target:

Isaac Mizrahi cashmere sweaters. I have not seen these in person, so I can't attest to their fit or quality, but come on: cashmere for less than $50? And without a red dot?

Babylicious modern crib bedding. A knockoff of Dwell's, sure, but so much more affordable. Where was Babylicious 10 months ago when I was drowning in a sea of pastel bunnies and ducks?!

The GO International series. Not all the collections have been stellar, but some of the stuff by the currrent designer, Behnaz Sarafpour, is quite pretty and is priced well for the quality.

Tord Boontje dinnerware. Now if only Target sold a cheaper version of Boontje's Until Dawn curtains....