10 Things I've Learned in the Last Six Months

I can't believe we are already halfway through 2012 and I have been blogging for six months! I am really surprised when people say they enjoy reading my blog because I feel like I am writing for myself most of the time, and have no clue if anything I post is interesting or not. I do want to thank everyone that does read them regularly and for those who have encouraged me. Since we are nearing the end of June, I thought it would be fun to recap the last six months. I put together a list of things I have discovered about myself and this life change so far:

1. I like collecting things.

Luckily, I also like to purge as much as possible so I haven't become a hoarder. I feel like I need to write a post about my place so readers can see that I don't have piles upon piles of junk from my recent purchases.

2. I like to spend money.

Even when I have nothing to buy I still want to purchase something: clothes, household items, food, anything. It can't be a good thing and without getting political, it really bothers me. I am currently working to curb that desire because I know it's unnecessary.

3. Taking my younger brother's clothes is almost as good and going to a thrift store.

He has such a great style and hits up swap meets regularly. Everything is already worn in, fits fairly well and is normally exactly what I have been looking for at thrift stores. Best of all, its all free! But sometimes I give him cash for things like a leather jacket.

4. I've met some really cool people.

While shopping at garage sales, vintage stores and estate sales I've started up conversations with people. I normally keep to myself but it is so fun to get to know the people I am buying things from. Most of the time they have great stories, items have history and it makes a purchase more meaningful.

5. An eclectic useroo wardrobe is much more fun than following current trends.

Duh! Who wants to buy a dress from Nordstrom when I can wear one from the 60's? I recently sifted through my old clothes tried to pull out as many items as I could to get rid of them. I have come to the realization that my body was made for everything high-waisted. Clothes today don't work as well for me.

6. Some purchases take more research and time but it's worth it.

Such as my mixer. I was so excited to find the one I did and it was a great purchase. I knew this challenge would make things more difficult but I find what I need fairly easily without heading to Target or Walmart (barf bag).

7. Donations are welcome.

Before 2012, I never would have accepted the number of hand me downs that I have recently but it has been a humbling experience. Since people know what I am doing, they offer me something before donating it elsewhere which is very thoughtful. Of course if I can't use it, I don't take it so someone else can.

8. I love Etsy.

They have two categories: handmade or vintage. I can't purchase the handmade items but I have gotten some great ideas from sellers. It is much better than eBay or Craigslist.

9. Others get more frustrated by my limitations than I do.
On several occasions, my mother has told me just to buy something anyway even if it is new. She was irritated that I didn't make it up to our cabin during the winter because I couldn't find chains in time. I don't feel limited with my options because I normally find something that works. If I can't, I know I will learn something from it and find an alternative.

10. I think this is a long term life change!
It is a fun challenge that has really caused me to take time to think about what I want, what I need and what I can live without. I'm not in need of anything and the alternatives that I have found and purchased normally benefit a family, small company or non-profit organization. I feel really good about that.


I just bought this milk glass mug recently and thought it was appropriate for today's post!

Bad Bargaining!

I have been looking everywhere for a mixer for baking. I had found one that was in great condition at a Goodwill. It was in the original box and I was surprised that someone had gotten rid of it. I asked a staff member if it was used and he proceeded to break down all of the price tag terms. (Stupid me for asking, ignorance is bliss right?) If an item there has COD on the tag, it is new and most likely came from the Target across the street. Most COD items are donated if the packaging is torn, broken or if an item was returned and could not be resold in their store. So this meant I wasn't able to buy the nice, new mixer in the ugly box.

My search continued until recently. I stopped at a yard sale this past weekend and scored some things I had been looking for, one of them being a mixer! It is in good condition but dusty. I was able to test it out before buying it and it works like a champ! I also found some other great items and couldn't help but grab them. While looking through everything, I was given a box to hold on to all of it! By the time I had looked thru everything, I had almost ten items. I asked the owner how much it all added up to and realized she clearly was not a bargainer because she offered everything to me for $5.00! I'm sure most people would consider some of the stuff I picked up as junk but everything was in good condition, items I either collect or wanted for my kitchen and definitely worth more than $0.50 each..so my stupid response was "$5.00?! No way!!! I'll give you $10.00." Who does that? I negotiated up. So I ended up paying $10.00 for everything that could've been half the price. Oh well, I would have felt really bad if I had taken her up on the offer and what's $5.00 more right? Right.