all fresh and blank

Friends, it has been a long looong winter, yet again. As we speak I am huddled at the computer, thinking about making myself some hot cocoa. I haven't been putting a lot of pressure on myself to do a whole lot lately. And frankly, with the economy the way it is, I can't manage much more than depression and frugality.

BUT! The current situation has made me rethink my spending habits, which is always wise and welcome (somewhat welcome, anyway). I've been eating at home much more, packing lunches, buying generic... and on the non-food front, buying less of what I don't need. Which is not to say that I haven't been shopping, oh no. I am just choosy about what I'm buying. Things to ponder are, do I love it, or just like it? Will I love it forever? Is it useful? Is there something I can make do with right now that will negate the need for this item? And I happen to be doing much of said shopping on Etsy, despite my absence there as a seller currently (I'm sure anyone who cares has noticed the tumbleweeds blowing through my shop). If you follow my shop link over there --->, you will see that my favorites section is more than overflowing!

I think this is one of the best times to support handmade. People are thoughtfully hand-crafting useful things out there. I know I would rather pay for quality, and for things that I really want or need. It seems like a slow economy makes everything slow down -- slow down the eating, slow down the spending, slow down the driving here, there, and everywhere. I am so grateful for the good fortune of still having a JOB, and I find myself appreciating all kinds of things I don't normally think about much. Simple pleasures are where it's at!



Ok, I'm not usually so earnest, but you can't always be a cynical bastard, right?

Oh, and by the way, I haven't been totally slacking off with the making. I'm in the middle of a few small projects. I got a new sewing machine with my Christmas money, which I have been so happy with!! Janome is my new pal. And as always, picking up new hobbies, such as native american beadwork:



I know, I can't stop. There are too many obscure skills to be had. Well, I try not to apologize for not doing things such as blogging, but I would really like to be more consistent if I can. So, one small whip snap is in order, but that's all.

and ever

I'd seen this print a long while ago in one of my magazines, and thought it was perfectly awesome. I hadn't thought about it in a while, until the other day when I remembered how much I liked it. So I finally just broke down and bought it. Glee!

My method for shopping is mostly to wait it out when I see something I like. And if it's worth having, I will still be thinking about it at a much later date. It saves me a lot of money. I also look at a lot of things and think to myself, "I can make that." Even if I never do, at least I didn't spend!

Despite these handy money-saving tips, it seems I will still never be able to afford a house. I went to look at one with Cary today. It was really cute, but out of our range. I don't think that houses in our price range exist in Richmond. My dream is that one of our landlords will announce that they're tired of taking care of rental properties, and that the rent we have paid will be considered down payment on the apartment we're at. Do you think it'll happen folks??