The Hopeful Homestead

"NOT???" shopping.

OK.  So I said I wasn't going to shop this year.  And I have.  Quite a bit, really.  I thought I should address this for anyone with an enquiring mind... 

I wondered some time ago if I could "not shop" and decorate a new house all at the same time.  I guess it should have been "shop less, and on the cheap" instead.  Having downsized by half, I can't believe the furniture we've found room for.  But it feels very HOME and very US already, after only four months, and I don't believe I'll be doing this again anytime soon, so to me, the shopping has been worth it.  And we've gotten some great deals, so we're getting the look for WAY less than we might have.  And I'm having fun!!  Junking is so FUN for me, or coming up with zany ideas like turning a lamp into a coat rack.  Or bulletin boards into headboards.  All very fun.  and inexpensive.  So I guess I'm not trying to not shop anymore.  Just trying to shop smarter, and not buy junk.  So there you go.  For now my experiment hasn't worked, and I'm OK with that, and done feeling guilty about it.  Life's too short.  Peace~ Shari

I didn't buy it...

I went "shopping" with mom today... sort of.  We went to the bookstore, where I got 1 book for each of the girls, and 2 decorating mags for me (not really a NEED but close, as all other reading material not packed is TIRED and we're a family of readers. ) But I didn't buy the book I knew I could get at the library next week, the 2 dresses I wasn't sure would work w/ my other clothes at Goodwill, along w/ the lilac moleskin shirt I found.  Nor did I buy the 2 silver candlesticks that caught my eye.  All this despite the 1/2 off sale Goodwill was having.  After my not shopping mantra, I was more aware while browsing of the need vs. want thing.  Or was it that if I bought anything I'd have to pack it to move it in 2 days???  Hmmm whichever, it's working.  Gotta run, basketball is calling.  Peace~  and happy NOT shopping to you.

Shari

Have I Hit a Nerve?

WOW!!

I cannot believe the response I've gotten to my last post!  So many who just want to say, "no!"  I don't need "bigger, better, faster, more" anymore!  I have to admit I'm wondering if I can put my money where my mouth is on this one, as we're MOVING... can you do that w/o buying all kinds of new stuff for the new house??  Before you all think I'm a nut... I'm just kidding!  There are some things that I think will fall in the NEED category (window coverings of some sort, or at least something to hang them on...)  but for the most part I'm going to try to make do.  Resurrect the slipcovers for the hole-y couches, maybe stick with the full size bed we already have, things like that.  Lots of PAINT I think. 

In the new Art & Artifact catalog I got the other day, there was this great little chest & mirror combo  that made me say, hey, I could do that...Take the free chest of drawers I have waiting in Mom's garage, add the old green window sash that used to hang between my kitchen & family room (put the mirrors back in it..) add the jewelery box my Grandpa made, a small framed photo of Al & I from when we met, and a potted plant (think avocado science if no ivy topiary is available) and VOILA!!!  For a little decorative painting, I've gotten the same look for next to nothing!!!  I think "making do" like this is a fun adventure, so maybe I am up to the challenge.  I can always fall back on the board and cinder block bookcase look if I have to...    I can't wait to begin UN-packing.  I was browsing e-bay last night for French Chic decorating ideas to go with this Waverly Fabric I bought last month for the Girls' new room.  Ooh La La! Some of the cute little signs and things I liked could easily be reproduced with a bit of craft paint on wood (now that I think of it, some of the old pallets in the woods at the new house might be PERFECT for this!  gotta love free "weathered" boards!)  Now if I can just think of a TV stand... hmmmm...

Peace- and happy attic/ basement shopping!

Shari