Keeping it Simple this Christmas

I found this video over on Missy's blog. It is AWESOME! All morning I have been feeling that "itch" to get out there and do some shopping (impulse shopping) because I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet and there are "good deals" out there somewhere! Over the past year I have really tried to reduce my acquisition and consumption of "stuff" but my convictions were being put to the test today.

After watching this video I have renewed my resolve to keep it simple this year.

On Aimee's blog I found a great idea for simplifying the Christmas wish list for my family. The idea is to buy a few gifts for each person that focus on body, soul and spirit. For example, clothes would be for the body, one special gift that your child really wanted is for the soul, and a bible or inspirational book would be for the spirit. Then do a few stocking stuffers for fun.

I plan to try it this year. I think this idea will keep me focused and reduce impulse buying when I get that last minute Christmas panic! Last year I was so frustrated with myself because a few days before Christmas I suddenly felt that I hadn't done enough and my kids would be deprived! So I went out to the store that must not be named (sorry Joel, this is true confession time) and bought a bunch of junk! It was very silly!`

Now please don't misunderstand me, I am not a humbug, really! I love Christmas! The music, the lights, the movies, the traditions! I look forward to it every year. My desire is to not get caught up in the "machine" that tells me to buy my happiness. I want to keep my focus where it should be, on God and family, not on stuff.

You might have noticed that I am kicking off the holiday season with a new look for my blog and a Christmas music play list! I'm sorry if the music annoys anyone! I know that some people have strong feelings about music on blogs. My blog has become a place where I like to hang out and relax and music is a big part of that for me. So I hope you enjoy it too but if you don't, just remember to push pause on the play list. ;0)

Conscientious Consumer

I made a really cool discovery while I've been home sick this afternoon (my voice is completely gone which is a sad state to be in for a speech pathologist :0)).

Okay, so my cool discovery is the Better World Shopper database. This site is awesome and will become more so as they increase their research base. Hundreds of companies and products are rated based upon several factors (environmental impact, human rights, animal friendly, etc.) and a "grade" is determined. The gist of it is that as consumers we have the power to make change through what we buy and who we choose to buy it from. I completely agree with this and have been trying to do my part by purchasing organic foods, natural cosmetics and body care products, shopping secondhand as much as I can, and even making a few household cleaning products of my own.

The Better World Shopper gives me the information I need to make more informed choices with my cash. Alongside the Skin Deep database that I mentioned in a previous post, the Conscious Consumer Marketplace and Amazon Green, I am set!

Now, if I can just learn to plan ahead so I don't have to make those last minute purchases at a certain store that shall remain nameless (otherwise I will get in trouble with Recycling Man). Birthdays and holidays are the worst for me in that respect. They always sneak up on me somehow even with emails from birthdayalarm.com. I see the email and nearly always think, "Oh, I have plenty of time", then time goes by and I forget until it is almost too late, necessitating panic shopping.

Must work on this.

Check it out, it's never too late to become a more responsible consumer!

Shopping Secondhand

One of the ways that I'm trying to become more environmentally conscious and save money is by shopping for clothing at secondhand or consignment stores. You can find some great reasons to shop secondhand here.

I have hit the jackpot with one store in particular located in more of an "upscale" town nearby. Today I came away loaded with all sorts of brand name loot (Gap, Eddie Bauer, Anne Taylor Loft, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) for far less than I would have paid in the department stores. The find of the day was my "new to me" grey, hoodie cashmere sweater for $18. Oooh, it's so soft!

I don't buy everything second hand because frankly its a bit of a crapshoot whether you will find what you are looking for or not from one visit to the next. Patience and repeat visits are key since the selection is so variable.

These are some of my consignment store finds from a few months ago. Lucky Jeans, Anne Taylor work pants and American Eagle Outfitters skirt.