And this makes three

Well I fell off the wagon a bit over Christmas. I won't even go into it. But I'm back on , except that I am now completing the trio of engaged girls and very quickly found this wasn't quite going to work for me for a few weeks.

So I bought a dress (new):

and a ring (recycled):

so I feel at least like I did something well.
But then again, how often does a person get married?

I am a little annoyed at how much getting engaged creates a need to spend money and buy stuff. In the last two weeks I've spent so much time either looking, thinking, or talking to salespeople about wedding stuff, that I'm even more turned off by all of it, and somewhat more sensitive to how important it is to have a good consumer experience. I actually did not buy a ring I loved because of the experience I had in the store, which was disappointing.

Anyway, it's possible to have the weddings we each want without going overboard as consumers and I love that we are all doing exactly this in our own way. Yay!

Confessions

I have so many successes to share but first confessions:
I bought some stuff in Mexico: two pieces of art and a bracelet that is amazing. Technically it was with gift money and not my own, but still. Also, I bought 2 black gowns for weddings I am involved in, socks, and an air mattress for my aunt as a gift for shacking us up in style so many times. Oh and I contributed money towards a birthday gift for my cousin-in-law-to-be's birthday present, which was new. I am sure there are more examples of my lame behavior. I feel bad, but we did speak about having a holiday break from the contract for a bit.

Well, a weekend really. My weekend got spread out over a few weeks. Now I am back. Its funny how the snowball effect happens though cuz I was so tempted by something in the pottary barn catalog that was on sale I forgot I wasn't buying stuff. Buying is addicting.

Later:
My successes to come.

Reusing Yarn

Ever wanted to know how to recycle yarn? I went to Value Village this weekend, bought a $7 wool Gap sweater and here's what I'm going to do next.

Do not use this product for things it is not intended for

Well I broke my garlic press this weekend. Did you know that was possible? I tried to use it for ginger, which has worked ok in the past. I actually cracked the metal- it didn't just seperate. Kennet says I have to stop working out. I'm just too strong.

So here begins my six months without a garlic press. Bummer.

Ooh ooh me!

I am down for a swap, but maybe we could make it a goods swap instead of just a clothing swap? I just got rid of a bunch of clothes and I have some other goods that could go to a good home.

Also, I will post soon about an unplanned purchase I made today. . .

two big updates and a proposal

-my first update is best appreciated when you consider Chris's reaction to our "buynothing" project: an indignant "why would you want to do that???"
But just months later he and I just got engaged and he actually proposed with an antique ring from 1931! I tried to take a picture of the ring for this blog, but my camera isn't cooperating. Anyhow, I love the fact that it is a recycled diamond and such a unique style of ring.
-the second update is that we bought a used car, a 1999 subaru outback the other night. Its a great car with lowish milage, plenty of room for us and the dog, and we got a great deal. yay for buying used and for craigs list!
-my proposal is that we have a clothing swap SOON now that Mad Eye is back from her adventures abroad. I'm feeling the need to get rid of some old clothes gain some new.
Ideas for a date and time? Ladies?

ripple effects

Just a few stories that make me feel like this project is worthwhile:
1. Shelley and my friend, Rachel Adams, explained the project to her coworker who is now inspired to try it with her whole family (two adults and two kids). It sounds as though they already make many socially conscious decisions and know a lot about living lightly... but that's FOUR more people who are trying this out!
2. My mom, who is a great sale shopper, went to the title nine warehouse sale recently- I think she even went so far as trying on shoes, but then she thought about us and our project and she walked away without buying a single thing.