soundtrack: Tegan and Sara – Red Belt (the new album is excellent)

First snow (November 5th, seriously!) and first cold (not THE flu). Two days under covers, I am all out of sleep now.

I watched this documentary the other day; made me more resolved to only shop fair trade organic from now on. I am saving up for a sewing machine as well, who knew they are so expensive? I want something basic but that will last me forever. Does anyone have suggestions for models? Or perhaps I should get a pre-used one… hmm.

p.s. look at these quilts!

So here are the failings of the shopping strike. The black shirt (September) was something I really needed (err.. right) and accessories (two scarves) were even permitted in ‘the rules’. Everything was going pretty well until late November I found the most perfect jeans in history and my friend told me to buy two pairs, because that’s how perfect (+cheap) they were. Why was I even in the shop? Because my friend needed to find jeans for herself, which she didn’t.

But even failing, the strike has had some effects on me. The jealousy over other people’s shopping is gone. I feel guilty of buying just about anything. I’d rather have money in my savings/emergency fund (so grown up). I think I will continue by only buying what I absolutely need and now that I have the jeans I don’t really need anything.

However, I want:
- A warm long grey cashmere cardigan from Zara
- A long string of pearls like Carrie had in the Sex and the City movie (watching movies is bad for you!)

P.S. More successful: Holly is stopping shopping

If only one third of your clothes are mistakes, you’re ahead of the game -Nora Ephron

Last Friday, with a little too much energy after turning in the magazine job, I started sorting through my clothes to make a flea market pile. It struck me as a good idea to lay out all the clothes I do wear the most on my bed, hence the photo. The good news is I could easily fit these in my suitcase (plus some sensible shoes), but what I am wondering is: if this is all that I really wear, why do I have all that other stuff?

The shopping strike is going well. A couple years more wouldn’t hurt. Now what to do with all those books..?

soundtrack: room eleven – shyness (I like the idea of a cocktail dress requiring a party) 

Shopping strike confession time: Yesterday I got my hair cut, then broke down and bought a pair of jeans. They were really needed, since I have grand total of two pairs that fit me, and I don’t wear skirts, but, but… I feel slightly bad. Since stopping shopping I have also become really apprehensive of other peoples shopping (“What do you need that for!!”). I guess I am jealous of their nice new things. On the upside I have dug up all kinds of old treasures and worn those and after just two months I already feel like I’ve got more not less.

It’s an interesting experiment for sure. I wonder how I will feel about buying new stuff when I may need to in the Spring. Will I go completely nuts or not really feel the need to buy anymore like most green bloggers who’ve done some kind of non-buying year. Maybe I find that the 20 kilo suitcase that I can take to Holland will hold everything I need.

Stopping shopping
How to live with just 100 things
Buy-By Brian

P.S. Anyone want my copy of Not Buying it. I got it from bookmooch, but it’s in good condition. Leave a comment if you’d like to have it. Oh yes, no books buying either for me. Music is negotiable.

listening: kt tunstall-someday soon, feeling quiet.

I think it’s time to put myself away
Seek out a little silence
Close the doors and sit a while
Walk a little

I’ve been feeling quiet.

Tomorrow is buy nothing day. Here’s some hints on how to spend the day. My family is also doing buy nothing Christmas, or something pretty close to it.

P.S. Also addicted to Sad Song, by Room Eleven. Hope to see them play sometime.

I think I have enough bedsheets to last me a lifetime. That is if all my sheets are as durable as these 70′s ones, handed down by my mother. (Somehow I doubt that.) It bugs me that I may have to buy some sheets if I spend next year in Holland. There is only so much things you can pack in one suitcase, you know.

I like old things. They are like family members, they have always been there. They hold memories. They outlast new things.

Sometimes I think the way out of this overconsumption is not less materialism but more. How about being so particular in our consumption that we only want things that will last us thirty years. I want to move into that direction. I am still toying with the idea of some kind of buying strike too.

Guess I’ll never work in advertising, huh? Although I’d kind of like to start my own “eco ad-agency” and use all the things learned at my marketing classes for good. I’d do marketing for organic cosmetics, soy milk, wind power… it’s a growing market after all.

P.S. My best deed in a while: ordering a diva cup. We’ll see how that goes.. (I mean, I will. No one else will see a thing!)