tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513474404867309928.post2038850835689611405..comments2010-01-20T09:45:15.748-05:00Comments on Not Buying It: Another Voice Weighs InLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13142228108347057574noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513474404867309928.post-8867709692783796042008-02-18T08:22:00.000-05:002008-02-18T08:22:00.000-05:00I suppose we do the best we can with what we have ...I suppose we do the best we can with what we have to work with. Much like the game, "Mother May I," to my dismay at times. One step forward two steps back at times. But I keep trying as we all do. Plus the holidays are hard for us all.<BR/><BR/>I'm learning a new way to "spend". Amy can tell you I was the probably the most "shopaholic" friend she'd ever met at one time. But wisely she has given me very sound advice and I'm taking my ques from her.<BR/><BR/>She wears many hats and I wish she'd write a book. She's like a wisdom stone. She could write a book about many things as she is a gifted and talented writer, mother and friend... the list goes on. <BR/><BR/>To buy or not to buy. It's difficult to say the least. Once I use to shop at Pentagon City Mall during lunch breaks almost everyday while having lunch at Nordstroms. Not far from DC in Crystal City.<BR/><BR/>No thought whatsoever to buying $300.00 suites to wear at a pop to work and work related functions. "Show me the money" is a way of life there. I still have them hanging in my closet. <BR/><BR/>That was then and this now. I now shop at outlets. No pride left anymore in that department (no pun intended). I'm find things anywhere and everywhere now(discounted).<BR/><BR/>Oh dare I tell the tale of the Neiman Marcus plates gone wrong(on sale I ordered them)this year on-line. Then after I bought them I started finding them here, there and everywhere. Scattered about from at TJ Max and too many other places to mention. Found that they repackage stuff and won't tell you who the vendors are. <BR/><BR/>It was an wedding anniversary gift of new clear antique clear glass plates. No more porcelain as they eventually crack. The old ones to replace would cost more then new plates so I still got a deal, but disappointed in the retail game you have to learn to play to shop wisely. <BR/><BR/>Learning, yes I'm learning and still shopping. I have my setbacks, the only thing I wouldn't compromise on is organic foods.<BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/><BR/>EllaEllahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14005860409560709198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513474404867309928.post-19285125793593438182008-02-17T07:22:00.000-05:002008-02-17T07:22:00.000-05:00I have been reading Sarah Ban Breathnach's "Simple...I have been reading Sarah Ban Breathnach's "Simple Abundance" this year, and wanted to share her entry for February 10th with you:<BR/><BR/>"When I was beginning the Simple Abundance path and began to wean myself away from worldly distractions for several months by choosing not to read magazines and newspapers, not to watch the news, and especially not to go shopping (except for groceries and essential kid's clothing), the symptoms that I experienced were similar to withdrawl pains. At times, I actually felt achy, shaky, and even dizzy. When this occurred, my authentic self would reassure my conscious self (who didn't think much of the new program) that I was undergoing a deep inner shift in reality. I was learning to differentiate between my needs and my wants and this powerful lesson had to be mastered before I could move forward. I had to learn what I could live without. Whatever I needed I could budget for -- in other words, I could have -- but self-knowledge had to come first.<BR/><BR/>"When you learn what you can live without, you are able to ask life for the very best because you possess the gift of discernment. You develop patience that enables you to wait gracefully and gratefully until the best arrives because you know it will."<BR/><BR/>I thought this might inspire when times get rough in your journey.<BR/><BR/>Still learning too,<BR/>AmyAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06876339363045898162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513474404867309928.post-41505743084686728262008-02-17T02:05:00.000-05:002008-02-17T02:05:00.000-05:00Coffee, food, books. All guilty pleasures. We get...Coffee, food, books. All guilty pleasures. We get better every day - make our own coffee, cook at home, buy only used books and sell those we won't read again. But it is a daily challenge for sure. Best of luck to you!Shalethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03644972485935137427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513474404867309928.post-68239065952003225152008-02-15T10:37:00.000-05:002008-02-15T10:37:00.000-05:00I have tried to be more careful about spending, al...I have tried to be more careful about spending, although I haven't kept a spending diary. I am keenly aware of how often I used to go shopping out of boredom or as a way to "treat" myself after doing something good or thoughtful or when I got angry at someone else. Now I am learning, rather reminding myself, that my worth and emotions are ultimately not tied to what I own. <BR/><BR/>As for things I splurge on, I tend towards creams and lotions and soaps and candles. Oh yeah, I love candy too! I feel guilty when I realize that I've got all of the above at home already. And I am getting better at going and putting the items back on the shelf. It feels good. <BR/><BR/>I hope to grow increasingly aware of those choices and decisions.GailNHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11632210289246687829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513474404867309928.post-65999363466404128612008-02-13T16:56:00.000-05:002008-02-13T16:56:00.000-05:00I love those times when I realize I haven't spent ...I love those times when I realize I haven't spent one cent in days or weeks, other than the usual utilities. I feel empowered! Have you read any of Dave Ramsey's books? I like his philosophies on money management.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16706134799870107518noreply@blogger.com