Laume's Studio

I had to run an errand this afternoon and while driving through town I realized how much my lifestyle changes this year have changed my shopping patterns. I used to spend a lot of time just window shopping... well, in store browsing really, which usually turned into impulse buying. Now with the Wardrobe Refashion Pledge and my personal pledge to buy less new craft supplies, mostly not to buy any new fabric and instead use what I already have, along with our new commitment to eating at home and eating healthier, I rarely have the need to shop, nor do I have the compulsion to do so.

Of course I've been getting a lot of my shopping thrills met by thrift shop treasure hunting and by the pleasure of strolling through all the artist's and vendor's booths at the festival last weekend. But still, there's a noticable difference in both the amount of time and money I've spent commercially this summer. And surprisingly, so far it's been far more pleasurable than painful. Not only am I spending less money, I'm feeling more energized by the more productive ways I'm spending my time. Yah me - HIGH FIVE.

So there I was driving through town thinking smug thoughts and organizing the errands I had to run. I had to stop at a shopping center where the local dollar store is located and since I needed a writing tablet, I decided that I could buy one there. Oh dear, smug thoughts will be one's downfall every time! They had Halloween stuff out!!!!

$45 dollars later - how does one spend so much when nothing costs more than a dollar?!!? - I'm loaded down with all sorts of new bones and skeletons, an entire bag full of fun yarns, craft supplies and goodies for my Sweet and Sinister Swap boxes, and even some practical purchases like bottled ice tea, index cards, and a writing tablet.

I guess I should have seen it coming. It's August, which means it's that time of the year for me. Time to jump the gun on embracing my favorite season of the year, Autumn.