Pretty crazy idea, eh, ESPECIALLY at this time of year. But after the second bout of long-term unemployment in the past decade, our family has learned, much out of necessity, that a trip to the mall or an hour on amazon.com is not always the best answer for us.We recycle, freecycle, scour eBay and consignment shops, and if we do need to make a trip to the local shopping emporium, we make sure we're getting the best value for our money. And we also know what it is that we really, really love, what brings true pleasure to our lives.
That is not to say we aren't sometimes stopped in our tracks by a bit of beauty in a shop window. But like this dress I spotted while on holiday in Venice, I would rather either wait until I can find an item on eBay or make it myself and instead fill my oversized suitcase with handmade pasta, which will remind us of a fabulous trip and make our bellies happy (not to mention, costs a whole lost less than the dress).
But I know, I know, you have stockings to fill and people you love who expect gifts under the tree, plus that Pollyanna you signed up for at the office---lots of shopping in the next few weeks for many of us. But perhaps afterward, come resolution-making time (AND credit card payment due dates), you'll want to make time to read this article, which I found recently at care2.com. There are 10 great ideas listed for getting you out of the habit of shopping 'til you drop and perhaps adding more money to your savings account. And of course freeing up time to spend with friends and family---which really, at the end of the day, is the gift we most want.
