Recall that I went on a dental diet about 6 months ago. I've been more careful about what I eat and more meticulous about my dental routine post meals. I have a dentist who is sometimes like a chastising mom (in a good way, it's what I need in a dentist). I've been motivated by the desire to not have my meager savings drained by an unexpected cavity.
IT'S NOT GENETIC!!!
My most recent dental evaluation was good. Even in areas where they were expecting decay since the margins were really jagged and not very well done, I've been maintaining them well and they don't need work. :)
My family doesn't have the greatest dental history. It's easy to say that it's genetic, but to my mind, I have to rule out effort before resigning myself to bad genetics. I can't say for certain, but a big source of inspiration was me sister Irene. When I would talk to her about my dental troubles and efforts, like brushing twice and flossing at night she'd respond "That's ALL you do?" For some reason, she learned fast that cavities hurt and she doesn't like getting them. She's very meticulous with her dental hygiene and a bit of an outlier compared to the rest of the family because of it. Also, proof that it's not genetic.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Monday, September 10, 2018
Ch...ch..ch..ch...changes
Contrary to my post two years ago on donating clothes, I've found that good habits take a while to set and previous habits can just...pour acid on any new roots you set down.
Then, I was feeling down about my capacity to monetize my clothing that I just haven't been wearing. At the time, it wasn't so bad and actually quite convenient to just donate my clothes. I was more focused on making progress towards paying off my bills, not using my credit card and just wanting to focus more on the house. What changed?
It's easy for the purposes of creating space, clearing room, but if I'm buying clothes at a higher rate than I'm getting rid of - something's gotta give. It makes it harder to just continually donate if sometimes I'm donating things I just bought (Thank you American Apparel for your liquidation sale and your wonky sizing).
My previous go-to Like Twice was bought out by eBay. eBay had gone downhill for small scale sellers like myself whenever they started cutting out negative reviews for buyers - I would get people who'd bid on my auctions just to tell me that they had no intention of paying and they would face no consequences. What was left? Poshmark.
It's nice how these things evolve. Poshmark is a nice solution to the problems of eBay. You list your item and if someone decides they want it, they essentially pay an internet middleman who holds the money until they get the item and accept that they receive it in the noted condition. When they accept or 3 days of no response pass, you get paid. This is not so bad.
As of now, I've listed 5 items from my American Apparel binge and they're now not just sitting around my room taking up space, but being exposed to people who might like them enough to buy them.
Now, I'm just trying this out. It's my full intention that if things don't sell after a couple months - mid November - I'm just going to take down the listing and donate the items. I'd feel less bad over that arrangement because at least I could say I tried.
Here's My Poshmark Closet.
Then, I was feeling down about my capacity to monetize my clothing that I just haven't been wearing. At the time, it wasn't so bad and actually quite convenient to just donate my clothes. I was more focused on making progress towards paying off my bills, not using my credit card and just wanting to focus more on the house. What changed?
It's easy for the purposes of creating space, clearing room, but if I'm buying clothes at a higher rate than I'm getting rid of - something's gotta give. It makes it harder to just continually donate if sometimes I'm donating things I just bought (Thank you American Apparel for your liquidation sale and your wonky sizing).
My previous go-to Like Twice was bought out by eBay. eBay had gone downhill for small scale sellers like myself whenever they started cutting out negative reviews for buyers - I would get people who'd bid on my auctions just to tell me that they had no intention of paying and they would face no consequences. What was left? Poshmark.
It's nice how these things evolve. Poshmark is a nice solution to the problems of eBay. You list your item and if someone decides they want it, they essentially pay an internet middleman who holds the money until they get the item and accept that they receive it in the noted condition. When they accept or 3 days of no response pass, you get paid. This is not so bad.
As of now, I've listed 5 items from my American Apparel binge and they're now not just sitting around my room taking up space, but being exposed to people who might like them enough to buy them.
Now, I'm just trying this out. It's my full intention that if things don't sell after a couple months - mid November - I'm just going to take down the listing and donate the items. I'd feel less bad over that arrangement because at least I could say I tried.
Here's My Poshmark Closet.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Dental Damnation
I'm on a diet and it works.
It's called: I'm-tired-of-spending-a-grand-every-time-I-go-to-the-dentist Diet
I started it at the beginning of this week and I've lost about 5lbs.
In terms of food regulation, generally avoid the sticky, sweet, and sour things.
The focus of the diet is my ability to brush my teeth 30 minutes to an hour after I eat. I'll use a Waterpik in the morning after breakfast. Floss between my teeth enough to dislodge food, then brush after dinner. At night, I floss my gums and brush.
As a result, I've stopped snacking. Aside from avoiding overly sweet things, I think more about when I eat rather than what I eat. And in a way, limiting the amount of time you eat is another form of food restriction.
I'll update later with what my dentist says. I'm losing weight, but ...I'd really rather lose cavities.
It's called: I'm-tired-of-spending-a-grand-every-time-I-go-to-the-dentist Diet
I started it at the beginning of this week and I've lost about 5lbs.
In terms of food regulation, generally avoid the sticky, sweet, and sour things.
The focus of the diet is my ability to brush my teeth 30 minutes to an hour after I eat. I'll use a Waterpik in the morning after breakfast. Floss between my teeth enough to dislodge food, then brush after dinner. At night, I floss my gums and brush.
As a result, I've stopped snacking. Aside from avoiding overly sweet things, I think more about when I eat rather than what I eat. And in a way, limiting the amount of time you eat is another form of food restriction.
I'll update later with what my dentist says. I'm losing weight, but ...I'd really rather lose cavities.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
For my sister: Facial Routine for Evening Out Tone
My sister and I have medium toned, combination skin. We fall in the light tan range.
What does this mean? We're more likely to tan than get sunburned because of the melanin in our skin and when it comes to getting acne, we're prone to getting dark spots (a.k.a. post inflammatory hyper pigmentation) on our skin after the acne heals. And those take forever to go away :(
I like talking skin care because I've really expanded my skin care regimen in an effort to target my skin issues. It's a lot like working out (not that I know a lot about working out) when I hear people talk about leg days, weight training, cardio, and such, it's not unlike my situation of looking at my skin and needing a mask, scrub, or sleeping pack. Also, it's nice waking up in the morning and seeing good looking skin.
I'll be tackling evening out skin tone.
I'll be tackling evening out skin tone.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Discovery Review: Tricky Hair 3D Mink Lashes
A couple months back, I received a request for a review. Being appreciative of someone liking my writing, I couldn't say no, but then I had walked myself into a new dilemma - as a person who generally doesn't wear makeup, what valuable input could I provide on false lashes? Being scientific by nature, I couldn't dismiss an idea before giving it a try and I ended up surprising myself with some of the conclusions I came to.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Tidy Thirties
I haven't written a birthday log in a while. I just haven't written in a while in general and fallen into the realm of blog oblivion. Between graduating from my program and job hunting, landing a job (take THAT business casual), and just working, I find my time limited. 40 hours out of the week is a lot.
I also turned 31 recently. It's interesting to go back into nether regions of this blog and read the depressing sentiments that I had over turning 23 or 26. Turning 31 was nice. I took the day off from work and spent the day at home with my dog while each of my sisters made time to come see me at some point in the day. The individual attention was a nice present. I also made time to clean up the house a bit. While it's not as impressive as taking a trip or going on a shopping spree, there is something to be said for taking time to focus on something that you've been wanting to do.
I was in San Antonio not too long ago to visit family but also to to meet new family as my little sister was having a couple's shower. (For the benefit of those who don't know, it's essentially like a bridal shower, but for both the bride and groom. It's basically a bridal shower.)
A while back, I had bought The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo for my elder sister as a present. I'd been curious about that book so I was going to borrow it. After failing to find my sister's copy, I remembered that my mom has a knack for picking up things and so when searching my parents room, I, ironically, found a copy in a pile. This wasn't even my sister's copy, but one that my mom had bought from the thrift store. I picked it up.
Admittedly, at first it read a bit like pseudoscience. I'm thinking maybe some points got lost in translation. As I've progressed though, she makes a lot of good points like the futility in just doing a little at a time, or going room by room. I'm not reading this book to assess it's psychological value, but to learn habits to maintain a cleaner space and I'm already seeing a difference in my own habits and time management. For instance, I know that it doesn't take me too long to iron all my uniforms and put away my clothes right after I take them out of the dryer. It might be a product of my work environment as well - in a medical lab, you realize that you can get a lot done in one minute. Lately, I haven't had piles of laundry just lying around. The kitchen is always clean before I leave. I also find myself reflecting more on why there are some things that I keep that I don't wear. Catharsis is kind of magical.
I also turned 31 recently. It's interesting to go back into nether regions of this blog and read the depressing sentiments that I had over turning 23 or 26. Turning 31 was nice. I took the day off from work and spent the day at home with my dog while each of my sisters made time to come see me at some point in the day. The individual attention was a nice present. I also made time to clean up the house a bit. While it's not as impressive as taking a trip or going on a shopping spree, there is something to be said for taking time to focus on something that you've been wanting to do.
A while back, I had bought The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo for my elder sister as a present. I'd been curious about that book so I was going to borrow it. After failing to find my sister's copy, I remembered that my mom has a knack for picking up things and so when searching my parents room, I, ironically, found a copy in a pile. This wasn't even my sister's copy, but one that my mom had bought from the thrift store. I picked it up.
Admittedly, at first it read a bit like pseudoscience. I'm thinking maybe some points got lost in translation. As I've progressed though, she makes a lot of good points like the futility in just doing a little at a time, or going room by room. I'm not reading this book to assess it's psychological value, but to learn habits to maintain a cleaner space and I'm already seeing a difference in my own habits and time management. For instance, I know that it doesn't take me too long to iron all my uniforms and put away my clothes right after I take them out of the dryer. It might be a product of my work environment as well - in a medical lab, you realize that you can get a lot done in one minute. Lately, I haven't had piles of laundry just lying around. The kitchen is always clean before I leave. I also find myself reflecting more on why there are some things that I keep that I don't wear. Catharsis is kind of magical.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Dear Business Casual
I hate you.
It is rare that I have to confront the giant monolith of vagueness deemed "business casual." Normally I can carry my own version of business casual which tends to lean more on the business side of things. Added challenges include: Texas summers and having 100+ degree weather (Fahrenheit) and also it being "conservative."
I don't want to wear black, everything seems too hot. I'm kind of regretting never getting into business style capris.
Not fond of all the adjectives surrounding "business casual."
I originally started writing this in August of this year. I just graduated from my program and once I land a job, I get to graduate to a career of scrubs that feel like pajamas. I consider THAT a job benefit, but until I land a job, I have to keep flexing my business casual muscles.
I'll normally achieve this with a pair of dressy (or just nice) slacks and a thin sweater or nicer pullover top. That is the formula every time.
Cartonnier Tweed Wool pants that I bought on a whim:
Grey Simba Loafers by Naturalizer:
And then any thin long sleeved or 3/4 sleeve neutral sweater (grey, black, white). I have a number of them from American Apparel. Don't get on me for wearing black and brown, it can be done if you know how to work colors.
I definitely have more business-y apparel and while it was fun playing the professional dress up, it mostly wasn't me (2 piece suit...? sorry)
Truthfully, now when I go on job interviews, I wear the SAME THING to each one because dwelling on clothes for occasions like interviews is something that I wouldn't want to concentrate my focus on, and it's not like the interviewers are going to cross reference each other on what I was wearing. I'm not in an industry where you have multiple interviews at the same place, but if I was...if I wore the same thing to a follow up interview, and someone noticed, I guess that would mean I was memorable in some way.
It is rare that I have to confront the giant monolith of vagueness deemed "business casual." Normally I can carry my own version of business casual which tends to lean more on the business side of things. Added challenges include: Texas summers and having 100+ degree weather (Fahrenheit) and also it being "conservative."
I don't want to wear black, everything seems too hot. I'm kind of regretting never getting into business style capris.
Not fond of all the adjectives surrounding "business casual."
I originally started writing this in August of this year. I just graduated from my program and once I land a job, I get to graduate to a career of scrubs that feel like pajamas. I consider THAT a job benefit, but until I land a job, I have to keep flexing my business casual muscles.
I'll normally achieve this with a pair of dressy (or just nice) slacks and a thin sweater or nicer pullover top. That is the formula every time.
Cartonnier Tweed Wool pants that I bought on a whim:
 |
| These go all the way to my heel. |
Grey Simba Loafers by Naturalizer:
And then any thin long sleeved or 3/4 sleeve neutral sweater (grey, black, white). I have a number of them from American Apparel. Don't get on me for wearing black and brown, it can be done if you know how to work colors.
I definitely have more business-y apparel and while it was fun playing the professional dress up, it mostly wasn't me (2 piece suit...? sorry)
Truthfully, now when I go on job interviews, I wear the SAME THING to each one because dwelling on clothes for occasions like interviews is something that I wouldn't want to concentrate my focus on, and it's not like the interviewers are going to cross reference each other on what I was wearing. I'm not in an industry where you have multiple interviews at the same place, but if I was...if I wore the same thing to a follow up interview, and someone noticed, I guess that would mean I was memorable in some way.
Monday, March 23, 2015
High waisted - why?
I recently acquired a pair of American Apparel's 4 Way Stretch pants in Navy. They were on sale to the degree that I felt I had nothing to lose.
There's always something to lose.
They actually fit me similar to how they fit the model save the extra fabric at the bottom because I'm a short one. I defaulted on their 26/27 size because of the shorter inseam. In the minds of American Apparel, you can't have a 27/28 waist and be short - the inseam increases to 31 inches from 29 inches. In retrospect, it might not have actually been that big of a deal.
Before, I had tried on some of these pants in a different color, one size up and on one occasion, they fit wonderfully. The following time I tried this, the pants were considerably bigger. Yay for American Apparel's inconsistent sizing! I know I've complained about it before, and theroretically, I should know better, but sales happen. Given American Apparel's return policy, when sales happen, you better be sure that what you want is what you want since the downfall of getting something in the sale section is it being Final Sale. You could always go the route of ordering items full priced and then returning them when you know they fit, then wait for it to go on sale but that involves a lot of lag time.
C'est la vie. The pants are now listed on eBay right here.
Last rant before I continue on with my work is: why are high waisted pants popular? I've read people discuss that they like the flat silhouette without the muffin top, but how does one sit down comfortably in high waisted jeans? If they're relatively tight, your waist will get pinched in when you sit and there's still some kind of muffin top. They look great if you intend to stand all the time, and not eat, but that's just not a practical existence for me. I definitely fall in with the midrise crowd. I am too old to deal with high waisted pants discomfort. Heels? Sure. Tight pants? No thank you.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Like Twice, Black Friday, AAHAUL?
Sorry, but not sorry for not posting much. School is killing all my time. I'm still on a procrastination mode from Thanksgiving trying to get things out of the way early, but I've already got homework yelling in my ear.
You know I don't shop a lot, right? For one thing, my fair trade mind limits me to: Mata Traders, American Apparel, Threads 4 Thought, and People Tree
Do I have other options? Yes. I'm sure, but time is not on my side.
American Apparel
You know I have a love-hate relationship with AA? Love their clothes, hate my lack of money. I came into some around my birthday and spent quite a while trying to figure out what to get. Fate intervened when my tire blew out in front of a Discount Tires and my money decided to go towards a new set of rubber accessories for my car.
Anyway, as someone who really likes American Apparel, this HAUL business seems to be quite the Black Friday gimick. In the days leading up to Black Friday, the 5-10-15 sale was going on. The second Black Friday hits, everything from that sale doubles in price. WTH? To be quite honest, the best AA sales are the ones not associated with a "big sale" day. I still have the 5-10-15 sale link on my computer's memory and when you see the items - with their brand spanking new and more expensive prices - and the categories they fell under...yep, I lost out. A $5 shirt is now $18 for sale purposes.
Black Friday
I recall being thoroughly disappointed in the American public last year for the...7 Black Friday related deaths? Yes. Well, no deaths this year, so that's a plus, the most I heard was a fight over a barbie.
Like Twice
I recall on countless occasions commenting on how I really need to get my selling on. I have a lot of clothes that I don't/didn't wear and I needed to either put them up on eBay or Etsy on something. A sad realization that I came to was that: 1) eBay really sucks to use these days. 2) Clothing resale values are really low. Why do I even buy new? Anyway an ad on Facebook for Twice came up. I watched the video and...it was delightfully easy. You sign up, get a selling kit in the mail. Look at the accepted brands, load up your clothes and send off. No real expense, just time.
This required a bit of a heart to heart with my clothes as I had some attachment issues. What sold me though, was trying on clothes and realizing that I had other things in my wardrobe that were just easier to wear. By that, I mean that if you have a sweater that makes you feel...alright, you have to squint and think more about how you wear it oppose to another sweater that you just throw on and feel great in. Sentimental value or "I paid this much" sentiments don't exactly translate to $$. After going through bits of that, it was easy to just chuck clothing.
About 2 weeks later, I get this:
It was a much better return than I expected. A sad truth is, it's probably a lot more than what I would get off of eBay. I wish I had known about it earlier since I lost a fair amount of clothing to consignment - it didn't amount to much. Either way, Twice is a good call for downsizing the closet.
You know I don't shop a lot, right? For one thing, my fair trade mind limits me to: Mata Traders, American Apparel, Threads 4 Thought, and People Tree
Do I have other options? Yes. I'm sure, but time is not on my side.
American Apparel
You know I have a love-hate relationship with AA? Love their clothes, hate my lack of money. I came into some around my birthday and spent quite a while trying to figure out what to get. Fate intervened when my tire blew out in front of a Discount Tires and my money decided to go towards a new set of rubber accessories for my car.
Anyway, as someone who really likes American Apparel, this HAUL business seems to be quite the Black Friday gimick. In the days leading up to Black Friday, the 5-10-15 sale was going on. The second Black Friday hits, everything from that sale doubles in price. WTH? To be quite honest, the best AA sales are the ones not associated with a "big sale" day. I still have the 5-10-15 sale link on my computer's memory and when you see the items - with their brand spanking new and more expensive prices - and the categories they fell under...yep, I lost out. A $5 shirt is now $18 for sale purposes.
Black Friday
I recall being thoroughly disappointed in the American public last year for the...7 Black Friday related deaths? Yes. Well, no deaths this year, so that's a plus, the most I heard was a fight over a barbie.
Like Twice
I recall on countless occasions commenting on how I really need to get my selling on. I have a lot of clothes that I don't/didn't wear and I needed to either put them up on eBay or Etsy on something. A sad realization that I came to was that: 1) eBay really sucks to use these days. 2) Clothing resale values are really low. Why do I even buy new? Anyway an ad on Facebook for Twice came up. I watched the video and...it was delightfully easy. You sign up, get a selling kit in the mail. Look at the accepted brands, load up your clothes and send off. No real expense, just time.
This required a bit of a heart to heart with my clothes as I had some attachment issues. What sold me though, was trying on clothes and realizing that I had other things in my wardrobe that were just easier to wear. By that, I mean that if you have a sweater that makes you feel...alright, you have to squint and think more about how you wear it oppose to another sweater that you just throw on and feel great in. Sentimental value or "I paid this much" sentiments don't exactly translate to $$. After going through bits of that, it was easy to just chuck clothing.
About 2 weeks later, I get this:
It was a much better return than I expected. A sad truth is, it's probably a lot more than what I would get off of eBay. I wish I had known about it earlier since I lost a fair amount of clothing to consignment - it didn't amount to much. Either way, Twice is a good call for downsizing the closet.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Leather Jacket Lazy
Getting away from my issues of not wanting any attention for being girly, one thing I happen to like a lot is giving off a tougher vibe.
This is pretty easily achieved with waking up at...noon and throwing on a leather jacket - if you can recall the one the boyfriend got for me the Christmas before last.
I generally like any opportunity to look like a greaser.
This is pretty easily achieved with waking up at...noon and throwing on a leather jacket - if you can recall the one the boyfriend got for me the Christmas before last.
I generally like any opportunity to look like a greaser.
Monday, March 24, 2014
2014: 'ssues
First post of the year and it's near the end of March.
Been meaning to do a lot, but overall I haven't done as much as I had hoped for. As such, this blog has sort of fallen into the realm of a journal that I look at occasionally that a lot of people come across because their skirts are probably too tight (yep, still most viewed). I've been having some changing opinions about that posting.
I just haven't been buying clothes a lot. Part of it is that year I took off from buying clothes. That really curbed my impulse control with the realization that the only thing I will die if I do not get is food. Consequently, my cooking blog is pretty well maintained. The next thing is my shtick on buying fair trade, when you cut down your options you can only stay interested for so long, heck, you can only online window shop for so long. What struck a chord with me the most, was last year's Black Friday and the massive increase in deaths related to it. 2012 lesson not learned. The idea that clothes that cost relatively little to make, that people would literally go crazy for over in stores, could cost people their lives really did not sit well with me. I wouldn't want my life dictated in that way just like I wouldn't like arranging my life around a TV guide. I know it seems like whining, but I bet none of the people who died knew it was coming.
The last thing that gets to me, especially with the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Texas is the idea that feminists shouldn't care about clothes. It's tough being a woman and feeling that you shouldn't be judged for your clothing choices, but knowing that you are. I like watching What Not to Wear for the psychological element of it all, the idea of clothes being functional and a carrier for enjoyment. I do enjoy my clothes and I like playing dress up with my clothes and coming up with fun outfits, but I would prefer to not get any outside attention for them - I recognize the irony in having a blog that talks about clothing. Essentially, I'm my own dress up doll. I like being a dress up doll too, I just need to make more time for that kind of play and boy, is it time consuming.
I'm having trouble allocating my efforts on the issues I care about. I only have so much energy. I'm aiming to do a lot of figuring out this year.
Well, to everyone's health! Hopefully 2014 will be a productive year.
Been meaning to do a lot, but overall I haven't done as much as I had hoped for. As such, this blog has sort of fallen into the realm of a journal that I look at occasionally that a lot of people come across because their skirts are probably too tight (yep, still most viewed). I've been having some changing opinions about that posting.
I just haven't been buying clothes a lot. Part of it is that year I took off from buying clothes. That really curbed my impulse control with the realization that the only thing I will die if I do not get is food. Consequently, my cooking blog is pretty well maintained. The next thing is my shtick on buying fair trade, when you cut down your options you can only stay interested for so long, heck, you can only online window shop for so long. What struck a chord with me the most, was last year's Black Friday and the massive increase in deaths related to it. 2012 lesson not learned. The idea that clothes that cost relatively little to make, that people would literally go crazy for over in stores, could cost people their lives really did not sit well with me. I wouldn't want my life dictated in that way just like I wouldn't like arranging my life around a TV guide. I know it seems like whining, but I bet none of the people who died knew it was coming.
The last thing that gets to me, especially with the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Texas is the idea that feminists shouldn't care about clothes. It's tough being a woman and feeling that you shouldn't be judged for your clothing choices, but knowing that you are. I like watching What Not to Wear for the psychological element of it all, the idea of clothes being functional and a carrier for enjoyment. I do enjoy my clothes and I like playing dress up with my clothes and coming up with fun outfits, but I would prefer to not get any outside attention for them - I recognize the irony in having a blog that talks about clothing. Essentially, I'm my own dress up doll. I like being a dress up doll too, I just need to make more time for that kind of play and boy, is it time consuming.
I'm having trouble allocating my efforts on the issues I care about. I only have so much energy. I'm aiming to do a lot of figuring out this year.
Well, to everyone's health! Hopefully 2014 will be a productive year.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Final Destination: Black Friday
You would think after Black Friday 2012 with the one stampeding death, people would have developed the sense to be a little more cautious. Our shopping habits directly caused the death of one person.
Black Friday 2013's death toll exceeded the previous year by 700%. It's safe today that everyone who engages in Black Friday should think to themselves: "someone is going to die today and it very well could be me." Exercise a bit more caution that day. Make sure you're well rested and you have a proxy driver just in case. OR just don't engage - enjoy seconds of Thanksgiving dinner and take a nap.
Getting large amounts of people in stores creates more tension. Everyone present adds to someone else's feelings of panicked urgency that results in stampeding deaths. Recall, no single drop of rain blames itself for the flood.
One thing that gets on my nerves about the Black Friday frenzy is that it's coming to overshadow my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. A day that's about trying to acquire as much as you can for a good deal is overtaking a day that's about being thankful for what you have. That is messed up to say the least. Considering that seven people died this year, was it really that good of a deal?
Black Friday 2013's death toll exceeded the previous year by 700%. It's safe today that everyone who engages in Black Friday should think to themselves: "someone is going to die today and it very well could be me." Exercise a bit more caution that day. Make sure you're well rested and you have a proxy driver just in case. OR just don't engage - enjoy seconds of Thanksgiving dinner and take a nap.
Getting large amounts of people in stores creates more tension. Everyone present adds to someone else's feelings of panicked urgency that results in stampeding deaths. Recall, no single drop of rain blames itself for the flood.
One thing that gets on my nerves about the Black Friday frenzy is that it's coming to overshadow my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. A day that's about trying to acquire as much as you can for a good deal is overtaking a day that's about being thankful for what you have. That is messed up to say the least. Considering that seven people died this year, was it really that good of a deal?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Funky & Fair Trade
Maybe I just don't like physically shopping. I find it time consuming and it takes a lot of effort. This is all in addition to the fact that the majority of clothing out there carry questionable practices for the workers who make them.
I don't mind online shopping one bit though, I can do it any time of the day and it's virtually no different from window shopping. One top of that, fair trade options are more available depending on your boolean search skills.
Here are some nice funky goods:
American Apparel Tent Dress cut from vintage fabrics - $54
Here's a nice deviation from their normal offerings.
Saddle Back Stripes Skirt - $65 by Mata Traders
This one in particular is sold by Bittersweet by design
Ikat mini skirt with large pockets - $48 by Mata Traders
This one in particular is sold by Bittersweet by design
Tote bags made from rice bags and feed bags - $35
These ones are sold on the Global Girlfriend website.
Buttons and Bows top by Mata Traders - $54.99
on their website: www.matatraders.com
Found some nice duds. Now all I need is money. The prices are actually not too bad in the grand scheme of things, especially for ethically made clothing.
I don't mind online shopping one bit though, I can do it any time of the day and it's virtually no different from window shopping. One top of that, fair trade options are more available depending on your boolean search skills.
Here are some nice funky goods:
American Apparel Tent Dress cut from vintage fabrics - $54
Here's a nice deviation from their normal offerings.
Saddle Back Stripes Skirt - $65 by Mata Traders
This one in particular is sold by Bittersweet by design
Ikat mini skirt with large pockets - $48 by Mata Traders
This one in particular is sold by Bittersweet by design
Tote bags made from rice bags and feed bags - $35
These ones are sold on the Global Girlfriend website.
Buttons and Bows top by Mata Traders - $54.99
on their website: www.matatraders.com
Found some nice duds. Now all I need is money. The prices are actually not too bad in the grand scheme of things, especially for ethically made clothing.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Curbing impulse for a cause
Being in a position that's more advantageous than others is sometimes hard to cope with. I'm an American. Walking through malls is kind of hard because it kind of brings to mind how America still functions on the institution of slavery and it's easier to cope with because we just don't see it. Things that are priced cheaply mean that the item itself was produced even more cheaply whether that means a machine did it or someone was paid dirt cheap to make a product.
Over the past few months, I've found it harder and harder to buy clothes. There are so many things made in China, Honduras, the Philippines and I can only wonder about the conditions in which these clothing were made. I can't make a wardrobe entirely of American Apparel - as much as I like them, the clothes seem very body type specific.
As of late, I just haven't been buying too many clothes. I'll make my small exceptions for jeans I know that fit, but generally, my new MO is to buy as few clothes as possible, utilize as much of what I currently have and if it is an option, I'll buy American made or sweatshop free clothing.
Given that this way of living severely limits my options, I've had the chance to reassess a few things in my life
1) Of the many clothes I own, I only wear a few of them anyway
2) Shopping for clothes is not one of my favorite hobbies.
3) Shopping for clothes to wear while shopping for clothing just doesn't make sense to me.
It's almost like a clothing diet, like that new years resolution I had a few years ago. I view a lot of sweatshop clothing the same as fast food - it's tempting, easy to acquire, and cheap, but ultimately in the long run, it's bad for you.
Over the past few months, I've found it harder and harder to buy clothes. There are so many things made in China, Honduras, the Philippines and I can only wonder about the conditions in which these clothing were made. I can't make a wardrobe entirely of American Apparel - as much as I like them, the clothes seem very body type specific.
As of late, I just haven't been buying too many clothes. I'll make my small exceptions for jeans I know that fit, but generally, my new MO is to buy as few clothes as possible, utilize as much of what I currently have and if it is an option, I'll buy American made or sweatshop free clothing.
Given that this way of living severely limits my options, I've had the chance to reassess a few things in my life
1) Of the many clothes I own, I only wear a few of them anyway
2) Shopping for clothes is not one of my favorite hobbies.
3) Shopping for clothes to wear while shopping for clothing just doesn't make sense to me.
It's almost like a clothing diet, like that new years resolution I had a few years ago. I view a lot of sweatshop clothing the same as fast food - it's tempting, easy to acquire, and cheap, but ultimately in the long run, it's bad for you.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Oh Mercy
I watched The Warriors over the weekend. At first I found the opening odd because all the gang members were dressed the same.
I say to Frederick: "How come they're all wearing the same thing? What gangs do that these days?"
He says: "I don't think you're ready for this movie."
Sunday, February 24, 2013
eBay-ables? etsy-ables? Round One
I was going to list a number of things on eBay before I remembered that I have good reason to not trust eBay. I shouldn't dwell constantly on the golden days of eBay as much as I should cleaning out my closet and eating seasonal produce.
Given that I love themes, this first set of goods up for grabs all hail from Anthropologie. I like looking at it as going back to funkier times because sometimes Anthropologie can delve into grandma-ish territory and then it has a cycle of funky goods.
Given that I love themes, this first set of goods up for grabs all hail from Anthropologie. I like looking at it as going back to funkier times because sometimes Anthropologie can delve into grandma-ish territory and then it has a cycle of funky goods.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Ready for the Bag Ban?
This primarily applies to my comrades residing in the Peoples Republic of Austin, TX. Starting March 1st, anyone who has not been paying attention to the news will get a rude awakening if they intend to do any grocery shopping that day as there will be no plastic bags available. I think they will still allow paper bags, but you have to pay for them.
Welcome to the Ghost of Christmas-very near and eminent-Future.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Let someone else dress you?
Ever wonder how someone else would dress you? This is the leather jacket that my boyfriend got me for Christmas. Generally, anything that I would get as a key piece in my wardrobe I would take it upon myself to get, but my boyfriend took advantage of the opportunity. I told him I'd been wanting a brown leather jacket for a while, but I didn't think he would get me one as I thought we had previously decided that getting clothes for each other was off limits.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)