Journal Entries: June 2009

June 26: A very worthwhile read to be found here:

http://www.greennationgardens.com/Green-Shopping-s/316.htm

Green Shopping! There are so many ways to save time and money. A trip to a shopping center to find an item that may or may not be there.... Is it worth it when the internet is open 24 hours a day and shipping is free? More and more, as a society, we are opting for the convenience and savings of online shopping.

In some ways, I am sorry to see this, in other ways I am dancing with joy. I make certain that I shop the local markets that are within walking distance of my home. But, when I need something that I have to get into my car for - I am beginning to think twice. And both of those things are good things!

Thinking twice about driving is always a good thing. I drive myself to university twice a week right now - in September it will be three times a week. My big old car is a gas guzzler. I love the old beast. Even taking it out three times a week, even though I don't put that many miles on it, it does concern me enough to think twice before turning the key. There are three reasons that I keep it:

1) it is so inexpensive to maintain and insure.

2) a new car is something I cannot afford at the moment and a used car is simply an unknown. This car has proven itself to be reliable.

3) it is almost always the coolest car in the parking lot and I just get a ton of pleasure out of driving my 1970 Chrysler 300 convertible!

June 13: FREE SHIPPING! A few minutes ago, I reset the shipping details to eliminate all automatic shipping charges to any address within continental US and Canada. This service will apply to almost all items in the store. When it doesn't, this will be detailed in the individual item descriptions. This change will show on the index pages as I change the introductions. No shipping - the most important change has already been made, and that is at the checkout....

The "Daily Deals" thing on Twitter is evolving a little. It's a lot of fun! What started as three items listed at a 30% discount has become a 3-day sale with nine items listed. (Tomorrow will be the first day that all nine items show up at once.) The idea is, that every morning I will add 3 new items to the list - and remove those items that have not sold over the past 3 days. Please let me know if you are interested in one of the "past" sale items and we can talk!

I'm studying this weekend. A major mid-term for the course I am taking in Anthropology, on Monday. I'll still get a bit done around here, but it won't be as much as last weekend. Next weekend, I'll be back to studying for a mid-term in Psychology. This will be my last first year course in psych. I have already registered for a second year course for September. Very exciting! Oh, and I just photographed a great Hobe necklace and earring set too! That will be listed today!

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June 3: I am unabashedly taking an idea that I have seen a few times now - and calling it mine!

Daily Deals - These are popular with a lot of merchants who advertise on Twitter. Each morning I will put a new coupon code on my Twitter page.

Have a great day everyone! Leslie

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June 2: Last night in Anthropology class, we watched a short film "The Story of Stuff". Narrated by Annie Leonard. At this particular moment I can think of few better ways to spend 21 minutes.

One of the points this film makes is that re-cycling by itself is good, but it is not enough. Planned obsolescence was also a subject touched on. I don't think there are many items in my home that were created with obsolescence in mind - although I don't think that holds true for most items that we purchase new. One way in which my home is different from many is that I rarely purchase anything new. I have a love of history, and of antiques. And, even though I personally cannot afford to have and use very many antique pieces, I do buy used - and I buy quality!

Although my little entry here just turned into an ad (which was not intended), it is simply because the film I watched yesterday still has me thinking this morning. Buying quality, buying the best that we can afford, has never been easier. The internet gives us access to so many sellers of beautiful, quality, used (including antique and collectible) items. The only thing missing from the equation is the "instant" gratification part of taking it home from the store and using the item right now. Although, that is certainly possible and easily done by supporting your local shops.

Antique dealers, dealers of used and re-built items, thrift stores and even your local flea markets and auction houses. These places are wonderful sources of treasures that can fill a good deal of our need and can be great sources of adventure as well. Reduce, recycle, and reuse. These words are a large part of my life.... Leslie

There is a link to "The Story of Stuff" site on the preceding page. If it doesn't work - here is URL. http://www.storyofstuff.com/