Self-Discovery

So I just got back from a trip to Philly for my sister's (That would be Dr. Lisa, DMD to YOU) graduation. Fun times had by all that I will certainly try to get around to blogging about. But what I discovered while I was there is that....

I have really really expensive taste in shoes. More than I ever realized. We went to Macy's (yes I know there are Macy's everywhere, including right here in good old SLC, but the shoe department, as well as the ambiance of the Macy's in downtown Philly is truly a-may-zing) and we looked at shoes, and we tried on shoes, and thanks to my wonderful mother's generosity we actually bought shoes. I narrowed it down to the shoes above.

Aren't they all fantastic?! After much deliberation I ended up with the Marc Fisher sandals, but in dark brown. Practical yet saucy. The Calvin Klein gray peep-toe's were a close second. But what I really really really wanted was so incredibly far out of possible range of choices. Now don't get me wrong, I am certainly not one to complain about getting a FREE PAIR OF SHOES. I mean, hi, do I look crazy? I luuuurrrrvvveee shoes. More than anything. Give me a closet full of jeans, black and/or white shirts and a kajillion million billion shoes and I'm good. I'm more than good, I'm in Nirvana. There is no greater bliss. Yes, I know, how incredibly consumerist of me. I'm trying, but I think shoe love is in my blood. Even my brother has more shoes than most women. Maybe it's because shoes look good and fit no matter what. But I digress. The object of my affection? OK, let's call it by what it really is, lust. Unbridled lust. Well, here they are in all their perfectness.

Tres fantastique, no? Stuart Weitzman's Lateral. I think they just may be real python. I would hope so for an espadrille that will set you back a cool $375. Yeah, you read that right. Almost 400 bones for a pair of shoes with rope soles. But they would work with almost everything. Really. I would wear them with every. single. thing. I. own. I keep talking about having a more French wardrobe. You know, the idea of well made timeless classics that will last forever. The 20% we actually wear in our closet and all that. But how can I ever justify that kind of money on shoes? I can drop $100 no problem. Over that and I have to think long and hard. But I have NEVER, EVER considered that kind of moola on shoes. But I am now. I'm just going to stalk them for awhile. See if they ever go on sale. But then really, how low can they really go? Is $250 a major steal? Can I honestly say, "oh I know, aren't they great?! And I got them on SALE!" with a straight face? I think not.

I have not faced a quandry quite like this regarding a clothing purchase since my early 20s. I'm a little freaked out. But damn, I love those shoes.

Living Green

I've been thinking about the quality of our life. There are so many ways we can enrich our lives, but one of the most important is living as sustainably as possible.

Here are some ways I try to live a bit "greener":

1. Garden-the last few years we have had a container garden. This year I am expanding to a bed that we cleared out last fall. I've decided that I need to raise it a bit, so this weekend I am going to head to the Home Depot and construct some simple raised bed forms out of 1x6 lumber and L brackets. Then we can fill them in with compost and garden soil. I'm anxious to get some stuff planted. Later this summer I am planning to lose the lawn and add some raised beds there as well.

2. Buy Used-I have a confession to make. I love our local Deseret Industries. You can find the coolest stuff for pennies. Truly. I bet 75% of our purchases come from there. I buy books, clothes, dishes, furniture, appliances, picture frames, decor, you name it. M thinks it just common sense. Why pay 10 times as much for things? Obviously, there are limits to what you can, and should buy used. I don't buy shoes or underwear or bedding. Sometimes convenience or quality or having the latest technology means new is the way to go. But for so many things it just makes sense financially and environmentally to buy used. I find it quite satisfying to find something like a perfect condition North Face coat, size 12, for $6. In a few years, M will be excited to have such a great coat, and I'll be excited I only paid $6 instead of over $1000

These are just 2 of my favorite ways to live a little lighter on the earth. More posts on this important subject to come.