A Weedyseadragon Swims

Not a Blogger

2011-11-07T12:00:00.000+11:00

So it been another month and no updates, thats because it turns out I'm just not meant be a "blogger". I saw this on Lady Melbourne's blog Reasons I know my blog is my boyfriend and I knew right away I didn't want that.

I guess what I'm saying is I'm breaking up with my blog.

It was a fun few months, we had our ups and downs, but I think it’s time we were just friends. I will stop by for a visit when I see something I know you will like or have something I need to share, but it will be on my terms, and not all that often. I know that if I continue seeing you that you will want me to spend the rest of my life with you, but I'm not ready for that, so it’s time we face the facts. We will never be anything more than friends who catch up once in a while.

Thank everyone who has been reading I will still update once in a while, but nothing constant.

Well I’m back!

2011-10-10T17:17:00.000+11:00

A month and no updates, you all most likely thought this blog was dead, but it’s not. I went on holidays for a month and didn't want to advertise my house was empty. Three weeks away one in China and two in Japan. This means I have lots photos and details of place I have been to come. Since getting home I have also been reminded of how much stuff I have. I really want to do a clean out but it seems wasteful and Michael had advised me it just an excuse to buy more things. But the feeling stayed with me so my first weekend back was spent cleaning, and clearing out. I so far have 2 boxes of things to donate, and I also pledged to Buy Nothing New for the both of October so I can't just run out and fill the spaces these things came from. This month is also going to be very busy as I have two weddings, both of them in a different state. Lucky for me the first is in Sydney the weekend of the Love Vintage Fair. http://www.lovevintage.com.au/ I'm looking forward to browsing all the pretty dresses.

A proper update soon.

Nesting & Berry coloured tops

2011-08-29T20:14:00.000+10:00

For the past few weeks I have found myself shopping mostly at Op shop. I have been a fan of them for as long as I can remember, but it's always been to supplement my shopping from chain stores. I have found so many great things these past few weeks dresses, fabric and household goods, there is never a shortage of choice.

I went into a Sam's Warehouse to get something - I can't even remember what it was now - and I ended up in the homeware’s area looking at all the vases and statues and little items I could buy. I looked around and found while it was all very pretty there was nothing here I could not find at an op shop to reuse. The more I thought about it I realised a lot this stuff has no purpose other than look pretty, and I own a huge amount of it. I'm a huge nester.

Looking around my house I think about items that would make the cut if I have to down size and I find its only items that have a story attached or were given to me. This is a huge area of spending I think I can focused on cutting out/down on. Maybe apply a rule one in one out, but I still feel this is wasteful unless the item is broken.

I had a doona that was a bit dirty... truth is my cat had weeded on it. I was torn between throwing it out and getting a new one for around $60 or taking it to the dry cleaners and getting it cleaned for $45. In the end I took it to the dry cleaners as buying a new one seemed wasteful. When I got it back I left it in the plastic to stay clean until I needed it, only to find when I pulled it out the wee stains where even more noticeable and something they had done had made it smell even more strongly. By now it was too late to go back and complain but in trying to do what i saw as the right thing I ended up wasting $45. The doona is now at Ingrid's warming some of the cats which is fine but I now refuse to buy a replacement. Its been almost a year now and I still haven't replaced it, and I don't think I will, because in the end I have worked out I really didn't need it. It makes me wonder how many items I could live without if I just gave myself some cooling off time.
The top below was found the day of my birthday high tea at the lost and found markets. It's really fun to wear, but I have to be in the right frame of mine when I do, defiantly not on a I hate my wardrobe day. The skirt was a gift from a friend who brought it for herself but didn't like it on. I don't know it if would ever pair them like this again, but at the time i thought it was a good idea.

Top:Lost and Found // Skirt: Etsy // Belt: Glassons

Sheepy Skirt

2011-08-28T22:03:00.001+10:00

I'm fighting with my hair again and the moment... its hit the length where it long but not long enough for what I want to do with it. All it wants to do is fluff out about an inch from my head, add the lighter colour and well i don't leave my hair down much.

It so sunny here at the moment, but still a little chilli which means I can still get some wear out of my new woollen skirt. I found it at savers last month and its been so handy.

Knock me off

2011-08-18T13:00:00.001+10:00

I really want a pair of swedish hasbeens in the styles below:

But I will not buy shoes without trying them on as I sit in the 41-43 range and nowhere stocks them. So I have come to a stalemate. It was the same with the Melissa's I really wanted a pair of UltraGirls but nowhere had the size 41/42, until last week when I went to the pop up store only to find they are too small.
I was explaining to a friend who owns a pair and has for years, how I can't wait for summer when the market is flooded with knock-offs and she was a little put out by this, she didn't like that her shoes were going to be on everyone.

It started me thinking (not about my friend but people in general) do the people who hate knockoffs do so because they feel they paid more therefore they deserve to be part of a restricted group? Do these same people ever consider what it would be like not to be able to fit into designer clothing or do they just see it as another way of setting themselves apart?

I have no problem with reproductions because it's generally the only way I can get an item I'm after that fits me because I don't often fit into straight sizes in shoes or clothing. I know a lot of people use the “but it takes away from the designers livelihood” but should I care when the designer doesn't care I can't fit into their products? I'm more than happy to pay a lot of money and buy custom made or locally designed clothing when they fit, but if they don't should I feel bad when I take a photo of an item that doesn't and then head home to my sewing machine or have someone make a copy? Or even head to the chain store next door and buy an almost identical item in my size?

I have over the years - because of this - found I will wear clothing and shoes from just about anywhere, my only real requirement (aside from them looking pretty) is quality and availability, price only factors in when the quality is low. Labels don't mean anything to me, unless it's the care instructions.

And thats the end to my rant!

(I added random photos from my phone so it wasn't so wordy)

Strawberries and Lace

2011-08-14T23:39:00.001+10:00

I had friends in town this weekend so I have been running around for the past few days. Today was the last day they were here and it was a nice simple walk around the city.

Skirt: DIY // Jumper: Asos // Brooch: Rose st Markets

Yesterday we went to Rose St Markets and I found this cute little brooch. When my boyfriend saw it, he pointed out I shouldn't wear it on my left side above my heart as it would be disrespectful to the soldiers who were awarded real ones and I think this makes sense. Super Kawaii Mama wrote in a post:

"To give an example of something else I believe is beautiful but has also unintentionally caused offence and hurt stemming from a similar historical context is this. Once, when all dressed up in my 1940′s outfit, hair done and ready to hit the dance floor; I was told in no uncertain terms just how insensitive this was. The venue for the dance was my local RSL Club (this is Returned Service Man’s League Club for those of you overseas), and the problem was that by dressing in war era style at a venue where many elderly soldiers went socially, it caused great distress by bringing back memories of the war...." The rest of the post is here

Just food for thought, I guess it just reiterates that fashion, clothing and how you dress/present ourselves really does mean more than some people think.

On a less serious note, the jumper is my first purchase from Asos and I'm pretty disappointed. I love the colour, the lace and the shape, but it is really poor quality. It doesn't keep its shape for longer then 30 minutes and after that turns into a sack. I guess because most of my internet purchase have been from Etsy so either secondhand or handmade I think I thought internet quality was automatically high, but it guess that's not the case. It just makes me think twice about buying from Asos. Also the fact they claim all item are the same measurements regards less of brand, and I know for a fact this is a load of kitty poo, but it makes it really hard to take the gamble as I'm between two sizes (aren't we all!)

Off to visit Ingrid's Haven

2011-08-10T12:07:00.001+10:00

We have been cleaning up and out the house this past few week and had a pile of pillows and a doona we need to take to Ingrid's Haven as a donation for her cats. Ingrid's Haven is a non-profit cat shelter in Victoria, an hour's drive from Melbourne. Ingrid has many cats and kittens available for adoption, most of them coming from death row at the pound, taken in by Ingrid until new loving homes can be found. All cats and kittens are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea treated. The Haven is a no-kill shelter.
This is the shelter we got our adorable Lillian, if you're thinking of getting a cat/kitten please head to Ingrid's she has a cat waiting to come home with you.

All this meant after a morning of cleaning we went for a drive to the country which called for a cute dress and my new sandals. I picked these up at target for $11 and love them... but they are a lot higher then I can take. I will keep wearing them but not when I have to do lots of walking.

Dress: Cotton On (DIY'ed shorter) // Cardie: Cheap cardie store (Cocolatte) // Shoes: Target

Handbag: ebay // Sweater Clip: Vintage Fair

PS: its driving me nuts that my cardie and dress is not straight!

Sunny Melbourne Day in July

2011-08-04T18:26:00.000+10:00

We have had the nicest weather these past few days, ranging from 18 - 22 Degrees in the middle of winter. I was surprised that rather then buy something new, I wanted to unpack my summer clothing. I didn't as I know its going to change again back to cold, instead I just opted to wear some of my not so winter and not so summer clothing instead.

We all have items that float between the seasons and I often find I undervalue them. I think this is because they get worn so much they lose their unique appeal.

I have two black skirts that fall into this category, they are both made of what I call "Raincoat" material. This makes them a bit too light for winter as the wind cuts right through and a bit heavy in summer as they really don't breath. On the plus they are never get wrinkly and stain, but I do think they would melt if I sat to close to the heater.

Skirt: Jacqui-E // Cardie: Valleygirl // Shirt: Barkins // Shoes: Hush Puppies

Handbag: Ebay // Brooch: Gift from Leo

Sewing with the pattern upside down

2011-08-04T10:30:00.003+10:00

Do you ever read the instruction in a sewing pattern and go "Huh" ?
With every new pattern I find myself totally confused, twisting the page to different angles to see how what they are explaining relates to the picture and my fabric in front of me.

Recently I tried buttonhole's, I have never sewn any kind of buttonhole so this was always going to be a learning experience. I ended up doing what I have found works best…. followed the odd and sometimes insane sounding instructions, more often than not I have found what they are saying might sound strange but works out in the end.

I took some photos to show you what I did,

Looking at the end results I was pretty happy and while the holes are a good deal bigger than they were meant to be, I just guessed it was time for some extra large buttons.

It turns out I was wrong, there are a few more steps I had missed. I found this out when I went to my trusted resource (aside from my mum) Youtube. The video below shows a few different ways of sewing bound buttons I used the basic way not the new way she came up with as I has already started.

I'm not the only one who thinks about these things!

2011-07-31T11:43:00.003+10:00

Annebeth from The Styling Dutchman talks about how internet shopping effects us:

Serious Saturday Permanent Shoppers

Back to 0

2011-07-29T20:08:00.002+10:00

So I made it back to 0, it wasn't easy. I was worried I may have a shopping explosion, this is how I refer to the times when I go shopping and don’t consider what I’m buying or that cost. It’s the when you go from shop to shop buying anything that catches your eye, it’s binge shopping. Not healthy at all.
I was really itching to buy something last weekend, in the end I in caved and went shopping but ended up buying nothing! I just kept reminding myself that I was dipping into this fortnight and found nothing I wanted enough to do that.
Yesterday with a clean spending slate I went to Glasson’s to get one (or maybe both) of the dresses I posted about and found that had sold out totally in my size (and for the orange dress in all sizes) within a week of release (I knew they were awesome.) I don’t feel upset and I’m not feeling like I can’t live without them. It just proves once again the world won’t end if I don’t own something. And that’s what this is all about really, reminding myself I don’t need possessions to be happy.
I will admit that I truly believe that when I’m wearing something that I think makes me look good, I feel good and I’m more confident which allows me to achieve better results in many places, but as I also posted before I have learnt even if when I’m not sure I like what I’m wearing if I make it my own I will have the same results. So just to remind myself possessions aren’t everything

On to a lighter note, for the past week Lincraft have had a ½ price sales for the past week, When I first saw it I got a little too happy, realising it might result in an explosion, I went in armed with only my camera. I went thought all the fabric took a photo and left. For the past week I have been matching the fabric with patterns. This has helped arrow down what I could buy as I didn’t’ want to buy too much fabric without a plan. I have posted below what I came up with:

In the blink of an eye its gone!

2011-07-21T15:26:00.004+10:00

I blew my budget in 2 days!

As i mentioned in the last post I had already spend $34, but I then placed an order for a custom made winter coat which cost $135 including express post. This left me with $131.... which i then spent at the hairdressers.
I now have Ombré hair, it was spur of the the moment.

I have really like it on Drew Barrymore (when she had it) but didn't think it was for me, I wanted red hair that was low maintenance and that resulted in this:

PS: Sorry for the crappy photos taken in the bathroom of my work....

Not sure if I like it yet, but its growing on me. What do you think of Ombré hair is it a good look or a bit silly?
Also why does my hair never feel like its getting longer! I want long long hair.

Budgets

2011-07-15T12:42:00.000+10:00

I should start but saying I'm not in debt, I don't have any huge amount of money owing that will force me to stop spending. This blog is solely about overcoming my mild shopping addiction that I have identified I have. While I may not have debt I'm in a situation where I can spend/waste a lot of money. I have my bills and some savings coming out of my account the day I get paid, but after that it’s pretty much total freedom with spending. I should be saving a lot more then I am, the amount I save is pretty good, but the way I handle my money means I’m often dipping into it.

I have time and time again sat down and written out a budget for where all my money should go, planned it all out and then done nothing with it. I don't having anything against them they just don't work for me. I know some people get off on them, can't live without them and wouldn't dare spend money from the wrong area on something else. We each have our thing and mine is not budgeting.

I having been feeling the pressure to stop buying things close in on me this past few weeks, it's totally created by myself, but I feel guilty when I buy but if i don't my it i feel frustrated. This is most likely because in June it's my birthday and I go a little crazy with the spending. Once that is passed I feel the need to slow down a bit, but find it really hard to switch mind sets from “buy everything you want it's your birthday” to “OK, birthday over back to normal” - it's almost like a shopping hang over. It was my payday and I wanted to buy some things but was already beating myself up over it.

Then it occurred me, rather than a budget I just need a limit for my spending, I know it’s not rocket science, and to most of you it would be quite obvious, but to me it was the answer I had been looking for. So I set myself a fortnightly limit of $300 to spend on anything I want. This does not include food or entertainment, more things like hair, makeup and clothing and books. I know this might seem high to some and low to others but to me it’s new and helps me feel in control and relived. If I find I have heaps left over at the end I can put it aside and save up or something big. If I find I'm hitting the limit every fortnight then thats fine to, maybe I need to review why, but I will deal with that when it happens.

So far this fortnight I have spent $34 and its about to jump up another $135 later today.

And here something I own:

Lipstick

Why: I was told about a lipstick pencil by a friend in the lipstick Queen range, I brought it and loved it. When I went back I found that it was no longer available (This always happens.) The lady in the store suggested I try this one instead, and I love it. This is my second tube. Its tinted balm and its prefect. After my first one run out I tried a few cheaper brands, as $34 is a lot for a balm but they all had perfume in them and nothing was good enough.

What: I use it every day.
When:Yesterday.
Want: Yep.

I'll take the lot!

2011-07-08T12:07:00.001+10:00

Do you ever walk into a store (chain) and find yourself thinking I could wear almost everything in here? Sometimes it easy to go window shopping. Walking in an out of shops seeing one or two things that are OK, but you can resist and live without them, other times I find it really hard. I went into Glassons on the weekend and it was one of those times. They have a 50s and 60s theme going at the moment so the cut and shape are what I like, but really it's the colours that have me.
So much for Melbourne being the city of black, this winter it’s been the last colour I wanted to wear. Instead I have been favoring navy, rusty reds, burnt yellow, creams and greens… pretty much anything without pink tones. (nothing wrong with pink its just not what my brain wants!)
Getting back to my point, I'm struggling with that fact I want to own half the clothing in Glassons at the moment but I have no need for any of it. I was in a need of a few jumpers but last week I found two for $7 each and purchased the Laura Ashley one I had been eying off.

Here is my brief(Lol!) list of what I want from Glassons

I tried both of these dresses one and they fit (apart from the fact that they sit 5 inches from my knees.) I think the first one I could add some chunky lace to make it a but longer but they are both really pretty.

These two skirts I have not tired on. I think I will either love or hate them when i put them on, I like them because they are outside of my current zone of comfort.

These two top I tried on in smaller sizes than the models wear for a fitted feel and I want one of each in all the colours they have on offer. (I want that red skirt, but its not for sale anymore... at least not on the website.)

So after I sat down to make a list of what I liked I find its not as long as i thought it would be. I guess this is a process we go through in the change room, but when you window shop miss out on?

Well I'm going o continue to resist the urge to buy the lot and maybe settle on one jumper?

My Heart Closet

2011-07-05T15:15:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I ordered this dress for myself a birthday present (yes I buy myself presents)

From heartmycloset.

I knew I wanted it but I was unsure of what colour to get. I loved the green in the photo, but didn't know if I could wear that much green. I love navy but I thought I already owned a lot of… in the end my friend Alison came to the rescue and suggested navy with a cream collar. As soon as she said it I didn't want anything else. (They didn't have cream but off white worked just as well)

I measured myself maybe 100 times before I sent my details and the dress is a perfect fit.

If you need a dress and want something custom fitted I would recommend this Etsy shop as a good place to look. That said I would also recommend Leah May who is based here in Melbourne at the moment as well. I have two dresses from her that I love and live in, I need to take photos of them for here soon.

The brooch in the photo is a birthday present from Alison, it is what the watch I listed in my last post replaced.

Things I think I Want

2011-06-29T13:32:00.004+10:00

I have a list, a very very long list of things I want. Notice I didn't use need? I'm not deluding myself here, all these things are wants. I have been very good and trying not to give in, but I just end up buying other things instead because they were not on my want list which I was trying to avoid ...so it's OK?

Of course its not OK, I'm now buying even more things and feeling like I'm missing out because I'm not getting any of the things on my mind. Why is it so hard? I'm trying every trick in the book at the moment, not going to shopping centers, avoiding my computer other than blogs and social networking, reasoning with myself , asking "why do you need this?' or 'how do you feel right now? but its not working. I don't think there is a simple answer, its mostly likely a lot of things all rolled up.

So in another attempt I'm going to make a list. Here Goes (in no order a all):

Butterscotch - Dress

Lace Collar

You Were On My Mind - Original Gouache

Marcasite and Opal Faced - Wind-Up Watch

( I was given one for my birthday but it was faulty and they couldn't replace it, I have a lovely brooch now instead but would still really like a watch. This one is wind-up not battery which is what's helping me hold off.)

Good Quality Cardigans - Wool or Cashmere for winter

Sweetheart - Dress Pattern

Best Shapeware ever I need more as mine are a bit old.

I guess its not that long after all?

A cup of tea Mr Owl?

2011-06-23T23:43:00.004+10:00

Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers:
Why: Birthday present from my friend Ange.
What: It sits on display on the kitchen shelf.
When: June 2009
Want: YES!

Tea Cups:
Why: Randomly selected as cheaply as I could for a new years party where we had planned to drink cocktails out of them. They ware not in the best condition but I was after something that it wouldn't matter if they broke.
What: It sits on display on the kitchen shelf.
When: December 2009
Want: They look pretty and are handy for parties.

A frown on a sunny day

2011-06-17T17:37:00.005+10:00

I have a sore lip at the moment so I can't smile, it leaves me with a stupid look on my face most of the time, and it often looks like I'm frowning when I'm not.

I moved my sewing machine into the lounge room to be near the heater to save on bills (running two heaters is a waste) and it was the best thing I could have done. I was able to finish a skirt in 3 nights with out having to really set aside a bit chunk of time.

The skirt was Simplicity 2698, I found the pattern at Salvos in Coburg for $3 which I was very happy about. It has about 5 different skirts and 4 different waist bands to pick from. It was confusing at first, but once I worked out I wanted Skirt J and waist B it worked like a normal pattern. The only problem I run into was that I forgot I wanted waist B and cut out A.

I think the skirt turned out really well, I even lined it which was not included in the pattern. Not sure about my fabric selection, I love the fabric and the pattern but I you can’t see the details of the skirt because the fabric is so busy. I think this skirt will work really well as a solid colour, and maybe different colours pockets. The fabric I might get more of but really can’t work out what pattern would suit it. Looking at the photos i think its a bit longer than i would like but in winter thats not a bad thing.

The photos are a little sunny but it was the best i could get!

Lost + Found Market

2011-06-14T23:46:00.004+10:00

On Sunday I had went to High Tea for my birthday and then after we went to Lost + Found Market on Smith St. I had never been before but loved it. I was really lucky and found a shirt and two dresses. I wore one of the dresses to work today, I'm guessing its forties but i don't really know. I think I will need to be take up just a little, to knee length and it will be perfect.

PS: It's really embarrassing to have your photo taken in the middle of a lane when people keep walking past.

Secret Toy Garden

2011-06-09T08:37:00.001+10:00

So I have a little garden of cute toys, after thinking about it they seem to be gifts from my awesome friends.

Hagu (Hagumi Hanamoto)

When: June 2009

What: On display in my figurine book case

Why: Alison gave it to my for my Birthday, I had looked everywhere when I was in japan for one, but didn’t find any. She ordered it of eBay and surprised me with it

Want: I <3 it so much!

Soft Owl

When: 2008

What: Cute little fabric owl!

Why: My friend Jessie made it for me.

Want: Yep

Kiki

When: 2005 .

What: Kiki from Kiki’s delivery service

Why: Leo brought it back from her trip to Japan and the Ghibli museum

Want: Yep

Little Japanese Doll

When: 2008

What: It looks cute on my shelf.

Why: Gift from Jessie

Want: Yep.

Small Owl

When: 2009 Zoo Trip

What: its a cute little owl I found at the Melbourne Zoo, it also doubles as a mini for when I play DnD

Why: Because I like owls and it was a souvenir from a fun trip to the zoo.

Want: Yep.

Gray Cat

When: 2009 Japan

What: Cute little gray cat one day evil monster in DnD the next.

Why: I found this in a little shop we found Nara after we followed a small hidden path.

Want: ^_^

Tiny Kitty

When: 2004

What: It looks cute on my shelf .. sometimes the head falls off too.

Why: I made it with polymer clay

Want: Yep.

Live in LaLa Land I do

2011-06-06T17:46:00.002+10:00

Over the past two years I have taken a big interest in fashion, sewing and vintage inspired clothing. It’s not something that came out of the blue, I have always liked pretty dresses but I was just never very confident of my looks so felt they didn't suit me or I was over dressed.

Working in a corporate environment I was able to eased out of my jeans and band t-shirt combo, into something slightly more dressed up and as I grew more comfortable I was able to experiment with different styles (of black of course). This flowed over to my everyday clothing and now I'm happy to put on almost anything and not feel over dressed. I think this is something everyone goes through, for some it happens when they are teenagers for others its later.

It took me a while to learn this but my motto is you have to “own your look.” Sometimes you leave the house looking great but other times you realise too late your wearing a something not so great. When this happens you need to except it and walk around like you look great anyway. If you spend the day head down shoulders slumped because your don't like the way you look by the end of the day you're going to feel terrible and your confidence will be rock bottom. Whereas if you spent the day head high, shoulders back without a care in the world, you may be wearing a sack but you owned your choice and while in your eyes the sack wasn't the greatest choice, at the end of the day you will feel much better because in the end no one matters but you.

Today I'm wearing a black dress I found at savers on the weekend. I loved it when I tried it on, loved in when I put it on this morning but by the time I got to work today I was a lot less fond of it.

Dress: Savers (table eight) // Cardigan: Barkins // Bag: eBay / Cape (in my hands) Dotti // Shoes: Mountfords

It felt too small and too short, I fixed the too small part simply enough. Winter is so cold here that I had put a long sleeve black top on under it, after I took that top off it fit again. Its still too short when I'm sitting down, but I can live with that.

The only real drawback is that my knees are cold!

I even went to the trouble of getting photos taken only to discover my camera phone turned all the details of the dress into a black blob!

For the DITP I picked the Cardigan:

When: 2010 or 2009… I don't remember.

What: It's my comfy extra cold day cardie. It's a bit big but had pretty buttons so that balances it out.

Why: I needed a black cardigan that was a nicer than your stranded basic.

It was also back when I didn't wear skirt on my waist so I needed one with a bit more length

Want: Yeah, it's good for the extra cold days

Wishing for Spring

2011-06-02T19:12:00.000+10:00

I have a cold and its truly starting to be winter in Melbourne.So I'm longing for warmer weather already, but I have months to wait. I'm packing away my summer clothing and I'm finding I have very little clothing suitable for winter. I keep trying to remember what I wore last winter, but all I can remember are jeans and jumpers and that I hated that I could never find jeans that fit.

Why: Since I lived in Newcastle I’m no longer a winter person, I feel the cold all the time. Last year I was impatiently waiting for spring because I knew it meant summer, we had moved house in July and were attempting to put out stamp on the new place. Michael agreed to buy me four (they were buy 1 get on free) cherry blooms as they were a sure sign of spring and reminded me of Japan.

What: They are in my backyard looking very sad. They have been infected with Cherry Tree slugs again and the spiders have moved in as well. I think they need to go in the ground. But I don't have anywhere to put them. This weekend I'm going to give them a good spray to get rid of the pest and see if I can find somewhere to plant them.

When: September 2011

Want: Yes but I don't think I'm giving them the best home.

Hunting: is settling on the not quite right product better than finding the perfect item.

2011-05-30T22:19:00.001+10:00

Do you ever get the feeling your want something and then it moves from a “hmm I'd really like to have [random item]” to “I need [random item], Now!” and then the hunting begins.

Sometimes it a normal hunt, you keep your eyes out for it when you happen to be shopping and that is the extent of your looking. But then there are the times when you look in every shop you can thinking of whenever you have a free moment and it becomes quite frenzied.

I get struck with this more often than I would like. It can range from shoes to jackets and even household goods. Murphy’s law means as soon as I decided to want it I can’t find it anywhere. The longer it takes the more I want it, and my expectations raise as well. Two recent items that sent me slightly nutty were needed for my trip to Japan. One was are a good pair of cute ballet flats for walking, the other was a match everything I own jacket. I started early because I had a deadline, but slowly time slipped away and I hadn’t found either.

I then started to get frantic. With the shoes, I started to think of alternates to what I had decided I wanted, I looked at outfit photos online and decided I could handle a pair of loafers. This sent me on another whirlwind tour of shops to no avail. In the end I purchased a pair I had seen at the start and at the time of purchase as far as I was concerned I was settling.

The jacket was different again, I found plenty but they were never the right size, shape or colour. Until I saw a photo of exactly what I wanted and when it came in it was perfect. The only drawback was the price, for the make and materials used I felt it was a bit costly. I purchase it anyway because in my eyes it was perfect.

The results ended up being slightly backwards. I love the shoes and live in them, they are the best shoes I own and I will be getting another pair soon, These are the shoes I “settled on”

While the jacket ended up being less adaptable than I felt it should be, I wear it but not in the way or amount I had planned when I imagined it.

It makes me wonder where does this frantic need for something come from? Is it really a good indicator of something I will use frequently or are those random chance finds just as good or better. Did the shoes turn out so wonderfully because I didn't have high expectations for them?

The Cute Mouse gets the Cheese

Why: It was too cute!

What: It sits on the a shelf, I have used it once or twice but I keep thinking it’s too nice to use. This is a bit weird for me as I think something only has real value when I use it.

When: Feb 2011

Want: YES! Have you seen how cute the mouse is

Hoot Hoot

2011-05-25T22:38:00.002+10:00

Why: Because it was cute and it was an owl. I even withheld for a while… then couldn't hold out any more because I loved it so much

What: It sits next to the stove holding the utensils I find I need all the time, scissors, Tongs, two spatulas... you get the idea.

When: Feb 2011

Want: YES!

What happened?

2011-05-23T12:41:00.001+10:00

So after over two months with no update, I thought it was about time to post something.

This blog came to a grinding holt for a few reasons, the first being I got busy. Life took over and Internet time reduced to 5 minutes here and there on etsy or Facebook.

The other was that while the plan to reduce my spending had started with good intentions it was heading down a dark path and I was unhappy.

I know what your thinking, over reacting much? It's just shopping.

But it was like a diet, I was starving myself and only eating grapefruit. So then I would crack eat a whole block of delicious, delicious chocolate(large expensive purchase) and then beat myself up over. I even started to think Michael was really angry at me every time I brought something. In the end I had become a mess of guilt and unhappiness.

I had to just let go for a bit, it amounted to a bit of shopping but not as much as expected, it was slower and more controlled but naturally not forced. I still understand my dependence on buying thing to be happy is not a good, but I will work on the over time.

I also gave myself time to sit down and sew, I was getting hung up on wrecking my nice fabric but I knew there was no point in keeping it around. Once I let go I found making things was fun and rewarding. Some of them have turned out different to how I imagined, everything has turned out too big, but it’s fun to nut out how to fix them. I have 3 new skirts, that cost me under $50. I have a dress and another skirt in the works. Because of these new skills I now go to a store, and think “I could make that for Under $20 and you want $XXXX for it?”

As for where this blog will go, I still like the idea of focusing on things I own, remembering why I have something was a good lesson. So I think I will keep going but maybe I will post an item a day instead. I also think Daily Outfit post would help remind me of clothing I own and how I have worn something previously. My only problem is I find having my photo taken unpleasant. But we’ll see.

Edit: I should add Michael was not annoyed with me at all, it was all in my head.

Biker Chic... I don't even own a push bike

2011-05-19T11:36:00.000+10:00

Why: I had always wanted a leather biker jacket, going to gigs over the years I had seen them on girls and they just looked cool.

What: I think I wore it 3 times in total and one of them was for these photos. Every time I put it on I felt bulky and very masculine, I was already unhappy with the lack of femininity (is that even a word or did I make it up?) I had with my clothing and this just compounded it. This was a few years ago when I think I owned 2 skirts and maybe a dress. It sat in storage until the start of this year, when I thought maybe it would be OK over a dress or skirt. I put it on and it does look ok, but I just still can't bring myself to wear it.

When: Feb 2008

Want: Nope! I think I'm going to put it on eBay, it is a really nice jacket… and will look awesome just on someone else.

Playing around with things I don't wear

2011-03-05T21:29:00.002+11:00

One new addition which has been the drive behind all my shopping trips the past few weeks is the shoes in the photos above. With the holiday to Japan approaching soon I realised my trusty brown shoes were not going to cut the trip (the holes gave it away). I remembered how sore my feet were after each day of walking last time and realised I needed something with support and cushion.

You would think it would be easy to find shoes, but it wasn’t it. Being a size 10-11 already reduces the range, but no matter where I looked, high price range to low, nothing looked good. At one stage I even contemplated getting son CROCS, I know sounds bad but they have one niceish pair.

Then after I just about gave up I realised maybe I was the problem, I had boxed myself into an idea of what shoes would look good on me and didn't try any other style. I live in ballet flats, as aside from being cheap and comfy, they add no extra width or length to my feet. They also had to have a rounded to, as for some reason I'm drawn to round toed shoes. With this mindset I had pretty much ruled out a lot of shoes.

So to break out of my comfort zone I picked up pair of shoes which had a chunky feel to them, with a non-rounded toe. It's been about two weeks, while I wouldn't say I LOVE them, they have been my shoes of choice most days.

I'm trying to wear different things in my wardrobe at the moment. I tend to get stuck on the same outfits and wear them to death. Summer never really happened here so a lot of my summer clothing will be following me into winter with layers over the top hopefully without too many new additions.

I had a day at home and picked out some of the some things I don't really wear that often to give them a second (in some cases first) chance to win me over. Paired with the new shows I don't mind what I came up with.

Etsy and Ebay

2011-02-13T13:09:00.001+11:00

I even after my questioning the whole making my own clothing things, I'm going ahead with it because, it keeps me away from the shops and I already brought about 4 vintage patterns. I started looking on Etsy for vintage patterns after i found a blog (no longer updated) by a girl my size sewing vintage patterns. I had given up hope they come in my size, but in truth i never really looked.

After i received them I started to wondered what Half-size meant, it was on all the patterns I had picked. A quick look on the Internet and I found out that all the of patterns were for people who were 5ft 3in. Half sizes were for matrons (people over 30 apparently) the photo below explains it all. I'm 5ft9in or 5ft 10in so while they fit in the measurements, they will be too short in the body.

more details - whatbelongstoafripperie

I'm going to make them anyway, they seem to have details on how to lengthen them built in. I also have a new pile of fabric as lincraft had 50% off all fabric. I was slightly good, I only got material based on how much I needed for a specific pattern.

and because I shopped

Why I had started to crochet again and I thought it would be cute to make
Matilda wear a frog hat, the maker also gave me a cute bear one too.
When Aug 2010
What I never even started it, but I will one day....
Do It's a PDF... and Yes I do want it.

Craft Questions

2011-02-06T23:07:00.003+11:00

So while trying as hard as I can to not buy anything new, I'm drawn to the idea of making things for myself. Clothing, aprons, blankets etc. using what I already have in my house.

Skirt by Me

When I was a student I had many grand-plans that involved using all my free time to be crafty and sell things at markets. These were encouraged by friends who also had similar aspirations; we would plan trips to spotlight and spend hour picking out material and different trimmings. Patterns were never on the list as we had the internet which provided us with free printouts, or we figured we could guess.

We would then meet up once or twice with the intention of being super crafty but instead of making anything we would just sit around drinking and chatting. The supplies would go into a storage box for safe keeping as we all because too busy with exams and work.

I was a bit of a friend-whore with this, I had a few different circles and I did it with a different group each time and in the end I accumulated a lot of sewing supplies.

So Much Material

I did make it to one market, with two friends. One of us was already experienced at making toys so she was set, me and the other friend had no idea. We spent one very frustrating but hilarious day trying to help each other learn to sew with no patterns or clue as to what we were doing. We produced 3 aprons, called it quits and started drinking. In an attempt to fill our table I spent a few days at the uni making fabric covered brooches and on the morning of the market made like 100 mini cupcakes (thank god for the 50cent cake mix!) . We discovered that day how hard it is to be in the craft business. Not one of our aprons sold, maybe 5 of my brooches went and the creator of the toys had become attached to them and removed them from sales. The only thing we sold out of was the cupcakes.

I still have the aprons and the brooches and I also still own way too much material. I gave a big chunk away to my nieces for Christmas mainly just the odds and ends (I loved the off cuts bin at spotlight $5 bag) along with a book on how to make cute softies. This left me with only material I have a meter or more of.
So far I have made one skirt, and partly made a caplet. Before I started them I looked through my fabric to find what could be used and it turned up nothing suitable for the skirt. Most of it is not something I would wear or more of an upholstery fabric. I was lucky enough to see the fabric I wanted on special for $1.99m so I grab 3 meters. For the caplet I had purchased some material ages ago for this purpose but without have a pattern I ended up with 3 meters of material when I only need one.

Skirt by Me

So I'm faced with the question

Is making my own clothing any better in the long run, as I have to buy material and a pattern, but may end up with excess material that has no use? I obviously already have too much fabric, which just shows another manifestation of my shopping addiction.

Why I didn't buy them, I made them

When Oct 2007
What As explained above I made them to sell at a market, but didn't do so well.

Do I want them, to do to people who want them. I want someone to see them and get excited and

wear them all the time. I might get off my butt and sell them on etsy.

Why For a caplet

When Oct 2010
What Left over caplet material see above

Do I have no use for this, I don't want another caplet, and don't know what else to do with it. So maybe?

La Manna

2011-01-31T11:07:00.001+11:00

I was located at the main office last monday. This should have made it simple to not shop, being away from the city and shops, it didn't. I went to lunch at the new supermarket over the road. La Manna is an Italian supermarkets built in an old airport hangar and it is huge. It sells a range of products and it was very tempting to fill up a basket of cooling looking food and kitchen product. I tempted when I came across a range of cute vintage looking baking dishes for $4.80.

I just thought of the cute baking dishes I already own and walked away. But I was very tempted. If you live near by, it's worth a look, not overpriced and has some yummy food woollies and Coles don't stock.

Why Cute!

When July 2010

What It's not being used at the moment, but that is because until two days ago it was filled with little jellies.

I didn't like the taste so I handed them out to people to eat at a BBQ. It is now empy and can be

used to store my sewing things.

Do Yes

I didn't buy anything!

2011-01-22T13:17:00.002+11:00

I had to go to Myer to swap my tights over as I had picked up th wrong size. I wandered around took in the sights and window shopped. And thats it. I even tried this on

leona edmiston shelby-shirtdress

it was even reduced to $75 from $149. Its pretty but I thought about all the vintage patterns I can make a dress from and how much more I would love a dress I made myself.

My new dress, hair and beer

2011-01-19T18:57:00.001+11:00

This is the dress I wrote about the other day . Also has my new hair colour

This message is brought too you from my phone at beiro while I wait for friends too show up

This is my beer

Lunch Time Fun

2011-01-17T20:30:00.007+11:00

I'm back at work, and wanted to go for a walk at lunch time...

So I walked straight down to the shops. I did pretty well, I found this cool looking deco kit

It was reduced to $20 but you then got another 30% off, Bargain! It wasn't glue on, it was hammer on with claws. In the end i didn't get it! I hope some crafty person finds it and puts it to the a good use.

I progressed along the street ending up in Diva, I almost walked out empty handed but as I was leaving I saw the cutest owls necklace. He just seemed to have such a personality i got him. His feathers move, so cute!

and because I shopped here two two brooches I own

CraftyFOLK

Why I wanted some brooch's to jazz up my work clothing
When Aug 09
What Looks lovely on many of my cardies
Do Yes

2011-01-15T00:52:00.009+11:00

Today I brought 3 new pieces of clothing.Two of them where items I mentioned the other day, both were 30% off so they were the price i was willing to pay for them. On a whim I ducked into City Chic and found this

It’s perfect; I had been on the hunt for a navy dress. The white piping adds that 50's sailor look without going overboard (pun not intended) and looking like a costume. I like City Chic because it’s the only place I can buy an extra small!

The other items were a black wrap dress from Stitches and a denim skirt from Piper (Myer brand).

So once again I didn't do so well with the whole no shopping plan, here are my already owned items

This is a two for one, Bunny:

Why Bunny!
When Aug 10
What Sits on my mantel place looking cute
Do Yes

Cup:

Why This photo shows only half the set, it's really a Coffee/Tea cup and pot stack.
When 2008
What The cup sits on my mantel place looking cute with the bunny, and the pot collects my buttons. All the buttons from clothing find a home in it.
Do Yes

One Day Delay

2011-01-07T23:37:00.007+11:00

Yesterday my feet took me to Myer as it has two things I really want, a black dress and a denim skirt. I went to find out of they had been reduced, they hadn't but the all stockings and tight were 30% off.

When I saw these I couldn't help myself, I now own

Natural fishnet 'Burlesque Legs' back seam tights

Today was better, I did buy something but they were needed and Michael approved. With all the free time I have from not shopping I have taken up a little gardening. My flowers are looking sad with the heat we have here and watering with a can just wasn't enough so my hose now has a trigger. It is required by law here to water with a hose. To keep things neat we also purchased a hose winder.

I also sneaked in a hanging flower basket, which I will take a photo of it tomorrow. It has lovely white and purple flowers and hangs at my front door.

Spent the day at the Zoo

2011-01-05T22:02:00.011+11:00

and went into the gift shop. I know its not "shopping" but it really is worse as it's only going to be something I have no need for.

I didn't buy anything but I went in twice once at the start and once when we went to leave.

Tonight I spent the night looking at handbags on Ebay, bid on two... watched like 5!

So here are my items, I almost called them confessions:

Why I wanted a calculator for work that had at least 12 digits, I found this in japan its 12 digits and has cat what more can I say
When April 09
What Almost everyday since I got it, love it
Do Yep

Why I think because I had been paid and felt like buying something... Money-pocket-hole.
When July 10
What once or twice since i got it, was on special for only $12
Do Turns out the bottom two have aniseed... which i don't like, as much as i try so i can only use the top one, so sort of?

Why I watched that thing on the ABC where they interview the oldies, and one of the had wished they had put on more hand cream when they were younger. After the i started trying different and creams.
When Aug 2010
What almost everyday
Do Best one i found and its cheap

Why I break headphone. I wanted some retro ones but didn't think I would use them all that much. Found these for $20, they were kind of what I was after and if I broke them or didn't wear them it would be OK. Was going to cover the writing but never got around it to.
When Nov 2010
What Most days at work
Do Yep think i will make them more pretty tho

Why To avoid shopping I started gardening. I love fuchsias .
When Dec 2010
What Everyday
Do Yep

Bernie Dexter made me do it!

2011-01-05T00:15:00.004+11:00

I was looking at dresses by Bernie dexter ... so here is another item I own

Why Sometimes Diva just has the cutest hair clips for next to nothing. its so pretty and was $3
When December 2010
What Almost everyday since I got it
Do Yep

Cat post it notes

2011-01-04T18:07:00.000+11:00

Why I wandered through the night markets and only allowed myself to spend $10 as I was just looking. It was only $4 so I was happy to keep to budget and that was all I brought. Cute
When December 2010
What Sadly nothing, I'm not organised to use them.
Do I still want them but don't have a use for them. Maybe they can fall into the back up present pile.

Photo taken 3/12/10

A new Year a New Idea

2011-01-04T17:49:00.002+11:00

In the past month I have had a few people tell me I own a lot more than most people. I knew I had a bit of a shopping problem but I was cutting down and didn't think it was that bad. I then started to look around and thought OK, so maybe I do have a bit too much.

I was sitting at work one day and I really had to urge to shop. I work in an office on Bourke St in Melbourne so shops are in every direction. I normally justify it by by listing the reason I need something, "I need a new lip gloss, I can't find my other one and will use them both anyway. Also it would be nice to have a new colour..." with this train of thought not only would I get a replacement I would have gotten another one just for a colour change. Of course this was all just a reason to go to the shops once there no reason not to look around....

I then thought no I will just look for the current one when I get home.

Problem solved.... or so I thought.

About half and hour later I wanted to shop again and already had something else in mind that I needed and had to have that day. I then started to think of all the things I own, and why I didn't need anything and an idea came to me.

Every time I had the urge to shop, I would take a photo of something I owned to remind me of how much I already have. I took five photos in that afternoon and evening alone. I started to realise I needed to put this somewhere and maybe go a step further and ask

Why I brought the item

When I got it

What I currently use it for and if it not used what I can use it for.

Do I still want it and can I sell/Donate it

So while this blog was initially a shopping list, it is now going to be my shopping preventer.

Wish me luck!

Circle Skirt Extras

2009-12-10T10:03:00.006+11:00

Lady Melbourne was kind enough to share with us a tutorial on how to make a circle skirt.
So due to my love of these skirts and wanting to save for a house, I saw this as a chance to get crafty and save money.

So off I went to spotlight found some material and set off to make my skirt. All was going well until I went to cut out my skirt.
The tutorial calls for you to fold the material twice, once horizontally and then once vertically. This left me with a rectangle. This is where my problem was, if I kept going my skirt would have to be a mini! This image should give you an idea of what happened.

So for this to work for I need to find material that was a lot wider. I also found this tutorial which is also really helpful and the person who writes it is really very talented, she has so many different tutorials and ideas you should take a look at her whole blog.

Homemade Chocolate Lip Gloss & Lip Balm Recipes

2009-09-04T09:31:00.003+10:00

Homemade Chocolate Lip Gloss

1 1/2 tsp grated cocoa butter
1/2 tsp coconut oil
1/8 tsp vitamin E oil
3 chocolate chips
Microwave the cocoa butter and oils until melted–watch so it isn’t heated too long. While still hot, add the chocolate and stir until melted and well blended. Pour into a small clean container and cool completely before using.

Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe

3 TBS Cocoa Butter
5 Chocolate Chips
1 Capsule Vitamin E
In a microwave melt all ingredients then blend well with a spoon. Put into a container and cool completely in the refrigerator before using.

Note: Most of the things i post here are taken from TipNut, everyone should visit the site. I just want to post the ones i really like here.

2009-07-20T14:29:00.000+10:00

To keep your car windows ice and frost free when left outside overnight in the wintertime, mix three parts vinegar to one part water, put it in a spray bottle and spray on the windows as needed.

Crafty Jars

2009-07-08T11:03:00.003+10:00

I found this Tutorial on what to do with leftover jars, and it very much appealed to me. After following the links back I found it originated on the Martha Stewart site.

Here the are the details

1. Clean and dry the glass. Using painter's tape, mark off the area you want to etch. Attach vinyl stick-on letters and decorative tape; press hard to ensure they are attached firmly.
2. Cover work surfaces (be sure to work in a well-ventilated area). Put on protective gloves and an old shirt with long sleeves. Paint an even layer of etching cream onto glass. Let stand for amount of time indicated by manufacturer's instructions.
3. Rinse with warm water in a stainless steel sink. (Avoid porcelain sinks; the cream damages glazed surfaces.) Remove letters and tape.

This Blog is.....

2008-10-08T17:51:00.003+11:00

Edit:

I was sitting at work one day and I really had to urge to shop. I work in an office on Bourke St in Melbourne so shops are in every direction. I normally justify it by by listing the reason I need something, "I need a new lip gloss, I can't find my other one and will use them both anyway. also would be nice to have a new colour..." with this train of thought not only would I get a replacement I would have gotten another one just for a colour change. Of course this was all just a reason to go to the shops once there no reason not to look around....

I then thought no I will just look for the current one when I get home.

Problem solved.... or so I thought.

About half and hour later I wanted to shop again and already had something else in mind I needed and had to have that day. I then started to think of all the things I own, and why I didn't need anything and an idea came to me.

Every time I had the urge to shop, I would take a photo of something I owned to remind me of how much I already have. I took photos in that afternoon and evening alone. I started to realise I needed to put this somewhere and maybe go a step further and ask

Why I brought the item

When I got it

What I currently use it for and if it not used what I can use it for.

Do I still want it and can I sell/Donate it

So while this blog as initially a shopping list, it is not going to be my shopping preventer.

Old Post

A Place for me to collect and collate my wants and compare them to my needs. In other words this may just end up being a giant shopping list. But for now I just want a place to store it.