I have a problem

I am an impulsive, compulsive, nothing held back shopper.  When Mushy has approached me about this in the past, I tell him that if he had any idea how many things I didn’t buy every day he would be very appreciative!” While Mushy fails to recognize that not buying EVERY thing I like as a good thing, I have stuck by my motto and continued shopping. After years of careless, reckless shopping and failed budget attempts I started looking for a deeper reasons for my compulsiveness.

 After thinking about some of my recent purchases I realized I do not see purchases as being connected to money. I tend to think of them as investments….. as well as potential memories, or experiences.

Examples:

 

Café styled Drinking Carafes: A potential dinner party with many very trendy, happy and funny guests.

 

New desk for the loft: The endless hours I will be able to work on photography, Photoshop in the loft, while Mushy watches T.V.  Priceless time together.

 

Re-usable shopping bags: The looks of adoration I will get at the grocery store, from the clerks who clearly appreciate a woman with a very stylish and eco friendly re-usable bags.

 

Well, as many of you know I have my Hawaii trip coming up. Which has equaled out to be ….. Expensive.

 

New Swim Suits: Looking Sexy on the beach for the hubby.

New Dress: Not looking like a Utah Hillbilly, but instead a very hot fashionista!

New Sandals: Well you have to have something to wear in Hawaii right?

 

As I sit her tonight and ponder this revelation, I think of the all the money I have carelessly spent, as well as the future money I am bound to spend if I do not get this habit under control. I think of my patient husband that brushes away his frustration under the pre-text that it is “not a big deal.” So as I lovingly tuck my Nordstrom’s card away, in an ice cube at the back of the Freezer, I will also think of the last two shirts I bought. Still in their bag….

 

Cream Tank: A perfect combo with my dark blue jeans, and together a perfect airport look.  Where I will look like a very cool, classic world traveler.

 

Black one shoulder tank: A smoldering tank that I can wear out with my husband, he will defiantly remember that he is one lucky man when I where that tank!

 

Meanwhile I will try to see these things for what they really are;

 

Cream Tank: Will get wrinkled and looked worn out by the time I get to Hawaii and I will probably look like a hot mess anyway because I have been traveling for four hours.

 

Black Tank: Will probably never go to said dinner, where this tank would be appropriate, therefore husband will never see and will have to remember how much he loves me all on his own.

 

I cannot make any promises. I will commit myself to budgeting, to saying NO and to generally be more conscious of the money I am spending. I am sure the road will be filled with potholes and items with very good potential memories, and I’m sure that I will fall along the way. But I promise to try.  Wish me luck fellow bloggers; I will keep you posted on my successes as they come along!

 

Favorite of the week#9

Soundtrack to todays adventure: Kings of Leon. 

Today we went on a little road trip to Mt. Pleasant and spent the afternoon with my Brother Chris, and his wife Rachel. They live in a little ol'house there in Mt. Pleasant. Which they are currently renovating one room at a time. Rachel has an awesome sense of design, and her house looks incredible. She has been able to fuse old world, with new to create a shabby chic/garden chic haven. I took a few shots for you, so that you could get a feeling of why it is my favorite this week.  

After checking out the house, we went on a drive and ate lunch up the canyon. Nothing like a Sunday drive with a view. 

Yes, I finally did it. I bought white jeans. What do you think? Are they me? Do I look ridiculous? 

Some grass, paintings and wrinkles.

Our little seed grass has grown! While it looks nice and thick...

Most of it looks like this. Spotty, and filled with weeds. I'm hoping that it will continue to grow in and the weeds will get pushed out. Its nice having some grass. It feels more like a home!

I have been in a painting mood. I painted the wall in my dining room a darker grey. Although it has turned out a little blue. 
On to the other paintings. I have been painting this year.  I have found such a sense of accomplishment with every painting I finish. It fuels my creativity and help me focus it on something, rather than a hundred things. 
I finished these two a while ago, but finally hung them up today. This is our updated bedroom. It is still in the process of being finished. Maybe I will get some good ideas on the new season of Design Star!

Lastly, I would publicly like to thank my dad for these lovely wrinkles he gave me on my forehead. With out them, I would look so much younger, and more lady like! Thanks Dad! 

Our recent adventure

Do you know where this lovely fountain is? Do you have memories, or perhaps memorabilia/ photos of you sticking your head in this fountain as a child? If so, then you have, #1: Probably grown up in Utah 2: you have visited the Hogle Zoo.  

Mushy and I went to the zoo recently, and even brought Mushy's sister, J. While Mushy and I were in agreement that the black bears were the best animals of the day, J loved the penguins.  While these were the favorite animals to observe of the day, the photos taken did not do them justice and therefore, will not be posted. 

However, these two lovelies were gracious enough to pose for me, and help me get some fab. shots of them. There is something about the distinctive markings on both these animals, that add to their beauty and grace. 

We got snow cones........

We tried on some festive hats. I wanted to buy one to work in the garden, but felt like they were a little over priced. Let me know if your going to china town anytime soon!

Over all, a beautiful day at the zoo.  There is nothing like spending the afternoon with HUGE exotic and exciting animals to make you feel like a kid again. There were so many times that i found us cooing at one animals or another. I kept shouting for Mushy to come over to where I was to look at the cute animal, and what it was doing. What is it about adorable things that make us feel like we have to call everyone over to take a  look? I guess I don't want to be selfish, and I want everyone to feel the excitement and joy that I am feeling at that moment. Thank you mushy for taking me to the zoo, and running around with me like we are a bunch of big kids.

Oh, by the way, I finally cut my hair! Thank you for all the encouragement. I love it, and am much happier. however this picture above does not quite give it  justice- so when I get a good one I will post it for you to check out! hope you are all enjoying your summer, and having many small adventures along the way!

favorite of the week #8

As the summer heat waves start to roll into Utah- Finally- its has made me start looking for paper thin clothing. In my quest, I found this. Which led me to fall in love. 

My new Brother in law. ... Ken

This is posted for my Mom. If you are wondering why, read her comments from my last blog! 

Maggie's Wedding

Maggie got married yesterday. Who is maggie? My big sister! Did you know I had a sister? She is the oldest and I am the youngest. It was so fun to be a part of her big day! She looked beautiful, and more importantly, she looked happy. Maggie never reads this, so I guess this is post is more for me. And the allen girls from Florida. I wish you could have been here too! 

This is me and Rachel. We made up our own "bridesmaid" dresses and both wore black. No, we were not bridesmaids. We just decided to impose the title upon ourselves! 
Here are my boys. We are missing Benny. Which was too bad, I would have loved to see him too!
The blushing bride and my mom. The girls in the family. Do you think we look alike? I don't see it! The wedding turned out to be such a beautiful day. The weather was great, but mostly it was awesome to see everyone in my family again! Oh how I adore all of them.  
Especially Mush Mush. Thanks for helping us with all the wedding stuff all day! You are the best Mush.