1 year blogiversary

I can't believe it's been about a year since I started this blog! Whew! Time sure flies!

I had originally planned on doing something HUGE this month, like giveaways and cool projects I have tucked away in my brain, but alas, life hasn't provided much unused time lately.  Check that, I haven't taken the time.  Between my husband starting a new job (YAY!), me interviewing and accepting a new job (YAY!), house hunting (YAY!), and continuing to live out of boxes in my in-law's basement, trying to make life as normal as possible, it's been hard finding much time for myself that doesn't involve a glass of wine and zoning out on the couch.

But what I will share with you today as I reflect on the past year are the ways in which I was changed by starting this blog!  I have definitely changed my consumption practices and habits when shopping for stuff, and for that, I'm grateful for this place that I can share my thoughts and be inspired.

1.  I have learned that thrifting is so fun if you have time to peruse through the store and shop around! There are deals to be had, not to mention a great way to reuse what's already out there.  Someone else's trash is my treasure!

^^thrifted^^

2.  I can be creative when it comes to my wardrobe.  I have made more items to wear this past year than ever before. If I see something I really like in a catalog or store, I like to think of ways to be able to either create it myself or thrift it.

^^scarf project with Emily (here), and my favorite project of the year (here)^^

3.  It is fun to work for something that you really want.  I don't think I've blogged about this before, but Seth and I have "workout jars" that we add to every time we workout.  It is our spending money, good for anything we may have our eyes on.  This is total motivation to save for something important, rather than just buy on a whim. It helps keep spontaneous shopping at bay. 

4. I love small business.  This may sound totally rediculous, but having a blog has made me appreciate small businesses all the more! I know my blog isn't necessarily a business, but it is something that I pour myself into (even if it's just dribbling right now!), and I appreciate when others comment or visit the blog.  Similarly, small businesses are providing either products or services that they are passionate about and want to be recognized for that and appreciated for that product/service.

^^my sister's wreath business (here), and the local thrift shops^^

5.  We are responsible for the earth and our country is the top consumer of resources in the world! Let's change that by being a little more globally minded.  Buy less, create more, and be mindful of how we use our resources!

Thank you for reading!
 More blog celebrating and fun to come!