Buying and Giving

I've been blogging a little bit less lately.  I love blogging and I love my community of blogging friends.

Blogging, like dance and like reading, is a hobby that helps to keep me happy.  It gives me mental emotional fortification. Reading your blogs and your comments uplifts me.

Having lunch on Tuesday afternoon at my favorite little retro lunch spot.  They only take cash; old school style.

......and like the rest of you; there are days when I REALLY need the boost I get from reading (and writing) blogs.  Not only does it give me a forum to put my two cents into, but its a place to vent and to share joy in other's good news.  Its a place to celebrate with strangers who've become friends. Its a place to share ideas about wardrobe, accessorizing and to get feedback on what works and doesn't work. Sometimes my blog posts regress into rhapsodizing about clothing and outfit vanity......but my life is so much more than just the everyday vanities I often post about. 

Just goofing around...

I'm just having a good time posting about outfits, accessorizing and dance.  

My Monday outfit

I also recognize the fact that I am fortunate to be in the position I am in...I have many choices in life.  I recognize that many people do not have so many choices and so I want to be sensitive and not make my blog a constant diary of "look at me, look what I have".

A LS piece from the 'Sisters' line; appropriate for girls of all ages; one of my samples for shows

I need to point out that I'm a committed thriftier. Retail shopping is a rare thing for me these days.  I still enjoy hanging out with girlfriends, having lunch and a girl's day out at the mall or other retail venue, but thrifting is my primary wardrobe source.

My very favorite Lia Sophia piece "Love Dust".  If I could keep only one piece, this would be it.

Most of you know I am a Lia Sophia advisor.  I do this for a number of reasons; 1. I love the jewelry, 2. I can't afford the jewelry if I had to buy it retail, and advisors get a HUGE discount so that we can take samples to our shows, 3. Because I make a little bit of money, 4. Its really a blast to do these shows.

I love the pattern on this thrifted skirt.

My point is that, I'm doing what I can to cut corners and still be fashionable.  I also sell Mary Kay skin care and cosmetics....for the exact same reason.  I'm try to SAVE money and still indulge in the things I enjoy.  This means I have to work a bit to do so...but its worth it.

Ralph Lauren.  Yes.....I was kind of bad....but I will have it forever.  Perfect and classic.

This IS a retail purchase, and a fairly pricey one...but I did have a coupon.  Bags are a different story when it comes to thrifting.  I rarely find the bag that I will love and will suit my particular needs.  I like function,quality, ease of use, structure, beauty, and durability (in that order) when it comes to bags.  So I rarely purchase a bag at a thrift or consignment.  I will have this purse for a very long time.  

LS 'Privy' earrings

But I digress.

My first manicure ever.  I love that its so simple and pretty.  I just can't do crazy colors!

I do pamper myself.  Sometimes too often.  But I also give what I get.  I give back to the community, I work hard.  I work at school with my teaching and research assistantship which in turn pays a small salary and pays for my degree.

My keychain....which is a conversation starter to talk to interested people about my LS and MK businesses

I volunteer a significant amount of time every month to two human service organizations.  I donate my time, I donate jewelry for fundraisers.  

At my book club meeting on Tuesday...love the sweater...HATE the jeans!  To the thrift pile!

I uplift and support my friends.  I'm not perfect, and I do indulge a bit too frequently.  

Lia Sophia 'Interlink"

But I am also committed to doing my part to make life easier for others....and leaving a positive impact.

Lia Sophia 'Scripted'

I enjoy the bling and the sparkle and the clothing and the dance.  But its not without doing my part to the best of my ability to to be mindful about my choices, my spending and my giving.  Yes, I do love pretty things and I do purchase them; but always in the most  mindful way.

I tried this Nicole Miller dress on, but didn't buy it

Another try on, but not a buy.  

Love Dust and Brocade detail

Love Dust and Brocade layered.  Lia Sophia advisors get an unbelievably huge discount to purchase samples.
By the way...if you are tempted to sell LS....you can send me a message and I will give you details.  

Oh...my pretty little thrifted skirt.....

I needed to add a a few items to boost my summer wardrobe.  I adore this!  It was $3.00!

Banana Republic top for $5! I'm sorry for the poor quality of the pictures....

Fun, flirty hi-lo dance skirt...thrifted for $3.00!

Thrift!

Thrift!  

Fun and funky LS 'Coil' necklace......for girls who like an edge to their bling....

Glaminator......more blingy-edgy Lia Sophia 

I think we all need to make our own choices regarding thrifting and retails spending.  I was driven by the choice to put a stop to all the mindless retail spending I was doing.  I was never happy with my purchases but was relegated to purchase whatever retail stores were selling at any given time.  Now, I find treasures that suit my style.

Sometimes, I miss the mark...as is the case with the awful jeans posted above.  

Most of the time I feel that I nail it!

Either way....I believe that is is crucial to share whatever gifts we have with others....whether it is time (volunteering or uplifting others), money (donations) or knowledge.

I don't think that this means I 'earn' all the blessings that I have; I just believe that if I have an abundance, I must give in return.

I need to acknowledge that I was nominated for two blogger awards...the "Leibster" award and the "Versatile Blogger" award.  I do intend to "do" them......so I will post on that soon!

Thank you everyone!