Monday, December 27, 2010

Nothing for Christmas

Brian and I chose not to exchange gifts for Christmas this year. Instead, we spent the entire day together… in our pajamas! We slept in, talked, watched movies, prepared a delicious meal, drank wine and watched the snow falling. It was perfect. And, I think – our new tradition!

~Stacey

Monday, December 20, 2010

Goodbye Year of Nothing New, Hello 2011


And so I say goodbye to a year of nothing new…
and hello to a new year with gained knowledge and habits.

This year has been a challenge. Not only because of this project, but in general. I have lost and found love, myself, and a new direction in life.

I am so appreciative to you, Stacey, for joining me in this endeavor. Your posts and comments have been inspiring and supportive, have made me feel connected and grateful to see that someone else thinks and cares in a similar capacity. Your work as a yoga teacher and friend have always lifted me and shifted my thinking. Thank you.

People have asked me if I will continue to not purchase anything new in the coming year. They’ve also asked me what my new project will be in 2011. I have no answer other than: what we learn, we carry with us, and I have learned so much.

This project has meant a great deal to me, as have all of you who have followed. Thank you for reading. I hope you have felt encouraged and challenged to think about your own behaviors and lifestyle in an alternative way, to save and conserve personally, and to gain a greater understanding of what we consume globally.

Here’s to 2011!
-Courtney

Monday, December 13, 2010

Holiday Shopping Update


On a recent phone call, Stacey and I were discussing how different this holiday shopping season has been for us from prior years. She said she did all her "shopping" in one stop and my experience has been very similar. Which means more time to enjoy the holidays and the people they involve.

I think my "gifts" this year are both meaningful and practical. I didn't go overboard, and it feels good to know my gifts will be enjoyed socially instead of thrown into a closet somewhere, never to be found again.

-Courtney

Monday, November 29, 2010

Black Friday...Cyber Monday...What will tomorrow be?


Black Friday? Cyber Monday? What is all this?

On Friday, I was reading through my newsfeed on facebook. So many posts were around the exhaustion and excitement of Black Friday shopping and deals. I was relieved not to be a part of any of it, sitting on my couch with coffee and a good book. (And well rested at that since I didn't wake up at 4 a.m. to stampede the malls when they opened.)

I wonder if people would buy these cheap electronics, luggage, and sweaters if it wasn't for the hype or low prices? And when do you have enough? It seems to me the more you buy and stock up on, the more parts and batteries you'll need for the electronics, the more pants you'll need to match the shirts you bought...its like a never-ending addiction that never leaves you satisfied.

The same goes to show for tv. How many channels are on cable now? 300-something? And with more channels, we find there's even less to watch. The more DVDs we own, the less we seem to be able to figure out what to put in the DVD player. The more songs we have on our iPods, the less we have any idea what to listen to. It becomes about the quest to figure out what to play and not about what you put on.

I grew up thinking that more at a lower price was better. But in the last year, my thought patterns have changed. Now, instead of buying 3 bottles of cheap wine, I purchase one bottle of good wine. So I'm drinking less, but when I am drinking, I enjoy the craft of what it is I'm consuming.

Another thing to note: I decided my next writing project will be a full length play. I thought it would be in my best interest to read the last few years of Pulitzer prize winning plays to see what's being acclaimed as the great theater of today. My impulse was to go on to amazon and buy 10 or so plays (used). So, I did. I was about to check out, when I thought, "You should check the library." And I realized I was able to borrow them all from my local library. At no cost. What a true value that is!

-Courtney

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The First Real Glitch

Okay...so it's November. And mid-November at that. Stacey and I have almost completed our 'year of nothing new.' First off: I can't believe it. Second off: I'm so glad that its already November, because I've hit the first real challenge. The first thing that's going to be really hard for me to not rush out and buy is:

CARDINALS III/IV on vinyl.

Apparently, the Cardinals recorded a couple albums they never released before Easy Tiger and this was one of them. Pre-sale starts on Tuesday.

Sidebar: For those of you who don't know me, I am a HUGE music fan. And at the top of that list of artists is Ryan Adams and his band The Cardinals (who haven't put anything out in almost 2 years because he 'retired' from the music business.)

But you know what? I have 4,000 other songs I can listen to in the next month. And half of them I probably haven't even ever heard. Now that's abundance.

Its so funny too, because just yesterday, my friend Monica was asking me what the first thing I was going to rush out and buy January 1rst. I said that I honestly didn't feel the need to buy ANYTHING. Which is great and kind of the whole point. But there's always an exception, and this album is the perfect one for me.

Can't wait for 2011.

-Courtney

Monday, November 15, 2010

Collecting Dust

The Vera Wang stemware was the only “extravagance item” that we registered for 7 ½ years ago when we got married. I remember the expression because after an hour the salesgirl convinced me that every bride deserved a little extravagance. Everything else on the list was practical: pots, pans, flatware, towels, a bedspread, etc.– sensible things. Things we still use today.

But this stemware, I just had to have it.

When we didn’t receive the full set as gifts, Brian and I fought about using some of the wedding cash to complete the collection. I won that argument. And the day after we returned from our honeymoon, we were proud owners of the 2003 Vera Wang by Wedgwood Glassware Collection.

We brought it home to the apartment we were living in at the time and put it in a box for safe keeping until we moved to a more permanent residence. Three moves and seven years later the whole collection was still in that box, unopened and in its original packaging. I know, because I found the box this weekend when I was cleaning.

At first I was just going to dust around it and, I don’t know– leave it there for another seven years? Then I realized how ridiculous this whole situation was and in a moment of minor hysteria I liberated the whole collection. Freeing each delicate piece from its crypt of plastic and foam wrapping.

And right there, among ruins of the cardboard tomb, I filled one of the wine glasses with Cabernet and toasted to progress.

It’s funny (and maybe even a little sad) that it took my ridiculous relationship to this stemware to remind me that value doesn’t belong to things, but rather to how we choose to interact with them.

~Stacey

Thursday, November 11, 2010

40 Days

I just spent the last 40 days as a vegan. And surprisingly – I loved it!

The decision to make such a drastic change to my diet came as the natural evolution to my relationship with Baron Baptiste’s program, “40 Days to Personal Revolution” (based on his book with the same name).

The program uses yoga asana, seated meditation, a mindful diet, and probing journaling questions to guide participants towards a more authentic expression of themselves. I have taken part in, and more recently facilitated, the program several times over the last five years and each time it lands differently with me. This time (with a little urging from my co-facilitator and friend, Sally) I decided to “go vegan” for the entirety of the program.

Okay… Great so I didn’t eat animal products for forty days.

But why mention this on a blog about not buying anything new? Well, because the combination of this project and the 40 Day program proved to be both powerful and informative.

With the new restrictions to my diet, I immediately noticed how much time, money, and energy over the last year I’ve poured into food. Seeking it. Shopping for it. Reading about it. Preparing it. Eating it. Fantasizing about it.

Now, let’s get something straight… I LOVE FOOD! Always have.

But it didn’t take long for me to realize that my enthusiasm for it had shifted into an obsession over the past year. In the simplest terms, I had transferred my desire to shop – to accumulate – from “things” to food. (And to be completely honest, my waistline was starting to reflect this trend.)

A big wake-up call, for sure. And one I wouldn’t have heard without the combination of these two undertakings.

Maybe it’s because I’m sipping on the first coffee I’ve had in six weeks, but right now I’m filled with gratitude for this new awareness and for the opportunity to make some new choices.

(If you’re wondering, I plan to continue this vegan diet with a 90/10 approach. Similar to my thoughts on incorporating the things I’ve learned, thus far, from this year of nothing new into my post 2010 existence. My new mantra: Balance.)

~Stacey

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Where Giving Less is Getting More


Rumor has it that Christmas commercials have started to air. And I just saw Christmas tree plants in front of a home improvement store. Already??? Really?

With the kick-off of the holiday season, I realize how different this year will be for me and my gifting. Every year, like most people, I find myself rushing around for gifts, writing cards, and not enjoying any of it because I’m not taking the time to enjoy what the holidays are all about: the people you love. Last year, I even decided to run a Christmas cookie business on the side to make some extra cash. But instead of putting me in the holiday spirit, all the extra baking left me tired and grumpy.

I’ve decided for this year, I’m not going to give many gifts, and if I do, they will be extra thoughtful, homemade, things ticket/event related, or things people can eat/drink during the holiday season. I may even just cook dinners for family and friends over the course of the next couple months as my “gift.” I’m not even going to send out any Christmas cards. Most end up being impersonal and thrown out eventually.

My gift from my mom is my flight home. And I’ve asked to receive nothing else. Because my family is all I really need this time of year.

And Stacey...you hear that? No gifts! Let's just go out for some great dinners when you're visiting in January.

I’m committing myself to truly enjoy the holidays, to enjoy the people I’m with and gifting a present, cheery self.

Here’s to a new holiday season: where giving less is getting more.

-Courtney

Monday, October 18, 2010

Birthday Presence

I just turned 30. And to celebrate Brian whisked me away to the wood’s of Cook Forest for a little R&R. At first I was hoping his gift would be more useful… more practical like underwear and socks to replace the dingy items in my panty drawer or a new yoga outfit I could wear when I teach.

But a getaway in the woods… Really? Not Brian’s style at all. So I knew something was up.

When I asked him about his choice of gift he explained that he wanted to honor my year of nothing new and give me an experience rather than more “stuff”. And he made the right decision, the weekend was magical and just what I needed. It really became a birthday of presence rather than presents!

(If you're interested – a few of my more practical girlfriends did give me the priceless gift of new underwear, but my socks still have holes!)

~Stacey

Monday, October 11, 2010

Flea Markets and Wedding Registries...


Yesterday, I got up early, grabbed a coffee, and braved the lines and parking (which really wasn't bad) for the Pasadena Flea Market, an event that happens the second Sunday of every month at the Rose Bowl http://www.rgcshows.com/. I recommend it, even though its completely overwhelming! There were antiques, artist booths, and lots of records and clothes and boots and anything you could ever imagine wanting to buy second hand! I left with an old 50's pyrex bowl, an apron, a few records, and some gifts for my friend Faith and Chris' upcoming wedding party.

I realized that I wouldn't be able to purchase something from their registry a few weeks ago and thought long and hard on what I could gift them for such a momentous occasion. I'm very satisfied by what I came up with and think it has more meaning then something from their scanned list: I made a cookbook with recipes of mine that they've enjoyed over the years, as well as new ones I think they'll like since they enjoy cooking together. And yesterday at the market, I found a set of James Taylor records that they will love to play together since he's one of Faith's favorites.

Hope they don't read this...wouldn't want to give the surprise away...don't think they will since they are in Hawaii, but if so....congrats Faith and Chris! I love you both.

-Courtney

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Documenting What's Really Important


I'm working on a documentary and with it, like all good artistic projects for me, comes a lot of reflection.

The documentary is on my ex-guy's band, and my thesis is: What does it means to be in a band before anyone really knows who you are? Why do you believe in it and stick with it year after year? What does it mean to commit to a group of people and project? What does success mean and when will you know you've reached it?

I've been thinking a lot about what makes us do the things we do: with projects, with people, with work, with anything that we commit to...

Watching tape after tape of this band...of their family and friends...of my observance and interviews...I can't help but think of how much fun it is...how much love there is for the art and the work and the relationships...and how I've captured a lot of great footage on a rinky dink camera that I borrowed from a friend. Its intimate, its real...things I don't think I would have achieved if I had gone out and bought or even rented a nice HD camera. What I have instead is something real that I think a lot of people will appreciate. And I've not spend much money on it, or bought any large props for it...but I've spent time and love and thought. And those are always worth more to me at the end of the day.

-Courtney

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Lost & Found

I lost my wedding ring.

When I realized it wasn’t on my finger I was pretty sure I had left it at the yoga studio. (I have a bad habit of taking it off during practice and placing it next to my mat – only this time I must have forgotten to put it back on.) When I retraced my tracks it was nowhere to be found.

A brief call to my insurance company revealed that our policy’s deductible was higher than the value of the ring, therefore I would not be receiving any funds to aid in the purchase of a replacement.

So, I spent a month without wearing a wedding ring and had no urgent plans to replace it. On a whim, I wondered into a local jewelry store and ended up buying a very simple estate ring, circa 1940. I was absolutely delighted with the substitute.

(I hate to admit it, but before this project I would have most likely thrown a hissy fit about losing my ring, marched to the nearest jewelry store, and bought (probably on credit) a new ring that was even nicer than the one I lost. Thus, I considered the whole ordeal to be a blessing and my reaction to be progress.)

Two weeks after I purchased the “new” ring my friend Katie was cleaning the yoga studio and found my original under a shelving unit!

I’m glad, of course, that my ring was found, but I learned some important things from the experience of losing (if just temporarily) a material item that holds a personal meaning:

1. I need to be more present. If I were paying more attention to what I was doing I wouldn’t have lost the ring in the first place.
2. Even a wedding ring (though a symbol of something bigger) is just a thing. And like with all “things” can be replaced.
3. I will never buy new jewelry again, as vintage pieces are cheaper and often more interesting. (A fact that I had never contemplated until this project.)
4. Fully insuring fine jewelry makes sense.
5. I’ll keep my ring on during asana practice even if it bugs me in headstand.
6. Some men actually do check to see if you are wearing a wedding ring, but that these are typically not the kind of men one wants to associate with.

~Stacey

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Cleansing Myself of Boots with Lots of Fruit


I'm halfway through a week long yoga/fruit cleanse which I started on Saturday. Before that, I'd cut out alcohol for 2 weeks and coffee for a week. The cleanse itself is 7 days straight of yoga and the food part of the cleanse is this:

Days 1,2,6, and 7
Breakfast:
Organic yogurt with almonds
Herbal tea

Lunch/Dinner:
All whole foods, meaning a piece of fish or baked tofu or organic chicken
Organic fruits and veggies
Herbal tea

Days 3,4,5
Fruit cleanse
All fruit

Cleansing and following a discipline with food is challenging. It really puts things in perspective and gives me a greater understanding of my choices and habits. Am I eating cereal late at night because I want to feel comforted? Am I drinking too much coffee because I'm not sleeping enough? Am I gorging myself because I didn't do a good job snacking during the day? Why am I not satisfied???

With this investigation of myself and my relationship to food, I can't help but ask the same questions of my material spending/wanting habits. I notice that when I've started shopping in the past, its never enough and I can't seem to stop. My friend Faith mentioned something similar the other day.

With fall approaching, my inclination is to want new fall stuff: boots, sweaters, etc. I've been in and out of thrift stores on the prowl. I don't NEED any of these things, but something in me craves them because its become a habit. Also, I love the fall and how it feels like a new start. I've also began a new relationship and the dumb girl in me wants to look cute all the time and have new clothes to show myself off. But I don't need anything. I have a new start and a new guy without a new pair of boots, as silly as that might sound. I don't need to impress anyone. They are already impressed. :)

So I'm cleansing not only my mind of food habits, but fall shopping habits.

-Courtney

Monday, August 23, 2010

Cult of Less

A yoga student of mine sent me this link and I wanted to share it with all of you. Enjoy! ~Stacey

Monday, August 16, 2010

Getting Creative


I’ve had to get creative in order to accomplish/create some things that I usually would have bought without batting an eye. This involves a little thinking outside the box, which I’m enjoying very much.

Because I'm a writer, I always have a "board" up. This is what I use to plot out story ideas by clipping sequences of events and themes on ribbon with clothes pins. Recently, I’d run out of ribbon and I pondered where I could find some used. I searched a few different thrift stores, but came home empty handed. I was at the last thrift store I could think of, a bit discouraged, when I saw a bag of ties bunched together for $1.99. They were beautiful colors, very long, and I decided to try to string them together and use them instead of ribbon. It worked out lovely, and it’s actually sturdier and easier to pin my ideas, too. How cool. I’ll never go back to ribbon again!

Second thing is this: I helped organize a bachelorette party over the weekend for a friend. The bride-to-be loves cupcakes, and I wanted to do something fun and slightly inappropriate for her, so I decided to bake cupcakes and make them sexual in some way. In the past, I would have just gone to party city or an adult store and bought some plastic penises and slapped them on top of the icing. But instead, I had to think about this and get creative. While looking around my cabinets, I found gummy worms and bears, so I cut the worms in half and attached the bears to the side of each worm to look like a penis and balls. A total riot! What do you think? Fun, right?

-Courtney

Friday, July 30, 2010

a comment

Below you will find (in its entirety) a comment recently posted to this blog by “dontplaydat”. Though it is heartfelt and well penned, we hope that the majority of our readers do not share the author’s sentiment. Its message is certainly not our intention for the blog or our year of nothing new. But, we’ll let you decided as we take solace in the old saying, “What people say about you is none of your business.”

~Stacey & Courtney

dontplaydat said...
"You know. Some of the posts here are really great, but lately, the more I read this blog, the more arrogant it seems to be. You have challenged yourselves not to buy anything new in 2010 and you gush about buying things second hand, and prosthelytize to the rest of us that we should do the same. While I am thrilled that you two have discovered a brave new world of thrift shops and yard sales, this is a way of life for hundreds of thousands of families across this country and nothing you are doing is remotely novel. It is only novel to you because up until this year you have been participating in good old fashioned American consumerism - something we are all brought up to believe in. I applaud the increased awareness about the pitfalls of capitalism that must have inspired this little project - but the hallmark wisdom lecturing that goes on in this blog is worse than saccharin; it's arrogant and makes you look silly. ESPECIALLY when there are so many posts on here where you end up getting what you need materially BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE BUY IT FOR YOU. So you've really just come up with a way to mooch off other people and instead of calling it just that, you rationalize this contradictory little fact by saying it's the result of "secret energy" giving you what you need. The "secret energy" is your friends' time and money - get a clue. 
Another one of my favorites is buying a new dress for a wedding, and justifying it by saying that you agreed to be in the wedding long before the two of you conceived of this project. It must be really nice to have the money to just toss off playing poor when vanity calls. Tough titty that you decided to do the wedding before this project - buy a second hand dress OR (even MORE interesting and creative) MAKE ONE YOURSELF. THAT would have been cool - and interesting to read about. But. Nope. Buying used couches and furniture is so cute - but buying a second hand dress for a wedding is gross and making one is hard. 
There's nothing wrong with a blog that gives you a place to wonder out loud about where life is going, and to vent about nasty breakups, and the difficulties of life. Those things bring us closer together, because we know we are not the only ones going through these questions. But seriously, posts like this and several others, you two just come across like two spoiled little white girls who are staying out of the mall for a year - and lecturing us for crossing your personal picket line.”

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Dress

I cheated.

I bought a new dress.

It was for my cousin’s wedding.

A wedding that I committed to be in several months before we even conceived of the idea for our year of nothing new.

You could say that this dress was a totally premeditated purchase– that from the very beginning of this project I knew I’d be procuring this one new item.

I hope you can excuse this indiscretion.

But, as a wise friend once told me, “Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.”

So, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.

(Oh, and it might help to add that the shoes I wore for the wedding were secondhand.)

~Stacey

Monday, July 26, 2010

Radiating What You Need


I'm finding that when I radiate what it is i need out of the world, I get it. Materially and emotionally. And its fascinating. It all goes along the ideas based in The Secret or other energy based theories that suggest if you think hard enough on something, it will happen.

Materially speaking, my flip flops and my yoga mat are completely worn out. I've been wanting to replace them, since they are items i use on a regular basis.

I find a yoga mat and flip flops gross things to buy second hand because of the sweat factor, yet I keep thinking about how much I "need" these items, maybe even a little obsessively. And you know what happens? My friend Kenny (who was tired of seeing me reattach my flip to the flop) bought me a nice new pair of flip flops and Stacey just gave me an awesome yoga mat that she'd bought a while back and not liked. I did not even ask them for these items, they just offered them to me. So I'm all set! Thank you Kenny and Stacey!

More importantly though, I've learned something from the flip flop and yoga mat offerings on an emotional level which is this:

I've still been carrying a great deal of anger from my breakup. But after thinking of all this, I had a moment when I thought...I don't want to feel like this. I don't want to carry this weight. So I decided not to...to just let it go. I even went to my ex-boyfriend's rock show and invited him to come to my book release party last weekend. And he came. And it felt good to support him and be supported by him regardless of all that has happened. People thought I was crazy to want him at my party and to go to his show, but I'm learning that in order to feel good in the world and settled in my skin, I need to tell the world what it is I need. And I need to be okay. And not angry. And I need to approach that need with confidence and a heck of a lot of love. Which is now my master plan.

I encourage all of you to look at what you need emotionally...what hurts you...what causes you grief...and see if there's an alternate way of approaching those feelings. There just might be a way to free your heart and get what it is you really need.

-Courtney

Monday, July 19, 2010

Thanks for the Help & the Clothes!

First, I want to thank Lauren, Courtney, Julie, and Jenn for their thoughtful responses to the question: Would buying new mats & blocks out of my business fund count as new purchases for this project?

The feedback was mixed, but I was able to pull from everyone’s ideas and here’s what I decided to do:

I loved Lauren’s tip about “encouraging the students to bring their own [mats/blocks]”, but as Julie and Jenn suggested eliminating them altogether just isn’t realistic or a good business move. So, I accepted Coutney’s challenge and looked for alternative options.

After some research I learned that Jade is now making a new yoga mat called Encore. These “new” mats are made from – are you ready… recycled yoga mats.

Only one hitch- the price is about 4X more than what I would normally spend on rental mats!

In the end (and after some quick accounting), I decided to buy only six mats instead of the twelve I’ll be replacing (hopefully encouraging more people to buy their own, but still having some available when needed). I also decided to wait on purchasing more blocks and will make do with what I have until next year.

Second, (and on a completely unrelated topic) I wanted to thank both Sally and Lee Anne for passing along their gently-used-but-in-perfectly-good-condition Lululemon yoga clothes to me. I’m not sure if they were trying to tell me something (like my old clothes were starting to smell from all of the hot yoga), but I’m delighted to have a few new additions to my yoga wardrobe.

I am continually amazed at the generosity and help available to me when I open myself up to it.

Thank You.

~Stacey

Friday, July 9, 2010

Asking for Help...Part Two


Look to the left and you'll see my adorable mother and brother who I love dearly. They take such good care of me and I want to give them both a shout out and a thank you.

The last thing I really wanted for my new place (did I mention that I've moved again??) was a router, so I could be wireless. The placement of the ethernet cord is inconveniently by the door and my desk is on the other side of the room and doesn't reach (and it's always good as a writer to have the flexibility to sit and write wherever you please.) So, I was looking at routers online and there were a number of them available used or refurbished. But when I called my brother to ask for his recommendations on what I should be looking for, he informed me that he thought that he and my mom had an extra one at home that they weren't using and I should ask about. I checked in with my mom, and she proceeded to tell me that this was true. I asked if I could have it and she packaged it up and sent it my way.

My mom thought it was great because it wasn't getting any use in the attic. She reminded me that its good to ask for help, something that I am learning to do more and more of in my stubborn independent way of thinking of things. She said that by asking for something, it was helping HER feel needed. Which is a pretty cool thing.

In general, I'm getting much better at asking for help. I've recently asked my friend Cory to help me record voice-overs on his fancy equipment for a performance piece I'm doing. I also asked him for help figuring out why the speakers on my computer weren't working (which he figured out in 2 minutes, and I'd already spent an hour trying to figure out). I've asked my friend Dominic to help me move a couch and hang lights outside. I've even found an editor who I've just met to help me edit a short I wrote. All of this is new territory, but I'm finding people WANT to help. And it feels good. Cause I'm a help-er to my friends. But I'm learning that it really is a cycle. We all need to ask and help each other.

And I'm happy to report that my refurbished iphone is treating me fabulously. :)

-Courtney

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Yoga Mat/Block Dilemma... Please Help!

I’ve been teaching a donation based yoga class at the Union Project for the past three years and am happy to report that the class continues to grow! When I started the class, I invested in twelve rental mats and about twenty-five yoga blocks and have taken all of the necessary steps to keep them clean and in satisfactory condition. However, over the years the block supply has dwindled and the mats (despite regular washings) now have the permanent scent of sweaty gym socks.

This brings me to my question: Would buying new mats & blocks out of my business fund count as new purchases for this project?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

~Stacey

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Souvenirs

I recently returned from a week in Tulum, Mexico where I participated in an advanced yoga teacher training with Amazing Yoga. The trip and training were utterly fulfilling and a much needed refresher for my body, mind, & soul.

And since I’ve saved so much money this year (thanks to this project) I splurged by paying the extra cash needed to upgrade to a single room and treated myself to TWO massages… which were divine!

But, I digress – I’m not writing this post to brag about my trip or convince you to sign up for the next Amazing Yoga Teacher Training (although you should at least consider it, because it’s, well, amazing!) – I’m writing because of what I didn’t do while I was in Mexico…

I didn’t shop.

Not for myself. Not for Brian. Not for Courtney. Not even for my Mom.

I’m not sure about you, but usually when I travel I spend at lot of time and energy seeking out and bargaining for souvenirs. Mementos that remind me of my adventures and tokens to share with those I love. But this year, since I’m unable to purchase new items (and the idea of a “used souvenir” is extremely unappealing) I took myself out of the game.

No second looks at the tchotchkes in the airport, no haggling with street vendors, no frustration when I realize I can’t properly repack my bags for the flight home.

This process proved to be literally and figuratively freeing. I was able to enjoy my trip without the preoccupation of finding the perfect gift and with the time I saved I spent a few extra hours in the ocean.

And the best part: my suitcase closed without any problems.

I think I might just stick with the no souvenir policy after this year of nothing new comes to an end. (Sorry Mom!)

~Stacey

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

21 Things You Should Never Buy New

Yahoo had it right this morning! This was a featured article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/21-Things-You-Should-Never-usnews-2356162080.html?x=0

-Courtney

Monday, June 28, 2010

Refurbished is new to me!


I got an iphone. No, not the fancy new model, but the 3GS. And its awesome. But that's not what this is about...

I don't know if its because I bought it refurbished or because the new one just came out, but it only cost me $90 through the AT+T website. Pretty amazing. And the device itself is pretty amazing.

And the phone works great. Looks brand new. And it is...to me. :)

-Courtney

Sunday, June 20, 2010

I kinda cheated...


Okay, so I moved this weekend. Again.

It was a good weekend all and all. I feel really good in my new space. The energy in my house is clean and free and well...me. I feel like myself again.

BUT

I bought a few things. Not used. New. Bathroom stuff. Here's the list:
a shower curtain
2 bathmats
a toothbrush holder
a toilet paper holder

I felt really weird buying this stuff used. Just cause it kinda grosses me out. My kitchen and bathroom are always pretty spotless, and the thought of reusing things that have come in close contact with people's bowels, dirty bodies, and saliva kinda gave me the hibbie jibbies. So I caved. And didn't even try to find these items used.

BUT

I bought the stuff at Big Lots, which resells stuff at a discount price that wasn't selling in another store, so it's not totally cheating. Right?

-Courtney

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

MS150, Flat Tires, & Reaching Goals

Last year I set a goal for myself: I would complete the MS150 bike ride in 2010.

That goal was born days after Brian was diagnosed with MS last Spring. By the time we were both out of tears, and in true Stacey fashion, I decided I had to take action and do something to help fight this life-altering disease.

(Let me just pause here and say that I’m aware that any good psychologist and most rational people would agree that I was deflecting my own feelings of helplessness away from the situation and pouring my efforts into the futile cause of training to ride a bike for 150 miles in one weekend – and for the most part they would be right. However, it seemed like a good idea at the time and proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.)

But, underlying psychology aside, three big things stood in my way; 1) I hadn’t ridden a bicycle in years 2) I was deathly afraid of going down hills on a contraption with only two wheels and no seatbelt 3) I didn’t own a bike

At the urging of my friend Darcy, I, quite impulsively, purchased a road bike. I happened to mention this fact to my friend Jen, who, as fate would have it, agreed to “teach” me and Katie (also a new cyclist at the time) the ins and outs of road biking. Jen taught us everything from how to clip in and out of our pedals to the proper way to scare off a crazy dog chasing us through the back roads of Pennsylvania. And, after a year of training, my goal actually seemed attainable.

The three of us, and Jen’s wonderful friend Brie, formed a team called “The Flying Pigeons” (yoga friends, feel free to roll your eyes) and managed to raise $1,270 for the MS Society. (Thank you, sponsors!)

The ride started off great. But as the first day continued it was getting harder and harder for me to keep up. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong, but my legs were more tired than normal and I felt like I was working twice as hard as the cyclists passing me. Still, with the support of my team, I finished that first day with a smile on my face.

The second day of the ride started out the same as the first until a friendly cyclist whizzing by me grunted, “It's none of my business, but your tires look really low.”

And, in fact they were. As it turns out, I had ridden nearly 80 miles on practically flat tires making the job of propelling myself forward much harder than it needed to be. Jen seems to think there’s a lesson here, offering the motto, “When the going gets tough, check the air in your tires.” And maybe I too will see the metaphor when my legs stop hurting, but for now I’m just grateful to have accomplished my goal.

So, why bring all of this up on a blog about not buying new things?

Well, because I’m learning that the things that really matter in life can’t be bought or sold, they can only be lived and experienced.

~Stacey

Friday, June 11, 2010

Is An Upgrade Really Upgrading Anything?


My friend Monica just made fun of me for my phone. Which is appropriate. :)Look to the left, and you'll see a picture of my model.

In an age of iphones, I guess my phone is a little sad. Now, I don't mind it so much. It does what I need it to do...call people, text people. I don't have email on it, but I actually really appreciate that disconnect. But the trouble is, Verizon keeps messaging me that I am up for an upgrade and they keep tempting me with amazing deals and discounts and coupons. Any other year, as soon as I got the first message for an upgrade, I would have run to Verizon without even thinking of it. But now, that I am thinking of it, I think how silly that really is and how many old, perfectly good phones I have laying around. My phone works just fine. The buttons are getting a little worn and harder to press, but the phone is still doing its job.

Think of how many of us rush to get whatever phone is bigger and better when we have a perfectly adequate phone in hand already. It saddens me to think of how wasteful that is...to our environment and our sensibilities.

Next time you get that "you are up for an upgrade" message from your phone company, think about it. What are you really upgrading? And what are you wasting?

-Courtney

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Stacey's Visit


Stacey and Katie (the computer giver) were just here to visit. It was fabulous to meet Katie, who is a solid gold person. And the three of us had nothing but fun.

Stacey, Katie, and I(and Brian, Stacey's hubbie)had a wonderful weekend doing lots of yoga, laughing, eating and drinking wine...which is what Stacey and I's trips usually involve. I really value that our time together doesn't involve shopping and purchasing or spending time anywhere near retail. Instead, our friendship is centered around activity, talks, and nourishing our bodies with food and exercise. (Maybe not the wine.) :) I think its why the two of us are such great friends and have such a strong friendship, even after not having lived in the same city over the last 7 years. I encourage you all as the weather gets better to pick more activities with friends that involve sitting and talking or riding bikes. Its good for the soul. And your friendship.

I also had people over for dinner again on Monday evening for the holiday. I'm learning that its a huge way to give and show love to my friends in the ways I used to with material gifts. And it gets everyone together, which is never a bad thing.

On a side note and with summer approaching...I am getting the itch for new, cute yoga tops...and I hope I'm not stealing this post from you, Stacey. But I've been taking a lot more yoga classes and with being single and going through this break up, I'm looking around in class and guiltily thinking...I want a cute top like her! I want! I want! It will pass. But its a little challenge I'm facing.

-Courtney

Saturday, May 22, 2010

It’s New To Me!

I was shocked, appalled, and absolutely ashamed when I realized that it has been nearly a month since my last post.

(Sorry Court, for making you float the blog for most of May.)

But I’m happy to report I’ve been good. I haven’t slipped, not once this month.

Until recently, I’ve been too busy with the remodel to even think about shopping.

With the help of our amazing Dads (and a good team of professional floor installers), Brian and I have painted most of the house, pulled up the old green carpet, laid hardwood floors, and rearranged furniture. The place looks so different and truly feels like ours.

Everything was coming together nicely when we decided we wanted a couple of area rugs and a few other pieces to complete the transformation.

I was determined to find them used, but had no idea where to look.

Then, I read in the paper that a local furniture franchise was having a closeout sale on all of their rugs to make room for new inventory. I went to check it out and bought one of the floor models at a fraction of the original cost. It looks perfect in our living room.

And finally, on a tip from my yoga bud, Melissa, I stopped by a new furniture consignment store in Wexford called, “It’s New To Me” where I found the rest of the items needed to pull the rooms together.

I continue to be so grateful for this project because its forcing me to get creative and really work for the things I decide to bring into my life.

~Stacey

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Do New Friends Count?


I think I'd like to amend our project title from A Year Of Nothing New to A Year of Nothing New Materially. Because truth be told, my whole life seems new right now.

I've been hanging out with this great, new crew (well, new/old)and they have been so necessary for me in the transition process after a major break up. Its fun to learn about people you are just getting to know. Or people who you've known that you somehow now need or are connecting with differently than you had. I love the process. And seeing them and how they see the world: What makes them laugh. What music makes them wanna dance... And its been amazing to hang out more with my friends Cory, Melissa, and Eric. They are old friends, but I'm seeing them and learning them all over again.

Cheers to new things you can't buy. :)

-Courtney

Thursday, May 6, 2010

A Thank You to Katie (and Stacey)

I need to thank the Universe for an act of kindness so far beyond it that it extends to whatever other ones there are out there. Two posts ago, I had put up a message (thanks to my mom for the suggestion) asking for help because I'm a writer, and my computer crashed, and I am not in a financial place to purchase a new one, nor could I because of this project.

Katie, a friend of Stacey's, who I've never met but who follows our blog sent me a message just a day later, telling me that she had a computer that she is not using now that she wants to send me. A complete stranger is doing this for me. With a full, generous heart. She wants nothing for it.

With my recent breakup, I am finding myself in a very dark place, the darkest I've ever seen. And amongst that darkness this person has reached out and offered help and light. This brings me comfort in a time that is very uncomfortable. This act has reminded me of the goodness in people and how we are all completely connected and must all take care of each other. I hope to return the favor someday when someone needs it. But for now, I need it. And I am learning how to let others help me.

I never thought something like this would come of a new year's resolution, but am so grateful for the lesson.

Thank you, Katie.

-Courtney

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Single with Pilling Panties


Okay...so I'm up against a challenge, cyber friends.

I just found out that my boyfriend of 3 1/2 years is leaving me for one of our friends...shocking I know.

Now, I'm not going to get into the dark, ugly details around that, but I'm finding another challenge that is related to this "not buying anything new project" and my current situation.

Here is the REAL problem:
Panties.

All my panties are worn out and pill-ey. You know how that happens? You are with someone for a long time, and you get comfortable. You don't think about things as much like having sexy panties or even just ones in decent condition.

Not saying I'm venturing out into the dating world anytime soon, but when I do, I know I can't be sporting what I currently have in the panty department. Maybe I'll just have to hold out on dating until 2011 or just keep my pants on. :)

-Courtney

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Help! I Need A Computer

Anyone have an old computer or know of a refurbished one that I can buy for real cheap? My computer bit it and I need one for my writing work! 646.270.1836 or courtneyseiberling@yahoo.com

-Courtney

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Habitat For Humanity - the store


Alright, folks.

My friend Monica told me about another great resource for home goods and I want to make sure you all know about it. Habitat for Humanity, the organization which builds homes for families all across the country has these ReStores that accept donated goods for resale. While every ReStore is a little different, most focus on home improvement goods—furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances. These donated goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price to help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat homes within their communities.

Now, while I recognize that some of this stuff is new and wouldn't work for this project, I believe a lot of it is refurbished or used. The store I went to had all these beautiful old windows and doors. Used furniture and appliances. And it was all really affordable. So the next time you are looking to make a home repair, check it out.

To look up a location near you, http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx

-Courtney

Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

I know, it’s been over two weeks since my last post.

Let’s just say I’ve been distracted by the nice weather.

Here’s what you’ve missed:

The Good: A few weeks back I took a solo trip to NYC. The purpose of the trip was to attend the second part of a yoga adjustments workshop at Jivamukti. The workshop was fabulous. The weekend ended up being about practicing-lots-of-yoga-eating-rich-foods-&-drinking-good-wine. (A bit contradictory? Yes. But, as any yogi knows… it’s all about balance!)

But I digress. I did not bring this up because of what I did in NYC. I’m mentioning the trip because of what I didn’t do. I did not step foot into any type of retail store. Not The Strand. Not the ginormus Apple store on 5th Avenue. Not lululemon. None of ‘em. And it was an utterly satisfying trip. That’s progress my friends.

The Bad:
We bought paint. Eco friendly? Yes. Used? No.

(Full disclosure: I picked the colors. Brian paid.)

The Ugly:
By mid-May our house will be crawling with construction crews installing new wood floors, carpet, seven new windows, & exterior siding.

We went as “green” as possible (even choosing carpet derived partly from corn).

Brian signed all of the contracts and wrote all of the checks, but I would be lying if I said I sat idly by while he chose the products. Truth be told, I was very vocal throughout the selection process.

Is this cheating? Maybe. Okay… Probably.

However, in this case the long-term investment in our home won out over the Y.O.N.N. project. Consider this my confession. I’ll try to do better tomorrow.

~Stacey

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Article on Consumerism

My mom sent me a great article on American consumerism. There are some interesting questions posed, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/How-to-Be-a-Savvy-usnews-3454225752.html?x=0

-Courtney

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Living with a Piece of Hollywood.





I'm finding that there are so many things I wouldn't have discovered had it not been for a Year of Nothing New. When Mike and I moved in together, we only had a bed, a sofa, and a dresser. Our roommates from our previous house had supplied all the other furniture needed. Mike and I figured we'd just pick up the other things we needed: a kitchen table, a coffee table, a rug, and a desk at thrift stores or on craigslist.

So, I was trying to find a rug on craigslist, and I saw a posting for a gently used "rug sale" and thought I'd go check it out. I google mapped the sale location and showed up the next day to 20th Century Props in North Hollywood. That's right. A prop house where film and tv shows go to rent items. "Cool!" I thought.

Sadly, the prop house is closing at the end of April because business has been bad since the writer's strike. Amazingly, for me however, everything is on sale and open to the public for purchase. The gentleman at the desk had me sign in and gave me a clipboard to write down whatever I was interested in, which would be priced later on. Basically, you just write the number code on the item's tag and take it back to the office and they price everything for you.

I took the clipboard and I entered the store room: Rugs. Tables. Beauty Parlor Chairs. Taxidermy. Lanterns. Bathtubs. Hardware. Chairs. Umbrella holders. Etc. Etc. There was even a row of old telephones (most of which I was informed still work.) I took a very long list back to the front office and walked out with a really cool 1950's kitchen table, rug, and some awesome bookends. I had wanted even more, but these prices were a bit higher than my local thrift store.

I never would have known a place like this existed and I'm becoming much more aware of what's out there. Who wants a boring table from Ikea when you can get a piece of Hollywood??

-Courtney

Friday, April 9, 2010

Dirt?

I bought dirt.

To be more accurate… I bought (in bulk) topsoil, mushroom compost, and mulch. I had a moment of hesitation over this purchase while pondering the question: Does dirt count as something new? And along the same line of thinking: Do flowers, plants and/or vegetable seeds/starts count as a new purchases?

I came to this definitive conclusion: No!

Which is good news for my garden. I welcome opposing opinions but here’s my reasoning:

• Buying dirt, seeds, plants, or flowers are all natural and, although cultivated, are not manufactured products
• I am resolved to only purchase products that are organic and from purveyors who take care not to harm the environment through their development or sale
• The vegetables and herbs grown in my garden will be used to feed my family’s bodies and the flowers to feed our spirits

(OK… that last point is a little cheesy, but I’ll sleep well tonight knowing that I’ve stayed true to this project while doing two of my favorite things: playing in the dirt and beautifying my environment!)

~Stacey

10 cents off


I realized something today. Part of Stacey and I's commitment to this project is to bring a travel mug with us when we visit coffee shops instead of using the disposable cups they give you. Just another way to lessen waste. I can't say I've done this every single time I've gone to Starbucks, but I am getting back into the habit with it. And I realized something today. If you bring your own mug, Starbucks gives you 10 cents off your coffee purchase. Now, wooptie-woo, 10 whole cents, but really its a nice gesture. And if you put all those 10 cent discounts together for all the coffee purchased from people who bring in their own mug, I'm sure that is a chunk of change for a cooperation as large as Starbucks. That made me feel good about going there today. That they are thinking about the environment. Think about doing the same!

-Courtney

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Confession


I cheated. I bought something new.

Here's how it went down:

I'm producing/filming a documentary on Mike's band Check in the Dark (awesome band, check out their new iphone app or website, checkinthedarkmusic.com). They are also working with Leighton Meester (of Gossip Girl) as her acoustic band and she suggested that she join them for their gig last night and play a few of the songs they've been working on together. "Great! Another cool thing to add to the documentary," I think. But as I go to grab a tape to record, I realize I'm out. Now, this all happened very last minute and as its only a few hours before I have to tape, so I don't have much time to think of what my other options could be and I'd like to think that there actually could be some. I cave. I swipe my debit card and buy a nice, plastic wrapped 3 pack. First glitch.

-Courtney

Friday, March 26, 2010

Moving and Moving the Crap Out


I'm moving. Next week. And with moving comes reflection, and not the peaceful kind. I find myself saying, "WHY THE HECK DO I HAVE ALL THIS STUFF???" on multiple occasions. And as I sort through it all, I'm much less attached to any of it. Things I've been carrying on from move to move that I've never used, or things I haven't worn in a while are all getting tossed into the 'donation box.' With pleasure. And without a second thought.

Tonight, Mike and I are headed to the half-off sale at the thrift store to try to find a computer desk, dining room table, a lazy boy chair, and possibly an area rug. And I'm stoked. Its such a fun thing...hunting through stuff at thrift stores. And even more exciting when things that are already really cheap are even cheaper. I really have grown to love having an eclectic style with stuff that mismatches but goes together. I like finding things with character and history. Wish us luck! Hope we hit the jackpot.

-Courtney

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Bubba's Bored

Bubba, our Shih Tzu, is bored. He misses the UPS guy. (More accurately- he misses barking at the UPS guy!) It's been nearly three months since our last package was delivered. Sorry Bubs... at least those stray cats are still roaming the neighborhood. ~Stacey

Friday, March 19, 2010

Four-Eyed Freak

I knew this day would come.

It was inevitable, really.

My mom, dad, and brother all wear glasses. Growing up, we even had a collie that would have benefited greatly from corrective lenses.

Poor vision just runs in our family. So, when I started to have trouble seeing road signs while driving at night, I knew I had to go to the eye doctor.

The diagnosis was as expected: “Slightly nearsighted. Nothing glasses can’t correct.”

After the examination, I was taken to the front of the office to select my frames. As I was looking at the designer styles it hit me… I can’t buy new glasses. So, I asked the “framing specialist” to direct me to the section of frames that my insurance would fully cover. She looked disappointed and reluctantly led me to a small shelf containing exactly two frames: one labeled “men’s” the other branded “women’s”. This made the choice easy. I selected the “women’s” option and declined to even try them on.

I waited for my prescription to be filled and wore my glasses home.

And, WOW… it was like the world was suddenly being broadcast in high definition. I no longer cared that I was wearing generic frames. I was just happy to see things for what the really are. Clarity is a powerful thing!

~Stacey

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Nothing is Everything


Nothing huge to report, but I wanted to check in.

My bud James asked me the other day how "Year of Nothing New" was going. I honestly forgot for a moment that I was even doing it.

It's just a way of life for me now and only after a few months. Its become a habit to look for things used or talking myself out of needing something in the first place. I don't put myself in situations where I'll be tempted to make exceptions. I have more time for people in my life and activities cause I'm shopping less. And most importantly, I have a greater appreciation for what I do have.

I even like my clothes now. I know that sounds stupid, but for as long as I can remember, a "going out" night has always consisted of me saying, "Ah, man. I have NOTHING to wear." I think this has something to do with the overstimulation of constantly bringing new things to my wardrobe. Somehow it never seemed enough. Which makes no sense, but we women can all relate to the "Ah, man. I have NOTHING to wear" feeling, knowing quite well that we absolutely do have tons to wear and in abundance.

After limiting purchases and getting rid of stuff, now, when I go to my closet, I'm like, "This dress is cute...or...I haven't worn this one in a while!..." It's an amazing feeling to love what you have and actually wear it.

So in this year of nothing new, the nothing has meant everything to me and my spirit. And being reunited with my cute clothes!

-Courtney

Friday, March 12, 2010

Now It Really Sucks!

Our vacuum died.

Actually it choked, smoked, and then it died.

As owners of a long-haired Shih Tzu, having a working vacuum is not an option, it is an absolute necessity. So, when our 2-year-old Hoover Uh70085 Pet Cyclonic bit the dust, Brian was ready to head to Best Buy that day for a replacement.

But I asked him to give me one week to attempt to repair it.

First, I tried to fix the contraption myself. But even with the help of an interactive “how-to” website the effort ended in a pile of parts and a cloud of dust.

Then, I found Herbert.

Herbert Matthie is the proprietor of H. Mattie Repairs located at 1828 West Liberty Avenue. Stepping into his modest storefront was like stepping into a simpler time. The 200 square foot space was filled (literally) to the ceiling with vacuums and sewing machines and as soon as Herbert came around the corner to greet me, I knew he was going to bring my Hoover back from the dead. His warm eyes took one look at me and my half-dissected machine and, holding back a chuckle, asked, “So, you need some help with that thing, ah?” He asked for my name and number and gave me a paper claim ticket. Then he sent me on my way.

A few days later, Herbert called to tell me the vacuum was fixed and reminded me of his “cash only” policy. After stopping at the ATM, I returned to his quaint shop and retrieved my like-new vacuum.

The thing that amazes me about this whole ordeal isn’t that it has a happy ending, but that before this project I would have hopped into that car with Brian and bought a new vacuum at Best Buy without even a half-hearted attempt to repair the old one. (To be completely honest, it never even crossed my mind that someone like Herbert and his store existed, let alone in my own backyard.) I am thankful for this gift of insight– for the opportunity to look at things differently and find new solutions.

~Stacey

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

My New Target


So, I have to admit,I had a brief moment of panic when I started thinking about all the stuff Mike and I would "need" for our new place we are moving to in April. Things like kitchen towels, rugs, a microwave, toaster, a coffee table, a kitchen table...just all the basic house stuff which neither of us have. (We've been living with roommates who have these things.)I was about 90% sure that I'd be writing a confession post about how I had to run out to my local Target to purchase these items. But alas, I've figured out a way around it.

Over the weekend, I visited St. Vincent's De Paul in Lincoln Heights, http://www.yelp.com/biz/society-of-st-vincent-de-paul-thrift-store-los-angeles, and oh, my goodness...I struck gold. I've always been a "thrifter," but this place far surpassed my expectations. It was a warehouse and the best organized thrift store I've been to yet. For 20 bucks, I walked out with kitchen towels, pot holders, rugs, pillow cases, kitchen stuff, etc. And when Mike and I are ready to pick up the big stuff like tables and chairs, guess where we are headed?!

For all you Los Angeleans, please check it out! You'll need a good few hours. I spent the first hour just walking around, completely overwhelmed!

I encourage you all to look at your options when you need a common household item. There are so many available in thrift stores and we shouldn't keep manufacturing more of what is already in our consumer system.

-Courtney

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Books and the City

Last week, Brian and I spent a long weekend in NYC. It’s our favorite city to visit (we even honeymooned there). We try to make the trip a few times each year and usually pass our days shopping and our nights visiting with friends at thrilling restaurants or charming wine bars– but this year with shopping off the menu, we had to get creative with our afternoons. So, we decided to scour the city for the best used bookstore.

I know, we managed to replace shopping with, well, shopping. But at least we were setting our own terms and making a game out of it.

Brian and I have been known to get a little crazy when it comes to books (used or new) so to keep us both honest, ensure we could repack our suitcases, and to give our mission an added purpose, we came up with this one rule: One used book each. Period.

For a book addict like me this “one book rule” was worse than buying nothing at all. But I wholeheartedly accepted the challenge.

After visiting the usual spots (the Strand Bookstore, East West Books, Forbidden Planet, and East Village Books) we were still empty handed and a bit overwhelmed.

Then, on the advice of a friend, we headed to Alabaster Bookshop, which turned out to be the “hole-in-the-wall” retailer we were searching for. The smell, the shopkeeper, the shelves bowing under the immense weight of Tolstoy and Austen and Woolf – convinced us that we would find our treasures in this small but perfect place.

As it turned out, we did. Brian found a fun children’s book about a magical ninja (whose cover art ended up being much more interesting than the tale inside) and I picked up a copy of Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman (not exactly classic literature, but it made for a pleasant read during the flight home).

Overall, I loved our hunting expedition. It was the most meaningful (and cheapest) shopping experience I’ve ever had in New York City.

~Stacey

PS. I just wanted to take a moment to plug Hotel 17

“The newly renovated Hotel 17 is a chic budget hotel conveniently located in Downtown New York near the East Village.” I’ve stayed there about a dozen times over the last four years and think it is the best kept secert in the city. The price is great, the rooms are clean, and the staff is friendly. If you are okay with having a shared bathroom, I recommed you check it out on your next trip to New York! (And no, I did not receive any type of kick-back for this endorsement.)

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Shopping as a Necessity, Not a Sport


My relationship to food and shopping for food has become much more meaningful since I've not been shopping for other items. I wake up early each Sunday and make my way to the local farmer's market, where I stock up on salad mix, oranges, fish, and herbs. I take time when I'm there. I see the vibrancy of colors and smells and really enjoy the process of speaking with the farmers who have grown my food. I think, in a way, it has replaced my hobby of shopping for sport. Because it's still shopping, but it's shopping out of necessity. Which has both a value and a purpose.

Mike and I reap the benefits for the rest of the week. Each night as I cook, I revisit what I've purchased and it nourishes and gives our bodies the energy we need. Much more so than a stupid sweater or hat.

-Courtney

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

You know you're doing good when...


You know you are doing good when a place you used to shop sends you a "We miss you card" and offers you 20 bucks towards your next purchase.

Sorry, DSW. I don't miss you. I actually forgot about you.

-Courtney

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Ownership, Entitlement, & Pittsburgh Street Parking















You’re a Pittsburgher if:
• You know at least three people named after Terry Bradshaw
• Your local bar has a “Yings & Wings” night which you attend frequently
• You expect french fries to come on top of your chicken salad
• You can make a four course meal out of perogies
• You save your parking spot with a chair

Until this last snowstorm, I guess I wasn’t a true Pittsburgher because I prided myself in never having defended a parking space with a chair. In fact, the whole idea of claiming a section of public roadway as personal property seemed undemocratic- a real slap-in-the-face to the concept of creating community.

But then I spent 2 ½ hours digging my car out from under a mound of snow and ice.

Since the street parking around my house was cut by at least a third due to poor snow removal, my neighbors were becoming protective of their parking spaces. Slowly, chairs, garbage cans, flower planters, tires, and saw horses began to hold the place of SUV’s and minivans.

And then I joined in the hysteria. For nearly a week, I lugged an old green chair from my porch to save “my” parking spot as I went about my day. I would even call Brian in the evening when I was a few minutes away and have him remove the chair and stand guard until I could safely tuck my VW Rabbit into its rightful slot.

However, yesterday I was running late for an appointment and forgot to grab the chair. When I returned home, my spot was occupied and I had to park three blocks away. I was furious. I thought about writing a mean message in the dusting of snow sticking to the windshield of the problem vehicle. Something like: “How dare you take my parking space!” or “MOVE or DIE” or “ F--- You!”

Luckily, I took a deep breath and came to my senses before I made a fool of myself.

As I write this, I’m still stunned at the attachment I cultivated for a parking space. But, if I’m honest, the emotions and sense of entitlement that bubbled up to the surface in this situation are no different than my reactions when other possessions (and even relationships) in my life are threatened. I’m certainty not proud of this character trait, but I’m thankful to have exposed it and hope to correct it.

And, Lee Anne– you & Paul will be relieved to know that I’ve decided never to save a parking spot again.

~Stacey

Sorry, couldn't help it. I wanted to add what I originally came to post, too:

I just read Thich Nhat Hanh's book, The Heart of Understanding. I love him, if you've never read him. He's a Vietnamese Buddhist and he has the most simple, lovely things to say. The whole book is about inter-being, how we are in and a part of everything. Nothing is separate, everything is empty of itself because it is a part of everything. A piece of paper has sunlight in it because the tree it took to make it is made from the sunlight it needed to grow. We are in that piece of paper because we cut the tree down and made it.

In a time of reflection and in working with this project, I find the less I have and the less I want to have, the more I see myself in all the things that I am already surrounded by. Pretty cool.

-Courtney