Thursday, April 11, 2013

Another Stitch Fix, Another Disappointment - Removing Excess

I ordered a second fix. I wanted something cute that would make me feel pretty. Not really sure that I got anything close to that but it was another one where I debated on one or two pieces and ultimately sent it all back.

I understand that designer brands will be more expensive even if the quality isn't better but that still baffles me. People are out there buying this scarf (in the plastic wrap) that is itchy, and faded/designed in a way that pretty much anyone with access to a straight edge and a fabric store could recreate it for about $10.00. That was the biggest disappointment in the box.

The dress (not pictured) had me debating for a little while. I love the colors and the concept as it was navy and tangerine color blocking. Maybe I just have myself listed as the wrong size on the profile. It just didn't fit well enough that I wanted to spend that much money on it. I do love the idea of it and have been watching for similar items in stores.

Then I ordered another fix and specifically stated I wanted zero work pieces and fun stuff for my birthday. This fix actually had a couple pieces that were difficult to return. Similar to the above I could not justify keeping pieces for so much when I can find or recreate them for much less. I actually said in my review that the sweater (off-white) was really ugly. It was.

In the end, this may have been my final fix. I think this has proven to me that I really don't care about designers for my clothing. Yes, I have designer handbags and shoes. Yes, if I find designer clothing at the consignment shop I try it on. However, I have solidified that I do not need these things.

I don't think I ever believed I did but there are times when I wished I could "look like that" or "have really cool pieces in my wardrobe like that." I recently heard about this book, An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, which I have yet to read but the concept is removing excess in our lives. I like that idea. I have begun the process of truly slimming down possessions and the urge to buy MORE. It is much more difficult than I thought it would be. I have known for quite a few years, since grad school to be exact, that I use buying stuff to mask some sort of emotional need that is unfulfilled. As behavioral-psych as it sounds I have actually found that since I started exercising regularly and practicing yoga these thoughts and feelings actually surface. I don't meditate or pray or find value in planned introspection. I just overanalyze everything. When I am running or at my yoga class I find my mind working through problems because my body is occupied. It has had wonderful effects that I did not plan. I hope to read the book and start my excess cleanse soon. I hope it continues the growth and changes I have made over the past two years. My bank account will thank me too.



Monday, April 1, 2013

March FPP - the San Francisco Treat

Another package, more food, new interesting facts to spew out at unsuspecting people.

First, if you are interested in Foodie Penpals, check out the end of this post, or my other FPP Posts (November and January) for the info. Just know it is awesome and worth it.

If you want to see what I sent this time check out Sarah's blog over at Food, Fun and Life in Waukesha.

This month my Foodie Penpal was Elizabeth from lawstudentscookbook. Her note was wonderful and explained that she was sending food from her hometown of San Francisco, CA. What she didn't know is that is one of my favorite cities in this country. Her note also mentioned that attached to each food item was a printout of information and history that explained why she included it in her selection. Let's just say this history major and lover of all things in unnecessary knowledge was thrilled.

Check out the spread! And look at all those little
historical notes about each. Perfect!

I loved the information. I also have had a chance to try almost everything! My obvious statement is I love the chocolate. Duh. But the great and wonderful surprise is the croutons. They are so crispy and light, made from sourdough, and so great on my salads. I will be very sad when they are gone.

I am very interested in the Green Goddess dressing. I have not heard of this before and it seems almost like a cross between ranch and caesar so I am intrigued.

The sweets came with me to work. I have the chocolate bar in my desk for those days when CHOCOLATE! The fortune cookies were shared with the rest of the staff and were gone by lunch the day I brought them in. And I think you have seen my several rice-related posts, so yeah rice!

Overall another great package and new foods to watch for in my travels and recipe mining. 

Check out how to become a pen pal and what the program includes at www.theleangreenbean.com.

The Lean Green Bean