Eventually, I'll get there...

Today's entry is more an update of sorts. Things have been a little crazy at home as of late, with the swiftly approaching holidays and all.

I finally got the hard drive replaced in my lap top, so I should be up and running in full swing after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

I recently got a sewing cabinet for Big Doris, so I've been sewing like no body's business. I am working really hard to get my "Travel Dress" completed. I was inspired by Mode Merr's The Jet Setter Dress so I am working on Vogue Pattern V8280 in a grey suiting that I bought from Joann's. Hopefully, I'll have it finished by this weekend, as I really want to use the left over leopard velboa I have floating around in my fabric stash to work on a brush roll for my growing collection of make up brushes...I'd also like to make a removable collar for my black jacket.

Here is a tut from the lovely Casey (plus a bonus giveaway) for a Peter Pan style collar

However, since my coat has a pointed collar, I'll probably use Colette Pattern's collar tut just because it matches the collar of my jacket already. It will take some of the guess work out of it.

Of course, I will be doing it with leopard print, as it will match my leopard print pill box that I made for my last travel adventure.

In addition to all that sewing, I will most likely spend lots of time this weekend cleaning, and running around my apartment in a tizzy trying to get my life in order.

Oh, yesterday I got my hair cut, which was an adventure. I got swing/swoopy bangs cut in, so we will see how that works out. I accidentally forgot to tell the girl to leave my layers long, so now I have short layers....ugh. I always forget something. it's not a big deal. Hair grows.
I've yet to set it so I have no idea how it will work out. Today I wore it in a modern style just to see how it looks when I am feeling lazy. I'm not totally in love with it, but I think I can deal with it for now.

The upside to yesterday was that I got a really awesome planner from my friend Kat. She saw it in B&N and decided that I had to have it. I am in love with it. It has all these great vintage pictures with catty little sayings like "There's no household chore that a little Merlot doesn't make easier" and 'A stitch in time deserves wine." Kat is such a doll and I am super lucky to have the awesome friends that I have.

Back in Humidity City

Today I had intended to post my method and recipe for delicious crock pot chicken, along with an accompanying video.....but sadly last night my computer decided to just give up.

I awoke this morning to check my email and the weather before slapping on clothes to head into the office, only to find my computer falling into a swirling vortex of utter failure.

So there I am clad in my bathrobe and sipping my morning coffee staring at the black computer screen that has some really foreign looking words displayed on it. I groan loudly and try to decipher the information on the screen, hoping that will give me something to work with. As I scan the screen I notice one phrase I do understand: "The operating system cannot be found."

Feeling a bit defeated, I turn off the computer and trudge my way into the bedroom to dress. It's about that time to get my morning phone call from "the fellow I fancy", so I prepare to answer the phone and give him the bad news.

Of course, he shrugs it off and tells me that we'll work on it when I get home, and that it's not a big deal, we'll get it fixed in no time.

After hearing that, I smile and head into work. According to him, I should be up and running within a few days.

I really hope all goes well.

Frugal Living: Freeganism

Recently, I've been hearing about all these new ways people are using to save money, yet enjoy a high quality of life. One of the more extreme things I have heard of is: Freeganism, also known as dumpster diving.

These, "Freegans" go around to high-end grocery stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, etc) and dumpster dive for food.

That's right people, they get all of their food from the garbage.

Advocates of the practice say they use "common sense" about the food they retrieve from the trash, making sure that packaging is still intact, or that the food is free from mold or decay.

Personally, I don't think I would have much problem with eating the food if I had properly inspected it (Have you ever shopped the "Manager's Special" foods at the market that have been reduced to pennies on the dollar for swift sale? I see it as the same amount of risk.) however, I would be mortified if someone caught me. And I'm not entirely sure that it is legal.

Here is a really interesting news piece on the Freeganism movement: Dumpster Diving

I don't think I could commit to going to this extreme to save money, but the issue does get me thinking about all the food that people waste. While I don't think I could become a "Freegan", I do think they are making a small difference in reducing waste, and I think that's pretty great. We are a wasteful nation, indeed. I wish more people would attempt to reduce their waste, and adhere to "Make Do and Mend."

Your thoughts?