19 June 2007
Hey, it's nearly officially summer! I'm back in Minnesota now, and somebody accidentally turned the temperature up while I was away. Today is actually rather nice, but the forecast is grim. Temperatures in the high 80s and 90s, topped with high humidity. I suppose there's always somebody who's got it worse, though...
That's my new makeshift nightstand in the craft room. I've set up 'summer camp' in there, as it's the coolest room in the house (only one window, facing north). The temperatures are still going down in the evening, but I don't really get the benefit of that in the back bedroom, for some reason.
As you can see, I've been reading Benjamin Barber's Consumed, about the way markets target children and infantilize adults. I agree so much with the things he says, and it's making me really think about my own shopping habits. I think I'm probably already miles ahead of other people my age (as far as these things go) -- I've got no credit card debt, for a start. But I've realized that I'm guilty of treating shopping as a hobby, and I'm really unsatisfied with that.
So, as of tomorrow, I'm beginning a month of nothing new. No shopping for new things, and food will come from either the farmer's market or locally owned supermarkets. I'm a big believer in letting good habits sneak up on oneself, and I think the popular belief is that it takes twenty-one days to form a habit. Deciding to give up shopping 'forever' would be very daunting, but I'm pretty sure I can make it through a month, and I'm hoping to develop some new buying habits in that time.
The moratorium on shopping will also force me to get out and enjoy the Twin Cities in ways I haven't previously gotten around to. Because I work very early hours, I wind up with most of my afternoons to myself, and I keep thinking I ought to do something interesting, like visit the Como Park Conservatory, but I often wind up driving to the shops, having thought of something new that I 'need'. In the same way that I don't feel that watching hours of television is an acceptable use of one's time, I'm also uncomfortable with the idea of shopping being on the list of one's favourite activities.
I've sort of left it to the last minute here, but if anybody else in the bloggy world would like to join me in my month of no-shopping, do feel welcome, and let me know, so that I can read about your experiences. Or just start with a week and see how it goes! It's the perfect time of year to try to break the habit of mindless consumerism (gah, that's such a strident phrase) -- there's so much to get out and do while the sun is shining!
(P.S. -- Also on the nightstand: Why have I only just now got around to reading the Jeeves and Wooster books? Why? And the little book on top was made for me by the lovely Cally. She's so nice.)
Hi Anna,
So glad to find your site! A friend of mine got me your beautiful new book for my birthday last month! I'm enjoying it thoroughly! ~ Laurie ~
posted by Laurie at June 20, 2007 12:22 AM
A lovely idea. I may informally get on board!
posted by sulu-design at June 20, 2007 01:02 AM
I am with you, Anna! I was thinking aout just quitting shopping for awhile to better appreciate what I have, and get out of thinking of shopping as the default "something to do" when I have a free hour or so. it is definitely one of my favorite hobbies, which has made me increasingly uncomfortable for the past few years!
posted by Nancy at June 20, 2007 02:27 AM
I admire you for your discipline and I would hop on board, but the coming few weeks I will be in England and then (possibly) back in Portland. It would be very difficult to keep that promise while traveling. Perhaps the month after I will try my hand and see how I fare. Giving up on eating out would be the hardest, but I do need to work on budgeting and all that fun stuff.
posted by Taryn at June 20, 2007 06:47 AM
Hiya Anna!
I like the idea of not letting shopping be a hobby. I can't promise not to buy anything new in the next month (reacquainting with our "real" life might not allow that), but perhaps I can keep it from being an activity. Count me (partially) in.
Sorry to be so wishy-washy. I blame the heat and humidity.
posted by Auntly H at June 20, 2007 10:28 AM
gosh i forgot all about that little book, i'm not sure if i ever took a photo. it's always fun to see forgotten things.
my mouth was watering at your farmer's market bounty, deeeelicious and even better for being in all your gorgeous bowls.
i'm stuck inside just now having just made a make-shift waterproof bandage for Lucy's paw so we can go out in the torrential rain (a gal's got to pee, at least pee).
after our walk i'm really really hoping to squeeze in a wee trip to the degree show at the art college. wish you were here, would be fun to go with you.
guess what, your blog loaded INSTANTLY today! if it continues that way i'll be checking in more frequently and leaving more regular comments.
comments along the lines of 'yey Anna' during your month of shopping abstinence. i'd say i would join you but that's kind of cheating cause i can't afford to buy anything anyway.
i must say though, since Lucy's arrival i go to the farm shop every weekday for my food (though Mr P does still get some supermarket things that the farm doesn't stock).
it feels good, making these things into habits. and the daily-ness means i'm buying much fresher food and only what i am in the mood for.
now i'm such a regular customer there that I get fringe benefits, like free veg from the pig bin for Lucy to munch on, she LOVES brocolli stalks.
i think you'll really enjoy getting to know the people at your local market, and i know they'll enjoy getting to know you.
here's hoping your weather gets a little cooler and mine gets a little drier.
posted by cally at June 20, 2007 11:18 AM
...and if you visit como and it is on a mon or tues before 3 be sure to stop in the gift shop and hi to your grandmother...you need not buy a thing!! love, grama
posted by grama at June 20, 2007 01:59 PM
I may have to join in. I've noticed a similar problem with my shopping habits. I really need to stay on budget this summer too.
posted by sara at June 20, 2007 03:37 PM
The shopping moratorium sounds like a great idea, but I'm hesitant to go without my trips to Target and Petsmart for some of the basics I just can't find at my local supermarket. Also crafting supplies that I always run out of, like thread.
Enjoy your explorations of the Twin Cities! Some of my favorites are going for walks around the lakes, picnicking at Lake Harriet, browsing at the public library, biking over at the Hyland Preserve, and peanut butter/honey milkshakes at The Malt Shop. Thinking about all these things makes me miss Minneapolis...
posted by Jodi at June 21, 2007 05:49 PM
I'm on your wavelength! In the past three months I have lost the services of a great childminder, been made redundant from a pretty well paid job and three weeks ago lost my beloved mum to a brain tumour. In the midst of this chaos I have taken stock in a big way. I have focussed totally on my creativity and made some real treasures. To cap it all I have now ordered a totally gorgeous and funky shopping trolley so that I can horror ;-) WALK to the local shops. Nothing like a shock to get you thinking, hey?! Apart from an urgent need for Kids Crocs and a bit of thrift shopping I'm with you all the way!!! Great to have found your blog.
Lesleyxxxxxxxx
posted by Lesley at June 21, 2007 08:02 PM
hello! i stumbled upon your site and thought i would chime in. i went on s spending moratorium not too long ago. nothing new except food. it wasn't that bad (until i rewarded myself with a new bag - but it was cheap ;-)
btw - what camera do you use? the colors are perfect!
posted by lori at June 22, 2007 02:50 AM
Hi Anna, I applaud your shopping moratorium. I recently read a book called "Not Buying It" by Judith Levine. The author didn't buy anything for a whole year and was surprised by how her horizons were broadened. I can highly recommend the book, it's a great eye opener that touches on many different issues surrounding shopping culture.
I'd join you but the Liberty summer sale starts next week and I've just got my loyalty card! Maybe next month.
posted by Louisa at June 22, 2007 08:48 AM
I'm all in for this. My only exception will be dinner out for a date I've had planned with my husband for two months, and the regional artisan fair at the end of July, where if I find something I love, I may splurge and buy some art. Other than that, nothing I can't buy at the grocery store. I tend to use shopping as entertainment and therapy, and that needs to stop!
posted by EmmaNadine at June 22, 2007 02:57 PM
I have myself been trying to do a sort of no-shopping month for several months at this point..I keep breaking the rules I set for myself. Hopefully you will be met with success, and hopefully that success can fuel mine!
I love the pictures here, by the way. Love them.
posted by Maggie at June 23, 2007 04:49 PM
I'd like to get in on this, too. I don't shop much in regular retail stores, but I do in thrift stores. I used to tell myself that it was okay because it was cheap and the money went to charity, but I think it's become more of a passtime or entertainment for me than I'd like it to be. Instead, I think I'll join you and spend a month doing everything else that I can think of (other than TV) - sewing, knitting, cooking, cleaning (and purging), yoga, exercise and, most of all, enjoying the people around me, and having some more time with them.
posted by Jenn at June 24, 2007 06:01 PM
I'd like to get in on this, too. I don't shop much in regular retail stores, but I do in thrift stores. I used to tell myself that it was okay because it was cheap and the money went to charity, but I think it's become more of a passtime or entertainment for me than I'd like it to be. Instead, I think I'll join you and spend a month doing everything else that I can think of (other than TV) - sewing, knitting, cooking, cleaning (and purging), yoga, exercise and, most of all, enjoying the people around me, and having some more time with them.
posted by Jenn at June 24, 2007 06:28 PM
Very odd how in sync we are - we're doing the Month of Frugality (hmm, needs a trumpet intro, I think) over at our place. Come on by and have a read!
posted by Leisl at June 29, 2007 06:00 AM