September... already?

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Shopping- for a new purse.

Long story - shortened…

I splurged and bought a new, unique, handmade purse from GreenBeezArt on Etsy -for less than $40.00, because the handle broke on my 6 month old,

cheap purse. ------>

Here's a Treasury of some awesome purses I found on Etsy.

NOTE: (I'll add a photo of my new purse when it arrives.)

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The "I have a bit of time to read" version:

Don't you just love a good deal? I've found many at garage/yard sales, 2nd hand stores, bargain shops, or the sales section of any given store and even the occasional auction.

It's not often that I buy myself new things, or pay full price. I guess I'm just cheap… or financially challenged, or the to use the popular word "frugal". Whatever you call it, it's a way of life for me. "Re-use, re-cycle, re-pair" is my mantra.

I don't follow trends, I do my own thing and sometimes it becomes popular (trendy), of course by that time I've often moved on and am doing something else. Not sure if I'm ahead or behind, the times, and don't really care which.

Purses are on my mind theses days.

In the past 10 years I've had 5 purses: 3 black, 1 brown (tapestry) & a white one that I did some beading and embellishing on.

I know most girls like to have several purses for different occasions, or to go with different outfits. Not me. I have one purse and it is used mercilessly until it's so worn looking or starting to fall apart, that it's almost embarrassing. Then I usually spend days shopping for the perfect one- that looks new, at a thrift store, or like the last 2 … on sale at Walmart. I don't think I've ever paid more than $20.00 for a purse AND they usually last a year, two or sometimes more.

About 6 months ago, I bought a new purse (a black one with lots of sections) on sale for $10- at Walmart, and last week the handle broke. Luckily I was able to put it back together with a safety pin, but that's not going to last long, so I've been on the hunt for a new one.

Maybe it's the crappy weather, or the fact that I've got a bit of $ in my Paypal account (from some recent sales in my Etsy shop), anyhow I decided to buy one on-line… brand new & less generic than plain black or brown. It needs to be big enough to hold my wallet, camera, books, ladies stuff and the kitchen sink, should I need it.

I googled "Purses"… endlessly looking at photos and decided I should narrow down my search. Since I adore Laurel Burch designs, I was on a mission- searching on E-bay, Zibbet, and Etsy and so many sites that use her designer fabrics. I couldn't decide what I liked best… the Mythical horses, adorable cats, dogs, birds. OMG! Too many choices, it was overwhelming.

Well, I drove my husband crazy, becoming yet another plug-in to my computer. I got vertigo from endless scrolling up and down, looking at so many photos, styles, colours, designs, PRICES. I was getting downright obsessed, and with such an amazing array of purses at my fingertips I realized I could be shopping forever, and my safety pin wasn't going to last that long.

So, I narrowed it down some more: under $40.00, handmade, unique… and it's gotta be from another Etsy shop. Oh let's not forget it's gotta be already made, so I don't have to wait too long…there's that safety pin to think about, and shipping time to consider too.

Finally, on Saturday night I found a purse that I adored. Not wanting to make a rash decision, I got ready for bed & was gonna sleep on it.

Laying in bed, it occurred to me, that it was the only purse like it. I wouldn't be able to find one similar- anywhere! and if someone else bought it during the night, I'd be back to where I started! So I snuck out of bed (without waking Dave), and bought it.

Dave doesn't understand WHY I would take the time to write a blog about a purse, let alone shopping for one, but he's a man and has a different way of seeing things I guess. BUT he has a great way of calculating things…

so, at $36.00 (including shipping), if it lasts just a year, it only cost me 10 cents/day! For a purse I'll use everyday, all day, to work, to play. What a bargain! Besides, I think I'm worth it ; )

Now…. waiting & wondering if my safety pin can hold on for a few more days…

Do you like to shop on-line?

Growing up in Toronto, and shopping at big Malls, like the Eaton Centre downtown has spoiled me for shopping.

As a teenager, I had more disposable income, time, and access to the best variety of shops. Shopping was an exciting event, and crowds just made it more interesting, a quick break for a pop & french fries were an added bonus.

That was in the 70's- before the Internet, e-Bay & on-line shopping.

Now (over 30 years later,) I'm living in the Kootenays, a rural area in South Western B.C. and shopping is very limited. We have a Mall in town. It is modest- however, so is my income, time and desire.

BUT…nowadays there's also a whole world of shopping available... on-line.

The 1st item I ever bought on-line was a video game for my boys (they talked me into it). We went to E-Bay, looked up "Lord of the Rings" for their Xbox, bought it, and were thrilled when it finally arrived in our mail! How cool is that?!

Instead of just bills, there was something to look forward to in our mailbox. I've never looked back.

In my little circle, I'm probably the only one that ever buys anything on-line. Some of my friends still don't have computers, let

alone the Internet!

Some of the jewelry I've made.

I often get my jewelry and craft supplies on-line through E-Bay and Etsy, or at my local bead shop- Abacus beads.

I also enjoy just "window shopping" on-line (That would be a pun, if I wasn't using a Mac,) but I'm just not sure about buying shoes and clothes on-line. There's nothing compared to actually trying something on.

Over the years I've bought plane tickets, eyeglasses, video games, jewelry, my iMac, beads, slippers, and even a clutch for our Toyota… all on-line.

Some of the things I like about shopping on the Internet, is that it's available any time, I don't have to dress up & drive anywhere, no pressure, no crowds, infinite variety, and the best part… is going to the mailbox.