207 Threads To Tie It All Together

I'm not sure why buying something so simple can completely change my mood.  Today, Shaun and I made the trek to Ikea... after shopping, eating some delicious meatballs, and more shopping... I finally convinced Shaun that we need more gender neutral bedding.  I know it seems ridiculous to spend money on new bedding when I am on such a limited income.... but I do have some reasoning behind this purchase.

1. The duvet cover I have is really nice, it's 100% cotton, smooth... and white with flowers. At the time I got it, it wasn't my first choice... it was just the most economical choice that I also liked.  Since Shaun and I now share a home, I started feeling bad that there was so much "girly" stuff around.... so the new cover is much more gender neutral.

2. I've had my other duvet cover since I got the down comforter... 7 years ago.  So I think that should count for something as time to upgrade... right?

3. At Ikea it's still A LOT cheaper than a lot of other places!  A king size cover (which is what I need) is only $40... at someplace like Bed Bath and Beyod... it would be at least $100.  So that at least makes it a deal!

I really shouldn't need reasons to want to treat myself... but I do find it funny how a 207 thread count duvet cover can make me so happy and motivated to change so much all at the same time!!!  I have a vision on how I want to change some things... now I just need to find the rest of the pieces!

How Much is Too Much?

After coming to the realization that we will most likely be chilling in Ohio for a bit longer, it's hard not to let your mind go on with life.  See when we decided we were going to be making the big move we started selling off furniture, knick knacks, etc.  And while it's been nice living clutter free... sometimes you start feeling more like you are living in someone else's home.  That brings me to the issue of the day... what happens when you fall in love with something that you would then have to move??

What sparked this??  A chair... A beautiful chair from World Market.... a pair would just look STUNNING with our living room set.  But at just more than $300 for the set, not only would we be spending money... but would also be giving ourselves two more pieces of furniture we would eventually move.  BUT that's not all... our overwhelming need to eat Sweedish meatballs has us craving a trip to Ikea.  Which we can never leave without spending at least $100 on storage units, lamps, decorations and of course a few packets of Sweedish meatball sauce.  Then it's not worth taking a trip down to West Chester if you are not going to stop at the Outlet Mall which means even more shopping and fun finds. 

So where do you put the limit?  We haven't had a viewing in more than a month... and there is no sign anyone will buy it anytime soon... so shouldn't we enjoy our time here?  I mean those home improvement shows that tell you how to sell your house spend $2000-$4000 to make a house "ready to show".... so maybe those trips could be investments in the house... and maybe a little bit to my closet.  After all it's important to look cute in case I ever get an interview right?? 

Becoming an Adult Through Clothing

As I near my 28th birthday...which means I'm nearing my 30th birthday... I have a big problem... how does one become an adult?  I am very torn on the little things that make a person a grown up compared to a college student.  But in this new world I think it's harder then you might imagine.  My generation is one of the first that women really choose to not have kids right away (or ever) and instead pick a career.  I know it's not a new concept, but this poses a big question for me... how do you dress?  I watch makeover shows and they talk about "moms on the go"... or they are dressing a woman who has a career I would like... but is 15 years older then me.  I want to be cute, stylish, young, but also professional, it's a hard place to be in especially when I am a larger size and can't just shop in any old store.  I honestly feel that suits make me look like a 5 year old wearing her dad's jacket with her mom's high heels on and pearls... needless to say that's not me.  I'm more of a T-shirt and jeans kinda girl, which I know isn't professional, but to be honest if it's not made of cotton it's not in my closet.  And don't forget shoes, hairstyles, jewelry, makeup... all of which can clearly age you: too much sparkle means you party too much; too dark makes you look older.  And just like my flip flops, jeans, and Cinderella socks --- my makeup and jewelry is a minimum.

I am trying to change, I started wearing mascara, bought some cute brown pumps, and today... bought a suit jacket.  I was in the dressing room and had the black jacket on.  I know it's the more professional look, but it's SO far from being me I just couldn't buy it... so I bought one in gray.  I need to see if I can make an outfit out of it... who knows if that will even be possible.  I would LOVE if Stacy and Clinton from TLC's "What Not to Wear" would come and just change my whole wardrobe for me.  And the $5,000 shopping spree wouldn't be that bad either.

So here I am, with my $300 a week unemployment salary trying to change my look, defining an entire generation... and it's all starting with a new jacket.