I have shifted the way I shop- and thus, the things I buy for our family- quite a bit over the past year. Significantly less trips to big box stores and predominantly trips to local shops and thrift stores. (And often to buy the supplies needed to make items sold at stores. ie, detergent). I've always preferred this way of shopping, and it's always been a part of my life. It's always been important to me to be a responsible consumer- I remember a time in college when I was so contentious of what products I was buying (no animal testing, safe, natural ingredients, et), it took me one hour to pick out a face wash! Or once, after a trip to see Julia Butterfly Hill speak at an event, I came home to all of my brother's clothes in trash bags along the street. I couldn't stand to think of the clothes going into landfills, so I brought them all back inside, kept a few I could wear, and was sure to donate the rest. I cannot begin to describe the feeling I get when I look back on moments of connecting with nature, with Earth, and realizing that we are so perfectly a part of it. So many times.
That much I've learned, however, is that one can be a conscious consumer and still keep it simple. More than ever, I'm committed to continually cultivating this lifestyle. It's simply better for our family, our community, our planet. It's simpler. Though I was never a big consumer (frankly, I get overwhelmed when around too much retail), this shift has become more pronounced as I've continued to learn and embrace what I truly appreciate, and how I relate to the world through things. And I still very much love a good trip to Target every now and then, so armed with a couple of birthday gift cards, I snuck away for an hour last week to do a little shopping.
Amongst other things, I found these Crayola Window Markers with Crystal Effects. I thought it'd be fun for Nate to draw with them on our kitchen patio doors. We loved them. Like, really love them. They glide onto the glass translucent, but as the marker dries, it 'crystalizes.' We drew a bunch of leaves, raindrops, pumpkins, lines, circles and squiggles.
Enjoyed a beautiful weekend. Made brunch, mixed some oils, and worked on a few sewing projects.
Been going for early morning walks, too. I used to do this during my junior to senior year in college and when we lived in Utah. It's been a nice routine to start again.
