So I came into some money recently. My usual response to unexpected money is to deposit it in savings or the IRA (yes, I am seriously that boring). This time I decided to go crazy and spend it ALL on stuff I wouldn't otherwise buy. And all on things for me.
I had an idea that I wanted to use my money to treat myself and to support artists and crafters out there who are doing amazing work. So, the weeks before the money arrived, I scoured Etsy and started a mental tabulation of all the wonderful things I could buy.
But then once the money showed up, I froze. I did spend about $20 on a long coveted Black Apple print and then...nothing. Days went by. Weeks. The money was burning a hole in my Paypal pocket.
That is until I took a break from kitchen demo on Saturday and went to Stop, Shop and Stroll, a Sacramento Craft Mafia event where I splurged on this great bear from Missy Ballance of Mohair Circus. I saw this bear back at Bazaar Bizarre and loved her but couldn't quite justify the perfectly reasonable yet outside my comfort zone price tag. But at Stop, Shop and Stroll she had a little bunny rabbit friend and that put me over the top. Mr. H thinks I'm crazy (a bear is the last thing we need). But I really like bears.
So that purchase put a dent in my Paypal stash but there was more to be spent. When my camera looked to be on death's door I started investigating a new digital camera but the camera seems to have recovered so today I spent another $200* on a ticket to BlogHer.
I don't know anyone who's going. I don't know if it'll be fun or interesting or useful but I have to be in Chicago anyway for work so I moved my plane ticket and took the plunge. If you're going to BlogHer or know someone who's going or know anything at all, let me know. And just in case it sucks, suggestions of fun things to do by yourself in Chicago are more than welcome. I'll be there for 4.5 days. I should at least be able to fit in some pizza.
*I'm saving some spending money for Chicago but still have a bit more cash. Etsy ideas or digital camera insights are welcome...
ETA: I heard about this free podcast/walking tour the other day and, hey, they have Chicago!
I found the post on the things to do in Chicago (this week is CHA there, a super huge craft/scrapbooking convention). Here you go (and remind me to get you Jenny's address for more tips):
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba has great spanish tapas and sangria (think passion fruit, black raspberry, mango, red, white..you name it, they have it). Sushi Wabi has great sushi and is located on Randolph Street which is a kinda cool area for taking pictures, the door to Sushi Wabi is amazing. They have the best pineapple signature cocktail! WickerPark is a cool area, which is the hood that I call home. Great for people watching. Honestly, most of the people are stuck in a 80's timewarp. It's a little bizarre...But GREAT shops on Damen Avenue. Also a must stop brunch restaurant would be Hot Chocolate. Also on Damen....
Posted by: sacctownkid | July 18, 2007 at 10:29 PM
I am dying to go see this exhibit at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago:
http://www.nikiinthegarden.com/
The brilliantly colored sculptures by the world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle include enormous animals, mythical figures, totems, sports heroes and Nanas – oversized, powerful women celebrating life. Covered with ceramic mosaics, semi-precious stones, mirrors and glass, many invite sitting, climbing or crawling through their secret passages and interiors. Both art lovers and the entire family will be amazed by these monumental works of art, with some reaching as high as 18 feet and as long as 25 feet.
Go and take lots of pictures to post here!
Posted by: vmc | July 26, 2007 at 10:26 AM