An Hour and a Half Without Water

Top: Lucky Brand, Skirt: Kensie (Thrifted), Booties: Seychelles, Bag: Kate Spade
Sunnies: Marc Jacobs, Belt: J. Crew, Accessories: Target

Last night our water was out for an hour and a half. It was a great reminder of why I am committed to the cause of clean water, and raising money to build a well this month. I can't believe how many times I walked to the kitchen sink to turn on the faucet, remembering only then that the water was out. It must have been 10 times, no kidding.

This morning water was barely trickling out of the shower head, and instead of getting frustrated, I thanked God. I thanked Him for a hot shower, I thanked him for clean dishes, for laundry, and for quenching my thirst. I prayed for our well, and for the people in India that it will bless. It was awesome!

What perfect timing to be reminded of how blessed I am, and how important this cause is! My tiny little hour and a half without water was NOTHING compared to those who go without it daily.

The Shopping Party

My outfit for church on Sunday!

Courtney and I at Nordstrom's Christmas party

A shopping party at Nordstrom....? Oh no, the ultimate in temptation right?

How could a girl on a shopping fast even consider it? 

For the past two years, my friend Courtney and I have made it a tradition. After waiting in a line wrapped around the building, we are greeted by a number of waiters with hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats. The store is beautifully decorated and a DJ is spinning away. We oooh and ahhh over the displays, and have fun playing dress up.

In the past, I have bought at least a few items for myself, and even stalked out gift ideas to email my hubs. But this year was different. I thought I would feel more of a pull to purchase, but I didn't. As fun as it was to be among the hustle and bustle, I didn't get the urge to indulge as I have in the past. I really enjoyed looking at the clothes, shoes, bags and other accessories. I made mental notes for working the items in my closet. I didn't leave depressed or deflated that I couldn't "shop till I dropped." I felt good, leaving with only two small bags in hand.

Instead of trying on a new dress or shoes,  I found equal satisfaction in refilling two necessities: my favorite lipgloss and eyeshadow. I do love how shopping restraint has made me appreciate the little things so much more. I even found a few gifts for the kids on clearance...score!

I have been delighted to see how far my money has gone this Christmas. This is the first year that we have actually set a budget. I was so scared that a slim Christmas would be such a let down for the kids and for myself. But, I am truly evaluating quality over quantity...and realizing it is time to stop the pattern of overindulging on Christmas. I am even selling my homemade soaps, Classy Sudz, with 100% of the proceeds going to clean water for the 12X12 Project!

It is fun to see gifts piled high and overflowing stockings, but this year the only thing I want to overflow is my heart. We already have so much. I loved this post by Jones Design Company, Four Gifts for Christmas. What a great way to size things down. So I realized, a spending freeze doesn't mean I have to give up the fun of holiday shopping parties, they just become window shopping/fashion inspiration parties for me, and I am just fine with that!

#1000 Gifts
52. Holiday parties
53. Window shopping
54. Closet inspiration
55. Long talks with friends
56. Music that makes you dance
57. Sweet treats
58. A friend that shares the same shoe size :)
59. Makeup
60. Christmas decor