It's gotten to the point where I congratulate myself on days that I don't spend any money. Today is one of those days. It was almost completely accomplished by the fact that I was so busy at work that I didn't have time to even think about going outside (into a vast and enticing marketplace).

As the weather gets nicer, I'm more tempted to spend lunch hours and evening hours outside, and for me much of the excuse is to go out and "get something." Anything, a snack, a drink, running an errand, even if I need none of these things.

So, my goal this summer is to find ways to spend time outside that isn't centered around consuming. I think this will mean a lot of walks, parks, and reading. Sounds good to me!

Apologies for the little break. I'm back now.

A sad farewell to wonderful(ly expensive) Harnett's in Harvard Square, which is officially closing this month. In its place will be Boston's second American Apparel store.

American Apparel sells clothes that are made in the USA by people who are treated and paid well, which doesn't happen a lot these days, and has lots of organic cotton versions of their best-sellers. Plus, I like the style and color of their clothes and can find stuff that fits me!

But, I'm feeling totally mixed about this. On the one hand, I'm so excited that American Apparel will be so close to me and that I can finally shop somewhere near my house that I like and don't feel guilty about. To know that I'm buying a shirt that's equivalent in quality and price to, say the Gap, but more of that is going to the worker makes me feel like a righteous (and awesomely dressed) consumer.

On the other hand, I've been recently sketched out by the recent actions by CEO Dov Charney, which makes me feel less positive about the brand's image. Plus, the clothes are still a little expensive for me to be buying regularly, especially for casual clothes that I won't be wearing on a daily basis come September.

I was originally enthusiastic about American Apparel when it was only in L.A. and on the Internet and I felt that it needed my support as a company that fits my values. But now, I'm on the lookout for a brand that encompasses all of my values and has clothes that make me look like a legitimate business student. So for now, I'll keep browsing, both at American Apparel and other places.

So, I'm having renewed buyer's remorse about a year later after my purchase.

Last year, I was heading to New York after work when I realized it was going to rain all weekend -- and I had canvas sneakers on. Thinking I was in an emergency situation, I went across the street to the super-snotty and expensive Jasmine Sola and got a pair of rain galoshes for $40. (They were on final sale, meaning that I can't return them under any circumstance and that the cashier would be sure to smirk extra-hard when I was checking out.)

The problem was they didn't really fit me and I regretted buying them that weekend. But I perservered, and either they stretched or my feet shrunk because now I can wear them comfortably in the rain.

Plus, I found the boots for $25 at another store a little while later, making me ever more mad at myself for not shopping around.

And then today in the puddles I noticed that one of the shoes has a big rip in it! I'm so mad! There goes my $40. I'm going to try to fix it, but they won't be the same.

The moral of the story is: cheaply made + expensive price tag = not worth it.

This weekend I took the train to New Haven, both ways total: $115.

It cost about twice as a Greyhound bus ($65 round-trip), but took 1 1/2 hours less each way. And it was much more comfortable than sitting on a bus.

I also considered taking a Zipcar, which probably would have ended up being more after adding miles driven. Plus, I was taking public transportation and could relax rather than be really stressed out about driving to a place I've never driven to.

So, I guess this is about trade-offs, and how much my comfort is worth. For me, even though it cost so much money, taking the train was a good decision and I'll continue to take it.

Anyone who has ever talked to me knows that I absolutely cannot stand the amount of money, energy, advertising, and stuff that goes into a wedding.

Believe it or not, I just discovered this great blog by Jennifer Errick, a staffer at the Center for a New American Dream. Her most recent entry is about balancing her desire to celebrate her marriage while keeping a tight budget and not sacrificing her environmental ideals. While I'm not getting married soon, I, in my own cheapness, can appreciate her thoughtfulness in making their ceremony celebrate everything about them, even the values that mean the most to them.

I had a confusing trip to the Verizon store today. My phone's been acting wacky, so I went to get it fixed. My primary concern was that I didn't get a new phone and just throw this one away, mostly because I didn't want one more phone, toxins and all, to end up in a landfill somewhere.

Me: So I'm going to get this phone back?
Verizon guy: Yup.
Me: This exact phone?
VG: Yes.
Me: Ok then, here's $50*.
VG: You're all set. Your new phone will come in the mail in two days.

So what happened here? Some miscommunication, obviously, but also the fact that Verizon and all those other companies (and every retailer, basically) has ground into our heads that new is better, and who gets stuff fixed anymore, and cheaper is better, and it's cheaper to get something new versus getting it fixed, and besides it's new, which is better! VG just assumed that I was there to get a new phone, and didn't consider "fixing" was an option. My good intentions were curtailed today. I will try to give my old phone to someone or company that can refurbish it and put it back to business. (P.S. When my plan runs out this winter, I'm switching over to Working Assets, which donates a part of their revenue to non-profits that their members vote on.)



*Due to the fact that my warranty ran out, I couldn't get it "fixed" for free, but instead had to pay $50 for... something (I thought it was to get it fixed!). My other option, given to me by VG, was to buy the same exact phone in the store for $200. More confusion!

Yesterday I spent $6 on one bottle of Corona.

Ok, before you (or I) scream, here was the situation: I was stuck at O'Hare airport. My flight was delayed two hours. We were told we were then going to board, get on the runway, and sit there for another hour. Wouldn't you have liked a drink?

I admit this was disastrous and that I would have liked to gone to a smaller, hopefully less expensive bar (vs. the Chili's I ended up at). It did deter me from getting a second, however. Wow, this was definitely my most extreme experience with price gouging at any airport.

I do have some new mantras for the airport, though:
1. Bring your own snack.
2. Bring your own water.
3. Bring your own nips.