I’m starting another new thing — a weekly round-up of my favorite posts and articles. Let’s get to it.
Y’all, Seth Godin agrees with me! Sure, it’s probably more accurate to say I agree with him, but this is my blog, and I can say whatever I want.
When Saying NO Means Staying True to Our BIG YES: I love this vivid illustration of setting life-affirming priorities.
On a related topic, Tara wrote a post on $27 nail polish, priorities, and the luxury of scarcity. I love this bit, “Your every day purchases — and especially those luxurious little splurges — reflect your personal priorities.” Back in the day, I ran an entire series on crafting budgets that reflect and support your values, called Warm Soft Money. I recently added a badge to the sidebar to make it easier to find this series, since it’s arguably the most useful content on the site.
Speaking of things I’ve added to the site, I totally forgot to tell you guys that I have a Facebook page. I’d love for you to “like it.”
I just have to put this in here. My talented client Sarah launched her new website this week! The design is incredibly understated and serene; I just love it. Sarah writes about how you can carve out space for creative play, a topic we can all appreciate.
Let’s talk business for a second. Do you need to file a DBA? It’s a dry but incredibly useful article. Eventually, I need to get around to filing for Unfettered Ink.
I’ve also been posting links related to health and fitness on my Tumblr site.
What were your favorite reads this week? I’d love to check them out.
I read the $27 nail polish blog post with interest. While I do think women can sometimes be harsh towards other women who are successful, I was a little taken aback by the very nature of the debate. Since when did $27 nail polish become the banner flag for feminine entrepreneurship and independence? We’re in the middle of a stagnant economy, with people out of work, being foreclosed, etc., so it doesn’t seem completely out of line to me for someone to look askance at spending $27 on nail polish.
Hi Sarah – I’ve spent all morning thinking about your comment. I agree that nail polish makes a poor symbol of women’s entrepreneurship. It’s certainly not entering icon status anytime soon! I also worry about how my message plays in a larger context, because I know I have readers who are looking for employment or otherwise struggle financially. The last thing I want is to pretend these issues don’t exist.
However, I do differ with you on one point. Passing judgment on luxury purchases is harmful to ourselves — and to people trying to make a living selling products. All other considerations aside, what message are we sending to people who make letterpress notecards or paint for a living? In my mind, these are luxury items — in that they are not necessary to our daily survival and they come at a premium cost. Yet, I find this type of purchase perfectly reasonable. Like you, though, I wouldn’t buy $27 nail polish, but others are welcome to.
I am especially sensitive to this dynamic after spending the weekend in search of a new bike. After I explained my specifications, two separate sales people (one man and one woman) said, “That’s a nice bike, if you can afford it.” The tone was incredibly judgmental, spoken by a person who had no idea that I’m choosing to buy a bike instead of a second car. To an outsider, a $1,000+ bicycle is an outrageous luxury, but for me, it’s an affordable and fun alternative to a car loan.
thanks for sharing my new site on unfettered ink…I think you also need to give yourself credit for the beautiful photo at the top…I am assuming you took it with your new camera?
xo
I did – thank you!
Brigitte,
I definitely understand your point. Personally, I don’t care what anyone spends money on, after all, spending does keep the economy rolling. I guess what I’m saying is that considering the current climate, it is reasonable to expect some alternate reactions without necessarily attributing deeper (and darker) motives.
Spending does keep the economy rolling. And isn’t that just a can of worms, all on its own?
We are in agreement. :)
I think we’re allowed a quick moment of comparison, perhaps. Judgement is a part of human nature; it’s how we process things. I don’t even wear nail polish 99% of the time, so $27 for one bottle seems like far too much (for me). On the other hand, because I don’t keep nail polish at home, I’m not averse to getting a manicure when I feel I should pretty myself up a bit, like if I’m going to a wedding. But that would be almost $27 for one *application* of polish (not even the rest of the bottle!) So why is it that I find a bottle of polish for $27 to be super-expensive? In fact it would be more cost-effective for me to buy that one bottle than to spend more on manicures even twice in a year’s time.
I think it’s just a comparison between what we see other people paying for things, and what we think that same thing should cost. People often feel superior for getting a bargain and saving money, and still others feel satisfaction in knowing that they can afford nice things.
As a developing artist I fully support the desires for pretty or unnecessary things, like the jewelry or paintings I create. I don’t always support that desire from *myself* however, perhaps in a way to save money, perhaps to avoid feeling greed. It’s a fine line.
What bike did you end up choosing, or have you chosen yet?
I’m thinking I’d like to post some weekly links, myself.
Jen @ Renaissance Ma’am recently posted..Matcha Hoddeok (호떡) for St. Patrick’s Day
Jen – You bring up a good distinction. Discerning what we ourselves wish to indulge in vs passing judgment on others’ choices. I believe we all should be very deliberate about the first.
I haven’t yet chosen a bike. The plan is to take my top 2 choices on 30 minute test rides on different days. That way I’ll have a much better sense of which I’m most comfortable riding. I’m also hoping to visit a used bike shop in Davis this weekend to see if there are other good options.