Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Addicted to shopping? Paying only with credit cards? Want true wealth? Today’s Wealthy Wednesday blog post asks Do I Really Need to Buy That?

The upside to the recession is an opportunity to rethink our spending habits. American’s are shopping addicts – our economy is actually based upon overspending. But it has left us all vulnerable to economic factors beyond our control. The result is we’ve got a lot of stuff but not a lot of satisfaction.

Buy – buy – buy! Did you know that the average American sees more than 7,212,400 messages to buy during our life?

Overspending is often used to fill a “hole” in our lives. But the results aren’t just detrimental to our bank account – they also hurt everyone around us. As Americans, we consume a greater percentage of world resources than any other group.

Do I Really Need to Buy That?

The Millionaire Next Door books revealed that people with financial wealth typically answer that question with a firm NO!

Green proponents also know that living “without” isn’t living a life of austerity – it’s a life where you are fully in balance with the world.

If you feel uneasy about your buying habits, you should take a close look at why you spend and how you spend your money. Decide why you want to make a change and take the challenge – stop buying anything that isn’t about a life necessity for 30-days. It takes 28 days to break a habit, so take the challenge today.

Buying habits are hard to break as they come from a place within where we keep our childhood memories, our image of ourselves, fears, confidence levels and are part of how we soothe ourselves in a busy, hectic and often impersonal world.

I found some great questions on the Mother Nature Network to help keep your buying in tune with your true desires!

Create a little list to keep in your purse, wallet or Smartphone and review it whenever you find yourself staring at a storefront display. I’ve added some personal tips and tricks to each question.

1. Is this purchase something I need? Need is subjective but be honest – do you really need that new eye shadow?
2. Do I already own something that will serve the same purpose? Don’t get caught in the latest-and-greatest trap. Ads are there to make you feel like you are missing out if you don’t buy the newest version when you already own the last two.
3. Can I borrow one instead of buying new? Tools and equipment are obvious things to borrow. I’ve even known of neighbors who pooled together to buy and share. Also, you’d be surprised at what you can rent. You can even rent designer handbags! The link in the question takes you to another great article.
4. Can I make something that will serve the same purpose? DIY is more than saving money – it’s also a way to learn new things, share experiences with family and friends and discover hidden talents.
5. Can I buy a used one? Craig’s List is filled with items for sale, Thrift, pawn and consignment shops offer everything from old romance novels to designer dresses.
6. Would someone be willing to split the cost and share this with me? This works best with items that are used for short spurts or are “used” once per person (like books).
7. Can I buy or commission one made locally? As a handmade jewelry artist, I love this one as it brings value to everyone. Buying handmade is still buying but the impact your dollar is directed were it can make a difference in a life.
8. Can I buy one that was made with environmentally responsible materials? Researching before buying has never been easier thanks to the Web. Take time to learn before you may a purchase. There is even an iPhone app for that – Good Guide.
9. Can I buy one that serves more than one purpose? Which makes more fiscal sense buying an apple corer or a great paring knife?
10. Can I get something human powered instead of gas or electric? For example, the best mower for a lush lawn is a push mower. Plus you get some exercise. Being powered doesn’t necessarily make it a better piece of equipment.
11. Can I compost or recycle it when I’m done with it? Unless your a hoarder, eventually you be “done” with an item, thinking ahead can mean you aren’t creating any more trash.
12. What is the impact on the environment of the full life cycle of it? Hubby works for a manufacturer of PVC decking materials. The life cycle is decades upon decades longer than that of treated wood commonly used. You not only save on wood, you also eliminate all the chemicals used to treat, clean and maintain a wood deck. This minimal impact over a long life cycle makes the decking quality as a certified green product.
13. Does the manufacture, sale or disposal of it damage the environment? This can be a tough one to determine like the paper vs..... plastic controversy at the grocery store. Is organic product trucked hundreds of miles better than local grown non-organic fruit? Corn-based ethanol fuel sounds like a great idea but did you know it takes a gallon of oil-based fuel to make it? What did you gain?

It is still buyer beware when it comes to determining green products. Remember there are no official recognized (legal or voluntary) consensus of what is a Green Product. Don't assume because a product has a “green” logo or say so in ads – that it actually is Green.

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Betty's newest series of beautiful hand beaded cross necklaces (part of our marathon photography session this week) will debut in  ROSJ store next week. Her original designs feature everything from simple sterling silver crosses to ornate gold filigree versions with Swarovski crystals. Here is a sneak peak of my personal favorite with luscious green Malay Jade - Betty calls this necklace Wisdom. If you are interested in this design before it appears in the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store - send me an email and I'll provide you with pricing, etc

Need a mood enhancer? Does the world seem so heavy lately? Help may be as close as your jewelry box. Even if financial woes aren't a constant in your life - buying a new handcrafted necklace may feel like a "betrayal" of others. But I believe that all of us deserve to be lifted up daily. A bold purple necklace or a golden yellow bracelet can be a good antidote for negative moods.

Having a positive outlook has been scientifically proven to increase your stamina, help you cope and improve your health - all things we need more of. Handmade artisan jewelry combines multiple mood enhancing features into a single, easy to use, natural solution.

• Color - look for jewelry pieces with gemstone beads, pearls and hand-polished glass beads that add a pop of color to your wardrobe.
• Reflection - necklaces and earrings featuring Swarovski crystals, precious metals and pearls reflect the light and brighten your complexion and spirits.
• Feel - jewelry isn't just a visual medium. Use your sense of touch to fully experience the coolness, heft and  movement of a treasured necklace. Touching a pearl, feeling the silver, caressing a pendant are all ways of soothing yourself.
• Sound - the faint tinkle of a charm bracelet or swinging earrings can be a Zen-like reminder to "be in the moment."
• Texture - organic, freeform stones and handcrafted jewelry designs create a grounded feeling.
• Creativity - unlike department store jewelry, one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry shouts creativity. Even a single strand of beads is a reflection of the artist's vision and soul.

Why not take a few minutes to stop by the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store to find a great new mood enhancing necklace? We'll ship it out immediately so you too can experience the joy of owning beautiful handcrafted jewelry. You'll be glad you did!

To learn more about how handmade jewelry enhances your life, don't forget to bookmark my blog or better yet - use the RSS feed (top right column) to never miss a single post!

The Recession sure is a wet blanket - ruins your day doesn't it. But weddings are still going on and wedding jewelry is still a big must. That's my theory anyway. As a jewelry designer that loves to create wedding necklaces and earrings with magnificent Swarovski crystals, I'd doubt that brides are going without jewelry. Am I right?

Brides, Wedding planners, Mothers-of-the-bride, bridal salon owners - is the economic downturn affecting your choices for bridal jewelry and bridal party jewelry or gifts? Will you trim your jewelry budget or save money elsewhere? How much do you expect to spend for your bridal jewelry? What pieces must you have to look beautiful on your special day?

Please take a few minutes to leave your thoughts and I'll forward you a 10% discount coupon for the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store.