Well, Here Goes Something

Something is about to happen!

I'm not sure what, exactly...

Hold tight and pretend it's a plan!

Random Person:

So, what's going on?

Me again:

I'm moving to Belize in 2 weeks!

And no, it's not because it's beautiful,

 hot, and has awesome beaches.

That certainly doesn't hurt, though ;)

I volunteer my time (unpaid) to study the Bible with people, 

and many people in Belize have a real desire to learn about it.

I do this in both English and American Sign Language, 

as the deaf deserve the same information and opportunity 

as any other language group.

(* If you're curious about this worldwide volunteer Bible education work,

or you would like to use a FREE online Bible resource,

visit the website link at the bottom of this post. 

I am not connected to the website.)

Random Person:

How will you support yourself?

If possible, I hope to keep my Etsy shop running!

www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtOfWriting

It's closed right now, as I prepare to move,

but I hope to re-open in mid to late May.

I'll be maintaining my "handwritten art" theme,

but my stock will be changing a bit.

I would like to integrate unique Belizean items into my shop,

so keep an eye out for that! 

I'm also considering teaching conversational English and ASL online;

someone for people to practice their skills with.

I've been learning ASL for the past 6 years,

and regularly converse with the deaf.

So, that's what's happening!

If you have any question about my shop 

or about practicing your English or ASL skills,

you can leave a comment, 

or you can e-mail me:

amorgan.asl@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------

* JW.ORG

Life Starts At 30

Call me crazy (everyone else does),

but I've been looking forward to turning 30 for a long time.

If you'll pardon the sports analogy:

Everything before that seems to be the "try-outs" portion of life.

Your affinity for graphic tee's and teenage angst music,

 for example, may not be what it once was.

Don't feel bad!

You gave them a go,

but now "try-outs" are over, 

and you know yourself better than ever!

It's a bit surreal:

just as I'm hitting my ideal age,

I'm finally doing something that I've always wanted to do-

I'm moving to another country to volunteer! 

Belize, to be exact.

It's actually happening,

and very quickly.

I'll keep you posted about my upcoming adventure!

I'll be featuring handwritten quotes,

tips and tricks,

photography,

fashion,

food,

and basically a little bit of everything ^_^ 

Look Sharp and Feel Confident On A Budget!

I love fashion.

My wallet, er, not so much.

I'm a big believer, though, in not needing to have a huge income in order to look sharp and feel confident.

It just takes determination and a little ingenuity.

And I am nothing if not determined. 

(A nice way of saying stubborn.)

So, what have I learned?

1. Don't buy something just because it's cheap.

That may sound odd, since we're talking about affordable fashion. 

If you don't really like an item, though, then any money you spend on it is going to be a waste.

Forget about the price, and ask yourself:

Does it look good on me?

Does it make me feel good?

Will it match anything else in my wardrobe?

If the answer to all these questions is "No",

don't waste your money. 

2. Know your style.

Before you can start your search for affordable fashion, 

you need to know what you're style is and what flatters your body type.

If you can figure that out first,
you'll save a lot of time,
energy and money.

Start with your closet:

What items do you love to wear?
What items look great on you?
What items make you feel good?

If you can figure out what it is about those pieces,
that will give you a more specific search area.
You won't buy something you'll end up wanting to return.

3. Research and patience.
There are some really great consignment and second hand clothing stores, if you're willing to search for them. Ask around, Google it, and you're bound to find some gems.

Does saving money mean not buying anything new?
No way!
Time your shopping excursion for when there will be a big sale on.
If you're looking to buy a seasonal item (i.e. a summer dress),
try to shop when stores are doing their Season Ending Sale.

This article, "The Best Times to Buy Clothing" on TIME.com suggests the best days of the week and times of the year to buy various items of clothing.

Don't feel like waiting?
No problem!
Most stores will have a clearance section, usually near the back of the store.

4. Clothing swap.
This is another version of second hand shopping,
but with a few big differences:

It's in the comfort of your own home (or a friend's).

You can have appies and wine.
(Score!)

Everything is FREE!


5. Stick to the plan!
Before hitting up a really big SALE at your favorite store,
or even a clothing swap with friends,
have a plan.
Figure out what items you are really needing.
(i.e. boot cut jeans, dark wash, medium rise)

Stay focused!
It's not easy, but it's worth it.
You'll end up with what you needed,
what looks good on you,
and you'll pay an affordable price because you did the research in advance.

Less Than A Month!

I've got my ticket!

I'm actually moving to Belize at the end of this month.

 Wow, it's kinda crazy.

And yet, oddly, it feels completely normal.

Everything is falling into place, and I'm not anxious at all.

I really want to keep my shop up and running while I'm in my new location, but I'll probably have to change my inventory a bit.

I'll keep you posted as to all that, but for now, here's the news:

HURRY!

If there is something in my shop that you really want, order it NOW!

My inventory is limited, and after April 16th I'll be temporarily Closed (due to moving).

When I re-open, it's likely that my products will be slightly different.

Thanks for your support!

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