Less is More: Sal's or You May Know It as The Salvation Army

I remember my friend Susie excitedly telling me she had gone shopping and gotten a whole bunch of great tee shirts at Sal's. She said "Sal's" as if it were an unmistakeable brand name like GAP. When I asked what Sal's was, she laughed and said her nickname for the The Salvation Army. Good mid-westerner that she is, she bought used tee-shirts for her job which includes working with printer inks and other materials that ruin clothing. I've been calling The Salvation Army "Sal's" ever since.

My local Sal's used to be located conveniently on the corner of Bedford Ave and North 7th (pictured above). I visited it many times to unload unwanted stuff. I've browsed the racks and knickknacks, but what I love about Sal's is being able to get rid of stuff. It makes it easier to part with things that are unwanted but still useful, when you know they have a chance at second life.

Love Where You Are

I love Rob Ryan's work and this print of two little birds holding up their nest. The eggs read "Other Planets Cannot Be As Beautiful As This One". It made me think how wonderful it is to appreciate exactly where you are and also reminds me to keep going in my efforts to be more green. Here are some more great Rob Ryan goodies. And here's a few things I loved about where I was this week:

• The painting of the kitchen is finally finished. It's a beautiful cream with white trim and reminds me of the exterior of London houses. I used Benjamin Moore Aura Paint in Natural Choice so my kitchen is officially green!
• I got a free "0% Plastic" tote from Gap for being a card member. I really like the design and the free part. Smart of Gap, I ended up buying some things for my daughter while I was in the store to redeem my coupon for the bag. Good of the cashier to suggest she could pack my purchases up in my new tote. Proud and green me as I walked out of the store without a plastic bag.
• I replenished the bird feeder and attracted a beautiful red cardinal and some less colorful but also beautiful birds as well.
• The grey winter skies and snow. Really. I'm making a point of not falling into "I wish it were spring" mode and wishing away time.