Retail therapy: it’s how I stay sane when I have to work late nights, file our taxes, or deal with extreme stress. I used to be THE Amazon whore, and was getting a package from them nearly every week (thank you Amazon Prime). Just lately though, I’m out of control with the Etsy.
You don’t know Etsy? “Your place to buy and sell all things handmade.” In other words, kind of like an awesome mash-up of craft fair and buy-it-now eBay. And I am in looooooove with it. I just wish I was talented and crafty enough to be selling my own stuff on there. Until then though, I’ll buy other people’s handiwork. And buy, and buy, and buy!
Last summer, I bought a few pieces of jewelry and some cool purse accessories, like a business card holder and some cute pouches, like this one. So cool for carrying odd little items, like receipts and business cards, an iPod or cell phone - even tampons! Then early this year (one of those nights when I was at the office until 3am), I bought some more jewelry. I got these gorgeous little earrings, which I’ve been wearing non-stop. A few weeks later I picked up this pretty bracelet in my favorite dreary-yet-elegant colors - can you believe it was just $10??
More recently, it was back to dlpom’s shop to buy more earrings. I also branched out into more types of textiles and got a totally groovy-looking scarf. Just a few days later I decided I couldn’t live without this little diaper pouch, and goodness knows I can never have too many damn earrings! I even ordered a necklace from one of my favorite sellers to send to my niece for her birthday - no link, on the off chance she might actually read this post! 
What will I order next? Who knows? But I’m sorely tempted by this pendant, this crazy companion cube, and this necklace (my birthstone!). Then there are the custom-made clothing items, like the fun baby items here, the funky retro dresses and skirts here, and the absolutely breath-taking, avant garde tops and tunics here.
I just can’t get enough Etsy. It’s easy to shop without feeling guilty though:
1. Items are generally not that expensive (depending on how you shop, of course).
2. I’m supporting independent artisans and crafters.
3. The stuff I’m getting is, for the most part, really unique - even one-of-a-kind - which makes me feel less like a zombie consumer.
4. I’ve been working hard and gosh, I deserve some goodies!
So…yay me, and yay Etsy!
