Want and Need are Relative

Not very long ago, I FINALLY received some back pay that I have slogged through acres of red tape to reclaim from the government. I kind of knew it was coming, but also was prepared for them to find a reason why I shouldn't need it more than some Victoria politician who, say, needed a new antique desk for his office. So for the months where I waited with somewhat baited breath, I (thankfully) budgeted and prioritized every penny to pay down debt, fix up the house, and replace the computer and camera I so desperately need...  This post is dedicated to my family and friends who somehow (... seriously, I have no idea!!! :P) see me as extravagant and impractical. What??? You see? If I were impractical, would I have paid off the hydro...?

Or bought a

...Swarovski Skull ring from Alexander McQueen for $450?! Huh?!? If I were impractical, would I have paid down the Gas bill? Or would I have paid $1,385 for a crystal spiked cuff from Philippe Audibert? Or Prada Butterfly sunglasses for $290?

No, seriously... are we aware of how fabulous I would be carting my two rugrats around Nelson wearing butterfly sunglasses and spiked cuffs? Or perhaps a hand painted Swarovski necklace?

Because what else would I wear with my Swarovski...

MASK!!! I know, Right?!? Anyone who knows anything at all about me knows that the only reason the mask is not currently in my possession is because I didn't see it till today, but still... just sayin' :)

All from Net A Porter...

WANT

Ohhh... if ONLY I had an extra $1800 kicking about. How the boys would LOVE this in their Tickle Trunk! Look at that gorgeous leather construction. This is just beautiful. I want. The word impractical comes to mind, buuuut.....

Recycled Glass Gorgeousness

Serene Sol dishes from Viva Terra

I know, I don't think gorgeousness is an actual word either... but I'm gonna use it anyway, because that is what these dishes from Viva Terra are. I love recycled glass anything. I love glass and I love recycled, and I also really love dishes, which anyone who has hosted a party with me can attest to. These are the first dishes I have seen though, made from recycled glass, that have that light and airy look but with the sturdy build that everyday dishes need. The cost is beyond reasonable and they are dishwasher safe. With a ribbed outside, they have a texture and softness of seaglass.

Serene Sol explains, when glass is recycled, it is broken into small pieces called cullet. The broken pieces are crushed, sorted, cleaned, and mixed with other raw materials in the glass-making process. When glass is made from scratch, high temperatures are needed to melt all the ingredients. Since cullet melts at a lower temperature, the more of it you add to the process, the less energy required to melt it.

Recycling glass is not only energy-efficient; it benefits the environment in other ways. Glass produced from recycled glass instead of raw materials reduces related air pollution by 20% and related water pollution by 50%. And, recycling glass keeps used bottles and jars out of landfills, thereby decreasing the need for them. So in short, they are a great deal for your table, and the planet it sits on! Oh, and wait... they are gorgeous.