Recessionistas 1 : Marketing Execs 0

The tale that marketing gurus weave: that we will be happier if we buy X. The sad part is, all those advertisements we see actually work! Even though so much of this ongoing tale goes against our better judgment, we often cave into it.

If you live in Vancouver, you are already living the dream. Why do you need someone to sell it to you again, and a flimsy version at that?

Want a skin care regime? Ditch the over priced skin products and try organic fruits & veggies, a water filter and a bike ride around the seawall. Not only will it be cheaper, it will actually work.

Want to be stylish? Don't buy the latest trends: dress for your body and personality, have clothing exchanges, learn to mend clothes, find a local cobbler to rework your favourite footwear. If you shop: choose classic pieces of high quality to last you years instead of months.

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Because what is unwearable to me might be smashing on you, last Saturday I hosted a clothing exchange. We sipped Green Tea Mojito's, indulged in Lemon Cake from a wholefoods bakery(half price after a little eyelash batting on the part of a charming friend)... and yes, of course, a bit of pink bubbly. Recessionistas chillin' like Marie Antoinette FTW!

My fabulous and talented cobbler joined us, to participate in the exchange and deliver my favourite re-worked boots and trainers. I love her so, and her craft. Having to part with well loved footwear is heartbreaking to me...she makes that eventuality more distant. You will hear more about her in future posts.

As much as I love to purge my closet of clutter and unwearables, I am also an admitted clothes hound; I adore having new cute things to wear. I've worn a 'new' piece from the exchange every day this week. My prissy argyle cardigan from one friend even matches the adorable flats from another. Paired them up with a scarf I procured in India for .50 cents , cause that's how I roll.

I think I might have distracted a few of you back when I mentioned Green Tea Mojitos.
Of course I have a recipe for you, kittens!

Not being much of a fan of sugary sweet cocktails, I'm really into these mellow sweet green tea concoctions.

Let's be honest: the antioxidants found in fresh mint, lime juice and freshly brewed green tea are no match for Rum, but they're better than using saccharine pop as mix at your much anticipated Spring cocktail parties.

1 Mickey of white Rum
1 1/2 litres of sencha green tea, brewed strong and chilled
6 limes juiced
1/2 bunch of mint, roughly chop
honey or agave syrup, to your desired sweetness
ice

Muddle mint, mix all, and WHAM! Spring is in full swing..