Retail Therapy

It’s the season to think about gifting, whether it’s for Christmas or for Hannukah.

I happen to be the kind of person who loves gadgets and watches all the ads coming into my email and on social media waiting to see what I HAVE to have.

During this season of gifting, there is one person in particular I like to give to.

And that’s me! Haha.

Typically, it’s the small things that make me the happiest.

Books…they always give me pleasure. I never seem to have enough.

Being inexpensive is a plus, too. I look for things that are affordable, not huge purchases.

Want to know what I gifted myself this week before the heavy-duty advertising gets underway?

Cool, I’ll share.

1. Large round ice cube trays.

Now, I’m someone who enjoys a cocktail…gin and tonic in the summer, and bourbon in the winter. Right now, I’m enjoying making an Old Fashion.

I know this might seem silly, but those huge round solid circular ice balls make me enjoy the look of my cocktail more.

2. “Art of Play” book by Herve Tullet.

I discovered this book on the shelf of my small local bookstore on Bainbridge Island. It just called my name because of the title.

Playful painting is what has kept me continuing to create after 40 years of my art career. I approach each new piece with a childlike excitement asking myself, Let’s see what happens?

This book is filled with brightly covered photos of the work by Tullet.

“Tullet is a renowned author and artist who urges people of any age to create playfully and joyfully.”

There are many photos showing his huge workshops filled with people of all ages coming together to create one large painting or installation. Not only is it inspirational, but seeing so many people coming together in a creative way is just so beautiful.

“Tullet is a renowned author and artist who urges people of any age to create playfully and joyfully.”

There are many photos showing his huge workshops filled with people of all ages coming together to create one large painting or installation. Not only is it inspirational, but seeing so many people coming together in a creative way is just so beautiful.

3. Brown suede jacket.

Having an online presence means you need to have photos of yourself. I do NOT like to have my photo taken. Creating video tutorials is fun and I’m not self-conscious because I’m by myself in my studio…and my focus is on teaching, not me.

But knowing that my looks and what I wear will need some creative ideas is extremely uncomfortable. But I have to do it.

So, I booked a day with a close friend who is a great photographer and asked her to please help. She started talking about what to wear for the photo shoot and I panicked.

I am not someone who likes to think of what I wear. I have a summer uniform (white t-shirt and jumper) and a winter uniform (leggings, long shirt, and sweater).

Amazon is where I do my clothes shopping, not a fancy store.

One of my favorite stores happens to be Good Will, or second-hand shops, and we have a great one on Bainbridge.

So, I went over there and found this fabulous short brown suede jacket which, it turns out, was 30% off! It cost me $40. I love it so much that I’m now wearing it all the time and for the photoshoot.

All of these three recent gifts to myself were so affordable and will make this holiday season fun.

What has been your most recent gift to yourself?

* Click HERE to learn about the Art with Adele Academy.

* Click HERE to get my FREE minicourse, “Kickstart Your Abstract Painting.”