https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:46:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1723387 Sun, 04 Sep 2016 22:28:36 +0000 annagybe 1723387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been trying to get more into photography. But with my back I'm limited as to long periods of standing, squatting, bending, twisting etc. And I'm a bit frustrated at my progress.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1723248 Sun, 04 Sep 2016 14:40:41 +0000 anne 1723248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - Yes I though you were in the same boat. I like your description of "time poor interest rich". I also do zilch in the garden, though we hardly have one anyway, it's so small.<br />The friends thinks is difficult, because I guess I mean friends my own age - but I have LOTS of people activity which can tend to use up my social interaction sort of personal quota.<br />Babara Diane, thanks for the empathy - and here's me replying 2 days later (which is the sort of forum behaviour I feel guilty about!)<br />Anyway, not really what your thread it about.<br />I've finished crocheting a hat for a teddy. New doll sweater is the next plan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1722337 Fri, 02 Sep 2016 04:18:53 +0000 Barbara Diane 1722337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Viva</b>, both of your pieces display your talent. Keep going!<br /><b>Alaskagirl</b>, I like your birch trees. Keep it up.<br /><b>Anne</b>, I'm glad you realized we aren't all as time pressed as you. You are very busy. Cut yourself a break, and participate as much as you want whenever you want.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1722328 Fri, 02 Sep 2016 03:38:17 +0000 Nishaa 1722328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Xtabay... Sounds good.<br /> It's still hot here but any day is good for a fun run at 5:30 in morning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721569 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:09:13 +0000 viva 1721569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your birches! It reminds me of painting a backdrop for my daughter's second grade book report presentation years ago -- which included palm trees. I was painting on a sheet, and the brush got kind of caught on the sheet, and when I stroked downwards, it made a sort of stutter stroke that perfectly resembled bark. It turned out to be accidental genius. It's nice when that happens. :)</p> <p>Totally agree on the therapeutic value of absorption in art. I just have to put it in my calendar so I actually dedicate the time to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721565 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 15:59:36 +0000 catgirl 1721565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, I am in the same boat - busy middle schooler, high stress full time job, working spouse, pets, etc. Time with friends and family comes first always, so often my house is a mess and my garden has not been weeded since my son was born. I am both time-poor and interest-rich, which makes for a lot of dabbling. </p> <p>I do hope you can find time for your friends - to me that's not a luxury but a necessity for me to stay sane (if you can call it that!). </p> <p>BD, I totally understand that need to feel like things are "done" first - I never understood why my DH could sit and watch TV with a basket of unfolded laundry waiting. Then I decided he had the right idea, and he discovered he could watch TV AND fold- win/win!</p> <p>Viv, I just took a painting class and learned how to paint birches! Here's my first sorry attempt! Love your woodcuts and sketch - you should make cards, and yes to a graphic novel. There is something so therapeutic about getting completely absorbed in art. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721447 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:19:32 +0000 viva 1721447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in awe of the mushrooming, Una. I'd love to do that!!!</p> <p>I've always resented/admired DH for his commitment to his passion, music. In the last 10 years, he has intensified his abilities on acoustic and electric guitar, learned the mandolin, played in a local garage band, and joined a bluegrass group. Aargh!!! How can men find time for this stuff? (Answer: because they can let everything else go, like the house, the pets, the groceries, etc.)</p> <p>Anyway.... now that we are empty-nesters, I am really trying to put more time into developing some of my own passions beyond the obvious (which for me include books, yoga, the outdoors).</p> <p>This means a creative path for me (not to produce or sell, but just for me/friends). I've always drawn/painted simple little cartoony things, so I am trying to do that more. A friend of my daughter has asked me to do a set of cartoony portraits for her apartment. And my dream is to do a graphic memoir of some kind, not necessarily with a strong narrative thread but more a compilation of images and memories. (One picture below; me with two sisters after a little caper.) </p> <p>And a couple of weeks ago I took a woodcut class and I am totally hooked, so I plan to do more of that this winter. (Another picture below; I carved out the print; it was incredibly meditative and satisfying. I have a million images in my head I want to do next.) Not sure I can rival my husband for productivity, but I am trying to commit some hours to myself (and stay away from Netflix, which is my rabbit hole.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721418 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 08:55:17 +0000 anne 1721418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with <b>Suz, Helen11&nbsp;</b>and <b>AviaMariah</b> - I'm in time poor mode.</p> <p>In fact I've been tempted to write to YLF explaining why I'm such a poor particpant, and often think I should give up being on here at all. It is all about time.</p> <p>I have assumed that everyone here is as busy as I am, but this thread has shown me that may not be the case. I am a mother of three, am married to a church planting husband (that means lots of activities at our house),&nbsp; do music at church, work four days a week, am on a couple of committees,&nbsp;spend nearly 2 hours a day commuting and try to get enough exercise and read to my kids most days.</p> <p>I do enjoy reading on the bus, and manage about 2 1/2 hours TV a week. On weekends I enjoy trying new recipes, but have to be careful to not to overdo cooking efforts or I get too tired. &nbsp;Like <b>Barbara Diane</b> I do leave lots of things undone! (After 9:30 or 10pm I have little ability to do housework) I'm pretty sure some of you would be shocked at my housekeeping shortcuts and low standards and I really need to invest a little time in making things easiers (eg setting up online shopping)</p> <p>I can think of heaps of things I'd like to do when the kids leave (Like <b>Lyn</b> said on<b> Staysfit's </b>thread that's unlikely to be soon, as australian kids in metro areas usually stay at home to study) ranging from helping people to joining book clubs, choirs and community theatre.</p> <p>Right now, my 2 recent new things in brief snatches in time are crochet (re-taught myself last week and have made a dolls's hat. Since I don't like the look of crochet for my style I'll just be making&nbsp; toys clothes). I'm also occasionally trying to teach myself to&nbsp;read&nbsp;music for the piano using letter chords, instead of notes on a stave.</p> <p>What I'd most like time for really though, if to spend time with friends and make new ones. I see one good friend 4 times a year, other less. I've met two people&nbsp; this year who asked if I wanted to have coffee with them and I haven't had time to pursue it.</p> <p>Sorry that was a long response...</p> </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721177 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 19:38:35 +0000 Barbara Diane 1721177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, the stuff I should have done 5 <b>years</b> ago is still undone. I'm making a conscious effort not to wait until everything is done to have an enjoyable life. I used to think I didn't deserve it unless the house was done, etc. I decided to add in fun things, and I leave the house undone.<br />Which has pluses and minuses. But I'm happier. And because we are doing fun things together, I feel more bonded.<br />And we're not working, kids have flown the coop (although currently one is here a few nights of week while working here), DS does more of the chores than me, etc.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721173 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 19:17:02 +0000 cjh 1721173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Running, quilt making, sewing other items (not clothing), reading, journaling, making greeting cards, house chores, and WORK take up most of my time. I enjoy walking on trails, birdwatching, going to the zoo, cooking/entertaining on our patio, etc., when I do have more time.</p> <p>There are so many interesting and beautiful things to do now, with easier travel, varied communities, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1721152 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 18:11:11 +0000 Anonymous 1721152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Nishaa--I'm an Austin, Texas resident.&nbsp; We have the Colorado River (also known as Town Lake) running right through the city, and there are several places to rent kayaks, sculls, paddleboards, and other watercraft.&nbsp; So peaceful to be on the water!&nbsp; I love seeing the herons, egrets, and other birds enjoying the morning with me.&nbsp; It's good for the soul, and you just kind of forget you're in the middle of a large, bustling city.</p> <p>Best of luck with your 5K!&nbsp; It's still too hot here to even think about that!&nbsp; :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1720965 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 12:03:36 +0000 Anonymous 1720965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite hobbies involve sitting (playing piano, embroidery, reading), so I'm trying to do things that get me up and moving around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1720934 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 11:00:40 +0000 Momo 1720934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love needle felting although I haven't done it in a while. Something very therapeutic about repeatedly stabbing wool felt with a needle ;-)</p> <p>I am getting into mushrooms too! I won't eat them from the wild as they are too scary to me but I love taking pictures </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1720857 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 03:08:07 +0000 Nishaa 1720857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kayaking in lake, early morning.... I'm insanely jealous of you, Xtabay... Where, oh where do you stay?</p> <p>I'm running my first 5k this Sunday, scraped,bandaged knee and all... Someone commented that it looked like I was deep into my mid-life crisis.<br /> I still have young kids so can't afford a lot of free time, but 2/3 short trips alone is what I'm looking forward to from this year on.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1720772 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 23:07:58 +0000 L'Abeille 1720772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loads of great ideas here. I'm just adding mine because I haven't seen it:<br />singing.</p> <p>Choir was my sanity saver ever since little kids (and even before). Fun, social, challenging, creative. Once kiddo #4 flew the coop, I signed up for a group guitar class, and volunteered to sing with our church praise team, so more challenge and also more time commitment. As an outgrowth of that, I started writing songs again, although me that rarely happens "on purpose". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies/page/2#post-1720728 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:37:45 +0000 Ginger 1720728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love hobbies! I find it really tempting to pick up ones that are sort of related to something I already do.&nbsp; So... what about beading? As in beading fabric/clothing/soft furnishings?&nbsp; I learned it when I wanted to make a 1920s Lanvin dress (<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/157340" rel="nofollow">http://www.metmuseum.org/art/c.....rch/157340</a>), and the actual beading was immensely fun. If you already make jewelry, you're probably experienced enough that handling small beads won't be a challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720692 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 19:43:06 +0000 Barbara Diane 1720692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Annagybe,&nbsp;</b>hang in there. Also, not sure if finding distractions is the hard part, or they aren't actually distracting you. If it's the later, maybe some form of breathing, meditation, journaling, etc. might help. Sometimes writing it down can help release some of the intensity.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>AviaMaria,&nbsp;</b>it can be very challenging with such young kids. I am well past that stage.<br />Looking back, I should have made sure my husband and I had date night more often. And focused on each other more. And taken some time for myself. And time for reflection.<br />DH and I and the kids are all good, everyone knows they are loved, but we could have had more fun and joy in our lives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720678 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 19:00:45 +0000 AviaMariah 1720678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great inspirational thread! &nbsp;Since having my two DDs (almost 4 and 2 yrs old) and have pretty much let anything that could be called a hobby go by the wayside. Between babies and two demanding careers DH and I have been treading water for the last 4 years. &nbsp;But this fall when our second turns 2 we will officially be moving out of the baby stage and I'm looking forward to adding anything that could be called a hobby back into my life. Decorating, cooking, running, book club, blogging (maybe).... anything really. &nbsp;I'll have to read through some of the answers on on this post for some ideas. &nbsp;I think I have turned to fashion during this time because it's possible to do in small snippets of time; on a break from work, on my phone while I'm rocking a baby etc. Plus it the only thing that's all about me! &nbsp;Like Suz said, how do you find the time. &nbsp;That's the challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720654 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 17:22:26 +0000 RobinF 1720654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread! You guys are inspirational!</p> <p>I also like to make jewelry, would like to develop other activities to do with that like metalwork. Love to read, knit, decorate. I have recently taken up strength training in a small group setting, while not really a hobby I am enjoying it. Also my husband and I are both fairly arty, I think it would be fun to take a painting or sketching class together, as long as I accept right up front that he is going to be better than I am! :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720649 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 16:40:03 +0000 texstyle 1720649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Home decorating is a big hobby for me - currently working on the back deck, new stain color, colorful outdoor rug, some new chair cushions. We're thinking of adding a Jacuzzi out there for this fall/winter. I also help friends with home decorating projects and frequently redecorate rooms and areas in our house - sometimes just rearranging items from room to room, sometimes adding new pillows or artwork, not necessarily big expenses.</p> <p>Health and nutrition are big study topics for me and I can spend hours reading up on it. I also just love to research in general so I do that when it's too hot to enjoy being outdoors.</p> <p>Hiking is my favorite outdoor hobby but it's been either too hot/humid or raining here lately to enjoy that one. I'm really SO looking forward to cooler temps. I enjoy vegetable/herb gardening in good weather but I don't like other yard work such as mowing or trimming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720618 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 14:57:06 +0000 Anonymous 1720618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More exercise, especially for my upper body.</p> <p>More cooking</p> <p>Will add ironing when the weather cools off. I can't face it in the Summer.</p> <p>More housework to keep on my feet and moving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720577 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 12:53:06 +0000 Helen11 1720577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, if I had nothing else to do I would do the ironing!<br /> I am in the busy phase with school aged kids and their activities. I can't wait to retire and do the things *i* want to do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720499 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 03:37:50 +0000 Suz 1720499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How do you all find time for all of this? (She asked, sheepishly...slinking away to do something she was supposed to do five months ago...)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720395 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 20:54:57 +0000 Sal 1720395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My hobbies/activities/volunteering at the moment revolves around</p> <p>- the gym<br />- walking<br />- yoga once a week<br />- children's athletics committee<br />- gardening<br />- reading<br />- online browsing - YLF/Facebook - not much shopping<br />- cooking (part of it is a hobby - I have started making ricotta and have a cheese kit to make other cheeses)</p> <p>I have a lot of projects to do around our house...</p> <p>I don't feel I am developing my creative side much at the moment and I would like a hobby in this area. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720339 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 18:29:08 +0000 annagybe 1720339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying to figure out new distractions for everything. Not doing too well.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720322 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 17:37:51 +0000 Barbara Diane 1720322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IRL I've been spending too much time on tv and online. I've cut down some of the tv, and reevaluating what I am still doing. I realized that some of my online is learning, which I've always liked and still value.</p> <p>Yesterday I added something new, and a challenge for me. I got trained and started making campaign calls.</p> <p>I'm also trying to decide a longer term plan for volunteering. What causes, how many hours, etc.&nbsp;I already am a fill-in volunteer at a small non-profit gift shop. I had helped with fifth grade math at a local low income school one hour a week for three years but did not feel I was making much of an impact, so I stopped.</p> <p>Today I'm starting another round of organizing. I'm actually going to a facilitated de-cluttering club meeting.</p> <p>I'm also looking forward to making outfits with my fall/winter clothing. I figure that will ensure a hot spell. :)</p> <p>DH and I recently started seeing foreign films and more serious films. Although sometimes I feel like I'm dragging him, we are really liking it.<br />Same with one person shows. And local gallery art exhibitions.</p> <p>We took a three night vacation and it was amazing for our relationship and stress busting.</p> <p>I have taken over DH2's bedroom for jewelry and crafts but haven't done much.</p> <p>I'm swimming more. But walking less.</p> <p>This time of year always makes me wonder how I want to spend the next year, and more lately, my life. More than New Years. I guess that's because of all those years centered around the school year.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720312 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 16:04:28 +0000 Classically Casual 1720312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about a big stretch athletic goal of some sort? Something you'd really have to sink your teeth into to perform well. I don't know what the possibilities are in your area. A long cross country ski race? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720306 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 15:36:59 +0000 catgirl 1720306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, yes, the "should" category can turn into self-scolding and pressure, which is the opposite of what a relaxing hobby ought to be! This is why I don't garden... Most people love it and do it here, but I find it tedious and more like a chore. Travel, reading, crafts, and exercise I consider to be fun (hiking, climbing, skiing) are my best outlets. And shopping/browsing, but that is becoming too much of a time and money suck...</p> <p>As winter approaches, I also need to be social and not cooped up, so I am looking at organizing a group of friends that will rent a space and take turns compiling dance music lists for a dance party every other month in winter - we could do themes like blues or disco or hiphop, or just take turns putting faves together.</p> <p>What a fun and interesting group here - lots of ideas to consider! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720258 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 10:49:40 +0000 Janet 1720258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to be better about this too. I tend to fill time with idle online poking around, and it is alarming sometimes to realize how much of a time suck it can be! </p> <p>I'm in the enviable but sometimes challenging situation of having made my primary "hobby" into my full-time pursuit. I can get a little burnt out on photography, even though I love it. I need to play with it more -- I tend to either feel a lot of pressure (self-imposed) to make "better" pictures or I feel like I'm in a rut. </p> <p>When I start thinking of a list of pursuits, my brain comes up with a lot of "shoulds." I should exercise more. I should go to galleries and museums more. I should cook more. I should get out in the yard and do more gardening (my epic poison ivy episode this summer put a damper on my enthusiasm for that, not to mention the oppressive heat). Etc. And then the rebellious part of me wants nothing to do with those "shoulds." </p> <p>I would like to travel more. Even just shorter trips of 2-3 days to various areas to hike and take photos. But it's hard to do with hubs away so much -- boarding or arranging care for four dogs is not so easy. Day trips are hard for that same reason. </p> <p>Hmm. One of the attractions for shopping is that it's a easy way to fill an hour or two in between other obligations, and it doesn't require getting sweaty (usually) or special equipment or arrangements. I need to find other ways to fill those times. I love to read, but I need something a bit more active or productive that I can pick up and put down easily. I'll be following this thread for more ideas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-shopping-distractions-and-hobbies#post-1720247 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:17:54 +0000 Sally 1720247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting reading....great ideas for pastimes. I love the idea of scandinavian cooking....loved the food when I went to Denmark. Also the sketchbook idea..I'm no artist but a friend of mine who was an art teacher encouraged me to keep a visual diary where i used to put in clippings and quotes etc...anything that resonated with me. I still have it but haven't done it for years. I'm motivated to go back to it now.<br /> I like walking with my ipod, reading and op shopping (does that come under retail though...it's cheap and I figure I'm helping charity). I also have a old fashioned bike with basket which I need to fix as I like riding that. My son and I used to be into geocaching at one time. I've also done a lot of bookcrossing (www.bookcrossing.com )in the past when I lived in another city with a fantastic group there..where I live now it's not as active but I still meet up with others. When my son is older I would like to start going to bookcrossing conventions in other places. </p>