By SUSAN DROMEY HEETER, Budget Vogue
As the interminable year of 2025 comes to a close, I am reminded that, while this Budget Vogue fashionista had a year of challenges, change and AFGO’s (Another F’ing Growth Opportunity), there were moments of joy, of laughs and times of relief so great there ought to be a word. Okay, I’ll designate the word: rewhew. It’s not in the dictionary yet – but just you wait, one day it will show up.
Anyway, as I sit at my Budget Vogue desk and look back on this year, I think of moments where I was delighted to have a couple of bucks in my pocket to splurge on things or events that made 2025 more bearable, enjoyable even. And, as lists seem popular this time of year, I invite you to create your own. Here is mine:
-A cuckoo clock. I found it at Second Glance Thrift Shop in Gloucester, Mass. For $30, this Austrian time keeper amuses, reminds me that cuckoo is a fabulous sound and provides an hourly audio cue to not take myself too seriously. It’s a crazy world out there, but this piece with its old school weights, wood and no need for WiFi, is a lovely, simple piece that puts all into perspective. Cuckoo.
-Tickets to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus singing Broadway. Yes, really. I spent a little bit of time in the City By the Bay earlier this year and needed a bit of levity. The show was perfection, of course. I laughed. I cried. I listened to fabulous music and watched phenomenal choreography. If you need a belly laugh, oh, dear Budget Voguer, do attend any Gay Men’s Chorus.
-Two blenders, one for travel, one for home. I’ve learned how to eat kale, spinach, blueberries, yogurt without the need for a great deal of fanfare. I have discovered the art of smoothies and found that even when I go away, it’s a good idea to bring my blender. Starting the day with all of those leafy green vegetables has been a life changer. I’m finally getting five servings of fruit and veggies before 8 am. It’s only taken decades to find this life changer. And, of course, the blenders were from thrift shops, buying new small appliances? Oh, never. They are forever being donated.
-Finally, I picked up the book Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose. Wow. I’d heard of it but never read it. It prompted me to watch the HBO series. Wow. It was good to spend time with heroes, with imperfectly perfect soldiers. Our leaders today are much like the clock referenced earlier; I have hope we can return to some integrity, quality, acceptance.
2025 has been a year, dear Voguers, but a year not without AFGO’s and joys. Here is hoping as you make your list, you remember the wonder, the joys and, if you need your five servings of fruits and veggies, do invest in a blender. Cuckoo.
Susan Dromey Heeter writes from Newmarket and often from the road where she celebrates thrift shops and delights in FREE signs on the side of the road. She writes of all things frugal and fun, second hand as opposed to Amazon deliveries. Follow Susan @BudgetVogue63 on Instagram. Dromey Heeter ADORES reader responses, stories and questions. She can also be reached at dromeyheeter@gmail.com.