365 days; no shopping.
I don't know if I can do it, but I'm gonna try. I went over the idea with Kiirsten a couple weeks ago and we worked out some basic guidelines. Here they are:
ALLOWED
Things for basic survival and things that are consumable/have finite life span
Food (cat and human)
Hygiene supplies
Cleaning supplies
Make-up
Personal services (pedis, haircuts, massages, cleaning lady)
Books (Kindle only)
Glasses/Contact Lenses
Entertainment (movies, going out, traveling etc.)
Gifts for others
NOT ALLOWED
Things that accumulate and I currently have plenty of
Clothes
Shoes
Housewares
Craft supplies
Magazines
DVDs
Books
Furniture
Decorations
Jewelry
Cat toys
Music downloads
App downloads
Movie/TV downloads
EXCEPTIONS: I've given Kiirsten power of attorney on the exception list but basically I can stray from the "not allowed" list if…
I run out of something and need to replenish (i.e. needlepoint canvas, quilting batting, etc.)
I lose something I absolutely need (i.e. winter gloves)
So there you have it… I just want to add that this is not about not spending money. I cleaned out my closets a few weeks ago and after filling TWO garbage bags with donations, I still have overflow. I've been really turned off recently with the glorification of people who are so garish with spending and who have no sense of humility. This is about showing myself that I don't need need need … that I can do without sometimes and that I am so fortunate with exactly what I have right this minute.
Will I whine? Probably.
Will I feel so sad if I can't buy a new pair of sandals or a new cashmere sweater? Probably.
Will I be proud of myself if I actually succeed? Absolutely.
I'll keep you posted on the highs and the lows. (And if you want to join me, drop me a line…).
30 lovely responses:
I love, love, love this idea.
I'd be interested in joining in, though perhaps with the caveat that for every thing I purchase, one old equivalent must be tossed.
(Most of my clothes are pretty disposable in the lab, and I replace them frequently. Same with running shoes.)
Count me in!
I just unloaded countless items of clothing that I just HAD to have & then never hardly wore. I sold off shoes, cardigans, scarves, jeans, skirts, etc & haven't missed a one. I sold or donated a boatload of craft supplies, knick knacks, excess kitchen products, holiday items, CD's, vid games, etc. Ridiculous excess.
I can't believe how much I spent to begin with - such a shame. I remember a few years ago hearing a talk radio economist lady on NPR saying something like "if it's on your ass, it's not an asset".
My caveats would be that pet supplies (parrots need toys - lots of toys or they lose it mentally) & work-related scrubs. I would do what The Sugar Scientist proposes - new in, old out.
Awesome idea by the way!
Will Power!!!! Will Power.!!!!!
I give you a lot of credit.
Awesome idea! I'm cheering for you on this journey!
But...No Bonannos, huh? Good luck :) xoxo
Congrats on the continued no smoking! I too have been "reducing" this past year and will cheer you on in this endeavor. You can do anything you choose to! :)
What a fantastic idea!
Wow! What an awesome idea! If anyone can do it, I know you can!
Best wishes! I probably should do this, but I'm just not there mentally..how awful does that sound?
Wow, that will be quite an undertaking! Throw away or recycle all of the catalogs that arrive in the mail without looking at them to resist temptation!!! Bon Chance!!
Wow, good for you, Lisagh! I remember when I quit smoking, a friend told me to take the $$ I would have spent on cigs & put it aside ... I never did, but I often think of how much $$ I would have in that cig fund? Anyway, good luck to you. It'll be a challenge (probably easier than quitting smoking, though!) & when it's over & you succeed, you should buy yourself one big splurge-worthy item :-)
My husband and I do something very similar for one month every year....ZERO spending for one whole month (except perishables, milk, bread,vegetables, gas, etc.). NO movies, NO eating out, NO clothes, Nothing!
It's a great exercise in self control and it's amazing how little "stuff" you actually need to be happy.
Good luck!
Wowzers! I'm looking forward to reading your progress! I'm sure you'll do great! :)
Wow! What an amazing challenge! Can't wait to hear how it goes :)
Yikers! Good luck, love!
I'm with you, BUT I have lost 25 pounds and have another 20 lbs to go. I've got to buy some new clothes!! The good news is I never could get rid of my smaller size clothes and stored them in plastic tubs, so hopefully I will find something to wear without having to go buy a whole new wardrobe!! Classics never go out of style!
Wish I could join you in this challenge... can I modify the challenge to sticking to a shopping budget? Or is that a cop out? Love your will power!
Bravo!! I need to think about how I could work this into a family-friendly format (two growing kids that seem to outgrow their clothes at the speed of light.)
Will be following your progress with interest!
I love this idea! I am willing to try( needlepoint key fobs not inclueded! hahhaha - that's a necessitity for my middle aged eyes!)
-linda,ny
Good luck! I always enjoy seeing what new pair of Bonanos you're going to buy, but this is a good thing.
Wow, I am impressed that you are doing this! I think it is awesome! I always find it so funny to see people buy buy buy and then a few months later they are trying to sell it.
Don't send me all the stuff you want to buy hoping to shop vicariously through me, pal!
You are SO my hero -- first for quitting smoking (BIG congrats there), and now for this! Stay strong, sister!
Support you 100%!!
That's really great Lisagh. I'm so happy for you that you've quit smoking. That's HUGE!
I'm on the no consumerism diet because there isn't enough cash in the coffers. But I wish you luck and I know you can do it!!!
I'm with DMM as well, I have Dave toss the catalogs right at the post office. That way I don't see anything!!
Wow oh wow that is some commitment! I wish you well and won't invite you to come visit me in NH where there is an LL Bean outlet store a 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive from my house. Be still your heart, I know. Did I mention it's an OUTLET store? As in CLEARANCE and CHEAP? Ok now I'm just being mean ;) You'll do great, and I'm so incredibly impressed with the smoking thing!!
say it ain't so. lol
good luck! i know i have a hard time resisting my faves too, but I always keep one thing in mind when buying that fabulous sweater or jacket, pair of jeans or sandals that i really don't need ... if everyine took the 365 day challenge the economy would surely crumble. so I say ... shop til you drop!
xxoo vivian
Hmmmm...not sure I can join you in this!! How about an etsy/ebay caveat which is sure to offer some amazin savins :)
That caveat is for ME I mean - I am not trying to tempt you.... very VERY impressed with this idea!
This is going to to be quite interesting.....
Post a Comment