Off the Wagon

Okay, so I haven't posted anything because I've been hiding something.

Failure.

I've failed at the no shopping task, but also, in another way, succeeded wonderfully.


The failure comes in the sense that I've made purchases of items I did not *need* essentially, but did need to complete projects I *want* to partake in.
Most, if not all, have been items that I will use appropriately and will no accumulate as 'hoarded' items. Some have been free.

Free useable items earn me brownie points, with myself and with the environment. I'm a super keen reuse supporter and participator. Despite this, I have also been driving past (literally) many a free and usuable opportunity. Here comes the success part of the story. I am hoarding less, understanding that just because it's free and useful, it doesn't mean *I* have to collect it. In fact it doesn't mean anyone has to. It would be good, but it's not essential. Sometimes things will go to landfill, and even though I will always do my best to get an item to a good home, sometimes I can't and others I shan't.

Another *win* occurred today when shopping with Mrs Craft and Miss Op. One of our stops was a shoe warehouse, with very cheap, very pretty shoes available in many sizes. I really love this shop.

On my last visit I purchased 30 (yes, 30!) pairs of shoes. On arrival they greet me by name and receive wonderful service. Today, I tried and desired two pairs....and then walked away....barefoot. The best part was that I didn't feel like missed out! I was fine! I survived! And maybe even thrived without the bargain! Yay me! I hope Mr Skinny is as proud as I am.

It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, although the new shop assistant helped in my anti-buying decision. She was a nasty piece of work (I don't like to swear in writing) and she was mean to Miss Chellychatter. Anyone that knows me knows that if you are mean to my spawn, expect me to bite. So in one way, this woman actually helped me. I got out of that shop without buying faster than lightning. The regular shop keeper watched on in horror. For the first time in four years I left without purchase.

A win for me! I am cured! At least for now...






Please note: Anyone needing a desk (school type) there are about 15 of them on Kissing Point Road, Ermington near the Barracks/Hospital. (I didn't even take one! - See, I am behaving!)

Adventures on the Road...

Wow, this not buying thing is hard, especially when a) I shop for a living and b) I am friends with Aunty Suzie. She is a badddddd influence! Not in the kind of way where my parents should be worried, but in the kind of way were my space should be worried! We always have an amazing time shopping and chatting and rummaging through whatever may cross our paths, and she is great fun to be around! My Chellychatter really loves her too, so it's a win-win for all! Well, except for the space lack of space in my house...

I was fairly well behaved on our regular Wednesday Op Shop travels, but did buy a couple of things, but I am still well under the 'But, Budget' I gave myself for the month.

What's a 'But, Budget' I hear you ask...Well let tell you..because I just made it up. I made it up in order to not go insane, as in general I am avoiding 90% of shopping, 10% still manages to provide me incredible finds. It's not an actual number, but it provides me with som level of liberty, with a big dose of self control!

Example: I went to one shop (instead of ten) and purchased one pair (instead of ten) of brand spanking new Diana Ferrari canvas boat shoes, tag reads $99.99, for sale for $2.99, size 10, only one pair! As if I'm going to let that pass! I'm challenging myself, not torturing myself!

As for the other things, they were ALL free! It amazing what people throw out! Too much to list!



Pictured: $2.99 shoes, (found) bone china teacups, (found) punch bowl with matching punch cups, (found) lace table cloth.



As I'm decluttering, this exercise of finding amazing things was bitter sweet. But to make up for everything that came in, I filled a bag of clothes that I probably will never wear again...(well once they are gone I definitely won't...)

Unfortunately for me I don't keep teacups and punch-bowls in my wardrobe!


So now that I've put it out there, what's the strangest thing you have in your wardrobe?

30 Day Challenge - Penny Pinching / Hoard Hammering

A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month!

Happy August! Today I embark on a foreign concept, self control. I am heading into August with the intention and determination to shop minimally for necessities and use up everything in my cupboards, fridge/freezer and bookshelf. Yes, I'm not just talking about food, entertainment too! No videos from the video shop, no new books, no new crafts! Everything we need to have a fantastic and fruitful life is already here, so thats what we are trying going to do!

It began with a survey of what we have. I'm well aware of all the books, DVDs, video games, board games and arts and crafts supplies we have, so all I had left to survey was the pantry/fridge/freezer.

All were full of useless useful things, I just need to get creative. The freezer was most full, so out came a chocolate cake (dessert) and pork mini roast (dinner). Then I set off to COSTCO (more on that tomorrow) and bought what we needed and a few house luxuries (paper towel, spray and wipe) and only one slip up, a $14 cardigan because I was freezing and had left my jacket at home. And yes, I'm pretending the marshmallows (pictured) didn't happen...

So far so good... I only cheated a tiny bit, and by confessing to it rather than hiding it I feel like I am truly on the ball. More to come, tomorrow for my Chellychatter is sickly and she needs love, affection and NUROFEN!