a few of my favorite things -- oil paintings found at a thrift store, a mid century dresser that Bryan and I bought shortly after we were married and other treasures...I had a most excellent week in regards to the spending hiatus.
Basically I didn't cheat. Which, after my performance the past couple of weeks, is a pretty big accomplishment. And there was temptation (namely the table of clearance books calling my name at The Modern last weekend...)
So I'm back on the wagon, all primed for the final stretch (can you believe we're over half-way done.) I'm also feeling even more encouraged by a little exercise I started in January when I was first gearing up for the hiatus.
I thought it would be interesting to write down everything I bought as sort of a benchmark for how I spend during a "normal" month (Millie's birthday is in January, so it was a bit skewed, but you'll get the idea.) I then did the same thing for February and looking at the two lists side-by-side is pretty humbling.
In the interest of full disclosure and encouragement, I thought I'd share the lists with you. I'm being vulnerable here friends, so don't judge. Here goes...
January Purchases:
Matta scarf / UO black boots / Slow cooker cookbook / Film for Instax / Clare Vivier clutch / Cowgirl outfit for Millie / 2 pairs of Land’s End maryjanes for A. / Tie dye dress for A. / Note cards for Haley’s birthday / 2 pairs of socks at Madewell / Supplies for Millie’s cowgirl b-day party (plastic horses, horse stickers, piñata + candy, cowboy hats, tissue balls, pin the tail on the donkey, star rubber stamp + yellow and brown stamp pads, 24 yellow balloons) / Wireless mouse / Pink converse maryjanes for millie / Elizabeth Peyton book / Simplesong business cards / New IKEA quilt for Audrey’s bed / Blush / 2 lip glosses / New veggie steamer basket / Clothes from Gap for girlies (green top + striped leggings for millie, jeans, 2 striped shirts + leggings for A) / Perfume from 4510 / Rug from Overstock for dining room / Paul and Joe dress / Dwellstudio pillow
February Purchases:
2 Pigeon books for the girlies for Valentine’s Day / Box of See’s candy for Bryan / Socks for girlies / Gap tunic for Audrey / Two Angry Moms movie (for school lunch screening) / Vintage necklace from V.O.D.
February (missteps notwithstanding) makes me feel like a bit of a spending hiatus rock star.
So, how did you guys do this week?
23 comments:
this was a better week for me too...though i was tempted...i did steer clear of shopping areas for the most part.
I should have done this too! Maybe once the hiatus is over I'll start jotting down any purchases I make in my planner each day. I'd be interested to see what it looks like.
Oh, just realized I could totally do this by looking at my credit card statements, because I never, ever carry cash. Hmmmm...maybe you'll be seeing mine next week.
this is so awesome! i am doing a study of the consumerist culture in our society at school, and this makes me really proud :) has spending less changed your mind about the importance or role of material stuff in general? less important? same ideas? thanks for your encouragement!
wow, that list is great. this week was most excellent and i didn't even think about shopping (not sure how that's possible). it's like the drug is leaving the system...
Wow- you have totally inspired me. I'm always curious as to where my discretionary income goes and I think if I just wrote it down it would be so easy. I would see that I treat myself all-the-time!
I made the mistake of going into Banana Republic the other day....I bought a long, gray cardigan....it was on sale for only $23.99 from $89.99!! I have been desperately searching for a soft, light gray cardigan for spring to go over leggings or skinny jeans. Other than that slip up, I've been good :)
I did much better this week! And February looked like a really good month for you.
you are an inspiration my friend. if only everyone could take stock in what they need, want, buy, etc like you, the world would be a better place. or at least a less stuff driven place.
This was my week, I haven't gotten anything out of the necessary :)
what a great idea!
i narrowly avoided a linda and harriett stationary sale... it was a close one.
An excellent week for me, no unecessary purchases.
Great idea re list, it would actually help me to get an idea of where my money is going every week, other than on groceries.
Cheers
Engracia
Great site
D e g a i n e
http://www.fashiondegaine.com
Hi SL,
Congrats on your spending decreases! May I suggest an idea for your budgeting/saving efforts? I always feel that setting a goal...and making a visual aid to track your progress is extremely helpful. I use it in regards to saving...make an image and fill it in as you get closer to your goal (like a chart). It helps immensely!
Good luck with the remainder of the freeze!!
this is a wonderful idea. i think i might do the same. it will be good to see exactly where my money goes.
Another great way to manage a spending freeze is to go cash only. I find it so much easier to spend like the wind when I use my plastic.
It also helps that I too am blogging about my current spending hiatus. I have a list of stuff I want to buy though.
Does this mean that April will be a bad month?
my husband would love if i did this!
you're amazing!
Almost two weeks down without any expenses. It has been boring without shopping. I need to add in some fun non-shopping expeditions!
Love the list idea.
you are such a rockstar!!! that was awesome!
I can't think of any cheats, so I guess I had a good week, too. ;)
Gorgeous pictures
D e g a i n e
http://www.fashiondegaine.com
Good on ya'. It's inspiring to see others take spending breaks, too.
this is so awesome!
Work From Home
Allison --
this is my third year on the hiatus and i can definitely say that spending less during these phases absolutely reminds me that material stuff really doesn't matter. Once I get past the initial "wants", I find that all the time I'm not spending shopping, thinking about shopping, returning things i've bought etc...frees me up to do far more interesting, rewarding, fulfilling things!
Feel free to drop me a line if you have more questions...
i've actually been writing down all daily purchases in my little colored moleskine monthly planners - it's been interesting to see how often i end up going grocery shopping - which needs to stop asap.
this past week i had a bit of a shopping relapse, thanks to the liberty of target pop-up store near my office [at least i have to return one dress], and the prospect of running a 5 mile race in the pouring rain with no rain gear to speak of.
definitely need to watch the spending for the rest of the month, that's for sure.
Post a Comment