What I Didn't Buy Today

I don't believe I've mentioned Simply Lovely, a gem of a site that I discovered in some of my blog wandering. Again, on the theme of consumption, author/hostess Joslyn has this little thing going called "The Spending Hiatus." I've joined the support group, so now I can post things like "What I Didn't Buy" which will still serve my consumption drive (in a virtual sense) and inspire me to spend some time reflecting on all the things I'm doing, instead of buying. Like experiencing the WiiFit while my whole family sits there and watches me...doing a tree pose...getting soccer balls and shoes thrown at me...crashing on a ski slope. Yeah, that's quality family time baby. Welcome to unprecedented times.

But dammit, Paper Voodoo would have come in really handy today...

Trim the Fat

Yee Hah! Again, I'm trying to be more thoughtful about my (our) spending. We need to cut back (wallets and waistlines), and I have lots of room to improve in this area. Especially, I find it very easy to justify extras at the grocery store. Okay, yes, I'm a foodie. And I can be a real food snob. And I'm really conscious of organic, trans fats, HO's, bleached flour, refined sugar, whole grains, etc. etc. etc. But since it's FOOD, it's okay. I was taught, if you are going to eat it, then fine, buy it. No crap. And don't waste it. I seem to put food (all kinds) into a "needs" category rather than a "wants" category. Especially briney garlicky olives, creamy goat cheese, dark chocolate... Very creative, huh? I came across this tidbit, and it seems like a nice place to start...

Supermarket impulse buys: Put any items that are not on your shopping list in the shopping cart's child seat. Before checkout, choose just one item from the child seat. If you find a great bargain, take something off your list to accommodate the good deal.

Are you cutting back? How?

Eco-Living

OMG and Double Yikes. I'm not not talking about being green or environmental impact, I'm talking about The Economy. I have my own form of eco-friendly changes I'm making, which will hopefully make an impact on the bottom line of our budget.
Here goes...
#1 Make-up
In my quest for affordable mascara I tried out this futuristic tube of LASH BLAST Volume Blasting Mascara by Cover Girl. I love the orange and silver packaging and the high tech wand. Best of all, it works! And it's less than half the price of my total favorite Too faced Lash Injection mascara. Still love Jo Malone scents and haven't found a decent replacement for Nars bronzer...
#2 Food
Did you know that two packs of extra firm tofu costs a total of 3 bucks? AWESOME. So much cheaper than organic chicken. Jarrod said he'd eat it at least once, maybe twice a week at that price. Bring on the ginger broccoli stir fry!
#3 Library
I have a book weakness. I love to buy the boys new books. Me too, actually, but I try to only buy them at thrift stores. This month we got a library card. I'm not sure why it took me this long...we only read three of the 8 books. Still, it felt right.
#4 Thrifting
This is not new for me. I love it. In fact it's like Eco x 2. Anyway, I buy a lot of the boys clothes at thrift stores...of course this gets balanced out by their bi-annual Nordstrom shoe trip. Can't have it all I guess...
#5 Cancel Stuff
We really don't use the Y, except for swim lessons 3 times/year. In fact working out there made me depressed and everytime we took the boys there for recreational swim someone had pooped or vomited in the pool. DONE, and more DONE.

Sigh.