Week 32--Spend Less--Wednesday Morning

Three days into the week and I haven't been to a retail, grocery or pharmacy, or even a "store."  Not even online...despite receiving two excellent coupons.  One for for an extra 40% off sale prices and the other for 25% off and free shipping on any item. Of course, this week's goal is to spend less, especially on items unnecessary.  Any clothing at this point in the history of my wardrobe is not necessary.  However, there are some really cute items out for fall--I can't promise I won't use that 25% deal next week though ;)

I have brown-bagged my lunch the last couple days and, as expected, feel better about my eating.  Brown bagging lunch not only saves on the food bill, but require you to plan and "think" about what you're going to eat.  It's a good exercise all round.

Finally, there is a new obstacle in my path to spending more than I should...literally.  Road crews just started work on the main road outside the house that leads to two important intersections to get anywhere.  I am not upset, however, because we have desperately needed re-paving of the road.  So, it's one more reason not to be tempted to visit the store and use that coupon ;)

Week 32--"Spend Less"--Sunday Morning

Shop Less:  "Keep track of (or just notice) all the things you consume in a day.  Did you really need all of them?  What needs were you trying to fill through your purchases that perhaps could be met in another way?  If you must shop, perhaps you could buy blankets or food to donate to a homeless shelter.  Periodically, sort through your stuff and lighten your load by donating all those things you no longer need to a good cause."

It's probably a good things that this week's challenge to make a difference came after last week's "Buy Used."  Because I bought last week.  So, I will be reigning in the shopping this week.  Right off the bat I can think of a few things I don't need to buy--morning coffees at the 'Bucks, lunch ( I can brown bag it instead) and any vending machine cravings mid-afternoon.

And today, I plan to start my Goodwill hunting and gathering within my home.  Last week was spent cleaning carpets, changing up furniture and re-arranging wall hangings.  Looks like my desire to clean out will continue this week.

For what can you shop less?

Week 31--Thursday Evening--"Buy Used"

Haven't really purchased anything used this week...though I did find some killer boots for a great price--they will be perfect when I bust them out this fall and winter.  They are boots with fur, yes, that's correct, like the song--but not really those kinds of boots with fur.  They are comfy suede boots with a ring of fur-ish material at the top. The best part about them?  My toes won't fall asleep from being in too high of a heel. Sweet.

I did, however, recycle a bracelet and used pieces of it to create earrings to match an outfit.  Perhaps I can count that as "buying used."  Besides, I will get several pairs of earrings out of the one bracelet.  That saves me from buying a new pair of earrings!

Lastly, I had to share this picture. Since I posted a picture of Captain America, AKA Chris Evans, I was informed that I had to check out the actor who portrays Thor--also a nice specimen of man meat.  What do you think? 

Week 31--Monday Evening--"Buy Used"

Didn't buy anything today; wait, yes I did--some items at Wal-Mart that aren't good to buy used--pillows, wet wipes and coffee creamer.  These would all be rather nasty if purchased used.

I did, however, bid on an item on eBay.  My favorite pair of black peep-toe pumps by Sofft are dying.  I've had the heels replaced twice and now the ball of the foot is finally wearing down.  I'm sad because they don't make that style any longer, but I found a replacement pair that I think will work just fine.  Are they used?  Actually, no, but they are the price of a used pair ;)

Week 31--"Buy Used"--Sunday Evening

Buy Used.  "The best way to cut down on packaging and consumerism is to buy used.  Look in the classifieds, and check out yard sales the next time you need to make a big purchase (or even a little one).  Not only are you recycling and extending the life of a still-usable item, but you won't have to throw out all the packaging that new things come in.  And you'll be saving money, too."

Week 30--Sunday Early Morning

I tried to de-stress; really.  I took the day off Thursday, did a little shoe shopping, spent some quality time with my sister as it was her birthday and tried to relax despite running errands and working for an hour that night.  Found some cute sandals at the mall while shopping and wore them for about four hours before the "strappy-ness" of them caused two blisters to erupt on my poor toes.  It wasn't because they were the wrong size, it was simply the placement of the straps.  So, the sandals ended up being a no-go.  But they were so cute...

Friday was just another day, but we did end up going to the movies that evening, which we haven't done in a loooong time.  Captain America offered some good eye candy in the form of Chris Evans and left you wanting to know what happens next as "Steve Rogers" awakens in the 21st century.  It looks like Captain America did some push-ups just before filming this scene.
Saturday we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in low-key style; I took a nap, took a bike ride and chillaxed.  Aside from taking a two week vacation to really relax, last week was good.

Week 30--Wednesday Afternoon--"De-Stress"

How did I "de-stress" yesterday after work?  I hand washed my car in the drive way just like we did when I was a kid.  I don't like to pay for car washes, I think it's a waste of money if you make the time and spend the energy to wash it yourself.  Besides, as my mother would say, "Washing your car yourself makes you appreciate it more." 

It's been blazing hot here in Indiana this summer, and so it was rather refreshing to just take some time, no hurry or appointments or music in my ears...just washing the car.  I even used an old rag and wonderfully fresh smelling Orange-Glo cleaner.  The dogs milled around me, then decided it was too hot and went into the garage.  They even decided to take a drink from the leaky hose nozzle! I do admit, however, that waxing the car is an entirely different story; it requires patience...and a lot of elbox grease.

Today during my lunch break I decided to take a short walk...and boy was it short!  A dress shirt in the middle of summer outside is like being wrapped in a hot blanket.  Tonight's plan to relax and de-stress:  pedicure (myself, of course ;) and Bud Light.