Wednesday, July 10, 2019

No-Buy July



Welcome! First of all, this is a big post for me, because as of last week, I'm halfway through the year's Take It or Leave It challenge! (If you're new here or need a refresher, I'm adding something new to my life or taking something away each week and then deciding if it is worth a longer-term commitment.) The Take Its are leading the Leave Its 16-10, which means my days are filling up with all kinds of random activities that would make my husband raise an eyebrow if he didn't know me so well.

As for this week...

Image result for sale tagI don't identify as much of a shopper. I detest malls and don't think I've ever uttered the words "Let's go shopping!" I am, however, an impulse spender. When I'm already on an errand--usually Target or the grocery store--I often come home with things that weren't on my list. Not huge things--no "look, honey, I bought a new sofa/espresso-maker/Rottweiler" moments. Just little things that add up.

Since July tends to be pretty mellow for me, with a lack of spendy holidays, family birthdays, and anniversaries, I thought I'd try going the entire month without buying anything that's not a necessity. Piece of cake, right? I mean, in the heat of summer, I can hardly even muster up the enthusiasm to go to the grocery store. Which is why my family will probably be eating mayonnaise on saltine crackers for dinner tonight. (Ugh. No they won't. That sounds disgusting.)

So confident was I that seven days didn't sound like nearly enough of a challenge. Bring on the entire month. I got this.

What I didn't realize is that apparently everything is discounted during July. And I really, really love a bargain. Clothing, shoes, bedding plants, kitchen gadgets, decor for outside and in...somehow all of these things have already tempted me despite my barely leaving the house other than for work. And don't even get me started on those sidewalk sales.

As I try and resist this temptation, I can feel the wheels of justification whirring in my head. But I need  clothes for my vacation to Florida later this summer. 50% off annuals is a great deal, and I have some more pots that need planting. Why not just cruise the clearance aisle and see if there's anything interesting?

Long story short, July is going to be more of a challenge than I thought. Just today, I received a 30% off coupon from Kohl's. (Damn you, Kohl's. *shakes fist at sky*) I am going to try stick to my guns in the face of temptation and make this week a Take It. But no promises after August 1st.


Image result for Dog Shopping
Only the necessities, right?

4 comments:

  1. If it's not to buy things that aren't on your list... (I see a work-a-round *grin*).

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    1. Nice loophole! I just need to get creative with my lists!

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  2. Hi Jenny! I didn't know you were doing a take it or leave it challenge. I'll start at the beginning and read all your posts. As for shopping, I'm not a fan. Like you, "Let's go shopping," is not something anyone will ever hear me say.

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    1. Hi Pat! I guess this is why we've never run into each other at the mall :-)

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