Nothing New For A Month

I bought nothing new for a month, sort of. And it wasn't really hard at all. 

I obviously bought groceries, petrol and wine. But apart from that, I set out to achieve this goal (as dry July was never going to happen) and dammed if I didn't achieve it. 

In the interest of full disclosure I will start with the stuff I did buy this month...

1. One rock solid Hoot drink bottle as Scout broke hers. I figure this is a necessity. 
2. Two pink bandannas for my besties hen's night after searching three different op-shops on numerous occasions. 
3. A crocheted blanket from the markets that I presumed was secondhand, I had already paid (almost) when the lady told me it was new. In my defense, the money from the sale of it was going to help run a support and education program for sleep deprived mums. Was I supposed to put my money away? 

Do you want to know how it went?

I didn't actually want for anything except nail polish remover. I did however use up the four partially empty bottles I had lying around...clutter win! Same with moisturiser, shampoo, wet wipes, glue sticks etc. I was prepared to buy all these things if I needed them but instead of just absent-mindedly purchasing, I passed them in the supermarket. 

I can't completely avoid the shopping center as my gym is smack bang in the middle of one and right now there are sales EVERYWHERE. Knowing I couldn't go shopping meant I wasted a lot less time. You know that conversation that starts with, "what's the harm in looking." Then it goes something along the lines of, “if I buy now it saves me from having to go shopping when everything is (gasp) full price." Well that didn't happen at all. You can't argue with hard and fast rules. Nothing new means nothing new. 

Nothing new also means you can buy as much second hand as you want. And over the past month I did just that. Translation: I gave lots of money to charity, did lots of recycling and got heaps of good Karma. Can you see a downside to that?

All the rummaging through op shops really helped me get my creative on. There has been lots of making, baking and blogging. Fresh paint, piles of pretty projects, wearing scarfs as skirts, little scraps of paper littering the floor in front of my couch. This is what I always pictured my life post-bub would look like. Previously I had thought that I needed more time to achieve these things. It turns out I just needed less consumption. 

For the few months leading up to this challenge I have been purchasing with a buy it once and buy it right attitude. My daily wardrobe necessities are black Lulu Lemon leggings, a stripy One Teaspoon cardy (which I have just found out is actually a dress) and of course my brand new sparkly ring. All of these items are pretty big ticket for me and they kept me feeling fresh and funky throughout the month in a way, I doubt, cheap clothes would have. 

The most heart warming thing this last month has brought me is the realisation that Scout has everything she needs. Not just the necessary stuff. She also has everything she needs to be stimulated with great books and toys, look gorgeous all the time, sleep in a beautiful space and create great baby art. It reminded me of how blessed we are. Totally cheesy but true. 

The month is now over and the only thing I rushed out and bought was grey matte nailpolish. Apart from that my shopping list is empty. I do want to visit some of my favourite stores just for the ritual of it and I am craving some new stamps and stationery but that's it. Hopefully this change of attitude sticks around for a while, I am really enjoying all the saved money.

Comments

[Emma]

The first time I heard about this idea, a lady bought nothing new for a year, except food, toiletries and underwear. Pretty cool idea, the fact I don't think I could do it means I probably should give it a go! I haven't hit up a vinnies in quite a while!

[Patchworkcactus]

I was shying from my op-shopping roots but this brought me right back, I find that the Vinnies near me is way too expensive. $10 for something that would have been $15 new. But I am right into the local Salvos.

[Betty]

Now you just need to craft yourself a craft room out of recycled cereal boxed and crepe paper and you'll be the happiest lady on earth......... Ooh, you could paper mache a door for it too :-)

[Amy]

What an inspiration! After spending $150 on clothes I didn't really need but didn't want to miss out on having 20% Off maybe I should try this too!

[Cheap Canada Goose]

Thanks for ur nice post,This is a good write-up.I hope more.

[Whitney]

This post inspired me to challenge myself to consume less. I wrote about it and gave you some link love too. I truly enjoy following your beauty of a blog. ^^ http://whitbnimble.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/nothing-new-in-november-challenge/