Something New, But Surprisingly Free

As I bundled together yet another enormous bag full of ridiculously adorable baby clothes (most worn only 2-3 times) from Miss Etta’s jam-packed walk-in closet, I had a revelation.  I think I could save a considerable amount of money if I did not buy anything for a month.  I mean, what’s the worst thing that could happen if I didn’t buy anything for a month?

My breathing just seized up there for a second thinking of it, but how bad would it be, really?  I used to go for extremely long periods of time without buying anything just because I didn’t have any money to spend.  I think I could do it again. . . right?  I mean, it is possible to not spend money even though you have it available, isn’t it?

Well, I’m going to do it.  Starting right now, I am freezing my bank accounts.  The only exceptions will be (a) food staples for home use but no treats (other than one for each of the kids once per week), (b) absolutely necessary household cleaners (and none of the fancy ones I think I need), (c) payment of bills, taxes, etc., (d) diapers, (e) one tank of gas (it goes a looong way when you have a Mini), (f) my hair appointment on Friday (I’d cancel, but I haven’t been in 12 weeks and my root problem should not be seen by potential employers) and (g) possibly renting a car for our trip to Kauai.  That’s it.

Know what that means?  I’m not buying anything else.  That means all of those enticing sale emails I get each and every morning from zulily, gilt, hautelook, theminisocial, onekingslane and on and on are going to be deleted.  Yeah, I said deleted.  Without reading. 

I’m not going to tantalize myself with the knowledge of the amazing deals I’m missing out on or the adorable little dresses Etta could have had for a bargain price.  Why?  Because Etta has more adorable bargain dresses than any girl needs.  And Oscar needs nothing else from Mini Boden, even with the 20% off coupon I can feel calling me from my inbox.  He’s good.  Even more importantly, I’M good.  He doesn’t really need that Mini Cooper convertible ride-on that’s $50 off.  Seriously, he doesn’t need it.  He can learn to ride that bike I got him last year that he doesn’t touch.

I’m not going to permit myself to purchase anything for me, either.  That includes photography workshops, camera equipment and software.  Oh, and camera bags.  Someday soon I’ll share my recent acquisitions with you, but until then, let’s just say I don’t need to be shopping either.

So, there it is.  Wish me luck.  I’m going to need it.

April 11, 2011 - Posted by Oscar and Etta's mom | Shopping