IT'S BEEN NINE MONTHS.

Calm down, Mum. I'm NOT pregnant.

It's just that it's been almost nine months since starting the Buying Nothing New challenge.

I've relished in it, I've learnt so much, and I've even regretted doing the challenge at times.

Right now I'm tired of my clothes, and eyeing off the new spring/summer fashions, and looking forward to January 1 when I can buy a few staple purchases for my boys and me.

I'm darning socks and stitching tops that are now getting holes in them. If I haven't already learnt how to stretch the dollar further with the savings going on around here, I've also learnt this: I'm very hard on my clothes. Every single top has many holes in them around where my jeans button goes. Apparently, I rub on that area a fair bit when a) making breakfasts, b) packing lunches, c) wiping down benches, d) washing dishes, e) filling up the bathtub... perhaps it's time I tucked in my tops, or stopped wearing jeans...?

Don't worry, I'm not going to undo all my lovely goodness of buying up a year's worth of clothing goodies, but I just know what I'm still thinking about, which means that I am not going to buy something that isn't of any value. Or a last minute purchase. (I'm really looking forward to a little make up, though).

Around May, I took some new steps in the BNN challenge. I started making my own laundry detergent, and I stopped buying tampons (seriously, this needs it's OWN post, but I'll save my brother and father from reading all about this for now). But let me just say this one thing: Menstrual cups are the BOMB! I'm not sure why I haven't bought one earlier than now.

Yep, it's about buying smarter, and working out the real value for money. If I've bought something new (hello, Menstrual Cup!) it's because I know that in a few months, I've paid it off fully, and will benefit from it much longer than the continuation of purchasing disposables. Right now, let's just say I'm smug.

Our credit card is getting lower, things are getting finished around the house (massive garden post about to happen), and we're thinking about investing again. This can only be good, right?

Funnily enough, I can see the good things, but still would like a brightly coloured blazer.

See? Still some challenges. But only a few more months to go!

If you are Buying Nothing New, how are you going?

THE IN-BETWEEN STAGE.

To stop or not to stop, that is the question.

This is the quandry I am in when it comes to afternoon naps.

Me? I would have one every day if I was able. But as for the three year old in the house, I'm not so sure. If he doesn't have a nap, then this is what happens at around 5pm every day. And the attitude. Oh, the attitude.

If he does have a nap (no matter how short), then it's party time until around 9:30pm every night. EVERY NIGHT, I tell you.

What to do?

Do you have night owls or grumpy children on your hand because of the in between stage?

WILD THINGS.

Excuse me while I backdate a little right now.

A few weeks' back there was a wildlife display in Warburton, around an hour from where I live. It's such a delightful drive just getting there. The lovely little towns are a must to stop at on the way home. There is something about The Valley.

Oh, and it's freezing outside. Always.

So, here are my lads and their little friends having a hold of the wildlife.

Madison was tentative at first, but he soon braved up.

On the side, isn't Zoe just a peach? I get the pleasure of looking after her and her big sister every week. She is just so cute. And if my son Noah doesn't go out with her (when they're 27, of course!), I'll be very disappointed. Look at the love, won't you?

Aside from the love and cuddles, we all had an amazing afternoon together. And yes, we stopped on the way back to have a touristy sneaky peek. When we arrived home I felt refreshed and it felt like more than just a few hours, more like a mini-break.

I can't wait for another excuse to get out of the city for another tourist trip.

Do you feel refreshed after getting out of the house for a few hours?