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?
Hi Kymmie,
ReplyDeleteOnly a few more months to go :-) Sounds like you're doing great!
I haven't bought any clothes this whole year either... mainly because I've been so busy, but also, I am just not that into shopping. I am sure I am going to need some sweaters soon though and probably some jeans too.
Well done Kymmie. Sounds like such a positive thing to do! Only a few months to go but it sounds like many things you have learned will continue past the 12 months. I heard of the menstrual cup for the first time last week... I'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteYou've earned every right to be smug m'dear! Wish I had your determination :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kymmie..you're doing so well on this challenge. I have been determined not to buy more fabric until I've used up most of the stuff I have, it's now been about 10 months, but I have just ordered a few newies as I haven't much left.
ReplyDeleteSO proud of you Kymmie. You're an absolute inspiration... and how GOOD will it feel to make those lovely new purchases in January?! SO SO good I imagine xoxo
ReplyDeleteWow - you have done so well. That's awesome. (Ps - just had to dash off and google menstural cups!!)
ReplyDeleteCan I ask do you have stone bench tips in the kitchen? They are the bloody culprits of many many many many of my tops. It took me moving house to realise, the new house has laminex bench tops, not a single hole since!!!!
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ReplyDeleteKym I've thought of you often this year buying nothing and admiring that you are doing it! ill do it one year, i promise, but I totally agree with some of your learnings already! I find fixing stuff is better than buying crap quality but more of it. I enjoy making clothes, but really need to do more....and I try not to follow fashion but only buy key peices to update my look but add my own flair. I make my own kitchen cleaner but have been meaning to make my own washing liquid. I am intrigued about the mentrual cup (more discussion later i think!) but really, we are in such a disposable world - we don't really need it all hey! Thanks for sharing all you have learnt! I've vicariously enjoying it through you and preparing myself for when I take the plunge!
ReplyDeletexx
Goodness -- BNN (is that right?) is a mighty-fine-novel idea. I like it. I know I've done that on me own in little spurts - a month or two at a time, but for a year? Oh goodness, that could do me fine! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWell done lovely! Did you get caeser stone benches in your new kitchen? They have put holes in every one of my tops, now I'm mindful of it (and should probably get an apron!!) does buy nothing new extend to holiday houses in Port Fairy? :) xx
ReplyDeleteHi Kymmie. You are doing so well! So many little lessons each and every day. Which cup did you get? I never quite went there, but I thought about it... You need to get into the op shops to get your fix! Perhaps a fancy pants post of re-styling last years gear for this year's fashion! Keep up the great work xx
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