The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: jfer_rose on June 05, 2013, 09:08:41 AM
-
It looks like there was some discussion of "The Compact" on another thread from January but I'm ready to throw down the gauntlet!
I've read about "The Compact" on a blog I love, The Nonconsumer Advocate:
http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/exceptions-to-katys-compact-buy-nothing-new/ (http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/exceptions-to-katys-compact-buy-nothing-new/)
The idea behind the Compact is that you buy nothing new for a year except for the essentials (toilet paper, food, personal care products). Services are ok (movie tickets, haircuts, etc). And buying used is ok too. Participants typically have a list of exceptions that they will make, for example they will buy socks and underwear new which is completely understandable for the ick factor. I've been spending way to much money on clothes, so I've decided to throw down the gauntlet and buy no new clothes for the remainder of 2013. I figure I might as well do the Compact while I am at it. Please join me if you like, or at the very least, help keep me accountable!
I will be making an exception for my upcoming kitchen remodel. I've been planning/saving this for more than a year and dreaming about it for the 9 years I've lived in my home.
This is a flexible gauntlet, so feel free to join me even if you would rather bend the rules to your liking. Just make sure we know what rules you are following so we can help keep you accountable.
-
Yes, it's been covered (mostly) in that January post.
No problem whatsoever with not buying anything but food till 1 January 2014. (Forgot about petrol for the vehicle, does that count? @ $4.09/gal here at this time)
Will you cover what you do? A monthly spreadsheet perhaps?
-
Sure, I could cover what I do! Maybe compare my clothes spending in particular to last year to keep it interesting. Because last year's clothes spending is worthy of many, many face punches.
-
I love that blog and am also not buying any new clothes for the remainder of 2013 with the exception of undies. Oh, and a bathing suit. I am pregnant so I needed a bigger suit and did't want to wear a used swimsuit. So far I have a whole maternity wardrobe and I haven't spent a dime. Friends and co workers just gave me their old clothes.:)
-
Frugalady10-- Yay, I will be glad to have your company here. That's great about the maternity clothes! And I completely understand about not wanting a used swimsuit...
-
Yeah i feel like anything that's coming into contact own there should probably be new.
I am excited for this!
-
As I am getting started, I have been gathering data. I've always known I'm spending too much on stuff, particularly clothes. So much so that I felt too guilty to look at the numbers. No more of that, I've got to get my head out of the sand! So, I've done it. I logged onto Mint and I've looked back at my spending on clothing (easier to track than other unnecessary stuff). Since 2009, when I began tracking on Mint, I have spent-- ok this is over the top embarrassing-- I have spent $10,455.20 on clothes. How is this even possible?????
With this spending, you would think I am super stylish. But nope. I'm not. I think what this number shows is that I was aspiring to be stylish. In the last year, I've been trying to live with fewer clothes and have discovered that I'm actually more stylish with a smaller selection. But then I fell into the trap of trying to buy ethically produced clothing-- stuff that's made in the USA, of organic cotton, etc. Boy did I spend a lot of money in that direction!! It did feel good to support ethical businesses, but if I'm going to grow my 'stache, that's just not going to work. Used clothing is perfectly ethical. Not buying clothes and wearing what is already in my closet, that's even better.
-
Set a budget for the kitchen re-do so you will avoid upsell and budget creep.
-
Have you ever heard of Project333? It's a minimalist approach to your wardrpbe where you only wear 33 things
Www.project333.com
-
Frugalady10-- Yup, I've been doing Project 333 since September! Love it in so many ways.
-
I just checked out her blog. She might challenge herself not to buy anything new, but she sure seems obsessed with buying used junk at thrift stores. Shopping as a hobby is such a bad idea.
-
Count me IN!
Going to exclude gifts (will try to make all gifts with crafting stuff I have on hand, but just in case I can't/don't have time I will give myself a pass for buying gifts), a new laptop (my iBook g4 from 2005 is on its last legs and I doubt it will make it through Dec 31), and canning supplies if I can't find them used (need more jars and rings and while I have a lot of unused lids on hand, I may need more depending on the CSA bounty this year).
This has inspired me to get started crafting-have some birthdays coming up and some friends have new babies coming soon! And if i can get my shit together for X-mas gifts, that would be amazing.
Thanks, OP!
-
I think I am going to do this. I will exclude consumables like food and gas. Also things related to health and safety, ie if I needed a new bike helmet in the next 6 months, gifts, and things that would cost me more money to not buy than to buy. Not sure what that would be, but I remember it coming up the last time I did this. I am also going to make craft purchases okay. I say this because I have no problem with over-buying crafting supplies -I probably do it once a year. But I am looking for new hobbies, and I am thinking about trying jewelry making.
I need to buy scrubs for work. This may be a challenge. I have been looking at thrift stores, but between finding my size, ones that work with our (pretty strict) dress code, ones still in good shape because I want to look professional at work, I have not found any. My unit has just changed the dress code, and we are not allowed to wear the ones we were required to wear for the last 10 years! Typical for my job! We are still getting away with wearing the old ones, but I expect that will change in the next month. So I need 3 to 4 pairs. Hmm, maybe I should go looking today.
-
Thrift store score! Managed to find 5 scrub tops and 2 bottoms! Funny, I looked on Memorial Day during the half off sale, and they weren't there! So 7 pieces for $30. Online they would have been at least $15 a piece.
-
I am in! My goal is no new clothes/shoes other wearables through end of year. No new books either as I am an avid reader and it is SO easy to spend a lot of money on books. The other stuff will fall into place as I don't buy many other new items. How can we keep accountable? Shall we post at the beginning of each month with our progress and/or stumbles???
-
Meadow Lark-- Wow, I am amazed with your thrift score find! Amazing to find just what you need for such a great price.
Snow White-- Yes, I do think we need a way to keep accountable. I think monthly updates are a good option. I also think a tracking spreadsheet might be an option too but I need to figure out the best way to make that work.
-
I created a spreadsheet on Google Drive for those who want to track their progress that way. Each participant can personalize his/her own tab:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsrtZyzMbjU-dFdOX3ByTUppWlJHTGRSVmdIVkhLSFE&usp=sharing
-
I created a spreadsheet on Google Drive for those who want to track their progress that way. Each participant can personalize his/her own tab:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsrtZyzMbjU-dFdOX3ByTUppWlJHTGRSVmdIVkhLSFE&usp=sharing
It's prompting me to request access, can you change the sharing settings?
-
Apologies on the sharing issue-- it's my first time sharing a Google Doc. I think I fixed the issue:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsrtZyzMbjU-dFdOX3ByTUppWlJHTGRSVmdIVkhLSFE&usp=sharing
-
I started this on Earth Day! Yay! I'm glad I've found others. I tried to join the official Compact group, but I was never 'approved' by the moderator. I have tried to convince others in my family to join me (like my husband) but I can't get anyone on board. What they don't realize is how liberating it actually is. I can walk into a store...let's say Sam's Club and avoid entire areas of the store. This means fewer impulse buys and more $ in my wallet.
-
My new challenge is sunglasses. Trying to figure out how not to buy them new. I may end up doing it, und my health and safety exclusion, but I am putting it out there. I am trying to do the "firstpairfree" deal on www.coastal.com for a pair of prescription sun glasses. Or I may try to find clip-ons - I know, so fashionable. I can't tell when I try to checkout if they are free or not. The total still says $100. And I don't want that!
-
I'm also on a clothes fast for 2013. My goal was not to buy any clothes in 2013 with the possible exception of bras. My 2 bras were old and as predicted became unusable as the underwires broke on both bras. Also I am allergic to latex and I got a nasty rash from the perished bra band. I couldn't clear it not matter what until I got 2 new bras.
Otherwise I am going fine. No other new or used cloths, shoes, accessories, jewellery, hats etc have entered my life in 2013 so far. Not even tempted. No one seems to have noticed. Feeling confident I will get to the end of the year :)
-
Meadow Lark, one option for sunglasses is to buy a pair of huge retro ones that fit over your regular glasses. I usually see them at thrift shops since they are back in fashion and the double glasses look isn't so apparent when the sunglasses are giant :). I do this because I lost my prescription sunglasses (they were 6yrs old so i at least got a lot of use out of them before i lost them) and refuse to buy new ones.
-
How is everyone doing on this challenge? I had to fight the urge to shop today when I went out to get my hair cut in the same shopping center as TJMaxx. I resisted though and just got my hair cut and didn't darken TJMaxx's door even though they always seem to have something that I "need"! ;)
-
So far I have successfully resisted all temptation, but that isn't to say it has been easy. I was really tempted to buy this cool eco-friendly/reusable product that replaces plastic wrap. But I don't often use plastic wrap, and my existing package of plastic wrap will likely last me more than a year.
I have been eating out too often and I wonder if this is a result of channeling my "shopping" energies somewhere else-- i.e., food trucks, local take-out, etc. Still lots to work on!
-
I am still going well : but its only 2 weeks since I posted :). My favourite shoes are getting desperate...but I found I could wear a pair of short boots all day if I just put thin pantyhose socks on... These are expensive ankle boots loitering in my wardrobe because I haven't been able to wear them all day without blisters...think I've solved it now :). Noticed a few items for work I've been relying on are starting to look a bit worn: not sure they will hold up til Jan 2014. So I have to find alternatives in the current wardrobe. Well - I've 2 new pairs of trousers I've never worn since they need taking up...will just have to get my finger out and do it. And If I can lose some more weight, some more alternatives will become available.
-
I scored 2 dozen used canning jars on Craigslist for $14 (1 dozen pints and 1 dozen quarts), and since it was on our way to Detroit from Northern Michigan, we only had to drive 4 miles out of our way (total) to get them.
Only problem is, I realized my biggest pot can only be used for the pint jars, it's too short for quarts. I found a much bigger used one with rack on craigslist in NYC for $50, but then found a new one on amazon for $39, which includes a bunch of tools in addition to the rack- lid lifter, jar lifting tongs, etc...all of which i don't have already.
my husband is hoping we can find a cheaper used one but how many people in NYC even have canning pots!? and the ones who make room to store them probably want to keep them, right!?
anyhow, I'm off to the store to buy non-gmo organic white vinegar so I can make pint jars of pickled beets from the beautiful beets that were part of the wedding present given to us by my father in law and his wife-- an amazing basket full of Michigan-grown and Michigan-made food from the farmers' market that they sell cookies at.
-
I love that blog and am also not buying any new clothes for the remainder of 2013 with the exception of undies. Oh, and a bathing suit. I am pregnant so I needed a bigger suit and did't want to wear a used swimsuit. So far I have a whole maternity wardrobe and I haven't spent a dime. Friends and co workers just gave me their old clothes.:)
I am happy to find others not buying clothing for the rest of 2013. It gets easier as time goes on. I did make an exception for replacement shoes. Not shopping saves a LOT of time. =-)
-
With this spending, you would think I am super stylish. But nope. I'm not. I think what this number shows is that I was aspiring to be stylish. In the last year, I've been trying to live with fewer clothes and have discovered that I'm actually more stylish with a smaller selection. But then I fell into the trap of trying to buy ethically produced clothing-- stuff that's made in the USA, of organic cotton, etc. Boy did I spend a lot of money in that direction!! It did feel good to support ethical businesses, but if I'm going to grow my 'stache, that's just not going to work. Used clothing is perfectly ethical. Not buying clothes and wearing what is already in my closet, that's even better.
You live in the Land of Affluenza. When you do buy clothing again, you can get great finds in the city. All the ladies who lunch sell their barely worn clothing or donate it to Val Village or Goodwill.
You are like the French now, lady! French folks look at a great outfit and think, "I'll wear that again." Americans look at a great outfit and think, "I need another outfit." I am having a lot of fun mixing up the clothes I do have instead of buying new stuff.
-
I scored 2 dozen used canning jars on Craigslist for $14 (1 dozen pints and 1 dozen quarts), and since it was on our way to Detroit from Northern Michigan, we only had to drive 4 miles out of our way (total) to get them.
Only problem is, I realized my biggest pot can only be used for the pint jars, it's too short for quarts. I found a much bigger used one with rack on craigslist in NYC for $50, but then found a new one on amazon for $39, which includes a bunch of tools in addition to the rack- lid lifter, jar lifting tongs, etc...all of which i don't have already.
my husband is hoping we can find a cheaper used one but how many people in NYC even have canning pots!? and the ones who make room to store them probably want to keep them, right!?
anyhow, I'm off to the store to buy non-gmo organic white vinegar so I can make pint jars of pickled beets from the beautiful beets that were part of the wedding present given to us by my father in law and his wife-- an amazing basket full of Michigan-grown and Michigan-made food from the farmers' market that they sell cookies at.
What a great present!
Now, I'm trying to wrap my mind around being 32 and retired in NYC of all places!! Kudos.
-
Thanks, oldtoyota! Love your name btw. I have a 2001 manual corolla :).
Here's how I did it:
http://skinnyflints.tumblr.com/post/51972910339/when-it-comes-to-saving-money-lifestyle-creep-is-the
http://skinnyflints.tumblr.com/post/40098125562/31-and-mortgage-free-can-it-really-happen
Having frugal parents helped, as did multiple re-readings of The Tightwad Gazette & Your Money Or Your Life.
-
Thanks, oldtoyota! Love your name btw. I have a 2001 manual corolla :).
Here's how I did it:
http://skinnyflints.tumblr.com/post/51972910339/when-it-comes-to-saving-money-lifestyle-creep-is-the
http://skinnyflints.tumblr.com/post/40098125562/31-and-mortgage-free-can-it-really-happen
Having frugal parents helped, as did multiple re-readings of The Tightwad Gazette & Your Money Or Your Life.
Thank you! I will take a read later. =-)
Also, thanks to the person who recommended theproject333.com. I have already started removing items from my closet to prepare for 33 items in 3 months.
I had already planned to stop buying clothes. I had not actually thought about paring down the wardrobe I have. Duh!
I hate certain items of clothing. So, what did I do? I bought a lot of them over time in search of something I would like. Today, clearing them out, I realized I do not even LIKE dress pants. Ugh. They wrinkle and often require dry cleaning. Yuck. They are going.
O. M. G.
The revelation!
-
I love that blog and am also not buying any new clothes for the remainder of 2013 with the exception of undies. Oh, and a bathing suit. I am pregnant so I needed a bigger suit and did't want to wear a used swimsuit. So far I have a whole maternity wardrobe and I haven't spent a dime. Friends and co workers just gave me their old clothes.:)
Totally understandable that you wouldn't want to wear used bathers. I got lucky recently, I found some new ones at an op shop/thrift store with the tags still on. You'd have to be lucky too but it's worth a look. Also, I often wear the Hawaii style shorts with a bather tank top. It keeps the cost down.
-
What are you guys doing about gifts? I am thinking about Christmas already. My husband and I have no problem with second hand gifts ( or not giving each other gifts ) but what are you doing for parties and holidays for others?
-
I'm going to try to make all Christmas gifts this year. I sew, and have a ton of fabric, so hopefully that will work. If I can't make something for someone, their gift will be either a donation to their favorite charity, or something food/drink (ie coffee beans, artisanal pickles, fancy spices, maple syrup).
-
What are you guys doing about gifts? I am thinking about Christmas already. My husband and I have no problem with second hand gifts ( or not giving each other gifts ) but what are you doing for parties and holidays for others?
I am wondering the same thing. I do not even want to celebrate xmas but I get pulled into it. Ugh.
I am reading a book by a couple who renovated their Richmond, VA house. They have a blog called Young House Love. Their book has a lot of cool ideas for low-cost decorating. I was thinking about taking some craft paper, cutting out the shape of a state and then framing it in an attractive way. I would do this for my sister who has houses in two different states...so I'd give her one for each state.
My sister likes my choc chip cookies so I have given her those in the past. One year, I made cakes in small jars for everyone. In the past, I have combined homemade and purchased gifts. I want to lean more toward homemade this year, so it's time to get cracking.
This site might give you a lot of ideas:
http://www.younghouselove.com/how-to/
-
How about kids? Do you think it is tacky to get a birthday gift for someone elses's kid at a second hand store? We buy most of my son's gifts second hand.
-
I personally don't think it's tacky at all to buy kids gifts at secondhand stores! Amy Dacyzyn writes about it a lot in The Tightwad Gazette- definitely worth a read.
I am planning a baby shower soon and am going to try to convince the mom-to-be to request gently used baby items, instead of all new crap. Better for the environment, better for everyone's wallets!
Another thing that is a great gift for kids = your time. If you like the kids, and enjoy spending time with them, why not give them a handmade gift certificate for a trip to the children's museum with you, or to a restaurant, or to a picnic in the park? Or time spent baking cookies together or playing legos for however long, or teaching them to sew or knit or some other skill that you have?
-
I've been thinking about gifts, too. For kids, I think second hand would be an option. But for adults, I'm currently thinking about FOOD. Either hand-made treats, or special oils/vinegars/maple syrup/etc that are super yummy but that most people wouldn't normally buy for themselves.
-
Oldtoyota- just checked out Young House Love...it's fabulous! Thanks for sharing :).
-
I am reading a book by a couple who renovated their Richmond, VA house. They have a blog called Young House Love. Their book has a lot of cool ideas for low-cost decorating. I was thinking about taking some craft paper, cutting out the shape of a state and then framing it in an attractive way. I would do this for my sister who has houses in two different states...so I'd give her one for each state.
This site might give you a lot of ideas:
http://www.younghouselove.com/how-to/
I follow that blog too! It's inspiring how much they are able to do themselves. I've never been very handy when it comes to DIY, but their blog is giving me a nudge to change that. A few weeks ago, I re-caulked my bathroom for the first time, despite being afraid I would mess it up. I'm glad I did and I'll be doing it myself from here on out...
-
I've been thinking about gifts, too. For kids, I think second hand would be an option. But for adults, I'm currently thinking about FOOD. Either hand-made treats, or special oils/vinegars/maple syrup/etc that are super yummy but that most people wouldn't normally buy for themselves.
For the past two years I've only given home-canned treats for xmas. Salsa or jalapeno jam for those that like spicy, and fruit and nut conserves for those that like sweet. It's something I do anyways so it's not difficult to make a bit extra, especially at the 4 oz size. The real trick is getting your jars back afterwards.
-
Oldtoyota- just checked out Young House Love...it's fabulous! Thanks for sharing :).
You're welcome. =-)
I will repaint my front door and just finished re-covering my kitchen chairs. I am not sure I will demo a bathroom on my own, but who knows?
-
Anastrophe, what recipe do you use for jalapeņo jam? Sounds delish!
-
I will repaint my front door and just finished re-covering my kitchen chairs. I am not sure I will demo a bathroom on my own, but who knows?
[/quote]
I've found demo to be the most fun part of reno's :).
-
I will repaint my front door and just finished re-covering my kitchen chairs. I am not sure I will demo a bathroom on my own, but who knows?
I've found demo to be the most fun part of reno's :).
[/quote]
Do I get to use a sledgehammer? :-)) If so, that could really change my outlook for the better.
-
I've never used a sledgehammer, but I'm a pro with a crowbar :). And a rubber mallet plus a wide spackling knife is an excellent way to get tile up!
-
Is it too late to join? I promise to spend nothing new for the rest of the year with the following exceptions....
1. Human Food
2. Livestock Food
3. Things we have to have to complete the many home improvement projects we need to finish (we are planning a move in 3 years, and LOTS need done! Can't always find straight used nails!)
-
mariarose,
2013 hasn't ended yet, so please join us.
I suppose this means it is a good time for me to provide an update on my progress. I had one incident. My sunglasses broke and were no longer repairable. I was in a pinch and I needed sunglasses quickly so I bought a cheapo pair at the drugstore rather than searching out used. So I'm a little bummed about that!
Other than the sunglasses incident, I do think this project is going great for me. I gave up clothes shopping for 3 months in the beginning of the year as part of Project 333, but that didn't really stop me from putting items on my wish list. So when the three months ended, I did a bunch of wish list shopping and spent way too much. Now that I'm abstaining for any clothing purchases for a longer period of time, I've stopped even looking at clothes. I think this is exactly the mindset I need to make a real change in my shopping habits. While my wardrobe still has a few holes, I'm learning to live with those holes rather than putting those items on a wish list for January 2014.
-
I'll update too! I've been pushing forward. So far no slip-ups :)
I've had problems finding good used shoes (yucks me out for the most part). So all summer instead of the usual annual new pair of flip flops/sandals, I've been wearing my beat-up Tom's. My mother-in-law heard about what I was doing and offered me some excellent condition Keen sandals that she no was no longer wearing and she didn't even know I wanted new sandals! Score!
-
I bought some used clothing today. I think I scored pretty well.
First, I had a 30% off coupon for the donation of goods I made.
Second, I was hoping to find a brownish top. Doing Project333 has allowed me to see where I have holes. I have about one million black shirts, one white shirt, and nothing brown to go with skirts/pants that have brown in them. I know. First world problem.
Today, I scored about three items for me and one for the kiddo and got 30% off. Total: $17.77.
My original plan was to buy no new clothes at all until Dec 31, and I decided to modify. I went about three months with absolutely 0 clothing purchases.
It's fun to make do and to make outfits out of my 33-36 items in the current wardrobe.
-
Well done, oldtoyota! I'm inspired by project 333-trying to pare down my wardrobe a ton.
My update: have bought 4 new things: athletic socks + dress socks for DH (on a mystery shop, so i was reimbursed for purchase) and a jar lifter + lid lifter for canning. Made pickled beets and escabeche, dilly beans are up next! Gotta buy more canning lids tho...
-
So today, I broke down & bought a new umbrella (we only have 1 good one and it was at home during today's downpour when my crappy collapsible crapped out completely)-not a cheapie either, as I'm freaking sick of the cheap ones dying after 1 or 2 rainstorms. $16.99 including tax. Has a 'lifetime guarantee' and you can bet I am keeping that receipt!
Also bought more canning lids & rings and a giant canning pot that can fit quart jars (my biggest pot only fits pints). Those came to $42. If anyone needs canning supplies, Ace hardware has a sale thru today & they do free ship-to-store. Prices are lower than others I have found online.
-
So today, I broke down & bought a new umbrella (we only have 1 good one and it was at home during today's downpour when my crappy collapsible crapped out completely)-not a cheapie either, as I'm freaking sick of the cheap ones dying after 1 or 2 rainstorms. $16.99 including tax. Has a 'lifetime guarantee' and you can bet I am keeping that receipt!
Also bought more canning lids & rings and a giant canning pot that can fit quart jars (my biggest pot only fits pints). Those came to $42. If anyone needs canning supplies, Ace hardware has a sale thru today & they do free ship-to-store. Prices are lower than others I have found online.
I'm so glad you mentioned the canning equipment. I've wanted some. When I saw some at Target, I just assumed that would not be the best price I could get. So, I passed them by. Too bad I did not know about the sale as I was just at Ace today. Oh, well! I'll look another time.
-
oldtoyota- depending on where you live, you may be able to find used canning supplies quite cheaply. I found 3 dozen mason jars on craigslist while on a road trip in michigan :). unfortunately, most manhattanites don't have room for canning pots and don't have time to can, so it's hard to find used supplies in the city. the cheapest used canning pot i found online in my city was $75! my new graniteware one from Ace was 29.95+tax.
the 'fancy' grocery in our neighborhood has a housewares department and their jar lifters & lid lifters were cheaper than i found online or at ace.
rings rust so you sometimes need to buy new ones, and you always need new lids (not safe to re-seal old lids), but everything else can be safely bought used-if you can find it!
i'm sad because there was a beautiful vintage jar with a rubber gasket at one of my favorite thrift stores (must have been a gallon jar) last week and I didn't buy it because i didn't think i could get it home without breaking it (i was riding a bike home). I went back today and it was gone. Would have been perfect for making sauerkraut in! moral of the story: next time I see awesome food preserving stuff that i will actually use in a thrift store, i'm buying it!
-
oldtoyota- depending on where you live, you may be able to find used canning supplies quite cheaply. I found 3 dozen mason jars on craigslist while on a road trip in michigan :).
Thank you for the tip! I live in DC and am heading to MI later this week. I'll keep an eye out for pieces. Year ago, I planned to can and did not do it. I gave my supplies to my MIL in my decluttering frenzy. I sorta regret that now. However, MIL has provided the most marvelous pickles so I can't complain too much.
-
Okay, it took awhile, but I think I'm in. January 1st, 2014, here I come. My money from now until then is already committed, there's nothing I should need to get except some essential clothes and consumables.
-
Update: ordered more canning jars, bands, and lids online today-going to make some fruit preserves as X-mas gifts, so wanted more of the quilted crystal jars.
Also bought a new-to-me handbag at a used clothing shop today; my everyday handbag is on its last legs after 2 years of daily use, so it was time.
-
Still have bought nothing new, other than food, feed (livestock), and gas. I did buy some work pants on ebay, but they were all used. Could find nothing at Goodwill last week that would work for me, so went to ebay.
-
Update: ordered more canning jars, bands, and lids online today-going to make some fruit preserves as X-mas gifts, so wanted more of the quilted crystal jars.
Also bought a new-to-me handbag at a used clothing shop today; my everyday handbag is on its last legs after 2 years of daily use, so it was time.
Guess what? MIL gave me several jars of jam and several of pickles. I now have 12 canning jars. Okay, they are full today. One day, they will be empty and I'll have 12 jars. Huzzah!
I still need to order some more for right now.
Katnina--Did you order yours online? From ACE? Somewhere else?
-
hooray for canning jars! ACE's sale ended so i ended up ordering from Amazon because shipping from everywhere else made Amazon's prices with free super saver shipping the cheapest option. I've been scouring the thrift stores but haven't had much luck. the craigslist find in Michigan was the best, but haven't been able to find anything similar price-wise in NYC, alas!
I've made 2 batches of pickled beets, 2 of dilly beans, and one of escabeche. Once the new canning jars come, it will be peach jam time, hooray!!!!!
-
Thanks for the tip!
-
I bought a new messenger bag on ebay to replace the one I've been using for 5 years. The lining had started to rip and the other day I lost something because the velcro doesn't stay closed anymore. I think this might fall under "necessities," I could have just carried everything in a grocery bag but eh.
-
I bought 2 spiral notebooks, and a pack of 2 pens, notebooks were on sale buy one get one free. This was needed for work, but it was still new. Back on the used wagon!
-
My flip flops died so I bought myself a new pair at Marshall's for $15. They are fancier flip flops so I can get away with wearing them as dress shoes. Also bought 2 new bras at Marshall's, and threw out 2 old raggedy ones (I am not on board with buying used bras, so that was unavoidable). The shoes were a splurge, but since we still have 2 months of summery weather, and they are high enough quality to last through all of next summer, i thought it was worth it.
-
Update: Target no longer has the canning jars, and they are extremely expensive at Amazon due to shipping costs. As far as I can tell, I am out of luck until next year. I'll have to use up the goodies in the 12 jars I have first!
-
I've been lurking on MMM for over a year now, and have decided to give the Compact my efforts.
I am no stranger to buying used, my Grandmother took me to thrift stores throughout my childhood and my mom volunteers in one in her hometown. I tend to buy used at consignment/thrift shops/Craigslist, but also new at shmancy places like REI, and the new stuff really adds up over time. I am the shopper in our household for myself, my husband (who hates to shop and is truly Mustachian) and my 2 kids, ages 10 and 7. We really are overflowing with abundance and I'm trying to trim our budget in every way possible so my DH can fully retire in 5 years (I "retired" from teaching 7 years ago when my second child was born and have no plans to go back to work full time, although I was tutoring for a while and may start substitute teaching this school year).
We also have chickens, a garden and fruit trees, but unfortunately no extra for canning this summer. We've been out of town a lot and my garden has suffered due to under watering.
Sorry for the long-winded intro, but I really want to do this (and become less of a consumer in general) and look forward to the support of this awesome community.
-
Welcome!
-
Like Katnina, my shoes died! I was in the city and had to walk barefoot quite a way, but the road was clean. So, no problem. They were extremely comfortable shoes, so I'm a bit sad. On the other hand, it means I have one fewer pair of shoes in my house!
-
Have decided to knit slippers for my friends for Christmas (see Homemade Christmas 2013 thread) and don't have enough yarn in my stash to make enough pairs for all my friends, so I bought some from people who are de-stashing on e-bay. Not technically used, but pre-owned ;).
Also bought a cotton sweater on ebay for 99c plus free shipping, going to attempt to recycle the yarn from it to make booties for my friends' new babies!
-
Have decided to knit slippers for my friends for Christmas (see Homemade Christmas 2013 thread) and don't have enough yarn in my stash to make enough pairs for all my friends, so I bought some from people who are de-stashing on e-bay. Not technically used, but pre-owned ;).
Also bought a cotton sweater on ebay for 99c plus free shipping, going to attempt to recycle the yarn from it to make booties for my friends' new babies!
I'll have to peruse ebay for de-stashing folks! Thank you for the tip.
Along the same lines, I was thinking about getting a multi-colored wool sweater to felt. After I felted, I would then cut the sweater into squares or circles to make coasters. Would this even work? I made up parts of this plan, so it's completely untested. I wonder if the felted pieces would unravel or not?
A related idea is to knit coaster shapes using up odds and ends of yarn and make abstract designs by mixing up the colors. Then, I'd felt and the colors would blend together. I could wrap these with twine and add a cute tag. Voila.
-
^^ yes, will work as long as the sweaters are 100% wool & therefore feltable. any cotton or synthetic fibers mixed in & they won't felt.
Good luck!!! would love to see how they turn out.
-
^^ yes, will work as long as the sweaters are 100% wool & therefore feltable. any cotton or synthetic fibers mixed in & they won't felt.
Good luck!!! would love to see how they turn out.
I went to the thrift store. Although I did not buy anything, I am thinking a good strategy is to purchase XL woolen sweaters. They offer more fabric without being that much more expensive than the smaller sizes. I wanted multi-colored and found too many solids so I did not get anything. I'll look around some more, but I might end up using up some old wool yarn instead.
-
Just an update... I'm still sticking to the plan....haven't bought any new clothes etc this year ( apart from the 2 bras). I've lost a few kilos so a few more outfits are available. Nothing is too big to wear anymore yet (dang!), but the trousers of one of my suits are pretty baggy ( might think about either a belt or seeing if I can take them in somehow). I had a brand new pair of trousers - unworn just needed taking up and finally got around to doing that. I've cleared out some stuff I don't like and will never wear again. Its all quite simple really. I've got into the groove and I like knowing the extent of my clothing options. I tend to wear the same things over and over in any case. Some of my work clothes are looking a bit worn, but I'm improvising/persisting. At my slow rate of weight loss I've probably got enough reasonable clothes in diminishing sizes to keep me going for another 6 months or so at least. Once I hit a certain weight though I will have very little...but its a way off yet.
This really is a weirdly exhilarating experiment!
-
It is a good time to update. Aside from the sunglasses, I am still on track too. I have had some temptation with regard to clothes particularly since a good bit of my clothes aren't fitting very well. But I have held strong and have not made any purchases!
My kitchen is currently under construction (my one exception to this project), so my overall spending is not down. But I can only imagine my spending if I had not been doing this!! I know I have been tempted to buy kitchen-related items not essential to the remodel and having made this pledge has helped me successfully resist the temptation.
-
Hey good work! A few times I have found myself about to buy nonessential household items in compensation for not buying clothes...I resisted too.
-
Oh my gods I failed so hard at this one. Are we resurrecting for 2014?
-
This reminds me...I've been shopping for Christmas gifts. I opted for Shutterfly books for the Grandparents ... which is technically something new. So I sort of failed there. But for other family I've been looking at some string art projects on pinterest. I have plenty of old weathered wood and nails, and I bought a bunch of string at the second hand store. If anyone is struggling for homemade gift ideas ... check it out! So cool. I'm also going to make one for my little peanut's nursery (estimated arrival: February 21).
-
For Christmas gifts, I'm making two kinds of homemade hot cocoa mix (one salted caramel, the other malted milk hot cocoa) and I think I'm also going to make some flavored butter too. I bought a couple amazon gift cards for my nephews since I'll be with them on Christmas morning.
Oh my gods I failed so hard at this one. Are we resurrecting for 2014?
Re: 2014-- I'm trying to decide whether to join the 2014 no clothes challenge someone else started here. I'm not sure if I want to continue the compact with regard to non-clothing purchases too. I have some purchases I would like to make new in 2014-- for example, my lone set of sheets is getting holes in them and is now discolored due to a recent incident with a red tee shirt that I received at a recent volunteer gig.
What are others thinking about whether to continue this?
-
I would continue it if you all want. Except, I really REALLY need some new socks and underthings. Been putting it off until January 1st because of this gauntlet. And the original exceptions I had, food, fuel, project completion items.
-
You are allowed to modify it. It's your life!
I did a no clothes challenge for 8 months. Since I want to do all of 2014 without buying clothes, I bought a few at the end of December (knew I would need new shoes, some sweaters, and a winter coat that isn't falling apart). So, I did it for 8 months, stopped, and am starting up again.
As far as clothes go, I'll be starting 2014 in good shape. I am buying socks and underwear on an as needed basis in 2014. I don't really want to buy them ahead just to say I did not buy them in 2014. =-)
-
I'm in then. This forum is so awesome, and these gauntlets are so helpful!