Ginevra Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 The "rules" of this challenge are self-defined. Anyone can join in at any time. The aim of the challenge (for me) is to combat consumerism, wastefulness, mindless buying, and overspending. It is meant to nurture creative problem solving, ecology, frugality, intentionalism, and resourcefulness. To support these goals, I seek to buy nothing new. I aim to use existing resources, borrow, hand-craft, and buy existing second-hand materials to the greatest extent possible. However, I recognize that life is unpredictable, and family life increases this factor exponentially, so I will buy new in the following cases, when a non-buying option does not present: Food, health, and necessary household goods excluded. Requirements for school, work, or health and well-being which cannot be obtained used. Gifts, when a creative non-commercial option will not suffice. Anything animal or gardening related that cannot be obtained used. Fuel/energy sources. Posts will appear each Saturday, referring to the week that is ending. Post your successes, creative solutions, relapses and weak moments. It doesn't matter if you have a weak moment! Just keep swimming! Okay all! Well, for Black Friday, I did go out for gifts and there will be a lot of buying over these next few weeks. I also have my youngest's birthday coming up this week, so there will be some buying for that. I bought some new clothes for both boys. Paid for haircuts for all the kids. I subscribed to Clickin Moms. (What a great site, btw!) Went to the dentist for a check-up, but did just get a call-back that I show a cavity on the X-rays. :closedeyes: Not super pleased about that. Also went with DD out to see the last Hunger Games installment. (Not a great movie in and of itself. Finished the series, that's about it.) Bought a couple books on photography. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Yeah, I'm not going to post about gift purchases in the next few weeks. It's just part of the season and we plan for it. We're not extravagant gift givers so I'm cool with our level of spending on Christmas. Dh and I saw the latest Hunger Games movie and I enjoyed it...maybe because it was finally the last one, or maybe because the popcorn was extra good. In any case, I had enough points on my movie reward card to cover admission and snacks- free date night! I spent about $15 for some holiday craft kits and enough candy to make Christmas countdown things for the four grandkids. The craft stuff will give dd a break so it's as much treat for her as it is the kids. Thanks to Joann Fabrics having an early sale, I was able to get it all half off on Tuesday. No Black Friday shopping unless you count the maple syrup I bought from a friend. Her husband makes it the old fashioned way and it's delicious. And it's a nice local gift to tuck into gift baskets for my extended family. You know how you get a bad feeling sometimes and brush it off as just a silly thing? Wednesday I mailed the above mentioned crafts and candy to my dd, along with a beautiful quilt I made for my middle granddaughter. I had a weird feeling about mailing it but just decided that I was being weird because this quilt was a pretty spectacular one for a kid. I insured it and sent it off. It was supposed to be delivered today and when dd didn't mention it arriving, I looked it up. Two days ago it was scanned in Chicago at 5 AM and nothing since...and dd lives in Florida. I almost didn't insure it- the extra $3.50 is now looking like it might have been a good investment. However, it's not something I can just go out and replace. I hope it arrives quickly but this is making me pretty nervous. I mention it because I've never had a package lost and almost let my frugality keep me from insuring it. Who got great Black Friday deals? I'm not motivated enough to get out and shop but I like hearing what other people found. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Oh, I pray that package shows up shortly! I will say, I have had instances where something took a strange detour and went elsewhere for a while, but it still got sorted out and wound up in the right place. Hopefully, that will be the case with your gift! I did get a great deal for DS16 that I thought I was going to miss out on. I don't even want to say actual dollars because I think it is embarrassing! But anyway, his main thing he wants for Christmas is going to be almost all he gets and he says he is fine with this. It's a gaming system. Target had this gaming system on Black Friday for $100 off the usual price. Wow! But I'm not a stand-in-line-at-5:00am-and-trample-people Black Friday shopper, so when I did finally mosey around to Target, the electronics clerk chuckled and said, "No, those were sold out in ten minutes this morning." Oh, bummer. But I went to a gaming store when I was finished at Target, figuring it is bound to be on sale, even if it isn't as good a sale. So, a huge banner above the store entrance says they have this gaming system at the same price Target was offering! What?! I think, "Okay, so they are probably long gone, though." It was 11:00am by this time. I asked. They had it! Weeeee! I still got a deal on it and didn't have the outta stock issue there. I did think to myself with a slight grimace that I would not normally be so happy to drop $$$ like that. :001_rolleyes: I still haven't dealt with what DD wants because I don't know what I need to do to provide it. The car she drives is a 1992 Taurus. The radio is psychotic and unplayable. She wants a solution for this, but I'm not sure what the solution *is*. So I need to do a little research into that, I guess. Ideally, she would like to be able to play her iTunes through the car stereo, but I don't know if something can be attached to make that happen or if the only way this can be done is replacing the entire radio system. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Quill, before giving an update, I want to thank you for maintaining this thread throughout the year. It was a great idea and I appreciate that you have perpetuated the momentum. My head has been reeling over the whole Christmas thing, then I realized that I really don't give that many gifts anymore. I think the key difference is that I usually sew and knit a number of gifts. I just have not done that this year. But when I thought about some items acquired in my travels, I realized I don't have that much to buy. Whew! I am not a Black Friday shopper but I did go out this year. My son, who lives in work clothes like the Carhartt brand, pointed out that there were some Black Friday sales at Tractor Supply. Scrutinizing the ad, I saw that Muck Boots were on sale--30% off. I wanted to buy a pair for the woman I call my "adopted" daughter so this worked out well. Unfortunately there were no flannel shirts in my son's size. He is a lanky, skinny guy who wears a small. He wanted a Schmidt flannel shirt--they don't even make smalls! The Tractor Supply inventory had a couple of mediums, most large and then some. At home he and I scanned Sierra Trading's website for flannel shirts. I did end up ordering one for him as well as some underwear--how's that for an exciting Christmas gift? Back to the Muck boots: someone else had mentioned them in the Black Friday thread. I pointed out to a fellow boardie that she could order some off the company website. She did today and told us that she saved $20. Job well done me? Today we (son is home!) had lunch out and wandered in and out of some local businesses in nearby city's business district. I helped the local economy in more ways than one. Everything I purchased was made in NC--or Italy. Dear Lad who is a minimalist saw a handmade wallet (stitched in NC) that he really liked. Buying for a minimalist is tricky so I jumped on this! When buying from small businesses or local providers, I am not really looking for deals. This time of year, I struggle to buy obligatory gifts for people who already have too much. My solution is to balance this by giving gifts to those who lack and by giving my time to kids in my community. Nonetheless, it is a struggle. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Well today was dd1's birthday party.... Need I say more??? Got a couple Black Friday things today while at Walmart (just pjs and a movie for dd2). Otherwise not much out of the ordinary. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Quill, before giving an update, I want to thank you for maintaining this thread throughout the year. It was a great idea and I appreciate that you have perpetuated the momentum. Awww, thank you for your kind words. :001_smile: I have enjoyed it and would be happy to continue through 2016 if people want to continue. It helps me stay on track and I am often inspired by the great ideas people have come up with in this thread. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 I would love for it to continue. I go through spells of working on frugality and at other times I don't focus on it- so keeping the thread going would help me. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knoxinsox Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Yes, the thread has been very motivating for me, although I have not commented on it so far. In the last couple of weeks since we moved, I only purchased a cheap Christmas tree online with money that was in my Paypal account. I have money for some new furniture, lamps, a new doormat, etc sitting in the bank account, but I haven't purchased anything yet. We're using camp chairs in the living room. Making do and looking for the best deal...and no, we are not hurting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Has it been a week already? I don't think I bought anything but food and water. Today I did the food shopping, and I bought some fabric dye and brushes to paint the sheets I'm recycling for Luna's crib. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hikin' Mama Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 For the first time in my 48 years, I went shopping on Black Friday. I had a running date with my awesome running friend on Sat. morning, but the path we run was going to be icy. I went to Costco and bought a pair of SnowTrax at Costco for $10. They worked so well on Saturday morning that I went back and bought two more pair, because I knew when it came time to replace them, I wouldn't be able to find them. We ran 9 miles in 5 degree weather, but this is the only way I can keep SAD at bay during the winter months. Fortunately, I have a friend that enjoys it as much as I do. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 For the first time in my 48 years, I went shopping on Black Friday. I had a running date with my awesome running friend on Sat. morning, but the path we run was going to be icy. I went to Costco and bought a pair of SnowTrax at Costco for $10. They worked so well on Saturday morning that I went back and bought two more pair, because I knew when it came time to replace them, I wouldn't be able to find them. We ran 9 miles in 5 degree weather, but this is the only way I can keep SAD at bay during the winter months. Fortunately, I have a friend that enjoys it as much as I do. Cold weather was the death of my running program. I think I am a sissy. :D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Yesterday dh and I bought a mattress to replace our 11?12? year old mattress. We finally bought a Sleep Number after trying them (b&bs, hotels) for years and years and years. Dh and I have a fundamental disagreement over what constitutes a comfortable mattress ;) We did some Christmas shopping as well. We've been very good at intentional shopping (and eating and exercising, too) this year :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Christmas cards ordered from Shutterfly today. We may be dinosaurs in that we continue to send cards and enjoy receiving them. I write a note/letter with most. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 It always occurs to me that this thread has evolved beyond "Nothing New/Mindful Spending" to a "Rethinking the Consumer Culture" theme. We have seen posters avoid spending for various reasons and prioritize their own wants/desires away from stuff. Cheers to my mindful friends! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 (edited) This time of year is tricky. There are a few doo-dads I've bought that normally I'd pass up, but they make good stocking stuffers. We don't go overboard at Christmas, but I also don't want it to be pathetic so we are spending more than we normally do throughout the year--as are most people. Most of the doo-dads I've picked up are useful things like de-icer for the car windows, or a big pack of chapstick. The big thing is that the flash on my camera broke and I need a new one. Part of me wants to say, "Eh, just wait until later to buy it" because there's a strain on our finances at Christmas....but it's also cyber Monday tomorrow so I should probably get it now if it goes on sale. The flashes are normally $250-$300, but I can get a non-Nikon brand flash for $90 that gets super good reviews. If it goes on sale tomorrow, that'll be even better. If it doesn't go on sale, then I can wait until later to get it. So...spending a bit more than usual around here for Christmas, plus possibly spending to replace a broken piece of equipment. Edited November 29, 2015 by Garga 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Garga, we also spend more at Christmas buying things we don't normally buy. I buy dh a can of whole cashews- he loves them but we spurge at Christmas and keep it in check at other times. We look forward to relaxing and cutting a little loose at Christmas (aren't we wild? A can of cashews!). We spend some money to help us create Christmas traditions, whether it's a trip to the Christkindlmarket or ingredients to bake holiday cookies. Things you mentioned are so useful- I think that everything you mentioned falls into the mindful spending category. It can be a tricky time for spending but it sounds like you've got it under control. Go Garga! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Christmas cards ordered from Shutterfly today. We may be dinosaurs in that we continue to send cards and enjoy receiving them. I write a note/letter with most. I ordered mine from Shutterfly today, too! I'm sure you had a coupon code. Mine was 40% off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 The big thing is that the flash on my camera broke and I need a new one. Part of me wants to say, "Eh, just wait until later to buy it" because there's a strain on our finances at Christmas....but it's also cyber Monday tomorrow so I should probably get it now if it goes on sale. The flashes are normally $250-$300, but I can get a non-Nikon brand flash for $90 that gets super good reviews. If it goes on sale tomorrow, that'll be even better. If it doesn't go on sale, then I can wait until later to get it. What flash is it, Garga? My flash is broken, too, although I doubt I will buy a replacement tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 What flash is it, Garga? My flash is broken, too, although I doubt I will buy a replacement tomorrow. I'm looking at this one. 90% of the reviews are a 4 or 5 on Amazon. And for the 1, 2, and 3 reviews, if there was any problem with the flash the people who sold it wrote back to the person and often offered to replace it. http://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Flash-NIKON-D7100/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448835083&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+d5100+flash+speedlight 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 I used shop your way surprise points for a throw blanket and play dough for the girls, nothing better than free Christmas gifts :) I have to pick them up at 2 different stores tomorrow (play dough will be on my way back from nursing orientation and the throw I will get after dh goes to work (taking dd2 with me)) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Hello from Las Vegas! I tagged along with a friend who was bringing an international tourist for a quick look at the western US. I always knew I'd bring the kids out here someday, so I figured this was a great way to do it, on a long weekend when it isn't scorching hot. (It's actually cold here - I didn't realize Vegas had cold winters.) FTR I have not gambled in the 4 days we've been here. However, on a 6-mile walk up & down the strip, we did drop some money in the M&M's and Hershey's stores. And food isn't as cheap as I remember it being the last 2 times I was in Vegas. The buffets include alcohol, which I don't drink, so that is kinda dumb. We did go to one show. My friend rented a car and we drove to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon and back (first time I saw snow there). The cost to get into the Grand Canyon National Park was $30 for the car, which they would have paid whether we were there or not. If I had been driving the kids myself, I would have been bummed that I didn't go online and get their Every Kid in a Park pass yet (4th graders and one "guest" per kid can get in free). But in this case, it didn't matter. I did wish it was not quite so cold, as the kids didn't find it as awesome as they might have if they weren't freezing. But then again, if we'd come in the summer, it would have been super hot in LV etc. I just hope they got something out of it. The next day we drove to LA. We decided to go to Universal Studios instead of Disneyland, since the kids agreed they'd rather do something new and different (they've been to Disney World twice). The cost per person was $99 I think. Inside, I allowed each kid to buy 1 item from the Harry Potter store, so that cost me about $25. I wasn't expecting this to be a cheap trip, but renting the car and going as a group made it reasonable, considering we were going to do this sooner or later anyway. Now I can mark it off my list of things to do. :) Before we left, I pushed the button on my Amazon Christmas / birthday / school clothes / coffee / snack order, which totaled slightly under $1,000. That is within the norm for how much I spend on the holiday, so as long as I don't keep buying, it should be fine. I included some pajamas for me, because I'm down to the last pair of bottoms and I wear them most of the time at home. I hope they are comfy. :) The upcoming week should be fairly quiet as far as spending goes. Unless I'm forgetting something. :P 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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