So things are going well. The holidays are upon us and it is amazing all the things that I think I needed but don't because it is no longer convinient to but it. I feel almost like I have gone back in time to when you had to do you shopping at specialty stores. If I need a toy I go to the toy store, it I need shampoo I go to the drug store, ect. And you know what because these stores are spread out and as a busy mother, my time is at a premium I really have to consider each purchase to see how badly I need it. Christmas will be a true test of my resolve. There are many things that will be tricky without access to a superstore... but hey How many mellinia did people have wonderful holidays and celebrations without them :?....

Day Two 9-17-2010

So two things today.
One, I had promised the kids a suprise when we got 12 days of scripture reading down on our chart. I thought of buying a new board game such as clue for us to play together as the suprise.
I then thought that I couldnt simply run to Walmart and buy it. Instead I went to our stuffed game closet and grabbed Monopoly Jr. We had a grand time and I thought about how I could have gone to Walmart spent 15- 20 dollars ( after grabbing something else I didnt know I needed and the game) and now there would be one more game stuffed in the cupboard. I also thought of taking better care of the monopoly money because it cannot easily be replaced... same went for the hair elastics in my girls hair...
Second I looked up how much I spent in August at Walmart and Target ( I do not remember anything in particular I bought there, thus it must not be bringing me a great amount of joy....)... Drum roll.....542.38!!!
Oh My..

Day One

So I am not telling my family or friends that I am doing this. I may not get very far and I don't want it to be chalked up to another crazy scheme of mine. But here is my idea, well actually first is how this idea came about.
I was sitting at the gym on an exercise bike enjoying another beautiful day in paradies. I picked up a magazinge and started reading about the plight of women in Congo. I felt the need to change.
I am and average American stay at home Mom. I love my kids and my husband. I love playing sports, I drive kids to various events, I love being with my sisteres, I enjoy laughing with friends, I love to bake... ect. In recent years, to this list of things that I love, sad to say I have added shopping. Not just once in a while shopping, but going to Target and or Walmart on sometimes a daily basis.
The other day I saw a friend walking into Walmart while I was checking out so I texted her and we joked each other about how much we are there. I am not an extravagant shopper, I dont wear brand name clothes, to me 50 dollars on a single item requires a lot of thought. However, looking back on my life, it is only in recent years that I have even had access to money to buy at the rate I do. My childhood was happy but I never had any money. At the beginning of my married life we were really poor students, but happy nonetheless. Over the years my husband and I have made more money, but it seems like our expednitures always kept ritght up with it.


More about why later if I don't just get straight to the point, I will not every lay it out.
Here is what I am endeavoring to do.
I am going to go a whole year with out shopping at Walmart, Target or K-mart. (all of the department stores around)
Exceptions to this are if my child requires something for shcool
and maybe for Christmas/birthday presents
I know this doesnt sound like much , I will see how it goes and maybe add other stores onto the list.

I want to revaluate my priorities and try to go back to a simpler time in my life.

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