October - a month of challenges

In honour of spring I've decided to try and be a more regular blogger and to get some order and routine into my life. To help make this happen I'm undertaking not one but two challenges this month. Maybe a little too much at once but we'll see.

The first challenge is one I participated in two years ago, Buy Nothing New month. Back then I did a little too much op shopping, so I'll try to curb that little addiction this time round.
It's pretty simple, just buy nothing new for the month of October, except of course food and essentials. One could and should adopt this way of thinking for ever.  When you consider the amount of stuff that most of us acquire it's not a bad way of living. If you click on this Link you'll find out all about the challenge. Go on, join in, it should be fun.

The second challenge is going to require a lot more commitment and dedication on my behalf, as I've set myself a 30 Day Yoga challenge. Yep I've committed myself to practicing yoga and some meditation everyday for 30 days.  My hope is that I will continue with this regular practice after the 30 days is over.

It's day four today, so far so good, the only problem I have is three furry friends who insist on wanting to join in!

Tana the Downward Facing Dog

 Wish me luck with my challenges. My plan is to post updates to keep me on track.

Cheers till next time

Lisa

Buy Nothing New Month - final update

This is the first year I've participated, as I rarely buy new things that part was easy. The challenge I set for myself was to buy nothing unnecessary for the month, this is where I came a little unstuck. As I mentioned in my previous post I needed supplies for the garden, all for food production, so extra compost, potting mix and mulch was purchased. Oh and a few seedlings, all grown from saved seeds or cuttings. I felt justified that this was OK, I wasn't buying cheap imported unnecessary stuff, that would either fall apart after wearing a few times, be out of fashion next season or break. Did I bend the rules?

Buying nothing unnecessary was a little more difficult, I tried my best but fell down in the final weeks. Blame it on a funky looking garage sale on the way to the organic markets. Normally I don't bother with garage sales however this one had so much wonderful looking stuff we couldn't resist. Then there was the quick stop at the local Lifeline shop on the way home, again I couldn't help myself. Actually I did restrain myself, there were heaps of things that I liked but didn't purchase.

Anyway this is my little stash for the month, some unnecessary but all secondhand.

I can hear you already, not more sewing patterns and vintage sheets

Two genuine vintage shirts

I didn't take photos of the never used expanding bamboo trellis or the three brand new fowlers preserving jars.

Tony and I are on a savings mission at the moment, he's given up junk food for a month (I know, one of my pet hates) and I'm really trying to not spend at all. I'll definitely be joining in Buy Nothing New Month next year, actually I'll just keep going in the same vein till then.

Hope you have a great day

Cheers Lisa

Buy Nothing New - week 3 update

Gosh we're into week three already of Buy Nothing New Month and to be honest it's been fairly easy. The only new non food items I've purchased have been seedlings, mulch and some compost, I just cannot make enough of the stuff to replenish my no-dig garden beds. As its all for food production and necessary I'm allowing it....here we go, making up my own rules :'}

There are a couple of items that I am almost tempted to buy because they are kind of necessary, a new battery charger for my camera, inserts for my bike helmet, oh and a very belated birthday present for my nephew. OK not really necessary I guess. I did however received a Visa gift card recently for doing an online training course, maybe I can use that to get my nephew a gift. At 11 years of age I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate knitted face clothes and soap...lol.

Even in the kitchen second hand is best

After the month is up I aim to continue in this no spending mode. I know it will be tuff avoiding the op shops and markets, goodness knows I don't need anymore stuff no matter how useful or beautiful it may be. Perhaps if I've been good I'll allow myself a little treat and have a once a month nosey.

Did you join in, how are you fairing?

Cheers Lisa

Buy Nothing New Month

After my recent spending sprees (all secondhand mind you) I remembered that I wanted to join in this years Buy Nothing New Month . Whilst buying nothing new will be easy, I'm challenging myself to buy nothing unnecessary. No more op shops or markets for me this month.....eeek!!

Come on, join in, you could even win a prize and you'll feel better for doing it.

Cheers Lisa