NOT BUYING IT! 2015 - A consumer holiday

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone - all this talk of Christmas is getting me in the festive mood

I've had a lot of work on recently which has been quite intense but it's definitely worth it as all of the money is going to help pay off our holiday to Iceland in May! I will be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day too.

DH and I have got a nice cheap dinners week planned as we picked up a lot of reduced bargains last night at Sainsbobs, although we have an Ald! opening up just down the road tomorrow so I will have to have a look in there at some point this week.

It's my birthday in a couple of weeks time and I'm going to have a jam packed week of activities which is looking fun including bowling and dinner with work friends, go karting and dinner with uni friends (both paid for from competition wins), seeing relatives and hopefully seeking in a zoo visit at some point too!

Hope everyone is well

DuranGirl

I'm not sure whether it's just me, but since I've set myself the challenge of not buying any new clothes, etc, I've completely lost interest in shopping! I hadn't been a huge fan for a while now, but what with restricting my purchases combined with decluttering, I just don't want to know! I've also subscribed to a number of minimalist blogs, which have really made me think. I'm enjoying making use of what I already have, as well as spending time and sharing experiences with my nearest and dearest instead. Just an observation really

[Deleted User]

Durangirl great isn't it, and so liberating ,not being tied to the treadmill of trailing around the shops.I now food shop at most twice a month if I can and apart from that I stay firmly away from the shops like the plague.I find I have more time to do the things I really like doing instead

bexster1975

Hello

I would agree Durangirl. In fact it's been so long for me now that when I see the full price of stuff I think I will go without at that price! If I want something new I look for something " new to me" car boot sales, charity shop, swaps with a friend, freecycle or make something new from something I have already that has served its purpose.

It also frees up lots of time to do important things/ things you want to do.

Bexster

ETA: sorry Jackie, just read the end of your post and you were saying the same about more time ( wasn't just repeating you, honest)

DuranGirl

I suppose I've felt like it for some time, and doing the challenge has just made me even more aware. I've never really understood people who list "shopping" as a hobby. We've just had one of our out-of-town shopping parks redeveloped and when I drive past and see the car parks absolutely rammed, it just makes me feel sad. I have no interest in it at all now. I know everyone's different, but it just doesn't float my boat.

Siebrie

I don't enjoy shopping as such, but will go window shopping and browsing with friends, not only for the company, but also as 'reconnaissance' ventures If I do need something, I know where it is, and what price to expect to pay. I'm not following fashion, but enjoy seeing new developments, and start the creative processes of new combinations, gifts for children and teenagers growing up in these times, etc.

Bathory

Apart from food shopping/planning which we all need to do, I also detest shopping nowadays - its so boring. The Christmas rush however, is well under way here. The city that I have just spent 6 months working in has got so hellishly packed to the rafters that in a way I'm glad to be out of it. I hope that my next job is somewhere a little quieter.

I wasn't always frugal as I did go through a spell of madness once. In a much higher paying job I got into the trap of spending more. Loved nothing better than going out at lunch time browsing round the designer cosmetic counters as well as purchasing clothes and wine. Not as treats mind you but as an almost weekly habit. That job, and the commuting to and from it, caused such stress that I'd easily polish off a bottle of plonk in an evening just to temporarily blot out the world. It took redundancy 5 years ago to shape me back up and not long after I discovered the moneysaving experts forums which I wished I'd come across earlier. I'm glad to be off the 'hamster wheel of consumerism' and to be happier in less stressful (if lower paid) work since.

DuranGirl

Bathory wrote: »

I'm glad to be off the 'hamster wheel of consumerism' .

That's so true! I still love giving gifts, so I guess I'm still on the wheel a little bit, but now it's from the comfort of my sofa through more independent outlets and individual crafters, rather than trudging round the chain stores. I have absolutely no desire to buy anything for myself. I had a little "frock and shoe" splurge at the end of last year, but there is no need whatsoever for any more clothes for some time to come. And as I declutter, I feel lighter and lighter.

[Deleted User]

My eldest DD and her OH are shopaholics and shop as a pastime.They go to New York twice a year and buy most of their clothes there,but also shop in this country as well.They have a caravan at Deal where they go during the summer and even drive into Ashford outlet centre to buy even more stuff. Its great when she is discarding handbags as I nearly always end up with one of hers, she also gives some to her more hard up sister bless her.You really wouldn't believe the amount of perfume she owns either .Her and her OH both do high pressure jobs and earn very good incomes
between them, just as well I guess.But I am never one to turn down anything and her younger sister just doesn't have that sort of income plus she has four growing sons who make her cash disappear
The eldest is a good lass however and will happily donate unwanted stuff to either myself or her sister.

I have just looked on my shopping list of essentials and I know I can last until Saturday before I need to shop :j:j

Bathory

I've just remembered that it was around this time last year my OH had a delivery job on and had to be in the city for 5am. He said it was busy and didn't understand why until it dawned on him that it was Black Friday. People were out waiting for the shops to open in the cold and dark. Each to their own but I couldn't imagine doing that.

Its absolutely chucking it down here so don't think there will be much going on with Guy Fawkes tonight. I use to love making toffee apples at this time of year but for the sake of our teeth I decided to stop. :D