Once Again, It's No Spending January

Tempting

Once again we enter the No Spending Days of January. The last couple of months were shopping time. I spent a day at the mall in Lake George, time in local stores and probably the equivalent of a day browsing the computer. I bought myself a needed flannel shirt at the mall, a very discounted dress on line and three pins at a great second hand store in Saratoga. There were probably a few other odds and ends, but that's the most of my shopping that wasn't gifts. All other shopping, especially the day at the computer, went to other people. I feel that I have no more interest in buying things ever, but I know that if I didn't draw a hard line on January 1, I probably would have brought home a few Valentines along with my groceries. 

But it's January and I'm going to inventory the Valentines I have left from years past before more cards come into the house. I'm going to go through my drawers before more long sleeve t-shirts arrive in my mail box. I'm going to think twice (or three times) before the new nightgown I've been keeping my eye on is actually ordered. My rules for No Spending January are simple: no new things, which includes clothes, books, household items -- except cleaning supplies -- and all the miscellaneous that is just so easy to buy. I will pick up a prescription tomorrow, but while I'm at the pharmacy no half-price holiday decorations will also come home with me. 

There are exceptions besides cleaning supplies, notably food. But I'm going to track my grocery spending this month to get a baseline for the year and I'm going to be more aware of my eating out expenditures. "Experiences" are also not included. I'm thinking of movies, theater and travel, in January and the future. 

I do have one "thing" that I am exempting from No Spending, a very cute decorative penguin I saw in December. It was a little pricy, but if it's still in the store and if it's in the ten dollar range, my penguin friend will be coming home with me. This isn't an impulse purchase. I've been thinking about it for a month. 

Anyone else joining me?

Despite the freezing (literally) weather in New York City, the beginning of the year is off to a good start. I've been to the gym, spent time with friends, walked 7+ miles and saw a movie that I liked very much today, The Choral. Tomorrow is a "catch up" day, and I plan to read, do some walking, and  catch up on blog and Instagram comments. What are your Sunday plans? 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy.