I'm proud to announce that none of these cute Christmas objects came home with me.
I'm hopeful that no "things" come home with me in January, because once again it's No Spending January. For recent citizens of Buttercupland No Spending January is just that, no spending on "things," which I define as things of permanence -- see Ugly Sweater Cookie Kit above -- or things that are less permanent, like makeup or shampoo.
While I've done a number of No Spending January months in the past, my last one was in 2020. I was especially careful then and cut down on eating lunches and snacks in restaurants. I had a number of travel plans for the year ahead (Ha!) and wanted to save up for special treats in Barcelona and Porto, Portugal and London. Alas, I didn't make it to any of those places, but don't regret saving money.
I was very tempted, but these yummies stayed at the store, too.
In 2021 I passed on No Spending January. It was pre-vaccination time and winter and there weren't as many things tempting me to overspend. This year I'm not out and about very much these days, and I'm well stocked in clothes, shampoo, and the general array of things. Though there are few things I need, I'm amazed that every day I'm tempted by at least a dozen emails and a vast array of things in store windows, grocery shopping or when I'm at the drugstore picking up a prescription.
At the same time I've launched a major decluttering campaign. I realize I've got more than enough of everything and don't want to bring more into my apartment. I'm participating in a "30 bags in 30 day" challenge and so far, I've decluttered 9 bags of discards. I'm really pleased with the results so far and excited about what the results will be on January 31. My biggest challenge is papers and I've got a pile to shred. I don't think I'll have my paperwork totally sorted by the end of the month, but I've got a great start.
Tomorrow morning a work crew will be here to start fixing the wall damaged by the pipe leak last month. I'm optimistic that this won't be a huge project, and they'll only be here for a few days of work. The wall has to be plastered and then painted, with a day or two to let the plaster dry. What's your excitement for the week?
I hope you've enjoyed our Pink Saturday post for this week. Is anyone else thinking of doing a No-Spending month or even a week?
As ever, thanks for visiting. Take care and keep cozy.
11 comments
Hello. Hubby and I are doing a "no-spend" January as well. We aren't buying any non-essentials or making any Amazon orders. I like the decluttering challenge as well, although I do declutter a bit throughout the year. Thanks for the inspiration. Have a great week!
Paper shredding! That's what I need to get back to. It's amazing how much we tend to hold on to. Does it really matter that I knew how much the electricity bill was twenty-five years ago!
You certainly do have a good start on decluttering. I've not shredded a thing yet, but also need to do so. I'm all about no spending this month. I don't need much of anything. I'd like something new to wear, but I can do without as I already have much to choose from. Hope the plaster repair work is quickly done. Have a wonderful new week !
Good luck on your declutter project. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.
Your header is so cute and colorful! What is this store you were in? You really have willpower, I would not have been able to leave with nothing! I need to do the decluttering!
I am using the WANTS vs NEEDS way of spending this year. If it's a need I will get it-if feasible. If it's a WANT I will leave it.
I, too, am on a declutter mission this year. I have not felt great so I haven't started yet.
Happy January, my friend. xo Diana
I really need to purge! I like your will power!
I do no spend months occasionally...only what I have to get.
Love love your blog as always.
As far as decluttering, I became a minimalist few years ago...nothing to declutter.
My eldest grand moved to Brooklyn Jan 1
Working for publisher in NYC...one of our favorite cities...I am hoping travel better for me in 2022...will be staying at one of our favorites downtown and get to see her...
No-spending January won't be happening here, I have already blown it:) We have out of town company coming to celebrate Christmas this weekend and I still had a few things to buy! Enjoy your day and I hope your workers will come and go quickly. HUGS!
Great job on saving and decluttering. It really does add up... both the money and the junk, and it's good to take stock and save money, and have space freed up.
Warm wishes.
~K.
p.s. good luck with the wall repair... hope it all goes well and is accomplished in record time :)
Decluttering is an ongoing project and like you, Carol, I have started (once again). We have a pile of items, including some holiday related ones, that will be going to a local donation center within the next couple of weeks. As for a no-spending month, I also have enough of the essentials including clothes and shampoo. I'm planning to cut down on grocery shopping by using up as many food items in the fridge, freezer and pantry before we leave for an extended Feb trip (traveling within the U.S.).
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