January - My year of no buying

Not sure if it’s a complete failure or whether I’ve done absolutely brilliantly.  (Yeah, I know it’s only 20 ish days through the month). So far, I’ve bought absolutely nothing for myself but plenty for the mutts; new leads, halters and treats. I’m convincing myself that these things are essentials. They are, aren’t they? 

I think twice, maybe three times before I purchase, which is a good thing, isn’t it? And those sales! How have I resisted?

I just really need to pat myself on the back…I feel so virtuous! Mike would be so pleased with me. He'd be cheering me on from the sidelines yet secretly relieved that the bank account was looking healthier.  

My wardrobes are fit to bursting. I could wear different things every day for a year and still have clothes over.  Boxes under the bed filled with clothes. Bags in the garage and attic that need to be either sent to the charity shop, shoved on Vinted or remodelled. Eek… I don’t fancy their chances at being remodelled. My last attempt ended up in the bin. I had such high hopes. 

I did the weekly shop this week. Lidl first. I bought only what I truly needed, not what I might use. Then onto Sainsbury’s. It was probably the first time I actually shopped thoughtfully. I only bought what I intended. 

No extras. I didn’t even venture into the middle aisles.  I even impressed myself. 

Normally, I’d chuck anything I fancied  into the trolley without checking if I actually needed it, so to see any almost empty trolley was a bit of revelation. What do I actually need? I’m not only looking at whether I need those items but also how much they actually cost? The prices have rocketed over the last couple of years. I used to drink Koko milk. It was reasonable at £1.15 (or £1 on special) but now it’s around £1.85, so I’ve stopped buying it.  Heinz Baked Beans? £1.40 a tin? It’s supposed to be a basic, FFS!!  I managed to buy some Lidl brand Ristretto coffee pods. A bargain in comparison to Nesspressos!

Oh, I had to buy a new lid for the lavazza milk frother that Benny Poo had swiped off the counter top, that I needed for my morning Latte. Chewed to buggery! It was an essential otherwise how could I start my day?