She Hath Done What She Could in the Home

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Use it Up Challenge

I named the month of October "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without" month for me on my Instagram.  I would say I have just done "alright"in all areas.  Pretty mediocre for sure.  I've done the best in groceries, only purchased produce and must need items for meals. But I'm thinking and pondering and my mind is going 100 miles an hour.  

I started to read this book "To Buy or Not to Buy" by April Lane Benson. You might want to check out her website Shopaholicnomore.


I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who loves shopping. I will say, it's a hard read! (and I'm only on chapter 3!) Get ready to do some soul searching. Get ready to read hard things that describe you to a "T"!  I'm not kidding. It's a great book - pretty therapeutic actually.  There are journal exercises you do along with the book, so I'm taking it slow and digesting it all as I go.  So far the book has talked about emotions associated with shopping, why do you shop, triggers for when you shop and hard questions like "how do you want to be remembered?" and "do your values line up with your shopping habits?"  Ouch.

So for my progress, I've done much better this month.  I've found my triggers (or I always knew but just reminded myself) are sales and coupons.  I can be sold on anything if it's a good sale!  I NEED it more if it's on sale!  So I'm not looking at any sale ads or opening retailers emails.  Still, I have purchased things and have convinced myself they were "staple" items that have been on my list for months (and they were but still............come on!)

Obviously, I NEED nothing. I can be clothed for a long time to come. I'm working on putting time into more valuable things like Bible study and prayer.  I'm doing a devotional with some Instagram friends and we are helping each other along.  I'd invite anyone to email me, comment below or on my Instagram if you want to join in the daily devotional we are following on You Version.

I'd love to hear any comments on your progress or tips via the blog or my Instagram feed! 



2 comments:

  1. whoa, this sounds like a book you absolutely need to be in the right frame of mind to read
    I might try it after Christmas LOL
    Brett

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  2. I recommend the blog, Daily Connoisseur. This woman advocates the 10 item wardrobe, which she learned while living in Paris. I have drastically cut down on what purchases I have made and cut my wardrobe about 1/3. The author also has a book, Madam Chic, What I Learned While Living in Paris, which comments on many American habits including snacking, buying clothes and other knick knacks, and other low quality living issues. I think these references will help you on your journey. I am going to check out the book you recommended. I hope you are doing a bit better everyday after the death of your father. Take Care

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