nearing the end of a great challenge

Other than last night, I haven't written in a while. We were on holidays. I am helping at a VBS. I have been busy in the kitchen since we got home. The kids need me. The garden needs me. It's been busy adjusting back to life.


I am less than a month away from ending my no spending challenge. I am over half done my 30 for 30 clothing challenge. It's SOOOO good. It really hasn't been hard. I have hardly noticed the size of my wardrobe. Being on holidays was kind of like cheating- I only packed a certain number of things and wore them over and over. It was nice to come home to some more variety - but all that I had left behind was 2 dresses, 2 sweaters, a skirt, a shirt and a pair of capris. I don't even know if I will wear everything before August 15th. I have definatly learned to be more satisfied with what I have. I have learned the art of mixing and matching. I have learned to look at what I have in different lenses and how to add accessories to change things up. I have let go some of my pride, I have let go of my insecurities, I have let go of the time it can take to choose an outfit, and sort through the garbage to find what I want.  Its been fun.


I did break my no- spending rule on holidays. We bought the kids ice cream several times- YUM!!! We also bought the boys some books (my weakness) and some toys at a thrift shop. I bought myself one top and 2 silk scarves. I plan on using the scarves as part of a sewing project someday. Confession over- other than that $10, I have not spent anything on myself or the kids. Awesome eh! Again, I have learned to make due with what we have- to repurpose things we own.


I have mentioned that due to the no-spending rule, I have become more interested in the art of couponing. I am not like 'those' people you are thinking of, but I am learning to use the coupons that are out there. My husband was skeptical at first, thinking I was going to be buying things we didn't need just to use the coupon. To his joy I have easily passed over coupons for products that are not on my shopping list already. The last trip I took to Superstore, I did spend a lot of money. Original total was about $290, but I had $21 in coupons, and then $35 in store coupons and markdowns. And on top of that.... I scored a $25 gift card for Superstore. I was so excited!!!

When we got home from holidays I opened the mail to find all kinds of great coupons, and lots of bad ones too--- but this is another way that I will be learning to serve my family.