27 Jan 2012
06:01:00

3 months of no shopping: Week 1

Last week I made the resolution to give up all non-essential shopping for three months - here's how I fared in the first week...

It's always like this, isn't it? As soon as you decide to give something up, all manner of temptations are sent to test you. 

While my weekly grocery shop didn't present any major problems (I managed to avoid looking too hard at new 'Finest' range of ready meals Pick n Pay has brought out - have you tried any yet? So amazing!), unfortunately the fact that my job entails spending all day, every day, online, and often looking at fashion and beauty products, is clearly going to be an ongoing challenge.

Things that have been sent to tempt me this week

Firstly, Diligo.co.za is having a R250-or-less sale and how adorable is this dress? I am such a sucker for a nautical theme. 

36Boutiques.com is also having a sale. Unfortunately viewing the sale items steered me in the direction of these Melissa shoes - I want, I want! But they're R505 and I already own like 15 pairs of ballet pumps, so definitely NOT a necessary purchase. Sigh.

 

Cheats this week

Not technically essential, but I bought a gift for a friend whose birthday was this week. Since it wasn't for me though, I don't think it counts. 

The birthday girl in question invited us out for dinner to a sushi restaurant. This poses a conundrum: I have to eat, so that's definitely a non-negotiable expense. But the prospect of forgoing my glass of wine with dinner every time I go out is definitely going to test my resolve. This will be an ongoing challenge as eating out is probably my biggest non-essential expense. I just love me a good dinner at a restaurant. Must find alternatives.

Overall though, a successful first week. But it's always like that, isn't it? I'm sure the longer I go without getting my shopping fix, the harder it will become. Good luck to me!

P.S. I didn't actually cut up my credit card, as the picture suggests.