blue artichoke

The Not Buying It project didn't get much attention because of the screwy Internet, but here's the wrap-up:

April
2 plastic under-the-bed rolling storage bins
1 pair of white sandals
1 oven mitt
1 plastic 2-cup liquid measuring cup
1 pair of black sandals

May
1 router
1 foam paint brush
1 sports bra

June
1 cardio heart monitor
1 pedometer

All the things I bought in April and May were replacing similar items that were broken or worn out. The June purchases were new items, so technically illegal purchases during Not Buying It. I justified the purchases because they were for my health. Shoot, I couldn't waste another month on aerobics videos that don't get my heart rate high enough. And all those extra steps I've taken because of the pedometer clipped to my waistband will surely add minutes to my life. All in all, I'm rather impressed with myself, though as it turns out, I didn't actually need the white sandals (haven't worn them all summer. I might try to return them.) or the oven mitt (the old, scorched one still had some life in it).

Since the conclusion of the project, though, I've been in a shopping twilight zone. I went straight out to Big Lots (one of my favorite bargain stores) ready to throw down some money. Though there were several things I could have bought, I talked myself out of everything but a $1 set of 4 small pool balls, to take with us to Cancun next year. The best luck I had was in Indianapolis, where I ducked into a TJ Maxx to cool off during my 9-mile hike around the city. (I knew it was 9 miles because of my fancy new pedometer). There was a sale and I walked away wearing a new pair of shorts and a belt, and carrying a new bathing suit and wrist weights. I've tried to take advantage of the sales on summer clothes, but I've talked myself out of every purchase. I even bought two new pairs of brown sandals and returned them both because they weren't all-purpose enough. I've never been a good shopper, but after the Not Buying It project, I'm much worse. I try to shop. I want to buy something. I find nice things. I talk myself out of most potential purchases.

Getting to Know All About You: Are you a browser or a stick-to-the-list shopper (grocery, clothes or other)?