shopping

What do you REALLY need? 

The basics! Clean air, clean water, the right clothes for the seasons and conditions, good nutritious food and something constructive to occupy your time.

When I shop I like to stick to the same brands because they are tried and true for our family.  I do buy no name brands where it doesn't make a difference to the quality/taste.  That way you are shaving a few cents here and there and in the end it all adds up.  Every once in a while I'll try something different.  Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's not.

I take a list and stick to it!  The shops are full of marketing ploys just waiting to suck us into buying things we really don't need.

To supplement our groceries our family will be starting a vegetable patch.  

Clothes

I believe in practicality, durability and comfort.  I mix and match and sometimes don't match (when I'm home and know no one will be coming over!).  I cloth myself and my girls modestly.  I also believe that clothing should not be something that costs more than your groceries!  I WILL NOT spend over $20 for a t-shirt and $40 for jeans, no WAY.  I LOVE op-shopping and second hand clothing.  I'm teaching myself to sew and will one day make something for me.  Hopefully I'll get things that fit properly ;o) and save money! 

One obvious one for me is housekeeping.  I have to look at this as a part of my job.  I am a stay at home Mum so it is integral to my life.  We are homebodies.  We spend a huge part of our lives in our little house.  I don't spend a great deal on cleaning supplies because I use only a few things:- vinegar, dishwashing liquid, toilet cleaner, cooking oil, window cleaner and bi-carb soda.  And of course washing powder for the clothes.

Another thing I enjoy is making things for our house and the occupants.  I have a stash of wool, cotton, cross-stitching floss, material, paints, patterns etc that will last quite a while, but I find myself wanting to buy just one more thing.  I do look at price but I'm not the type to fly out to a sale just to save money.  If something is on sale when I need to buy it, I'll take the blessing, if it isn't and I need it, I'll buy it anyway.  If it's just too expensive, I give it a miss knowing that it'll be cheaper one day.  I end up not doing it in the long-run if this happens, and so saving myself money (and storage space)!

Music is another part of my life and music appreciation comes in all forms (also helps the housework to get done!  80's music is good for something!).  I don't spend much on music.  I listen to the radio occasionally, I get out my old tapes and CD's and I borrow CD's from the local library for free. 

The computer is a great invention, I love being on here.  I add to my site, email friends or just read.  I enjoy all the articles that are found on different sites about parenting, homeschooling, housekeeping, pets, Christian living and all sorts of other things.  This is a cheap thing for me, I was never bitten by the Ebay bug!

So for your food, clothing and hobbies it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.  There are savings to be taken advantage of out there.  Do a little homework and try things differently every so often. DON'T go to sales unless you know EXACTLY what you are going to buy and WHY.  If it's just to save money-STAY HOME!  There will be a 100% saving that way! 

Happy Shopping.

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