Ask:
Those trying to shop less - do you have more time for other things now? Are you enjoying life more? And in what ways?
Answer:
Yes! This month I decided to plan the menu for the whole month and do one huge grocery trip. The only thing I buy on a weekly basis is fresh fruit and vegies. I don't have to worry about what's for dinner at night. I just look at my menu. It was a little overwhelming at first trying to plan for the whole month. However, once it was done I've been stress free about meals and can now enjoy my weekend instead of dreading going to the store.
Answer:
I used to go to the grocery store 2-3 times a week, Michael's or Joann's once a week, Target or Walmart at least once a week. Every time I would go out, I would end up making more stops and time just got eaten up.
Now, I have vowed to only buy necessities this year and only go to the grocery store less than once per week. I have so much more time to stay home or go to playdates with my son. Not to mention my house is looking so good, because I have the time to spend on it.
Answer:
It was going great- getting more things done- until I started babysitting a 2 month old- I forgot how much work an infant is ! Not that I am complaining- it's just funny how you somewhat forget these things when your children grow up!
Answer:
Yes! Yes! Yes!...did I mention, Yes!?
I am finding that, not only do I have more time to do things I like since I am not out shopping non-stop, but household chores go much faster because there is less clutter to clean around...giving me even MORE free time!!!
I am starting to dread the days I actually have to go out and shop because it is keeping me from other, more enjoyable, things at home. Wonderful!
Stress levels are down as well because it ends the neverending cycle of getting up early and rushing out to shop before dd's naptime...rushing home to eat lunch, and put useless junk away before previously mentioned nap, using dd's naptime to find space for useless junk and rearranging other useless junk to make room for more junk...well, you get the idea. SO much stress for no reason. Yuck!
I know I am still a work in progress, but this last year or so has really been an eye opener for me and I hope to keep it up.
Answer:
I like many others have decided to spend less. which for me means not leaving the house. I go to the grocery store once a week. We go to mass on Sundays and then to breakfast out and that's it. Since making these changes I have noticed:
both the children and I are much less irritable
I am making a full tank of gas go twice as long
I feel more in control
I'm ahead on the housework and even have time to do the extras
definately spending less without a trip to Target and etc.
we are eating better, no McDonald's
I feel the need to better other areas while I'm feeling so good. (having a budget and pay off plan, dieting, planning monthly girls tea dates and etc.)
I have actually made a daily schedule. Including planned activities for the kids. Yesturday we made playdough and my ds thought it was so neat to play with it while it was still warm. My dh only gets about a half an hour with the kids a night so I have been planning things for them to do together of course wiothout him knowing it's planned. Just conveniently leaving a game on the table or a book on the couch the ds will ask to read or play with. I'm loving life! And not feeling so guilty
Answer:
Originally Posted by Spoodler
Yes! Yes! Yes!...did I mention, Yes!?
I am finding that, not only do I have more time to do things I like since I am not out shopping non-stop, but household chores go much faster because there is less clutter to clean around...giving me even MORE free time!!!
I am starting to dread the days I actually have to go out and shop because it is keeping me from other, more enjoyable, things at home. Wonderful!
Stress levels are down as well because it ends the neverending cycle of getting up early and rushing out to shop before dd's naptime...rushing home to eat lunch, and put useless junk away before previously mentioned nap, using dd's naptime to find space for useless junk and rearranging other useless junk to make room for more junk...well, you get the idea. SO much stress for no reason. Yuck!
I know I am still a work in progress, but this last year or so has really been an eye opener for me and I hope to keep it up.
Ditto everything Spoodler says!
Answer:
Yes!
I dont leave the house on weekends, I stock up on friday and I spend two days at home with the kids! I love it, and the headache of taking kids out, and tantrums, and walking around the stores with two kids is gone.
Answer:
I want to be this way--really I do--Help me someone---I have a big problem with hitting the sale items and clearance and getting kids more stuff and they don't need it--I can't help myself its an addiction--really it is. I would like help with a menu if anyone wants to share.
Answer:
Yes I am spending less....no I am not getting things done any faster! I need you ladies to jump out of the computer and kick me in the rear and get me going!!!