The 30-Day No Shopping Challenge (God help me)

I always joke that I have a shopping problem. I wouldn't say I spend a lot of money on each individual item, but I do buy multiple pieces at lower prices... which adds up.

On an average, I legit shop at least three times a week which includes during a trip the mall, followed by online shopping, or stopping by a store on the way to do something else. To resist and futile, and I always tell myself,

"I can't go shopping again. I just bought a dress at Urban Outfitters.... and I still didn't receive the order I'm waiting on.... But I did just get paid, and I've worked hard this week, so I'll go and reward myself."

And rewarding oneself is something I firmly believe in. If you work hard and aren't frivolous with your money, why not enjoy the fruits of your labor? Every paycheck. Wait a sec, isn't that called compulsive shopping? Sounds like oniomania to me.

My spending isn't out of control, but I'm starting to notice that what I spend weekly, and in cash, is resulting in more trips to the ATM. I'll buy lunch, put gas in my car... and then get sidetracked by hitting up a store during errands or a lunch break... and spend money I didn't intend to.

Plus, my husband has been giving me "The Look". You know what I'm talking about. It's when you leave your shopping bags out, and he comes home and sees em and asks, "Where'd this come from?" And he gives you this look of "I'm not mad, but I'm starting to notice a gaggle of shopping bags lined up - not to mention all the new s%$# you bought with tags on it hanging in your closet."

So, I'm invoking the No Shopping Challenge for 30 days. I think I can do it <insert fable attempt at lying here>.

Memories... Like the corners of my mind...

The rules for the challenge are as follows.

For the next 30 days, I shall not:
1. Purchase apparel, accessories or clothing of any type for myself. Gifts for family do not count.
2. Use credit cards.
3. Spend money unless it is an absolute necessity - fuel, food, transportation and personal toiletries.
4. Nag my husband into purchasing something for me to get a shopping fix.

Let's see how well this pans out. I'll be blogging throughout the next 30 days about my torture, I mean, progress, so be sure to check back! This should be interesting.