60-day "no retail" challenge

Alright. Who's with me? After "Meatless May" I have been itching for another challenge. Proving to myself I can do it just feels so good. And not only that, but it makes a difference for the long-term. Really! Sometimes a detox from your daily habits is exactly what I need to shift my view and make positive changes. After the veg-pledge, I might not be vegetarian, but I've cut back on the bad stuff drastically, and I'm more creative with my meals than before. I eat more veggies, and I think about where my food came from instead of chowing down mindlessly. Just 30 days made a difference.

I've taken June off because I simply didn't prepare for another challenge (it does take some planning). Life got busy, things got crazy.

July 1 begins a new challenge. This one's going to require some creativity, which I think is exactly what I need. NO RETAIL. No buying new. No books, no clothes, no house do-dads, unless I buy them used, swap with people for them, or make them myself. And since I could easily do 30 days by saying, "I'll just wait til Day 31 and buy what I want"... I'm going to extend this to a 60-day challenge. This means if I end up buying that thing I covet on day 61, it's meant to be.

Purchases on the approved list- obviously my monthly bills, groceries, toiletries & cleaning items.

Here's what I'm hoping will happen after 60 days of retail-detox:

1. I will save a good chunk of money I'd normally spend on semi-disposable objects.
2. I will save money buying used items over new.
   
3. I will re-discover stuff I already own.
4. I will be jonesin' for new things to wear so maybe I'll finally finish the wardrobe reconstruction projects I'm planning/slowly working on.
5. I will seriously consider things I buy after the challenge is up- either they will be well-thought-out beforehand, or I will recognize I don't need to buy everything I want.
6. I will be creative, maybe try my hand at making things I would have bought new, or re-image what I've got in new ways.

If anyone wants to join me, please comment here, or send me an email to kbuelo{at}gmail{dot}com. Also, please share tips for breaking out of the retail habit. :) I will try to post weekly inspiration!

Wish me luck!