Keep a New Year's Resolution

How I did it: I was surrounded on all sides by waste, clutter, and I decided to do something about it by making a goal on this site to go a whole year buying only foods and other necessities.



I packed away all but a small change of clothing to save water. In reality, I didn't need more than a few items of clothing, so the large numbers of clothes I had collecting dust in my closet did absolutely nothing for my wardrobe or my asthma. What didn't get donated as part of my other minimalism goal was given away. What few items I kept but didn't wear that year, I packed away in one moderately sized box.



All those years, I'd been moving clothing around that, for the most part, I hadn't worn since childhood. It was like a weight being lifted once I saw all the extra space in my closet and from there, the goal was on.



I didn't 'snack', I didn't go in for frivolities, and I did everything in my power to get the most out of whatever we had. I think I had home made bean burgers for an accumulated six months straight as well as other foods made out of home. It really expanded what I could cook. I even attempted, unsuccessfully, to make bread and it was through this [and a recipe on The Frugal Girl] that I eventually did learn how.



I also created things on my own. Everything from my own Winter items to household items like slippers and things via knitting. It helped my skill level increase and enabled me to sell some excess items for profit or give some away to friends/people in need.



I made a proper budget, went to the library over buying new books, DVDs, other items, and I even used their freely available internet services [including free wi-fi], which saved a bundle and managed to get me economically back on form despite the phone getting cut off since I was still able to find jobs and different research studies online.



I ate a largely veg*n diet which saved a bundle. I'm not waving political flags with this one either. When I was doing this goal, making [and growing] my own veg*n food really was cheaper than buying meats, milk, and fish. At the time, the latter mentioned items were skyrocketing in price at a much quicker rate than veggies. Plus, growing your own herbs practically takes up no space.



I'm still in the red, but I'm nowhere near as bad off as I was at the end of 2007.



Doing this goal has helped me really appreciate [even more] just what is of value and what isn't as well as how to tell the difference.

Lessons & tips: Cook from home and utilize as many online recipe blogs as you can.



Eat a largely veg*n diet.



Go to the Library or create your own writings, readings, art work, music, etc either online or with available materials in your home.



Take up a creative hobby that will benefit you like knitting, crocheting, sewing, or something. You too guys.

Resources: 43Things

The many crafty blogs and sites I came across.

The Library

Willpower

Jun 07, 03:32AM PDT | 0 comments