Jaime’s Shopping Challenge: No-Shop February, Week One

You know how they say that when breaking habits (or trying to create new ones), the first month is the hardest? I truly believe that now, and it’s only week two! This is my little recap of how week one went, as well as a few of my little slip-ups… because I’m not perfect.

I’m so used to feeling like I have to buy something right when I get paid… and that happened on Thursday of this week. It was hard for me to try and switch gears and remind myself that it was more important to save a little (and pay off some on my credit cards) than it was to get a new dress. But boy, was I tempted at a few of the sample sales this week!

I did buy something: a pair of jeans for my guy, who has run through his faster than expected. With credit on Gilt, they ended up only costing me $4… and helping me calm my fevered desire to shop. But, other than food (and going out on Friday night… a very rare occurrence for us!), that was the only thing I spent AND I stayed within my budget!

So, here’s my big worry for week two: Valentine’s Day! We’re going out to dinner (with gift cards we’d accumulated since Christmas and the night before so we can avoid the crowds), but we said we weren’t going to do gifts… for the first time in five years. Instead, we’re putting money into a savings account to buy a house in the future. How does this idea fare with you guys? Have you ever decided to exchange something a bit more important (if you can even call it that) than just standard chocolates and jewelry?

Don’t get me wrong; I’d love to get something pretty and sparkly for Valentine’s Day. But a house is something that’s so much more… permanent.

Are you having an extravagant Valentine’s Day? Is your guy proposing (and if so, why do you already know?!?!) to you? Or are you having a more laid-back night of romance and fun without breaking the bank? Let me know!

To see more of Jaime’s work, check out DenimDebutante.com.