Shop or Stop

 We all know those people who shop just to be shopping!!  IF it is a deal - it is a must have!!!!  You know them - I know them - Eeeeeeek!

I love a deal with the best of them - but it is no deal, if I cannot use it or have too much already.  This works with everything.  It isn't just about groceries.  There are so many ways to shop, and sometimes some are better than going to the big shiny store!!!!!!

• First - shop at home first!!!!!  Not just groceries - but all things.  The pantries and freezers can contribute to an endless variety of meals if you just get a little creative.
• Go through your closets and drawers - your basement or even the attic.  I bet you have a ton more than you can even remember.  I have boxes of holiday decorating things, that haven't been opened in many years.  I have all kinds of goodies tucked away.  I have found brand new undies and socks, that got pushed to the back and bottom of drawers.  I HAD a lot of kitchen small appliances that I never used - finally I got rid of them.  I kept what I could use for something else.
• Check that garage!  There may be yard things and tools that have been forgotten.  I know my hubs was the king of buying tools of every type at yard sales - and I keep finding things I can use.
• Borrow what you need.  Borrow from a neighbor or family or friend if it is something you need just once in a blue moon!!!!  Many libraries have a 'borrow' policy as well on tools and such.  Always make sure you get it back to the person in as good or better shape than you got it.
• Shop second hand - yard/garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores, etc.  You can find sooooo many neat things for pennies on the dollar and often for free!
• Think about swapping with others - clothes swaps, kids toys, books, kitchen gadgets, tools, etc.  What a neat idea!
• Utilize free local groups if you have them.  Craigs list (for cheap), neighborhood FREE groups, mom groups, etc. (start a group)
• Think about buying some bigger ticket items second hand.  You have to be aware - as furniture needs to come from a neat and clean place (no buggers).  Furniture is not made as well today as some of the older stuff.  Quality has slidden a lot over the years.  I bought myself a bread maker at the thrift store - you could tell it hadn't been used - for $10 years ago, and it still works.  Just something to think about.  We have some pretty nice high end "thrift" stores around that deal with quality goods.  Check your area.
• Remake things into something new!  Maybe remake older clothes into new styles.  Alter and adjust things.  Use off the hook types of items in the garden and flower beds as decorations.  Re-use wood in new ways.  There is no limit.

Things are so expensive - so it just makes sense to use what you have, buy second hand or borrow it.

I have read that the average home contains more than 300,000 items!!!!!!!!  Yep, you read that right.

Rental storage units have become one of the fastest growing businesses around!

Many studies show that the more you own, the less happy you become.  I can believe that - stuff can be stressful!

Buy with purpose!!!!!  That is the key.

Don't make rash and quick decisions.  Think about things and try to figure something else out.  Think how much money might be saved, how much that we keep out of landfills, and how many things may get a new life!

IF you get lots of fliers, magazines, e-mails, etc. from places that are selling - opt out!  If you don't see it - you don't know about it.  Seriously, out of sight out of mind.

Stay home more.  DO NOT just go 'window' shopping or just browsing.

Go with a purpose - ALWAYS!!!

Hope this gives someone an idea or two to STOP and not shop!  Look around and have fun.

Have a wonderful day!