I think I have finally tamed the spending beast within! I have not been to any stores since before Christmas (not even grocery shopping*) and have discovered I have more TIME and less stress. The best part is I haven't even had the slightest desire to go to a store.. not even Target or Costco. Maybe all the Mommysavers have rubbed off on me in a positive way

I did have to go into Kohl's to return something, and while I was walking out of the store I saw some cute "workout capri's"... like exercise pants, but capri length. They were really really cute but I almost choked when I saw that they cost $20 on SALE!! My former self would not have thought that price was too high... I would have just "HAD TO HAVE" those pants! I passed them by...

* DH has done the errand running... to pick up milk and bread and things like that! That's how I have avoided all stores...otherwise I would have had to do some shopping by now.

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"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

Good for you!!

Thats's great!! I'm right there with you. I do go to the grocery store weekely but I haven't bought off the list and have stuck to the budget. We did have a playdate yesturday, but I only spent under $6 for the three of us. Being back on the diet helped since I just had soup and the kids spit a kids meal. I too feel less stress. The kids are better behaved as well. Going out yesturday was a real treat for them and they were angels. We can keep it up!!!!

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"Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body." ~Anonymous

That is great!!!! I rarely go to stores, except the grocery store, anymore. I know that I have no will power at all. Now if I could just erase my credit card number from my mind so that I don't order on line anymore...lol Actually I've been pretty good in that department too...so far.

Congrats on the will power...keep up the good work!

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The mighty oak started out as a nut that held its ground.

Way to GO! I KNOW how hard it can be!!! Shopping ONLINE is my worst downfall!!! You should be proud!

Congrats! That is great. I am well on my way to taming the beast but haven't quite accomplished it yet.

That's amazing Kellytime. You are an inspiration to us all!

It's a bit like eating well and dieting. I was very overweight in 2003. I maintain my weight loss by eating well 90% of the time eating and whatever I like 10% of the time. With my spending, it's about the same. 90% of the time, I am frugal to the core, 10% I allow myself to splurge a little so I don't feel too deprived.

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thats awesome!!!! i to just simply don't go to stores unless there is a paticular item we need and yesterday i did have to go to target and get diapers and wipes and am happy to say that is all i got i even passed up cute clothes for dd that were under 3 bucks...it is not as big of a thrill for me to shop anymore..keep it up kellytime thats great!!!

:high five: Aww thanks ladies! And Kathryn I agree about the eating analogy... I am trying that now, too. Over the holidays I put on some weight and am now at my highest (non preggers) weight EVER. It's a horrible feeling, and I am having some trouble losing it. I have always lost weight easily in the past, with little or no deprivation... but as my mom likes to point out (while laughing a :muahahahah: kind of laugh) I am now OLDER than I ever was before!

I can only conquer one mountain at a time... ok, well, maybe I'm slowly working on them all at once.

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"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss