February No Spend Challange

It's February, and that means it's time for my annual no spend challenge. I like to do this in February since all the major holidays are past, it's too darn cold to go shopping anyways, and, who am I kidding, it's the shortest month of the year!

Those who know me know I am a frugalista. Yes, that's a word, but don't bother checking your dictionaries. Basically, I like to shop, wear nice clothes, eat good food, dress my kids well, and save money doing it. I'm not one of those beans and rice penny pinchers (though I have nothing against you, I think your self restraint is admirable!) No, I do spend money, but I try to get the most bang for my buck.

Even though my frugalista lifestyle is fabulous, I like to take some time every so often and appreciate what I already have, without feeling the urge that I need to search for that next deal or accumulate more things. For the month of February, I plan to stay off ebay (except to sell, you should check out my awesome auctions launching Thursday, since you’re not on a no spend challenge ;) ), ignore my daily deal sites like mamabaragins, babysteals, and woot.com, and stay out of the stores except to buy items I really need. Yes, I still allow myself to grocery shop. I can’t get through a whole month without fresh fruits and milk, and even though I plan to creatively use up the food in my pantry and freezer, I will still go to Meijers. I’ll be trying to post what I’m making for dinner each night, please use this as a chance NOT to judge our eating habits, lol, (remember I have a 10 month old baby, a job, and it’s the middle of winter here, so warm hearty meals are in the mix) but instead to see how recipes can be creatively altered or cooked with what you have on hand.

I will also be attempting to go the whole 28 days without buying myself any sort of fast food/takeout. I would stay out of restaurants all together, but I happen to know I have a “surprise” planned for me this month, and I am not telling my husband he can’t take me out! I can however control what I make the girls for lunch, and I can make sure to plan ahead for dinners so we don’t end up with nothing to eat.

I’d like to say I will for sure make the 28 days, but I won’t kick myself if I don’t. I would like to see how long I can go though, and have a record in writing so I can try to beat it next year.