Getting right down into the nitty gritty of it

Like all projects, a firm set of rules is quite important.  Without rules there is no order, only chaos, and that chaos my friends leads right into consuming.

 

My 2015 non-necessary consuming rules are as follows;

 

• For the remainder of 2014 I can consume un-necessary items.  We’re talking 3 weeks here, not a 3 months and I have a shopping trip with my mother planned.  I get to visit H&M in Australia for the first time.  Be still my beating consuming heart…….

• I will not purchase unnecessary clothing.  I do have enough general clothing to last me for approximately 8 years, but it may be necessary during the year to purchase the following;
• 1 (one) black cardigan – I have 2 black cardigans that I wear to work 5 days a week.  As I sit at a desk and type all day I wear through the elbows quite frequently.  Plus cardigans pill and look like crap after a while.  I need to look neat and presentable at work.
• Underwear – Enough said. 
• 1 (one) dress to wear to a wedding – I have a wedding to attend at the end of the year interstate.  I’m not as yet sure on the theme or location but it is a cooler climate to my home and I may not have a suitable dress in my wardrobe.  I’m rather small framed and most of my friends do not have clothing small enough for me to borrow.  If I can borrow something I will, but it might be necessary for me to buy a dress.

 

• I will not purchase unnecessary shoes.  I’m not really a shoe person.  It’s just not my thing and I really do have plenty to go with all my outfits.  That being said, special considerations can be made to the following;
• Work shoes – These are a necessity and as with the cardigan they do wear out and I need to be presentable at work.  I have a ‘meeting’ pair of Mary Janes and an everyday pair of black flats.  I have crappy flat feet and need to look after my feet so should they wear out they can be replaced.
• Thongs (pluggers/flip/flops/jandles/you know what I’m talking about) – I own one pair of Haviannas and have done for the past 5 years.  They are still in great condition but I only own one pair and if they should for some reason ‘have a blow out’ I can replace them.
• Black heels – Again I own one pair and consider these a wardrobe staple.  Should they die, off to the shops I go.
• Wedges – See above.
• Running shoes – cue calls from the crappy feet to get new running shoes and it’s off to the running shop for a new pair.  This project will not cause me to have foot, shin or knee pain for the sake of not consuming.  These are an item deemed necessary. 

 

• Cosmetic purchases are not allowed unless an item is not able to be replaced by another item in my collection.  As a former beauty blogger I have a rather extensive make up collection.  I will not, however, use mascara for longer than 2 months and 6 new tubes of mascara will be required during the year.  I do not predict that I will run out of any other cosmetic items during the year but if something runs out and absolutely cannot be replaced by an item in my collection I can purchase a new product.

• Hair care/body care – I don’t plan on being stinky or gross for 2015 and therefore I can purchase shampoo, conditioner and body cleaning/ deodorizing devices as necessary.  Really, it's a public service.

• Skin care - Most of my skin care comes from the kitchen, no doubt I will teach you all about it over the next year, but skin care may be purchased as required.

• 'Outings' are welcome and encouraged.  I wish to spend my time socialising and enjoying fine food, wine and company.  As long as it fits into my monthly budget.  You will learn more about my budgeting over the course of the year as well.  On my death bed I doubt I will be thinking of that perfect white tee I had to have, but will be remembering the good times I have had with loved ones.

• Books and music are welcome as I consider them cultural items.  Again, these must fit within my budget.

• Accessories - Nope!  Uh-uh!  No way!

• Gifts - I've had to think long and hard around the rules surrounding gifts.  Eventually I have decided on the following;
• Consumer 'event' gifts - Direct non-necessary gifts received for an event are acceptable.  This might be a present for my birthday, Easter, Christmas etc.
• Non 'event' gifts - I predict during 2015 I will do a lot of complaining to my boyfriend about how I am missing out on buying 'stuff'.  I also predict he will offer to buy me something or offer to give me money to buy me something.  Should he do so, this gift is not accepted.
• Surprise gifts - If I am gifted a non-necessary item without complaining or nagging for it, it will be accepted.
• Cash gift cards or cash - If I am given a cash gift card or cash for an 'event' (see above) I am unable to spend it on non-necessary items. 
• Store gift cards - If I receive a gift card to a particular store where I am unable to purchase items that are necessary items and can only spend the gift card on a non-necessary item this is allowed.  Eg; A Target gift card cannot be spend on unnecessary items but a Jeanswest gift card can be.

I hope I have covered everything here!  Please say hello to my rules of 2015.  Rules, say hello to my readers.