the rule what I live by

Having recently read a book call 'not buying it - my year without spending', I notice that people go into things such as this with a whole different outlook on what is considered spending. For instance, the Author completely cut out spending, not just stopping buying new things, and things that you don't need.  I  believe that spending money in charity shops, facilitating the re-use of other people unused or old items is a vital part of the process.  additionally supporting local industries is vitally important in these straitened times, and I want all the money I do spend to go helping these people out.  This includes so far....

Hilliers - the local Hampshire gardens, who also sell plants
John Robinsons, the local butcher that delivers to the nearby shop (they also have a true hottie working for them.  A wink makes my weekend)
Winchester Farmers Market, which is currently experiencing something of a decline, but has been for years the biggest and best in the UK
All Winchester Charity Shops, most especially Emmaus whose ethic of helping people back into work is truely inspired
Winchester waste recycling centre, that not only recycle nearly all of the stuff that comes into it, also pairs up with Emmaus, and sells 'ProGrow' an excellent compost substitute made from green waste.  6.40 GBP for 3x 30 litre bags.  go for it.
Bengal Sage and Bangkok Brasserie locally owned restaurants that use a lot of local produce on the menu. I do struggle to cut out eating out as I love food so much, but this is my allowance.  no chain restaurants and no takeways ( have slipped up 3 times - damn hungover sundays).  will also have to mention here the Black Rat who are another local restaurant where OH and I ate on friday.  one of the best adverts for how locally sourced seasonal food can be totally inspirational. So deserving of their recently won michelin star.

Admittedly, I did believe that this form of shopping wouldn't turn gratuitous, but I underestimated the quality of the charity shops here in Winchester.... MUST control myself more (though I did buy an awesome skirt this afternoon to go with the boots that I have had fixed so that I can carry on using them. you win some you lose some).  the key thing for me is to stop spending money on things you don't need.  I'm getting there.

new things I buy:

• food - raw or basic ingredients unless in a total emergency, the occasional meal and lunch out, but local places only ( I love my food).  could write a million blogs on Sourdough bread
• material to make clothes and gifts, though I have done very well with hand-me-down wool (thanks Auntie Sue)
• services - bus, the occasional taxi, fuel for OH's car when I use it (I've given mine up)
• essentials for setting up the allotment in my garden - ProGrow, the odd packet of seed, seed potatoes
• Tickets - concerts, theatre, small festivals, galleries - I believe in the arts and if the government wont spend on it, I will.
• essential medicine, toiletries (this is worthy of a separate blog for the ladies and men who excessively groom)

My aim is to have a 'normal' life, and to not spend money that is wrung out of me.  Not spending money on anything is (for me) a severe case of hair shirt wearing, and taking money away from people that need it. I can report on a fair degree of normality, some odd looks from my family, and some great stuff from friends.  AND a much healthier bank balance.

that's what I call a result so far!!