Sparking Joy and When the Answer is Yes

My wardrobe has been examined over the past week or two.  If I didn't love something or it didn't fit, it went into a donation bag.  I don't have a capsule or minimalist wardrobe.  I am not striving for that either.  I just want to have a nice collection of clothes that I love and wear.  And I'm finally getting it.  I need to be more judicious with my money and the things I allow to take up precious space in my home. 


I discovered a lack of capri jeans which is a staple of my summer wardrobe.  I scoured the racks at Kohl's and tried on two pair and picked my favorite.  This is weird for me since I don't like to try on clothes.  But, knew I needed to really like the pair I bought so I wouldn't waste money and space.
This should not be a revelation to me, but it is.  And I didn't automatically pick the pair that were the least expensive.  I need to get over the need to get the cheapest item in favor of having a few good pieces that I will really wear.  My mantra when shopping has been, "Do I need it?  Do I have room for it?  Do I have something like it at home already? Can we afford it?"  These jeans were a definite yes.  And that sparked joy. 

Today my little guy and I whittled down his wardrobe.  Now all his clothes fit nicely in his dresser drawers without a struggle.  I went through the small stockpile of next size up clothes in his room too.  I noticed that I don't have nearly the amount of saved clothing for him that I used to have.  There was room leftover in the bottom drawer.  And I'm not itching to fill it up either.  I'd rather wait until we have a need and buy good stuff then.

Next up is my stuffed full pajama drawer.  There's a monkey sleep shirt that I've had for 8 years that I dearly love.  It's holey and threadbare and I got it free from a Freecycle box in the first place.  It needs to go to the bin.  And then there's a super comfortable pair of cut off sweats that have more holes than fabric that need to go.  Somehow I don't think my husband will mourn the tossing of these less than sexy clothes.

The Answer is NO!

I'm going through and cleaning my massive collection of personal care in the basement today.  This is just the basement.  I'm not including the collections under the sink, in my dressers, on my dresser, and other miscellaneous places.   It's overwhelming.  My family should not need to buy any soap or shampoo for at least two years.  At least.

There's also the books, kitchen ephemera, stockpile of pantry food, clothes, make up, paper supplies, school supplies, laundry supplies, storage containers, office supplies, pet toys, and other stuff I've probably forgotten.  I've gotten better.   I'm bringing less home from stores and frequently leave thrift stores empty handed now.  It's not enough.   From now on if we don't need it, I am not dragging it home.  I am done.  Done taking care of stuff I don't love.  Done stockpiling things and couponing because it's free.  Done signing up for free samples.  Done shopping for fun.

Back to my sorting and laundry in the basement.  I've got to start somewhere.

“Have Nothing In Your House That You Do Not Know To Be Useful, Or Believe To Be Beautiful.”  William Morris

Quick 5 Frugal Things

Things I do to save from the top of my head-

Navy Shower.  I turn the water off when I soap up, when I brush my teeth, and when I shave.

Air Dry.  I open my dishwasher to air dry my dishes.  Anything on the top rack gets a quick shake off.

Use Less- A smidge of toothpaste, half the amount of detergent, conditioner mostly on the ends of hair, etc.

Pick Up Pennies- And anything else usable you find on the ground.  It all adds up.  I've gotten some cute jewelry and hair clips for my daughter.  Just wash and air dry.

Eat Your Pantry- It's already paid for.  Save the cost of gas, your time, and make extras for the next meal.