Happy New Years!

last evening... I'm not much of a reveler.

I just took my dog Ollie for a walk and realized that I was not really doing it for the $20,000 or even the $30,000, although those are good solid goals. Worthy goals. I think this has more to do with challenging myself to develop discipline. And, perhaps most important of all, to write about something honestly.

So let’s begin.

What Not to Buy in 2024…

Clothing pops in first. I have so many clothes and have decluttered down to a good solid wardrobe. There is no lack. I have an easy life. No 9 to 5 business suits or glamorous evening gowns are required. I’ll probably be asleep by 10 tonight, New Year's Eve. I still have some things tucked around, squirreled in hidden places. If I need to shop, if I crave shopping,  I can instead forage through the storage unit I share with my daughter. I’ll save that for later in the year. Might even be fun.

Tchotchkes (aka Goofy fucking little things that sit around and need dusting.)  Maybe they also need containers or cabinets or whatever it takes to keep them from taking over the place. Now I wouldn’t say I’m a collector of said items. But I have been known to feel the need to bring my grandchildren a little this or that. They actually have seemingly millions of the little things already. But they do play with most of them. 

Let’s just say, that outside of birthdays and Christmas, my grandchildren need nothing.

Baking items that I use to bake for the farmers' market. Let’s face it, aside from ingredients, some parchment, or the packaging I may need to replace on occasion, I need nothing new in my kitchen. A purging is on the horizon.

Linens. I can’t tell you how appealing linens are to me. Let’s just say I have enough already. 

Boxes.  Any kind. I’m sick when it comes to boxes. Hopelessly addicted to a good box. Or a pretty box, a nicely sealed box, a well-made box. A decorative box. A box I might need to mail something in. A box to hold memorabilia. Jewelry boxes, sewing boxes, luggage, especially the old leather totes with brass closures from the old days when travel had some class. Don't get me started. 

I went to bed happily after watching the Packers beat the Vikings. Slept like a baby.

Jan. 1. And so it begins...

I awoke feeling absolutely amazing.

Today I state the exceptions to my No-Buy.

Exceptions:

I do need a kitchen rug. My feet get pretty cold on the linoleum and the one I had has become a disgrace! (As, I suppose, a kitchen rug will.) I can hold out until I find something nicely colorful, soft under my feet and most importantly, vacuumable.

Clothing, only if I lose weight. Let's say 10# incriments allow for a thrift store $5 bag sale. That's pretty exacting. I doubt I'd need this but just in case pants are falling off me. Ha! That I be so lucky.

Replacements are okay.

Toiletries: only as the ones I have are gone. No makeup.

Kitchen:

1 or 2 metal measuring cup sets - in great condition. I'd like to purge all my plastic ones. Let's not worry so much about price.

a fine grater ( my handle broke)

kitchen dishcloths - as needed

Cleaners - only after all are used. I'm kind of picky about these and need to purge if not using anymore.

Market Packaging: just cello bags and white bags, pastry tissue and parchment. Let's not get all fancy. I have enough fancy to last me a year.

Let's discuss Food. ANY and Every Whole Food is a BUY!

Okay, truth is this year has a sub-chapter. The elimination of processed foods. Or most of them. This will be the exceptions list.

Processed Foods Exceptions List:

Any foods needed for my baking. Duh, let's not torture my customers: butter, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, chocolate chips, sugars, whatever. Sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, milk powder, etc.

Vegan Dairy Substitutes: Oatly coffee creamer, any non-dairy milks, yogurts, cream cheeses, butters, cheeses or creams.

Any vegan meat substitute (w/o egg, goodbye Morning Star).

Our favorite breads: Multigrains, Brioche Hamburger buns, Dave's Killer breads or any Farmers Market baked goods, especially Jennifer's bread.

The one cereal I like, Nature's Path Mesa Sunset. Otherwise, oatmeal or any other whole grain cereal.

Condiments. Enough said. But use discretion.

Olive oil, Coconut oil, Avocado oil (instead of canola), Natural peanut butter or almond butter and Maple syrup. Maybe agave too.

Drinks: Ginger Ale, but let's keep it Extra Ginger Reeds if possible. Any teas, coffees.

Ollie's dog food and snacks and cheese. He's a carnivore after all. No need to torture him.

Refried beans (dried non-fat) and organic blue corn chips. NO OTHER CHIPS! Unless Bill and I are traveling somewhere and he mentions it. How do I say no to the guy?

In other words, 99% Whole Foods with a smattering of quality processed foods

That was pretty easy only because I've pretty much been doing it. But, we shall see just how easy...

Okay, I think that's a worthy list.