How I went 9 months without Shopping!

I was recently cleaning out my closet, which I like to do during the transition of seasons or even with weight changes. I usually complete Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter for sure but I did one when I was around 7 months pregnant and then also a few months after I had my child. I have three piles, one for the shelters/goodwill, I have my “maybe” pile which should go in my give away pile most of the time, and the “keep” pile. 

Recently I realized the last thing I bought for myself was a jumpsuit for my baby shower back in October 2017 from Lizard Thicket. It is now July 29, 2018 and I purchased my first clothing item from Free People. It was on clearance, but I absolutely love it. When I say I purchased nothing, I mean nothing, no shoes, accessories, clothes, jewelry etc… NOTHING!! I still cannot believe I was able to do it. How did I go without shopping for 9 months?

1.     Mix and Match

This is one of favorite things to do in my closet is mix and match items that I haven’t put together before. Different textures, fabrications, prints with a different blouse or different pair of jeans in my closet. Mix and matching with outfits you haven’t paired together before.  

2.     Have a Baby!😉

A lot of my non-shopping dealt with having my first child in Nov, 2017. For the first few months of being a mother. I went out the house maybe once a week if that and yep, you guessed it I wore athleisure wear; yoga pants, t-shirts, leggings, shorts and such with no workouts included. I wore anything that was comfy, somewhat lightweight and easy to nurse my son as far as tops.

3.     Not in the Budget.

Honestly, one of the main reasons, simply put it was not in the family budget and I was okay with that as we transitioned to one income from two. If you would have told me I would not be going shopping for 9 months, I probably would have cried and had a small pity party. I think about the scripture in Philippian’s 4:12 (amplified version) “I know how to get along and live humbly (in difficult times), and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret (of facing life), whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.” I was able to adjust easily because I’ve experienced abundant situations before and not so abundant ones.

4.     HEMP!

Hair, Eyebrows, Manicure and Pedicure. When all four of these items were done I really was not concerned with buying anything new even if it was on sale. Especially my hair, I feel when I have a new hair style or proper hair maintenance it makes my outfit new and fresh especially combined with #1. I’m not sure if I’m the only one.

5.     Go Shopping in Your Wardrobe.

One part of my wardrobe I occasionally forget about is my dresser drawers, this is where I keep fun blouses that do not hang correctly and always fall off the hanger, graphic t-shirt’s and other items. So, once a month I go through my closet wardrobe and shop, shop, shop away. I pull out about 5 pieces that I haven’t worn for the last 2 months that are in season and put outfits together based on those pieces. It’s so fun!! Especially when you are constantly complimented on the outfit too. Super Win!!

6.     Be a Blessing to Others.

I’ve found that when I’ve been a blessing to others in their time of need, with no expectation of anything in return. I’ve been blessed at the perfect time. During the 9 months I received a few gifts of clothing, and gift cards to stores. Yay! Those were the sweetest because I didn’t even ask or make mention of it!

I know in this process I’ve learned a few things besides delayed gratification, there are 3 more months to shop in the year lol. On the serious side of things; I may do this annually without having a child and see how much money I’m able to save. The process was a bit refreshing and I was able to purge and even created a new sense of style for myself within my own wardrobe. 

The Balance of Mom Life and College Life.

I’m Going to College, Now What?

By:Briale Harris

In 2018, going to college is an accomplishment to most. For others, going to college is something that is needed after taking a long hiatus. Regardless of the stage in life, college is something that needs to be done to fulfill your lifelong dreams of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a dental hygienist and more. With the increasing demand of an post secondary degree, most become pressured and unsure if attending or going back to college is  the best decision for them at this moment. Besides, rent is due on the 1st and that car note isn’t going to wait on itself to get paid! But, I’m here to ease your mind with three facts that helped me get through college and my first 30 days after graduation day.

       1.  Going to College Is a Test of Faith

No one thinks that once you’ve been accepted into college, you’re in a for a war. But, in reality, you are. Nothing beats a real college experience better than a test of faith and determination. Despite the issues you may be having back at home, nothing will prep you better than a professor who still expects a ten page essay due at 11:59 p.m.! There will be many nights where you question your existence in college. My advice, keep your cool, attempt to get plenty of sleep, and do your best!

      2.   Everything in Life... Has to Balance

There’s no better lesson I’ve learned during college than learning how to balance my personal life with school. No matter what you have going on, your kids still need to be fed, and your mortgage needs be paid for, and your family still needs support. This lesson is so crucial especially for people that have taken time off to handle personal matters. I’ve learned that when you want something bad enough, you will do whatever it takes to get it. To make that transition a little easier, keep your mind busy by reading books in your prospective field or tutor a elementary student in your favorite subject. With those tips, you should be able to transition back into your education smoothly!

       3.  Remember, take it easy!

One thing I didn’t do through my college matriculation was sitting down and taking a deep breath. I was so young and concerned with what my future was going to look like after May 2018, that I simply didn’t relax and enjoy my college experience the way that I should’ve. Every night, I stood up until 1 a.m. making sure I’ve read and completely understood my assignments. Now, that's what I would never advise anyone to do! Always, find time during your hectic week during finals to take an hour to yourself. Ask yourself, what can you do to ease your mind and enjoy yourself more often?