Pay in CASH.

In this time where almost everything can be bought from the shopping malls, it is quite tempting to just grab stuffs and swipe your credit card. 

I can say that I am guilty of doing this way back. 

Thank God, nowadays, before I even step into the mall, I keep on asking myself first: Do I need this? Can I survive without this? How long am I going to use it? 

Remember my Shopping Ban post too? 

Having said this, I am not against credit cards as long as it will be used responsibly. 

You have to remind yourself that the amount that you had spent/will spend will eventually has to be paid for/settled by none other than you, yourself. 

So before you take out that card and go gaga over the sales and mid year promotions, ask yourself: Do I need this? Can I afford it? Do I have the cash to pay for it? 

The Day I Broke My Spending Ban

Photo Grabbed from Google 

Yes. I am guilty. 

I have started strong but I had given in to shopping. 

I took a midweek off from work last week and headed to the mall alone to buy a pair of rubber shoes. 

The rubber shoes turned to a few blouses from Zara and some more from H&M. Yikes! 

I felt so guilty but proud also of myself since I had chosen classic pieces that I can wear during the hot summer days up to the chilling days here in Doha. 

Nonetheless, I am still doing well with my Project 333. I have swapped one with my newly purchased top from Zara. 

The same goes for The Minimalist Challenge. I've cleaned up my accessories mostly necklaces and will sell them online as preloved items. I have a long way to go with regards to my closet though. 

Wheeew. 

Wish me luck! 

Shopping Ban

Not my Photo though :) but still banning shopping, for the mean time. 

I have received numerous SMSs regarding sales, further discounts and promotions from different shops. 

It is quite tempting! 

Since I have started off with Project 333 and will soon commence with The Minimalist Game, I have decided to take on The Shopping Ban for the next six months: just at a perfect time with the remaining 6 months until the end of the year. 

Inspired by the email I got from Courtney, again from Be More With Less, I told myself that it would be the perfect time to halt shopping for awhile. 

It is not about completely not shopping, but shopping only for the really required ones, thus, preparing the Approved Shopping List is a must. 

I had just ordered some pieces from Mango online. 

At first, I have around QAR 2500 on my shopping cart and I was able to reduce it to a whopping QAR 347 to be exact! 

I have taken only the ones that I badly need at the moment: a pair of black trousers (QAR 75) since the one that I have is worn out and could use some rest; a black blazer (QAR 59); black and white long-sleeved shirt (QAR 55), a plain white long sleeves (QAR 75) and two casual shirts (QAR 39 and QAR 44 each). 

I prefer buying them online as it is difficult to find the styles and sizes that I like/have in here. It is only during the sale season that I do my shopping from Mango. I love the fit and the looks plus they always have great prices and offers free delivery for purchases of at least QAR 200. 

Since I already have what I only need, I can finally prepare my "Approved Shopping List":

Groceries but no junk food, no chocolates

Lunch at the cafeteria if and only if I don't have my packed lunch, should be at least once a week 

Cake at least twice a month 

Takeaway Food if and only if I fail to prepare dinner

Conditioner - once a month

Banned Stuffs: 

Make up 

Lotion 

Shampoo - I have stocks to last me until the end of the year 

Magazines, Books - I have loads of unread ebooks and books 

Again, chocolates and junk food 

Soda 
Coffee from Starbucks - We have one in our office building so it is really tempting 

Clothes, Shoes, Bags 

Takeaway food 

I have taken on this challenge to hopefully control my spending (I can imagine a large grin on my Hubby's face), get rid of the items that I still can, make my life easier and simpler and to top it all, save more and pay off my debts (bank loan). 

Are you up to the challenge? 

Common, give it a try.