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100 Days of Less Things

One of my 13 in 2013 goals was to do the 100 days of less things challenge. Some people call it 100 days of no spending. It’s been an idea that has been floating around on the blogosphere for some time. A gf of mine had done this a while back as well, and I wanted to see how this challenge affected me personally. I once called myself a minimalist. I was a firm believer that less is more and that experiences are better than possessions. I even went through a phase after returning from living in Germany and Egypt where I threw out almost my entire wardrobe and belongings. Soon after, I regretted throwing out everything, because it turned out that I actually needed some of it. But not much.

Fast forward to today, I’m finding myself collecting more and more stuff. Although I may not buy a lot of clothes, bags, and shoes, we all have certain things we like to spend our money on. Jacob and I spend most of our money on travel. But I also buy camera gear, like to get my nails done, and eat out more than I need to. I’m also a bit of a dabbler, and I jump from hobby to hobby. So I’ve been noticing that I collect lots of little things for future (pinterest) projects. Let’s be real, though… some of these things I will never get to. Before I buy more to begin another project, I need to focus on finishing some of the old projects first. Play with the toys I already own.

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There’s exactly 100 days left till the end of the year from today. I realize that this will be quite challenging since it will be over the holidays. I’ll be buying gifts for other people, and more often than not, being exposed to things makes you more tempted to buy them.

Here are my rules for the 100 Days of Less Things Challenge:
  1. Don’t buy anything but the absolute necessities: groceries, hygiene products, household products.
  2. Only eat out twice a week. We don’t want to be that couple that can never hang out.
  3. The exception to the eating out rule is if we happen to be traveling and don’t have our own kitchen.
  4. Make an exception if it’s an opportunity on my bucket list that may not ever come again.
  5. If I do buy something, blog about it, so that you guys can keep me accountable.

Let’s see how it goes! Anyone want to join me? I could use some support. ;)

This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. Erika

    Wow, what an interesting challenge and concept! I like it!

    I don’t think I am a minimalist, but I definitely have had times when I’ve given up a lot of my stuff — and more than once (usually to move). That said, I probably could be more intentional with the things I do have. I have learned some lessons over the past year about what I really need and deeply desire vs. what I was buying just because I could… it’s amazing how little we need!

    1. esther julee

      thanks! we’ll see how I do… :) I always like to challenge myself to see what my limits are/. i liked how you blogged about learning to appreciate what you already have, and I think that’s what the challenge is for me.

  2. your post reminds me so much of Paul from the book of Philippians (4:11-13).

    “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

    i think learning to be content with what we have is certainly not easy. i think some people struggle with this more than others, but it definitely is influenced by our consumerist and materialistic society. when we are surrounded by images/ads/commercials constantly telling us we will be happier/better/smarter with the newest (fill in the blank) its easy to get persuaded and buy into all the propaganda.

    1. esther julee

      I thought I already replied to this… but I guess not! I wonder where my comment went… Anyhow.. Pinterest is now my main problem where I’m constantly seeing new things I want for the home.. to wear.. etc. I haven’t bought that many things bc of it yet, but the desire is definitely there!

  3. Jennifer Chong

    good luck!… i am trying to spend less on clothing i could probably cut out some food cost too…

    1. esther julee

      you should do this with me! :) but you can have your own rules

  4. cindyLowe

    I love being a minimalist!! But that’s easier said than done. I keep myself from buying stuff by 1. not going to the mall and going on any website that I might end up buying things and 2. by telling myself that I have no more room to store such a thing! We eat out way often than we should also. I’m constantly looking for things to get rid of at home…but now we are acquiring a lot of baby things (all necessities, i hope)!! Which is sort of driving me crazy….

    1. esther julee

      same! :) it’s good that i actually hate physical shopping… but i do like to look on amazon. i think pinterest also makes me more exposed to “things.” i can’t imagine how to be a minimalist with kids! let me know what things are actually useful… you know for future reference ;)

  5. Tidy-Up Gal

    good luck! I’d join you but I have a big vacation coming up soon! haha :-)

    1. esther julee

      that’s why we have our exceptions for when we’re on vacation! haha loophole. shh. i know it’s terrible, but when traveling it’s just hard to maintain the same goals than when you’re at home and can control more variables. :)

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