30 day spending fast: the rules

It has been so long since I've blogged! I have missed blogging ans I'm excited about the opportunity to blog about this journey! Today is the day that we've chosen to do a 30 day spending fast. Perhaps that's not the right word, a spending reset or detox may be better suited. To start with, I will outline our rules. We looked up several blogs and plans from financial site and came up with our own rules and plan that we think will work best for us! This we Will spend money on and the rules within each category: Gas- gas will be bought, but will will cut out any trips hat aren't necessary and we will try to combine trips as much as possible, Food- I don't even want to think about how much we spend on food! and how much we WASTE on food. We will buy fresh fruits and veggies, baking things (flour, baking soda, etc). We will NOT be buying: alcohol, soda, flavor for water, fast food, take out, eating out, candy, cakes or sweets, chips or other "junk" food. The goal is to try to clean out the freezer and cupboards as much as possible. We will have some nights and days of strange meals. But we will do it! Well being items: sunscreen, bug spray, etc. things that are a must for our health and well being. Clothes: the only items we have agreed on are a bathing suit or two for John and Will. And we will try to get those for free or trade or cheap. Shoes Emily is giving up: Starbucks, online shopping, books (except for one book needed for a mom faith group), movies, or other entertainment George has agreed to give up buying breakfast in the morning, buying soda, entertainment, other extras. Gifts: we are talented people. We will not buy any gifts this month. We will make anything we can for gifting. Crafts: we will try to use up what craft supplies we have already We realize that needs may come up. Also wants. We will attempt to trade, barter, borrow anything we need. We hope that our friends and family will support us on this journey! I've already secured the items we need for tball from friends. Feeling blessed already. I am planning to start making laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, bread, and other items. We have so many of the things we need already to make that stuff! Entertainment: we've made a list of free or very cheap things to do as a family. Concert and movie in the park series, $1 movies, bible school, etc. my dad has graciously volunteered to pay for John to attend a 4h camp kn July also. We have also agreed upon a purchase that we need to make for a $10 cover for the pool. Things that we do need if anyone has them laying around: baby monitor for taking outside while kids are playing in the pool, old pillows that need recovering (I have a project in mind), large storage tubs and large storage bags, jars with kids small and large. We can barter for sewing, monogramming, some herbs, soon we will have some fresh veggies too! We are also looking to get some peas and carrots (we didn't get to plant them) and onions if anyone has any extra. I'm sure I will have some thoughts to add to this later. I will try to update with our progress every few days!