Good Morning World!

What better time of year to examine the terribly broken cycle of consumerism that we Americans so heavily contribute to? If there is a true spirit of Christmas in America today, it’s overconsumption.  Overconsumption of goods, food and gifts that NO ONE wants.  I am clear that I can easily fall in either of these traps, due to my constant desire to fill voids and gaps in my life with various new items and food.  If I am not shopping I am eating.  It’s the American Way.  While, it is so easy to say we are going to do something about it, but how do we break the cycle and kick these habits?  Our lives have been set-up in a way that makes hyper-consumption not only a seemingly necessity, but also easy to maintain.  So to start for me, the credit card and debit card that is always so quick to jump out of my purse and swipe for all the little things that add up, are now officially on punishment and staying home.  Statistics show that half of the world lives off of $2 a day, let’s see how well I do.  As a disclosure to set myself up to win, I do have plans this weekend, which may require a little more than $2, but I guess that just means that I won’t be spending my $2 on some of my other days.  Think  you can handle the challenge?

We’re on mission

Is this all there is?

And it’s simple in theory: Do not buy anything new for 1 year.

This does not include underwear (although I’m sure bleach would kill all the yuckies), food (I am not opposed to Freeganism but that will be considered a bonus if I can actually find edible food that has been discarded) and items required to keep our business and family alive and well. If my girlfriend says a new sweater at Express is vital to her survival we’re going to have to have a talk.

And who are we? Tif & Tamarah, Chloe & Siera. Yes, I typed it like that because it rhymes. More or less we’re moms, girlfriends, vegans, soon-to-be students and chicks who are getting sick and tired of being wooed and sucked in by the Shopping Monkey that currently lives inside our wallets.

We also LOVE a challenge and feel like 2010 is the year we can accomplish something that most people can’t imagine doing. As a disclaimer we’re not opposed to buying used but at least we won’t be contributing to the plague of trying to fill the void with NEW.