frugality=boredom??

**luckbethislady** · 05-26-2009, 11:53 AM

I am a shopaholic!! There...I said it...

...when I have nothing to do I go shopping...or did...we have recently decided that that God never intended for us to have as much as we have...and simplifying our lives and eleminating some debt would allow us to focus on what's really important and begin to store our treasures in the right place...

now...that being said...I'm so bored!! To save money and pass the time I've been cleaning, but if that's all I have to look forward to I'm going to lose my mind

....what do you ladies do to pass the time without spending money...

I know some of you are thinking this should be common sense...but i've never had to do this...and am having a hard time coming up with things....

thanks so much for all of your help and support!!

oh...also...i have a one year old....so if you have any suggestions that we could do together i would appreciate it...thanks

**Bellaboo** · 05-26-2009, 12:16 PM

Do you have any hobbies? Myself I love to read, sew, and do photography. I know some hobbies can be costly but can still be done frugally. I rarely ever buy a book, instead I get them from the library, borrow with friends and my parents give me all of their books when they're done reading them.

For sewing I buy my patterns when they go on sale for 99 cents and I buy fabric when it's on sale or with a coupon. It can be an expensive hobby but I figure I still come out on top because I can usually make an item for a lot less then if I were to buy it at a store.

As far as my photography, because I use a digital camera, I only print the pics I want. I took photography in school so I'm lucky that I can take good pics which has saved me lots of money. I don't have to take my children to have their portraits done because I can do it myself and I think they turn out better so it's a win win.

I think I would be bored too if all I did was clean LOL.

**craftypam** · 05-26-2009, 12:18 PM

First I love to do crafts. Find something you are interested in or would like to have and try to make it. Visit a craft store for some ideas. I also visit the library and get books out; get one on a subject you are interested in. Right now I'm wanting to try new recipes. I also love gardening; flowers and vegetables.

There is also a book 365 tv free activities to get out of the library to do with you child. If your library doesn't have this check if they can get it for you. My library has gotten books for me from out of state.
I also like to shop out of boredom some days. And AMEN to what you said about stuff.

**mama2James** · 05-26-2009, 12:19 PM

Do you have hobbies that you are interested in that don't take a lot of expensive materials? maybe you could learn to knit, or garden or draw? Or volunteer for a cause that's important to you?

ETA: Looks like a few of us were posting at once, you got a bunch of good ideas!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-26-2009, 12:23 PM

I'm never bored because I have so many things that I do that don't cost a whole lot. The kids are always wanting to do stuff outside and now that it's nice, I'm able to oblige.

I find that gardening and being outside is pretty enjoyable this time of year.

If the weather is horrible, I'm inside and I end up doing a lot of stuff. My biggest passion is gaming and I spend about $15 per month to do that. That's my blow money because all of our computers are paid off. Every year for my birthday, I take my birthday money and buy a new game. I also am in the final editing of my own book about frugality. I recently received an offer to do a proofreading of an upcoming book that's looking to pay $500, so I'll have that to do.

I find that if I get the urge to shop, I'm pretty good at controlling it. That being said, I am going to the mall on Thursday to buy DH a birthday gift and to get myself a pair of sandals at Payless.

**elphie** · 05-26-2009, 12:27 PM

I have discovered that many of my spendthrift "hobbies" weren't hobbies at all but distractions. Since changing my lifestyle I have discoverd some great new interests that are actually fulfilling on a much deeper level than some of my old distractions (including shopping). A few things I've discovered and rediscovered:

reading, the local library is free, Goodwill and our used book store have great buys, and if I really want something I can't find I will "splurge" and see if I can get it for $4 on Amazon ($.01 used + $3.99 shipping)- I've even organized a book club which has become one of my favorite activities.
writing- I've always loved writing and journaling but since I can't distract myself with other things I've really rediscovered how cathardic this is for me and have even gotten a few things published.
photography- I started out with my very cheap little digital camera and learned a lot about editing. I eventually saved up for a nicer camera but a point and shoot kept me happy and busy for a long time.
hiking- We don't do rough terrain and the kids like to come along but finding new and beautiful places to hike has become a favorite family pass time. (and of course I bring the camera along, lol)
I have my own and several surrounding community calendar's bookmarked so I can keep up with free and cheap events. This Friday the city council is hosting a free movie in the park.
learning- I have a list of things I'd like to learn (German, knitting, butterfly gardening, etc.) and when I'm bored I look online and at my local library for free and/or cheap resources to help me get started. Sometimes I lose interest but I always have fun trying.
volunteer- Find a cause that is important to you and donate your time. The environment is mine so I participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program and clean up local parks and then take what I can to the recycling plant.

Of course this list is what I personally find stimulating- you may enjoy some of these, others you may find boring. You may also enjoy some things that I don't such as gardening, baking, or fishing. You should take this opportunity, now that your main distraction has been eliminated, to find out what you truly love. It may take time to figure out but I promise if you are patient and truly seek meaningful activities it will change more than your savings account balance. It has changed my life.

**savvy_sniper** · 05-26-2009, 01:05 PM

I started my own business and sell online - my own website, Amazon, and eBay. You might consider selling some of the things you have accumulated over the years - eBay and craigslist would be good places to look into.

I also have lots of hobbies. Hubby and I like to go camping and take scenic motorcycle rides. I also am a mentor for an organization that teaches the disabled to sell online and I do local volunteer work.

I cook from scratch and enjoy it immensely. I am always researching and testing new recipes. I always have a pile of books from the library to read.

If you must shop, check out garage sales, estate sales, resale shops, thrift shops, etc. BUT only buy things you TRULY NEED and make it a quest to find items for the lowest price possible.

Find things to do that make you happy (besides shopping)! Take your child to the park, children's museum, etc.

**SaucyCranberry** · 05-26-2009, 01:17 PM

I know finding new hobbies at home is important, too. But to satisfy the "shopping lobe of my brain" (as my DH calls it,

) I have a few frugal strategies.

Match up coupons and store circulars so that you are getting 50% off or more for items you already get. Order coupons on eBay in multiples for things you use a lot. (Like diapers or wipes). For me now it's pet food.

The Library. Browsing and checking out the movies, CDs and books feels just like a trip to Barnes & Noble.

I made a list of things I'd like to have for our house, our yard, the kids, etc. Then I joined a local Freecycle group and keep an eye on my city's Craig's List FREE items. For a little time and gas money I've been able to get a lot of things on my wish list in the last month, including a nice, working '32 TV, cute shutters for our house and a cedar split rail fence for our yard--gratis.

And when I have some "blow money" I take cash only, (debit card/check book in the car) and browse at thrift stores, used book stores or second hand children's stores. Sometimes they are more fun than wandering around Target, since I never know what I'll find.

Any of the above you could do with your one-year-old in a stroller or cart. And my kids have grown up with me finding bargains, so much that they incorporate it into their play. I heard my daughter playing Barbies last week, and one Barbie complimented the other on a couch or something, and the first Barbie answered "Oh, thanks, I got for free after coupons."

**gapeach** · 05-26-2009, 02:15 PM

My DH and I don't have kids but on Saturdays and Sundays we will often go the nearby parks and do some hiking. Sometimes I'll pack a picnic lunch and we'll drive to some nearby towns that we've never been to and just walk around. We have some discovered some beautiful quaint southern towns with beautiful town squares perfect for a picnic.

**frugal is fun** · 05-26-2009, 02:42 PM

One of the best things I have ever done is join a local moms group. I found the group on meetup.com

Not only do I now have a "new" group of great friends, all with children, but they know every "free" event to do with your kids. We have meet ups at local parks, people's houses, we go for hikes, we do crafts and all sorts of other stuff.

Like many have said, the library is a great place to start. Find if they have a childrens story time or perhaps they even have their own "mom's club". Most library's often carry discounted or free passes to local museums, zoo's etc. I just brought my son to the zoo for free, would have cost us over $30 for three of us thanks to the library.

Try your town's park & rec department. They usually offer free to inexpensive activities right in your own town. I have my son signed up in a "sports" program, one day a week, 45 minute session for 8 weeks for $20. It gets me out of the house, he gets the play time and I get to interact with other people from town.

if you get a "town" paper, start looking in the activities section. You'll find a wealth of free stuff to do. And start talking to people, ask them what they do.

it is tricky at first but once you start asking around and finding out what's free it really sort of just takes off.

good luck!

**Maine Girl** · 05-26-2009, 03:08 PM

I also read and loom knit. I get my movies from netflix. But you can also get dvds, cd's and magazines from the library. Also check your local paper for the free activities your town/city has.

**Maine Girl** · 05-26-2009, 03:09 PM

also most librarys have a story time for toddlers..

**Maine Girl** · 05-26-2009, 03:12 PM

oops i see i duplicate...Our local art museum is free on Friday. In the summer if you have drive inn movie theater usually two movies and you can bring own food and you don't need to hire a babysitter.

**ladykemma2** · 05-26-2009, 03:55 PM

i shop to my hearts content on ebay. just don't ever hit the purchase button. i help people on yahoo answers select diamonds on ebay, especially young people on a tight budget.

i also catalog shop. sticky notes all over everything. then i throw the catalog away.