Day 1 of the January Money Diet ? Shop at Home | Happy Simple ...

Photo: J Luoh

Welcome to the first day of the January Money Diet. I?m so glad you?re taking part in this challenge. It?s simple, really; we just take a 31-day break from all nonessential spending ? and pocket the savings. Each day, I?ll post an idea that supports the idea of having a happy, interesting, frugal but fun-filled month ? all without spending a nickel. New this year, we?ll have daily homework assignments to keep us all accountable.

On this first day of the January Money Diet, begin by doing some ?shopping? at home. This is the perfect time to go through the closets and drawers looking for those unused things we all tend to save for Someday.

Start in the pantry and freezer; do you have any fancy, gourmet items or forgotten goodies lurking back in the shelves? In my own kitchen, I did some excavating and brought forth a jar of lemon curd, spice mixes, coconut milk, instant espresso powder and more. This month I?m going to find creative ways to use these products; I?ll spoil my family a bit, and clear some room in the cabinets and freezer at the same time.

What about those specialty kitchen appliances and gadgets gathering dust? For instance, we have a paella pan, a tortilla press and an ice cream cone maker that I plan to put into service this month.

Another place to ?shop? at home is the bathroom cabinet; are there shampoo samples, fancy soaps, loofahs, pedicure kits and scented bath salts languishing in your cabinets? Gather ?em up and plan to use them. If not this month, when?

What about those unused craft and scrapbooking supplies? And home improvement materials? Fabric and sewing supplies? Yarn and knitting needles? Blank CDs? Office supplies? Candles? Art supplies? Check your medicine chest, too; are there vitamins and supplements languishing there? Take a look around the closets and drawers of your home, and you might find a treasure trove just waiting to be used up and enjoyed.

Homework Assignment #1: Go on a scavenger hunt at home, and make a list of products you already have that you plan to use this month. Post some highlights from what you find in the comments section below. You know we?re all just dying to know what you unearth.

It?s a glorious new year, my friends ? so wear your silk pajamas! Light the vanilla-scented candles, raid the liquor cabinet and drink the fancy brandy!

From our home to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. May these next 30 days be the beginning of your best year ever.

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I?ll be giving away a gift basket chock-full of home and garden goodies plus several other prizes on January 31, 2013. Every time you post your homework assignment or comment during January, you?re automatically entered for the drawing. I hope you?ll stop by often this month and share your own ideas, thoughts and experiences.

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About Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross is a full-time writer and the author of five books about home design and food. She has been blogging about simplicity and sustainable living since 2006.

Source: http://www.happysimpleliving.com/2013/01/01/day-1-of-the-january-money-diet-shop-at-home/

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