A computer mouse is only about $9. $13 if you want to get fancy.
Cordless? I have some fancy Logitech thing.
Well looks like the inexpensive phone repairs were just band aids, a new phone will need to be purchased. That will be my big expense for April.
We just bought 4 large decorative containers for plants - 2 for 1 sale. And I could have lived without a new coat, but could not resist a brand new Max Mara puffer 80% off. Dang. I have not bought any shoes this month though… 
I ordered another bathing suit, don’t know if I’ll keep it yet. I also purchased a $11.00 tassel necklace from Steinmart, goes with many tops I bought. I’m really trying to back off this month since my shopping spree in March.
I know I’ll be needing to replace skincare that is almost out.
We also have a summer home and I like to keep it stocked with cosmetics so I don’t have to forget anything. There are several items that are needed, but they are department store brands, the most expensive bring my undereye concealer Cle de Peau, which costs about $85. I’ve had it for a year and it looks like it will last another year. I would have to spend about $150 to restock and don’t know if I want to do that since now I feel guilty about mindless spending. I can just take what I need.
I finally returned a bunch of stuff I ordered from Macy’s several weeks ago. I feel like I’m sort of saving money and being mindful doing all these returns and not picking up more things while I’m at the mall.
Just booked a weekend away and hopefully will soon be booking our vacations for the year.
Purchased new valances for a bedroom today (they were inexpensive on Amazon). They probably should have been replaced years ago.
Valances are going back, not the length specified in the product description. Old phone is working again (so no new phone yet). However, about $1,000 will need to be spent to remove trees damaged by snow and replace them.
Interesting book review from the NY Times about choosing to spend less and enjoy life more:
Thank you posted the NYTimes like to Your Money or Your Life review. I read it many years ago and the ideas have helped me through lean times. I call it “involuntary simplicity”.
So how is everyone doing half way through? I love that Deb22 started this, as I do think before every purchase, and it’s helped me stop and walk away many times. My mindless spending this month has been 2 necklaces, and a free standing mirror that costs 8 bucks. It seems when we go on vacation and the whole fam is trying to get ready, I like to put my makeup on at a desk. So, $55 in total.
My other spending has been replenishing empties and out with friends…but that’s a necessity!
PBS Newshour had a story last night about a struggling rural town in Utah. A couple who are both artists and moved to the town from a big city had interesting comments:
“I just wanted to put more effort into my art and have more time for that, and not just try to scrape by to live.”
“I guess we both sort of realized we were working to stay in the city, rather than working for ourselves.”
I think spending less and living simply might be a great way for young workers to buy more time and enjoy life more. Not everyone has a job that can be done from a rural location, but everyone can buy less stuff and rent a smaller place.
Not everyone wants to live in a rural location, either. S1 and DIL are living in a town in North Dakota – population ~15,000 – with nothing else closer than 90 minutes away. It’s gotten old pretty quickly.
I find that I’m thinking about what I already have and try not to buy things to buy them.
Unlike February, I’m not on a no buy month. I’m never going to be a person who doesn’t buy pretty things, it’s who I am. I had to replace some makeup and I did buy a new dress for an occasion that I have.
The unseasonably cold weather is not helping anything. I’m here, having trouble getting outside, eating too much and finding too much time on my hands.
The unending winter needs to stop!
Well, there was an irresistible sale at a local designer than I like and have a few nice pieces from. I went to her sale but was able to resist buying anything there! I tried on a few things but none of them were perfect or better than the pieces I already have, so I was able to leave there with my wallet intact!
Spending wise it has been a bad few weeks. New iphone for daughter (we did manage to hold this off for a month), tree work (required due to storm damage), prepaid for our summer vacation, trip to visit daughter (along with hotel, travel,and food - we did some shopping), daughter’s wisdom teeth removal (even with insurance - very expensive), second trip to visit daughter to be there for wisdom teeth surgery, and new curtains and bedspread for guest room.
Ah, but none of the purchases were impulsive and all addressed important needs. 
Kiddie, some expenses just are necessary.
My sister visited. I bought her some essential clothes, but more $$ for her house, which some teenage hooligans spoiled. They put shaving cream and mustard and whatever they could find on her furniture, and took a knives to cut thru everything. They didn’t steal anything, but cut the seats in her car. So sad
Holy cow. Did insurance cover anything? Did they catch the bad guys??
@bookworm …that’s horrible! Hooligans is putting it too kindly.
Happy May 1st everyone! So, this month hasn’t been bad like last month, but I still spent some money, about $225 on new clothes, sandals, jewelry. Not as great as I hoped. I didn’t “need” these things. We will see how May goes. I’d like to do better. I need to stay off the fashion blogs!