Comments on: intention http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/2010/03/11/intention/ Written and photographed by Jessica Monte Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:35:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Jessica http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/2010/03/11/intention/comment-page-1/#comment-4088 Jessica Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:41:46 +0000 http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/?p=3490#comment-4088 Amber, that's funny that you mention the grocery store "clause." My neighbor and I were just talking about this: we're allowed to buy groceries so we'll end up indulging there because heck, like you note, we need food. I'm going to try and do a better job of sticking to a grocery budget, writing down our bill from the beginning of the month and making changes to our cart as the month goes along. I do however want to continue to include organic foods, especially when it comes to our kids. And good for you! Saving money is my husband's passion too. You are so lucky that tuition in your country is affordable! It took my husband several years to pay back his tuition (he attend a private university) and I know that many of our friends are still working on paying back their college loans. I attended a small state school on scholarship and only had single loan to pay back for the 2 semseters I lived at my school. Anyway . . . Again, Canadians are so lucky! I wonder what tuition is for U.S. Americans who go there? Amber, that’s funny that you mention the grocery store “clause.” My neighbor and I were just talking about this: we’re allowed to buy groceries so we’ll end up indulging there because heck, like you note, we need food. I’m going to try and do a better job of sticking to a grocery budget, writing down our bill from the beginning of the month and making changes to our cart as the month goes along. I do however want to continue to include organic foods, especially when it comes to our kids.

And good for you! Saving money is my husband’s passion too. You are so lucky that tuition in your country is affordable! It took my husband several years to pay back his tuition (he attend a private university) and I know that many of our friends are still working on paying back their college loans. I attended a small state school on scholarship and only had single loan to pay back for the 2 semseters I lived at my school. Anyway . . . Again, Canadians are so lucky! I wonder what tuition is for U.S. Americans who go there?

]]> By: Jessica http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/2010/03/11/intention/comment-page-1/#comment-4087 Jessica Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:37:47 +0000 http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/?p=3490#comment-4087 Gypsy, I remember visiting China a few years ago and my husband and I feeling shocked at what the government permits and enforces (we went on factory visit after factory visit). I remember returning from the trip and boycotting "made in china" items, however, I find that these items dominate our U.S. market. I discovered free trade dark chocolate yesterday though and will be a loyal customer for sure. As for buying, I totally agree, the "little things" do add up. Still, I'm going to be more likely to say "no" when my daughter requests something here and there. I often say yes to avoid a public dispute/tantrum, and it really is costing us a bundle. Gypsy, I remember visiting China a few years ago and my husband and I feeling shocked at what the government permits and enforces (we went on factory visit after factory visit). I remember returning from the trip and boycotting “made in china” items, however, I find that these items dominate our U.S. market. I discovered free trade dark chocolate yesterday though and will be a loyal customer for sure.

As for buying, I totally agree, the “little things” do add up. Still, I’m going to be more likely to say “no” when my daughter requests something here and there. I often say yes to avoid a public dispute/tantrum, and it really is costing us a bundle.

]]> By: Amber http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/2010/03/11/intention/comment-page-1/#comment-4070 Amber Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:32:59 +0000 http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/?p=3490#comment-4070 I try to spend with intention, and I think I mostly do a pretty good job. But no one's perfect, me included. I think my worst foible is buying stuff at the grocery store that I don't need, since I am 'allowed' to buy groceries. They're necessary, right? And yes, they are, but 2 kinds of ice cream might not be. Really, though, I don't like to spend money that much. I like to save money. But not for my kid's retirement. Honestly, my kids don't even have a college plan. I did the math and college tuition costs less than daycare where I live, so since we're paying for daycare now I'm not going to sweat too much about college. I try to spend with intention, and I think I mostly do a pretty good job. But no one’s perfect, me included. I think my worst foible is buying stuff at the grocery store that I don’t need, since I am ‘allowed’ to buy groceries. They’re necessary, right? And yes, they are, but 2 kinds of ice cream might not be.

Really, though, I don’t like to spend money that much. I like to save money. But not for my kid’s retirement. Honestly, my kids don’t even have a college plan. I did the math and college tuition costs less than daycare where I live, so since we’re paying for daycare now I’m not going to sweat too much about college.

]]> By: Gypsy http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/2010/03/11/intention/comment-page-1/#comment-4065 Gypsy Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:50:03 +0000 http://www.greenmamma.org/blog/?p=3490#comment-4065 Well done you! I did a buy nothing month back in 07 and it really changed my life. I then committed to buy nothing made in China, to buy second hand wherever possible, to buy ethical or fair trade or locally made if I couldn't. (exceptions are underwear and a few simlar things). For me understanding the corrupt production practices in China, India etc and the need to support fair trade really helps me get over that 'high' ... not to mention the environmental implications. Like you, even without buying stuff, the budget is tricky ... coffee shop visits and actual essentials too like dentist trips, contact lenses, stuff the kids need ... its endless! Well done you! I did a buy nothing month back in 07 and it really changed my life. I then committed to buy nothing made in China, to buy second hand wherever possible, to buy ethical or fair trade or locally made if I couldn’t. (exceptions are underwear and a few simlar things). For me understanding the corrupt production practices in China, India etc and the need to support fair trade really helps me get over that ‘high’ … not to mention the environmental implications. Like you, even without buying stuff, the budget is tricky … coffee shop visits and actual essentials too like dentist trips, contact lenses, stuff the kids need … its endless!

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