118.2025

I'm convincing myself I'm done with a tariff stock up. Yes, there will be items I haven't thought of and we'll just have to deal with paying more (and questioning if it's really a need). But I also feel like I've been reasonably practicable about what I have purchased, even if it seems silly to buy two similar items at the same time just because I'm not sure which version I will like better and might as well have a back-up, anyway. (We are talking about pizza cutters and small clip-on fans, btw.)

I really want to go into May on a strict no-buy budget for material items. I still will plan to have some experiences. For example, I can't give up my monthly movie pass – I've tried, it doesn't work, it makes me too sad. I just love the experience of going to the movies, and when I don't have other adventures to take me out of the house while I look for a job, I think I will use it even more.

But we can limit so many more things. It might hurt a bit, but I know there are so many things in my house that are not getting the love they deserve.

One minor exception is Smelly Things. I have two free items that will expire mid-May, and I'm already planning to go to the store in person instead of ordering online and just getting the free items (and a cheap item if I have to pay for something). Also that will be another low-cost chance to "get out of the house."

Thankfully we are heading into warmer weather so perhaps this year I will finally get to use the deck and back yard (at least until fire season when I can't breathe the air and it's 100+ degrees).