Day 5
Bought a train ticket and postage (post swap book). Fairtrade choc for BFs birthday.
Day 6
Bought my BF (for birthday) a cycling drinks bottle, as old one leaks and will be recycled.
I bought myself some solid conditioner from Lush (essential toiletries are allowed, but not bubble bath, facials etc) I have put it in a soap dish and now there is a loverly smell in the bathroom; cant wait to try it! Been out for the day in Chester, went in every charity shop and there are lots, and didnt buy a thing! There is nothing I actually want, let alone need! Getting worried about BF's DVD as not actually arrived yet; Royal failed again! Bought him lunch, locally made pasties, yum, in paper bags, that I've recycled. Yay!
Steered him away from plastic / paper cups of tea, instead went for a proper cup in a cafe. Much nicer.
Will have to wrap presents tomorrow if DVD turns up! I have a stock of wrapping paper, as that's not allowed, I had it anyway, I didnt stock up before the challenge.
Been on ebay and saved searches for outdoor type clothes so will be able to find easily if I get the urge to shop!
Nearly forgot, I took two pairs of old specs to Vision Express for Vision Aid. Glasses go to someone who wouldn't otherwise get glasses & not into landfill. Life would be tough without my glasses!
DAY 7
I haven't actually bought anything except food today. Good day. Tried Lush conditioner bar and its as good as it smells, hmmm.
I have requested some car bits being offered on freecycle, a door mirror (mine is looking sorry for itself) and an indicator switch, my BF fixed mine a while back but its on its way out, so will be handy to have a spare. My first freecycling, so can't wait for reply.
When I get my car back, must do carbot sale! Hopefully next week...
Now BF and I are walking or cycling everywhere, as his car is playing up, faulty brakes, so cannot drive anywhere. Actually feels quite good in a strange way, saving all that CO2!
Read INEBG forum again tonight; its a great inspiration, all those people not buying new for a year! I have failed on the present buying though! BF not doing challenge, excuses...
I have seen some brilliant home-made cards, one with a photo on and one with a painting. My watercolours aren't up to much, so I will have to find some photos that I can turn into cards, but how to get card blanks without buying new? I think I've already said new stuff off ebay isn't allowed as its like buying from a shop? I'm just making up the rules as I go along, but in the spirit of not buying anything new!
DAY 8
Bought coffee for 2 in paper cups (naughty!). Caught bus where normally wuld have driven (cars out of action) I did buy some *new* card blanks to make my own greetings cards. Not sure if this is really bad on only day 8 or if it counts as a 'gift for other people', they will be. It has got me painting and creative though. I did check ebay and loads of charity shops first though. BF's birthday present did finally arrive today and we've watched it, 'In the shadow of the moon'. The story of the apollo astronauts in their own words. It's very compelliing viewing. I recommend renting it to everyone 
I need some glue and some photos printing for gift cards, so if I can't 'borrow' the glue, it might have to go under 'gifts' again... I can do without new stuff for myself, but not for others, as they seem to expect new stuff!
I made my BF some "gift vouchers" and then stuck them on the fridge, tv etc for him to find :-) He cashed one of them in today - socks! They are exempt as they count as underwear and they were a gift.
DAY 9
I haven't bought anything except food today.
I have put a bid in on a shirt and a top on ebay. They end tomorrow. So I will see how it goes! I don't recall having the urge to buy anything else. I am using my PDA with character recognition. It is like learning to write again! Feeling demorolised over allotment, as still buying most of veg!
Had a read of the Yahoo group called the Compact. They're the people who started "don't buy new for a year". It has made me more determinded to carry on!
DAY 10
I have only spent £2.74 on a walking top off ebay. We have only eaten home cooked food and I've cleaned with bicarb and vinegar. So a pretty successful day.
DAY 11
Only bought a train ticket and a packet of crisps today. Walking everywhere as my car is still not ready! Grrr. I only won one of the tops I'd bid for on ebay, but that should be on its way this week. The car spares on freecycle had already gone sadly. I will keep looking out for stuff though. I should have some things to list after I've done a carboot :-)
I had one of the many swaps I offered for books accepted, I got the book on Saturday, Colin's Gem Guide to the Seashore, so I will look forward to using that on my next trip to the (British) beach.
