Gryffin, excellent!

RoseandJoan, with “essential workers getting the feeling that they are actually disposable, it is so rare to hear of anyone avoiding “an unnecessary purchase leading to transmission within a warehouse or delivery depot” so I commend you for that.

Our shopping changed a lot last year when we had actual “lockdown” — we were not leaving home much except for necessities. Spending went way down. Except for maybe once a week carry-out, we cooked at home. I didn’t buy much clothing at all. We did buy a camper trailer and spent some money on outfitting it, but that was our main spending thing last year — we went away for two months and our biggest expense was fuel.

This year I have been antsy to get out more, but cautious, so I’m still not getting the wear out of my wardrobe I would like. However, my restlessness did cause me to shop more. I was craving a return to dressing for social activity so much that I have made a lot of purchases this year. I’m wearing some of them a lot, but others I suspect will have to wait for a truly post-Covid time. I do have a habit of resorting to retail therapy when I’m stressed or restless, or feeling creatively burnt out, especially if the weather is not conducive to me getting out in nature for hours on end, which has been the case in this hot and sticky summer.

We tried not to buy as little as possible online, to reduce the demand on delivery services. When we did shop, it was mostly to stock our pantry and to buy the gear we needed to switch to an entirely outdoor workout routine. Then I did a pass to buy washable WFH clothing, but bought from as few retailers as humanly possible. It’s only since the lockdowns were lifted that we returned to a more normal consumption pattern, assessing and filling in wardrobe holes. Neither of us added Covid pounds, we ended up stronger because we used what had been our commuting time to more regularly work out, and that and additional home maintenance made up for the lack of external activity.

From Janet: "However, my restlessness did cause me to shop more." I think this is true for me too. Or, maybe not MORE, but I didn't really stop shopping. I realized a few things over the last year and a half - pretty much, that I didn't need as much as I had, and I really needed to stop buying things that don't work or that I have enough of (high-rise jeans, heeled shoes, booties, graphic tees). I weeded out my wardrobe but also kept shopping. I think the appearance of a UPS box was really a bright spot at a time when every day was the same - but I also kept returning things, and maybe even more so, because I judged with a more ruthless eye.

In 2021, more than half of my purchases have been pajamas and underwear - all were in need of refreshing. But I still managed to pick up a few tops, dresses, and a pair of jeans.

I keep trying on this thread and not succeeding.

Viva - yes I think when being at home so much deliveries seem even more exciting (and are easier to as there is no card left).

Cat2 - nice work on the strength and fitness. Yes I understand the pressure on the system and the need to reduce this during a pandemic. Here because our situation is different local firms wanted business and couriers were not overloaded or unsafe.

Janet - yes I feel restless too. Travel is nigh on impossible for NZers - because we can't get back in. And shopping is a way of diverting the energy - I am battling that right now.

Carol - interesting musings and a positive attitude to move forward with.

ChewySpaghetti - yes shopping is a good diversion I agree....and retailers who don't have a good online presence must have struggled big time.

Gryffin - your family strength and fitness regime is applaudable and positive - I hope you are all feeling terrific. I had to google WFPB to check out the acronym...

roseandjean - great that you saved some money towards a special goal. My credit card statement looks like groceries, groceries, groceries, wine....But no fuel which is a huge saving.

slimcat - I think we have all made a couple of mistakes in shopping so I empathise - and knowing a seamstress/tailor who can assist is very useful.

Nemosmom - yes I am thinking thrifting could be great for the rest of the year too. The standard in zoom calls here is pretty low (hoodies, eating breakfast etc..)

Ginger - I am pleased you were able to support small businesses that needed it. And yes home spending has been a huge winner everywhere I think- interiors, appliances etc...

Preppypear - yes I feel like stepping it up again too. It takes an adjustment though...

Star - great work on the shopping ban. I am also more of an online browser than shopper - I can waste a lot of time on this!!

Nuancedream- how exciting and congratulations on the house!!

Staysfit - oh isn't that type of shopping the most frustrating. Building materials here have also skyrocketed in cost...hugely!

Jenni - I know the house prices here are awful and a terrible situation for the next generations. I feel like you - trying to be more sustainable and buy less. I am mostly succeeding but still have bursts of the wantsies.

Sally - I suspect you will be able to get your yoga kit - essential seems a bit broader this time around. Yes the petrol is a huge saving.

LisaP - yes there are shortages and food has gone up which is an area I struggle to economise on too. I added two dresses I love that I am yet to wear sadly with no occasions.

Joy - interesting to hear what has been happening in your part of the world. I hope your son's renovation goes ahead.

SF - it must be a blur! Yes I would not buy the jetski either but confess to using both my sisters ones last summer. And I think in a situation like with your sister that you want to help in some way and maybe shopping feels like the best way when you are at a distance.

BarbaraDiane - good thinking on the thermometer. I have been considering a blowtorch. I hope the swimsuit turns up - I found my perfect one by chance last summer - I couldn't believe it.

Sloper - real estate agents have done well haven't they out of the pandemic.

ophelia - interesting - I had not heard that term!

Carla - the response sounds very similar to here - people not doing the city breaks but the outdoor activities

Rachy - food prices are very high - dairy and vege here are pricey indeed. Very sad for many people when junk foods are cheaper than whole foods.

Suz - thank you. I can understand your reluctance or lack of desire to shop with nowhere to go. I feel a bit similar. Suddenly my sneakers are all looking and feeling very worn so that is my direction for spending at the moment (running shoes are underway, casual still to be determined)

Donna - thats a good result from Covid and yes running shoe don't seem to last these days. I am sitting in my office with a blanket over my legs as I am cold...

Suntiger - sure you can get one delivered, anything is possible now. And yes a changing lifestyle needs a changing wardrobe.

Cardiff GIrl - my sister didn't buy the jet ski online - this year she wants a Dyson vacuum cleaner so that is her response to lockdown.

Oh, sorry if I came across as disapproving on the jetski (you said you “admit” to riding one). My comment was in reference to the noise, which would make one un-enjoyable for my son or me. Wasn’t intending to scold.

Strange/sad to hear that dairy is in short supply and expensive. I picture your country as having lots of pastureland.

No offence taken SF- I am conflicted about them myself as they are noisy - but they are fun!

And yes we are the land of milk and butter and cream / but boy is it expensive here now.