The China Challenge

Maybe it was all the Christmas shopping that caused a bit of disillusionment in me or maybe it was my upbringing haunting me, but I only made one resolution for 2014.  Every single soul that I have shared my resolution with has said the exact same phrase - "Good luck with that" followed by a chuckle no less.

My resolution is to go as long as I can without buying any product that has been made in China.

I am not much of a shopper and I don't think I will be very challenged until Stormy's birthday or when it comes to buying new scrubs for work.  I do know that I will have to avoid the Chinese factory outlet aka Walmart.  I usually only shop at Walmart about 6 times a year, and I usually buy yarn, some shop supplies like antifreeze and oil (hmmm, maybe that won't be made in China....) and personal items.  

For Stormy's birthday, I really want to to buy an outside play set and I'm hoping to find a good used one.  In fact, I will buy something used that is made in China, if needed.  I feel that there is more positive in recycling an item than not.

So far this resolution is saving me money.  For an evening, I was very tempted to buy a Fitbit.  I was already hesitant about it because I would lose privacy, but I justified that by saying I already log everything into MyFitnessPal.  Of course, Fitbit and all others similar items are made in China.  I could probably find one used but the impulse has passed and I am $129 the richer for it.

Lovin' life - NOT made in China

The China Challenge

Total days China-free - 11
Total amount saved - $129