Happy New Year! 2017 was quite a year. From tax reform to hurricanes, wildfires and the #MeToo movement, that year didn't see one dull moment.

Now is the time most of us make resolutions that inevitably end up broken within a few weeks, days or sometimes hours. This year I skipped the resolutions and decided to make what I'm calling a life realignment, which perhaps is just a fancy name for a resolution, but work with me here.

I've decided to give up retail spending until March, with the hopes of continuing it for one year (insert huge gasp here). That means I can't buy anything new unless it needs replacing, so for example, if my make-up or hair spray runs out, I replace it. However, it means no new clothes, shoes, housewares, fun kitchen devices, electronics, etc. I'm still allowing myself money for experiences – movies, trips on a budget, museums, etc.