Another great post! You are the hi-lite of my Tuesday mornings. Would love to someday see a post on how you manage/simplify media consumption. I try to limit myself to only one streaming service, couple news sources, highly recommended books, etc. but still find it overwhelming.
"The most powerful purchases are the ones you don't make." Great statement that I'm going to pass on!
For myself, I've cut out a lot of things I used to buy out of habit...makeup & skincare (that never does what you hope! I just stick to my tried & true), clothes & shoes (I have enough, I just need to wear it), tote bags, travel stuff (why I am weirdly drawn to packing cubes?). I've stopped going into stores like Target and HomeGoods for boredom and entertainment and it's definitely had a positive effect!
So my do not buy list and my fix/repair list are both at the top of my list where I track incoming packages and anything I’m considering buying. I tell everyone: no more stuffed animals or Legos. There’s also alternatives listed: do you need new throw pillows or do you need to clean the living room? Make your bed. Do not buy any new makeup, if you must pep yourself up do a face mask or get a blowout instead. Instead of buying a toy read to the kids, let them boss you around a little and direct the games. Reorganize the linen closet, the Tupperware drawer, the top of the washing machine. The friction you’re feeling will not be fixed by a purchase. Don’t buy anything advertised to you on Instagram, any board games (the ludothèque has them to borrow), no Amazon toys. Fix list: a necklace, two watches, a pair of jeans with a loose pocket, my husband’s sweater in need of darning. Incoming: I bought a vintage French embroided sheet off vinted after needing a summer weight bedcover for 2 consecutive summers, I had also considered a dohar but nothing felt right. Replacement for an empty of my favorite laundry detergent.
Clothes! I’m very pregnant and it’s sooo tempting to buy cute summery postpartum items that are nursing friendly. But I just can’t justify anymore transition clothes, so I’ve decided to make do til I land on a steady post-baby size.
A lovely post, love it. We purchase our share of suntan lotions, and I always forget to put some on when heading out for walks; each summer or late spring, we make the purchase and have several bottles still not used, so we will not be purchasing this. Also, I like what you said about
**Panic purchases from Amazon (I cancelled Prime!) I have not purchased on/from Amazon in at least two years, and for this, they won't let me post reviews on their site because they want me to make a minimum purchase of at least $50-this is stipulated on Amazon community guidelines...You might be unable to submit reviews on Amazon due to several reasons, including not meeting minimum purchase requirements.
Well, it is good to know that there have not been any of my useless reviews on Amazon for at least two years and counting. Thank you, Shira, a great post to hammer down on that "Do Not Buy List"; when no income, I don't buy anything. I don't help myself either. Again, thanks.
Just a warning: sunblock has a relatively short life, so check the expiry date at the beginning of each season. Treat it like medication, because a bad burn when you think you're protected will have short-term impacts and potentially long-term consequences.
I am working on using up my handcreams. And I realize that many things I'm not using were gifts I didn't want at all, and they are just lying around, or being hidden in different drawers, because usually I am pretty good at getting only the things I need. (My spice rack is coughing gently.)
Soaps, mugs, candles, cosmetics I won't use. Books I won't read.
I don’t need any more tote bags or “merch” from concerts, trips, experiences, etc. It’s so hard to resist when I have been moved by an experience I want to remember and I want to support the artist, location, etc. I tipped a local artist on Venmo instead of buying merch once. Need to try that more often!
More makeup and skincare products until I use what I have
Another great post! You are the hi-lite of my Tuesday mornings. Would love to someday see a post on how you manage/simplify media consumption. I try to limit myself to only one streaming service, couple news sources, highly recommended books, etc. but still find it overwhelming.
bags/totes/luggage, office supplies, makeup/skincare
"The most powerful purchases are the ones you don't make." Great statement that I'm going to pass on!
For myself, I've cut out a lot of things I used to buy out of habit...makeup & skincare (that never does what you hope! I just stick to my tried & true), clothes & shoes (I have enough, I just need to wear it), tote bags, travel stuff (why I am weirdly drawn to packing cubes?). I've stopped going into stores like Target and HomeGoods for boredom and entertainment and it's definitely had a positive effect!
Clothing. Period! I already have more than I need and continually reach for the same three to four mix and match pieces.
Love it. I have so many lipsticks and foundations for “mature” skin. LOL. Also cookbooks. Putting these and more on a no buy list!
Cookbooks is a good one!
So my do not buy list and my fix/repair list are both at the top of my list where I track incoming packages and anything I’m considering buying. I tell everyone: no more stuffed animals or Legos. There’s also alternatives listed: do you need new throw pillows or do you need to clean the living room? Make your bed. Do not buy any new makeup, if you must pep yourself up do a face mask or get a blowout instead. Instead of buying a toy read to the kids, let them boss you around a little and direct the games. Reorganize the linen closet, the Tupperware drawer, the top of the washing machine. The friction you’re feeling will not be fixed by a purchase. Don’t buy anything advertised to you on Instagram, any board games (the ludothèque has them to borrow), no Amazon toys. Fix list: a necklace, two watches, a pair of jeans with a loose pocket, my husband’s sweater in need of darning. Incoming: I bought a vintage French embroided sheet off vinted after needing a summer weight bedcover for 2 consecutive summers, I had also considered a dohar but nothing felt right. Replacement for an empty of my favorite laundry detergent.
Clothes! I’m very pregnant and it’s sooo tempting to buy cute summery postpartum items that are nursing friendly. But I just can’t justify anymore transition clothes, so I’ve decided to make do til I land on a steady post-baby size.
A lovely post, love it. We purchase our share of suntan lotions, and I always forget to put some on when heading out for walks; each summer or late spring, we make the purchase and have several bottles still not used, so we will not be purchasing this. Also, I like what you said about
**Panic purchases from Amazon (I cancelled Prime!) I have not purchased on/from Amazon in at least two years, and for this, they won't let me post reviews on their site because they want me to make a minimum purchase of at least $50-this is stipulated on Amazon community guidelines...You might be unable to submit reviews on Amazon due to several reasons, including not meeting minimum purchase requirements.
Well, it is good to know that there have not been any of my useless reviews on Amazon for at least two years and counting. Thank you, Shira, a great post to hammer down on that "Do Not Buy List"; when no income, I don't buy anything. I don't help myself either. Again, thanks.
More summer sandals and sun dresses!
Just a warning: sunblock has a relatively short life, so check the expiry date at the beginning of each season. Treat it like medication, because a bad burn when you think you're protected will have short-term impacts and potentially long-term consequences.
Thanks for sharing! x
I am working on using up my handcreams. And I realize that many things I'm not using were gifts I didn't want at all, and they are just lying around, or being hidden in different drawers, because usually I am pretty good at getting only the things I need. (My spice rack is coughing gently.)
Soaps, mugs, candles, cosmetics I won't use. Books I won't read.
Great list! x
Oh gosh….handbags and pouches and more bags. On the bright side, I returned two yesterday.
Pouches!! The struggle is real!
No more candles until I use what I have!!!
I don’t need any more tote bags or “merch” from concerts, trips, experiences, etc. It’s so hard to resist when I have been moved by an experience I want to remember and I want to support the artist, location, etc. I tipped a local artist on Venmo instead of buying merch once. Need to try that more often!
Brilliant idea to tip instead of buying merch!!
Super random and totally unrelated but at some point, were you recommending ilia products but are no longer? Love your content!
Everyone I know LOVES Ilia - I just found products that worked better for me / my skin. x