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Although I don't make New Year's resolutions per say, I'm committed to becoming an even more curated buyer of things in the future. During the last few years I've tried to simplify life by bringing fewer things into my kitchen, bathroom, home ... i.e., life, which includes food, personal care items, clothing and home goods. My goal isn't to do without necessities. It's to buy what I need; not more than what I need.
If I must add too many extras to get free shipping, I pass on an item. In my experience, it saves more money and lessens waste. Sales happen often enough so there's no real need to stock up as if we only get to the supermarket, or drugstore once a year. I'll be able to find noodles, condensed milk, body lotion, lipstick, bedsheets, (or you name it) on sale again after finishing my one, plus one product. I also think each of us is savvy enough to know when to make an exception to this general rule. So I'm not worried about running out, or of having to overpay for most things.
With personal care items, my mission continues ... not to buy any more soap, lotions, potions, shampoos, or conditioners until I use up what I already have ... and mostly I succeed! My goal is to have no more than one shampoo in the bathroom caddy (done!) and not more than 2 hair conditioners there (I'm working on it)! Moreover, I can't recommend the beauty brands SheaMoisture (personal care goods) and The Ordinary (skin care) enough for consumers who seek the highest quality of ingredients for less. Both are game changers in the beauty industry!
For apparel, the game chargers are Uniqlo and T.J. Maxx, where fashion and quality for less are unbeatable. For furniture and home accessories (including cookware), I must give the nod to T.J. Maxx again along with its sister company, HomeGoods. You simply can't match high quality verses low price elsewhere. Of course furniture is the more complicated always requiring hours of research per need.
🎊Happy New Year 2020!🎉
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Dearest Debbie,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy and above all, a Healthy 2020!
The world could do without the massive pollution by unnecessary fireworks...
No one seems to be writing about that?!
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette, you raise an issue: fireworks adding to pollution I know nothing about. Might you consider writing a blog on it? The only time I ever see fireworks are on the 4th of July. Although I used firework images on this New Year's blog, what I see at midnight is the Ball Drop in Times Square (which I wrote about last year). Now you have me intrigued about a possible connection between fireworks adding pollution to the world. And I'd like to know percentages and how big of an issue is it? I must confess to being ignorant. What is the frequency of the problem? What toxics should we worry about? How long do any poisons stay in the atmosphere? Where do they go finally? If you know the nitty gritty, Marette, I hope to see a post with information on your blog! Meanwhile I'll google to see what I can find. Life … always something to learn!
DeleteHappy New Year!
🥂
DeleteAll very sensible ideas Debbie. I too have been trying to do much the same - only one spare of most things, and am no longer taken in by large bargain quantities. If my favoured cheese is on special, I buy two. Still have not been to T J Maxx which is quite a way from our house, but it could happen tomorrow, while Mr C is on holidays. We have an expedition to that area planned. Meantime, Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year and a new decade full of savvy adventures.
ReplyDeleteOh you too, Trish! Those of us on a sensible budget do get taken in by sales until we learn better, don't we? For me, the added factor is needing to spend a certain amount to get free shipping. I once bought too many argon oils at an incredible cheap price with free shipping, but before I could use them, their rubber droppers disintegrated into the oil, so there went my savings! I've also bought hair conditioner in too great a quantity, then had to use it up after the interest in it faded! :) It can happen with food too … oh, must I eat broccoli again? Liked it the 1st night! 4th night, not so fresh and not so much! :)
DeleteI can't wait to hear of your trip to TK Maxx! I hope it's an oversized one! The store nearest to me is always well-stocked with ever-changing merchandize!
Happy New Year right back at you, Trish, and Mr. C! Little Aussie is growing so tall!