Minimalistic Living: 5 Things I No Longer Buy
Some things I stopped buying that has helped me save money and space (plus enjoy the things that matter most to me!)
Minimalism is the idea that we can live with less, but get more out of life — stripping away the unnecessary things so we can focus on the necessary. Many people assume that minimalism is about not owning anything at all, but I am here to debunk this common myth! Minimalism, rather, is essentially about reducing, simplifying, and finding meaning in your life - redirecting your focus towards a more conscious and intentional lifestyle, whether that be trimming down your closet to 30 pairs of jeans or three.
Over the course of the past year, I've been increasingly exploring the concept of minimalism and making little changes towards incorporating this mindset more into my lifestyle. Obviously, I'm not a full-fledged minimalist, but here are just some things I stopped buying that has helped me save money and space (plus enjoy the things that matter most to me!)
Makeup
A few years ago, I was a makeup buying machine. Sephora and I were in a steady relationship. Somehow, I managed to justify my frivolous habits by telling myself I was one lip liner closer to becoming Kylie Jenner. Today, I'm happy to say I have laid the lip kits to rest! Occasionally, I'll stumble across a product I absolutely love, but for the most part, I stick with the things I know I really love. I don't take nearly as much time in the morning as I used to do either (#nomakeuplook) – the quicker the better!
Plastic Water Bottles
My brother actually introduced me to the Hydro Flask reusable water bottle, so I have to give him credit for leading me to the best purchases I've ever made. I now cannot advocate reusable water bottles enough! Making the switch to a reusable bottle has not only helped cut back on unnecessary costs and environmental waste from disposable bottles but has turned me into the biggest water drinker ever. Ask anyone who knows me... I never leave home without it!
Jewelry
Cheap shiny things have their time and place, but for the most part, I've cut back on the trendy accessories, sticking to my small collection of quality staple pieces instead.
K-Cups
It's easy to see how K-Cups aren't doing any services for the planet (or your wallet for that matter) Though I used to rely on K-Cups for my everyday coffee fix, I finally made the switch to a reusable filter and haven't looked back since! In terms of convenience, although keeping a batch of freshly ground coffee can be a bit of a hassle, it is the cheaper option compared to buying pods.
Clothes...Poshmark
When it comes to cleaning out your closet, Poshmark has been my best friend. Poshmark is one of the world's largest online thrift stores for buying and selling, ranging from designer couture to everyday pieces. I love the idea of walking into a thrift store and finding hidden gems, but it's usually such an overwhelming and time-consuming process to rummage through all the racks to get the pieces you love and in your size. What I enjoy about Poshmark, is how easy the marketplace makes it sell and purchase items. I also love that the items are like-new but you get to give them a second chance of life — keeping them out of landfills and buying one less new item in the process too!
10 Things I Really Want My Mom To Send Me From Home But Won't Ask For Because I Want It To Be A Surprise
Surprises in the mail are some of my favorite things!
I may attend school only thirty minutes away from home, but that doesn't mean I don't love receiving presents in the mail from my family. I love getting little gifts, knowing someone in my family saw something in the store and thought of me. I've asked my mom to send me care packages so many times, but she has always told me she can just give it to me when I come home on a weekend. I definitely appreciate and love that she buys me things while I'm away, but I also love that rush of excitement that comes with receiving a package in the mail, especially if it's a surprise. Here are just a few ideas of what my mom can send me in the mail, but I definitely don't want her to know about this because that would ruin the surprise.
1. Movies
GiphyWith my busy schedule of classes and other activities on campus, sometimes I find myself in need of a movie night with my friends. However, sometimes what Netflix has to offer just doesn't cut it for me. If my mom sent me new movies in the mail, I'd be able to have the most fun movie nights ever! Disney movies, comedies, and cheesy rom-coms are especially encouraged.
2. Candy
GiphySince we live in Arizona, it's kind of hard to send chocolate without it melting. However, I will never say no to any kind of sweets!! I always want a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the day. I love having candy in my dorm to snack on every so often, it always makes my day a little sweeter (no pun intended). It's also a great way for my roommate and I to share snacks!
3. Pictures
GiphyMy family and I travel a lot, and we always take a ton of pictures everywhere we go. I love to have these memories in my room so that I can look at them and smile whenever I want to remember happy times. I also love to hang other pictures of family and my friends. I love to have little memories from home with me. Pictures from adventures and good times make me incredibly happy, and I want my dorm to be full of happiness.
4. Books
GiphyI will read literally any book that someone gives me! I will gladly accept devotional books, songbooks, photography books, good old fiction, honestly anything. I want to have an escape every so often for when real life gets too stressful, and books are the perfect way for me to escape. I can lose myself for hours and then resume my normal life feeling relaxed and refreshed. There's no better feeling.
5. Christmas decorations
GiphyChristmas is my favorite time of year, so I love to decorate my dorm to the max. I want to feel the Christmas spirit all around me in my "home away from home". I love to have little reminders of the season around me so that it can remind me to be joyful amidst the stress of finals.
6. New clothes
GiphyI LOVE getting new clothes!! In my humble opinion, you can never have too many new clothes. Nothing makes me happier knowing I have something new and pretty to wear. I love walking around campus with a new outfit on. It makes me feel so pretty!
7. Lip gloss
GiphyI adore lip gloss. I have so many colors, and yet I always seem to discover new colors that match me perfectly. I can't stop buying lip gloss, so I would definitely love to get some as a gift in the mail. Even better, my mom knows which colors look great with my skin tone, so I always know I'm going to get the perfect shade.
8. Keurig cups
GiphyI may not be a coffee fiend, but I do love some hot chocolate, especially in the winter. One of my favorite things to do is to curl up in a blanket and watch Netflix while drinking hot chocolate. I can't get any Keurig cups on campus, but my mom has ordered K-cups for me on Amazon before, so I know she would definitely be willing to send some to me again.
9.Yoga pants
GiphyYes, this type of clothing gets its own category because I am simply CRAZY about yoga pants. They're so comfortable and so easy to work out in. Plus, I can go to class wearing casual clothes but still look nice. I can dress them up or down, which is great when I don't feel like putting a whole lot of pressure into an outfit.
10. Money
GiphyEvery college student wants money, and I'm definitely no exception. It's not that I don't spend a lot of money, but it's always nice to have some around, especially since I always feel the urge to buy something new, and I go to dinner and the movies with friends a lot. I would never have to worry about running out of money to do fun things.
Any of these would be such a pleasant surprise in the mail! I'm dropping hints to my mom as much as I can because I would love to get a little present in the mail every now and then. It's one of the quickest ways to brighten my day.