cutting out the EXTRAS

 I like millions of other participated in the Economic Boycott on February 28th, 2025. And what I realized is how much I superfluously spend in because I'm bored, or lonely, or just because. So I'm taking the next few months to see how I can go with only buying things I need. 

This isn't to say I'm not going to have fun or stop going to events, because now more than ever we need to be supporting the arts. But it does mean that I'm not buying what I don't need in terms of beauty products, personal care, cleaning, clothing and food. 

I have a VERY full store cupboard at home and while I'll still need to get fresh ingredients to be able to use it up, I can and will use it up before feeling the need to add food to my pantry. I need to do more cooking. Easy meals that I can whip up on a weeknight, but use up what I have instead of getting take out or pre-packaged meals mostly from companies would actively don't support me or my values. 

I still have WAY to much clothing. And while there are certainly things I want. There really isn't anything I need, except a new pair of hiking pants, but I'll be using my REI membership payback to go towards that which will bring down that price a lot. I need to find a tailor to help make some of my clothing more wearable for me, but again supporting small local businesses instead of fast fashion and big chains. 

I wear very little if any makeup any more. I certainly don't need any more for how little a wear, so unless I use up my go to eye brow or lip pencil or finally make it through ALL of the mascara samples, I don't need to add to the collection. Same goes for other body and hair products. I can use up what I have, take back the space all these items are taking up in my home, figure out what I actually like and only repurchase that. 

I have enough paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags and recycle bags to get me to the end of the school year if not the renewal date for my lease in October. I can limit what I bring into my home. 

So that's my plan. I will probably still have lists on wish lists and want lists, but for the next few months. if it's not a need it can wait. 

* Exceptions- materials to make gifts for others and taking my mom out when she is in town for mother's day.