Things I won’t buy in 2023
Every year, I make a list of items I won’t buy, and every year , I fail. No matter how much minimalism videos I watch , somehow, the urge to shop and buy just creeps in. But alas, trying is always better than quitting. Here is my list of things I will not purchase this 2023.
1. Make up - I already have a whole drawer of possibly every shade that I like. And when you truly think about it, I always lean towards the same shade when I purchase lipsticks or blush. I will only buy when I need to replace the ones that I have in case I ran out.
2. Skin care - Let’s face it, I am the laziest person who couldn’t care less about one’s skin. I know that I should really try to incorporate this into my daily routine. I buy lotion and creams but I’m just rushing my way out to the bathroom. This 2023, I should use them all up!
3. Clothes - The only shop I buy clothes from is UNIQLO. They got me all wrapped up with their minimalistic style and comfortable clothes. My entire closet is almost, if not all, made up of UNIQLO blouses, pants etc. The thing is, UNIQLO hardly ever change the style of their clothes. I *think* I pretty much have everything I need to mix and match and just like with skin care, I couldn’t be bothered by fashion.
4. Shoes- This 2022, I got 3 new sneakers. It wasn’t intentional, but one trendy style after another, and I was hooked. Given that these were gifts from my husband, at the end of the day, his savings are my savings as well. I think having three new sneakers this year is enough.
5. New Tech - ever fast-changing tech and gadgets make consumers keep buying. I still use an iPhone 11- which my husband bought me December 2020 and it is still working just as well as the day that I got it. I purchased an iPad 9th gen last December 2021 together with an apple pen that I use for work. This year, I purchased a kindle (best decision I ever made) and I also purchased a z flip from a friend to help her out. Needless to say, I am pretty much covered already when it comes to tech . I am hoping companies will continue to support updates on older phone models so consumers don’t change their phones right away.
6. Books - Buying a kindle this year has pushed me to read 61 (!!!!) novels this year. My toxic trait however , was buying physical copies of the books I loved. Sometimes, the thrill of going to the bookstore and purchasing new books also got the best of me. I now have an upper shelf that has about 4 stacks of books and a book shelf with even more books. (not to mention, more books around the rest of the house). I think it’s truly time to appreciate going digital in this sense. I love reading with my kindle and I love that even at night, when it’s all dark, my kindle is there so I can read under the sheets. Next year, I will try my very best to just use my kindle. I will still probably go to the bookstore to look at titles though. I do have once exception for physical books though- The Mina Lima edition of my favorite Harry Potter book- The Prisoner of Azkaban .
7. Toys - I spent less on toys this year and even sold some this year. Frankly, I no longer have the space to accommodate useless stuff. I did receive toys this year though as gift from my friends and students. I think the only ones I purchase this year was the bearista bears from Starbucks! Hopefully they will not come up with cute and tempting designs this year. I shall resist and think 3 x before I purchase!
Well, there you have it. I find that contentment and gratefulness are my partners in my goal of living a simple and minimal life. Maybe I will write a part 2, if I think of more things to add. For now, this will do. Goodluck self!
