I counted my lipsticks last night, just for fun. 35 of them. That wasn’t including the odd lipstick that will be found in a handbag or two. I’ve always loved make up, so when I lost my hair about thirteen years ago, I took to picking up the odd lipstick as a quick pick me up. I could justify it easily, in the past a trip to the hairdressers might give me a new me, but nowadays a swipe of colour on the lips is all that I can do to change my image and give me an instant lift.
Well, the lipstick habit has progressed, it now includes…expensive eye palettes, foundations, blushers, eye pencils, lip pencils, cleaners, toners, serums, face masks, moisturisers, hand creams, body creams, bath bombs, etc, etc, etc. Enough I should think to last me a year, or even two.
When I look at my wardrobe, I think I’ve got enough shoes/slippers/sandals/walking boots to last me for at least ten years.. Clothes of course deteriorate, but I’m pretty well equipped for a good while yet. I have more than enough bags and coats to last me.
And as for wool and fabrics and books, I have more than enough.
So as from yesterday, but I’ll count it from the 1st September (just for ease of memory) I start my one year no buy. Hubby is joining in but I’m not keeping him accountable, he can dip in and out as he wishes, he’s not a shopper anyway, so he probably won’t even notice he’s doing it.
My rules of engagement are thus.
Firstly I am allowing myself a treat a month for the next four months. My magazine subscription to Simple Things will continue, I love receiving it and get so much pleasure from it that it will continue for the next four months, Autumn is my favourite time of the year and the magazine simply comes into its own with ideas for Autumn/winter/Christmas. I’ll then have a bit of a think.
Expenditure on travel and exhibitions is freely allowed, as is pet health care, our own health care and replacements deemed vital for household items.
Eating out is for days out or special occasions only and then there must have been thought into what we are proposing to do and if we can supplement that with items from home.
The Sunday Times is allowed. No negotiation required.
Along with good food and wine.
And time with friends in the pub is always allowed.
It is going to be an interesting year.
blossom and sunshine 
I have been thinking I need to do this. It is important to take stock, as you have, and to savor what we have. I have enough. Thank you for the inspiration and the reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s already helping with the decluttering too. I wonder what other effects it will have.
LikeLike
I’ve been having a Use It Up year, well two actually but this year has been better. Mine is more focused on my craft supplies, have I already got it or something that I can use instead, do I really need it. I’m also determined to try and wade through the stuff I have and use it to make things, especially for my dog rescue. I’m doing well with the clothes too having given loads to the charity shops and I won’t buy anything new now unless I can get rid of two other things. Makes me stop and think.
LikeLike
Yes I think this will end up being a two year project, I seem to have collected so much stuff. I wonder if as we age some of us realise just how much we don’t actually need.
LikeLike
Yes, I don’t want to leave the clearing up to daughter or to someone who will just dump most of in not realising how much it’s actually all worth!
LikeLike