topic Re: ComPact 2014 -- May in Beauty

ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:55:16 GMT

The ComPact is a commitment to simplify, pare down, streamline. It began as a way to gain some control over our collections of beauty products. Why were we amassing so much, yet not using what we were buying? Why were we always searching for the next new product? Why couldn't we just find what worked for us and stick with it?

The ComPact, however, is not restricted to beauty items. If you have a collection you want to address, do it here. Choose an area you want to work on, and track your progress on the ComPact thread. Members will offer tips and encouragement.

Choose one of our many mantras (“One by one until they’re done!” “We are SPAHHHRRRTAN!!!” “Not until you really have to.” “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” “Resist the propaganda.” "If it's high, I don't buy!" “When in doubt, do without!” “Shoplighters of the World Unite!”) or create a new one and share it. Target items each month to toss, donate, or use, and post your “chopping block” -- or “hit list.” Post temptations, post victories.

They say it takes 30 days for something to become a habit: Let's see if taking the ComPact one month at a time works for you.

Join us.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:03:21 GMT

Everybody dance!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

FindingMyJoy — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:07:54 GMT

I fell off the Compact bandwagon in April. Fell so hard, the ground shook, caused the wagon to back over me and then drove over me again.

I bought Korres, I bought Perlier, I bought Bare Minerals (auto delivery of the holiday TSV kit), I bought Isomers......

I then found myself falling for the Trish McEvoy TS on HSN....went as far as completing order but finally caught myself that night thinking that I have comparable products already in my stash! Plus I have nice brushes I haven't even used yet - why should I add more? I think to finally get over this "must try her line" feeling, I should go to dept store that has a counter of her stuff to see it in person, maybe the allure would fade?

As for my ORC of cleaning out my bedroom and clothes closet....hanging head in shame. It's not barely touched PLUS I bought some clothes too...yes some were actually needed for work - had to replace pants that I had worn to death but I could have most likely cleaned out the closet and found other pants to wear.

I need to make a list of small goals for this month so I can feel like I accomplish something this month on the Compact and I can hoist myself back on the bandwagon.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

PAlady — Thu, 01 May 2014 17:04:25 GMT

Good afternoon ladies, here we go Compacting again.

I haven't really worked on just one room lately, I cleaned out my guestroom closet and stored the extra blanket and sheets that were on the shelf. I only use these items about 3 times a year and just could not stand them stuffed on the shelf. Now they are out of sight and the closet looks so much better. I also cleaned out some clothes that were in there, I have a nice pile to go to the youth home in my area. Sad part is I found I suit I could have worn last month instead of going out and buying a new one for a wedding. Guess you can call that a lesson learned. I decided once I clean out my closets I am going to do an inventory on my dress clothes since I don't wear them often and forget what I have.

I do need to clean out my makeup, I just haven't taken the time to do that. I know I have items that are so old and probably bad.

I also need to make a list of goals for this month, hopefully I can get thru half of them.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

Love the Au and Ag — Thu, 01 May 2014 21:07:55 GMT

Ladies I just wanted you to know how motivating your ComPact is. Please don't stop. I have just started and I have to take baby steps because I recently had surgery and can't do much. In a few weeks I really look forward to getting down and dirty with the one room challenge. I do have stuff but it is mostly toys and outgrown children's clothes. That will be taken care of with a few car loads to a local mission.

My personal biggest challenge is the mail and bills. There are some days I'm not home so it piles up and then is a big job. I do have some electronic bills but not everything. I think I need a strong paper shredder that can shred unopened envelopes. I receive many pre-approved credit applications and other junk mail that takes time to open. Does any one have any suggestions on a supper strong paper shredder.

Also, has anyone used the NeatDesk scanner or something like that? I would love to get rid of all the paper that piles up.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:13:58 GMT

On 5/1/2014 Love the Au and Ag said:
Ladies I just wanted you to know how motivating your ComPact is. Please don't stop. I have just started and I have to take baby steps because I recently had surgery and can't do much. In a few weeks I really look forward to getting down and dirty with the one room challenge. I do have stuff but it is mostly toys and outgrown children's clothes. That will be taken care of with a few car loads to a local mission.

My personal biggest challenge is the mail and bills. There are some days I'm not home so it piles up and then is a big job. I do have some electronic bills but not everything. I think I need a strong paper shredder that can shred unopened envelopes. I receive many pre-approved credit applications and other junk mail that takes time to open. Does any one have any suggestions on a supper strong paper shredder.

Also, has anyone used the NeatDesk scanner or something like that? I would love to get rid of all the paper that piles up.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

Squirrel Lover — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:25:22 GMT

Well, I decided to get the BB TSV and it arrived today and I am glad that I did! I actually like all of the products!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:30:12 GMT

On 5/1/2014 dperry said:
Well, I decided to get the BB TSV and it arrived today and I am glad that I did! I actually like all of the products!

Cue the harp music!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:52:13 GMT

On 5/1/2014 FindingMyJoy said:
I fell off the Compact bandwagon in April. Fell so hard, the ground shook, caused the wagon to back over me and then drove over me again.
I need to make a list of small goals for this month so I can feel like I accomplish something this month on the Compact and I can hoist myself back on the bandwagon.

Four weeks, four goals. You can do this.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 23:07:05 GMT

On 5/1/2014 PAlady said:
I haven't really worked on just one room lately, I cleaned out my guestroom closet and stored the extra blanket and sheets that were on the shelf. I only use these items about 3 times a year and just could not stand them stuffed on the shelf. Now they are out of sight and the closet looks so much better. I also cleaned out some clothes that were in there, I have a nice pile to go to the youth home in my area. Sad part is I found I suit I could have worn last month instead of going out and buying a new one for a wedding. Guess you can call that a lesson learned. I decided once I clean out my closets I am going to do an inventory on my dress clothes since I don't wear them often and forget what I have.

It's shocking what we have squirreled away, isn't it?

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

MissMew — Thu, 01 May 2014 23:32:43 GMT

I don't come to the Forums much but I'm glad I did today.

FindingMyJoy and PAlady... I have 2 tips and I'm not sure which one mentioned what so I'll just give you both a shout out.

1. I used to be a "lister". I'd make long elaborate lists and would feel so frustrated because I could never clear the list. Things kept getting added on at the bottom. I also found that I was putting things on that I had already done just to have the satisfaction of crossing something off the dang list. Which gave me an idea. Why continuously frustrate myself by making lists I know I'll never accomplish? Now I have a daily private blog where I list all that I accomplished that day. I start off with some info about the day, activities planned or appointments scheduled then I go to the numbered items that I accomplished (nothing from the general info). It is so so fulfilling to see all the little things add up. It keeps me on track when I feel like I'm just bouncing around the house.

2. I have made a firm and fast rule: if I order a piece of clothing, one piece of clothing needs to be removed from the closet and added to the ongoing charity give-away box. I also have a backlog of clothes waiting to be washed because I have way too much clothing. So, every load of laundry that gets done, something has to go in the box. If it's a load that I can't find anything I want to part with, 2 things have to come out of the next load. It never goes past 2 items. I have cleared out my bra drawer as well as the sock drawer. The undies drawer is getting pared down but they go in the trash. lol I will not donate used undies! I can also easily hang clothes on the rack which had been a real challenge until I started this plan. In the past few years, I have had numerous broken bones in my feet which has left me with sore spots and shoes that don't fit right anymore. I just cleared out my shoes and of the gazillion pairs of shoes I owned, yes past tense, I gave away approx 35 pairs. I still have a gazillion left but every shoe is comfortable and wearable and not taking up space that can be used for something else. I have started in on purses but that is proving to be a much harder project. I also have a rule there. I have 2 new, still in the packaging, Kate Spade A bags. I have to lose 50 lbs before I can open one of them and start using it. I had 3 but I have lost 51 lbs which let me open one of the three, so by the time I get to open the other 2, I'll have lost a total of 150 lbs. Bribery can be a great motivator! I can use any other bag that I have but I can't use those 2 new ones until 50 lbs comes off for each. Luckily they are a great style that will be fashionable for a long time and even if is isn't, it's now my preferred style so it will always be "in" for me.

Sorry that I've run on. I hope some of this is helpful to you and to anyone else reading it. I'm writing this after an impromptu clear out of my bathroom medicine cabinet. It looks like "Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard" now! lol

Catherine

PS: just bee - I LOVE your raccoons. They have made me laugh today!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Thu, 01 May 2014 23:41:30 GMT

On 5/1/2014 MissMew said:
I don't come to the Forums much but I'm glad I did today.

FindingMyJoy and PAlady... I have 2 tips and I'm not sure which one mentioned what so I'll just give you both a shout out.

1. I used to be a "lister". I'd make long elaborate lists and would feel so frustrated because I could never clear the list. Things kept getting added on at the bottom. I also found that I was putting things on that I had already done just to have the satisfaction of crossing something off the dang list. Which gave me an idea. Why continuously frustrate myself by making lists I know I'll never accomplish? Now I have a daily private blog where I list all that I accomplished that day. I start off with some info about the day, activities planned or appointments scheduled then I go to the numbered items that I accomplished (nothing from the general info). It is so so fulfilling to see all the little things add up. It keeps me on track when I feel like I'm just bouncing around the house.

2. I have made a firm and fast rule: if I order a piece of clothing, one piece of clothing needs to be removed from the closet and added to the ongoing charity give-away box. I also have a backlog of clothes waiting to be washed because I have way too much clothing. So, every load of laundry that gets done, something has to go in the box. If it's a load that I can't find anything I want to part with, 2 things have to come out of the next load. It never goes past 2 items. I have cleared out my bra drawer as well as the sock drawer. The undies drawer is getting pared down but they go in the trash. lol I will not donate used undies! I can also easily hang clothes on the rack which had been a real challenge until I started this plan. In the past few years, I have had numerous broken bones in my feet which has left me with sore spots and shoes that don't fit right anymore. I just cleared out my shoes and of the gazillion pairs of shoes I owned, yes past tense, I gave away approx 35 pairs. I still have a gazillion left but every shoe is comfortable and wearable and not taking up space that can be used for something else. I have started in on purses but that is proving to be a much harder project. I also have a rule there. I have 2 new, still in the packaging, Kate Spade A bags. I have to lose 50 lbs before I can open one of them and start using it. I had 3 but I have lost 51 lbs which let me open one of the three, so by the time I get to open the other 2, I'll have lost a total of 150 lbs. Bribery can be a great motivator! I can use any other bag that I have but I can't use those 2 new ones until 50 lbs comes off for each. Luckily they are a great style that will be fashionable for a long time and even if is isn't, it's now my preferred style so it will always be "in" for me.

Sorry that I've run on. I hope some of this is helpful to you and to anyone else reading it. I'm writing this after an impromptu clear out of my bathroom medicine cabinet. It looks like "Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard" now! lol

Catherine

PS: just bee - I LOVE your raccoons. They have made me laugh today!

Where have you been hiding? We need to hear from you more often!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

Caffeina — Fri, 02 May 2014 00:22:00 GMT

I still haven't bought any bath & body or home fragrance products since mid-July 2013. I have such a large stash it's going to take a long time to get through it all. I haven't bought any cosmetics either, except for some items I ran out of. My goal is to not have any stashes.

Although I've been doing well with my no-buy, I've been getting more frustrated with all my unnecessary stuff, and have been making an extra effort throwing away and donating. I've been having trouble finding space for things that I do need to keep. I'm thinking about having a yard sale to unload a bunch of candles, for cheap too so I get rid of as many as possible. I'll only keep the ones I really really love.

I'm not doing the ORC, but just tackling parts of different rooms when I'm in the mood. The bed in one of my spare rooms had been piled with all kinds of stuff for the last five years. The other day I cleaned all off, and the room looks so nice now. Nothing but pillows on the bed. Wish I had taken before and after pics.

Next I plan to work on the closet in the spare room. It's packed with clothes I haven't worn in ages. They don't even fit. There's at least 25 pair of jeans, and they take up a lot of space. Maybe 10 or so years ago I donated 14 pairs of jeans. It's time to let more go.

To those who've had trouble hanging on the the bandwagon, hop back on and keep trying. I promise you it gets easier the longer you stay on. I passed on the Sofia Vergara fragrance. A year ago that would have been impossible!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

just bee — Fri, 02 May 2014 00:35:14 GMT

On 5/1/2014 Caffeina said:
I still haven't bought any bath & body or home fragrance products since mid-July 2013. I have such a large stash it's going to take a long time to get through it all. I haven't bought any cosmetics either, except for some items I ran out of. My goal is to not have any stashes.

Although I've been doing well with my no-buy, I've been getting more frustrated with all my unnecessary stuff, and have been making an extra effort throwing away and donating. I've been having trouble finding space for things that I do need to keep. I'm thinking about having a yard sale to unload a bunch of candles, for cheap too so I get rid of as many as possible. I'll only keep the ones I really really love.

I'm not doing the ORC, but just tackling parts of different rooms when I'm in the mood. The bed in one of my spare rooms had been piled with all kinds of stuff for the last five years. The other day I cleaned all off, and the room looks so nice now. Nothing but pillows on the bed. Wish I had taken before and after pics.

Next I plan to work on the closet in the spare room. It's packed with clothes I haven't worn in ages. They don't even fit. There's at least 25 pair of jeans, and they take up a lot of space. Maybe 10 or so years ago I donated 14 pairs of jeans. It's time to let more go.

To those who've had trouble hanging on the the bandwagon, hop back on and keep trying. I promise you it gets easier the longer you stay on. I passed on the Sofia Vergara fragrance. A year ago that would have been impossible!

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

aprilskies — Fri, 02 May 2014 11:18:24 GMT

MissMew, welcome, I had to LOL about you being a "lister." That is me in a nutshell. I make them, barely cross anything off, they get longer, I Don't feel like I am accomplishing anything, I add things I did do just to cross them off (this one gave me such a giggle so true), then I eventually take things off that really aren't important, try to target certain ones, determined to make phone calls I need to make, don't feel like making them, they stay on the list, Omgosh, I could go on. So funny. I do still keep them because unfortunately I am extremely forgetful and it does help me remember what I need to get too. It actually has showed me, as I am trying to be more mindful, that I blow off even the important things and I am trying to work on that. As far as the shredder, I have gone through so many that I just don't buy one now. Don't have a good suggestion. This is a great thread, glad you have joined.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

aprilskies — Fri, 02 May 2014 11:52:58 GMT

My May goals, attack paperwork 15 mins at a time, make my kitchen cabinets more functional, just continue to let go of things everyday/every week, really limit the beauty products I buy this month. I have added a lot these last few months and now it's a matter of incorporating them, plus I really don't want to get back to where I have been. I think I am going to do the sharpie date thing and mark these products to be aware not only how long it takes to use but how old something is getting especially since I am bad at using. Good luck in May.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

PAlady — Fri, 02 May 2014 17:55:50 GMT

MissMew - My list not going to be an extensive list, I own few dress clothes. But the list will include what I have so when I do have to dress up (that is not very often for me) I can just go to the list and see what I have. You know how it goes, out of sight out of mind. I also haven't bought much lately ( not loving what is out there), but these are clothes that have just been hanging there and I have been just too lazy to do anything with them. So now they will be off to the youth home and hopefully someone will wear them.

Also, welcome to the thread.

just bee - Love the raccoons.

Love the Au and Ag - I would still open the mail, you never know what may be in it. I have almost thrown a few important papers away because I wasn't going to open an envelope. If you go to an office store, they have a larger and better selection of shredders. Just note, the better the shredder the more expensive. but they are worth it.

Off to get some caffeine and do something constructive. Have a good day everyone.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

Squirrel Lover — Fri, 02 May 2014 18:16:45 GMT

On 5/1/2014 just bee said:
On 5/1/2014 dperry said:
Well, I decided to get the BB TSV and it arrived today and I am glad that I did! I actually like all of the products!

Cue the harp music!

That is so funny just bee. I actually needed eyeshadow because my Dior eyeshadow quint is over 4 years old and I finally hit the pan.

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

MissMew — Sat, 03 May 2014 00:51:50 GMT

PAlady - something else that might help you, not so much remember what you have but what you have that might work for a specific situation is to take pictures of what you have and place them in a notebook. When you have a particular event, pull out your notebook and start sorting your pieces until you've put together an outfit that works for you. Be sure to include shoes, jewelry and other accessories. It doesn't have to be a big notebook - even 4 x 6 inch file cards would work, or even just printing out your pictures on 4 x 6 inch photo paper that you could easily sort into categories and place in a file box. I have a couple of photo albums that have pockets that photos slide into and I think that would be a great place to store your pictures. What gave me this idea is seeing articles in magazines showing a dress from this designer and shoes from that one, etc etc. Picking up your photo album to review when you're watching TV one evening or while you're waiting for dinner to finish cooking would be a good way to keep your inventory fresh in your mind and give you an opportunity to "play" with your clothes, putting together outfits that maybe you hadn't thought of before. Just a thought.

Catherine

Re: ComPact 2014 -- May

Eager2Learn — Sat, 03 May 2014 02:06:01 GMT

Hey everyone! Welcome to those who are just joining!

Another month is here, a chance to recommit.

As usual, this month's goal is to have less coming in than going out.

For this month's ORC: I need to re-organize my files! I received the Freedom Filer (it really is a handy system). I emptied two 2-drawer file cabinets of files and supplies into 5 boxes. I purchased and made up the folders that I think I'll be needing. Now the hard part. I'll be sorting, shredding, recycling or refiling all those files! This is a tedious process because everything has to be checked for SSNs, account numbers, etc. I'll try to do a little each day. It'll be so good when it's done.

Stay strong!