topic Re: ComPact 2015 -- August in Beauty

ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 04:34:50 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!” “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” “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 2015 -- August

BExplorer — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:07:31 GMT

Thank you for keeping this going, just bee! I don't post often but do keep up on reading this thread for motivation to buy only mindfully.

I remember reading you are quite the tea drinker. If you have found some good online sites to purchase from, would you mind recommending some? My son drinks LOTS of hot tea, and I'm looking for a good price on organic teas. Thanks!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:38:45 GMT

BExplorer, Better-half asked me this morning how long it's been since we gave up brewing coffee. I couldn't even tell him. It's all a blur. But I've been going through a rough patch with tea lately and have considered ditching that, too. I'd been drinking stiff British teas which were all quite tasty because I was adding honey and heavy cream to them. Battery acid tastes good with honey and heavy cream.

Anyway, I got annoyed when I had to replace my debit card for the umpteenth time shortly after I ordered online tea. I started buying it from the grocery store and soon realized that it was quite awful. I just ordered a couple fruit teas from Harney & Sons and I have to say that I'm not thrilled. I liked their strong black tea blends like Scottish Morn and East Frisian, but I thought I'd try something new. They do have a nice selection of organics. Occasionally they'll offer something special but I know that's wasted on me. There's no way in Hades I'll pay $250 for a pound of tea leaves.

Here's a link:

https://www.harney.com/

I really should shop locally. I haven't yet tried this place, but I'll eventually get over there. They have some interesting choices.

http://www.nmteaco.com/

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

BExplorer — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 17:54:57 GMT

Thanks, just bee, for the links. I checked them out and about choked on the prices until I pulled out my package of or organic tea bags and realized how little tea the box actually contains (2.26 ounces!). I think I will end up giving one of those sites a try. We have never made tea not from a tea bag (I know, newbie) so will also order the accompanying supplies. Thanks again :-)

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:04:14 GMT

@BExplorer wrote:
Thanks, just bee, for the links. I checked them out and about choked on the prices until I pulled out my package of or organic tea bags and realized how little tea the box actually contains (2.26 ounces!). I think I will end up giving one of those sites a try. We have never made tea not from a tea bag (I know, newbie) so will also order the accompanying supplies. Thanks again :-)

I use a permanent tea filter in a mug and that works pretty well. Once you start using loose tea, it becomes normal and bags are suddenly weird.
https://www.harney.com/teawareandtreats/tea-filters-strainers.html

If you order from Harney you'll get their emails and be alerted to special offers.

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

kathie66 — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:05:01 GMT

Hi Compact Friends,

Happy August. Can't believe July is over already. Compacting is tough in July for me as its my birthday month.

I bought my Cashmere Mist Deodramt during the Nordstrom Sale. I stock up for the year as its the best price. Also bought my first Mac blush in Petal Power. Picked up a Milani Blush in Kmart while walking thru. I need more blush like a hole in the head. I have plenty of blush in the stash to choose from when I finish up my Laura Geller palette. Now I have 2 more to choose from. Going to go thru the stash and take 2 out and give them to my DD.

Besides the blushes was doing pretty good until the Tarte sale the other day. Bought the Tartlette palette and The Showstopper with birthday money. I have a couple of older ELF palettes that i am going to give to a better home were they will get some love to make room for the 2 new Tarte Palettes.

I added Purity for the body to my shower gel stash. Yep July is tough for me. Although new things came in, things will go out to make room.

Its a constant battle with myself. As far as fun in July, can't think of anything really special that I did. Although I did make time to read more which is my favorite thing to do. I finished several books this month. So am content and happy with that!

Have a great August friends and be good to yourselves! Kathie

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:10:19 GMT

Happy belated birthday!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:22:45 GMT

Sundrops!

http://www.nps.gov/petr/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Just got back from taking the dog to Piedras Marcadas Canyon (his favorite place in the world) and if you haven't been there, now's the time. We live nearby so we got there a little after 6:30 and it was a perfect morning. Clear sky, lots of detail on the mountains, and balloons behind us and in front of us. But it will probably never look this good again. Because of all the rain, the area is incredibly green. New plants and flowers everywhere, and whole patches of Black-eyed Susans. It's pretty amazing. Get there early! (Dogs are welcome.)

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

sundrops — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:12:52 GMT

Hey just bee! Thanks for the rec! I'll write that down and look it up. Yesterday we biked just over 15 miles on the Alameda Rio Grande trail. It's close to us. I grocery shop at Smiths on Paseo del Norte, have been into a Sprouts. We like sports bars to catch a game and since the owner is from Chicago like us, we like going to Stone Face tavern. That is really close to us. Chicago games are always on some tv there. Having all of our new big purchases delivered this week, so I have to be around the home playing the waiting game. Will get my new drivers license and plates this month. That will make it official!!!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:52:42 GMT

@sundrops wrote:
Hey just bee! Thanks for the rec! I'll write that down and look it up. Yesterday we biked just over 15 miles on the Alameda Rio Grande trail. It's close to us. I grocery shop at Smiths on Paseo del Norte, have been into a Sprouts. We like sports bars to catch a game and since the owner is from Chicago like us, we like going to Stone Face tavern. That is really close to us. Chicago games are always on some tv there. Having all of our new big purchases delivered this week, so I have to be around the home playing the waiting game. Will get my new drivers license and plates this month. That will make it official!!!

Chicago, eh? I grew up in Rogers Park on Sheridan Road. When I was nine I met Ernie Banks and Randy Hundley at Uptown Federal Bank. When I was born we lived on Addison because Dad wanted to be close to Wrigley Field. I could go for an Italian beef sandwich right now...

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

PAlady — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:19:24 GMT

just bee - I never use my debit card on line, I have a credit card from the Credit Union that I use on line. The card has a $1,000.00 limit on it and it is not attached to any of my bank accounts. I figure if some one stole that number it would be replaced very easily and they could not charge much.

Have been doing okay cleaning out, July is my birthday month so I did buy a couple gifts for myself (purse and wallet), I don't need either, but I liked them. There that is my problem - Just because I like something, doesn't mean I have to buy it. Guess I should keep that in mind next time I want ot purchase something that I really don't need.

Well, Happy August to everyone have a good day.

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

dosey — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:42:02 GMT

Happy July birthday, kathie66 and PAlady!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

dosey — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 17:13:09 GMT

I went through my July receipts and found that all I bought was a blush (returned because the color was not as shown online), a cleanser (another return because it did not agree with my skin), and the flat iron which I am still trying to get the hang of. I really thought I bought more beauty, but I am relieved.

Unfortunately, I decided to use my 20% off coupon at Ulta yesterday, so I have started off August with a purchase. Here is what I bought. 1. Two IT eye shadow brushes. I threw out several brushes that were in bad shape. 2. Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener. I am going to use it as an eye primer. I had a L'Oreal primer that I liked but so much product was always left in the tube that the wand could not reach. I tried to move the primer to the bottom of the tube by hitting it on the counter, but it wouldn't budge. I also put the tube in a cup of very hot water. That moved the primer to the bottom, but it also caused the tube to become misshaped. Oops! Some plastic is not meant to be heated to that point, so I threw it away. I do not want eyelid cancer. 3. Urban Decay blush in Obsessed. I was not planning on buying a new blush, but when I saw it I knew it was the perfect light pink that I had been looking for. I tested it and loved it. My HG light pink blush!

August is my birthday month, and the coupons are rolling in. It is going to be a tough month. If Isomers offers a C kit at a great value for their birthday, I'll get that. I am almost out of Bamboo Volumizing Spray and will repurchase it. Otherwise, I am going to try to resist. Fee ........ ling ........ weak. Plop!!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

just bee — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:05:26 GMT

Happy birthday to kathie66, PAlady and dosey!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

PAlady — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:38:00 GMT

Thank you for the Birthday wishes.

Dosey - Happy Birthday.

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

kathie66 — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:51:31 GMT

Thanks for the birthday wishes all!

Happy Birthday to PAlady and Dosey!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

PAlady — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 19:08:27 GMT

Happy Birthday kathie66! Are you 29 also?

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

FindingMyJoy — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 19:14:03 GMT

Happy Birthday to all of our Summer Beauties!!

Even when compacting, I think it's ok to splurge a little for something fun in honor of your birthday! You need to celebrate your big day even if you don't have any extravagant plans. It's nice to get something you know you will enjoy. If the item doesn't give you joy or you feel guilt getting it, return it. But if it makes you smile, keep it!

August goals = NO BUYING any shower gel, lotion or body cream. I will continue to shop my stash. I finally opened the huge jumbo Philosophy Lemon Custard shower gel. OMG that is lovely for Summer!! But it's HUGE!!! It will take a long time to use up but it's a scent I know I will enjoy if I use it now and then maybe put it away for a month or 2 then bring it back.

I am going to start keeping track of all items I use up during the month. I used to do this and it was motivating.

I decided to keep my Bare Minerals TSV auto delivery so this will be my major makeup purchase for the month. I don't foresee needing to replace any items.

I will also be watching Isomers to see what specials they have this month. A stellar deal on their Vitamin C would be a purchase for me. Or the Stem Genesis if they would have a jumbo size in the serum only.

I will count August as a success if I can stick to no new body product purchases, only the Bare Minerals TSV for makeup and a light Isomer purchase! I think it's a very doable goal plus it's not going cold turkey so I will still get to enjoy a handful of new products!!

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

aprilskies — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:31:45 GMT

Happy Bday to those who have celebrated and those who are celebrating. A treat or two to oneself is a requirement.

August is a low buy for me as well. It seems like a few of us are waiting on a Isomers ckit. I am new to Isomers this year so dont know what she offers as part of her anniversary, but I am keeping my fingers crossed it is a bonused sized ckit.

I am getting through a few products, so that is a good feeling. I have been consistent with using some stuff than I have ever been so using things up has been going good. Some of the empty containers I want to keep but I have to be realistic as to what I will use them for. I try to reuse containers where I can but dont also want to keep them around for "I will use it one day" type notion.

I have started using my Amazing Grace perfume. I was almost going to toss it since this does not have any staying power but then thought I would just try and use it up. So, I am making an effort to use it everyday. I will just enjoy the scent for as long as it lasts.

Re: ComPact 2015 -- August

kathie66 — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:44:45 GMT

@palady wrote:
Happy Birthday kathie66! Are you 29 also?

You made my day!!! LOL