topic Re: ComPact 2017 -- February! in Beauty

ComPact 2017 -- February!

just bee — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:51:01 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 2017 -- February!

just bee — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:58:11 GMT

Hey, all you HEPcats and HEPdogs! We had discussed making the Healthy Eating thread a monthly jam session, so I just went ahead and did a little improvisation. This is an invite to our crazy crib where you can come and break it down! I say we go 18 karat on this and really swing. If healthy eating’s not your bag, no problem. But if it is, I dig.

It’s cool, I’m booted, let’s jump!

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

aprilskies — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 23:25:11 GMT

February is here. January was a success with no beauty purchases. Looking forward to this month.

This month as an add on, I will eat through my kitchen. That's another area I need to focus on. I have been doing much better at leaving stuff at the grocery store. Phew, is that junk food tempting. Like a flashing neon light, buy me, buy me, I am so good, buy me. But, so far, so good.

I have been trying to declutter my kitchen. I am having problems letting go of gadgets. Some gadgets I haven't even used, why am I having mental blocks. I just love gadgets. ....or is it just the fantasy of all the dinner parties I thought I was going to throw. LMBO!!! ...do I really need two crockpots!!!

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

Oshare-girl — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 03:12:11 GMT

As I sit here eating my "lightly salted" Fritos...I'm still in for HEP. I know it's hard to tell. The bag has been hanging around for weeks now and I just want it gone. Does anyone else do that? Eat the food to get rid of it? We are eating more fish, 2-3 times a week now. I'm thinking of fasting beef when Lent arrives. I should fast sugar, though.

I made it through January without any makeup purchases. I also boxed up everything that is not in my seasonal capsule and put it away. Partly to keep my daughter from playing with it and mostly to force me to stick to the seasonal capsule. I finished a lipstick before the season is over, yippee! So I was able to start on a new one sooner. That was a nice treat. I decluttered a few products that were making me itch and a cream highlighter that dried out way before its time.

February is going to be harder for me to not buy anything. The marketing for Valentine's Day is pretty intense. I will have to remind myself that I have product X in a similar color and no matter what I use, I end up looking the same everyday. So I don't need to add anything to my collection.

I'm having good skin days. I think it's because I'm more diligent with my skincare and I'm using less products (skincare and makeup). I was using more than I needed to because I wanted to whittle down the stash. But as I'm using up more and have less, I'm getting to that point where I'm using only what I need.

It's also a good thing I'm not buying anything because our oven, dishwasher (it's still broken and I'm still hand-washing) and now the disposal all need to be fixed.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

just bee — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:18:39 GMT

@aprilskies wrote:
February is here. January was a success with no beauty purchases. Looking forward to this month.

This month as an add on, I will eat through my kitchen. That's another area I need to focus on. I have been doing much better at leaving stuff at the grocery store. Phew, is that junk food tempting. Like a flashing neon light, buy me, buy me, I am so good, buy me. But, so far, so good.

I have been trying to declutter my kitchen. I am having problems letting go of gadgets. Some gadgets I haven't even used, why am I having mental blocks. I just love gadgets. ....or is it just the fantasy of all the dinner parties I thought I was going to throw. LMBO!!! ...do I really need two crockpots!!!

January had me stocking up. First it was toothpaste (three tubes), then it was electric toothbrush brushheads, and then it was philosophy spritzes, and then it was Paula's Choice facial cleanser and hair conditioner. It feels like a lot, but everything was on sale and this restocking will keep me from browsing for months. Everything was a necessity except one thing: I treated myself to a falling in love spritz. On sale.

No big deal, but right after I bought it I wished for another sale. And there it was: A flash sale -- just a few hours and 40% off. I ordered more spritz. (Yes, I know I complained bitterly that the scent was fleeting, but while it's around, I really like it. Pure grace for public consumption, falling in love for when I'm sniffing myself in front of the TV/computer.)

And I had my hair chopped. I'm ready for 2017.

But this means one thing: February will be...

SPAAAAAHHHHHHHHRRRRRTAN!!!

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

just bee — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:37:55 GMT

@Oshare-girl wrote:
As I sit here eating my "lightly salted" Fritos...I'm still in for HEP. I know it's hard to tell. The bag has been hanging around for weeks now and I just want it gone. Does anyone else do that? Eat the food to get rid of it? We are eating more fish, 2-3 times a week now. I'm thinking of fasting beef when Lent arrives. I should fast sugar, though.

I made it through January without any makeup purchases. I also boxed up everything that is not in my seasonal capsule and put it away. Partly to keep my daughter from playing with it and mostly to force me to stick to the seasonal capsule. I finished a lipstick before the season is over, yippee! So I was able to start on a new one sooner. That was a nice treat. I decluttered a few products that were making me itch and a cream highlighter that dried out way before its time.

February is going to be harder for me to not buy anything. The marketing for Valentine's Day is pretty intense. I will have to remind myself that I have product X in a similar color and no matter what I use, I end up looking the same everyday. So I don't need to add anything to my collection.

I'm having good skin days. I think it's because I'm more diligent with my skincare and I'm using less products (skincare and makeup). I was using more than I needed to because I wanted to whittle down the stash. But as I'm using up more and have less, I'm getting to that point where I'm using only what I need.

It's also a good thing I'm not buying anything because our oven, dishwasher (it's still broken and I'm still hand-washing) and now the disposal all need to be fixed.

Oven, dishwasher and disposal. It always happens in threes. We still haven't replaced our dishwasher and I'm sort of getting used to the "mindful" dishwashing. It's retro. It's old school. It's probably drying out my hands more than I'd like to admit, but that warm water and the scent of dishwashing liquid is relaxing. My dishes and glasses actually look better. They look... clean. Something very satisfying about scrubbing tea stains out of my mugs.

I haven't allowed white cheddar popcorn in the house in weeks. Withdrawal was challenging at first, but I think I've turned the corner. I've also given up almond milk. We're eating more salads, more fruit and more fish. I've had salmon three days in a row. I had some of the most amazing tangelos. Bought a big bag at Costco and they were killer. I've been eating a heck of a lot of citrus and suspect I'm decimating the enamel on my teeth. But I'm surrounded by people who are hacking all over me and so far, so good.

Just have to say that it's time to put on blinders for Valentine's Day. Everything will be tempting, whether it's makeup or chocolate. Heart-shaped trinkets will catch your eye -- don't look at them.

Remember: It's a short month!

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

BExplorer — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 19:36:29 GMT

@Oshare-girl wrote:
As I sit here eating my "lightly salted" Fritos...I'm still in for HEP. I know it's hard to tell. The bag has been hanging around for weeks now and I just want it gone. Does anyone else do that? Eat the food to get rid of it? We are eating more fish, 2-3 times a week now. I'm thinking of fasting beef when Lent arrives. I should fast sugar, though.

I made it through January without any makeup purchases. I also boxed up everything that is not in my seasonal capsule and put it away. Partly to keep my daughter from playing with it and mostly to force me to stick to the seasonal capsule. I finished a lipstick before the season is over, yippee! So I was able to start on a new one sooner. That was a nice treat. I decluttered a few products that were making me itch and a cream highlighter that dried out way before its time.

February is going to be harder for me to not buy anything. The marketing for Valentine's Day is pretty intense. I will have to remind myself that I have product X in a similar color and no matter what I use, I end up looking the same everyday. So I don't need to add anything to my collection.

I'm having good skin days. I think it's because I'm more diligent with my skincare and I'm using less products (skincare and makeup). I was using more than I needed to because I wanted to whittle down the stash. But as I'm using up more and have less, I'm getting to that point where I'm using only what I need.

It's also a good thing I'm not buying anything because our oven, dishwasher (it's still broken and I'm still hand-washing) and now the disposal all need to be fixed.

YES, I thought I was the only one! It's like I'm the self appointed garbage disposal for my house. I thinks it's due to the clean your plate syndrome forced upon me growing up. I buy junk food for my kids (I know...) and they don't eat it quickly enough or don't finish it, so I think I have to do the job. 😳🐽🐷. Madness.

ETA: Just wanted to clarify the pig faces are towards myself. 😊

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

Snoopp — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 19:54:01 GMT

My beauty products , shampoos, etc are still bothering me. I just can't go through them fast enough to feel success.

My pantry is stocked and I'm trying to use up as much as I can before restocking. That's going slowly also. Good thing I am staying away from the drugstores and grocery stores as much as possible.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

Sugar Bunny — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 03:07:08 GMT

January was a good compacting month for me! Organized the junk drawer, got rid of some purses, lotions, cups, clothing, 2 king comforter sets, old pens, catalogs, many belts I haven't worn in years, empty boxes...why did I save them? I hope I don't lose my momentum in February or jinx myself by bragging. It feels good to get rid of some stuff! I am so ready to get rid of things I'm not using. I plan on calling the flower shop before Valentine's Day to see if they can use some of my vases. I have a sweet husband that likes to give me flowers. I also tossed a lot from my bathroom .
Ladies keep on compacting!

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

aprilskies — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 13:57:09 GMT

@BExplorer wrote:
@Oshare-girl wrote:
As I sit here eating my "lightly salted" Fritos...I'm still in for HEP. I know it's hard to tell. The bag has been hanging around for weeks now and I just want it gone. Does anyone else do that? Eat the food to get rid of it? We are eating more fish, 2-3 times a week now. I'm thinking of fasting beef when Lent arrives. I should fast sugar, though.

YES, I thought I was the only one! It's like I'm the self appointed garbage disposal for my house. I thinks it's due to the clean your plate syndrome forced upon me growing up. I buy junk food for my kids (I know...) and they don't eat it quickly enough or don't finish it, so I think I have to do the job. 😳🐽🐷. Madness.

ETA: Just wanted to clarify the pig faces are towards myself. 😊

Oh yes, you all are not alone. That is one of the main reason I am trying not to keep a whole lot in the house. My reasons are to hurry and finish it up so than I can cut back and only to find my shelves filled again to start the process over. However, in January, while not perfect, I am doing pretty good. I will say overall, that I consume only a quarter of the junk food I use to. I am trying the same for February.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

aprilskies — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:00:47 GMT

@just bee wrote:
@aprilskies wrote:
February is here. January was a success with no beauty purchases. Looking forward to this month.

This month as an add on, I will eat through my kitchen. That's another area I need to focus on. I have been doing much better at leaving stuff at the grocery store. Phew, is that junk food tempting. Like a flashing neon light, buy me, buy me, I am so good, buy me. But, so far, so good.

I have been trying to declutter my kitchen. I am having problems letting go of gadgets. Some gadgets I haven't even used, why am I having mental blocks. I just love gadgets. ....or is it just the fantasy of all the dinner parties I thought I was going to throw. LMBO!!! ...do I really need two crockpots!!!
January had me stocking up. First it was toothpaste (three tubes), then it was electric toothbrush brushheads, and then it was philosophy spritzes, and then it was Paula's Choice facial cleanser and hair conditioner. It feels like a lot, but everything was on sale and this restocking will keep me from browsing for months. Everything was a necessity except one thing: I treated myself to a falling in love spritz. On sale.

No big deal, but right after I bought it I wished for another sale. And there it was: A flash sale -- just a few hours and 40% off. I ordered more spritz. (Yes, I know I complained bitterly that the scent was fleeting, but while it's around, I really like it. Pure grace for public consumption, falling in love for when I'm sniffing myself in front of the TV/computer.)

And I had my hair chopped. I'm ready for 2017.

But this means one thing: February will be...

SPAAAAAHHHHHHHHRRRRRTAN!!!

Well, we need to stock up on essentials and have things we enjoy as well. Now you dont have to think about it. I think this will save me on this no buy challenge. I will only need one or two things. Now the trick is to stop looking for something new.

New haircut, I would love a new style.

Spartan, hahahaha, I havent heard that in awhile.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

Snoopp — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:08:05 GMT

@Sugar Bunny i remember getting into a groove with purging and it's so productive . Keep going while you still have the urge to purge.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

aprilskies — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:19:40 GMT

@Oshare-girl wrote:
As I sit here eating my "lightly salted" Fritos...I'm still in for HEP. I know it's hard to tell. The bag has been hanging around for weeks now and I just want it gone. Does anyone else do that? Eat the food to get rid of it? We are eating more fish, 2-3 times a week now. I'm thinking of fasting beef when Lent arrives. I should fast sugar, though.

I made it through January without any makeup purchases. I also boxed up everything that is not in my seasonal capsule and put it away. Partly to keep my daughter from playing with it and mostly to force me to stick to the seasonal capsule. I finished a lipstick before the season is over, yippee! So I was able to start on a new one sooner. That was a nice treat. I decluttered a few products that were making me itch and a cream highlighter that dried out way before its time.

February is going to be harder for me to not buy anything. The marketing for Valentine's Day is pretty intense. I will have to remind myself that I have product X in a similar color and no matter what I use, I end up looking the same everyday. So I don't need to add anything to my collection.

I'm having good skin days. I think it's because I'm more diligent with my skincare and I'm using less products (skincare and makeup). I was using more than I needed to because I wanted to whittle down the stash. But as I'm using up more and have less, I'm getting to that point where I'm using only what I need.

It's also a good thing I'm not buying anything because our oven, dishwasher (it's still broken and I'm still hand-washing) and now the disposal all need to be fixed.

Fritos - I have been having a craving for these lately and cheetos. I actually had to run away from these in Costcos. And they were side by side. And I ran quickly.

I will tell you, I bought two eye palettes I have been wanting in December figuring let me get this out of the way because I really wanted to get serious with my beauty purchases in 2017. I was excited to get them as you can imagine. The palettes are nice, but guess what, my eyes look no different. LMBO! And I figured as much before I bought them but I guess it was something new to play around with.

Having something new to play with is always fun, however, it will really need to catch my eye in 2017. I am also trying to stay away from marketing, if I dont know it is out there, I cant want it.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

aprilskies — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:38:53 GMT

@Snoopp wrote:
My beauty products , shampoos, etc are still bothering me. I just can't go through them fast enough to feel success.

My pantry is stocked and I'm trying to use up as much as I can before restocking. That's going slowly also. Good thing I am staying away from the drugstores and grocery stores as much as possible.

Me too. Keep at it. In January, I was able to declutter a lot of products whether I used them up, gave them away or tossed them because I didnt like them. I really dont see a dent in my space, which is disappointing, but I am going to keep at it without bringing anything new in. It really felt good to use some stuff up. I know this is silly, but I find it satisfying to throw out a product I used up.

I am also starting to use products together again, like mixing serums, mixing a drop of an oil with my face moisturizers at night and/or body, etc.

Let's see what we can use up in 2017.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

geezerette — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:53:13 GMT

After going through my basics (skin/hair care, etc) for a while now, I've come up with a rule for myself. If I don't start a new container within six months of purchase, I have too much of it (whatever "it" may be) in stock. That gives me a little leeway for possible sales, but I haven't accumulated so much of one product that it spends more time in my closet than being used. I've been using so many products lately that are two years old or older and I just feel like I've wasted my money having them sit unused for so long. Besides, I figure that it's quite possible for that shampoo or cleanser to have been manufactured at least six months before I got it. That means by the time I get around to using it even six months after receipt it's already a year old. Even if I miss out on sale prices this way, I think for me it will be a better way to function than what I've been doing. And if I decide I don't want to use a certain product anymore, I don't end up with so much of it that I feel obligated to use it even if I hate the stuff by then.

As for HEP, I did pretty good with that for the last month or so, mainly because I've been sick. But in the last few days that I'm actually starting to feel a little human again, I find myself reverting back to my evil ways of eating. And yes, @Oshare-girl , I also eat food just to get it out of the house. I'm terrible about that. Funny how it only happens with junk food and not something like kale, though.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

aprilskies — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 17:20:04 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
After going through my basics (skin/hair care, etc) for a while now, I've come up with a rule for myself. If I don't start a new container within six months of purchase, I have too much of it (whatever "it" may be) in stock. That gives me a little leeway for possible sales, but I haven't accumulated so much of one product that it spends more time in my closet than being used. I've been using so many products lately that are two years old or older and I just feel like I've wasted my money having them sit unused for so long. Besides, I figure that it's quite possible for that shampoo or cleanser to have been manufactured at least six months before I got it. That means by the time I get around to using it even six months after receipt it's already a year old. Even if I miss out on sale prices this way, I think for me it will be a better way to function than what I've been doing. And if I decide I don't want to use a certain product anymore, I don't end up with so much of it that I feel obligated to use it even if I hate the stuff by then.

As for HEP, I did pretty good with that for the last month or so, mainly because I've been sick. But in the last few days that I'm actually starting to feel a little human again, I find myself reverting back to my evil ways of eating. And yes, @Oshare-girl , I also eat food just to get it out of the house. I'm terrible about that. Funny how it only happens with junk food and not something like kale, though.

ITA!!!! with everything you said. Not only is it a waste of money, we are using old ingredients. While products last awhile past their expiration date, they do start breaking down so we are not getting the full effect of them.

Alright ladies, I will stop responding to all posts like a nut. I think I am just procrastinating today. I am having a hard time getting my brain to focus on anything today.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

just bee — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 08:43:07 GMT

@aprilskies wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
After going through my basics (skin/hair care, etc) for a while now, I've come up with a rule for myself. If I don't start a new container within six months of purchase, I have too much of it (whatever "it" may be) in stock. That gives me a little leeway for possible sales, but I haven't accumulated so much of one product that it spends more time in my closet than being used. I've been using so many products lately that are two years old or older and I just feel like I've wasted my money having them sit unused for so long. Besides, I figure that it's quite possible for that shampoo or cleanser to have been manufactured at least six months before I got it. That means by the time I get around to using it even six months after receipt it's already a year old. Even if I miss out on sale prices this way, I think for me it will be a better way to function than what I've been doing. And if I decide I don't want to use a certain product anymore, I don't end up with so much of it that I feel obligated to use it even if I hate the stuff by then.

As for HEP, I did pretty good with that for the last month or so, mainly because I've been sick. But in the last few days that I'm actually starting to feel a little human again, I find myself reverting back to my evil ways of eating. And yes, @Oshare-girl , I also eat food just to get it out of the house. I'm terrible about that. Funny how it only happens with junk food and not something like kale, though.

ITA!!!! with everything you said. Not only is it a waste of money, we are using old ingredients. While products last awhile past their expiration date, they do start breaking down so we are not getting the full effect of them.

Alright ladies, I will stop responding to all posts like a nut. I think I am just procrastinating today. I am having a hard time getting my brain to focus on anything today.

Well of course this makes perfect sense. But the sales and free shipping still trip me up. I remember stumbling across jars of Castelvetrano olives at our local Walmart Neighborhood Market. It's amazing what one can find there. Olives that are prohibitively expensive at the grocery store down the street were half the price at Walmart. I stockpiled and brought jars to work and handed them out like business cards. Now I have two jars in the pantry that expired in 2015.

I hate to toss them, but I'm wondering if they're still edible. Eventually I'll have to crack open a jar and find out. If you don't hear from me for a while, you'll know.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

rnmom — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 12:45:47 GMT

Hi ladies!

I'm still compacting over here, trying to at least. I'm working thru some products that I know I'm not repurchasing and will be glad when they're gone. I'm making good progress with bath and body products, I don't have tons of excess, I have a few backups, but they're products that I actually enjoy and will enjoy using and I don't have any urges to go out and buy more.

I'm still struggling with skincare. I don't like most of what I have here so I just ordered some Avalon organics and Shea Moisture products from Ulta, they just arrived 2 days ago, so I'm going to give those a try and see if I like them. If I don't like them I'll try to return them and try something else. How I SO want to find something that I love and can stick with. You wouldn't think it would be that hard would you? And I'm actually just about done with my moisturizer, AM and PM, so I actually ordered products that I can use right away. How cool is that?

Makeup I'm pretty happy with too. I'm having a hard time finding a decent concealer and my foundation doesn't look so hot right now either, but I think that's more because my skin is so dry rather than the makeup I'm using. I'm hoping changing up my skincare will help.

I'm still following the decluttering challenge too and decluttering each room, one a week, but I'm really not finding a lot to part with because I try to declutter small areas of my home a bit at a time. I'm just finding little bits and pieces here and there. I do have a few things that need to be dropped off to Salvation Army but I'm waiting til hubby can go with me because I have a TV I want him to carry too, its too heavy for me.

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

rnmom — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 12:51:16 GMT

I'm another one that will eat up little scraps of food to get it out of the house. I hate open bags with just a small handful of something in it. Kind of like beauty products, when I get down to the last little bit I get really anious to just have it gone. I haven't been doing it as much lately because I was dieting last year from about August thru December and I managed to lose 30 pounds, so I am thrilled. Now I am just trying to maintain. I really don't want to gain it back, I've been on that roller coaster so many times. I'm only 5'2" so it's really noticeable on me. I like the size I am right now and really want to try to keep it in check. Sweets is my big downfall. I will pick a cookie over an apple any day of the week!

Re: ComPact 2017 -- February!

PAlady — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 14:28:09 GMT

rnmom - You may want to call the Salvation Army first about the TV. Some places will not take TV for donations.

I would hate to see you lug it there and find out they do not take them.

Good luck.