topic Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March in Beauty

ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:29:09 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.” "Only the store, online no more!" “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 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:43:15 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 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:36:59 GMT

Meditative according to Oxford:

Relating to or absorbed in meditation or considered thought.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

Brisky — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:50:29 GMT

I am trying not to cave any more. I caved once and didn't like the item. Sent it back! I am learning!

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:00:37 GMT

@Brisky wrote:
I am trying not to cave any more. I caved once and didn't like the item. Sent it back! I am learning!

@Brisky

And that's why I made March "Meditative." Many of us have discovered that our impulse buys are directly related to stress/emotional state. We order something and it provides that little rush (short-lived, of course) and we still end up either not liking or not even using the item.

Just adds more stress, right?

So all I'm saying with Meditative March is:

STOP

BREATHE

THINK

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

Brisky — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 17:04:38 GMT

Exactly, I am not caving any more. I am learning and it does feel good!

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

geezerette — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 20:52:35 GMT

Meditative March is quite apropos for me.

In a few weeks it will be one year since I have been on my own. And during that time I’ve given “considered thought” to a lot of things. Since I’m still here, which is a real surprise to me, I guess I’d better finally grow up because I am now the only one responsible for me.

I was fairly lenient with myself the past year with spending and eating and generally feeling sorry for myself. But now it’s time to pare all of that down considerably. Today is a good day to start.

I still have a few purchases that haven’t arrived yet, but my junk food is gone and will remain that way. The junk food didn’t really taste good enough for the extra weight and “uncomfortableness” I’ve got now. And I got into the habit of buying gifts for friends and stuff for my animals that none of them really needed. (Although I’m sure my friends enjoyed my generosity.) Most of the clothes I bought myself for the warm weather to come, I ended up returning. (Still hadn’t learned that lesson, I guess!) Anyway, that’s coming to an end too.

I have had enough time to decide that I’m going to stay where I am until Carla is gone, if I can. The house needs redoing and my cars are old, but I’m better off doing only necessary repairs and staying put than trying to move. In a few years I’ll probably be ready for a condo only, so I could eliminate an in between move now. And I'm pretty well set up now. I’ve gotten rid of a lot of things and arranged things to suit me better.

It’s not great, but it sure could be a lot worse. Time to hunker down, be grateful for what I have and how long I may have it. 🙂

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 12:16:54 GMT

@geezerette wrote:

It’s not great, but it sure could be a lot worse. Time to hunker down, be grateful for what I have and how long I may have it. 🙂

@geezerette

That's certainly my mindset lately.

Change jobs? Change states?

Instead, I'm waiting until the dog who just turned ten (we think) exits stage right.

Incidentally, you've been a real inspiration this past year. You're much stronger and wiser than you know.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

geezerette — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 15:36:45 GMT

@just bee

Thanks. That’s what my best friend has told me. But I sure don’t feel like I’m either strong or wise. But it is what it is. Even if I still can’t accept it. Maybe I never will. Sometimes it nice to hide from reality.

We sound awful just waiting around for our best buddies to kick the bucket.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 15:55:03 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

Thanks. That’s what my best friend has told me. But I sure don’t feel like I’m either strong or wise. But it is what it is. Even if I still can’t accept it. Maybe I never will. Sometimes it nice to hide from reality.

We sound awful just waiting around for our best buddies to kick the bucket.

@geezerette

You should listen to that friend.

We do sound awful, don't we? I can't help think he's noticed that "worried look." I know it's inevitable and the thought of living without a dog is even more awful.

I'm really grateful for this one.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

geezerette — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:03:31 GMT

@just bee

I should have stopped with the one before this one. 😄

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:16:28 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

I should have stopped with the one before this one. 😄

@geezerette

Oh, you love her!

But that's why I say this one is my last. I would feel terrible if I tried to "replace" him, then found fault with his replacement.

I don't want to compare him to anyone else -- he's incomparable!

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

geezerette — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:18:53 GMT

@just bee wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

I should have stopped with the one before this one. 😄
@geezerette

Oh, you love her!

But that's why I say this one is my last. I would feel terrible if I tried to "replace" him, then found fault with his replacement.

I don't want to compare him to anyone else -- he's incomparable!

@just bee

So is this one—that’s why I should have quit before her!! 🤣🤣

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:25:00 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
@just bee wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

I should have stopped with the one before this one. 😄
@geezerette

Oh, you love her!

But that's why I say this one is my last. I would feel terrible if I tried to "replace" him, then found fault with his replacement.

I don't want to compare him to anyone else -- he's incomparable!
@just bee

So is this one—that’s why I should have quit before her!! 🤣🤣

@geezerette

Sounds like my Boxer. I'd mentioned the plant on my kitchen counter is blossoming -- the one that was given to me after my girl died in 1996.

A couple days ago I thought I'd give that plant a "treat." I watered it and tossed in some old Miracle-Gro.

Fatal error. I'm beside myself -- I think I've killed my plant.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

geezerette — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:40:03 GMT

@just bee wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
@just bee wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

I should have stopped with the one before this one. 😄
@geezerette

Oh, you love her!

But that's why I say this one is my last. I would feel terrible if I tried to "replace" him, then found fault with his replacement.

I don't want to compare him to anyone else -- he's incomparable!
@just bee

So is this one—that’s why I should have quit before her!! 🤣🤣
@geezerette

Sounds like my Boxer. I'd mentioned the plant on my kitchen counter is blossoming -- the one that was given to me after my girl died in 1996.

A couple days ago I thought I'd give that plant a "treat." I watered it and tossed in some old Miracle-Gro.

Fatal error. I'm beside myself -- I think I've killed my plant.

@just bee

Brown thumb. Sounds like me. I’ve been out dragging my big clay pots around the yard to decide where to plant some flowers when it warms up. That was my fatal error. I could hardly walk when I got up this morning.

What was I thinking? The reason I don’t have plants and flowers now is because my body can no longer tolerate me tending them. Just like buying, I forgot myself once again.

I’m going to have enough problems repotting my indoor plants. Ones I got last year at this time when the OG passed. Those I want to save.

Guess I won’t be using any Miracle-Gro on them.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 16:58:50 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
@just bee wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
@just bee wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

I should have stopped with the one before this one. 😄
@geezerette

Oh, you love her!

But that's why I say this one is my last. I would feel terrible if I tried to "replace" him, then found fault with his replacement.

I don't want to compare him to anyone else -- he's incomparable!
@just bee

So is this one—that’s why I should have quit before her!! 🤣🤣
@geezerette

Sounds like my Boxer. I'd mentioned the plant on my kitchen counter is blossoming -- the one that was given to me after my girl died in 1996.

A couple days ago I thought I'd give that plant a "treat." I watered it and tossed in some old Miracle-Gro.

Fatal error. I'm beside myself -- I think I've killed my plant.
@just bee

Brown thumb. Sounds like me. I’ve been out dragging my big clay pots around the yard to decide where to plant some flowers when it warms up. That was my fatal error. I could hardly walk when I got up this morning.

What was I thinking? The reason I don’t have plants and flowers now is because my body can no longer tolerate me tending them. Just like buying, I forgot myself once again.

I’m going to have enough problems repotting my indoor plants. Ones I got last year at this time when the OG passed. Those I want to save.

Guess I won’t be using any Miracle-Gro on them.

@geezerette

Why do people go to the gym when there's yardwork? The pain and physical damage is about the same and you don't have the commitment of membership.

I should be out there pulling weeds today but I've been preoccupied.

Keep in mind that this batch of Miracle-Gro has been in the garage since... gee, maybe it's as old as that plant.

I pointed out my sad plant and BH was unmoved. "It's a plant."

No, it's a memory and I'm trying to hang on to it.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

rnmom — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 12:28:24 GMT

I'm in for Meditative March.

That's a good choice for the month @just bee , because I'm definitely working at trying to be more conscious and thoughtful of what I'm purchasing and why, thinking about something before just pulling the trigger and buying.

We had to go to the Boy Scout store yesterday and buy shirts and accessories for my kids in who are in scouts. We haven't been there for a few years and wow! Let's just say prices aren't going down at all. It's a wonder that any boys are even in scouts anymore. I got sticker shock for sure, still getting over how much we had to spend for just a handful of items. Yet another reason why I need to pare back on any non-essential items.

My Ulta order arrived the other day but I haven't had a chance to try out any of my new products yet. I'm defnitely waiting until I'm over this cold before opening any of the new makeup (that could be weeks still at the rate I'm going) but I am actually looking forward to using some of it right away, so that at least is some improvement. Usually when I buy new items I stick them away in a drawer for months before I ever even get to using them because I'm still working on using up the older products. But this time I actually have several that I want to use right now. Imagine that concept huh?

HEP is still going terrible. Weather here still is awful, below normal temps, snowy, cold. I have no motivation to do anything, eat right, exercise, declutter. This cold isn't helping either. I haven't dropped an ounce and probably really should go to the thrift store and look for some more tops and pants for work. I'm definitely running out of viable options here.

I just hate shopping and trying on clothes with a passion. But I might not have another option if I don't lose any weight. Again, when the weather breaks and I feel better, some clothes shopping might be in my future whether I like it or not.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 15:02:45 GMT

@rnmom wrote:
I'm in for Meditative March.

That's a good choice for the month @just bee , because I'm definitely working at trying to be more conscious and thoughtful of what I'm purchasing and why, thinking about something before just pulling the trigger and buying.

@rnmom

I did quite a bit of meditation myself this morning. Since I've liked the Laura Geller baked blushes that I've been using for the past decade, I decided that it would make sense to stick with LG and invest in a single blush.

Two questions:

1. What color?

2. Do I really want to invest $28 on a single blush product?

There's a blush thread on the forum and one post listed dupes for a NARS product. Of course I had to go online and search for them.

I compared the Milani baked blush to LG and looked at the ingredients. Hmmm. Very similar product. Very different price. I could buy four Milani blushes versus one LG blush. And Milani is made in Italy.

Then I had to check different sites for price and availability. Walgreens has an offer but are they available in-store or just online? If I can get them in-store, which store has them in stock and should I wait until Senior Day to get the discount? Or should I just go to Ulta?

What about the wet n wild NARS dupe for just over two bucks? What store has that one in stock? Should I swing by today or on my way home from my appointments tomorrow?

Maybe I should track down the NYX or e.l.f. blushes. I read all the reviews, I compared prices, I...

OMG! I never let the dog back in after I let him out this morning!!!!

That poor neglected, abused animal.

Meditation is a good strategy, yes, but not if you get in too deep.

@rnmom

Look at the bright side. Spring will come, the crud will subside and you'll feel reborn. And you'll have those new products to try out!

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

geezerette — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 16:08:55 GMT

@rnmom

Your Scouting sticker shock sounds like me when I buy pet food. Seems like every time (or at least every other time) I’m looking at food, it’s more expensive than the last purchase. Even the cheap cat food, which, of course, they won’t eat, so why I even look at it I don’t know. Seems like I’m shelling out a couple of hundred dollars every month. No wonder those pet stores keep inundating me with emails.

Hang in there with the creeping crud. It’s March. One of these days the weather will break, and then hopefully you’ll be feeling back to normal. Of course, it won’t be too long after that that we’ll be complaining about how hot it is!

@just bee

And your blush adventure is one of the biggest reasons I keep telling myself to watch the ordering. Or should I say the “wants”. Just the pure hassle and time consumption is enough to make me goofier than I already am. A lot of my anxieties are self-inflicted. (Probably all, if I’m really truthful.) And a good portion of those are from just what you describe. The whole dance of online purchasing, not to mention the hassle of waiting for delivery, along with all the possible complications that may bring. I used to love to go to the shopping mall way back when. Then after a while I started to hate it. I still hate to shop. So why am I now doing the same thing online? I don’t enjoy searching for things on websites any more than I do in a store. Add to that, oftentimes by the time I receive whatever item I couldn’t live without, I’ve already forgotten about it or no longer want it.

Re: ComPact 2019 – Meditative March

just bee — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 16:51:52 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
@rnmom

Your Scouting sticker shock sounds like me when I buy pet food. Seems like every time (or at least every other time) I’m looking at food, it’s more expensive than the last purchase. Even the cheap cat food, which, of course, they won’t eat, so why I even look at it I don’t know. Seems like I’m shelling out a couple of hundred dollars every month. No wonder those pet stores keep inundating me with emails.

Hang in there with the creeping crud. It’s March. One of these days the weather will break, and then hopefully you’ll be feeling back to normal. Of course, it won’t be too long after that that we’ll be complaining about how hot it is!

@just bee

And your blush adventure is one of the biggest reasons I keep telling myself to watch the ordering. Or should I say the “wants”. Just the pure hassle and time consumption is enough to make me goofier than I already am. A lot of my anxieties are self-inflicted. (Probably all, if I’m really truthful.) And a good portion of those are from just what you describe. The whole dance of online purchasing, not to mention the hassle of waiting for delivery, along with all the possible complications that may bring. I used to love to go to the shopping mall way back when. Then after a while I started to hate it. I still hate to shop. So why am I now doing the same thing online? I don’t enjoy searching for things on websites any more than I do in a store. Add to that, oftentimes by the time I receive whatever item I couldn’t live without, I’ve already forgotten about it or no longer want it.

@geezerette

That poor neglected, abused animal's kibble is $70+ a bag. I don't even want to think about the cost of his treats. His vet doesn't understand why I buy the "premium" kibble when he feeds his dogs the well-known national store brand.

We had a freebie can of Fromm and it looked and smelled so good I thought about bringing it to work for lunch. BH and I considered switching him from kibble to canned until we realized that can is five bucks.

When I was a kid I remember the cans of Strongheart dog food with the picture of the German Shepherd on the label. Delicious flavors like liver and... horsemeat. Memory fails, but I swear it was ten cents a can.

Ah, so it was.

Of course I wouldn't feed a dog that today...

About ordering online. I'm really trying to avoid it unless it's an item I know. Something like Paula's Choice facial cleanser -- on sale -- is something I will continue to order.

But I'm trying to avoid ordering blush and eyeshadow online. It's too easy. Driving to a store and actually looking at and touching the product instead of looking at a picture of it makes more sense. And the thought of walking into a store is so repulsive that I can usually talk myself out of anything I think I want.

If I could order my scrubs online it would already be done, but because I have to drive all the way across town I'm putting it off as long as I possibly can.

And how often do we add some item to our order just to get the free shipping? An item we usually won't even use.

And the added bonus: Endless emails from the companies.