topic Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March in Beauty

ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:15:14 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 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:25:31 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 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:36:01 GMT

And a new feature:

Your moment in the fun...

Yesterday I turned on some music and we made lamb curry. When I wasn't stirring I was dancing.

It was fun.

Post your moments in the fun!

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

geezerette — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:43:55 GMT

@just bee

Right on schedule, bright and early.

I'm glad you repost your original post every month. As the monthly thread grows, I skip by the past posts to get to what I haven't read yet. But at the beginning of the month it's reaffirming to reread the original intent. And we each can bring our own meaning to it and apply it to our own individual lives, wants, and needs. A good reminder to stop and give thought and assess where we've been, where we are, and where we want to be.

As usual, thanks, 🐝!

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:59:59 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
@just bee

Right on schedule, bright and early.

I'm glad you repost your original post every month. As the monthly thread grows, I skip by the past posts to get to what I haven't read yet. But at the beginning of the month it's reaffirming to reread the original intent. And we each can bring our own meaning to it and apply it to our own individual lives, wants, and needs. A good reminder to stop and give thought and assess where we've been, where we are, and where we want to be.

As usual, thanks, 🐝!

@geezerette

Would have been earlier, but we lost Internet access this morning.

Funny you should mention the original post. I actually took time to read it this morning and it was interesting seeing it in the new context of having "pared down." There is still more work to do.

And you're right. This is a good time for all of us to:

Stop

Give thought

Assess where we've been

Assess where we are

Assess where we want to be

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:26:01 GMT

@geezerette

As usual, you have me thinking again.

I was imagining all the years of ComPacting, all the stuff, all the setbacks. And then I saw it.

Sisyphus pushing that boulder up a hill only to have it roll back down again.

But then I saw this:

Is that not the best image of a ComPacter? By George, that's us!

The burden of our stuff, the weight of it, the uphill battle. We could let go of that rope, but we're hanging on for dear life. Still climbing.

Why? Why are we doing this?

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

AuntG — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:30:54 GMT

I've used up my Josie Maran argan oil products and won't be replacing them. Moving forward, I'll stick with Clinique. Just think how much time I'll save if I'm not watching all those different presentations of miracle creams/oils on QVC. Plus they are readily available so no S&H.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Shanus — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:41:35 GMT

I find myself spread too thinly this time of year and promise myself to cut back...hasn't happened yet, but still trying. Hubby still working at 75 ( tax accountant), long hours and I help out in office, when needed, making appts. and delivering returns to clients in assisted living situations who can't make it to the office. Jewelry appts. are more frequent and orders to be finished w/ Mother's Day, brides, graduation, etc. Makeup Calls are also more demanding w/ weddings, proms, etc.

This needs to be the year I slow it down a bit and have more time for me, make it to most of my gym classes, walk Molly and smell the roses, when they begin to bloom.

I missed the granddaughters' swim meet yesterday and it broke my heart and theirs. They grow up so fast. I now have their scheduled school and outside activities for March and they're marked out on OUR calendars. Other obligations can wait on those days. Being there for children and grandchildren is not an option.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:39:47 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
I've used up my Josie Maran argan oil products and won't be replacing them. Moving forward, I'll stick with Clinique. Just think how much time I'll save if I'm not watching all those different presentations of miracle creams/oils on QVC. Plus they are readily available so no S&H.

@AuntG

One of the benefits is buying locally and supporting your neighborhood merchants.

Living with two addresses and two mailboxes these past few months has made me want to reduce the amount of mail and packages I receive.

But it's not easy. Right now we're buying items for the house and most of them are not available here. We even buying our appliances online.

I want to be able to drive somewhere, look at the product, hold it in my hand, read the label, and pay for it at a human-operated cash register. Those days are slipping away.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Shanus — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:45:43 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
I've used up my Josie Maran argan oil products and won't be replacing them. Moving forward, I'll stick with Clinique. Just think how much time I'll save if I'm not watching all those different presentations of miracle creams/oils on QVC. Plus they are readily available so no S&H.

@AuntG I agree. Watching too much TV in general seems like I'm wasting time that I could be more productive or just taking time to relax and read a book from the stack piling up.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:47:51 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
I find myself spread too thinly this time of year and promise myself to cut back...hasn't happened yet, but still trying. Hubby still working at 75 ( tax accountant), long hours and I help out in office, when needed, making appts. and delivering returns to clients in assisted living situations who can't make it to the office. Jewelry appts. are more frequent and orders to be finished w/ Mother's Day, brides, graduation, etc. Makeup Calls are also more demanding w/ weddings, proms, etc.

This needs to be the year I slow it down a bit and have more time for me, make it to most of my gym classes, walk Molly and smell the roses, when they begin to bloom.

I missed the granddaughters' swim meet yesterday and it broke my heart and theirs. They grow up so fast. I now have their scheduled school and outside activities for March and they're marked out on OUR calendars. Other obligations can wait on those days. Being there for children and grandchildren is not an option.

@Shanus

We've made life a marathon when what we really need is a stroll. We need to cultivate leisure time. It's the best way to manage our stress.

Sometimes the only escape is taking the dog to the bosque. Now's the best time because the seasons are changing and we can see it happening.

Yesterday seagulls were flying over us. Keep in mind that we live in Albuquerque.

We have to slow down so we can notice this stuff.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:53:59 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@AuntG wrote:
I've used up my Josie Maran argan oil products and won't be replacing them. Moving forward, I'll stick with Clinique. Just think how much time I'll save if I'm not watching all those different presentations of miracle creams/oils on QVC. Plus they are readily available so no S&H.

@AuntG I agree. Watching too much TV in general seems like I'm wasting time that I could be more productive or just taking time to relax and read a book from the stack piling up.

@Shanus

I'm finally getting to the point where I'm going to have to come to terms with television and my cable company.

When we get settled into the house and replace the stereo equipment, I want to spend more time listening to music and less time watching TV. Comcast has eliminated many of the channels I like and has replaced them with many I don't. Why am I handing them cash every month?

Almost everything on TV lately is FUD: Fear, uncertainty and doubt. It's wearing thin.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Squirrel Lover — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:14:05 GMT

I need to keep close to this thread for when I stray I want to buy stuff I don't need.

I was using many of Josie's products too, but when I finished them I stopped. I do have a 6-ounce argon oil I bought from her on the Q that I use several times a day. It really helps my skin.

During the holiday sales on the Q, I bought a Dr. Denese kit in the mega sizes. It is really nice and my skin is reacting well it will take me to the next holiday season 2020!

I also vow now to buy makeup that doesn't go with my soft summer coloring. I bought IT's IT Girl pallet from Ulta this year and none of the colors goes with my cool/neutral coloring. I am giving it to my sister who is warm-toned. I must stop this wasteful spending. Last year I wasted over $100 on makeup I got rid of. That's disgusting and won't be there when I need it.

As for clothes, I am currently not in the workforce right now. I need to make sure that I only buy clothes for the life I have now. A biggie.

I spent about $300 in the last three years on clothes from Denim & Co that did not work out for me. I had to donate them. Most of the line just does not fit me a well as I would like and the styles and materials are not to my taste. I do better with Isaac. I have never had to donate his clothes yet. The styles and materials suit me better. I also want to go back to Talbots if I need anything.

I have tons of clothes from LL Bean, and I love them, but I have to be careful there too because some of the things are very casual. Also, Beans' sizing is not always consistent. I love them though and Bean's stuff is classic and made well. I need to be more careful about what I order.

Mindful and Moderate March is what I need to focus on.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:18:30 GMT

Yesterday I heard that a band I like is on tour. I've learned not to get too excited because most of these tours do not include Albuquerque.

As it turns out, The Pretenders will be here in June. BH says, "Have fun." This means he has no intention of attending.

We've pretty much sworn off concerts because they just aren't fun anymore. And they're expensive.

But I would be tempted by The Pretenders.

One thing keeps me from ordering tickets. They're touring with Journey.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Shanus — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:22:23 GMT

@just bee .......or re-runs, at least until the fall.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:28:16 GMT

@Squirrel Lover wrote:
I need to keep close to this thread for when I stray I want to buy stuff I don't need.

I must stop this wasteful spending. Last year I wasted over $100 on makeup I got rid of. That's disgusting and won't be there when I need it.

As for clothes, I am currently not in the workforce right now. I need to make sure that I only buy clothes for the life I have now. A biggie.

I need to be more careful about what I order.

Mindful and Moderate March is what I need to focus on.

@Squirrel Lover

Moderation, a balance between less and more, unmeasurable and personal in its definition, is at the heart of minimalism.

-- Anonymous

You are the champion of moderation. Moderate March should be right up your alley, Squirrel!

I find it's helpful, when I'm tempted to buy something on sale that I do not need, to come here and talk myself out of it.

It sounds like you know what cosmetic colors you can wear and what clothes best fit your lifestyle. Stick to what you know and what you like.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Shanus — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:31:12 GMT

@Squirrel Lover I've learned which brands of clothing fit and what sizes to save time, especially if ordering. Love LL Bean, but know it runs very big on me. I only buy tops online and pants in stores where I can try on...have returned too many because many sites "farm out" the manufacturing and sizing is inconsistent.

When Talbots, Banana Republic or J Crew have a good sale, I'm on it. That's the dressiest I'd ever get and the casual clothing are good guality and fit. I also check inside tags for washing info. If it can't go in the wash, no sale. I can purchase less and wash a little more often while saving money. Dry cleaning, hand washing, etc. is not an option.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

just bee — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:35:46 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@Squirrel Lover I've learned which brands of clothing fit and what sizes to save time, especially if ordering. Love LL Bean, but know it runs very big on me. I only buy tops online and pants in stores where I can try on...have returned too many because many sites "farm out" the manufacturing and sizing is inconsistent.

When Talbots, Banana Republic or J Crew have a good sale, I'm on it. That's the dressiest I'd ever get and the casual clothing are good guality and fit. I also check inside tags for washing info. If it can't go in the wash, no sale. I can purchase less and wash a little more often while saving money. Dry cleaning, hand washing, etc. is not an option.

@Shanus

I agree! No dry cleaning or hand washing for me, either. We also lost our iron and ironing board in the fire so this is the first time I've lived without ironing.

And I like it.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Shanus — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:45:15 GMT

@just bee My biggest hint I can pass along (I started this in Jan.) No shopping for fun, just to pass the time. I'll certainly find SOMETHING my closet doesn't need. I only go to the mall or discount stores if I have a list for gifts or items I actually need for myself...I keep a sheet of paper & pencil on string taped on wall of closet to jot down items as worn items are placed in toss bag and need to be replaced or occasion arises and realize I'm lacking a type of top or slacks or jacket. I've added a forth bag to closet floor other than donate, sell, toss...it's a "to be altered" bag. I've been able to shorten jackets, have sweater sleeves shortened at the shoulder seams, etc. and saved favorite garments. LL Bean had a good full site sale in the last 6 months & I purchased 4 of their famous "LL Bean Bags" w/ different color trims. They replaced the lg. round baskets that took up too much room on the closet floor.

Re: ComPact 2020 -- Moderate March

Eager2Learn — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:50:39 GMT

I call February a success!

Though I added 2 items to my stockpile, I removed 6. I also decluttered 20 items (clothes, shoes, books, etc).

However, I'm feeling a strong urge to go to Costco and stock up on some items I like, but don't really need at this time (today's the last day of this sale). So, I came here instead.

All things in moderation!