The year is coming to a close and it seems like everyone is taking
some time to reflect on the last year and to start thinking of the new
year. 2018 was such a hectic and crazy, but wonderful year. I finally
finished my degree and my boyfriend finished both his MBA and JD and
also passed the bar. I also finally took the leap and enrolled in an
MCAT prep program and am planning on taking the exam in the late Spring.
Planning for medical school has made me so aware of time management and
financial planning. As the year starts I've had to create a more strict
schedule and budget and this has meant changing various aspects of my
life and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of some of what's to come in
2019.
- Like most people I'm trying to build healthier
habits and am continuing to clean up my diet and trying to make sure
that even when I'm busy that I'm making it to the gym.
- Closet Crack Down!
I
have been hoarding clothes, shoes, and accessories for far too long. I
love finding a great deal and for too long I would buy items I was sure I
would wear only to have them sit in the closet with the tags on. Couple
that with some weight gain and well meaning relatives buying me clothes
and I have LOTS to get rid of. I've been trying to make it a weekly
habit to pull a few items out to list on PoshMark right then or put
aside items to think on. Sometimes I look at my closet and see something
I know I'm never going to wear, other times I need a week to think on
it. Regardless, I've already made quite a bit of extra cash on PM (get
$5 added to your account when you use my code STEXEIRA13) and I'm going
to keep listing!
- Clearing out clutter and making donations.
As
I mentioned before, I have a tendency to hold on to things. Sometimes
it's just sentimental, other times I feel like I don't want to waste
what I've spent money on. I got my first apartment almost 8 years ago
and let's face it, I was super frugal and some of my Ikea buys have seen
better days. I have lots of random dishes, decor items, and
miscellaneous kitchen tools that seemed like a great buy at the time,
but now are just sitting around causing clutter. Over the years I've
bought newer and nicer versions of things and my taste and style has
changed. I've already managed to pack up two big boxes for donation.
Clothing items that aren't new or like new and have seen better days can
still have a life and serve someone well. I often went thrifting as a
teenager and found lots of great stuff. Now it's my turn to give up some
of my items too. Do I really need 267 tee shirts that have been hanging
around for ages?
- Shopping my stash and not shopping elsewhere.
I
have collected a lot of makeup, hair care, and beauty items in my
years. (I'm starting to see a pattern here.) Not only have I been lucky
enough to occasionally receive PR and free samples/products, but I've
also purchased and been gifted my fair share. I've also worked in the
beauty and skincare industries for almost 10 years and have developed an
enviable hoard. I'm working on teaching myself that just because
there's a sale, doesn't mean I have to shop it and just because it's
limited edition, doesn't mean I have to have it. I received some
beautiful makeup and beauty items for my birthday and Christmas and I
fully plan to enjoy them. I'm also going to curate some of my older
items removing things that should be tossed for safety and things I just
don't use that often. What can be gifted or destashed will be. My goal
is to start with a 3 month no buy and then try to extend it to 6 and
then 12 months. My only exceptions will be products that I use up and
have repurchased in the past. I have a few items I just can't live
without. I'm looking at you Drybar Hot Toddy.
- Sample my samples
I
have TONS of samples and minis and who knows what else cluttering my
space. It starts with a good intention to test a product before buying
it or a free gift or sample with a purchase, but these add up FAST. I
find it hardest to use through skincare samples as I get so nervous
about reactions. My goal is to use a few each week and jot down what I
did and didn't like. I'm also hoping to share my empties on Instagram to
keep my motivation up.
- Taking care of myself the way I want to.
It's
all well and good to have phenomenal skincare and awesome haircare and
beautiful makeup... but you have to use it. So many times I find myself
saying I'm too busy, but then later wishing I had taken a few minutes
for myself. And while every day is not going to be 10 step skin care and
full glam, I am going to steal a few minutes for self care. For
example, I've put an eye cream, face cream, and a neck and decollete
cream at my bedside. This way, if I forget to put skincare on before bed
and I'm settled in, I can still do it.
I know this is
going to be a lot, but in the long run I think it's worth it. I want to
be healthier, wealthier, and organized in this new year and I believe
these are the steps that I need to get there.
What
are some of your resolutions or goals? What have you done that's
contributed to a successful decluttering? Have you ever done a no buy?
Let me know in the comments!
Monday, December 31, 2018
Monday, July 23, 2018
Stylish Surprise is Back!
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