10 things i refuse to buy

[@GravityFallsUp]

On the note of perfumes, I was obsessed with the idea of having Tom Fords lost Cherry but could never ever justify that price. So I bought a dupe scent that was $22. I realized part of the fantasy was that beautiful maroon bottle. I wouldn’t be satisfied without it. So I bought the empty bottle off of someone on Mercari and put my cheap dupe into it. Fantasy achieved for one like 1/10th of the price

[@shawnaripari]

ok, I love this so much

[@wplants9793]

I love that idea too! It makes me happy

[@purplepotato8849]

On that note, try not to spend a lot on branded makeup, nail polishes, and perfumes, because no one will know what brand you're using unless you're applying it right in front of them. Much better to spend on (perhaps drugstore brands) where the colors etc. actually complement you.

[@Elizabeth-uu5tv]

Ok but that's so smart!

[@GravityFallsUp]

@@purplepotato8849 personally i disagree, the experience of using a higher end product makes me feel really great. Luxury packaging does a lot for my experience using makeup, I personally find I use it much more when I have higher end products because it feels more like an experience to me. I mostly buy mid range brands (glossier and milk).

[@_jo-jo_]

I was such a sucker for the whole saving the "nice" things for a special occasion. As someone with PTSD, I very rarely leave the house or go to things that would mean they would get much usage. Then i realised I am a special occasion, so now I use all the saved toiletries etc, pampering myself. Have a special meal using the nice dinner service. It makes life that much more enjoyable. As for non-changeable pillows or other soft furnishings, people could always make new covers and put them on themselves. Just an idea for anybody who has got caught in that trap 😊

[@shawnaripari]

I love that you're doing this 💗

[@snd0ll4v3r]

i know thats right jojo!!! sosciety makes us feel that we arent worthy of an item, not even an emotion or person. a stupid item

[@brittany16950]

Me too!! I am a Lolita as a hobby and the clothes are very expensive, collectible limited releases. I told myself if I spend the $$$ on these dresses, I better wear them. And wear them I do. EVERY day.

[@stephaniem203]

Same. I started wearing things I bought or using the nicer stuff just because. Who makes these rules anyway!!?

[@morganwentworth2041]

My roommate gave me a candle for christmas. It was GIANT, in a nice ceramic bowl, and had wax shaped like dogs and dog treats. It also smelled nice. I hesitated to burn it until I realized it would make a great water bowl for my dog, so I started burning it. Those dog heads looked sad as they melted, but now I enjoy the bowl every day and it's much more functional

[@shawnaripari]

omg this sounds so cute and funny 😅

[@alisonr819]

"Those dog heads looked sad as they melted" Lol, love it.😂And glad the bowl has risen reborn as an actual dog bowl.

[@everyusernameistakenomfg]

Just be careful and read the bottom and see if it says for food or not for food. Stuff in the paint could be unsafe and leaching into your pup's water.

[@KM-nq7hz]

Air fryers are an amazing tool for people who can’t use their oven. I can’t tell you how many times it has saved me time and energy especially if I’m only making two chicken breast. You can one that bakes as well as air fries.

[@AmAndA.890]

They can have my microwave as long as I can keep my air fryer/ toaster oven French door….multi layers…..ugh! I love this thing!

[@FroilanTrejo]

​@@AmAndA.890 same here.

[@ccandcoffee]

I love air fryers. It cooks my food so fast, I use it daily. To me it's worth the money and the space. If you have a busy lifestyle but still wish to cook healthy and quick meals, it's a game changer.

[@ckee8437]

My last place was all electric and using my oven was pricey plus in the summer...nopity nope. I haven't used an oven in the last 2 years now. My air fryer is the mini oven kind and I would just get rid of my oven for cupboard space if it was an option.

[@tessapal]

I have a toaster oven that can also air fry, and it’s a lifesaver (that’s a little dramatic, but honestly for accessibility and actually making food when the oven is too much of a hassle).

[@Dinozzzaur]

I LOVE having a dining room as an adult. No couch eating allowed! It's where all the roommates chill or where we have guests over. We play chess, I do puzzles, it's hard to believe I grew up without a dining room now that I'm in a house where it is so central.

[@shawnaripari]

I'm so happy to hear you love and use yours!! My place isn't big enough for a dining table and kitchen table. We just have one table and use it everyday for many of the reasons you say. I didn't use to be like that and am so glad to have shifted gears over the past year

[@kittycodding4183]

We turned our family room into a dining room. We rarely ever sat on our couch so we let it go. We get strange looks from visitors sometimes, but I don't have to vacuum a huge couch anymore. We also have more room in the kitchen now, so it's easier to cook and bake together.

[@mp5690]

I’m the same way! Grew up without a dining room and now that I have one, I spend time in it everyday. I inherited my grandma’s beloved dining set. It feels like I’m spending time with her.

[@stitchesandstaples]

It’s having a dinning room, breakfast nook and formal dinning (and formal sitting) which are overkill for me. Most formal dinning and sitting I’ve seen are either the dust collecting “expensive Knick knacks” room or became the junk room.

[@themagicknightress7132]

Yeah sounds like a dining area not a formal dining room like she was describing. We have a “breakfast nook” and a “dining room” and we haven’t even eaten in the dining room in the last few years

[@dinygoesglam]

my daughter has a stanley and lemme tell you something, that thing is meant to be stationary. It is so freaking heavy when filled. I feel most ppl got it because of the hype, for sure.

[@shawnaripari]

This absolutely made me laugh because I did not even think of how heavy that would be!!! My wrists cannot handle that 😂

[@funsizedi88]

I have a 40 Oz tumbler that looks like a stanley(got it years before Stanly was popular). It's really not that heavy unless you are carrying it for hours ND it's full the whole time. I have 3 and switch them every 2 days, I never paid more than $20 for the most expensive but the cheapest was like $10. It's double walled and the water will stay cold for a whole day without ice. It's amazing.

[@GaGaObession]

I’ve got the top handle Stanley & it’s much easier to carry / it distributes the weight

[@Grace-fu1yc]

@@funsizedi88Aldi usually rotates different double wall insulations cups for $9.99 in their weekly deals. Works just as good as branded bottles. Not paying for branded bottles ever again

[@funsizedi88]

@Grace-fu1yc yes! That is where I got one of mine and 2 of my daughters. Love Aldi! We recently got them here in Delaware not 2-3 yrs ago.

[@morganwentworth2041]

Last comment. I LOVE my local library. I used to buy books aspirationally because of the vibe, but now I just add them to my library TBR. They also have a great inter-library loan system so I can check out any book in any library in RI and pick it up locally. Public libraries also have a "book to buy" form, so after I read a book in a series I enjoy, I requested they buy the third one. It's not a fast process but it is a good way to save money. Also, checking books out and making requests like that adds to library use numbers so supports your local library without paying a dime

[@shawnaripari]

I love libraries and use mine like crazy so thank you for highlighting this 💗

[@MusikGirl23]

I LOVE my local libraries!!! With the exception of a few authors or workbook type books, I now don’t buy books unless I can’t get them through my libraries.

[@KatyJacobs-jh1sb]

On the cookbook note: libraries are a great way to test out new cookbooks before purchasing or just try new recipes! I also have a homemade cookbook out of a binder and my favorite printout recipes or family favorites

[@shawnaripari]

yes! I did this when I wanted to test drive new cook books, great option

[@criskp6861]

Yes!!

[@Feezee223]

My parents have a binder of prtined resipies too! The only other recipe books we have are a cookbook my mom got from her grandma and afew nerdy themed onse since were all nerds lol

[@nicolecarnes1332]

Yes! I buy used cookbooks from the public library. The books are like 50 cents. I love it lol

[@alexandrah535]

I am so pro-dining room 😂 But I am anti-breakfast bar and anti-eating on the sofa. We eat at our dining table every day, no tv, only facing each other and discussing our lives. And no special dishes, use the fancy dishes every day, or at least every Sunday as they were usually used by our grandparents!

[@maddie8415]

I think if you use your dining room table daily (as it should be!) that gets rid of any bad feeling about having a space that's very rarely used. I say that anyone who as a dining room should embrace it and use it often! It's so odd how people tend to "save" it for special occasions.

[@shawnaripari]

I'm not anti-dining more anti-not using your dining room. I'm so glad to hear that you use yours!

[@sandy5149]

I was today years old when I realized there are people who don't use their dining room😮 Like what's the purpose😂

[@rl3810]

I use my dining room daily also.

[@lauralaforge558]

You can put a pillow cover over a pillow that has a non removable cover. You can usually throw the entire pillow into the wash too.

[@Liv2Pnt]

I bought a candle for my boyfriend from a renfest that was in the shape of a skull. The artist made it so that when it was burned, the eye sockets of the skull looked like they were bleeding. It was wicked cool!

[@shawnaripari]

Omg this is amazing!!!

[@lmshanyfelt]

I own a faux Stanley. I take it to martial arts training. I like it because it fits enough water to keep my happy during my training session (and drive home) and has a straw, which is essential for drinking without removing my face shield during sparring.

[@shawnaripari]

I love how perfect this fit is for you!

[@NotesFromPastAmy]

I agree with so many points of this list. I'm the girl that offered under $20 for a 3oz bottle of perfume on Poshmark last night and just let her 15yr old pair of Sketchers DeLites go...they had holes. I've used the same 3 cookbooks for the past 10 years and there are still new recipes to try. "Don't buy for your fantasy self" is such great advice. I'm saving it for later!

[@isabelamer86]

I have a lot of cookbooks, but I like reading them. I rarely use recipes, except for baking, but use recipes as a take off point of reference. Books are my weakness, though.

[@brittanytyler2620]

Oh man. About seven years ago, I went to a new eye doctor and wanted to get new frames, as I had the ones I was wearing for like 12 or 13 years. When I told the person working there that, they got SO judgmental about it and made snide comments about, "Ok, well, let's see what frames you want to wear for the next decade" and telling me most people get new ones every two or three years, not once every 12 or 13 years. Ma'am, you're telling me people are getting news frames with lenses put in every few years? The glasses + lenses cost like $650. I'm sure some people do that, but "most people"? Anyways, I started wearing contacts instead shortly thereafter and the cost of those led me to get Lasik last year lol.

[@shawnaripari]

I had mine for 4 years and got push back! Sorry to hear about your experience 😢 glad you found a better solution though!

[@AstarTiamat]

I change them every 2 years because they are covered by my insurance and I've have a few break so it's nice owning backup pairs.

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

Costco won’t put lenses in frames not from Costco or that they say are damaged

[@lbeard7661]

My prescription changed yearly until it finally settled like 3 years ago. -_-

[@explodingpryro]

My eye prescription gets worse every year (almost going on 3 decades of my vision getting worse). Buy your glasses online. My -15 glasses come out to less than 100 bucks

[@therewillbefireflies]

As someone who's worn them for over 20 years, I have strong feelings about glasses! 1) It may have changed, but I found that low-cost glasses were poorer quality. The joints and hinges broke more easily, the arms rubbed against the temple when you folded/unfolded them, they bent more/faster, etc. so they had to be replaced more often. 2) While my glasses are a medical device, they're also something that I wear on my face every single day. I have the financial privilege, to be willing to pay more for glasses that are higher quality and unique to my style because I want them to last and I don't want to see others with similar frames. 3) However, I strongly agree that high quality, fashionable glasses *shouldn't* have to be as expensive as they are. It's an equity issue! I got a Stanley Cup as a Christmas present a couple years ago. I like mine but I wouldn't buy one, in large part because I only use it home. I can't drive with it because it's too tall for the cup holders under my center console, the only ones I can reach safely while driving 😬

[@bettyparker3317]

I do love, and use my air fryer almost daily. It’s very small, super-easy to clean, just wash out the basket-no more than washing a salad bowl. It’s the smallest one, holds one big chicken breast nicely, or enough fries for two people. But it probably wouldn’t be enough for a family, or larger portions.

[@lisalis5877]

I personally would never buy any designer costume jewelry, it’s criminal how much they charge (some designers even charge thousands of $) for something that’s made out of brass, sometimes it’s 100% aluminum, just no. Even the Vivianne Westwood necklaces are made out of brass. If anyone is interested in buying things like that, please check out what material it is made of and of you‘re willing to spend that much money on costume jewelry. Another thing I personally also don’t get is how brands charge hundreds of dollars for cardigans that are 100% acrylic. To me the stanley cup didn’t look "right" either, like I want to turn it upside down. I’m pretty sure the design is an upside down classic stanley bottle (the classic legendary). lol

[@shawnaripari]

this is actually a great point! and I'm so glad you mentioned it I saw some kate spade stuff recently for about $100. Perhaps not a 'true' designer in a strict sense but $100 for costume jewelry and stuff that will tarnish quick felt shocking

[@island_girl]

I think it all depends on who the designer is. I love Jay King jewelry because he uses natural stone and silver, but it can get expensive even when you get it from the shopping channels on discount, and I can't usually afford them. A few years ago he was selling a red coral necklace on said channel, on sale for like $80 something. It was old material he had from years ago, which is now banned and he wouldn't be working with it anymore, so when it was gone, it was gone. No more of them would ever be made. It was lovely, but like I said, I couldn't afford it. Flash forward like a month or two later and what do I see in Marshall's? The exact same necklace for $25!!!!! I figured even tho it looked exactly the same, it must be a copy because of the price and it had another brand name. I bought it, then researched the brand name it was under and found out that it's the name brand he uses for retail, and it IS the same necklace! It isn't the only JK necklace I've found for less than $30, and again, knowing some of these materials are not only trully made by Mother nature, but are now hard to find (some of them are from fossilized trees/stones), I feel very, very lucky to have found them. ❤

[@island_girl]

Ah, crap! I just re-read your comment and realized you were talking about costume jewelry and I wasn't. My bad! 😂 Also, I agree with you 100%. I refuse to pay that amount of money for cheap knock offs when I can pay a lot less for real stuff I fin on Marshall's & TJ Max. Btw, never EVER buy real jewelry (silver/gold/precious, or semi-precious stones) from JC Penney.

[@michellehawk282]

I also set myself the limit of 100 bucks for perfumes. No matter how much i want it, i will not go over that limit and i think it really helped me with not going overboard on my perfume purchases. I've also found a lot of very good deals on discount stores for perfumes that would cost like 150 bucks full price but i snatched it for almost half the price which ended up giving me even more joy than having paid the original price which would've been over my budget.

[@bleeka325]

I love having a variety of perfumes. So I only buy the 10 mL travel spray size for $25-$30 so I can actually use them up. Unless I really really like it and it only comes in a larger size. I’ve only bought a larger size for more money 3 times in the past 5 years.

[@XDominiqueXFranconX]

I didn’t realize until today, but I accidentally have a decorative chair. I bought it at an auction when I was in high school, so I’ve had it for over twenty years. It’s an original mid-century disc-shaped chair. The only downside is that the upholstery has a few split areas, and is rather delicate, which is why it’s basically aesthetic. I cover up the cracks with a couple throw pillows. The chair goes nicely with my living room and has sentimental value.

[@steelebird]

Right off the bat, I really love your discussion of functional items that are "too beautiful" to be used! One of the first ways I began to rethink my spending was considering whether practical use would destroy the item I wanted to buy. If yes, then wouldn't it be better all around to just add it to Pinterest and move on? The beauty is there regardless of whether I own it! I don't have to give up money and storage space to appreciate it.

[@shawnaripari]

yes! sometimes we can be drawn to something beautiful and that entices us to buy it but then it's just SO beautiful you don't want to use it. You're so right that sometimes you can add it to a pinterest board, admire it and move on

[@syddlinden8966]

My mom wanted an air fryer so my brother got her a toaster oven with an air fryer functionality. Works great, no plastic, no non-stick coatings. 10/10 highly recommend.

[@grrlsports]

I’m so confused about why people don’t use their dining room. I literally eat every single meal in mine. Isn’t that where you are supposed to eat??

[@shawnaripari]

I think if someone has enough space to have a kitchen and a dining room, most people are eating in their kitchen and save the dining room for special occasions. I understand how that happens when someone has two places to eat.

[@beccaschlomann7592]

We have a table in our kitchen that seats 6 and a dining room that seats 8-10. Which yes seems crazy for a family of four but we do have people over regularly enough and family staying with us frequently so we do use the dining table regularly for guests. But we also use it for puzzles or legos so we can set them up and work on it over the course of a few weeks without taking away our daily eating table.

[@wendyheatherwood]

Converse are machine washable. Just put the laces in one of those little laundry nets, throw it in the machine with your shoes and they'll look like new. The only problem is it can get a little noisy.

[@calrey]

Yeah that drove me nuts growing up! My parents had a formal dining room (in addition to the casual dining area that was part of the kitchen) with a really pretty chandelier and antique furniture. I always wanted to eat in there but they would only allow us to eat in there during holidays. I was like-but what's the point? If you're afraid that we're going to destroy the velvet upholstery, then why not replace the upholstery? I don't understand. Lol

[@pinkfeet518]

omg it reminds me of the couches with plastic covers. i never understood having valuables in an area where they could get ruined/kids can get into because if it CAN happen, it WILL happen 😂 life is too short to not celebrate the ordinary days

[@Desiree_Rose]

Zenni for glasses! My favorite frames happen to be their cheapest, and even with my prescription lenses they are less than $12...even for sunglasses. They're all from China anyway, so why not just skip the middle man and save $300? So helpful since 3 of us wear glasses! I LOVE my air fryer. I store it on top of my fridge. As a vegetarian...it's worth the space. It makes the best potatoes and tofu without heating the entire oven. My mom gave me my first, and I kind of lit it on fire (um...just make sure if you set it on your stove, you don't accidentally turn the burner on🙈) so I bought a replacement. It's 100% worth the space for the tofu crispness alone. I've decluttered my crackpot, my expensive toaster oven...but I'll never be air fryer-less❤️

[@aj2thamaxx742]

7:34 people forget that perfume goes bad and I found that out the hard way years ago when I purchased a bottle too large for me to consume in a timely manner. My favorite is the LUSH brand Lust scent and I get the perfume roller now because I don’t waste anything.

[@SimplyKatieWalks]

I learn so much from your videos. I paid 600$ for my sunglasses in January. (On my payflex card) They are prescriptions, and i wear them every day-ish. Oh well, live and learn. I have a Stanley, but i won't use it because it's embarrassing now.(yes, i embarrass easily) I have a core bookshelf of 40 books that i read over and over, but my fantasy self has a book shelf of 10 books I'll probably never read. Great video 🎉

[@shawnaripari]

Prescription sunglasses are even more expensive than regular glasses! I've personally never bought any because I've been able to get away with not, but I do think that the lenses factor more into the price than traditional lenses? Either way there is definitely price gouging there too, so this is a great addition

[@chelseyschlutereichen9009]

Perfume is my one thing I spend on, but I never pay full price. At least half my clothes are thrifted and I couldn't care less about "decor", etc.

[@crownprincesslaya2]

24:20 borrowing cook books from the library is recommended on a lot of minimalist channels, so that’s prbly going to get more popular to do

[@exomake_mehorololo]

😅As someone who has been buying luxury and niche perfumes for 15 years... I can't watch most of the fragrance content on YT. It's the same dumb often uninformed hype as for make up. The hype has considerably increased prices. You can get a good quality parfum from one of the traditional French parfum houses for under or around 100 dollars and can catch a lot of sales out there. Anything more is a joke

[@bananamary5907]

Also arab perfumes!!

[@solennev3073]

Since I’m French I’m curious to know which perfume houses you are referring to as I only know about Fragonard!

[@el-maiki]

Im curious to know too about those houses! - it’s true there are interesting perfumes for 200 or less (in my country they are a little more expensive due to importation taxes and all that) and often the most expensive ones are not worth it. I personally have tried a few Spanish ones (Loewe) that are great to layer, affordable and they stay with you for hours and hours !

[@AerynKDesigns]

ironically about the air fryers, we got one *especially* because we were in an apartment and were not allowed to have a grill anymore. We use it every day or every other day to cook our meals. For years now, because yeah, no grill. But when buying we *did* take care to buy the multifunctional Ninja Foodi 5 in 1, so it could do many things for us. It, our instapot, and coffee pot are the only things on the counter and they get either simultaneous use or every other day use. Also I have 4 reusable cold sbux cups, because they're pretty, but also because I drink a gallon of water a day and I need a nice cup to not spill and have it with me all the time. Plus with more than one, I don't have to wash stuff right away, which I'm awful about, especially if I'm having sensory issues (water and/or soap are things I can't handle often).

[@liyascomfortzone]

On the note you made about glasses. Luxoticca have basically a monopoly on glasses production and own a big chunk of the major glasses brands both designer and otherwise. Which is one of the major reasons they all tend to be the same price. I did an assignment on this in uni and have been angry about it ever since

[@erintaylorwrites]

I think that glasses frames are priced starting at $200 is because most insurance coverage start with a $200 “frame allowance”. I just went for my annual eye exam and I couldn’t find frames for less than $199. So just like most insurance paid medal care, it is over charged so much!! I don’t have a Stanley, but I have an insulated cup. I’m in Florida and drive long distances for work, so having a cup that keeps my water cool even when it’s left in a hot car for hours, is important to me. I even bring a half gallon bottle of back up water to refill the insulated cup because the ice doesn’t melt. When I worked in an office, I did bring a half gallon of water with me into work each day because the water at the office was BROWN! 😮

[@shawnaripari]

Hmmmm the cost of frames being inline with insurance is actually a very interesting idea. Your Florida commute makes a lot of sense to have a stanley and ultimately I'm glad you're using and enjoy it!

[@erintaylorwrites]

@@shawnaripari Stanleys are too rich for my blood. I got something similar, and much cheaper, but works just as well! I just did a video about trends and fantasy self, and I basically said that unless you are an influencer who is getting paid to push out a trend, then most trends are not going to be for you and they will be over so quickly and then you are left with something you most likely over paid for and that you won't use.

[@crumbcake9101]

I have a decorative chair but i generally sit on the floor 😂 I am a professional art restorer and couldn't pass up this one antique chair that someone inherited and was selling for cheap! I modified it to fit my style and now its function is to hold my outfit for tomorrow or for my cat to sit on my outfit for tomorrow.

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

I always thought “decorative chairs” are just outfit chairs or pet chairs haha 😂

[@rayeof_light]

To solidify your air fryer decision... I bought one. Yes, I did enjoy it to an extent but it was SO hard to clean. I ended up cleaning it wrong, apparently you're not supposed to let it soak in dawn (but I couldn't get it clean otherwise) and the nonstick coating started peeling off. I probably only used it less than 20 times. Had to throw it away. And it was HUGE. As big as my torso lol

[@shawnaripari]

damn, i'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with it after you bought it

[@anasye]

I heard about this and got the brown parchment paper inserts, they look like giant coffee filters. I bought them the same time I got the air fryer and it's been a dream. I just wipe out the bottom, you can also get silicone versions that are reusable but they didn't have them for my model. I waited several years to find a dual basket model with a slim counter top footprint. I got it 2 weeks ago and use it almost every day.

[@romanawilhelminacrane9690]

I am kinda agreeing on everything except the perfume. I had several bottles and I didn't use it much but then I found my dream perfume and it is expensive but I buy myself only that single one every year for Christmas and I love it for like 4 years now and I don't want to smell like anything else 😊😊😊 so no regrets, totally worth it

[@SoyCityBarbie]

I apply 2 coats of Scotchgard to fabric shoes, bags, anything that will get dirty and is not easy to clean. I love expensive perfume because it reduces the chances of someone else having it. Great video! ❤

[@morganwentworth2041]

I don't know if they ship internationally, but Zenni is great for frames. My favorite frames are $10, with lenses it's like $100 (my prescription is also expensive). They also do great sales. My boyfriend and I have dedicated counter space for an air fryer that's like a toaster oven. We use it for dinner all the time, but I think we are in the minority

[@Desiree_Rose]

I LOVE zenni! My pairs have all been under $20 with lenses, though, even sunglasses. I'm not sure why yours are $100? They'll ship anywhere since they're based in China. I'm so glad we made the switch. 3 of us wear glasses, so it saves so much money!

[@katieanderson4364]

I bought a Stanley for pregnancy & postpartum when I'm breastfeeding. I *love* it for this purpose, and this purpose only. You are totally right about it being terrible for on the go. But I love that it holds a ton of water, because this girl is THIRSTY - and it keeps my water cold. It helps me meet my water goals/needs or else I get too busy to remember to fill a smaller water bottle or glass.

[@TheMichelleBooth]

I am also SHOCKED at the cost of perfume. Does anyone have favorite perfumes that are less than $100??

[@wraith99252]

I use solid perfume from Lush. Not only do I find that the scent lasts longer on my body, but the perfume itself lasts a lot longer than spray. They're all under $20, and I've had some that I use occasionally that I've had for literal years.

[@bleeka325]

Absolutely! Plus there are plenty of niche and designer fragrances that your can get in the travel size for $30ish and I find that If you spray efficiently they last a long time as well

[@littlesupergugel4382]

I have one for 10€ but I think its only available in Germany. Its made out of stuff (like ginger) which would have been thrown away by an supermarket or so. Its fantastic! It's from care-fragrances:)

[@bettyparker3317]

Kinda funny…I grew up in a house with a dining room, where we ate every meal. The kitchen was totally kitchen stuff, no table/eating place. A non-useable chair is bizarre, to me. Same response as people who put out fancy “guest towels” then get irritated if people actually use them. And glasses….yes, a rip-off, and monopoly issues involved. I have an unusual, complicated prescription, and tried 3 times using internet and chains that promise low prices. They all got my Rx wrong, and those “bargains” and special deals never applied to my prescription anyway.

[@specialk1627]

Yes and yes!!! I tried to get some online cheapie glasses that continually came up on my feed & when I asked my optometrist for my script, I couldn’t figure out how to fill in the online order form, it was the distance between my eyes that was the issue…..over it, easier to just stick to my optometrist!

[@AlexaLikes]

Oh this is fun! I remember someone else called their may series "mayhem". Regarding things you wouldn't buy, I would tend to agree about candles. Admittedly, I have 2 lipsticks with embossing that I will not use, though. I had to come back and edit while listening! Regarding the airfrier, this is so true. Personally, I have a toaster oven with a convection setting. I don't need a toast or a microwave because I heat food up on the stove or in the toaster oven. There are only so many small appliances we actually need, it totally depends on lifestyle and cooking preferences.

[@AngryBlush]

Time stamps 1:38 5:50 7:20 10:40 13:53 16:15 20:22 23:12 27:25

[@kiamcb6201]

I completely feel you on glasses being expensive. This past time I asked the optometrist for my prescription then went to the walmart eyecare place and got glasses for under $100. As for the air fryer, my apartment didn't come with an oven (only a stove top) so I bought a combination air fryer toaster oven. If you look into those combos they're completely metal on the inside rather than plastic. Air fryers are by no means a necessity, but I enjoy mine and use it all the time :)

[@TheMichelleBooth]

I’m also a huge reader, but rarely buy books anymore. I love libraries for this reason!

[@redpen16]

I read a lot of books in translation or niche non-fiction books so unfortunately the library one doesn’t always apply for me. However if I want to read a book I still check the library catalogue first, and wait before I buy it to see if I really want to read it. I also save more popular books for libraries and don’t buy them at all anymore unless they have had a significant impact on me and I want to reread them, and even then I will try to purchase them second hand. My book pile is also contained which helps to minimise overconsumption because I think of how full my unread book cabinet is before i buy a new one😅

[@martabanasiewicz6353]

With fragrance it really depends on the amount of product you get for that 100$. Is it 30/50/100 ml? In my opinion it’s worth to have two signature scents and stop there. With glasses, for me it’s worth to get quality sunglasses and glasses with correction lenses and use them for years. Why replace it every year? Mine are over 5 years old.

[@annetricocool9960]

Concerning water bottles, I have 2 of them : one light weight 33 cl basic plastic water bottle. I fill it with cold water before leaving home, use it in the bus and train if needed, refill it at work and drink of it all day long and refill it before going home. I use it daily. I have another one, 50 cl metal isotherme water bottle , which is bigger and heavier, but keeps water cold and tee or coffee warm. I use it when hiking, going to the beach, doing sport, or in the car for travelling. I make good coffee before leaving home and no need to stop at a coffee shop during the journey (at least the first 6 to 8 hours). I have them for many years now. And for pillow cases, when I bought my sofa years ago, I also bought a spare cover and matching pillow cases. When the first set was worn-out, I had the spare one to refresh my sofa. We've just changed it after 25 years of using it. And for special occasion things, I inherited my mother's porcelain set of plates and dishes, she inherited herself from her mother. As it can't be washed in the washing machine, it's for special occasions only and I'll pass it to my daughter and next to my granddaughter. My sister inherited the cristal glasses and silver cuttlery. Even if used twice or three times a year, it isn't really over-consumption, but family memories

[@fayealh]

I used to be an optometry tech and also a big dog mom. I only get my glasses from either firmoo or zenni, lasts me a good few years (rx doesnt change that much 25-50$ each pair everytime) i’m never paying $400 glasses

[@chelseag3365]

I only had to start wearing glasses recently and I have 2 pairs of frames I love. I was definitely over charged for what they are but i love them so much I'm definitely going to just switch it the lenses as long as i can. I didn't know enough about glasses to look for alternative sellers, so when they told me people buy new frames like every year or two I assumed there was a reason. I got a new job and realized that the reason is likely a common benefit where you get a certain amount of money towards new frames *every year*. So of course people feel like they're leaving money on the table if they don't buy them.

[@Sylvelourie]

Perfume is one of those things I've never really understood. I understand wanting to smell nice, and I understand that these scents are very carefully concocted to make you smell VERY good, but there are plenty of scents out there that are so much cheaper. I can't even wear perfume/use scented products because I have birds, and even though the major thing that was hard to give up for me was actually incense, I honestly feel like I am not really missing out on anything without scented products. If I am really dying to use incense, I can burn it outside... but I haven't bought any since I got my birds, because I don't need it! I've also come to find that I am more sensitive to smells now that I don't use these scented products, so... I think it's possible that we surround ourselves with too many scents and we're literally noseblind to it!

[@mwahl1686]

I eventually came to a point where I spent a lot of my growing up in homes that had "formal dining and living rooms." The living rooms had white couches. We were not allowed to BE in those rooms unless MAYBE company was over - even then, they were for the adults. I look back on the last house my parents had that was set up that way and now know that there are large families who live in the amount of space those two rooms took up and it's so upsetting to me that the space (essentially, not realistically for innumerable reasons) could have housed people but instead remained empty. 🤯

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

The decorative dining room is PEAK luxury. I remember my grandparents having one, but to their credit my grandmother used it as a puzzle table when a big holiday they usually hosted wasn’t coming up. And a lot of the plates/dishes had been inherited.

[@bethanywood1769]

I have an owala version of the Stanley. It's vacuum sealed and only ever spills out of the straw if the cup falls over. I go into the office once a week and it just helps motivate me to drink water. It fits in my backpack water bottle pocket. I like it but I don't think a cup this big is that necessary honestly 😂 but I still like mine

[@NorthernGirl106]

I hate single use appliances so I got an instantpot with the air fryer top so it's my crockpot, pressure cooker, rice cooker, and when I don't wanna dirty a pan it's even my saute pan... Also stainless steel inner bowl so not using those chemicals! I'm not saying to run out and buy it but that's what worked for me to justify the space and cost and I use it for almost every meal lol. Great video, gave me a lot to think about. ❤

[@Oceansongster]

If you’re hiking/camping, plastic bottles like Nalgene are a good way to go to keep pack weight down. The insulated bottles are heavy. Plus if you’re cold weather camping, you can add boiling water to your Nalgene and use it like a hot water bottle

[@BleachedPink1111]

I refuse to pay for any type of parking in Chicago.

[@katringabrielle4672]

As someone who greatly enjoys art and furniture, I do see the purpose of a decorative chair. Would I get it myself? No, but I see how one would get an art piece like that just for looking at it - that’s its purpose. If you look at it everyday and it makes you happy, then the art fulfilled its purpose. Art doesn’t need to be functional - and these chairs are more art to me than furniture. I believe it’s fine to buy and have things we don’t use just because they spark joy and are nice to look at. I myself collect paintings and little decorations - mostly secondhand - and I’m fully aware that I don’t need them, but that’s how express myself within my flat and they just make me happy 😊

[@thebinhanly]

I work from home and had a 600ml standard bottle that I would fill up five-six times a day as I worked, walking up and down stairs to get to the tap/kettle. Sometimes its a bit of effort and disrupts my flow state so I got a big knock off stanley type bottle for $15 that I fill up at the start of my work day and it lasts me much longer before I would need to refill. I like the handle because I can grip it while taking other items with me up and down flights of stairs. I will say that it has been annoying too sometimes where I can’t throw it sideways into my laundry basket and take it downstairs or whatever because it does spill if not stood upright - and a normal bottle wont do that! But I’m still happy with it because I don’t have to fill it as often and can easily grasp it with the handle. Also I often miss my mouth when I have an open neck bottle so the straw helps me not spill all over myself on a work video call (as much). I will say that I use public transport for office days and I definitely don’t bring it outside because it’s just not practical where there are no flat surfaces to stand it up the whole time I’m out and about and I might wreck my laptop in a spill. Not worth the risk! So I use my old 600ml bottle for office days and fill it more often but there are no stairs so it’s fine to get up more often for refills. With that said any 2litre bottle with a handle will do, you might even find one that doesnt spill from the top!

[@neebieslittleluxuries]

I like my Stanley. I only have one. I use it every other day. I use my owala every other day too. While one is being washed I use the other. I also spurge on perfume but it is the two that I adore and I refill over and over again. Both Louis Vuitton. LV doesn’t have you buy a new bottle every time. They have you refill it and it costs less. It’s okay to splurge if it’s feasible for you and you love it!

[@schm1596]

I have a few of these things and would like to offer my perspective (in full knowledge that this is a personal no-buy list for you). I think some of these things have to do with the price involved and would be less-objectionable in principal if they cost less (similar to the perfume). For example I am a person who got a decorative chair. It has a bold pattern on it that brings the rest of the room together. You can (and are welcome to) sit on it, but its whole purpose is to be a decoration. What I mean earlier about the price is that a lot of people would think better of the decision if they knew that I bought the chair off of Craigslist for $15. Regarding decorative pillows, I have some that don’t have removable covers because I liked the design a lot and the covers just happen to not be removable; however I purchased very versatile pillow covers that I can just slide over them, and it works exactly the same as pillows with removable covers, because they grip well to the cover below them. Again since they were about $5/pop, and a person would need to buy them for interchangeable-pillows anyway, I think they are a good investment even if the regular cover doesn’t come off. Finally the dining room; I totally agree with you on the dining room set - but I think the dishes are a matter of cost as well. I inherited mine, so they are worth storing and worthy of being used 4x/year. Just my two cents! I think when a person takes the financial waste out of the equation, some of these things become more palatable.

[@lVlegabyte]

Out of all the gimmicky kitchen countertop appliances, the Zojirushi rice cooker is the only one I use quite often. Air fryer, instapot, and countless others were all given away.

[@hcf4kd1992]

I own 2 Stanley dupes. One for work desk and 1 for carrying around my house spots.

[@jamesbriggs5740]

I have a convection oven feature on my stove. It does the same thing as an airfryer. So i don't need another appliance. Kathy B

[@protectedlands2869]

I love the air fryer but it really is big. It can’t be put away anywhere so yes it does hog the counter. It’s much easier to use with silicone liners which also helps with the PFOs

[@joebamabiden1325]

I think clear bottles are worth it if you are a student in a non-hot area- you will need a clear bottle for exams anyways and the water won’t have the heating issue you described.

[@HereticHousewife]

My husband and I have a small older house, with smaller rooms and very little storage space. We just don't have space for extra furniture like accent chairs, and lots of "special occasion" things. Our dining room became a home office because my husband works from home. We have space in the kitchen for a small table and two chairs, and if we have guests we have a folding table and some stacking banquet chairs we can set up. So, no "good" china or formal dining furniture set. Perfume is my big personal luxury. I collect vintage fragrances, have a stack of books on perfumery, and dabble in perfume making. I don't care about getting my nails or hair done, and rarely wear makeup. But perfume is a passion of mine and I'll spend a lot on a really special bottle.

[@KarisFaith316]

I own two “stanley”s they are both dupes, one a Christmas gift from my wishlist and one a $20 knockoff from tj maxx. Functional to me as a stay at home mom in the desert weather who struggles to drink enough and is nursing a baby. I keep one upstairs and one downstairs and it has definitely helped my water intake. I didn’t tend to bring my water into other rooms because my kids spill it :P I also think they’re pretty so it’s another “spark joy” thing while also being wel worth the money for the use it gets!

[@manyyoumas]

Glasses stuff is such a racket in the US, they throw away your prescription just to force you to buy another super expensive pair. I lost mine and now I can’t get a new one without several hundred dollars

[@alexabilokraly6747]

The only reason I have a stanley is because it was left at work in the exact same spot for several months after they quit 😂 it's a decent water bottle but I don't think I'd ever use my real money for it. I like it as a bedside water bottle mostly.

[@stephaniem203]

I love to read so I do buy A LOT of books. However, a friend of mine and I host a yearly book swap where we bring books we've read, books we did not love, books we know we won't read etc and we we can take books that other have brought. Whatever is left gets donated to shelters and various other locations in the area. My friend even sets up a big table for passers by to stop and take a book or two or five hahaha

[@AndyAbrams1029]

As someone who loves perfume, the Target Finery line is great!!

[@dinygoesglam]

the air fryer, I stayed away from one from the longest. When I saw the prices going down I convinced myself I "now" need one too. And agree with you, it is so bulky! and barely ever use mine cuz is takes all my counter space, I find annoying to clean, and dont feel it changes much on my daily cooking habits. Also, I feel because ppl have one they are just going out of their way to "make the best of it". The other day I saw on IG someone talking about a recipe for fried egg on an air fryer. Fried egg. On an air fryer. They we proud to announce it took 10 minutes on an air fryer to fry the egg. Unless you dont have an equipped kitchen with a frying pan and stove (big or small) I see no reason to fry an egg for 10 minutes on an air fryer LOL air fryer is the new microwave (scary comment on microwave use, dont read further if you dont wanna know - btw I saw this brazilian girl showing she had a cup with milk or whatever in the microwave and, as she removed the cup from the microwave the cup broke on her hand and splashed the hot liquid on her face. She had temporary lost her vision because of the hot liquid and pieces of clay from the cup and her face was all covered cuz of the burn. It was recently so she didnt know if her vision was to return. Very scary).

[@earthfa333]

as someone who has always been naturally resourceful and reluctant to purchase more new (or thrifted) things... your channel makes me feel so seen. it helps me remember that what we are doing IS important and DOES matter ❤❤

[@bleeka325]

I got my glasses from Walmart. Insurance covered a smaller percentage because they are out of network. But I got 2 pairs for about $120 after Insurance and that covered warranty, frames, lenses, and coating for both. Walmart has some really cute and good quality stuff. Don’t let the name fool ya😊

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

I used my dining room ALL the I’ve. I loved to entertain and used it regularly. We had to move and got rid of my kitchen table and kept my dining set.

[@GravityFallsUp]

I replaced my microwave with an air fryer and I’m so happy about it. I only ever used my microwave to heat up leftovers or pop popcorn. The air fryer itself much better at heating up food. And if I really want popcorn I can just buy stovetop

[@Sparkling34]

I love my stanley (not the new larger one with the open straw and the handle on the side. Mine has the closeable straw and the handle on the top) the water bottle is so useful, I can carry it around with me and have water whenever I need, there's no chance of spillage and the water is safe and sealed lol.

[@SaHaRaSquad]

Two things I refuse to buy are printers and those cartridge-based razors. I once bought a pack of 100 double-edged razor blades years ago and use those, it costs me like 3 cents per shave. Replacement cartridges cost about 5 euros.

[@lindsayslifecafe7569]

Stanley cup is definitely one of my best purchases. Stays at home 99% of the time and full of cold water. I try to sip throughout the day and that water will stay cold until the next day

[@olenabi]

I couldn’t find a light and flattering glass frame for under $30 recently, so I went ahead with a bit more expensive one. A frame + lenses totalled around $100. I still think it’s too expensive.

[@nicoleszacharia2624]

we use our dining room. it's true, that set was expensive, i sit there and read a book or do work. it's a nice space and i like to be in it.

[@kategnidenko4651]

I have a pillow without changing color but I bought a decorative pillowcase for it and I can buy or see different pillowcases for this pillow. I will still have one pillow and several pillowcases for it

[@lauralaforge558]

I like Stanley bc of the handle lol (clumsy). I do NOT find it too big at all. Also I live in a warm place. When I go to work at a warm place, I take a cleaning caddy type holder of multiple beverage vessels. I also usually take a half gallon jug too. For walking around I use a water bottle sling plus an insulated stainless bottle without a handle.

[@WierdArtistMarcell]

When it comes to frames, I struggled for years with never having any that fit my face, without making me look wierd. The ones I have now, I adore. They are made with metal, which is sturdier, also makes it so that you get that wierd sludge mix of oxidised metal and skin oils stuck in every crevace. So I am probably going to look for a set of the same shape, but made with plastic next time, as they are a real pain to clean. I often have to use a sowing needle to even hope to get them somewhat clean.

[@thelittleone1984]

I got a Stanley as a Christmas gift and I actually love it for work. I’m in the car driving for most of my day and just being able to stop wherever and refill my water is super convenient. Plus my office doesn’t have a water fountain so I like that it holds a lot so I don’t have to worry about long days in the office without water on the days I’m actually in an office.

[@katiemuggli5103]

I received a Stanley cup as a gift and I have enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. Specifically, I use it on days that I go running. When I get back from my run, I fill it with water and add a LiquidIV packet. This is where the giant size comes in handy, because I feel like the liquidIV is quite strong in any smaller volume of water. Then I'll drink it throughout the rest of the day. I never take it with me anywhere though besides an all-day roadtrip, so you could definitely make the argument that I could just put half the packet into a smaller water bottle and then the other half when I refill it. But since I have it anyways, I really enjoy the convenience!

[@Aleatoire9]

I wanted one of those bubble candles because they were kind of artsy looking but then I realized how freaking dusty they’d get in all the crevices and I for sure would never have burnt it lmao

[@Gaius_Sinstone]

19:54 I would never use a stanley for this reason exactly. I take the train &/or walk. I use simple modern tumblers only bc they come with 2 changeable tops for a straw vs coffee top & neither leaks. They fit into bookbag side pockets & also can come in stanley sizes without being hideous

[@leog7595]

Cosuming is the huge issue. If you're treating yourself to even something like a stanley and its your only reuseable bottle, or you have a few perfume scents etc. I feel like that can be permissible. Thrifiting will also save you a good chunk of change, and if you wait a few months, you'll find what you want if you make a list. But if you dont have something, you need it and its within your budget and youve considered thrifiting is what should be checked off before you make a purchase.

[@ShanaMaillard]

I think when it comes to decorative pieces or expensive perfume, I'll only understand spending a lot if its cultural in origin since they typically dont use modern machinery or at least keep it at a minimum just to help the artisans

[@Elvenpath]

I live in Finland and at one point it was common to just get new lensed to an old pair of glasses. Now all of the chain opticians charge about the price of their cheapest frames to put new lenses in. The one I go to takes 75€ and if the frames are no longer sold they can't make new lenses because the shape isn't compatible. And you can't get the cheapest frames after a certain point. My worse eye is -5.2 and I have to get minimum of 120€ frames because the cheapest ones are plastic and they will start slipping with the heavy lense. So I have metallic frames and the silver package for the lenses because I need more advanced sanding and cutting and special coating for the lenses. Last time I got a 10% student discount and got them from 2 pairs for the price of one sales deal and paid 350€ for my glasses and sunglasses. I'm few months from turning 30 and I counted I am on my 9th pair of glasses since getting them at the age of 10. Longest lasting glasses lasted me 3 years. I have never been able to get an old pair lensed because in that time the selection had changed and my frames were no longer compatible with their lense shapes. And right now when being without glasses for the 2 weeks it takes to get them is not an option I def can't get old frames because they will be 4-6 years old by the time I need new ones.

[@justanaussie7094]

I've heard that you can get new lenses put into your old frames so it might be worth asking if you can do that especially if you like the frames you already have more than any of the ones they have on display.

[@aubreejobizzarro1208]

I asked for a ~30$ Stanley for Christmas last year so I didn’t have to lug around my 60oz “Canteen” around school (also I had lost the straw and lifting it to drink was asking for a tooth chipping, big yikes) Well I slapped a sticker right over the logo because screw it- I’m NOT advertising for them for free. Like the value is in how cold it keeps stuff, not the little logo. I ended up getting a knock off handle cup, which doesn’t keep stuff as cold as it was advertised but it still works well for everyday use. Edit: I think Stanley’s make sense for school/college and people who have long commutes or are working outdoors/ blue collar jobs. Like they were originally a rugged camping gear type company. I owned a Stanley camp cook set up for years without even realizing it lol. And since TikTok is generally school/college age people I think the Stanley craze just really BLEW up. I definitely have to carry it separately or I put it in my bag when at school. Plastic reusable water bottles are still popular because they aren’t as heavy as stainless steel ones, so I definitely understand the appeal and why they’re still being purchased. Carrying water is still a big human problem LOL 😂

[@krysk4093]

I commute, by train, and then walk a mile to work. While I dont have a stanley I do have a 40oz spill proof tumbler that kind of looks like it. I like it because I pack in the ice, take it to work, and the ice is good for about 3 days. More if its put it in the fridge. Take it home once all the ice is gone and repeat. You get used to the weight. But I would suggest carrying it around fully closed and just bring the straw with you to use later.

[@idawoodhouse1755]

You can chuck white shoes (unless they're leather) in the washing machine and they will look brand new.

[@user-px1mf7uz5m]

as a commuter, people who lug around metal bottles in their hands on public transit are a hazard for themselves and ME ! like that thing is fucking huge not to mention hard metal you're going to try & skiddaddle around me and most definitely knock my kneecaps to pieces and i have done absolutely nothing to deserve this

[@harleighmcgowan643]

Commenting as a librarian! If your library doesn't have a book you would like to you read they most likely have a request system. Especially if it's a series they have the first couple of. Definitely let them know if they don't have something you want.

[@courtneymauss]

I soooo agree with you on glasses. Why is this piece of plastic $400?! The lenses themselves aren't even that much! I've been a glasses wearer for 18 years now, and 90% of the frames I get are from Costco for a MAX of $120. Once upon a time I got some frames from Firmoo (essentially Shein for eyewear) for less than $50 I believe. But it's costco for me, forever.

[@poppyfoxart]

I'm late to your channel and this video, and this comment will undoubtedly go unseen at this point, but....the first item -- the decorative chair. I don't have a decorative chair, but I do have a fountain pen that's nearly 100 years old and should probably be in a museum -- a bit like a decorative chair. But it's not. I own it. And I use it. Because I love it. I love its history, I love how it looks -- the colors, the size, the style. It was made for me. And I feel sad imagining this perfect fountain pen sitting unused and unseen and unloved stored away because it's special and old. Things are made to be used, and if you use them up in the process, if they break or fade away, at least they were used, at least they mattered, at least they served their purpose. It's like the Velveteen Rabbit: "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.” I don't think you fully appreciate a thing if you store it away like its precious and never use it. I'd always rather the shabby chair in the corner that is a confirmed comfortable seat than something functional made into art that is only seen and not used. My fountain is art, but its also functional, and would be a crying shame to not see it and use it. I take extra care with it in terms of how I store and transport it, but I use it and will continue to use it until I can't -- and then I'll probably contact a fountain pen repair person and have it restored.