22 things I no longer buy

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Today I thought I'd share 22 things I'm not buying in hopes that it might help you pursue minimalism and simplicity in your life. It may also help you spend less, save more, and be just a tad more frugal! I'm still working on all these skills, so I thought I'd share some details on my current goals and my journey.
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[@ohbaananaa]

Not buying synthetic fabrics or textiles, has greatly reduced the amount of shopping I do. It filters out a large portion of fast fashion and makes shopping more intentional.

[@sandramaki7819]

I completely agree with you! I do not buy designer bags because a good quality bag doesn’t have to be designer. Nor do I buy seasonal decor because I am so tired of storing that stuff. I have given away so many things. I am doing a low buy for 2022 to keep me mindful of my consumption. I am only buying 12 items. I have bought 5 things so far. Thanks for your inspiration!💚💚💚

[@ElinLesser]

Wow, that’s amazing! Your low buy is inspiring!

[@GGMKir88]

I second seasonal decor. I absolutely love and the house looks and feels amazing but I just want to put away stuff away for a week anymore, it gets me so overwhelmed. I'm trying to find a balance of still enjoying my Fall and Christmas decor without going crazy. Any tips on that would be appreciated.

[@jmsl_910]

omg!! that is an amazing goal!! i'm in awe🤍

[@jmsl_910]

@@GGMKir88 may i? i have a winter decor and a fall decor sterilite container... the big ones that slide under the bed. i only allow myself what can fit in the box. i chose the click-lock storage system so i can't cheat. if i buy something new, i will need to re-home something else so the container can still close. it keeps me honest!!

[@paigemurray4946]

I used to buy designer handbags. And then designer make up pouches, key holders and wallets to go inside. Ugh! Now I carry a tiny non designer bag that just fits cards, phone and keys. I sold all of my designer pieces and have no regrets! Thank you for this video!

[@LorreneRomanic]

I decluttered & will no longer buy any tops or dresses that require something to be worn underneath (tops that are too low-cut, or button-front tops that gape at the chest). It was a game-changer when I made this decision! Suddenly, I no longer had to feel guilty about letting those items go. They didn't meet my standards!

[@shirleygermain5707]

I avoid clothes with their label name on the front of them. I think it looks stupid, and I am not their billboard to advertise for them. Lol, And they don't pay you! Lol

[@Hugo-dc9nd]

Same! Wow! I thought I was the only one and it's always boggled my mind how people don't get it.

[@moriah9132]

Great point

[@nikc1520]

Absolutely agree!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

I enjoyed your video.❤ I'm 72 years old. I gave up make and color my hair when I turned 50. I'm growing old naturally.

[@janetgraham444]

You bring up some good points. I do like to buy jewelry as a souvenir when I travel. Nothing too expensive but nice. It's a good memory of the place when I wear it. Plus it hardly takes up any room in my luggage.

[@tendersoulsretreat5863]

As a single mom most of these occurred for me based on 1) saved money and 2) saved time/energy. Even if I could afford it - I don't wear jewelry. Comfort, durable & easy to clean, and feel confident in it, decide my clothes. I've cut my own hair for decades now. So many things like plants or event memorabilia - seem to be of more value when they are free. The sea shell found, the ticket stub, or the plant a friend split off from her plant. One of my favorites - all the free TShirts from past volunteer events that I turned into a throw quilt. Gauge for me these days - is it necessary & functional, and does add to cozy or cluttered. I love candles, until the day I started a fire in the living room 🔥.... Ha Seriously no more candles for me. I use low lighting and a scented wax burner. Your dog is so adorable!

[@jmsl_910]

i hear that!!! i've been low-income most of my life and now my low-cost choices are very fashionable!!!

[@sandybarnett7237]

I've been decluttering for a few years now. I am paired down well on my clothes, shoes, and accessories and my home has few items out now consisting of a plant, records, family pictures and just a few hanging pictures and a couple diplomas in the den. I have decided this year to get rid of my fall, Halloween and other holiday decorations and only keep Christmas decorations; mainly so my husband won't have a fit lol. I used to be gone 12 hours a day from my home when I worked so I needed to decorate to make it feel homey. I've been home all the time now since the pandemic (and I decided to early retire last year) so I am so much more in tune with my home and surroundings and don't feel compelled to decorate to make me happy. I realized for me, decorating was my attempt at trying to create a welcoming home environment that I have now organically.

[@beckyowens8232]

Thank you! Got a whole conversation started with our family about cancelling cable, the landline and Netflix.

[@ElinLesser]

Fantastic!

[@jeannettec375]

I've bought "nice" costume jewelry from a department store that quickly tarnished, and I've bought earrings from Dollar General (yes, DG!) that has held up and I really like. With costume jewelry, it's hit or miss, I've found. Sometimes the cheap price makes it worth taking a chance.

[@outlawonadventure]

I have a Polo Sport backpack/purse that my mother found at goodwill for $2 almost 20 years ago. I have had other bags over the years but always go back to this one. It still looks new!

[@sandihumeniuk4462]

That is one thing I have learned in my minimalist journey… I have instinctively stopped buying some of these items and now reflect on how many I have let go!

[@clairbear1234]

I held off on the smart watch for a while. I can deactivate the notifications etc and I have never exercised so much because I can track my effort, distance of runs and walks. And just general activity. For me it’s helped a lot.

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

I like seasonal decor in the form of a candle and a plant- floral fragrances in spring, fruity in summer, chai smells in autumn and a pine tree fragrance for winter. I get a tiny pumpkin for fall and a wreath for winter.

[@Susanb89]

Another great video! I agree with all these. Designer handbags: I was never into collecting them but I definitely had a few. One day I heard someone talk about logos and he said he hated them…it was free advertisement for the designer when you walk around with that item showing off that logo. It’s so true! And they aren’t paying you for it 😉

[@ElinLesser]

SUCH a good point!!!

[@bethjloveswax]

Great video! I’m happy to say that I don’t buy a bunch of mugs anymore or a bunch of candles anymore. I’m also really happy with my clothes and shoes where they are now and only really get things to replace them when they are worn out. I know I still have a lot of work to do in other areas of my life, but I’m happy with the progress that I’ve made in being a more intentional consumer!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for sharing! I think you shed light on an important issue, that we don’t have to be perfect in every category to make impactful, meaningful progress in our minimalism journeys. It’s kind of like tackling one corner of shopping habits at a time. Sounds like you’ve made great progress. Definitely inspiring! :)

[@bethjloveswax]

@@ElinLesser Thank you so much for responding to my comment!

[@darbyh.8255]

I use conditioner in place of shaving cream. Works great! And I’m already buying/using it for my hair any way.

[@ElinLesser]

Great tip!

[@beckyowens8232]

We've been using up all the little shampoo and conditioners from hotels for soap and shaving. It's hard to remember why taking them home seemed like a good idea but now we're down to the last two. No clutter and they didn't go to waste.

[@Susanb89]

Your fur baby is precious 💜💜💜

[@CristaStylista]

Great take on designer bags. My take: like many things, one can over-indulge, or perhaps focus on specific brands because of image, but the flip side is that you can curate a small/moderate collection of high-end luxury bags without consistently striving to buy the latest, most trendy expensive ones. Everyone has their "thing" I suppose. There's a second-hand market to consider as well. It may not be handbags, but many of us have a specific thing we will over-indulge in if we do not closely monitor our impulse spending habits. Love your content-thanks for sharing.

[@ElinLesser]

I love this comment. That is SUCH a good point-that anyone have have their taste in certain things and find a balance, and anyone can over-indulge in any category. Admittedly I think that’s why I’ve taken so long to create a video like this (things I don’t buy). Really, in some ways a video with this theme misses the point-it’s not necessarily what you buy, but the intention and thought that goes into it. Thanks so much for your thoughtful reflections!

[@anitaprudnikow2088]

Instead of buying souvenir my husband and i make a picture of the city/town/village and some special scenes which are most on a souvenir and i have a album that we can look at at and it has so many benefits like the time looking at them with my hubby and the memories we refresh while looking at it. I value those times

[@ineshohne4614]

Thank you for not rushing through your Video. It was calming to watch. Greatings from Germany.

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you! And welcome! :)

[@CupcakeFace-nz8px]

I agree with all of these!

[@jukio02]

I don't use toilet paper anymore. I still have a pack for visitors, but I use an attachable bidet now.

[@carolgeorge6409]

Looking for a bidet right now!

[@MelissaJetzt]

Your comment about smart watches is interesting to me because I find that having a smartwatch keeps me off of my phone a little bit more because I can get just the important notifications and can’t doom scroll! Just goes to show how it really is a personal thing

[@sarahfisher3496]

I agree completely. I don't use a TV license here in the UK. And I think we can easily live without smart watches and ipads. They're nice to have if you really use it but for many of us it's not necessary. Agree with shaving cream too...its not needed. 👍 awesome video

[@vargavideo]

Souvenirs - agree! They often clutter my memories rather than enhance them. And prefer to travel light!

[@ElinLesser]

Great point about traveling light! Makes it easier!

[@paulinaowczarek5667]

I always come back with local food like tea, sweets, honey so I support local sellers and don’t bring clutter to my house.

[@melissademarco7663]

love listening to you. you are so full of common sense and very soft-spoken and relaxing. your video is like an asmr minimalist combo. Thanks for sharing. Ok and the puppy makes it al the better... squoosh he's adorable

[@Snt19838]

Hi from INDIA...We admire you for who you are.You are bringing lights to our life too.....

[@jjjks5]

Completely agree with you on the essential oils! I’ve never liked them, but I thought it was just me. They’re expensive, don’t always smell that great and they don’t work like they’re supposed to. It’s a fad. Thank you for saying this 🙌🏻👏🏻

[@chewlinchia3542]

I also find them too expensive. 😂. So I have been stringy about using the ones I have now. Don't intend to buy them anymore once I used up what I have. Luckily I dont have a lot.

[@pattykake7195]

Great ideas except for the IPAD…..It is the one thing I will never be without…👩🏼‍💻

[@annkrull9894]

Why when a regular tablet around $100 does exactly the same things?

[@traceyconner6095]

The Ipad is what I am watching on,

[@susanallison5101]

I only have an ipad and a second hand phone. No telly or any other form of communication. I listened to this whilst I decluttered. Thank you,

[@joannafoster3423]

Amen to uncomfortable shoes! Who has time for that! Lol

[@ElinLesser]

Agreed!!

[@susan5661]

Great video! I agree with all, though my husband won’t cancel cable. Marital happiness is important too 😊. I do get a pedi every couple of months, my feet new more care as I get older

[@morganincognito1988]

I used to be one of those designer handbag junkies. But like you, I started thinking of the cost. A cost of one designer handbag could pay several of my utility bills or even 1/2 of my mortgage. I gave a way lots of my handbags to goodwill and the salvation army or to friends/family. Now I have 4 bags....a backpack, a black bag for fall/winter, a ll bean boat and tote for spring/summer and a small crossbody. That's it. Some days I yearn for a new bag but then I remember when I became obsessed with them and the yearning goes away.

[@cindyweeks]

Fyi on essentail oils the have a health benefit exp peppermint helps with congestion ect just don’t want you to think it’s a fad I’ve been using them for years not for mood setting but health

[@athanasiapipiki8182]

You are so much to the point in this video, I agree with you in all 22!! Especially the seasonal deco items...I once decluttered all my Christmas ornaments keeping only my favourite ones plus the tree🌲 I also did this with the Easter ones too and this really gave me so much spare space😉 Thank you for all the inspiration and reminder💗💗🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌼🌼my loveliest 🌼🌸🌸🌸🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@AndiGalpern]

On the contrary, having a smart watch allows me to stay in the moment more than using my phone. I disable notifications when I'm focused and use it to access quick controls while listening to a podcast or KZbin. I also like that its so lightweight and measures my health progress.

[@martigallagher7250]

Love your videos-great ideas, but everything also looks so visually opeaceful, it calms and inspires me on my journey.

[@raziyeartem8484]

I started to buy 1 frozen veg at a time..when it finishes, I buy other frozen veg.So it doesn't take space..when cleaning , It is easy.now I have frozen peas..when it's finished, I will buy frozen corn..and then frozen broad beans..etc..

[@traceyconner6095]

Absolutely loved this video. You explained why you made these decisions. You are beautiful and I wish you good health in the future.

[@harrieelias5756]

I enjoyed and admired your preferences on minimalist things. Being young and already aware of minimalism is a very important thing. I agree to all that you said and will make my life focus on more important things. Don’t look back you are on the rest track. God bless you. Be safe.

[@bex438]

Hey Aline, I really enjoyed listening to your list and the reasoning behind your decisions 😊

[@mpbeautyinsight]

14.08 .. OMG the cuteness of your dog

[@CadetRedShirt]

photos are technically a souvenir as well, souvenir is just defined as "a thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event" and photos are definitely a thing!

[@marymorales2978]

I love the point you made on status!

[@frenchfruga4851]

Good evening , i live in south of France as a minimalist in order to be on retirement as soon as possible , my budget is going to change next week : i leave my old car because of inflation , just my bike to go working , no fuel , no taxes to pay , protecting the environment is still so important 😉

[@Islander185]

Great list. I find I've gone back a few decades with most things. I buy hard shaving soap and have a shaving brush with a old school single blade safety razor, one box of blades last's me a whole year. I've started making my own clothes, not minimal but I've found a lot cheaper, they fit me, and I can make clothes with fabrics I could never buy. I looked at a $600 bag in a shop last time I was in the city. With some time and care I could make a bag like that, it wasn't that special. I did buy some Rayban sunglasses because I thought if I get some expensive ones I might not lose them so quick and it seems to be working so far. But generally I like to have a go at making everything I need. I also don't like the idea of a smart watch, I will stick with my nice vintage one. Most things I just do without.

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DC-ef8op]

I love my smart watch for fitness and to make an emergency call if needed. I don't look at my watch for texts at all.

[@ElinLesser]

Use my special link to start your free 7 day trail with Blinkist and get 25% off a Premium membership: www.blinkist.com/sliceoflight

[@nerd_alert927]

Hey, that's not makeup steps, that's skincare steps. The only makeup I use is lipstick but I do a lot of skincare steps like masks, toners, serums, cleaners, oils, etc. and because of all that I don't even need makeup cause (thank the Gods) my skin is very healthy.

[@andeeanko7079]

Hmmm. I don't have any skincare routine. Not even sunscreen anymore. I wash my face with whatever soap I happen to have and moisturize only occasionally with whatever moisturizer I happen to have. I'm 58 and always get compliments on my skin. I think my skin stays healthy because of my whole food based vegetarian diet. I am very minimal where sugar is concerned. I don't even drink much water. My non routine started when I developed severe rosacea. I had to stop using mostly everything on my face. Now, 15 years later, I no longer have rosacea.

[@CT1010101]

@@andeeanko7079 That's really cool that you've found a non routine that works for you! But I think it's still really important to wear sunscreen. Just because you don't see visible damage doesn't mean UV isn't damaging the deepest layers of your skin with the worst case risk of course being cancer. UVA in particular is sneaky because it doesn't cause burning so you don't know the damage is happening, but it affects skin at a much deeper level, leading to photoaging such as loss of collagen etc, and potentially messing with DNA hence the cancer risk. It can also penetrate glass both in your home and car, where UVB can't. Just putting it out there, of course it's your body and your choice to manage it how you want.

[@sekayiperkins7448]

I love you. You have made me second-guess some things I was really wanting to purchase one being an iPad to the souvenirs point is so true just pictures are enough it keeps you from collecting stuff and then having to pack it up when you move. The other thing I’m on the fence about though is the nails because I’ve never consistently gotten my nails done I’ve spent more of my life shopping for clothes and decor and I never really treated myself so now I’m in a phase of doing more things for me and not buying things if that makes sense but I really do love your reasoning I love your perspective I love your delivery I just truly love your channel I’m glad I found you

[@mindiwilhelm4322]

15/22 and I love your Minnesota accent.

[@cindycox9496]

Ty yes, I to have been cutting,way back on spending .Not buying things I want but really don't need.

[@alexandrah535]

My general rule is not to buy something that already does what I can already do with what I have! Something I’m always trying to explain is that I don’t want any more countertop kitchen appliances-there will always be something amazing and better. I tried out a secondhand gifted crockpot and wasn’t into it. 😂 Let alone a pressure cooker, instant pot, or air fryer. I get that air fryers will magically perfect all food, but I just don’t care 🤷🏻‍♀️ My pots and pans are fine. The exception is my waffle iron. It seems to be one of those things most people never pull out of their cabinets, but I absolutely love mine and treasure it whenever we treat ourselves!

[@tiashadae1143]

Great points, thank you!

[@ElinLesser]

My pleasure!

[@grumylynn]

Thank you!

[@sherriepiechowski4556]

Good advice! Happy 🎃 Halloween

[@sherry450]

Great content!

[@ElinLesser]

Thanks!!

[@margarethawk3073]

Thank you for these thoughts. Also, I love your pretty green top! Is it linen?

[@calmblueocean1177]

Good for you ! Great thinking! Save $ and save the planet.

[@alecb.7696]

I like how you 'decorate with plants'.

[@melodieschellenberg906]

Agree on so many things, I stopped buying souvenirs, the trip is the souvenir!

[@ceciliab2926]

I'm curious about your makeup routine :)

[@georgeedward1226]

Never understood why anyone paid for cable. As far as I'm concerned, it's 100+ channels of nonsense with commercials.

[@milicajacimovic1]

I love your hair color🤗

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!

[@krisvanallen]

And here I am watching you on an iPad! To my credit however, I rarely use my laptop. Maybe 1-2 times a month.

[@natashamann5455]

New subscriber here 💁🏻‍♀️ I love your bedside lamp, do you recall where it’s from? Thank you 🤍

[@limmingming4022]

love ur content.the cosmetic that u mention are more of skin care that u need!!haha hanggers,,,I dont buy extra! I dont go nail or saloñs treatments.... I buy good products n do it myself...n I agree with 99% above!!!

[@ismirayizzypacheco1835]

thank you

[@Hugo-dc9nd]

I never even considered buying most of these (I had cable but no more, I still have a few tupperware bottles I bought long ago and I buy nail polish every now and then when I come across some new color I like) and never owned any. I also don't buy some basic things and I haven't even considered myself a minimalist until recently when I got rid of many of my belongings.

[@teresabell1014]

Good common sense...I like it !

[@robinsmith4499]

Conditioners are great shaving cream.

[@andthedragon]

There were only four things on your list that I have / do, and I am actually happy about it! I didn't realize how far I've come over these past few years. The one thing on this list that we do / have that low-key bothers me is cable. We have cable AND several streaming services, it's so gross. But do I watch / enjoy those services? Mostly yes. ;-)

[@fnma21]

I do have some inexpensive jewelry that I wear for years so sometimes cheap is not bad ).

[@hanna24106]

Great video, I can relate to alot of the things mentioned ☺️

[@ElinLesser]

Thank you!! 😊

[@susanlemee564]

I have been meaning to cancel cable as it has got to be so expensive! We use a different internet service and just buy a few streaming services for movies and tv shows with no ads. Can’t believe what people pay for cable!!

[@lygophilia4127]

My baddies on this list are limited to holiday decorations, specifically Christmas and Halloween, which of course I re-use annually, but my collection has grown substantially. I also have kitchen tools, cleaning tools, and sewing stuff, but beyond food and necessary toiletries, I hardly ever buy anything.

[@GGMKir88]

I second seasonal decor. I absolutely love and the house looks and feels amazing but I just dont want to put away stuff away for a week afterwards anymore. It gets me so overwhelmed. I'm trying to find a balance of still enjoying my Fall/Halloween and Christmas decor without going crazy but the kids love also. Any tips on that would be appreciated.

[@lygophilia4127]

​@@GGMKir88 I have to do everything myself now (no kids; husband is anti-holidays), and I'm disabled, so I'm with you--it's a challenge. When I was a kid, we did Christmas decor together as a family day--everything would be set up on Black Friday and put away on around the end of the year on a vacation day so that we always still had two more weekend days to enjoy. I think because there were four of us doing it, it maybe only took 4 hours.

[@cindycox9496]

A good deodorant I make is coconut oil and baking soda. As mitchum is what I like and it's not cheap.

[@luisavieira3798]

Just found u,love it

[@plannersparkle8352]

As for water , when you go out , you drink up empty, what would you do ? I often it happens . So I’d love to hear your thoughts .

[@lenabillare4443]

I with everything, except the plant thing. I can't help myself, once a year I go shopping for plants. 😅🤣

[@andreakalaaukahidelacruz5898]

Can you share your color nail polishes and brand please.

[@kbcollins]

I love the blue and white striped dress you wear in the video! Could you share where its from? I realize the irony of asking in the comments on a "not buying" video :) Thank you!

[@ElinLesser]

Haha all good-I get it! it was from J Crew, though it was a season or two ago, so I don’t think it’s available anymore!

[@bree5609]

Can you recommend where you purchase quality jewelry?

[@chandraheidel355]

I am with you 1000% on everything......but the plants 😅🤣😂☠

[@jessicafoster3142]

Yes no smartwatch! 🎉

[@SzilviaVirag]

I agree with everything except essential oils because I use a few basics for practical purposes. I like using unscented laundry liquid and mixing it with lavender, lemon or orange oil, clean stuff with eucalyptus oil and use tea tree oil or lavender as a disinfectant for small cuts or scratches etc. But ipads and tablets in general - urgh. Since having a very small laptop that I can also use in tablet mode with a smart pen, I see zero reasons to upgrade my ancient Samsung tablet. My Kobo to read a good book on is far more valuable to me and I can't imagine needing to upgrade that until it dies.

[@jmsl_910]

yup! i have the OG kindle! tiny screen but fine for me. no whistle or bells!

[@danielleoleary7385]

I love your necklaces in this video. Can you share where you got them?

[@ElinLesser]

The chain is from a shop no longer in existence, but it’s a very thin herringbone chain, and the other is from the Etsy shop DNSJewelryco and is a moissanite necklace in the 1.2 ct size. Hope that helps!

[@caroldowns2708]

What is a jumpsuit?

[@HoangNguyen-dv7ve]

I need you to turn on automatic translation into Vietnamese so my wife can see and understand. I tried to open CC translation but it seems to work.

[@lynnlasak4089]

Please reconsider essential oils bk you have MS. I’ve had a chronic illness for 3 years, it’s turn me to oils. Doterra has proven very effective for me, for inflammation. Copaiba and frankincense were more effective than bio freeze.

[@y.a.4464]

Do you use sunblock? (SPF in foundation doesn’t really work)

[@pateicialane4740]

I’m allergic to real pine so artificial tree for me 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@jovankakhadra8978]

The most important things in life are intangible, not material goods

[@megananderson3891]

Where is your living room chair from?

[@ElinLesser]

West Elm!

[@quizofamily7328]

I bought a smart watch and honestly I never used it. I think it was pointless 🙃

[@entschultigung]

Where did you purchase the green shirt in this video?

[@ElinLesser]

I believe it’s from Madewell

[@entschultigung]

Thanks!

[@firehorse9996]

Cheap jewellery nowadays is all made in China from questionable metals. Not even non-allergic raw materials like stainless steel! Last few pairs of cheap earrings went right in the trash because they made my ears itch! That was a new one! Cleared it all out and staying with good old 925 sterling silver from now on. Also, some metals on bracelets and necklaces turned green and left discolouration on my skin. Not a good look. lol 🤣

[@sofiasruk3421]

👏👍

[@susan3302]

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years have you not read the bible? Definitely not a fad but I do agree lots of cheap perfume oils out there that's why we do medicinal oils