💸 Impulse Buying Got Me HERE and Now I’m Taking Control of EVERYTHING!

[@The_Curated_Life]

Happy Sunday! Thank you for watching and commenting! You can read the blog post here - shorturl.at/7RJKj. xo, Sherri

[@susanvelez6534]

Hi Sherri, I wanted to share a little anecdote with you that might resonate. For two years, I committed to a "No Buy" challenge. No new clothes, no home decor, no dining out-nothing. I used up every cleaning product, body lotion, and fragrance that had piled up over the years. I even gave myself a little self-care time, like doing my own pedicures (a habit I inherited from my mom, who had long nails until she passed at 96). I made time for long baths with oils, gave myself facials with natural products, and the only thing I bought was for my Poshmark closet. In the end, I saved $20K. Honey, your home has truly come a long way, especially with all the decluttering and projects you completed last year. But please keep in mind the people who have lost their homes in the fires; some of them lost their dream homes. With that in mind, focus on your debt and savings, and take pride in where your house stands this year. The two “no spend” years I had were incredibly fulfilling, and now I’m living minimally, which gives me room to breathe. I’m going to continue with the same approach and not worry about keeping up with trends or social media sales. Please don’t regret what you’ve already accomplished-last year you did so much, and it’s clear from what I saw that you made massive strides! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 On a personal note, last year I also got my library card for the first time in decades and read 10 books. I stayed healthy while caring for my gentleman, who is battling cancer, and I kept fit with walking and yoga. I’ve learned that tackling one thing at a time really gets it all done, and the best part is that you’ve already started! Keep going, and remember, YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU GOT THIS, my friend. I also wanted to share something else inspiring. My 22-year-old daughter, who works as a 911 operator, had her heart set on something for the past five years. She saved up, side-hustled, and worked full-time while also going to college. And recently, she purchased the Tesla of her dreams-ALL IN CASH! No credit cards involved, just sheer discipline and hard work. As a single mom, I always taught her to be frugal, and I couldn’t be prouder of her for how she’s grown into such a strong, independent young woman. Xoxo ❤️ 🥳 happy new year

[@mikki3961]

Brava! I am sure your daughter is proud of herself and she should be. Congratulations to her.

[@susanvelez6534]

@ she is so happy thank you 🙏🏼

[@dawnmole5517]

I’ve commented before on how your videos here soothe me. This past Friday, I walked into my bedroom to find out my husband had passed away in his sleep. He was 59. I had not felt led to set goals this year which was strange. But now I know. The Lord held me back so I could not feel guilty of not hitting them while I figure out a whole new life at 57. This video helped me so much. Thank you for it.

[@susanschultz1762]

Hi Sherri! Excellent video! I can SO relate. I retired a couple of months ago, it's like a whole new life. I want to emphasize spiritual, physical, and mental, so I have an excel spreadsheet where I check off workouts, spiritual study, journaling, meditation, etc. every day. It keeps me accountable. I used to make New Years resolutions, until I realized I had the same resolutions every year. So, I just decided what was important to me, what I needed to do, then list the tasks on a spreadsheet. I keep the spreadsheet open all day and check off things as I do them. No more forgetting that I wanted to do this or that, no more kidding myself that I'm doing something when I'm not. Re decorating, I am with you 1000%. I'm traditional, I know that's not popular, and I tried farmhouse, etc, but it never made me feel good, and I always ended up back with traditional. So, now I just embrace it, and I LOVE my home.

[@The_Curated_Life]

Susan, I love the idea of the spreadsheet. I am Also one that needs my schedule to be in front of me all day. What a great idea! I went down the trendy route and found it left me with less money and stuff I didn’t even love. Now, I love my style and it brings me so much joy. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jacki6301]

I remember my mom using bleach water to clean the white painted trim. Joy dish soap and cleansers at the sink. Lots of old clothes for rags. Simple things to clean the house.

[@rsnj4501]

Love your ideas for 2025. I would like to see you do a video where you use the decor you have and decorate a table or shelf several different ways. ♥️

[@The_Curated_Life]

You’re reading my mind. Because I am recording a “shop my home” video today decorating with items from my decor closet. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Michelle-ky8tn]

Sherri, I love everything about this video! You’re speaking my language, I have so many things that need to be done around my home and this has given me the perfect insight on how to budget for it, not overwhelm myself with too many projects and stay the course with saving, saving, saving! I’m going to use one of your previous sponsors that I really liked, Parrot Uncle! I have a ceiling fan in our master that hasn’t worked in over a year ~ I don’t know why I haven’t replaced it, but that is a fairly doable project and won’t break that bank. Thank you for being so vulnerable and forthright with your goals and desires ❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

Thank you for your kind words, I’m so glad that my video has resonated with you, Michelle. ❤️❤️❤️

[@LynnTyner]

I started following you last year. I am amazed how you have taken control of your home and focused on your clutter. I enjoy your content and will continue to follow your journey ❤️

[@InspiredLivingwithKristi]

Hey Sherri! Loved this video! I’ve been on a similar journey the past few years especially with simplifying my home and working on my mental and physical health. It’s still a work in progress, but I feel like I’m on the right track. I keep learning more and more about myself and what I need…not what other people and social media try to tell me I need. Even with things as simple as undecorating Christmas. I’m still working on it slowly because that’s what best for me since I’m trying to heal my feet/ankle issues. I feel a lot of pressure to get it done so I can move on to other things, but that’s mostly because I see everyone on Social Media has already done it. Our generation didn’t grow up with all of this comparison and pressure from watching what other people do all of the time. I’m trying to get back to that in a lot of ways. So many things in life are getting sped up and it’s stealing our joy in the little things. Stores and influencers keep putting things earlier and earlier to beat everyone else to the punch. All the while we’re not able to enjoy the season we are in because of the pressure to jump to the next one…or even to skip some seasons. I think this applies literally and with seasons of life. We are missing whole parts of our lives trying to do what we think we’re supposed to do instead of doing what’s best for us and soaking in the joy of little moments. Anyway, thanks for sharing your journey with us! It’s inspiring and I love seeing you be true to yourself. 💗

[@The_Curated_Life]

Kristi, you nailed it!!!! We didn’t grow up with social media and we were just fine..maybe even better. I’m limiting my social media to watching people with the same values as me. And ones that don’t feel like they have to decorate, buy or do what the rest of the world is telling us that we need. Simple is best!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@InspiredLivingwithKristi]

@ I’m doing the same with my video watching. It makes a big difference in how I feel!

[@tiffanywalker7474]

Very good video!! I waste so much time watching KZbin and I can't even remember what I have watched!! I want to be more intentional this year.

[@The_Curated_Life]

That’s how YT designs it, Tiffany. And YT shorts was my downfall at night. But, I haven’t watched any YT shorts this year and it’s been very liberating. Now, I read and I’ve been learning how to give myself a manicure and pedicure. I feel like I have more time in the day. ❤️❤️❤️

[@tiffanywalker7474]

@The_Curated_Life they sure do!! That's amazing your learning new things!!

[@CocoB22]

Loved this video - like all your others. Amazon resonated with me - I find no joy over there now. So that tells me enough 😊. Just going to spend this year enjoying what I have. My home is decorated perfectly to my taste and I do enjoy it- so nothing to worry about there - using all my clothes, perfume and cosmetics with gratitude and joy. ❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

Coco, now that I can’t access Amazon, I feel so much lighter. Sounds weird. But, that urge is slowly dying and it feels great. ❤️❤️❤️

[@janetslicer3637]

This is so refreshing Sherri! I am so with you on this. I know you can do this. We all can do this. We all have our debt and other skeletons in our closets and we can do this together. I am going to go read your blog now! All my best, Janet XO ♥️☘️

[@The_Curated_Life]

Janet! You are correct. And I needed to get this skeleton out of my closet.It feels great to get everything out there and to have a plan to get back on track. Thank you for watching. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Sarahscircleoffriends]

Such a wonderful video! Some of our goals matched up, so I really enjoyed your take on how you will approach them; I was able to glean some really good ideas. Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

Sarah, I am looking forward to sharing my journey. I feel like I’ve been going way too fast for the past 2 years in my decision making. And I really need to be more intentional. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Sarahscircleoffriends]

@ very relatable!

[@trishalou592]

That is quite a list of changes. I hope you get it all done. I am still using my sinking fund binder that I won off of your channel. I actually just bought another one to expand my sinking funds. It is so great to have the money for everything at the ready.

[@The_Curated_Life]

Trisha, you are doing a lot better than I am. I let mine get away from me last year but I am determined to start it up again for 2025. ❤️❤️❤️

[@melissaobrien594]

Thank you for doing this video. I set a word for the year, "downsizing " which is meant to include my clutter,my body,and spending. You gave me so many great ideas on how to break "my word " down to be able to write the step by step process to be able to achieve each little goal. I truly appreciate this video. Thank you Sherri 💕 I look forward to watching your journey this year. Love Melissa

[@cynthiamurrah9641]

Your mom's clear polish was probably Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. It has or had formaldehyde. My mom used it too!

[@The_Curated_Life]

Omg!!! It was, Cynthia!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cynthiamurrah9641]

@The_Curated_Life I love your videos on both channels!!!! You are such an inspiration to me!

[@virginial.p.1747]

Very interesting! Yep. We get caught up in doing things we think we need to do... . I'm saving for big flooring project here.. prioritizing.. I like your ideas.... Classic! Thx for the transparency!

[@The_Curated_Life]

Virginia, prioritizing is key! And I need to learn to not get ahead of myself. I am easily excited about projects and that just leads to me sabotaging my plans. Thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@dsiemen1136]

Sherri, I truly enjoyed this video. It really hit home for me. Thank you for sharing your heart. I truly needed this video.😊

[@MichelleL22]

I just found your channel and I am right there with you! I don’t know if it’s getting older (I turned 55 yesterday!) the Amazon clicks are wayyy to easy and I have made that much harder to access. I also noticed this year, I decorate with all this “stuff” for the seasons. I had never done that before but I noticed it started after watching you tube videos. I also noticed that I was uneasy when I would sit down and look around. It was never cluttered and everyone said how lovely it looked but I was jumpy about it. I donated all of it and I swear I felt so much more at ease! I don’t have debt but am incredibly ashamed of all the cash I could have saved not trying to make my home look “better” all the time or don’t start me on my candle and body care products stash!! I have enough to use for at least a year (stupid sales). I am just finding I’m tired of “stuff” and want a quieter simple life. I finally got a remote job and I’m so excited I cannot believe it. I looked for 3 years. It fits me perfectly and am so grateful. I’m doing lowbuy but with no buy for home decor, clothes, body products unless completely out and can’t do without, books and candles. I don’t tend to buy clothes, I keep mine an embarrassing long time.. 😂. We can do this!!! ❤

[@reneethomsen5323]

As usual, your video speaks to my heart. Thank you for your transparency and willingness to share. I've got some work to do and your tips are so great.

[@reddog40]

Hi Sherri, I love that you shared this it made me look at myself in areas that I can benefit from as well. I do a envelope system for savings. I've always shopped the house but I've fallen trap to social media influences. Love everything you shared,and love your home!God bless 🕊💚

[@The_Curated_Life]

That was my problem, too! I’ve curbed my social media scrolling and now try to watch things that are motivating and have to do with minimalism. I will probably never be a minimalist. But, I love the idea of having less. ❤️❤️❤️

[@RitaVernoy]

Excellent! Thank you for inspiring me to make some changes.

[@The_Curated_Life]

Rita, thank you. I am excited to share my journey. ❤️❤️❤️

[@cellarius3160]

Great video. One thing I noticed about my recent digital unsubscribe cleanout marathon - once you unsubscribe from an email, it should apply immediately, but any given place will use multiple emails for different categories of marketing.

[@amyweaver7413]

I’m excited for you Sherri! I’m working on debt this year too! Let’s get it done!👍👍👍

[@AngelaMinor-k6k]

Hope you can finish kitchen and foyer floors.

[@The_Curated_Life]

Me too, Angela. I have been doing research on sanding floors and I believe I can handle it without paying someone. Fingers crossed! ❤️❤️❤️

[@laurajeffcoat4731]

It took me a minute to watch your video Sherri. But I loved this video. So much of what you said today is where I'm at. Definitely slowly down and doing things intentionally. I can't wait to see how your videos coming up will be. Hope your week has started out amazing 🤗💓💕💞

[@marydumois4242]

Good for you! Stay the course.

[@tlew9429]

When we started traveling we wanted memories other than photos so we started buying art from local artists. It might be wall art, sculpture, pottery, etc. Anything we bought had to be something we loved, would cherish for years and display or had a useful purpose. This put a stop to buying home decor (for the most part).😏 However, in my thrifting/eBay business I have acquired a few things that I have on display. I’m a sucker for brass. But I tell myself I’m recycling and reusing. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it🥴😆 Best of luck on your goals for 2025.

[@lindasmith5190]

Good luck...good advice.

[@CherieMiller]

Wise words, excellent goals, ones we could all strive to accomplish!

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

I have decided that this year I can go to thrift stores one day each month. I now have a more reasonable lower budget and I will take cash. I now understand that I am retraining my inner child to not get everything she wants immediately! 😂

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

I can't wait to see how you do!❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

❤️❤️❤️

[@beckyschrage668]

Your plans for 2025. are realistic and would serve a great guideline for others, me included. We all seem to fall into those fads. For ourselves and our home.

[@The_Curated_Life]

Becky, I am ready to make these changes in my life. I didn’t want to make grandiose plans and then not be able to live up to them. So hopefully by slowing down, these changes can happen. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ocdthyme6709]

I love this video, please share your morning and night routines, I would love any information you find regarding routines, my hope this year is to get into real good habits and routines after losing 156 pounds in 2024. ❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

How awesome!!!! Congratulations on the weight loss. Thank you so much for watching! I will be sharing routines on my channel in the future! ❤️❤️❤️

[@laurapersinger3608]

Thank you for your honesty. I am totally 💯 on board with you sis! My goals are similar. Quality over quantity 2025.

[@cassieb1860]

I have something to say on behalf of Hank. Save money and keep him healthy by making his food. It takes very little to make his food along side yours. I have four 50 pound dogs. I can’t believe how much their coats, energy levels and weight have changed with making their food. At first it was a little daunting but now I have it down to cooking for them twice a week. After tracking what I spent on dog food and treats, I was floored by how much money I was spending. I make their treats also. Look for the book The Forever Dog Life by Dr Karen Becker.

[@CF-mi7xd]

I am not doing Amazon anymore and I am saving so much!

[@lisaneinast4425]

One change I’ve mad is to let go of my house keeper. I need one when I was working and also a mom to young kids but I’m retired now and and Imcan save so much money by doing it myself ! And it will,keep me active too!

[@laramorrow68]

Great ideas! Did you watch the Netflix documentary about the way Amazon started and one of the execs is on there? He left after he noticed what they were doing to the environment with consumption I think it’s called Buy Now The Shopping conspiracy. It really helped me. I got over Amazon a few years ago and I just realized everything that I got was cheap and it ended up in the trash within weeks so I very rarely shop there. I also a year ago moved my mother out of her hoarding house in her early 70s that had rooms and rooms of materials for projects and junk that she didn’t need that just ruined her life. She was sitting in a house of junk and did nothing else.

[@anitacalivas8315]

I already am on a no buy thing - we all went nuts during the vid I think!! I also made a rule that I can’t scroll in bed at night - only reading allowed like the “olden” days HA - and I am making me a priority especially my health…it’s taken me 9 years of retirement to allow myself to do absolutely nothing some days- it is allowed!! TFI ❤

[@junkymamasjunkinjourney3410]

Loved this video. We are in the same phase of life it seems (and we sound the same when we talk 😉). Are you also on IG & FB? I couldn’t find you.

[@terikiesling5589]

❤❤❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

❤️❤️❤️

[@londawhitt6841]

😊👋👍

[@The_Curated_Life]

❤️❤️❤️

[@susanvelez6534]

Hi Sherri, I wanted to share a little anecdote with you that might resonate. For two years, I committed to a "No Buy" challenge. No new clothes, no home decor, no dining out-nothing. I used up every cleaning product, body lotion, and fragrance that had piled up over the years. I even gave myself a little self-care time, like doing my own pedicures (a habit I inherited from my mom, who had long nails until she passed at 96). I made time for long baths with oils, gave myself facials with natural products, and the only thing I bought was for my Poshmark closet. In the end, I saved $20K. Honey, your home has truly come a long way, especially with all the decluttering and projects you completed last year. But please keep in mind the people who have lost their homes in the fires; some of them lost their dream homes. With that in mind, focus on your debt and savings, and take pride in where your house stands this year. The two “no spend” years I had were incredibly fulfilling, and now I’m living minimally, which gives me room to breathe. I’m going to continue with the same approach and not worry about keeping up with trends or social media sales. Please don’t regret what you’ve already accomplished-last year you did so much, and it’s clear from what I saw that you made massive strides! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 On a personal note, last year I also got my library card for the first time in decades and read 10 books. I stayed healthy while caring for my gentleman, who is battling cancer, and I kept fit with walking and yoga. I’ve learned that tackling one thing at a time really gets it all done, and the best part is that you’ve already started! Keep going, and remember, YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU GOT THIS, my friend. I also wanted to share something else inspiring. My 22-year-old daughter, who works as a 911 operator, had her heart set on something for the past five years. She saved up, side-hustled, and worked full-time while also going to college. And recently, she purchased the Tesla of her dreams-ALL IN CASH! No credit cards involved, just sheer discipline and hard work. As a single mom, I always taught her to be frugal, and I couldn’t be prouder of her for how she’s grown into such a strong, independent young woman. Happy new year xox ❤

[@The_Curated_Life]

Susan, thank you for sharing. We can get so caught up in wanting better and doing more that we don’t see what we already have. I am very content and grateful for the life I have but I do see areas where I let social media get me wanting more. I used to never be this way. When I was raising my kids, I was very frugal. But, over the past 4 + years, I’ve struggled with impulse buying. I don’t want to blame the situation with taking care of mom as an excuse. But, I can see that is when a lot of my spending and hoarding started. But, I know I can overcome this simple by slowing down my decision making and placing guardrails in my life. You have inspired me to use everything I already own and to not buy more. And the story of your daughter is truly inspiring. How awesome for her to have the discipline to stay on track with her saving! I know you’re very proud of her. I am excited to share my journey and to stay motivated by hearing stories just like this from this community. ❤️❤️❤️

[@tlew9429]

When we started traveling we wanted memories other than photos so we started buying art from local artists. It might be wall art, sculpture, pottery, etc. Anything we bought had to be something we loved, would cherish for years and display or had a useful purpose. This put a stop to buying home decor (for the most part).😏 However, in my thrifting/eBay business I have acquired a few things that I have on display. I’m a sucker for brass. But I tell myself I’m recycling and reusing. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it🥴😆 Best of luck on your goals for 2025.