How to (actually) stop wanting to always buy new stuff

[@polish_native]

The biggest tip about not buying things came from you, Vera in one of your earlier videos. The tip is: YOU CAN LIKE THINGS WITHOUT NECESSARILY OWNING THEM. Now this was such a HUUUUUGE eye-opener, I cannot even tell you. Thank you so much for it, Vera! I heard it a couple of weeks ago and it has already saved me substantial money, I think. It is such a joy when I can walk in a shop, see some nice things and instead of feeling my thoughts racing in the directions of "Oh, I need it! Where do I put it? Can I afford it? Will I buy one or more? Maybe a set? Oh, I need it, I need it!!!", I can just appreciate the object, maybe touch it, hold it in my hand, think "this is a beautiful craft; this is a lovely peace of pottery, this is a lovely notebook, these earring would look great with my red dress" and then put the object back and walk away. No regrets, no afterthought, just this lovely feeling as if I have chatted to a nice, valuable object, but then I don't get extra clutter at home - especially the one that doesn't go well with one another! And another tip I can share when it comes to kitchen supplies, like spices or tea, or tins and cans which I sometimes happen to have too much of: just make a commitment that every day I use one piece of it. So if I cook sth, I will necessarily use some of the spices that I want to finish. I will also drink at least a mug of the tea I want to see ended. And so on. Minimalism is great! I am not saying it's the only right way in life, but I personally adore it and I am trying to master it as much as I can. Thank you Vera for inspiring us for it!

[@AngelBerlanas]

This tip is incredible amazing... Thanks.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that so much, thank you! 🤗❤️ And yes, such a nice feeling to just be able to appreciate something without feeling the need to buy it. Much less stressful too, because you like said, there's no need to think about whether or not to get it, if you can afford it, where to put it in your home, etc. Treating stores like museums for pretty things :) And then just going home haha. Glad that has helped you so much already!

[@Hyruleangela]

Same here! That tip was an eye-opener. I actually was just applying it today to something I was contemplating buying haha

[@ginabess619]

Ditto, also I like and have used it’s like seeing treasures I can appreciate and not buy them and not have to spend any of my sacred money, but like the eye candy!

[@itsjorgeroblox1779]

Your videos definitely helped me a lot during my minimalist no shopping journey. I am on day 50 now of no shopping after trying to quit for 16 years!!! That’s the longest I’ve gone with tour shopping. During the last prime days I browsed a lot, this past prime event this week? I didn’t browse at all!! I’m so proud of myself

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Oh you can definitely be proud of yourself, way to gooooo!!! 🤗💕

[@Canny-Octopus]

I'm so proud of you too! 50 days! (55 by now, I'm guessing) Well done, from an internet rando. 😊

[@WaffleTraveller]

My tip would be, when you feel an urge to shop, distract yourself by focusing on something that makes you feel happy/fulfilled instead. (For me that's reading, going on a long walk or a day trip, doing something creative.) When you make time for things that nourish you, I find that the urge to shop often goes away by itself 🙂

[@SimpleHappyZen]

So true, love that! Thanks for sharing :)

[@indigo149]

That's what my therapist told me too :)

[@nathalieda1]

The shirt and hair is perfect 👌 Don't overthink it😊

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thanks!! 🤗 Yes haha, sometimes it's tricky when you're trying to start recording, because how it looks on the little viewfinder on the camera is a bit different from how it'll look when you watch it on your phone for example. So when I'm just here by myself, sometimes I overthink how my video shot looks.

[@Arnirien]

You look great! Agree with this comment - no need to overthink it

[@LizzyC-nf1sv]

You look just fine ! Don't worry about it

[@lenam4240]

I have this feeling that "I need something new" in autumn too. A really good way I found to deal with it is making something new from things I already have, like upcycling old clothes and such. Then I have something new without buying anything, revived the old thing AND done something creative. It's a win-win-win for me 😀

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's absolutely amazing, thanks for sharing!!

[@mindbodyhome102]

I think it is because every fall my Mom.and I would go shopping for "back to school" and our birthdays (both October) so it is ingrained in me 😂

[@flowergirl7260]

This is so true. The cocooning instinct kicks in at this time and we want to feel cozy and have a cozy nest. Usually i need a few seasonal things but it gets less and less every year. This year i am repairing purses and boots and "making do." That has been my philosophy all year!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's awesome, yay for repairing stuff!

[@karenroe186]

My favourite tip - which I think is one of yours- is to treat shops as museums, you don’t need to own the objects to appreciate them. 😁

[@lesleestolarski8553]

I also feel the itch to shop this time of year. I deal with it by coloring/ painting seasonal pictures. It’s a calm and quite thing to do and it helps me celebrate the season without shopping or eating.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Oooooh nice!!!! ❤️❤️

[@Canny-Octopus]

Huh! That's an idea!

[@jennierollins8789]

I went to Hobby Lobby for a small item yesterday. They already have 50% of Christmas items. The store is just packed with beautiful things. I went in and looked at everything. It was fun and enjoyable. Then I purchased the item I went in for and left. I agree we do want to make our home more inviting for these months ahead. Mostly just because we feel trapped inside. Thank you Vera. Yes, I was one of those people who was addicted to DIY videos. I had to stop watching them. ☮️🌎🌲

[@SimpleHappyZen]

So nice you just had a good time looking at the beautiful things in the store, and then just leaving with only the item you went in to purchase. That's great!!

[@lamureon]

I rediscovered the library recently! so amazing, shopping feeling without shopping

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Nice!!! 😁

[@linzfae2210]

I’ve been a minimalist for years but I noticed this past year I was buying way more stuff than usual. The regret is real so I’m on a no buy from September til the end of the year. I’ve tried to convince family I don’t need Christmas or birthday even. I’m trying to rehome the things I do need to part with and do not want more things. This time of year is hard to handle with all the ads and deals, etc. At least, for Christmas we’ve found this nice child free walk in the park light show that is usually the highlight of Christmas for me. (Before anyone “attacks” me, I like children but two nights out of month this event does child free and it’s honestly nice because it’s usually a quiet romantic walk for the adult folks)

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Oh wow, a childfree walk in the park light show sounds so cozy and romantic!! I totally get what you mean, it's nice because it'll probably be a bit quieter and easier to focus on your walk and/or on your partner if you're with someone. Enjoy!!

[@patdennis2586]

As a childless catlady, I really appreciate child-free spaces periodically.

[@lmo4879]

Sounds wonderful and peaceful!

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

The one-in/one-out rule has helped me greatly in order to keep a handle on how much "stuff" I have in my home. It also makes me consider what I'm willing to give up in order to bring the new item into my home and a lot of the time, the cost/benefit analysis I do in my head makes me realize I didn't want the new item enough to give up anything I already have which just makes me appreciate what I already have all the more and diminishes the want/need to shop just a little bit more each time.. You and your videos are so delightful and a breath of fresh air at the end of my week.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes that's such a good point! If we're going to replace something when we buy something new, it makes us question if the new item is even worth it, or even that much better than what we already have :)

[@erikabossie]

I listen to your videos rather than watch so it doesn't matter what you wear. It is your soothing words rather than what you look like or show. ❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you Erika! As a video creator, sometimes I worry about what the video 'shot' looks like in terms of colors, whitebalance and lighting. Not so much what I look like myself, if that makes sense :) But I know it's not really that important hahaha, sometimes I get stuck in an overthinking mood.

[@maaikecardinaels6622]

You’re so right about wanting to buy more this time of the year but thanks to your inspiring videos, I can easily get rid of this ‘want’ (especially when I see how my savings account is growing 😉). What I also love to do is go through my house, look at all my stuff and tell myself ‘how I love this house and the people & pets in it’; this makes me feel so grateful 💓

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love that so much 🤗💕

[@HarmonicEpsilonDelta]

23:00 I am not sure about an increased urge to buy things but I have definitely noticed that things nowadays are not meant to last like they used to. I am not sure if people buy more things because they last less or if it is the other way around, but it is definitely something I worry about.

[@21cormorants]

Yes!!! It really does seem apparent that appliances, tools, and most things in between just “aren’t built like they used to be.” Cost-cutting everywhere. Then since we’re saving money on crappier products, we can buy more in general AND need to replace things more often. (And if something doesn’t work well, we replace it more readily because the investment wasn’t huge to begin with.) These days I definitely find myself spending more for brands I think will stand behind their products more, but also appreciating older items more and being sure to take care of them properly, to avoid having to replace it with something newer and of potentially lower quality.

[@sarahleineweber7739]

This is my favorite type of video! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m always looking for new perspectives to help me not want more material things as much.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it Sarah!! Have a wonderful weekend 🤗💕🍵

[@kimbitner]

I always find myself feeling calmer after I spend time with you, Vera. Thank you for sharing your insight. I think so much of this consumer culture comes down to being mindful - so many people don’t even stop to think, they just buy because it’s what we do.

[@lizadams7662]

I love this channel! Years ago I realized I could enjoy a lot of things, views, houses, clothes, without actually owning them! I don't really want the upkeep, so it's better to admire only. About your appearance: you're beautiful, voice, everything! No need to stress.

[@TheSinlessAssassin]

I love how this video comes out the exact same minute I want to browse the Steam store to see if there's any new games I want to buy. Even though consciously I know that the only time I can ever truly enjoy a game is when it's specifically what I want, wait for it, and buy it when it releases. Almost always, the games I get from curious browsing just get thrown into a backlog of games I never actually play or only play very little of before getting bored. Only a few are ones I actually stick long enough to beat. I think it's the promise of future positive emotion associated with the novelty of a new game, but also the dopamine hit in the present of just spending money. There's something about using what you've earned to exchange it for future fun that feels good. But alas, I've curbed most of my impulse buying urges in recent years and I'm all the better for it. The thing I always ask myself when it comes to buying anything is: will I enjoy this right now, right away, and for a long time or am I saving it for a rainy day? If the answer is yes two the former, then it's good to go. If it's the latter, then that's when I know it's just wanting to feel good about buying something without actually using it for its true value. That rainy day actually never comes.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Really good points! 🤗 And very relatable. I also only buy a new game when I want to start playing it immediately, and not for my backlog.

[@rashmi6276]

Not being philosophical but if you have set a higher goal for yourself than your need and desires, everything else becomes secondary. Thank you for your calm presence ❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Very true, always good to focus on what really matters to us most in life :)

[@flohough1870]

Your story about your friend reminds me of a gal I worked with, we were college age and were going out for the evening, so I met her at her house. I about fell over when I saw how many clothes she had, it was crazy. I remember being wowed but not being jealous. We need to stop normalizing this kind of overconsumption, it has gotten so much worse in recent years.

[@user-sr1kc6jj2b-p1q]

Perfect timing! 12:30am and I've been obsessively "researching" adult loft beds and furniture to go with them.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahahaha except for the time (I fall asleep way earlier) this is very relatable.

[@MyCozyLife-Lisa]

This is definitely the most difficult time of year for me when it comes to wanting to purchase new things. The darker days, cooler weather, and coziness of the season really test my willpower. If I do buy something new I try to get rid of something else. Thanks for the helpful tips😊

[@SimpleHappyZen]

So true haha. Let's keep trying to be intentional :) Have a lovely Sunday!!

[@MyCozyLife-Lisa]

@@SimpleHappyZen Yes! I’m trying to stay in that mindset the best that I can haha. Thank you. Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend!

[@jocelynmedrano6178]

I understand your feeling. What I do when the crazy season is coming is look on my house what are the things that are starting to look old or that are not working for me anymore I donate them or sell them AND wait until the sales begins, if I notice that in that two weeks I dont need them ITS ok AND I only buy the things I really need. Grettings from México. Love your videos.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha calling it 'the crazy season' sounds very appropriate 😁 Love the tip you shared!! Have a lovely weekend

[@feanorian21maglor38]

A welcome vlog just now. Books (mostly fiction) are my weakness, and I love beautiful editions of classics. I've given myself a one-year moratorium just to catch up on all the ones already on my bookshelf which I haven't read yet. I probably have 3 or 4 years' worth of solid reading even if I buy nothing new! If I succeed, I will try to extend it for another year. I think it's a question of breaking bad habits, not easy to do.

[@patdennis2586]

Same here! My Kindle library is full and 3 paperback books have snuck (?) into my house.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes, that's such a great tip!! I also always read everything I haven't read yet, before getting a new book. Books deserve to be read :)

[@feanorian21maglor38]

@@SimpleHappyZen Exactly!

[@feanorian21maglor38]

@@patdennis2586 Yes, it's too easy to buy on kindle! I have lots there too. The Japanesehave a word for buying more books than you can read... Tsundoku 😊

[@amyingram5793]

A couple weeks ago, I was so wanting to buy some new Halloween decorations now that I have my first house. I added a bunch of stuff to my cart online as I browsed the website, then I went to the cart and saw how much everything added up to and it was a lot. I then removed a few things, but I still didn't check out because a little voice in the back of my head was telling me that I didn't really need the items, I didn't really want to spend the money, and I didn't want to have to worry about where to store the items when Halloween is over. I also thought about what it would be like when the actual package would arrive and what a chore it would be to open the cardboard box, unpack everything, deal with all of the packaging material that I'd have to throw out, and breaking down the cardboard box to fit into my recycle bin. All of this ended up not making the purchase feel worthwhile, so I emptied the cart and closed the tab. It really does help to sit and think about a purchase before you actually make it, especially if it's an online purchase. Those can be so tempting, especially when there are offers for free shipping if you spend just a few more dollars or if they make it seem so easy to return something if you change your mind. It's shocking to learn about how often returns that are shipped back to retailers often just end up getting thrown away instead of restocked and sold to someone else.

[@frockinj]

That’s so good. I don’t like halloween - the trick or treat begging with threat, so find it easy to not buy anything for that 😂 It is tempting to want to feel cosy though, so Vera’s tip of looking at what you already have and using that is great 😊

[@kathleenhill5838]

I also had a friend in grade school that came from a well off family. She was really sweet and nice to talk to. I didn't realize the difference in our situations until I noticed she never wore the same thing twice. When three weeks went by and I realized this I was surprised. I visited her house and her room was huge. The closet had racks of things to choose from. She did not say anything about my smaller apartment bedroom or my lack of a wardrobe, she was just a sweet person. Thanks for today's video.

[@trisnaekowiyatnikawaii3860]

My urge to shop increases every time I have a hectic, busy day at work, more than usual. Most of the time it's interior decoration, as I see my home as a safe space to deal with my professional stress. At this time of year, I've bought an analog radio and I've also bought quite a few books. Surprisingly, after 3 months of listening to classical music and reading for 30 minutes to 1 hour before going to bed, my stress levels have fallen slightly. And my urge to make impulse purchases has reduced considerably.

[@21cormorants]

Wow, all of these are excellent observations! Finding ways to minimize stress could definitely have a huge knock-on impact on our reliance upon retail therapy. It makes perfect sense but it’s never occurred to me previously. Thank you!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love what you shared, thank you!! Take good care 💕🤗📖🍵

[@galaxygirl9630]

I have some seasonal items I pull out of my closet when the seasons change. I have a dark brown medium size statue of squirrel with an acorn, and a decorative orange pumpkin for autumn; and for spring I have some fake cherry blossom flowers. So I have something seasonal and it also feels a little bit new, but when the season is over I store it again. And in the lighter seasons, late spring and summer, I store the candles also, and pull them out when autumn begins again. So there is some change and ‘newness’ in the livingroom, but so don’t have to buy things. Or not all the time, only when I see something that really adds value :) sometimes I do like to switch some seasonal things out with something new and then I buy something at the thriftstore and donate the thing that no longer suits me. Oh and, thank you for your video’s, they are helpful! 🩵 groetjes uit Alkmaar 😄

[@samanthaskeoch3519]

Thank you for sharing this Vera. This is something I still struggle with. As much as I try to resist temptation I end up giving in and buying something new regardless whether I need it or not.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

You're so welcome, hopefully the tips in this video have helped a little! No need to beat yourself up I think, just trying different tips to see which can work for us :) Good luck and have a wonderful Sunday!

[@liliensommer9477]

Hi Vera, I‘m a long term (silent) follower of yours and absolutely love all your videos and what you do and stand for❤ I truly believe that you’re one of the most precious content creators there is on YT! Saying that I wanted to ask if you could film an updated wardrobe tour for us? I get so much inspiration and also motivation out of them which helps me keeping my wardrobe small (in a sensible way). Been re-watching your old wardrobe declutterring videos regularly to remind myself that I don’t need more clothes and your videos help me so much with that (not only with my wardrobe but in all areas in life. The wardrobe ones I just like the most😉) Lots of love from South Germany💕 Susi

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hi Susi, thank you so much for your kind and fun comment and for being a long term follower of the channel!! Yes, I've been thinking of doing a big wardrobe declutter/reorganizing video sometime within the next couple of weeks, but I'm not sure how I want to go about it yet. I might have to purchase a big container for storing some bedding so I have more room available for coats and stuff haha. Things like that. So not making any promises, but there's a chance there will be a new wardrobe video in the coming weeks :)

[@joank5585]

I feel this feeling in the fall & spring and I agree with you Vera completely that all the ads and influencers can make you feel like you have to buy something for that new season and I feel a lot of anxiety sometimes because I feel like I have to do something different like add something in my home for that season. I have always liked the idea of having a couple of things to change up twice a year, example: couch pillows, a vase, different color candle….these are very simple ways to make things feel different for me when the seasons change. I do not invest a lot of money and keeping 3-4 little things in a box helps me to feel like my home is comfortable for that time of year. Here in Florida we do not get much of a fall & winter so it can get pretty boring having the same weather all year round (except for the hurricanes 🙄😵‍💫) so it’s a way to change things up! I get pulled by influencers also with the “autumn hauls” so it can make you feel like you’re not included in the fun 🍂🍁…these reminders are so good for us not to get caught up and that we can control how much social media we watch during this time, instead maybe a nice long walk with your grandkids or spouse picking fall leaves and putting them in a basket on the table and baking some yummy desserts 🥧🪁🚶‍♀️🌻🚴‍♀️

[@estherellacarstens465]

Thank you! I like the change of the seasons and pack away seasonal stuff. When you unpack it a year later, it feels like rediscovering it all over again! Such fun

[@SimpleHappyZen]

I imagine it's like a little treasure box :)

[@jacki6301]

The wooden cup is so cute. It would make a good makeup brush holder.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

I've thought of that actually :) But right now, I use a glass makeup brush holder that can go in the dishwasher, and I think I prefer that.

[@kathywereszczynski7106]

Love your videos and your aura ❤ I’m not a minimalist but try to be more intentional with my spending (work in progress) for the last decade. I find back to school time definitely pushes people to spend and go to the stores. I also want to spend on decor and home goods because I’ve moved and I am in limbo. Haven’t hung pictures but also haven’t had the energy to do so. Maybe this winter when I stuck inside more I’ll get into decorating 😅

[@ewawosz9276]

I love your content Vera. I don't buy any Halloween decorations or autumnal stuff.I do admire the colours for the season outdoors. When is getting colder outside I read books ,drink hot drinks and cook lots of healthy soups and dishes. The colder,darker months are perfect for me to save money and plan future road trips and adventures🍂🍂.

[@JoL-ch3qt]

Presumably the urge to shop in the autumn is to do with evolutionary experiences- hunter gathering and storing to be safe and secure for the upcoming winter. And then, potentially, the reverse phenomenon in spring - wanting to clear out (declutter/clean) the old nest

[@khirifrost5404]

I didn’t realize it until this video, but one of the ways I cope with wanting to shop for all things cozy is by baking cozy and seasonal recipes! It’s “new stuff” and I get to share with friends and family!

[@KLCKLC-jd9jz]

Yes, I am a fan of both Nick Lewis and Elin Lesser. Elin has a unique way of looking at things, as do you and you both add a lot to my simple life/minimalist journey! I'm always amazed that after all this time there are still new and fresh ways to look at minimalism, like the viewpoint you mentioned in the book you recommended.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Nice! Yes I agree haha, always nice to hear about minimalism from others, because there are so many possible ways of looking at it.

[@alidavanveldhoven5167]

My mantra is: shop your house first. This works great. This year I added a Stoptober challenge. I do not by any clothes or gadgets in October. And I feel perfectly happy about this until now.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Awesome, love it!

[@megan5475]

Thank you so much i literally needed to hear this! I will stick to using up what I have before I get anything new.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

You're so welcome, glad you enjoyed the vid :) Have a great weekend!!

[@AirBeat-lk3pl]

Something that helps me is remembering the last thing I really wanted and bought because I didn’t want to miss a deal, and still ended up disappointed (even after checking reviews!) An example is hair products, in always looking for the next thing that will help hydrate and soften my hair :(

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Ah yes that makes total sense. Also, my hair has also always been really dry and I can tell you from experience that I don't think there's a product out there that can really hydrate and soften it haha. Hydrating products make it a bit better, but that's the best they can do. So I've stopped looking for that ultimate product, I don't think it exists :) Even the products my hairdressers have recommended specifically for my hair type end up disappointing a bit.

[@alicequayle4625]

Have you tried castor oil? I have dry hair and I used to put veg / olive oil on it every few weeks. Left it on for half an hour then washed it off. People did used to comment on my hair looking healthy. It's a quite messy process though. Like I ended up using plastic bags to wrap my hair in to reduce the mess.

[@nolas5638]

Happy Saturday, Vera! Thanks for the tips! ❤ Yes, this wanting to shop thing can be an issue for me as well. I will sometimes think in terms of “will this haunt me and will I regret not getting it a year or two from now” when I see something I’d really like to buy. I’m also practicing “do I really need it.” BTW, I noticed the beautiful pattern on your lovely white shirt before you mentioned it so honestly I don’t think there was too much white. 😊

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thanks! Sometimes it's tricky when you're trying to start recording, because how it looks on the little viewfinder on the camera is a bit different from how it'll look when you watch it on your phone for example. So when I'm just here by myself, sometimes I overthink how my video shot looks. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the video! 🤗💕 “will this haunt me and will I regret not getting it a year or two from now” made me laugh

[@nolas5638]

@@SimpleHappyZen I totally hear you about the overthinking thing… I’m HSP, too. 😊 You do a great job! ❤️

[@elaynelinn9519]

Thrifting makes me happy at this time of year.

[@camillesofina3461]

Me too 🙏⭐🌙🌈 ALL time of the year 😂😂

[@imlv2614]

Love it, Vera! Love it when you distilled a wisdom from different interesting books in a single video❤That is making your videos extremely valuable🎉

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you!!! 🥰 Have a lovely rest of your weekend!

[@VinylSteel3]

I don't label myself as a minimalist or maximalist etc, as I find them too restrictive and I become over-analytical of myself/my decisions. Rather, I prefer to be intentional and feel however I feel about items or purchases - for example, this week alone I bought a suit I had bookmarked for the last 2 months and impulse purchased a book about Vincent Price (my favourite actor). I don't feel bad about impulse purchases if I genuinely love/want the item and believe it will add value to my life.

[@lumynel]

I appreciate your videos and look forward to seeing you and listening to you. Thank you!

[@katiewright2232]

I find that sometimes my urge to buy something, particularly to update my home, can be assuaged by knitting! I usually have a knitting project going, and although I don’t crank out a lot of products from knitting, it’s more of a meditative and creative outlet. I think the knitting takes care of the urge to do some creative decorating In other words,, turn to a craft, a hobby, or even a physical activity to get past the urge to acquire something new. In other words, trade the urge to create by buying something new with a creative activity. I have found that this works for me quite well, even though I have never had a real problem with over shopping because of finances, I am also susceptible to all the creative advertising and such that is in our space all the time

[@WaffleTraveller]

It was lovely seeing your home in the evening with the cosy muted lights 😍 It struck me that #1 and #2 kinda contradict each other. I really agree with the idea that when we buy something, it's the not having to think about the item anymore that makes us happy rather than the item itself. But when we bookmark something or start researching it, we sometimes create the conditions for overthinking until we need to buy it in order to stop thinking about it - if that makes sense 😅 I do generally find bookmarks very helpful, but sometimes they backfire because it's so much easier to go back to that item and fuel the desire to buy it 😂

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks! I love our home at night because of the lights we have, it gets really cozy :) Also yes, that's a good point about #1 and #2. Definitely good to stay intentional and not just bookmark everything, or to a point where you become obsessed with thinking about it and researching stuff. For me, I find that bookmarking it helps me to let go of it for a while, because I know I've bookmarked it and therefore I won't forget where I found it and stuff. So my mind is free to let go of it for now. But it's always good to review how these internal processes work for us, because they might work differently for different people. :)

[@NintenJon64]

Even as a minimalist, I’ve had to restrain myself this season from buying all of the things, haha. This season, I got a new planner, some fall treats that are easy to bake, and Luigi’s Mansion 3. Listening to nostalgic tunes from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Imogen Heap, and Weezer. lol On your topic of being mindful of what we’re allowing to influence ourselves, I’m in the “cozy gamer” space of KZbin and find it really interesting because it opened me up to explore things in a way that I wouldn’t typically-“romanticize” is the word that comes to mind. However, I’ve made a conscious effort to avoid joining Discord communities within that space because I don’t want to be compelled to buy or do stuff just for the aesthetic and put a lot of value on function. Sometimes, it’s good to remind ourselves that we all have those boundaries. ❤️

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Love what you shared about being mindful about the spaces we're in online :) Also yay for the smashing pumpkins!! I also have a song from Weezer I really like, I never skip it when it comes on in my shuffle :)

[@Canny-Octopus]

Thank you, this was such a good video, one I needed to hear right now. I'll check out the book you shared, "When Things Don't Go Your Way." You said that, basically, the opposite of consumerism is deep appreciation for what we already have. I heard an echo of that in a book on spending more mindfully, Jeremy Shapiro's kindle book "How to Get More Happiness from Less Stuff: Make the Psychology of Money Work for You (The Psychology of Money and Happiness Book 2)." I put a homemade poster on my fridge to remind me that gratitude is the counter to spending compulsion- not having.

[@sallydeslandes7990]

Such a beautiful episode filled with wisdom. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you! Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@kimberlyd7091]

I love Nijntje! Everytime I go to Hema here in Belgium I'm tempted to buy something from Nijntje but never have ( voor 1 of andere reden schrijf ik mijn comment altijd in het Engels😁) glad I'm not the only one who feels like that. Dille & Kamille is another store I always want to buy something . Luckily I 'm fine with just enjoying the items at the store without have to purchase something everytime. Bedankt voor de video Vera!♥️

[@SimpleHappyZen]

YESSS Dille & Kamille is a great example too. Even though I very rarely buy things there, I love going there to browse and look at all the pretty things :)

[@nellautumngirl]

It is the season of gathering, maybe it's built into us and we can redirect it to stock up the pantry and try some fall recipes.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Yes, someone else commented about our 'gathering' instinct as well, that's an interesting point that I didn't consider :) Makes total sense. And also, YAAAAY for fall recipes!!!

[@alicequayle4625]

I think you have hit the nail on the head. Maybe a bit of foraging like blackberry picking, pick your own fruit, or going to a farmers market can help meet that gathering harvesting urge.

[@ljshaw8516]

I am glad I don't get out much. I don't like things being pushed in my face way before the actual holiday - you're so spot on. I had to replace a tiny iron for quilting and loved the research. Your lamp is so lovely! So you. x's lj

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thank you, I love the new lamp too :)

[@alicequayle4625]

Im doing some decorating to make the house nicer for winter. Not buying new stuff apart from paint and storage. It seems to be distracting me from online shopping.

[@tainoaquarian8320]

I luv it -u are right on the pulse; Nick Lewis: I went through the SAME thing this very week. So I employ concepts you’ve mentioned, & pause on it. I also find it useful to enjoy the resources & design elements he demonstrates & apply it to those things we already have, or plan for the future in terms of colors, materials we favor. Consciously declining on the ‘buy impulse & putting that gratitude of what we have & what’s to come- in place. Like as you mention… making your simple yoga moment Everything. That mindset is what I continuously strive to. Satiating the ‘More’ impulse, over the ‘Enough’ moment- in this time… is a challenge universal.

[@shelleypehrson2084]

Your white blouse on white background is lovely. I see a clean, minimal, elegant young woman. I think this actually perfectly represents your aesthetic🥰🌟

[@CatherineHawkins-o7b]

You’re so good at simplifying things!

[@luxi_dream]

I am so happy i saw that ypu made a video about that because i already told all of my friends that i don’t know why but i just have such an urge to buy something new since fall came around and since i got a new job at the start of the year i don’t make as much money as before and can’t just buy stuff(wich i love so much because i had quite an addiction at that point for buying) and i did soooooo well the whole year and considered everything very good if i really would need it but now omg i just WANT to have some cozy new things and i am kind of glad to know that maybe it’s just because of the season and all the ads and not because i am falling into old habbits again your video was very helpfull thank you so much i will definitely try your tips🥰🥰🥰

[@deborahjoyce591]

Great video 😊. I am very into fashion so this time of year ( change of seasons ) I definitely feel more of an urge to buy things. I often put things on wishlists and this helps. Or I will watch videos of content creators who are more into sustainable fashion and who promote shopping and playing in your own closet rather than buying something new all the time.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Yes Vera, this time of the year it is hard not to buy things. But I do manage not to. Thank you so much for sharing your insights.❤❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Good that you manage not to shop more during this time of year :) Have a happy Sunday!!

[@MayraSignorelli]

I love the white shirt, it looks very pretty on you

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thanks! :) I love this blouse too, I've had it for a couple of years already but usually don't wear it on camera. Might do that more often in the future :)

[@TheMennomilist]

I loved the story you told about your friend when you were a child and how she had so much but was not happy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on all this. I think the only thing I tend to want to shop for are clothes in the changing seasons (I don't even own many but I ruin most of what I wear). I enjoy Elin Lesser's videos! I have been subbed to her for maybe half a year or more now.

[@user-gu4ux8cq3i]

Dear Vera, I totally get this urge you described around this time of year, especially when it comes to kids’ stuff (I have three). The industry reminds us (ads, prime days, special deals etc.) that it’s Christmas soon (not really, right ?!) and the earlier you start the more money you will end up spending for gifts. Also, the thought that we will spend less time outside when the weather is bad makes me want to stock up on nice indoor activities (crafts, board games, …) for my kids. My way around this is the public library and the public ludotheque, a kind of „toy library“ which we have everywhere in Belgium. It gives you a shopping feeling but other than with real shopping in a book- or toy store, you don’t have to be rich to afford the items you see. You can have them immediately, pay a little fee (in the ludotheque) or no fee at all in the library and take them home. The best part is, once they have been read or played with, things often lose their initial appeal so my kids are just as fine with parting with the items after a few weeks as I am :-)

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

I'm a little bit opposite in this regard, in that as autumn continues and winter approaches I've noticed I have a big urge to declutter! I think it's because the longer nights make me feel more 'closed in' in some way and so I crave more space and simplicity. I have to resist the urge to declutter things which I know I will need or that I know I don't really want to part with. The one exception is yarn for crochet and knitting. Something about wanting to feel cosy during this chillier time of year makes we want to buy yarn - which I have to resist as I currently have enough lol

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hahaha yes I would say that makes sense! I always get that urge in the springtime, but I can totally imagine that happening during this season. I do feel a wardrobe declutter coming on... haha!

[@alexisrose5832]

I love Nick Lewis and Elin Lesser! they are both amazing

[@ingramota1191]

Yes. I am feeling more desere to shop. I like autumn and I see in one app a lot of things about it. And when I realize I was put somethings in 🛒. I stop and little by little delete things. In the end I get 2 things that was the reason for open the app. Shop is nice but can make you addict. Because we think more is better. No true! Shop something that you need, really like and can pay is better than have much stuff.

[@belindagritter1572]

Nick’s program is fun but it really does still encourage you to buy and that what you have may not be “trendy” anymore. This season of the year is bad for me too. I did buy a new long sleeved shirt for fall but I thought about it for days first. I do love it and it is fall themed. I also struggle in the winter with more sadness and have been thinking about getting one of those lights that’s supposed to help with that. I need to do research first. And then where do I put it? I have no tips, I’m struggling myself right now. When the weather gets cooler we turn our attention to our indoors space as we are spending more time inside. I think that’s why we want to buy. But really we will never make our home as beautiful as nature so maybe we need to lower our expectations for our home to thrill us the way nature and being outside does.

[@21cormorants]

If the light is expensive for you or space is limited, etc., if your insurance allows it, it may be beneficial to have your doctor test your Vitamin D levels. If low, they may suggest affordable otc vitamins to help, which might potentially help with your mood. (I’m no doctor however, but it may not hurt to look into it!)

[@SimpleHappyZen]

@belindagritter1572 Yes, good point! Having a beautiful come to curl up and relax during this cozy season is nice, but we still need to try and go outside and be in nature when we can, and not expect to get that same experience indoors. :) Also good luck with the research about the light, and let me know if you find something that works for you :) Also might be a good idea to talk to a physician, like @21cormorants said :) Take care!!

[@annemay3897]

I was doing the same thing with the videos of nick Lewis! But I wasn't really aware of it... But the feeling of having to buy or even to do something is not a nice feeling to be left with after watching a video. In stead getting the feeling of content and 'it is finished' is so much nicer!! That's what I come here for 😊

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Aw thank you, that means a lot 🤗💕

[@ucaykaya7521]

Hello, I love your videos so much thank you for every eye-opening perspective, they bring me so much joy... Maybe I know very well everything you mentioned, maybe in my brain there is a voice telling me girl you already know that come on you can also think that by yourself but listening and watching you makes me realize these topics more thoroughly, pushing me to bring those ideas to life, makes me want to really happy simple life. I want to thank you for that 💜

[@jeanettebotha]

Something that’s helped me so much is to put what I’d like to buy on a list and only purchase on the 1st of the month. So I’m now on my “1 Nov” list - I find that I really lose interest by then. And if I really still want it it’s also easy for me to put in the budget and make sure I purchase things that’s “budgeted” for. I save several €€€ per month.

[@hance2601]

I love that book, thanks Vera❤ Happy Autumn 😊 Take care always. Greetings from Finland❤

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Nice you love the book too!! Have a wonderful Sunday!

[@princessofpeas9026]

You look beautiful in the white shirt! Anyway my problem this time of year is buying too much FOOD - it’s like I have to try every single pumpkin spice flavored thing and all kinds of seasonal dishes (it’s so bad I end up buying all the ingredients to make like a fall themed dinner or dessert or whatever and somehow don’t even get around to cooking it). I’m in the USA and it’s absolutely terrible here, we are so completely and constantly surrounded by this stuff and obviously it doesn’t help you to eat the healthiest… I know it’s not your usual topic but if you ever want to do a video with tips on how to trim down on all the seasonal special foods, holiday treats, themed dinners that some of us may be spending way too much money on, your advice is always welcome! (And it’s just as bad around Christmas time too!)😢

[@Sofia-bd3ej]

Perfect timing for this video. I went shopping last few weeks. I bought few pairs of jeans in new bootcut shape. I only had skinny that are not in style anymore.I bought few cashmere sweaters. As I felt I did not have any good looking sweaters. I also purchased 2 new purses in brown fall colors because I only had gold and black . I also purchased 2 new fall dresses in case I have occasion to wear them. I am very happy about my purchases. But this morning I find myself looking on internet more items I need to buy for upcoming cold weather. I realize I have a problem. I forgot to mention 2 weeks ago I purchased 2 pairs of booties . 🤔

[@Ametista_acpc]

I am convinced that I am very very lucky to live in Italy because here we have sun all year round, and even though it is now mid-October the temperature is still warm

[@trishread.s]

What I think is really challenging for me is that I wanna save money and not spend since I make a low income. But my expenses at every month (at least now) take away almost everything that I earn. So, even when I'm intentional and don't waste money on stuff, I'm on the line between credit card or not buying. Anyway, I learned to live like that, and I know it is temporary. I just try to search for joy on books, movies, and youtube videos like yours 😊 Thanks, Vera!

[@juliagreen3965]

I practice waiting to make a purchase until my next pay check comes. It gives me time to really think if I can afford buying something and if I really need it.

[@andiea5743]

Thank you for this video. I struggle with the urge to buy things, as well, someetime. As far as following people, I find that continuing to subscribe to them but not getting notices helps. That way their videos will still show up in my feed but I'm not compelled as much to watch them since I did not get a notification.

[@arthurlincoln9093]

I hate the run up to Christmas. It feels like a tsunami of gabage hits the stores to join the mountains of garbage already there. The meaning of Christmas has been hijacked by manufacturers and corporations and threatens to destroy it and we let it. I got a pop up on my phone to tell me that there are massive discounts on Temu. This bombardment of advertising and promotions for stuff has reached the stage now where it almost makes me feel ill and disorientated. It feels like drowning in a plastic swamp.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

It can definitely be a lot. I would say try to decrease the exposure to excessive ads when you can, like delete shopping apps that give you those notifications, if possible. We decide what the Christmas season means to us and take back control by ignoring what doesn't bring us value as best we can.

[@TamaraJoy7]

I agree 100%… with everything you said… I walk around the big stores these days in shock at just how much random stuff is being sold and how many people are shopping… it’s overwhelming… I’ll be staying away from the big plazas and big box stores for the next 3 months! I’ll be Deleting shopping site apps and unsubscribing immediately the second a site sends an add.

[@TamaraJoy7]

Vera, this episode was absolutely fantastic and perfect timing indeed! Such great advice to get us ready for the silly season. I Love how real and honest you were in this vlog. It was like a warm friendly chat with a good friend. And, btw, your white top looked super pretty and your hair is always gorgeous!

[@claudiaschafer1697]

Interesting, the example with the purse. I feel very bad, because I'm such a shopaholic in autumn...every year! So I really needed this video. Thank you. A lot!

[@ReneeHemp]

Would love to see morning and bedtime review❤

[@micheleg8114]

I just had a thought! About the buying things to get it off your mind, why not write the item on a piece of paper and drop in it a box as if it’s an item to deposit and the task is done. Check the box at the end of the month to see the items and if they feel like something to do.

[@RP-qh2so]

I love nick lewis too 😂 makes me want to shop too 😂😂😂 I just finished watching him before I clicked your channel😜---- that gives me balance

[@francineh.7825]

I'm going to say happy weekend to you now Vera (before actually watching) as I have to download your video and listen during my over hour long drive into the city for a Thanksgiving family get-together. 🥧

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Happy weekend to you too Francine! 🤗 Isn't Thanksgiving a few weeks away? :)

[@francineh.7825]

@@SimpleHappyZen I'm in Canada and we have our Thanksgiving this weekend 🙂

[@itsjorgeroblox1779]

It’s not even Halloween yet lol

[@francineh.7825]

@@itsjorgeroblox1779 I live in Canada not the US.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

@francineh.7825 That's so interesting, I never knew people in Canada celebrated Thanksgiving in October. Google says it's because it's further north, harvest comes earlier to avoid the cold of winter. Makes sense :)

[@nicolemcgee587]

Definitely feeling the urge to shop lately, I’m so glad that you shared this video! So helpful to have reminders ❤️

[@elizabethdeslauriers7498]

Hello Vera, you could add some smallest pebbles in the Mizzy cup/bin so your votive candle tea light is raised up a bit to help it shine ✨ more. 🥰

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Hi Elizabeth!! Yes, I realized I didn't explain it very well in the video, but I meant to use the cup for storing the little lights, not for lighting them in. :) When you buy those lights (I always get the eco-friendly, natural & vegan kind) they come in a small cardboard container, so then I can transfer them into my Nijntje bin and keep them close by so I can always replace the empty ones around the apartment when I want a little extra coziness :)

[@rubylace9963]

I'm someone who loves clothes and the best advice I've gotten is to not buy it unless you have tangible plans to wear it. I'm often buying for my fantasy self or some occasion that doesn't happen so the clothes stay hung up in my closet so this has helped me a lot.

[@chlariepeace3093]

Love autumn it very romantic especially if have a log fire my favourite seasons

[@chillibird2511]

I find shops promote any way they can to make us want the item. I find asking myself, "Would I want that if I didn't know about it?" helps. I make a wish list where I think about it for a couple of months. I find then I can think through about it. If not wanting the item, it's off the list. If wanting it, I will check what is in stores and the price ❤ It also has to be do I love it, and it is useful ❤

[@teresaromero8655]

Hola Vera ! I enjoyed your video as always….

[@chiaraalini]

In the first place, your hair, look and make up are perfect and beautiful. 🥰 Then… I’m not a big shopping fun, so I hardly feel the urge to go out buying as an impulse from the season. But I agree that, with the weather changing, we also feel the need to adjust our outfits in order to be warm and comfortable, but also put together and cute. What I personally enjoy doing, by this time of the year, is shopping into my wardrobe. Summer often makes me almost forget what I used to wear in the previous seasons and I see most things with different eyes. I can try new combinations or restyle pieces that I had neglected. According to my own ever changing likes and/or to the fashion of the moment. Besides, I have some nice clothes, that I’ve owned for some time and that are generally better manufactured than those I can find in the shops nowadays. I think that this is not only money and time saving, it’s also ecological and a fun game at the same time.

[@sallgal]

Listening while I prepare for work! Thank you Vera. 😊

[@tanyadesigns]

I go to goodwill and giving clothing or retro item a second life. It’s inexpensive way to have visual variety since it’s a surprise every time to visit. I love nowadays to visit and shop there. If I tired of it (clothing or retro home item) it’s not a big deal to donate it back.

[@chloelachance5755]

Loved this video!

[@brendastevens9077]

I Love your shirt!!! It's super pretty!!! I am always wanting new clothes, makeup, skin care. I'm much better at not buying these things all the time. Loved This Video.😊❤

[@LinkUpWithLenka]

I love your earrings!

[@SimpleHappyZen]

Thanks! I love them too :) Got them for my birthday this year from my boyfriend, they're from Ana Luisa :)

[@carmenlheureux5435]

When I feel the urge to shop, I try to buy something that I will have to get anyway in the future, like birthday or Christmas presents in advance. This way, the urge fades away and I have something less to think about. Of course, I'm not buying things for me! 😂

[@dipjyotimajumdar7210]

Such a powerful video...thanks ❤

[@nesxya]

Your little bamboo bunny cup would make a nice pencil/pen holder. Candles would burn the bamboo wood. Unless you nest a glass/cermanic or a candle already in one. Super cute container. 🐰💕

[@SimpleHappyZen]

@@nesxya Thanks! I realize I didn't explain it very in the video, but I meant to use it for storing the little lights, not for lighting them in. So when I buy new tea lights, I can store them in the bamboo container so I have them handy whenever I need to replace one somewhere 😊