One of my favourite no-cost,
happiness-inducing activities is to potter around the house using things up.
Such items as two partially-used body
lotions can be condensed into one of the bottles for a new and different
scented lotion, and I can recycle one bottle.
I go through my candle stash, choose one
that is quite low and commit to burning that until it’s gone.
Same thing with facial skincare. I tend to buy moderately priced skin products
when they are on a special offer, so I always have a good supply. However I like to test the new one straight
away. When I’m on my using things up
jag, I put everything away except for one of each product, and use that until
it’s gone.
I know this sounds so basic, but it really
does bring a ray of sunshine to my day and subsequent days when I do this
micro-sweep of organisation.
I can even extend it to my laundry and
pantry by taking stock, combining like items and/or reminding myself they even
exist sometimes. Often dinner is an
inspired creation that night!
If you really feel like letting loose and
living it up, why don’t you open a cupboard door and see what you can find to
use up – join the party!
Good idea! I need to do this with my beauty supplies. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes indeed! I turn bottles upside down, use up little bits and then put out the new. There is something therapeutic about a new cake of soap.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that i definitely need to do with my pantry. For most things in general, i tend to use them up before opening another. But when it comes to food items, i'm so bad at it
ReplyDeletexo Stephanie
I GET this! I really do. (I thought I was weird...but am thrilled to be in such good company.)
ReplyDeleteI am always very happy to use things up. It means that I was happy with the product. It's the orphans that linger in the cupboards forever that become a burden. Definitely unchic!
ReplyDeleteI have been doing this with my beauty products. There are some different things I would really like to try (for the hair) but I am not buying anything until what I have is gone. There is also a new Vitamin C serum I want but that is going to be a long wait.
ReplyDeleteI have used up a lot of things so that I have more storage in our small bungalow. I like to be able to open a cupboard and see what is inside instead of covering my head and bracing myself for the contents spilling out!
ReplyDeleteYour 30 days theme is a fun idea Fiona.
We are in the process of selling our home, so my life is all about using things up at the moment. It feels great to finally get rid of something that's been cluttering up cabinets for months (sometimes years!). The trouble comes when it's gone but can't be replaced - that's when the REAL creativity kicks in!
ReplyDeleteRose, I love a new bar of soap too, and I always stick the old one to it!
ReplyDeleteLove this post Fiona and your term "micro-organizing" is too true. Lovely photo too. Have fun! I like your new chic series.
ReplyDeleteFiona, I stick my old bar of soap to the new bar too! The trouble is the old one always seems to break apart into little bits. There has to be a way to wrangle all the bits back together.
ReplyDeleteWell, in my years of trial and error with soap fusion, I have found that it's best to stick a new one to an old piece AFTER your shower. I wet the new one, stick the old one on and then by the next shower it's pretty solid. I love seeing the old piece get smaller each day. Money can't buy that kind of satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI've found my cosmic twin! I get great satisfaction using things up and I always feel like I save money doing this. Really enjoying your "chic series"!
ReplyDeleteUsing things up is so satisfying! When my beloved aunt died I traveled to the US for her funeral. Her husband asked his daughters and me to help him dispose of some of her things, specifically her bathroom full of make up and toiletries. The daughters got in their first but there was a lot they didn't want and they put it in a trash bag. (I started in the Sewing Room!) I interrupted and asked them to put actual trash separate, that I would go through the toiletries later. Seven year later, I'm still using up facial cleansers and perfume samples. Most of the high end face creams are finished, I've given most of her hair ornaments to a friend who uses them daily...etc, etc. I think of my aunt every time I use any of her things. I wonder if her step-daughters are still using what they took? I still can't believe what they were going to throw away...
ReplyDeletei do agree Fiona. Buy quality items and use them up to the last drop!
ReplyDeleteif I pay for something I do want to enjoy it everyday and not to keep it only for those good sundays or special occasions. Every day should be The Occasion to enjoy and bless.
deb