Stuff I didn’t buy is an exercise about how and what I am consuming. The internet and social media want us to believe that we need so much more than we actually do. Doing this exercise reminds me that I already have enough, that I am enough, while also remembering that I deserve to treat myself along the way.

I have been doing this for a year now, and reflecting on my buying habits has had a very positive impact on my spending and my mental health. Leaving TikTok has also been a huge win for my finances. After leaving the app a year ago, I realized how much watching hauls and unboxing videos influenced my shopping decisions.

Taking a step back to reflect on all the things I didn’t buy allows me to get curious and find alternatives. A more affordable, non-trendy product, a second-hand or vintage option, or even better, embark on a DIY project.

During the spring and summer months, my spending always rises since I’m doing more things outside and being more social. I’m trying to find a balance this year and remember what I’m always preaching: you don’t need to spend money to have a good time in life.

Stuff I didn’t buy in April

Donni Red Linen Crop Stripe Pants — It was so hard to let these go because they fit me perfectly. They are so comfy, and honestly the perfect breathable spring/summer pants. They are a bit on the pricy side, so I will see if I can thrift a similar style first. I can’t stop thinking about them!

Laguna B murano glasses — I visited LA on my birthday, and had a religious experience holding the Laguna B Fantasia murano collection at Bucatini. I truly didn’t have the space to bring home any homeware but I still dream about their texture, the color combinations and surreal patterns. In a different reality I know I have a kitchen full of Laguna B glasses and plates.

Regalo Brooch by Pema — Haven’t stopped thinking about this brooch since I saw it over a month ago. The brooch can also be used as a hairpin, which I love. The brand is women-owned, and everything is designed and made in Mexico City. Do you think that if you keep thinking about a piece for weeks, it really means you want it?

Frye boots — I have been searching for the perfect boots for months and when I finally find them, they are around 800 CAD. I have never bought shoes that expensive in my life, and I don’t know if I would ever spend that much on shoes. I tell myself that these boots can last a lifetime if I take very good care of them. But then the more logical side of my brain tells me I could find a more affordable option.

Books — I am happy to report that I didn’t buy any new or second-hand books this month, as I was doing a challenge of only reading books I already own. But now the challenge is over, and I am excited to read new books and support my local bookstore. I also look forward to borrowing more from my local library.

Posca markers — My friend has these markers and I take every opportunity I can to borrow them. They are a chunky acrylic marker perfect for poster making, or large-scale works. You can use them on all surfaces. Each one is like 15 CAD but maybe I will start a humble collection of just a couple of colors.

Ouai’s Fine Hair Shampoo — I have been using this shampoo and other Ouai products for over two years now. I love that the shampoo smells divine but other than that, I haven’t noticed any improvements using this better quality shampoo. I know many factors influence having a healthy hair and scalp but if anything, I have only noticed that my hair looks kind of flat (my curls are gone) and I am not in my prime scalp health either. I will be looking for a different option. 💔 Also plan on searching products that help bring my curls back.

Read the previous Stuff I didn’t buy:

Stuff I bought and loved

Warby Parker glasses — I was in the hunt for the perfect prescription glasses inspired by the Miu Miu MU 04ZS (aka the Bad Bunny’s glasses) and I truly loved this model by Warby Parker. I got them in brown, they fit my face nicely and they are very good quality.

Flor Necklace by Levens — I have been collecting silver and glass jewelry since my mid-20s and my philosophy is simple: I’d rather buy one good quality piece than 5 pieces that are going to be rusty and green after wearing them a few times. I like pieces that I can use every single day and won’t lose its charm.

I have mainly acquired my pieces at second-hand shops and flea markets, but once or twice a year I treat myself to a new piece made by a small and sustainable brand that I love. I didn’t know Levens but saw some of their pieces in person at Lisa Says Gah in LA and immediately fell in love. The necklace is also named Flor, which is how my close friends and family call me and felt very significant. Levens is woman-owned, and based in Barcelona, where they make all their pieces by hand.

Yellow Stripped Twill Pants by Laagam — I haven’t received these pants yet, but I am literally checking the tracking every single day, and I can’t wait for them to get delivered. This is another Barcelona-based brand (do I need to make a trip to Spain asap? Possibly.) I have high hopes for these pants and if they fit me right, they might be the most flattering jeans on the planet. Inserting image below for reference.

A print by artist Delaney Yvonne — Moving to the art category now. I was at a pop-up last week and met many incredible local artists, including Delaney. I have been following her art for some time now, and I had a chance to meet her and see her work in person which truly made my heart so happy. I took home such a special piece of art that I can’t wait to frame. If you like this print, you can purchase it and more piece here.

Group Art Therapy Workshop — I've been contemplating going back to therapy for most of the year now. I feel like I have I am in a new stage of my life and need support as I walk through new adult experiences. I don’t know what drew me to try art therapy, but I decided to take a chance and attend a group session first to see what it was all about. The group workshop was centered on dreams and processing them through different art therapy tools. I was in awe at how much I was able to digest in such a short period of time with the help of a therapist and art in the session. I booked my first individual art therapy session the next day. I am so excited to embark on this journey of self-discovery and healing that is therapy. I shared about my experience and a lot of you seemed interested! I am thinking of partnering with an art therapist friend to host an online session. Let me know in the comments if you would be open to the idea!

Concert tickets — I am going to see Haim with friends and The Marias with my mom this summer and I can’t wait. To me, nothing compares to live music and I am very grateful to be able to invest in these experiences with the people I love.

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