Ringo #63
My life essentials...
I read about a woman recently who chose not to buy a thing outside of food and basic items for a whole year. She wanted to smash her credit card debt.
It got me thinking, wouldn’t that be a cathartic exercise. Just for one year.
So, I have made a pledge to myself. I am not going to buy any clothes, have my nails done or generally waste cash on things I can live without purchasing for a year. Self-sacrifice. Anytime I feel the urge I am going to transfer the proposed amount into my compound interest account and watch it grow! What will the savings number be I wonder? I am predicting approximately $9,600. Let the game begin!
It does make you think, what do we actually need to function well and feel good about ourselves? For those that know me, freshly painted nails are my signature, ranging from pale pink to pillar box red. I wear them like a badge of honour; they most definitely reflect my current mood and truly make me happy. I like the sound of the clickety clack on my keyboard as I am tapping away at the multitude of emails that confront me every day.
I reflected on what are my necessities that truly keep me upright. The constants in my life, the non-negotiables.
My life essentials...
o My Mac, and charger - I could do without my phone and just text and call via my laptop, or God forbid see people in person more frequently!
o Phone calls from my kids
o Apple TV, I will not miss Ted Lasso Season 4, not for love or money!!
o My kindle, reading is going to be high on the list and will be working my way through all the free books online or hitting the library.
o Sleep, having just bought a new Ecosa mattress and religiously taking “The Beauty Chef Dream Ritual” along with magnesium supplements up the wahzoo to achieve optimal REM sleep!
o Welleco green powder to put zoom in my broom!
o Poached eggs at my local, a joyful start to any day
o Tiny vanilla pastries from the weekend markets, like eating tiny clouds!
o Nike pink runners, propel me forward and make me happy, people literally stop me in the street to comment on them
o Skipping rope and hand weights
o Bobbi Brown watermelon lipstick, I can do anything wearing this colour!
o My silver bracelets, I have been jangling for 40 years, some made by Jude, others collected along the way, they remind me of my wonderful life and being a pirate! Sometimes required!
o Steak, mixed green salad, mint, fetta, cucumber with a dash of Italian white balsamic vinegar, my absolute favourite meal, could eat this 7 days a week!
o Jurlique lemon citrus hand cream, always in the car for quick application followed by Aesop hydration spray
o Chanel Mademoiselle, no words...
o Acler white poplin detailed shirt, a design triumph
o Paige black bootleg jeans, recent purchase, thank goodness, just scraped in prior to the quest!
o Silver cashmere knit, life essential
o Boden deep vee white tee, say no more..
o Haircut, but of course no colour! Grey all the way!
o Public transport, the new dating app!
o $25 bunch of flowers from the market every week, I would rather give up sour dough...
Things I can pass up for a year...
o Fresh market sour dough, my favourite food group of all, I can live without and know I will be ok, and lighter! Sad but true!
o Alcohol, no problem...
o Clothes
o Take away coffees, already started..
o Buying books
o Random gifts
o Cancel all subscriptions except for Apple TV, sorry kids!
o Travel
o Gym memberships
o Massages
o Perfume
o Shoes
o Ice Cream
Given I am not going to be buying any clothes per se, this does not prevent me from borrowing! So “luckies” look out, I am hurtling towards your wardrobes for a clothes swap! I am also implementing one other get out of jail free card for myself. If I sell items from my wardrobe, I can use those funds to replenish! Depop is about to blow up!
I am planning remerchandising my own wardrobe, fully accessorised down to the shade of lipstick. This is going to be fun!
I already feel exhilarated thinking about the savings, the opportunities, the creativity and the appreciation of what I already own. So many hours back in my life to spend on reading, writing, hanging with friends and exploring local gardens and galleries on foot!
I am ready to take this on, just after one last manicure and a quick puffer jacket purchase before winter rolls in. Oh, and I will be booking in for a whole day spa extravaganza in 365 days!
Whose joining me!
XX Ringo XX
I survived a year without buying any news clothes last year Rob ( underwear not included !) I did some Depop-ing and like you only spent what I’d made from sales on “pops” ! It was totally liberating and what’s more really made me inventive with & appreciative of what was already in my wardrobe . I’ve just bought a few essentials for winter but happy to join you on another year of essentials only . Big love xxx