Shop Your House First

Lotions. Lipstick. Socks. Bubble Bath. Perfume. Food. Nail polish. Tea.

I can't tell you how often I tell myself that I need a new lipstick. I can barely walk past the aisle in Target without taking a peek. But, lately, I have been trying something new. About a month ago, I was listening to someone give tips on how to save money. I heard something that has stuck a nerve and I find that I say it almost daily. She said "Use what you have." It is profound. Use what you have.


I am trying to use what I have before I go and buy more. It is saving me money. It is almost as much fun. This past week, I dug out out lipsticks and have been trying them on. Most haven't been used at all. I made myself put a wild toe nailpolish on because I own it. I am making myself try food that my husband bought and use it up. I thought I was out of lotion until I found a great lotion that I had stuck in a bag. That saved me $20 from buying one from Aveda.


I have also made a point of pitching items that I don't love. If I am not going to use it, I am either donating it so someone else can use it or pitching it if I can't donate it. I am really going to use restraint when bringing new items into my house. I will shop my own house first and use what I have!