I was watching a popular Stay-At-Home Dad on social media and I was SHOOK by the level of plastic crap in their house. From toys to sippy cups the amount of PLASTIC STUFF was overwhelming!
I thought, “How depressed would I be if I had to pick up all that Crap every day?”
Plastic cups were overflowing the sink and covering the floor in the children’s rooms. That’s how this guy greeted every day – having to clean up a huge disaster. (That’s why Mom’s everywhere love him – because he gets what their lives are like!) He’s cleaning and picking it up (not the kids) every day. Both he and the kids have complete exposure to plastic every day, all day long. Touching it, eating it, drinking from it.
PLASTIC, PLASTIC, EVERYWHERE
and
a whole BUNCH OF CRAP we don’t need and are WASTING MONEY on.
In this very Quick & Dirty article, I’m going to give you a few thoughts to ponder on BETTER GIFT IDEAS, what NOT TO BUY & WHY and a New Perspective on what YOU & YOUR KIDS really NEED for 2024.
How much stress must the kids feel from having to CHOOSE from so many toys daily?
They learn not to clean up after themselves and put things away because Dad or Mom is doing it. And if they don’t learn how to only have as much as they have places to put their things, their mind and world is set up for OVERWHELMING STRESS & CLUTTER every day of their new lives.
Sooo many decisions and choices translate into STRESS.
I feel like we’ve reached a Stress Epidemic based on too many choices and too many things.
Auretha
On top of how bad all these DECISIONS & CRAP are for us & our kids, CRAP CLOTHING & SHOES are the #2 polluter of the earth worldwide.
Don’t even get me thinking about all the plastic and trash ending up in our oceans. (heart-breaking.)
We are in serious trouble folks. Our Crap is killing us and where we live.
The constant exposure of eating/drinking plastic every day is disrupting our hormones and causing sickness and obesity.
OVER-BUYING is very hard on our over-stressed wallets during peak inflation.
What is the answer?
LEARNING HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY HAVE LESS. This means buying only stuff that serves multiple purposes and gets the job done, and you really love the results! (Like this non-toxic version of a toaster-oven & air-fryer combo)
Not over-buying as a STRESS-RESPONSE. Do something else after work that makes your life better. Create a pleasurable experience with friends, or walk with them. Garden together. Do anything but blowing your money on Crap.
Not passing on Crap as Gifts or for your Family to deal with!
Here’s my QUICK & DIRTY SUGGESTION to 2 major areas.
GIFT GIVING
GIFTS – Friends don’t give friends Crap. Give a Gift Card, Cash or a gift of your TIME. Offer to babysit or give a massage or facial from a local esthetician or massage therapist. It will be HUGELY MORE APPRECIATED.
Don’t buy stuff just to buy gifts. People need cash to pay bills and food. FOR REAL.
KIDS – If your kids are small, get in a mom’s group and TRADE TOYS. Clean them up as good as you can with a disinfecting wipe and trade or donate.
Start using toys that are made of wood or natural items. Think non-toxic and what your kids are breathing in their rooms and indoors all day long.
BEWARE SCENTED ANYTHING unless it’s essential-oil based. Sharing books is always fun. Think about trading a few times a year.
PERFUME & COLOGNE – Some of the most cancer-causing, toxic stuff on the planet.
Whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed by your organs. Please find an essential oil friend and find a few oils you love to create your own blends.
FASHION ITEMS, CLOTHING & WARDROBE
I think most people spend money on clothing without a plan. Nothing co-ordinates, people buy in emergencies and often buy things that are uncomfortable, poor quality, or DON’T FIT.
People tend to continue shopping habits they learned from their parents. (A great time to examine breaking ‘generational curses’ of poverty or stress-buying.)
I help you find ONLY-WHAT-YOU-NEED that’s AWESOME and makes you smile, is comfortable and fits while fitting the need and occasion.
As a stylist, fashionista, and creative, I need a few more pieces than your average person to express myself.
(We’re a certain type. We need options!)
But for MOST PEOPLE…………..
Here’s the minimum of what we need.
Most People:
2-3 different types of boots for winter/rain
1 rain jacket
2 sets tennis shoes, replace when worn. (I keep one in the car for walking.)
3-5 pairs of sandals
2-3 pairs of jeans
3 coats
3 jackets
Depending on your work situation, about 2 weeks of work outfits
3-5 sets of casual workout wear
3 bras
14 pairs of different types of underwear
3 sets of pajamas for summer/winter
House slippers with supporting insoles
A robe for summer/winter
Party Wear
Black Tie Event Wear for some.
—————————
In conclusion,
I accessorize all these items with jewelry, scarves, etc. to make them multi-task & collaborate.
REALLY, THAT’S ABOUT IT.
There is no need to spend thousands of dollars every year on junk or clothing you don’t need.
Express your SOUL in your Style. Find your True Identity & Purpose.
You can navigate through our menu or use this search bar:
I write with occasional affiliate links for PRODUCTS I LOVE that can offer me a few cents if you purchase. This does not cost you any more money, but helps bloggers like me for their recommendations. Thank you for reading.
