This summer, I was very careful with how I spent my money. I had some money-saving goals and priorities, but also didn't want to resort to hoarding money and being cheap. So I decided that a happy medium would be to send boundaries and guidelines to help me spend more wisely.
So, I decided that I only wanted to purchase things (this does not include experiences or services) that met the following criteria:
It was useful. We did a lot of purging and I wanted to stay away from making impulse purchases. So, I made sure I had a specific use for anything I bought.
I didn't pay full-price. I decided that I wouldn't pay full price for any product (note product, not services!) I purchased. I would only purchase if the product was on sale, I could use a discount code, or if I had a gift certificate.
It supported a small or local business - or a non-profit. I like products that have a giveback value. If a portion of the proceeds are donated to a cause that I can get behind, then I feel much better about making the purchase.
It did something good for the environment. Whether it was a company that used less packaging, decreased their own carbon footprint, or used recycled materials, then it was a consideration. On the flip side, companies that are contributing to our environmental crisis and continue producing without any regard to the environment were not to be supported.
So what did I buy?
Here are some of my favorite things that I bought and fit into at least one of the aforementioned criteria.
1. Goodr Sunglasses
Ah! Okay, so I purchased three pair of these sunglasses (different versions) and I love them! They do not slip off when you wear them and workout. They are lightweight. Annnnd the company has some kickass marketing that cracks me up. Bonus: Their company has a zero carbon footprint. Pretty cool!
2. Corkcicle Canteen
I know I have a bazillion water bottles, but I really wanted a Corkcicle bottle that matched my summer theme colors (green and pink) and would help wean me off of using plastic water bottles (so I wanted it to be cute enough that I would carry it around with me). And boom, Corkcicle launched their collab with Vineyard Vines and I was sold. While the bottle eliminates my need for plastic water bottles, they are also an environmentally-friendly company and the the bottle was protected by a compostable plastic bag.
3. Burt's Bees chapstick
While there weren't many people looking at my lips out in public, my lips get dry very quickly and I am an avid chapstick applier. Therefore, I found my perfect Burt's Bees chapstick in guava. It was moisturizing, gave my lips a little tingle, and I wasn't mad about the hint of color/sparkle.
4. Vote Mask
It is incredibly important for us to use our voices and share our opinions by exercising our right to vote. I bought this mask from Etsy, so it supported a small business and I appreciate the statement it makes every time I wear it.
Stay tuned for more fun products + purchases that serve more than one purpose.