Every so often, I check Instagram to see if one of my kids posted a photo. I do it with great trepidation, because more than half of my Instagram feed will be ads for products that look amazing. Bracelets that help indigenous people! Cruelty-free, vegan makeup! Sweaters made by Himalayan grandmothers! Adorable shoes that I just really, really want!
I scroll quickly down, or just end up searching for my kids’ names, or their girlfriends’, so I don’t have to see any ads. I am reminded once again how happy I am that I deleted my Facebook account last year. I avoid ads, because I don’t want to be tempted to buy anything. Last September, I began a year of not buying unnecessary items. These items include: Clothes, shoes, accessories, books, bedding or blankets, home décor, make-up, jewelry, electronics, and fake eyelashes. I’ve recently added sandwich bags, cotton balls, disposable razors, and parchment paper to the list, knowing there’s more that I need to add. It’s a bit overwhelming.
If I run out of something, like shampoo or sunscreen, I can replenish it. But I need to have used up all the ones I have first, including samples. And I have tons of samples, mainly due to a skincare subscription box I fell for years ago. I finally cancelled the membership, as the sample pile grew bigger and bigger, but I admit I miss being able to open the “gift” in the mail.
