WATCH NEXT: How to begin your minimalism journey: bit.ly/3qMFDah Also I just want to add that if you're buying stuff due to pandemic circumstances DON'T FEEL BAD I'm not here to judge you or your choices at all. I have a specific goal that i'm saving for and we're all in very different circumstances. Always do what's best for you xx Hope you're all coping and dealing with this new lockdown. It's so so hard. One thing I've found helpful is listening to 'Hidden Brain' the podcast as it goes into the psychology behind how to cope with waiting for our lives to begin again, loss, grief, anxiety and much more. One thing that was very insightful, was the mention of 'flow.' According to the podcast those of us who experience more 'flow' during the day have a much improved state of wellbeing so I highly suggest listening to the podcast and researching flow to find ways to implement it into your life xx
thank tyou for this addendum. I had to unsubscribe recently from another sustainability channel because of how subtly patronising she was (is that even a thing?) I'm sure she meant well but in no way she ever indicated in any of her videos since the pandemic started that we are all doing the best we can and sometimes we need to cut ourselves some slack. It may have been my lack of mental "solidity" but I found her quite judgy overall (things like: why aren't you guys doing this? it's free/very low effort/no brainer do make me feel extra guilty for not being able to do the same, even if it's for reasons i can't control). sorry, ant TL;DR: you're amazing and understanding. thanks.
ohhh thank you! All I have is time to practice right now haha. I didn't mean for it to be SO chatty, so thank you for letting me know these videos are still of value haha xx
@@mayyylu That's exactly the word that came to my mind - sassy. I love it. Don't get me wrong, I like the contemplative relaxed videos as well. But it was great to see this other side. :-)
As a librarian, I would recommend if you want to purchase a book see if the library has it 1st before buying it. You can also recommend the book to your local public library. We love recommendations! If one person wants it most likely other people do too :)
I quit my high stress job 2 months ago, so I am not spending since I can't afford it. But I have realized how little I can live off of and I don't know where all the money went when I was working, it sadly didn't go into my savings account.
@@SustainablyVegan it is so sad that the more we have, the more we spend. I think this was an eye opener for me and I will strive to do better in the future.
I feel you. I am contemplating doing the same but I am too much of coward it seems. So well done for being more brave and I hope you find or have found something less stressful that you like doing.
Super important note: if you have to buy a lot (moving out, lost everything, whatever happened) and you can afford it, reusable things are super great. My girlfriend and I are moving into a proper home together and we've taken a lot of time seeing what we can thrift, make ourselves, or not buy in general. Also, for those who are crafty: USE THE FUN STUFF NOW. You're never going to find the perfect garment to use those buttons, you'll never find the perfect quilt for that quarter yard of fabric. Use it now and enjoy it. I have a ton of fat quarters from one of my grandmothers and turned them into wax wraps.
Hi Sebastian... great comment, and I love the part about “USE THE FUN STUFF NOW”. I’m a high school sewing teacher and obviously I sew a lot at home too. You are spot on when you suggest to use those awesome buttons, trims, and special fabric for things that you will enjoy now. No sense saving it!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and have a great weekend. Greetings from 🇨🇦.
Yes! I used to save up and arrange and admire my supplies in boxes when I was younger. Then I kind of lost interest and time for crafts for many years. Now I have so much supplies to use up. I tell myself I can't buy anything new before they run out, and it's probably going to take years - as long as it took to acquire it. Even though I have decluttered expired paints or crafts I knew I was never going to finish because I had grown out of them.
Books I have bought but didn't read: A Jane Austen collection. I tried to read each one... but it turns out you can love literature and not love Jane Austen books! I'm really trying to embrace libraries and their ebooks!
You are a true natural beauty! And such a healthy woman. I too have been wearing the same clothes for days on end. I love your tips and have learned a lot from you! Thanks!! I love how the pandemic is helping me finally shop less.. Cheap stuff, food etc. I don't miss and don't need all that stuff!
@@SustainablyVegan That’s how I used to feel, too. I was obsessed with bringing ‘new’ books into the house. Mostly used books, or just picking them up for free from this phone box that was turned into a book exchange. Then about a year ago I realised that there’s really no point keeping books that I’ve already read and didn’t like very much/won’t read again. So I started selling/giving them away. But I was still left with more than 200 books. And I also got a library card around that time. So eventually I realised that I most likely won’t even read half of those books in the next 5 year (which is how long I am willing to live in the UK for and I am not moving books across the world). Also there are new books coming out all the time so it is impossible to keep up with it all. So to save my bookshelf from collapsing I ended up selling/giving away another 100 books. And if I do change my mind and decide that I want to read them this year... I can always go to the library. Great video, thanks Immy
This reminds me that I need to replace my walking shoes before Spring! I walk a LOT when it is warm and my shoes usually last about 2 walking seasons before they are done for...and my last shoes have been retired! It's true about getting rehab. I have knee issues and needed to do strengthening exercises. They helped a TON!
as a previous english lit student I respect you so much and look up to what you do all the time. Ever since I joined booktube (the bookish community on youtube) there was a lot of pressure to read things fast to produce content, or read the hype things etc, but I've let go of that for a while and I'm a lot happier. now I read and review what I love and feel like, and use the library so there's a lot of value in accepting what you genuinely like to read even for librarians and english lit majors. Sending love
Ah I love to hear from other English Lit students! I am always interested in their experiences vs mine!! I def hear you. I have been trying to read as many books on the climate and sustainability as possible and just got overwhelmed. It's been a while since I sat down and read a decent climate related book. Thank you for sharing xx sending love back your way
I'm not buying any black outerwear. I was a hospice worker and I had so many dark, mostly black, clothing items. Now that I'm retired and can wear more vibrate colors, I find black depresses me!
I am moving in to a brand new house this year with my partner. She wants a new tv, expensive light fixture, new table, etc. I’m trying to convince her that a new house doesn’t mean the things we have aren’t good enough anymore. She knows this, but still has that excitement in her gut. So for us as a family, it’s about finding the balance between her wants and mine. She knows that I need time to settle into my new space and I’m already stressed about a big purchase, and I don’t want to buy anything else for a while. We’ll work on meeting in the middle!
"You can never find the perfect item" yes indeed this is very true. I'm obsessed to look for the "perfect" bag :( I end up buying more than what I actually needed
Now don’t laugh Jas, but... many years ago I used to have the exact same problem... with hairbrushes. I have long hair, and I was always seeking out that perfect brush. Isn’t that ridiculous? I’m happy to say that I got over the “perfect hairbrush” syndrome a long time ago, and I am able to laugh at it now. Great comment that you’ve made, thanks for sharing it.
@@marycharlebois6627 oh I don't think that's ridiculous. Us, people love to have duplicates of things even though we hardly use these items. My goal for this year is to be contented with what I already have. :)
I live in the US on the coast of North Carolina. We were hit by Hurricane Florence in 2018 and our house was destroyed. We had to rent a duplex for 6 months while our house was being rebuilt, which I am extremely grateful for having the insurance to do so. But, we had a huge debris pile of our belongings on the side of the road for months, along with all our neighbors. Imagine walking by everyday to see your living room chairs and dining table ruined from water damage piled up like garbage getting rained on and crushed under more debris from neighbors. The items that were saved ended up being piled from the floor to the ceiling of our garage, contractors put whatever they came across in there too. And, the most traumatizing time of it all was moving back in and having to deal with trying to sort out the garage, which looked like a scene from a hoarding tv reality show. Anyway! all that to say, things began to have a horrible effect on me, I ended up with a sort of PTSD, and could not stand to have too much clutter around me. It taught me that I would have to deal with every single item I brought into the house, one way or another, eventually, and that "things" can be very heavy and drag your energy and life down. It turned me into an instant minimalist, because another storm could hit, and I never want to spend days, weeks, months digging out from under a heap of belongings in the garage ever again. Less is more, and can be ever so much more beautiful. Peace friends!
Wow Sasha, thanks for sharing your story. It sounds so difficult and I get your new perspective on “stuff” just because of the amount of psychological baggage your old possessions became. I am sorry that you had to endure such a harsh situation. I really want to thank-you for sharing your experience... it has really made me think, and also appreciate what I have.
2021 new years resolution “be less shitty” I LOVE IT!! Lol super awesome and cute video. I am going to try a my custom no buy/ no spend year again, i did my first one last year and covid made it a lot easier to achieve since I couldn’t go anywhere and spend money. I plan on tweaking a few of my rules to make sure i spend less this year.
Immy, your content is great because you're honest and authentic -- love seeing you giving less and less f*cks about Other People's Opinion, and just staying true to who you are; very inspirational! :) x
First, your hair looks SO good in this video! I love your natural curls, but this is definitely an adorable look too! Second, I love your chatty side. You are so quirky and relatable! I really like seeing this side of you :) love your content!
Thank you so much for this! Also, I love the word "shitty" so much ❤️ I'm not even joking. I wish more people would stop and think about if they're being a shitty person or not. I am commiting to a low buy year also! Cheers!
Ooh I`m so in the not buying food I can make this year! It`s been a little heavy on my schedule considering my current mental health, but at the same time I feel so good eating things I make and knowing it`s all natural hand and home made..
Thank you, dear Immy, for inspiring me an another time. I've never considered to stop buying plant milk for my coffee, because it lasts too long to make it by myself. Now it's time to say: "If I don't have time to make that milk at home, I should drink tea".
My no buy goal for this year is no thrifted items just because they're cute and thrifted, anything new, waaay less fake meats (they're expensive and less healthy than whole foods), no fancy zero waste equipment I don't absolutely need. Fingers crossed!
I don't interact much but I have to say, I just love your videos. They help me reestablish my desire for a low waste lifestyle when I start to drift. Also I do believe I originally picked up Hidden Brain from you and it is absolutely one of my favorite pods of the many I listen to. I get so excited to hear the new episodes. Also love to hear your book recommendations, about half the books I consumed last year I picked up from you. Keep doing what you're doing!
This is great! I’m also doing a no buy year. I’m calling mine a “buy nothing new year” because I’m specifically focusing on buying only second hand items this year. Should be a challenge as we are buying a home this year and will need to decorate it but I’m excited about it. Sharing my journey on my channel. Good luck on your low buy year! It’s great to follow others for accountability on this journey.
love your thoughts and it really made me be more conscious as well about the things I own. would love to see a video on your favourite books on psychology!!! :)
I'm so enjoying your content atm Immy! I'm also attempting a low buy year as me and my partner are just about to start building a tiny home, which is gonna take some saving 😅
Watching this video was like having a friend over with a hot beverage and a friendly chat! (as we so much long for these visits these days). Thanks Immy, have a good day♥️
My goal is to get rid of a lot of uni books. Either selling them or gifting them. They take up so much space and they remind me of awful subjects like physiology and biochemistry
I definitely needed this as inspiration as I am trying to become more intentional about purchases this upcoming year. I also love how you shared about the motivation behind not wanting to spend or buy this year, and I think it's wonderful you and your boyfriend will be able to move in together after lots of long-distance. Thank you Immy!
ah thank you! I think it can be a make or break if you have a good motivator or not. So hopefully this will be excellent for me haha. thank YOU for watching and commenting xx
I love what you said about the latest camera equipment not making good videos but the creator, rings true also for illustration and thinking I need new pencils, pens, watercolours, to make good art, when I just need to put in the time and effort to improve!
Thanks for the great content. would be happy to know your progress later of the year. last year I was going through a breakup, being put on unpaid and going through the whole covid thing (still), I mentally got broken down and spent lots of money even I knew I should not. 2020 definitely disturb my few years in into minimalism. This year I am starting all over again, not going to buy anything......I accumulated so much skincare, makeup and clothes, disaster last year! we can do this together!
I feel like it's so easy to spend according to what you earn. I'm a student and my income is a student loan, and I just realised that I spent more money this fall than I did 2019 when I only had a small waitress job. Now that I "have" money I feel that I "NEED" this or "HAVE TO" have that.. My new year resolution is to finally get clear about what I spend my money on and how to have a better relationship to money in general..
Also, I have bought the book "Sapien" and it's sitting on my bookshelf. Now I try to go to the library so I don't loose money everytime I change my mind on a book
I've moved countless times (> 40) and I love 😍 books, but it didn't take me long to realize that everywhere I moved had a library...and it was painful to box up a bunch of books AGAIN when I could just find them at the local library. If I truly love a book that I want to highlight/underline all over, I'll buy it. I maybe have 8 books in my permanent traveling library 😄
You are such an inspiration! It always makes me calmer when I listen to you, your voice is like a plaster for my soul if it makes sense. Thank you for sharing your ideas, I am looking forward to seeing your next videos!
I don't think i'm going to forget this comment!! A plaster for my soul - possibly the cutest thing someone has said to me. I'm glad I could bring some calm to your day :)
Love your content! So for me the book was Buddha's Brain. I just couldn't get through it. Then I did a 500 hour yoga teacher training and it was a requirement!! I had been so proud to have donated it, unread, to move on. Haha. Oh well, a friend brought it in for me one day and that was nice to not have to buy it twice!!
Loved this video, Immy! Thanks so much for recording and sharing this. My financial circumstances took a real beating with the pandemic (this is still the case) but I definitely have been pulled into the appeal of January sales and did my best to resist but it was HARD. I have way too many clothes and shoes already and things I love... We moved house in the middle of the pandemic as well (would not recommend) and I was literally overwhelmed by how much *shit* (take that, haters!) my partner and I have. We cleared out so much of it (sustainably) before we moved but there's still way too much stuff for our now very tiny home. I know it's a work in progress but this video made me feel better about it and inspired me to do a low buy year as well!
Wow you are brave!! I know quite a few people who moved house (inc my brother) during covid and I feeeeel for them!! So I totally understand how overwhelming that must have been for you. Think of it this way, a work in progress is better than no progress at all. I have every faith that you'll find what you need and what you don't and make this new space exactly what you need it to be!
Yay, Hidden Brain shoutout! Shankar would be proud ☺️ I particularly liked the guest’s advice in that episode about imagining setbacks as challenges that the ‘stoic gods’ have set out for you. It’s been really helpful for me to expand that concept into other areas, for example, thinking of a shiny new thing I definitely don’t need as a test of my willpower laid out by the gods of temptation or consumerism or what have you. It’s silly, but it helps. This video was exactly the kick in the pants I needed to actually write out all my no or low buy goals for this year. I think your content is inspiring and engaging regardless of the camera. Perhaps I’ll finally be motivated to read the copy of Anna Karenina I bought 4 years ago 😅
haha yes I found the stoic god's challenge funny but definitely an interesting and useful way of seeing a way round thinking negatively about setbacks, for sure. It's things like these that have really helped me get through the lockdowns xx
Recently discovered your channel and only watched the winter food prep video so far. But I had to immediately subscribe because it somehow seemed like you approached food/cooking like I did, which (I don't know) seems kind of rare? And its so relaxing to listen to you talk. This video is just the same. 😊 I'm becoming a big fan!
Re books; the app Borrow Box is brilliant and most UK residents with a library card can read tons of free eBooks and get free audio books. Very good selection and it’s a great way to read many new books without spending money. Plus most people can get a library card online now due to COVID.
@@SustainablyVegan You’re welcome 😊 there’s also RBdigital, which also uses UK library cards to get access to free books, but I find the selection is not so good, however, they also have comics available to download, which some people might find useful.
I found Libby better for me than Borrow Box, as I find that Libby has books & audio books, while I only found audio books on Borrow Box. They're both great though!
@@lyannecb8499 Thanks, will check it out 😊 I had the same problem with Borrow Box, only showed audio books, but there is a tab at the top in the search function where you can switch between audio book and ebook for results. I do find the search option a bit hit and miss sometimes though.
@@nerena2852, hmm, maybe I need to try logging into it on the computer instead of my phone, or maybe the libraries I use don't have any non-audio books, as I had a look (using the app on my phone as my son is using the computer :-)) & it's still only showing audio books. Very odd! Will check on the library website as well.
Not sure if I mentioned this under another video before or if I just have the same thought right now, but Friday For Future has patches. Also, on etsy, there are some sustainable ones, or ones you can costumize. You could even come up with your own logo and ask a local company to print/stitch some. Alternatively, you can learn some basic embroidery and just embroider over it with basically your own-made patch. Also, thanks a lot for this video. I discovered similar patterns, especially with shopping second hand clothes, and decided I would so a no-buy year.
Hi Immy, haven't seen your videos in ages (have been away from RUclips and so, extremely selective on what I rarely have a few min to see). The tittle caught my eye, and really enjoyed the content. I guess, as someone who doesn't buy much either (apart from food), most of the mainstream "no buy videos" wouldn't work for me... but you've given me something to think about today... and I rather enjoy your "talking videos". So thanks, cheers!
Great video, I have bought books I have never read and I have had the great search for the perfect whatever a few times. Shoes and backpacks being a few.
Hi! I loved your video. I love them all, to be honest, but in this one I felt we could glimpse a little bit more of your personality, which is lovely and so much fun! I am a minimalist (with some areas in which I really need to improve... ehem... stationery...) and for me it works like a charm keeping a note in my phone where I jot down every purchase that is not a replacement or food and the date. You really think twice about purchasing something when you know you have to face the “shame” of adding it to your list 🤣
My roommate is moving out and taking a few shared items. My goal is to not buy furniture unless I have an absolute NEED for it. When the discussion first came up, I started making a list of all the items I would have to buy once I'm on my own. After I made a ridiculously long list (and watched this video!), I found myself evaluating my mindset around this. For example, I frequently watch streaming services and RUclips on my laptop and I rarely have people over... so a tv? and a tv stand??? Not a need for me. Now I've changed that list of "needs" to just three items.
When I was 16, I actually wished for Homer/Iliad and The Decameron for my birthday and I never read them. I also pushed myself through Crime and Punishment without really enjoying it... and through countless German dramas
I agree with starting a book and give it 50 pages or more before you decide. I loved Crime and Punishment. Another Russian author, Maxim Gorky, The Lower Depths.
I really need to spend less on takeaway and be more careful with mybfood purchases. I live on my own and I am so guilty of buying too much. I don't have a freezer though so it's difficult to prep anything that won't last in the fridge for a few day's. But your pickles look delicious so I'll definitely be trying that!
Love this! I'm doing a 'Buy Nothing' year but my exceptions include things for my children. I think it's a good way to challenge yourself, I'm excited to follow your progress over the year.
First of all (7:58) don't come for me. It's easy to come up with things you're not buying when you don't buy many things, duhhh. Also, stop cursing, geez. this is sarcasm. this is how Immy & I communicate. Welcome 😉
Also if you don't want to buy more books it's really great to borrow them! Your library needs you and it's a great way to try something you're not sure about and then return, or buy it if it's something you want to return too/annotate. Full disclosure I am a librarian so that is part of the reason I push them so much. Where I live in Hertfordshire we are still open for click and collect services so check online cause even though it's a lockdown libraries have been classified as an essential service so there is a chance they are still open! And you can sign up to a library even if you don't live there! We have people signing their grandchildren up when they come to visit all the time! It's not a problem
Expensive birthday parties...both my daughter have had birthdays in lockdown (3 and 1). The lack of being able to have a massive party has made me appreciate slower and family orientated birthdays...instead of feeling pressured to put on a big spectacle just to please other. This is something am taking forward to this year. And my kids loved it so much more spending just quality time with mummy and daddy.
I’ve definitely done the book thing! I’ve realized this year that I have a few kinds of books I enjoy and I should stick to those so I know I’ll actually read them! Also last week my boyfriend and I repeated the same outfit multiple times and it made me think you’d be proud. Lol.
Thanks for the low-spend inspo! I’m going to try to stop impulse-buying books I get googly eyes at until I’ve read most of my to-read books I already have.
I love this video! It's really got me thinking about making more at home rather than just buying like bread and hummus, I'll definitely have to try it out. Thank you so much for the mention.too, that's really kind of you ☺️
Ah it's lovely to see you here! Well I was inspired by your video so I wanted others to see it too and of course give you credit haha. Honestly knowing that other people are doing a low buy year has helped me enormously - having some community support makes a big difference xx
I am with you on this this year! I have soooo many books unread on our shelves but new ones with pretty covers and potentially amazing experiences in often lure me in to buying them. Library option is good and there are ebooks available but limited. I like libraries for the eco reason also. Most of my unread books are self help books for a debilitating disorder I have. Hard to get rid off cos maybe oonnneee day one of the 20 books might have the secret to recovery! The mind works in mysterious ways! :-)
Yeah I kind of feel like they are a ploy to profit off of people's weaknesses/vulnerabilities... I would just visit a nurse if possible when I need advice. Because realistically I can't read 20 books if I'm in a bad place. Maybe it's different for you.
Great video Immy, it really hit home. I still have to fight sometimes the desire to keep books as a show off, to impress other people. Why? Do I really need other to validate me? I realized: 1- if I don't like the book/will not read it again/have never read it, people complimenting me would only validate how fake I am. And 2- people have never once noticed and complimented me on my books, ha! I was doing things for others basically. Now I read for me, I watch shows for me, I really try to be honest with what I want and what are my real needs, and it is liberating. My god, can you imagine I was carrying Kafka in high school (didn't like)? That I watched a LOT of Cannes prized films (so many great memories of being bored to death or completely grossed out, hello "Hunger" 10/10 would not recommend). I think it all boils down to being honest with myself, to know myself, and to stop caring. I live for me first. And I can give my true self to the world/community. Thanks Immy, I love your content, I'm always happy to see you! (and I wish you and your boyfriend to live together this year).
I really liked your attitude today. Great video! I want to the get rid of the bad vibes this year, that I get from people in my life who live a totally opposite and consumerist lifestyle and just don't get what is important to me. Not sure yet how I am going to do that... but it just makes me depressive
Mute them on social media! I know how you feel. I have not tried to turn those people's heads. It's not my mission. I let them know my opinion about stuff if it comes up. Other than that it's just draining.
Immy thanks again for another awesome video, this reminded me i needed to write down a list like this on my yearly goals 🥸 thank you for sharing! i am so happy you’re into cal newport as well, his digital minimalism helped me a lot in 2019, mainly to become more aware. This year, his “so good they can’t ignore you” helped me deal with how i felt in and towards my work and career really. he always makes me think about things from another perspective. if you get to read this: i love your content, you inspire me in so many ways and finally, 13 minutes to the moon (amazing bbc podcast) really gave me faith in humanity and got me through a tough time on our lockdown. lots of love!
What a dymnanic and highly emotive vlog.i well done for sharing it with your many viewers .I f anything has come from this pandemic we don't need all this stuf as we have spent so much time at home. For me I realized I can now live with so little and value what already, something I've been working on for the past three years.. I won't be spending money on clothes this year and that's for sure. I am trying to create a large buffer for myself so when this is all over it will enable me to have some real fun and not worry about money.. I don't know what that fun will be, but when the universe offers it to me it I will be there to take up it's offer with no regrets.
I'm excited because I get to buy a new handsoap! Been using so much hand soap last year that my bar of soap is finally wearing down. Playing with the idea of buying a craft soap from a local maker.
yesss 👏🏼 i’m also doing a low buy year! my rules are: one item of clothing each month (forcing me to be super intentional about the piece i want and will bring the most value), dining out once a week (to get a break from cooking and enjoy getting out of the house for a meal), drinks once a week, travel/experiences are okay (covid permitting and it has to be budgeted for), and anything else i want to buy (non-essentials) i have to put on a wish list and wait 30 days before i can buy it. the 30 day rule has been HUGE! i started my low buy year dec 27, 2020 and it’s amazing to see that there are things on my wish list that i don’t even want anymore. putting some time between “wanting” and “getting” definitely does wonders. good luck on your low buy!!
Hey, just found your channel. Sounds like you have a clear goal set out, enjoy the things that bring you joy. There is nothing better in life than the smell and taste of homemade bread. :)x
Worst bumper sticker I have ever seen: “He who dies with the most toys wins.” That’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? Now don’t laugh... one of my main passions in life is freestyle yoyoing. It’s affordable, portable, low waste, tech free, no batteries, no electricity, no stuff (good music helps 🎶)... it’s just me, my brain, my hands & my creativity which all results in high quality leisure time 😃. I’m have way too many ‘throws’ already, and new yoyos in my collection do not improve my skill set. So... no purchasing of new ‘throws’ this year, just custom strings (necessity)... and that’s it!! 🪀. PS - Great chit chat with us today Immy, and I just want to say this... you are intellectually inspiring... no matter what your formal schooling experiences were. TRUTH! 💜
Similar here, Im into speed cubing (solving Rubik's cubes and similar puzzles) and theres always new cubes. I dont really have the money to buy loads of cubes anyway but im trying to make the effort to improve with the ones i have than want to buy new ones. I plan on upgrading a puzzle that ive had since i started cubing but after that im going to try to stick with what i have
@@alexandra1415 Hey Alexandra... thanks for sharing your thoughts... I totally hear you. We just have to focus on honing our craft and improving our skills. New stuff is completely irrelevant to practicing our skills and enjoying our hobbies with the stuff that we already have. Greetings to you from 🇨🇦, and have a great day.
In quilting, it's "she who dies with the most fabric wins". I am working on not buying fabric unless needed to finish a specific project. Same with thread. I am using up my odd colors on scrap projects. I bought a simple cheap machine after messing up my better one. Just having it looked at was more expensive than the new one. Now I get to hone skills that the newer "better" machines automate so they don't have personality.
I do have several books I bought because "oh this would be interesting to know about and I should know these things" I've had them for years and have moved with them multiple times. ... I should get rid of them, thanks!
I’m posting my new year resolutions on Monday and I’m also doing a low buy year! Also one of my reasons is because I wanna buy a home with my bf so it’s kinda early money discipline and we both have been saving for moving out
Bought Crime & Punishment about 8 years ago and still haven't gotten through more than 3 pages and probably never will. And + 1 on the grey jumper ban!
I loved your comments about the camera equipment. I am a quilter. I messed up my machine, a West Germany Pfaff, at the start of the pandemic. My local shops charge $120 just to look at it. I bought a cheap Brother for less than $80 at a big box store. I still want to repair the Pfaff eventually. It is so easy to go machine crazy and spend too much money. 10 years ago, I was looking at one that cost more than a new car! This year, I am severely limiting fabric purchases to only what I need to finish something I already have most of the fabric for. I may need backings and binding but will reuse sheets from second hand stores if I can. So what if half my projects are using up my Halloween fabric in March or December. LOL
I barely buy anything except for food, especially since I am in home office since March 2020. I've been decluttering my house regularly and I keep realizing that I have waaay too many clothes for working in home office, just the right amount of hiking and sports gear, and books that have been waiting for me to read them since 2015. If I end up buying something I'll do the best to keep to the one in/one out rule. Also I have a lot of stuff in the cupboard which just gathered up during the last months, so I'll be shopping my own shelf and fridge more often.
I totally relate to your point about books, I feel like academia broke my sense of what I like in books. I usually read "the classics" because you ought to read them as an english teacher to be, or I buy books that make me look/seem/feel smart - resulting in a pile of unread books. Sometimes I think I force myself to get "educational books" only, because I feel guilty if I read "just for fun", which is ridiculous. Currently on my pile would be e.g. Shakespeare's The Tempest, I tried so hard but it does not catch me at all.
Thank you for the video, Immy! I really enjoyed this chat type of a video. :) I've started this year with a similar aim: to buy less, to reduce the amount of the stuff I put in both the general, as well as the sorted trash bin. I also want to accomplish quite a few larger plans for this and a few next years, so gotta save up. And therefore - really work on my habits to ensure I can actually save up :)) good luck with your goals, Immy! Thank you for inspiring your community!
2021 is my second low-buy year-I budget a set amount for gardening, crafting, bulk food, books and winter holidays. I stay within my low budget, use my library and only buy the books I’ve read that I know I want to own for reference. I make almost all my holiday gifts, so a small crafting budget serves me well. I borrow (though with COVID that has decreased), forage and make more than I buy. It’s a good way to live for me. My challenge this year is making all my clothes. I am taking my 20 year old favorite linen pants that are more patch now than pants, and making them into a pattern and using up my linen material I purchased two years ago. There is an old bedsheet I am turning into a dress, I am crocheting a summer top and I finished crocheting a vest and carving a shawl pin to secure it closed. Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating your own wardrobe. I’m my, if you made a grey jumper it would be your favorite one, I guarantee! And you could donate all your others-cause who needs more than that? ;)
Ha! I identify with the wearing the same clothes over and over. My boyfriend’s family asked for photos of us and I laughed when I realized I was wearing the same red plaid button-down shirt in all of them. They all probably think I only have one top. 😂
Hey, I really enjoyed watching this- I'm in the UK just outside London and the latest lockdown really challenging, so I'll definitely be giving the podcast a listen! thanks for sharing ❤ 2021 is the year that I stop buying anymore toiletries that come in plastic bottles and switching to cruelty free, plastic free alternatives across the board, I'm also going to work on phasing out any shop brought cleaning products and using natural homemade, eco friendly alternatives instead.
WATCH NEXT: How to begin your minimalism journey: bit.ly/3qMFDah
Also I just want to add that if you're buying stuff due to pandemic circumstances DON'T FEEL BAD I'm not here to judge you or your choices at all. I have a specific goal that i'm saving for and we're all in very different circumstances. Always do what's best for you xx Hope you're all coping and dealing with this new lockdown. It's so so hard. One thing I've found helpful is listening to 'Hidden Brain' the podcast as it goes into the psychology behind how to cope with waiting for our lives to begin again, loss, grief, anxiety and much more. One thing that was very insightful, was the mention of 'flow.' According to the podcast those of us who experience more 'flow' during the day have a much improved state of wellbeing so I highly suggest listening to the podcast and researching flow to find ways to implement it into your life xx
I love videos like this 💕
thank tyou for this addendum. I had to unsubscribe recently from another sustainability channel because of how subtly patronising she was (is that even a thing?) I'm sure she meant well but in no way she ever indicated in any of her videos since the pandemic started that we are all doing the best we can and sometimes we need to cut ourselves some slack. It may have been my lack of mental "solidity" but I found her quite judgy overall (things like: why aren't you guys doing this? it's free/very low effort/no brainer do make me feel extra guilty for not being able to do the same, even if it's for reasons i can't control).
sorry,
ant
TL;DR: you're amazing and understanding. thanks.
Thank you for being so open minded and kind. I’m sorry you guys are on another lockdown. I fear we’re heading there too soon here in California
I feel like you’re becoming much more confident in front of the camera, really enjoying the more chatty videos :))
ohhh thank you! All I have is time to practice right now haha. I didn't mean for it to be SO chatty, so thank you for letting me know these videos are still of value haha xx
@@SustainablyVegan also you seem a bit more sassy and I love it :-D
@@mayyylu haha thanks
Same! Love it :-)
@@mayyylu That's exactly the word that came to my mind - sassy. I love it. Don't get me wrong, I like the contemplative relaxed videos as well. But it was great to see this other side. :-)
As a librarian, I would recommend if you want to purchase a book see if the library has it 1st before buying it. You can also recommend the book to your local public library. We love recommendations! If one person wants it most likely other people do too :)
Yes absolutely! As soon as lockdown is over and libraries reopen they will be my first port of call x
@@SustainablyVegan or check if your library has an e-resource of it as well.
I quit my high stress job 2 months ago, so I am not spending since I can't afford it. But I have realized how little I can live off of and I don't know where all the money went when I was working, it sadly didn't go into my savings account.
This is exactly what happened to me when I quit my previous job!
@@SustainablyVegan it is so sad that the more we have, the more we spend. I think this was an eye opener for me and I will strive to do better in the future.
I feel you. I am contemplating doing the same but I am too much of coward it seems. So well done for being more brave and I hope you find or have found something less stressful that you like doing.
@@hederahelix4600 I haven't yet, but thank you. I am just allowing myself the time to find the right job for me.
Super important note: if you have to buy a lot (moving out, lost everything, whatever happened) and you can afford it, reusable things are super great. My girlfriend and I are moving into a proper home together and we've taken a lot of time seeing what we can thrift, make ourselves, or not buy in general. Also, for those who are crafty: USE THE FUN STUFF NOW. You're never going to find the perfect garment to use those buttons, you'll never find the perfect quilt for that quarter yard of fabric. Use it now and enjoy it. I have a ton of fat quarters from one of my grandmothers and turned them into wax wraps.
Hi Sebastian... great comment, and I love the part about “USE THE FUN STUFF NOW”. I’m a high school sewing teacher and obviously I sew a lot at home too. You are spot on when you suggest to use those awesome buttons, trims, and special fabric for things that you will enjoy now. No sense saving it!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and have a great weekend. Greetings from 🇨🇦.
Yes! I used to save up and arrange and admire my supplies in boxes when I was younger. Then I kind of lost interest and time for crafts for many years. Now I have so much supplies to use up. I tell myself I can't buy anything new before they run out, and it's probably going to take years - as long as it took to acquire it. Even though I have decluttered expired paints or crafts I knew I was never going to finish because I had grown out of them.
Books I have bought but didn't read: A Jane Austen collection. I tried to read each one... but it turns out you can love literature and not love Jane Austen books!
I'm really trying to embrace libraries and their ebooks!
jane Eyre was just one book by Charlotte Bronte - do you mean a Jane Austen collection?
@@Autumn1988 LOL good catch. Yes I do mean Jane Austen :) I guess that's how you can tell how uninterested I was!
You are a true natural beauty! And such a healthy woman. I too have been wearing the same clothes for days on end. I love your tips and have learned a lot from you! Thanks!! I love how the pandemic is helping me finally shop less..
Cheap stuff, food etc. I don't miss and don't need all that stuff!
Two years ago I decided to do not buy clothes for one year. Honestly it wasn't hard at all. The only thing I will never give up are books
Books are life!
@@SustainablyVegan That’s how I used to feel, too. I was obsessed with bringing ‘new’ books into the house. Mostly used books, or just picking them up for free from this phone box that was turned into a book exchange. Then about a year ago I realised that there’s really no point keeping books that I’ve already read and didn’t like very much/won’t read again. So I started selling/giving them away. But I was still left with more than 200 books. And I also got a library card around that time. So eventually I realised that I most likely won’t even read half of those books in the next 5 year (which is how long I am willing to live in the UK for and I am not moving books across the world). Also there are new books coming out all the time so it is impossible to keep up with it all. So to save my bookshelf from collapsing I ended up selling/giving away another 100 books. And if I do change my mind and decide that I want to read them this year... I can always go to the library.
Great video, thanks Immy
This reminds me that I need to replace my walking shoes before Spring! I walk a LOT when it is warm and my shoes usually last about 2 walking seasons before they are done for...and my last shoes have been retired! It's true about getting rehab. I have knee issues and needed to do strengthening exercises. They helped a TON!
as a previous english lit student I respect you so much and look up to what you do all the time. Ever since I joined booktube (the bookish community on youtube) there was a lot of pressure to read things fast to produce content, or read the hype things etc, but I've let go of that for a while and I'm a lot happier. now I read and review what I love and feel like, and use the library so there's a lot of value in accepting what you genuinely like to read even for librarians and english lit majors. Sending love
Ah I love to hear from other English Lit students! I am always interested in their experiences vs mine!! I def hear you. I have been trying to read as many books on the climate and sustainability as possible and just got overwhelmed. It's been a while since I sat down and read a decent climate related book. Thank you for sharing xx sending love back your way
I'm not buying any black outerwear. I was a hospice worker and I had so many dark, mostly black, clothing items. Now that I'm retired and can wear more vibrate colors, I find black depresses me!
Totally understand! My mum has done a similar thing since she retired
Probably because they remind you you of what you used to do!
I am moving in to a brand new house this year with my partner. She wants a new tv, expensive light fixture, new table, etc. I’m trying to convince her that a new house doesn’t mean the things we have aren’t good enough anymore. She knows this, but still has that excitement in her gut. So for us as a family, it’s about finding the balance between her wants and mine. She knows that I need time to settle into my new space and I’m already stressed about a big purchase, and I don’t want to buy anything else for a while. We’ll work on meeting in the middle!
That sounds like a nice way to compromise and well a very healthy relationship haha. I hope it all works out for you!
@@SustainablyVegan thank you!
"You can never find the perfect item" yes indeed this is very true. I'm obsessed to look for the "perfect" bag :( I end up buying more than what I actually needed
Oh I hear you
Now don’t laugh Jas, but... many years ago I used to have the exact same problem... with hairbrushes. I have long hair, and I was always seeking out that perfect brush. Isn’t that ridiculous? I’m happy to say that I got over the “perfect hairbrush” syndrome a long time ago, and I am able to laugh at it now. Great comment that you’ve made, thanks for sharing it.
@@marycharlebois6627 oh I don't think that's ridiculous. Us, people love to have duplicates of things even though we hardly use these items. My goal for this year is to be contented with what I already have. :)
@@soundandtaste Me too!! 😃
I live in the US on the coast of North Carolina. We were hit by Hurricane Florence in 2018 and our house was destroyed. We had to rent a duplex for 6 months while our house was being rebuilt, which I am extremely grateful for having the insurance to do so. But, we had a huge debris pile of our belongings on the side of the road for months, along with all our neighbors. Imagine walking by everyday to see your living room chairs and dining table ruined from water damage piled up like garbage getting rained on and crushed under more debris from neighbors. The items that were saved ended up being piled from the floor to the ceiling of our garage, contractors put whatever they came across in there too. And, the most traumatizing time of it all was moving back in and having to deal with trying to sort out the garage, which looked like a scene from a hoarding tv reality show. Anyway! all that to say, things began to have a horrible effect on me, I ended up with a sort of PTSD, and could not stand to have too much clutter around me. It taught me that I would have to deal with every single item I brought into the house, one way or another, eventually, and that "things" can be very heavy and drag your energy and life down. It turned me into an instant minimalist, because another storm could hit, and I never want to spend days, weeks, months digging out from under a heap of belongings in the garage ever again. Less is more, and can be ever so much more beautiful. Peace friends!
This is quite a tragic life lesson. Thank you for sharing with us! I’ve always wondered what that must be like.
Wow Sasha, thanks for sharing your story. It sounds so difficult and I get your new perspective on “stuff” just because of the amount of psychological baggage your old possessions became. I am sorry that you had to endure such a harsh situation. I really want to thank-you for sharing your experience... it has really made me think, and also appreciate what I have.
I really loved your ranty, sassy energy in this one! It shows a different side of you, compared to the calm, chill voice-over food prep Immy. :-D
I love this comment! I agree Emmy! 👏
I’m not gonna buy a single new/secondhand item of clothing this year!! And I’m already feeling the temptations!! but I WILL NOT give in !!!! 🤣
I have started my no-buy challenge on January 1st. I'll start with 6 months and see where it goes from there :)
2021 new years resolution “be less shitty” I LOVE IT!! Lol super awesome and cute video. I am going to try a my custom no buy/ no spend year again, i did my first one last year and covid made it a lot easier to achieve since I couldn’t go anywhere and spend money. I plan on tweaking a few of my rules to make sure i spend less this year.
I love it. "If you can't be arsed, skip ahead!" 😁😁
People be busy, I got to understand that haha
Immy, your content is great because you're honest and authentic -- love seeing you giving less and less f*cks about Other People's Opinion, and just staying true to who you are; very inspirational! :) x
aaah I appreciate you xx
I love how honest this video was. I really enjoyed that you explained each category with a personal story. ☺️
First, your hair looks SO good in this video! I love your natural curls, but this is definitely an adorable look too! Second, I love your chatty side. You are so quirky and relatable! I really like seeing this side of you :) love your content!
Thank you so much for this! Also, I love the word "shitty" so much ❤️ I'm not even joking. I wish more people would stop and think about if they're being a shitty person or not. I am commiting to a low buy year also! Cheers!
Ooh I`m so in the not buying food I can make this year! It`s been a little heavy on my schedule considering my current mental health, but at the same time I feel so good eating things I make and knowing it`s all natural hand and home made..
I know exactly how you feel xx
Thank you, dear Immy, for inspiring me an another time. I've never considered to stop buying plant milk for my coffee, because it lasts too long to make it by myself. Now it's time to say: "If I don't have time to make that milk at home, I should drink tea".
My no buy goal for this year is no thrifted items just because they're cute and thrifted, anything new, waaay less fake meats (they're expensive and less healthy than whole foods), no fancy zero waste equipment I don't absolutely need. Fingers crossed!
I don't interact much but I have to say, I just love your videos. They help me reestablish my desire for a low waste lifestyle when I start to drift. Also I do believe I originally picked up Hidden Brain from you and it is absolutely one of my favorite pods of the many I listen to. I get so excited to hear the new episodes. Also love to hear your book recommendations, about half the books I consumed last year I picked up from you. Keep doing what you're doing!
I can not agree with you more about the grey jumpers! I even had someone ask me 'do you wear anything other than grey' 😂🙈 I just love the colour! Xx
haha I just love them!
This is great! I’m also doing a no buy year. I’m calling mine a “buy nothing new year” because I’m specifically focusing on buying only second hand items this year. Should be a challenge as we are buying a home this year and will need to decorate it but I’m excited about it. Sharing my journey on my channel. Good luck on your low buy year! It’s great to follow others for accountability on this journey.
what a really good goal for a low buy year ❤ wish you much success :)
"live the dream"! 😌💚
love your thoughts and it really made me be more conscious as well about the things I own.
would love to see a video on your favourite books on psychology!!! :)
I'm so enjoying your content atm Immy! I'm also attempting a low buy year as me and my partner are just about to start building a tiny home, which is gonna take some saving 😅
Watching this video was like having a friend over with a hot beverage and a friendly chat! (as we so much long for these visits these days). Thanks Immy, have a good day♥️
Yaay thata was exactly my hope! you too xx
My goal is to get rid of a lot of uni books. Either selling them or gifting them. They take up so much space and they remind me of awful subjects like physiology and biochemistry
What did you major in?
@@cherylT321 I'm still studying medicine, I'm Europe we only have MD but I'll be done in 2.5 years
@@damnbro_idc That’s wonderful. Congratulations in advance!
I definitely needed this as inspiration as I am trying to become more intentional about purchases this upcoming year. I also love how you shared about the motivation behind not wanting to spend or buy this year, and I think it's wonderful you and your boyfriend will be able to move in together after lots of long-distance. Thank you Immy!
ah thank you! I think it can be a make or break if you have a good motivator or not. So hopefully this will be excellent for me haha. thank YOU for watching and commenting xx
Thank you for your videos. They remind me to take care of myself and my life, but in a gentle way.
I'm so glad!
I love what you said about the latest camera equipment not making good videos but the creator, rings true also for illustration and thinking I need new pencils, pens, watercolours, to make good art, when I just need to put in the time and effort to improve!
Absolutely!
Thanks for the great content. would be happy to know your progress later of the year. last year I was going through a breakup, being put on unpaid and going through the whole covid thing (still), I mentally got broken down and spent lots of money even I knew I should not. 2020 definitely disturb my few years in into minimalism. This year I am starting all over again, not going to buy anything......I accumulated so much skincare, makeup and clothes, disaster last year! we can do this together!
I feel like it's so easy to spend according to what you earn. I'm a student and my income is a student loan, and I just realised that I spent more money this fall than I did 2019 when I only had a small waitress job. Now that I "have" money I feel that I "NEED" this or "HAVE TO" have that.. My new year resolution is to finally get clear about what I spend my money on and how to have a better relationship to money in general..
Also, I have bought the book "Sapien" and it's sitting on my bookshelf. Now I try to go to the library so I don't loose money everytime I change my mind on a book
lol same. I've had that book on my e reader for literally years. Libraries are such a great way to go
I've moved countless times (> 40) and I love 😍 books, but it didn't take me long to realize that everywhere I moved had a library...and it was painful to box up a bunch of books AGAIN when I could just find them at the local library. If I truly love a book that I want to highlight/underline all over, I'll buy it. I maybe have 8 books in my permanent traveling library 😄
I've heard about so many people who can't finish it.
Thank you all! It is on my list, but I think I’ll not buy it now and check the library if I even wanna try
Love the energy and chatty vibe of this video Immy. 💕
This vulnerability made this video even better. Love the way you speak so openly & honestly about your purchases. It made me smile ☺️ Keep it up 💚
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Hey! Video idea/suggestion: living at home with your parents as an adult (tips of how to survive!) thanks and keep doing you xx
your a lovely human being and absolutely wonderful💕💕
You are such an inspiration! It always makes me calmer when I listen to you, your voice is like a plaster for my soul if it makes sense. Thank you for sharing your ideas, I am looking forward to seeing your next videos!
I don't think i'm going to forget this comment!! A plaster for my soul - possibly the cutest thing someone has said to me. I'm glad I could bring some calm to your day :)
Love your content! So for me the book was Buddha's Brain. I just couldn't get through it. Then I did a 500 hour yoga teacher training and it was a requirement!! I had been so proud to have donated it, unread, to move on. Haha. Oh well, a friend brought it in for me one day and that was nice to not have to buy it twice!!
Loved this video, Immy! Thanks so much for recording and sharing this. My financial circumstances took a real beating with the pandemic (this is still the case) but I definitely have been pulled into the appeal of January sales and did my best to resist but it was HARD. I have way too many clothes and shoes already and things I love... We moved house in the middle of the pandemic as well (would not recommend) and I was literally overwhelmed by how much *shit* (take that, haters!) my partner and I have. We cleared out so much of it (sustainably) before we moved but there's still way too much stuff for our now very tiny home. I know it's a work in progress but this video made me feel better about it and inspired me to do a low buy year as well!
Wow you are brave!! I know quite a few people who moved house (inc my brother) during covid and I feeeeel for them!! So I totally understand how overwhelming that must have been for you. Think of it this way, a work in progress is better than no progress at all. I have every faith that you'll find what you need and what you don't and make this new space exactly what you need it to be!
Yay, Hidden Brain shoutout! Shankar would be proud ☺️ I particularly liked the guest’s advice in that episode about imagining setbacks as challenges that the ‘stoic gods’ have set out for you. It’s been really helpful for me to expand that concept into other areas, for example, thinking of a shiny new thing I definitely don’t need as a test of my willpower laid out by the gods of temptation or consumerism or what have you. It’s silly, but it helps.
This video was exactly the kick in the pants I needed to actually write out all my no or low buy goals for this year. I think your content is inspiring and engaging regardless of the camera. Perhaps I’ll finally be motivated to read the copy of Anna Karenina I bought 4 years ago 😅
haha yes I found the stoic god's challenge funny but definitely an interesting and useful way of seeing a way round thinking negatively about setbacks, for sure. It's things like these that have really helped me get through the lockdowns xx
Recently discovered your channel and only watched the winter food prep video so far. But I had to immediately subscribe because it somehow seemed like you approached food/cooking like I did, which (I don't know) seems kind of rare? And its so relaxing to listen to you talk. This video is just the same. 😊 I'm becoming a big fan!
ah this comment has made my day! Thank you so much, i'm so happy to hear it!! xx
Re books; the app Borrow Box is brilliant and most UK residents with a library card can read tons of free eBooks and get free audio books. Very good selection and it’s a great way to read many new books without spending money. Plus most people can get a library card online now due to COVID.
ahh thank you so so much for this!!
@@SustainablyVegan You’re welcome 😊 there’s also RBdigital, which also uses UK library cards to get access to free books, but I find the selection is not so good, however, they also have comics available to download, which some people might find useful.
I found Libby better for me than Borrow Box, as I find that Libby has books & audio books, while I only found audio books on Borrow Box. They're both great though!
@@lyannecb8499 Thanks, will check it out 😊 I had the same problem with Borrow Box, only showed audio books, but there is a tab at the top in the search function where you can switch between audio book and ebook for results. I do find the search option a bit hit and miss sometimes though.
@@nerena2852, hmm, maybe I need to try logging into it on the computer instead of my phone, or maybe the libraries I use don't have any non-audio books, as I had a look (using the app on my phone as my son is using the computer :-)) & it's still only showing audio books. Very odd! Will check on the library website as well.
Thank you for the video! 😊
Not sure if I mentioned this under another video before or if I just have the same thought right now, but Friday For Future has patches. Also, on etsy, there are some sustainable ones, or ones you can costumize. You could even come up with your own logo and ask a local company to print/stitch some. Alternatively, you can learn some basic embroidery and just embroider over it with basically your own-made patch.
Also, thanks a lot for this video. I discovered similar patterns, especially with shopping second hand clothes, and decided I would so a no-buy year.
I love books and I have rediscovered my library and ebooks. So easy.
Hi Immy, haven't seen your videos in ages (have been away from RUclips and so, extremely selective on what I rarely have a few min to see). The tittle caught my eye, and really enjoyed the content. I guess, as someone who doesn't buy much either (apart from food), most of the mainstream "no buy videos" wouldn't work for me... but you've given me something to think about today... and I rather enjoy your "talking videos". So thanks, cheers!
Ah thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it xx
Great video, I have bought books I have never read and I have had the great search for the perfect whatever a few times. Shoes and backpacks being a few.
Hi! I loved your video. I love them all, to be honest, but in this one I felt we could glimpse a little bit more of your personality, which is lovely and so much fun! I am a minimalist (with some areas in which I really need to improve... ehem... stationery...) and for me it works like a charm keeping a note in my phone where I jot down every purchase that is not a replacement or food and the date. You really think twice about purchasing something when you know you have to face the “shame” of adding it to your list 🤣
My roommate is moving out and taking a few shared items. My goal is to not buy furniture unless I have an absolute NEED for it. When the discussion first came up, I started making a list of all the items I would have to buy once I'm on my own. After I made a ridiculously long list (and watched this video!), I found myself evaluating my mindset around this. For example, I frequently watch streaming services and RUclips on my laptop and I rarely have people over... so a tv? and a tv stand??? Not a need for me. Now I've changed that list of "needs" to just three items.
Love this! So thoughtful xx
When I was 16, I actually wished for Homer/Iliad and The Decameron for my birthday and I never read them. I also pushed myself through Crime and Punishment without really enjoying it... and through countless German dramas
I hear you but definitely read the Iliad and the Decameron if you have a chance! They're both so good.
@@Michelle-jc6gr I'll take you at your word. I do still have them at my parents house, in my childhood bedroom. I'll definitely give it a try.
I agree with starting a book and give it 50 pages or more before you decide. I loved Crime and Punishment. Another Russian author, Maxim Gorky, The Lower Depths.
Welcome to the world of minimalism!
I am inspired. I am going to take a look at this for myself!
You are positively glowing! Your inner beauty is radiating out. What a goddess - Just had to say that
I really need to spend less on takeaway and be more careful with mybfood purchases. I live on my own and I am so guilty of buying too much. I don't have a freezer though so it's difficult to prep anything that won't last in the fridge for a few day's. But your pickles look delicious so I'll definitely be trying that!
Perfect timing with this I've been grappling with the urge to impulse buy lately
obsessed with your lilac trousers omg
Love this! I'm doing a 'Buy Nothing' year but my exceptions include things for my children. I think it's a good way to challenge yourself, I'm excited to follow your progress over the year.
Love that! and yes having the accountability will be a great motivator and i'm excited!!
First of all (7:58) don't come for me. It's easy to come up with things you're not buying when you don't buy many things, duhhh. Also, stop cursing, geez.
this is sarcasm. this is how Immy & I communicate. Welcome 😉
😂 She really did come for you with your 50+ video
hahahaha ily miss you
always love your honesty
Also if you don't want to buy more books it's really great to borrow them! Your library needs you and it's a great way to try something you're not sure about and then return, or buy it if it's something you want to return too/annotate.
Full disclosure I am a librarian so that is part of the reason I push them so much. Where I live in Hertfordshire we are still open for click and collect services so check online cause even though it's a lockdown libraries have been classified as an essential service so there is a chance they are still open!
And you can sign up to a library even if you don't live there! We have people signing their grandchildren up when they come to visit all the time! It's not a problem
Ohhhh thank you so much for this info!! I assumed they were all closed. Will be looking up my local one now (I'm not currently in my normal residence)
Expensive birthday parties...both my daughter have had birthdays in lockdown (3 and 1). The lack of being able to have a massive party has made me appreciate slower and family orientated birthdays...instead of feeling pressured to put on a big spectacle just to please other. This is something am taking forward to this year. And my kids loved it so much more spending just quality time with mummy and daddy.
Must be more common than I thought to be doing a low buy year. I'm doing jan and feb but maybe I'll do a half year or a whole year
I bought a 2 inch thick book of the entire collection of Hegel... so girl I feel this
hahaha love it
I’ve definitely done the book thing! I’ve realized this year that I have a few kinds of books I enjoy and I should stick to those so I know I’ll actually read them! Also last week my boyfriend and I repeated the same outfit multiple times and it made me think you’d be proud. Lol.
Thanks for the low-spend inspo! I’m going to try to stop impulse-buying books I get googly eyes at until I’ve read most of my to-read books I already have.
I love this video! It's really got me thinking about making more at home rather than just buying like bread and hummus, I'll definitely have to try it out. Thank you so much for the mention.too, that's really kind of you ☺️
Ah it's lovely to see you here! Well I was inspired by your video so I wanted others to see it too and of course give you credit haha. Honestly knowing that other people are doing a low buy year has helped me enormously - having some community support makes a big difference xx
I am with you on this this year! I have soooo many books unread on our shelves but new ones with pretty covers and potentially amazing experiences in often lure me in to buying them. Library option is good and there are ebooks available but limited. I like libraries for the eco reason also. Most of my unread books are self help books for a debilitating disorder I have. Hard to get rid off cos maybe oonnneee day one of the 20 books might have the secret to recovery! The mind works in mysterious ways! :-)
Yeah I kind of feel like they are a ploy to profit off of people's weaknesses/vulnerabilities... I would just visit a nurse if possible when I need advice. Because realistically I can't read 20 books if I'm in a bad place. Maybe it's different for you.
Great video Immy, it really hit home. I still have to fight sometimes the desire to keep books as a show off, to impress other people. Why? Do I really need other to validate me? I realized: 1- if I don't like the book/will not read it again/have never read it, people complimenting me would only validate how fake I am. And 2- people have never once noticed and complimented me on my books, ha! I was doing things for others basically. Now I read for me, I watch shows for me, I really try to be honest with what I want and what are my real needs, and it is liberating. My god, can you imagine I was carrying Kafka in high school (didn't like)? That I watched a LOT of Cannes prized films (so many great memories of being bored to death or completely grossed out, hello "Hunger" 10/10 would not recommend). I think it all boils down to being honest with myself, to know myself, and to stop caring. I live for me first. And I can give my true self to the world/community. Thanks Immy, I love your content, I'm always happy to see you! (and I wish you and your boyfriend to live together this year).
I really liked your attitude today. Great video! I want to the get rid of the bad vibes this year, that I get from people in my life who live a totally opposite and consumerist lifestyle and just don't get what is important to me. Not sure yet how I am going to do that... but it just makes me depressive
Mute them on social media! I know how you feel. I have not tried to turn those people's heads. It's not my mission. I let them know my opinion about stuff if it comes up. Other than that it's just draining.
Immy thanks again for another awesome video, this reminded me i needed to write down a list like this on my yearly goals 🥸 thank you for sharing! i am so happy you’re into cal newport as well, his digital minimalism helped me a lot in 2019, mainly to become more aware. This year, his “so good they can’t ignore you” helped me deal with how i felt in and towards my work and career really. he always makes me think about things from another perspective.
if you get to read this: i love your content, you inspire me in so many ways and finally, 13 minutes to the moon (amazing bbc podcast) really gave me faith in humanity and got me through a tough time on our lockdown.
lots of love!
What a dymnanic and highly emotive vlog.i well done for sharing it with your many viewers .I f anything has come from this pandemic we don't need all this stuf as we have spent so much time at home. For me I realized I can now live with so little and value what already, something I've been working on for the past three years.. I won't be spending money on clothes this year and that's for sure. I am trying to create a large buffer for myself so when this is all over it will enable me to have some real fun and not worry about money.. I don't know what that fun will be, but when the universe offers it to me it I will be there to take up it's offer with no regrets.
“Be a less shitty person”. Right on! Love your intentions
I'm excited because I get to buy a new handsoap! Been using so much hand soap last year that my bar of soap is finally wearing down. Playing with the idea of buying a craft soap from a local maker.
yesss 👏🏼 i’m also doing a low buy year! my rules are: one item of clothing each month (forcing me to be super intentional about the piece i want and will bring the most value), dining out once a week (to get a break from cooking and enjoy getting out of the house for a meal), drinks once a week, travel/experiences are okay (covid permitting and it has to be budgeted for), and anything else i want to buy (non-essentials) i have to put on a wish list and wait 30 days before i can buy it. the 30 day rule has been HUGE! i started my low buy year dec 27, 2020 and it’s amazing to see that there are things on my wish list that i don’t even want anymore. putting some time between “wanting” and “getting” definitely does wonders. good luck on your low buy!!
Hey, just found your channel. Sounds like you have a clear goal set out, enjoy the things that bring you joy. There is nothing better in life than the smell and taste of homemade bread. :)x
Worst bumper sticker I have ever seen: “He who dies with the most toys wins.” That’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? Now don’t laugh... one of my main passions in life is freestyle yoyoing. It’s affordable, portable, low waste, tech free, no batteries, no electricity, no stuff (good music helps 🎶)... it’s just me, my brain, my hands & my creativity which all results in high quality leisure time 😃. I’m have way too many ‘throws’ already, and new yoyos in my collection do not improve my skill set. So... no purchasing of new ‘throws’ this year, just custom strings (necessity)... and that’s it!! 🪀. PS - Great chit chat with us today Immy, and I just want to say this... you are intellectually inspiring... no matter what your formal schooling experiences were. TRUTH! 💜
Similar here, Im into speed cubing (solving Rubik's cubes and similar puzzles) and theres always new cubes. I dont really have the money to buy loads of cubes anyway but im trying to make the effort to improve with the ones i have than want to buy new ones. I plan on upgrading a puzzle that ive had since i started cubing but after that im going to try to stick with what i have
@@alexandra1415 Hey Alexandra... thanks for sharing your thoughts... I totally hear you. We just have to focus on honing our craft and improving our skills. New stuff is completely irrelevant to practicing our skills and enjoying our hobbies with the stuff that we already have. Greetings to you from 🇨🇦, and have a great day.
In quilting, it's "she who dies with the most fabric wins". I am working on not buying fabric unless needed to finish a specific project. Same with thread. I am using up my odd colors on scrap projects. I bought a simple cheap machine after messing up my better one. Just having it looked at was more expensive than the new one. Now I get to hone skills that the newer "better" machines automate so they don't have personality.
Spot on, Mary.
Are you the person that commented yoyoing on Gittemary’s zero waste hobbies?????? 😱
First time watching your videos! What a great vibe 🤗 just subscribed!
Gosh, your voice is so soothing. Even when you said "shit" it was soothing 😃😃😃😃😃
I do have several books I bought because "oh this would be interesting to know about and I should know these things"
I've had them for years and have moved with them multiple times.
... I should get rid of them, thanks!
I’m posting my new year resolutions on Monday and I’m also doing a low buy year! Also one of my reasons is because I wanna buy a home with my bf so it’s kinda early money discipline and we both have been saving for moving out
wow i've never been this early!! absolutely LOVE all the content you've been blessing us with lately 🦋🦋🦋
ah this makes me so happy to hear! I've really been trying to make my content better and hopefully more interesting / visually pleasing xx
Bought Crime & Punishment about 8 years ago and still haven't gotten through more than 3 pages and probably never will.
And + 1 on the grey jumper ban!
Ita not bad book. Just ok for 1 reading
My friend suffered through it for a book diploma. Stand up for yourself!
I loved your comments about the camera equipment. I am a quilter. I messed up my machine, a West Germany Pfaff, at the start of the pandemic. My local shops charge $120 just to look at it. I bought a cheap Brother for less than $80 at a big box store. I still want to repair the Pfaff eventually. It is so easy to go machine crazy and spend too much money. 10 years ago, I was looking at one that cost more than a new car! This year, I am severely limiting fabric purchases to only what I need to finish something I already have most of the fabric for. I may need backings and binding but will reuse sheets from second hand stores if I can. So what if half my projects are using up my Halloween fabric in March or December. LOL
I barely buy anything except for food, especially since I am in home office since March 2020. I've been decluttering my house regularly and I keep realizing that I have waaay too many clothes for working in home office, just the right amount of hiking and sports gear, and books that have been waiting for me to read them since 2015. If I end up buying something I'll do the best to keep to the one in/one out rule. Also I have a lot of stuff in the cupboard which just gathered up during the last months, so I'll be shopping my own shelf and fridge more often.
I totally relate to your point about books, I feel like academia broke my sense of what I like in books. I usually read "the classics" because you ought to read them as an english teacher to be, or I buy books that make me look/seem/feel smart - resulting in a pile of unread books.
Sometimes I think I force myself to get "educational books" only, because I feel guilty if I read "just for fun", which is ridiculous.
Currently on my pile would be e.g. Shakespeare's The Tempest, I tried so hard but it does not catch me at all.
Thank you for the video, Immy! I really enjoyed this chat type of a video. :) I've started this year with a similar aim: to buy less, to reduce the amount of the stuff I put in both the general, as well as the sorted trash bin. I also want to accomplish quite a few larger plans for this and a few next years, so gotta save up. And therefore - really work on my habits to ensure I can actually save up :)) good luck with your goals, Immy! Thank you for inspiring your community!
That's awesome, wishing you lots of luck with you aim! Ah thank you so much I really appreciate that xx
I absolutely loved this. So relaxed and relatable 🥰
Yaaay so glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for that video 😊i love how you really personalized the list!
ah thank you so much xx
2021 is my second low-buy year-I budget a set amount for gardening, crafting, bulk food, books and winter holidays. I stay within my low budget, use my library and only buy the books I’ve read that I know I want to own for reference. I make almost all my holiday gifts, so a small crafting budget serves me well. I borrow (though with COVID that has decreased), forage and make more than I buy. It’s a good way to live for me. My challenge this year is making all my clothes. I am taking my 20 year old favorite linen pants that are more patch now than pants, and making them into a pattern and using up my linen material I purchased two years ago. There is an old bedsheet I am turning into a dress, I am crocheting a summer top and I finished crocheting a vest and carving a shawl pin to secure it closed. Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating your own wardrobe. I’m my, if you made a grey jumper it would be your favorite one, I guarantee! And you could donate all your others-cause who needs more than that? ;)
My grandmother had a giant house. It was really a burden to her as she aged. Small house and few possessions are easier to take care of.
Ha! I identify with the wearing the same clothes over and over. My boyfriend’s family asked for photos of us and I laughed when I realized I was wearing the same red plaid button-down shirt in all of them. They all probably think I only have one top. 😂
Hey, I really enjoyed watching this- I'm in the UK just outside London and the latest lockdown really challenging, so I'll definitely be giving the podcast a listen! thanks for sharing ❤ 2021 is the year that I stop buying anymore toiletries that come in plastic bottles and switching to cruelty free, plastic free alternatives across the board, I'm also going to work on phasing out any shop brought cleaning products and using natural homemade, eco friendly alternatives instead.