I think we can all agree that some people really do overconsume. And the problem is getting bigger and bigger. One moment, Labubus are incredibly popular, and everyone is buying them. Then, two months later, everyone has moved on to something else.

And that’s a problem because it’s bad for the environment. Overconsumption has a terrible impact on our environment because, most of the time, everything ends up in the trash. We just throw everything away when the trend is over. I’m not perfect either. I’m on social media too, so I see all of the trends, and I also get the urge to buy all of those things. But these days, I’m trying to stop overconsuming, and in this blog post, I’ll share my tips on how I’m doing that.

What is Overconsumption

But before I give my tips, I want to explain when something becomes overconsumption. Because simply buying something you love isn’t always overconsumption. I think there are two aspects to it.

The first is buying something just because it’s trendy. Maybe you don’t even care about it, but you don’t want to feel left out. We humans are a bit like sheep; we tend to follow each other. That also means that when a lot of people are talking about buying Labubus, more and more people suddenly want to buy one too.

The second aspect of overconsumption is buying way too many of the same thing. I’ve seen people own 30 Stanley cups, dozens of Labubus, and these days I also see a lot of people buying bags full of NeeDohs. You don’t need that many of the same item. Because if you suddenly decide you don’t like them anymore, you’ll have to throw them away (or hopefully donate them). That’s a lot of waste.

The Difference Between Collections and Overconsumption

I also think there is a difference between owning a collection and overconsumption. Let’s say you’re a fan of Pokémon, and you started collecting Pokémon items from an early age. Over the years, you slowly add more and more pieces to your collection. That’s a collection; it grows gradually over time.

For example, I love physical media, and it’s become a collection of mine. I enjoy finding DVDs and CDs, but I’ve been collecting them for a few years now. With overconsumption, it’s different. Some people buy 30 NeeDohs in one shopping trip and call it a collection. But I think a collection has a certain value to you. It means something. Maybe you’ve been a Pokémon fan for a long time, and your collection reminds you of those good old days.

How to Stop Overconsumption

I have two tips that can actually help you stop overconsuming. Stopping overconsumption also means your home will be less cluttered, you’ll save more money, and you’ll learn to make better purchasing decisions.

Spend less time on social media

I like social media, but it’s also one of the main causes of overconsumption. One influencer shows something they love, and before you even realize it, everyone wants it too and starts buying it. Then, a month later, everyone has moved on to something else. It’s one of the reasons why I spend less time on social media. I used to see all those videos of people showing off what they had bought, and suddenly I felt the urge to buy those things too. Now I spend less time on those apps, and I don’t feel that urge anymore.

Put it on a wishlist

My best tip is this: when you see something you like and want to buy, put it on a wishlist instead. Create a wishlist on your phone or make a separate folder with screenshots of the things you want to buy. Then wait. Maybe wait a couple of weeks or even longer. Sometimes I even wait for months. If I still really want the item after that, then I’m allowed to buy it. But the funny thing is that, most of the time, I don’t even want it anymore after all those weeks or months.

And that’s how I stopped overconsuming. Do you have any other tips?

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

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Back in the day, when I was just a little girl, there were a few popular things: Furbys, Tamagotchis, and Pokémon. Back then, you would discover new trends through friends, television commercials, or maybe magazines. But with social media, everything changed.

While there used to be only one or two big trends at a time, these days trends come and go faster than ever. Before you even realize something is trending, it’s already over. And while I do like some trends, I’ve never really bought into them unless I truly wanted them.

So today, I want to inspire you by sharing reasons to stop buying into trends.

8 Reasons To Stop Buying Trends

1. Trends Come and Go
   As I mentioned, even before social media, we had things that were extremely popular and trendy. I had a Furby and a Tamagotchi, too. But trends used to last much longer. Last year, around April/May, Labubus were everywhere. It was hard not to see a TikTok video of people unboxing them. But now, a year later, we barely talk about them anymore. You can even find Stanley Cups at thrift stores. Trends move so much faster these days. Before you even get a Labubu, it’s already out of style, and people have moved on to the next trend. If you buy something trendy and you genuinely love it, that’s completely fine. But if you’re only buying it to make a TikTok or just because it’s trending, just stop.
   
2. You Don’t Develop a Personal Style
   I’m using Labubus as an example, but everyone was buying them. The lines in front of stores were crazy. People were literally standing in line for hours. But if you always follow trends, you never develop your own personal style or even your personality. You become a copy of everyone else. Everyone owns the same things and wears the same clothes because it’s trendy. It gets boring. Try to figure out what you like. What kind of clothing style do you enjoy? What do you actually want to wear? Ask yourself those questions. And yes, if a trend genuinely fits your style, it’s okay to buy it, but only if it aligns with who you are.
   
3. It Leads to Overconsumption
   Something I’ve noticed is that people don’t just buy one Labubu, Stanley Cup, or NeeDoh; they buy a whole collection in one shopping trip. And they might never even use it. Why do you need 10 Stanley Cups? How thirsty are you? Right now, I see people buying bags full of NeeDohs. I understand they can be helpful as sensory tools, just like fidget spinners. But why do you need so many? This is how overconsumption happens. Most of these items end up at thrift stores, or worse, in landfills.
   
4. You Don’t Need It to Be Relevant
   If everyone is making Labubu videos, that doesn’t mean you have to buy one and do the same. If you don’t like them, just don’t buy them. It doesn’t make you less worthy or less relevant. And if people think you are “less” because you don’t own a Labubu or a Stanley Cup, that’s their problem, not yours. You are already good enough. Things don’t define your worth.
   
5. It’s Expensive
   One Labubu costs around €20–30, which is already quite expensive for a keychain. Now, imagine buying multiple trendy items; it adds up quickly. You’re spending money on things you might not even truly like. Of course, it’s your money, and you can do whatever you want with it. But chances are, you’ll regret buying 20 Labubus, 10 Stanley Cups, and a bag full of NeeDohs that you won’t use again. That money could go toward things you actually love.
   
6. Lower Quality
   Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s good quality. This especially applies to fast fashion. I’ve ordered from Shein once, and I wouldn’t do it again. You can tell the quality is lower compared to stores like H&M or even Primark. Fast trends mean fast production, which often leads to cheaper materials and items that don’t last long. That’s why I like shopping at thrift stores; you can still find high-quality pieces. Although these days, you’ll also find a lot of Shein items there, too.
   
7. You End Up with a Closet Full of “Nothing to wear.”
   Clothes can make you feel a certain way. But when you buy fast fashion trends, you don’t really think about whether you like the item or how it makes you feel. You have to be more intentional with what you wear. Choose clothes that make you feel confident, bold, sexy, empowered, whatever you want to feel. If you only buy trendy items, they’ll go out of style quickly, and nothing will truly match your style.
   
8. It Disconnects You from Intentional Living
   When you’re constantly on your phone, seeing people tell you what to buy, you stop living intentionally. You have to reconnect with what you actually love. One thing I like to do is keep a wishlist. When I see something I like online, I don’t buy it right away; I add it to my list. If I still love it after at least a month, then I consider buying it. Most of the time, when I look back at my wishlist, I realize I don’t even want those things anymore.

Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash

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The other day, I was on TikTok and came across a video by Mel Robbins. She was interviewing Erin Walsh, a celebrity stylist. The video I saw was just a snippet of the full podcast, but it immediately caught my attention.

They were talking about dressing intentionally and how clothes can make you feel certain ways. Some items can make you feel confident, while others can make you feel sexy and bold. But clothing can also have the opposite effect.

That podcast inspired me to write a blog post about how to use clothing to instantly boost your mood and confidence.

How to Use Clothing to Instantly Boost Your Mood and Confidence

1. Dress with Intention
   Most people, including me, don’t really think about their outfits. I used to wake up, stand in front of my closet, and just put on the first thing I saw. I never really gave it much thought. And sure, sometimes that outfit would make me feel good, but most of the time it was just… average. Even though I already knew that certain outfits could make you feel more confident, I wasn’t using that knowledge intentionally.
   Then I listened to this podcast where Erin explained that you should pick three words to describe how you want to feel that day, and then choose an outfit that matches that vibe. Some days, your words might be comfortable, soft, and relaxed, like when you’re sick. Other days, they might be fun, colorful, and bold. Either way, you’re choosing your outfit with intention.
   
2. Create a Confidence Outfit
   Create a go-to outfit for days when you need a confidence boost. I think having a “confidence outfit” is such a good tip, because confidence is one of the best feelings you can have.
   When you feel confident, you can handle more challenges, more stress. It makes you feel almost unstoppable. So having a confident outfit ready to wear is perfect for those mornings when you don’t know what to wear. It’s like having a reliable, go-to look that you know will make you feel good, especially when you’re short on time.
   
3. Upgrade Your Closet
   First of all, get rid of the things that don’t fit you anymore. You’re probably holding onto them because you think you’ll lose weight or wear them again someday, but if that happens, you can always buy new clothes. For now, focus on owning clothes that actually fit you and that you actually wear. Then comes the fun part: adding new pieces to your closet. Look for items that truly elevate your outfits. Try not to buy things just because they’re trendy; you might regret it later. Instead, go to the store and focus on how something makes you feel.
   
4. Don’t Save Your Good Outfits
   This is something I definitely do; I have outfits that I only wear for “special occasions.” But why? If it’s your favorite clothing item and you love how it makes you feel, why save it? Wear it on a random Tuesday. Who cares? You don’t need a special occasion to feel good.
   
5. Pay Attention to How Clothes Make You Feel
   Take some time to try on every piece you own and ask yourself: How does this make me feel? If something makes you feel bad, get rid of it, donate or sell it. If there’s an item that makes you feel confident or amazing, but you rarely wear it, start wearing it more. Clothes have the power to make you feel like a completely different person. Keep the items that make you feel confident, bold, empowered, and good. Let go of the ones that don’t.
   
6. Use Small Details to Elevate Your Look
   I really love this tip because it can make such a big difference. I used to wear rings all the time because they made me feel good. For some reason, I stopped, and I don’t even know why. They made my outfits feel complete and made me feel prettier. The same goes for things like makeup or nail polish. These small details can have a huge impact on how you feel.
   
7. Dress for the Person You Are Becoming
   Don’t just think about how you want to feel today, think about who you want to become. If you want to feel more confident, choose outfits that reflect that. And if you do that consistently, you start becoming that version of yourself. The way you dress can influence your mindset more than you think.

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I love making lists, including putting things on my wishlist, and I’ve decided to share the items on my wishlist with you. Right now, spring is around the corner, so you will mostly find spring and summer items on my list. I am so ready for more sunshine and warmer weather.

I also have a few other items on my wishlist—physical media, actually. I love using CDs because they bring back a lot of good memories. I also found a game that I would love to have on my Nintendo Switch 2.

Things on my Wishlist

1. Flowy dresses: I’m already thinking about the warmer weather, and that means flowy dresses. I would love to find one or two long, flowy dresses.
2. Trousers: I found these on a webshop (Takko Fashion), and they had them in several colors. I really liked this one. Unfortunately, it’s only available online. I hope they will also become available in stores, or maybe I’ll find something similar at thrift stores.
3. Cute tops: I wear dark colors most of the time. Most of the time you will see me wearing black. But I’m ready to start wearing some color, and I really liked the color of this top.
4. Tiered maxi skirt: I have been looking for something similar for so long. I don’t want to buy clothes online, so I hope I will find one in a physical store in my size.
5. Shorts: These look pretty short, to be honest. I prefer them to be a bit longer. Maybe I could also find a pair of long jeans and cut the legs off.
6. Keeps Gettin’ Better: A Decade of Hits: I loved Christina Aguilera when I was a kid, and I would love to have her greatest hits on one album.

1. Pink items: Pink doesn’t always look great on me because warmer, darker colors suit me better. But I thought maybe bright pink jeans or something similar could look nice with a dark or black top.
2. Flowy tops: I love cute, flowy tops, so hopefully I can find something similar as well.
3. Blouses: I love wearing blouses. I usually wear them open with a shirt underneath. I found this one and they had so many beautiful colors. Right now, I really like the purple/lilac one.
4. T-shirts with a little bit of color: It’s easy to create a simple look with a T-shirt like this and still look great. They’re comfy as well.
5. The Essential Britney Spears: I also loved Britney Spears growing up, and I would love to have her greatest hits on one album.
6. Pokopia: Last but not least. This game was released pretty recently. I wanted to wait and see if I would like it. I’ve watched some videos, and I think this might be the perfect game for me.

What is on your wishlist?

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Every new year brings that feeling of wanting to reset, to slow down, breathe, and make life a little lighter. After years of chasing trends, multitasking, and filling our lives with more, I think 2026 should be the year of less. Less pressure. Less noise. Less “shoulds.” More calm. More clarity. More space for the things that actually make you feel good. Here’s how I want to simplify my life in 2026 — gentle steps that help create peace, balance, and freedom.

How To Simplify Your Life in 2026

1. Spend Less Time on Screens
I’ll be honest: it’s not always easy to spend more time offline. Apps are addictive, and before you know it, 30 minutes are gone. My screen time used to be around five hours a day, and I know many people have even higher numbers. Imagine what you could do with those hours if you cut back. You could actually start working on your dreams, career, or hobbies. What if you spent two hours reading instead of scrolling? You’d finish so many books in a year.

2. Say No to Things You Don’t Like
Sometimes we say yes to things we don’t even want to do. Sure, there are moments when you have no choice, but most of the time, you do. If someone asks you to go shopping but you’ve had a busy week and just want to crash on the couch with a book, tell them. You don’t have to please everyone by always saying yes. Protect your time and peace. If you don’t want to do something, or don’t have the energy, it’s okay to say no.

3. Get Rid of Things You Don’t Use or Need
Most of us own way too much stuff. Do you really need 20 lipsticks or that gadget you used once and then forgot about? Life feels lighter when you only keep what you truly use or love. Your home will feel calmer, and you’ll have less to clean, which is a total win-win.

4. Buy Less Stuff
There’s a trend on social media that’s not doing us any favors and it is buying things just because they’re trending. One month it’s Stanley cups, the next it’s something else. Often we buy not because we need it, but because it feels like everyone else is doing it. In 2026, try buying less. You’ll save money and can spend it on experiences instead like a concert or a trip with friends.

One trick that helps me: when I see something I want, I take a screenshot and wait a month. If I still love it and can’t stop thinking about it, I’ll consider buying it. Most of the time, I lose interest.

5. Declutter and Organize Your Digital Space
Simplicity isn’t just about your home, it’s also about your phone, laptop, and inbox. Unsubscribe from emails you never read, delete unused apps, organize your photos, and tidy up your digital space. A clear digital space equals a clearer mind. Try doing this regularly, maybe once a week, to make room for more mental calm.

6. Simplify Your Beauty Routine
You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine or drawers full of products. A few good-quality essentials are enough. Let your skin breathe, embrace your natural look, and save both time and money. You basically need a facewash, moisturizer, sunscreen and maybe make-up and that is it. Using too many products is actually bad for your skin.

7. Embrace Single Tasking
We glorify multitasking, but it often leaves us feeling scattered and drained. Try focusing on one thing at a time, read without checking your phone, cook without watching Netflix, walk without earbuds. Doing one thing with intention feels surprisingly peaceful. Try to live in the moment and enjoy what you’re doing right now.

8. Slow Down
Not everything needs to be rushed. Slow mornings, slow walks, slow meals, that’s where calm lives. In 2026, I want to move through life with more ease, enjoying the journey instead of sprinting through it. We live in a world where everyone’s constantly rushing, and we forget to enjoy the small moments. Slow down and breathe.

9. Simplify Your Wardrobe
This is one of my personal goals for 2026. I love fashion, but sometimes I buy clothes just for the sake of buying them. Months later, they’re still unworn. Now I’m building a wardrobe full of things I truly love, pieces that make me feel good every time I wear them.

10. Add More Stillness
Simplicity isn’t only about removing things. It’s also about creating space for quiet. Spend a few minutes each day doing nothing: no phone, no to-do list, no noise. Just breathe and be. That’s where peace begins. I love these little mindful moments. I usually make a cup of tea, sit down, and enjoy it. It’s my small, peaceful ritual.

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Christmas is around the corner and I am so excited. Most of the houses in my neighbourhood are already beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, and I can’t wait to watch all of my favourite Christmas movies again. For me, Christmas is about having fun, spending time with the people you love, and simply relaxing. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are my favourite holidays of the year. A lot of people also celebrate Christmas by giving each other gifts. While I don’t do that, I still thought about the things I would have asked for and made my Christmas wishlist.

My Christmas Wishlist

I love reading, so obviously I had to add a couple of books. The first book on my list is Duke because I started that series recently and I’m loving it so far. I’ve also heard that God of Malice is amazing, so I want to try that one too. Heated Rivalry is a TV series now, I believe, so I’m curious to see what the story is about. I love an Ana Huang book every now and then, and since I got the special edition of the Twisted series as an early Christmas gift, I want to try her other series as well.

I’ve also heard a lot about A Little Life. Apparently it’s very sad, so I’m a bit scared to start it. And the last book on my wishlist is The Housemaid Is Watching. I loved the first two books in the series, so I definitely want to read this one too.

I also added a couple of CDs to my wishlist. I love the new album by Rosalía, in my opinion it’s the best album of 2025. And I’d love to add two “best of” albums to my collection. I grew up with Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, so having their greatest hits on CD would make me so happy.

Then I also added a couple of clothing items to my Christmas wishlist. I’m building a wardrobe with lots of basics and only pieces I truly love. The items you see above are things I added to my wishlist a long time ago.

The first top is just really cute and pretty. I’ve also been loving dress pants lately. I already found a black pair from H&M at the thrift store, but I’d love to add this brown pair as well. The two shirts (dark brown and white) are the same style I bought a black one a few years ago and it’s my favorite shirt ever. It’s super comfortable, so I’d love to have more colors.

And the shoes are kind of a necessity. I do have shoes, but only two pairs: one pair I wear every single day, and one backup pair for when the other pair gets wet. But they’re both getting old and not in the best condition anymore, so I need to start looking for new ones. I really like the black and white Adidas pair. And I’d love to add Chelsea boots to my collection. I used to have a pair like these, and now I only own sneakers, so it would be nice to have one pair of “pretty” shoes again.

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I absolutely love going thrift shopping. There’s something so exciting about walking into a thrift store. Uou never know what you’re going to find. Some days you walk out empty-handed, and other times you hit the jackpot: the perfect vintage sweater, a stack of DVDs from your childhood, or a piece of decor that feels meant to be.

But here’s the thing: thrift shopping is different from regular shopping. It’s not just about browsing racks and picking up whatever you like. There are a few things you need to pay attention to before making a purchase, otherwise you might regret it later. Over time, I’ve learned some helpful tricks to make every thrift trip more fun and more rewarding. Let’s dive in!

10+ Tips for Thrift Shopping Like a Pro

1. Always Check Clothes for Stains or Damage

Clothes in thrift stores have lived a life before you. While most people buy the latest trends, you get to choose what you truly like and not just what’s trendy right now. That’s part of the charm, but it also means you need to inspect items carefully. Look for stains, holes, missing buttons, or broken zippers. Small flaws can sometimes be fixed, but bigger ones may not be worth your time or money. Trust me, it’s happened to me before, but I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’m sure the staff checks the clothes, but sometimes things slip through. Recently, I found the cutest top, but I had to put it back because there was a stain I wasn’t sure would come out.

2. Try Everything On

Sizing can be tricky when you’re thrifting. Different brands, vintage cuts, or stretched fabrics can all fit differently than expected. Always try clothes on if possible, or at least hold them up against yourself in a mirror. What looks perfect on the hanger might not work once you’re wearing it. Sometimes I go to flea markets where there are no fitting rooms, and in that case, I usually skip the clothing racks. Most of the time you can’t return items anyway.

3. Double-Check CDs, DVDs, and Other Media

I’m a huge fan of physical media (I even wrote a whole blog post about it!). But when you’re thrifting for CDs, DVDs, or vinyl records, always check that the disc is actually inside the case. Also, look for scratches or cracks that might make it unplayable. Nothing is more disappointing than getting home and finding an empty case. Yes, it takes extra time, but you don’t want to waste money on something that doesn’t work anymore. Recently, I found a DVD of one of my favorite movies, Serendipity. But when I checked the disc, I wasn’t sure if it would still work, so I didn’t buy it. I just hope I’ll find another copy someday.

4. Watch Out for Overpricing

Sometimes thrift stores overprice items, especially fast-fashion brands like Shein, H&M, or Zara. If the thrift price is almost the same as buying it new in-store, it’s not really a bargain. Compare in your head, or quickly on your phone, before buying. One time, I found a Primark dress I already owned, and the thrift price was nearly the same as a brand-new one. Pricing at thrift stores can be very strange. I’ve seen a Shein item for 8–9 euros, and another time, a 200-euro dress for just 2 euros. If you’re unsure, you can always Google the brand first.

5. Take Your Time

Thrift shopping isn’t for rushing. It takes patience to sift through racks and shelves to find hidden gems. Give yourself enough time to really look—sometimes the best items are tucked away or hidden behind less exciting pieces. Depending on what I’m looking for (I always have a specific list), I can spend one to two hours at the store. Most of the time, I check clothes, CDs, DVDs, and books.

6. Go Regularly

If you’re hunting for something specific, like a leather jacket or a particular book, you probably won’t find it on your first trip. Thrift stores are always updating their inventory, so visit regularly. The more you go, the more likely you are to spot that perfect find—you have to be patient. For example, I’ve had a black tiered maxi skirt on my wishlist for a year, and I still haven’t found one.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Dig

Some of the best treasures aren’t hanging neatly in plain sight. Flip through the racks piece by piece, browse the bottom shelves, and dig through bins. It takes effort, but that’s part of the fun. That’s why looking for clothes can take a long time. My favorite thrift store color-codes everything and sorts by size, which makes it much easier. But I also visit another thrift store where everything is just hung randomly, so I have to check every single item.

8. Think Creatively

Thrift shopping is the perfect time to think outside the box. That oversized men’s shirt? It could work as a dress or a layering piece. A vintage mug? Perfect for holding pens on your desk. Don’t just see items as they are, imagine what they could become. If you’re really creative, you can even buy a piece of fabric and make your own shirts or dresses.

9. Have a Wishlist, But Stay Flexible

It’s smart to have a few items in mind, like “fall sweaters” or “a cozy blanket,” but don’t go in expecting to find something specific. The magic of thrifting is in the surprises, so stay flexible and open to whatever catches your eye. I have to admit, I do have a specific item on my list right now, a particular skirt. It also helps to know your style. I often browse Pinterest for inspiration and then head to the thrift store to see if anything matches that vibe.

10. Check Return Policies

There are places where you can buy second-hand items but cannot return them, like flea markets that happen occasionally or garage sales. You have to be sure you really want to buy something. If you shop at a physical thrift store, you can usually return items. This way, you can test things like CDs or DVDs to make sure they actually work.

11. Bring Cash (Optional but Handy)

Some smaller thrift shops may prefer cash, and it can also help you stick to a budget. If you walk in with only €20, you’re less likely to splurge on things you don’t need. Flea markets, in particular, are usually cash-only places.

12. Enjoy the Hunt

Above all, remember that thrift shopping is about the experience. You might not find something every time, and that’s okay. The thrill of the hunt, the unexpected treasures, and the sustainability all make it worthwhile. Sometimes you find the craziest things, I’ve come across scary dolls or clowns more times than I can count. But other times, you strike gold, like the designer dress I found worth hundreds of euros that I paid just 2 euros for.

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Do you ever feel like you own so many things: makeup, skincare, books, candles, clothes, or even snacks in your pantry, but end up ignoring half of them? I know I do and I am sure I am not alone. In a world where it’s so easy to buy more. We are going from buying one trendy item to the next one. And sometimes we just forget to use and enjoy the things we already own. That’s where Project Pan comes in.

Originally a beauty community challenge, Project Pan has grown into a lifestyle trend: a fun and mindful way to actually use the things you already own instead of constantly chasing the next new thing. It’s about slowing down, reducing waste, and appreciating what’s already in your home. I am definitely loving this ‘trend’.

What is Project Pan?

Project Pan is a self-imposed challenge where you commit to finishing or making progress on the items you already have. The term “pan” started with makeup, referring to the shiny bottom of a product pan once you’ve used it up. But today, people apply the same mindset to all kinds of possessions.

It can mean:

• Reading unread books from your shelf
• Burning through your candle collection
• Wearing the clothes you already own more often
• Using skincare and beauty products before buying new ones
• Finishing snacks or teas in your kitchen before opening more

The goal isn’t to deprive yourself—it’s about being intentional, mindful, and getting joy out of the things you once loved enough to bring home. It is also about not buying too many things while we still have enough of a similar item at home.

Tips to Start Your Own Project Pan

1. Choose a Category

Start small. Pick one area of your life—makeup, books, candles, or clothes. This keeps it fun and manageable.

2. Set Clear Goals

Your goals can be flexible:

• Finish a specific product (like a lotion or candle)
• Use an item a certain number of times (like wearing a dress 10 times)
• Make progress (like reading halfway through your TBR pile)

3. Track Your Progress

Take photos, keep a checklist, or journal your experience. Seeing how far you’ve come keeps you motivated and makes it satisfying.

4. Stay Flexible

Don’t force yourself to use something you truly dislike. If it doesn’t bring you joy or doesn’t work for you anymore, it’s okay to donate, gift, or recycle it. Project Pan is about mindful use, not guilt.

5. Limit New Purchases

Pair Project Pan with a no-buy or low-buy period. For example, promise yourself you won’t buy another candle until you’ve finished two from your collection. Only buy new things when your nail polish bottle or perfume bottle is empty. The good thing is that this project pan will also help you to save more money.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

Every finished product, worn outfit, or read book is an accomplishment. Celebrate the little wins and enjoy the process.

Final Thoughts

Project Pan is more than a challenge. it’s a mindset shift. It’s about valuing what you already have instead of always searching for more. Whether you’re finishing a lipstick, finally burning that fancy candle, or making progress on your book stack, you’ll find a sense of satisfaction in actually using your things. I think in the end you will become more intentional about the things you are buying. A lot of people buy things because they are trending, but if you commit to project pan you will become aware of the things/products you actually like.

So look around your home—what could you start “panning” today?

Photo by pmv chamara on Unsplash

The post What Is Project Pan? A Beginner’s Guide first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post What Is Project Pan? A Beginner’s Guide first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

You see it everywhere: the new “must-have” dress, the viral Amazon gadget, the aesthetic home decor piece that suddenly everyone owns. Without thinking, you click “Add to Cart”—again.

If you’re constantly buying things you don’t really need, chasing trends that change weekly, and still never feeling satisfied with what you have… you might be stuck in the loop of overconsumption. But the good news? You can break free—and it doesn’t require becoming a minimalist or never shopping again. It just means shopping smarter, slower, and more intentionally.

What is Overconsumption?

Overconsumption is the habit of buying more than you need—especially things that are trendy, temporary, or driven by impulse. It’s often triggered by:

• Sales and discounts (“I can’t miss this deal!”)
• Influencers and ads (“Everyone has this, I need it too.”)
• Emotional shopping (“I’m bored, sad, or stressed—this will make me feel better.”)
• Fear of missing out (“What if it sells out or I regret not buying it?”)

Overconsumption clutters your home, drains your bank account, and ironically leaves you feeling more empty. Because you’re not shopping for you—you’re shopping for the version of you that fits into trends, approval, and aesthetics.

How to Stop Overconsumption

1. Unfollow Trend Triggers: Clean up your feed. Unfollow accounts that constantly promote hauls, microtrends, and “you need this” content. Follow creators who rewear, style what they own, or focus on slow fashion.
2. Create a Personal Style Mood Board: Pinterest is your best friend. Build a board of outfits or aesthetics that truly reflect you, not trends. Use it to guide future purchases—if something doesn’t match the vibe, it’s a no.
3. Implement a 30-Day Rule: Want something? Add it to a wishlist and wait 30 days. If you still want it and it fits your lifestyle, go for it. Most trendy desires fade in a few days.
4. Declutter First, Then Buy: Before buying anything new, go through your wardrobe or space. You’ll often find forgotten gems or realize you already have something similar.
5. Do a “No Buy” Month or Category Challenge: Try a month of not buying clothes, accessories, or beauty products. Challenges create awareness—and show you how little you truly need.
6. Ask Yourself 3 Questions Before Every Purchase:
   • Would I wear/use this 30+ times?
   • Do I have something like this already?
   • Am I buying this for me or for others to see?
7. Buy with Longevity in Mind: Choose quality over quantity. Buy pieces that will last, even if they cost a bit more. Fast fashion thrives on constant replacement—resist it.
8. Track What You Buy for a Month: Write down everything you purchase (clothes, home items, etc.) and how you felt after. It builds accountability and makes habits visible.
9. Romanticize Rewearing & Reusing: There’s power in wearing your favorite outfit again and again. Make it your signature. Style it differently. The most stylish people aren’t always wearing something new—they’re just confident.
10. Remind Yourself: Trends Pass, But Stuff Stays: That TikTok outfit won’t be trending in 6 weeks. But the clutter—and the credit card bill—might. Buy less so you can love more of what you already have.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to stop loving fashion or beautiful things. You just have to stop letting trends and pressure control your wallet and self-worth. Shopping should feel good—not guilt-inducing. The key is learning to pause, question, and choose.

Buy less, choose well, and wear what you love—not what the algorithm told you to.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

The post How to Stop Overconsumption and Reclaim Your Peace first appeared on Bettie Toon.

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I love making lists, but especially wishlists. This doesn’t have to mean that I will buy all of the things that are on my wishlist or get the exact thing. I prefer to think about the things I want to buy, so I won’t buy it and then never use it or hate it. But right now I have quite a few things on my wishlist. Some things have been on my wishlist for forever at this point, and other things are pretty new on my wishlist because I recently went to the Ikea and saw a couple of things, and other things are on this list because I am in a spring and/or cozy mood.

My wishlist

HOME WISHLIST

As I mentioned, I went to the Ikea the other day and saw a couple of things.

1. Besta. Storage combination. At first I was looking for the Eket model. I saw that one everywhere on TikTok and it looked really nice. I wanted to use it to store my CDs. But right now, I think this Besta is just prettier and more functional.
2. Step stool. I am the shortest, but I am below average, and it is hard to reach for certain things/spots to clean. I am not sure if I would go for this one however. I think a foldable is just smarter, since I won’t be using it all the time.
3. Set of 3 bowls. This one is also from the Ikea, and I wanted to buy it, but I couldn’t find it except for the show models. But these are useful for dips etcetera.
4. Mirror. This is the Ikornnes mirror from the Ikea, and I liked this one. It is big enough. It is 167 cm long, which is full length for me. And you can hang your outfit for the next day on the back of the mirror.
5. Duvet covers. I really need new duvet covers. I’ve been using the same ones for many years now and you can tell. The other days, I saw a couple of holes in it. So yes, I think it is time to replace them.
6. Ikea 365 food container. Always useful for storing food and I had one, but now I don’t anymore. And I really want to store my food.

Wishlist for Fun

Of course, I have a couple of things on my wishlist that I like to have, just for fun.

1. Rosie CD. I love Blackpink and I love Rosie’s solo album. I just love her voice and her songs.
2. Gracie Abrams CD. This is another CD I would like to add to my collection. I love her voice as well and the songs are pretty good and fun.
3. Flowy Maxi Skirt. I don’t know what a skirt like this is called, but I love it and I have been looking for one for such a long time now. I always look for it at the thrift stores and when I go shopping at the Primark/H&M, but still no luck so far. But spring/summer season is almost here, so I guess I will have more luck then. And I know I can order things online, but I prefer not to. I only order online when it is necessary.
4. Essence Nailpolish. I always wear nailpolish, but it makes me outfit complete. And since it is basically spring, I definitely want to add more colorful nailpolishes to my collection. In case you are wonder, the names of these nailpolishes are (from left to right): Isn’t she minty, Aloha Papaya, Pinkventures, I lilac you, Yellow there. Essence in my favorite brand. It is cheap, they have a great collection of colors and the quality is not too bad.
5. Coloring books. I recently found a couple of coloring books that look simply amazing and cute. A couple of my favorite coloring book brands are: Coco Wyo, Bogiki, Jade Summer, Vivi Tinta, Smith and Daisy.

The post My Wishlist | March 2025 first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post My Wishlist | March 2025 first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>