BEAUTY & FASHION - Bettie Toon

How to Stop Overconsumption

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:24:46 +0000

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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8 Reasons to Stop Buying Trends

admin — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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How to Use Clothing to Boost Your Mood and Confidence

admin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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How to Stop Biting Your Nails (5 Tips)

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

As a child, I used to bite my nails all the time, and they didn’t look very nice. I’m not exactly sure why I started, but I think it mostly happened when I was bored.

Then one day, I decided to stop and start taking care of my nails. As a result, they became stronger, longer, and much prettier.

Maybe you also want to stop biting your nails and grow them out. If so, this blog post is for you—I’m going to share how you can stop biting your nails and help them grow.

How to Stop Biting Your Nails

Band-Aids
If you find yourself biting your nails non-stop and can’t seem to stop, it might help to create a physical barrier. You may be doing it unconsciously, so wearing bandages on your fingertips can make you more aware of the habit. Yes, it might look a bit unusual to wear several bandages, but you can choose to wear them only at home or during the times when you tend to bite your nails the most. For example, maybe you do it while watching TV or sitting at your desk at work. This small step can help break the automatic behavior.
Anti-biting nail polish
There are special nail polishes designed to help with nail biting. They are usually transparent, so you can still apply a colored polish on top if you like. These polishes have a very bitter taste, which discourages you from biting your nails.
On top of that, they often strengthen your nails, making them harder to bite. It’s a simple but effective way to reduce the habit over time.
Find a new habit
Nail biting is often linked to stress or boredom. If that’s the case, try to reduce your stress levels where possible. At the same time, it helps to replace the habit with something else. You could use a stress ball, a fidget toy, or even just keep your hands busy with something like doodling or playing with a pen. The goal is to give your hands something else to do instead of biting your nails.
Make them look nice
When you put effort into making your nails look nice, you’re less likely to ruin them. This is something that helped me a lot. Once I started painting my nails and taking care of them, I felt proud of how they looked. As they started to grow, I didn’t want to bite them anymore because I didn’t want to lose that progress. It became a positive cycle, taking care of them made me want to keep them healthy.
Take care of your nails and fingers
Healthy nails are less tempting to bite. Use cuticle oil to keep the skin around your nails soft and hydrated. You can also use a nail file to smooth out rough edges, which might otherwise trigger you to start biting. Taking care of your nails regularly can make a big difference and help you feel more in control of the habit.

Photo by Chelson Tamares on Unsplash

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Things On My Wishlist (March 2026)

admin — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Flowy tops: I love cute, flowy tops, so hopefully I can find something similar as well.
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.
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.
The Essential Britney Spears: I also loved Britney Spears growing up, and I would love to have her greatest hits on one album.
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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The Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

A long time ago, I was doing an internship, and there was someone there who introduced me to drinking hot water. Every day, we had a coffee/tea break together, and while I was drinking tea, another woman would always drink hot water. One day, I asked her why, and she explained that drinking hot water had a lot of benefits. Of course, I had to try it! Honestly, I ended up liking it more than cold water, and now I actually prefer drinking hot water over cold, even in the summer. And today I am sharing those benefits of drinking hot water with you.

The Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

Supports Digestion: Warm water can help stimulate digestion by encouraging blood flow to the digestive organs. It may help your body break down food more efficiently and reduce feelings of bloating or heaviness.
Helps Relieve Constipation: Drinking hot water can help soften stools and encourage regular bowel movements, especially when consumed in the morning.
Promotes Relaxation: Warm water has a calming effect on the nervous system. It can help your body relax and may reduce tension or stress, especially when enjoyed slowly.
May Improve Circulation: Warm water helps dilate blood vessels, which can support better circulation and reduce stiffness in the body.
Helps With Detox Processes: Water supports the body’s natural detox systems. Drinking warm water may help stimulate sweating and urination, assisting the body in eliminating waste.
Soothes the Throat: Hot or warm water can feel soothing for a dry or irritated throat, especially during colder months or when you’re feeling under the weather.
May Reduce Bloating: Warm water can help relax the digestive tract, making it easier for gas to move through the system and reducing bloating.
Supports Morning Hydration: Starting your day with warm water gently rehydrates your body after sleep without overwhelming your system.
Can Help With Menstrual Discomfort: Warm water may help relax muscles and reduce cramps by improving blood flow.
Eases Nasal Congestion: Steam from hot water can help loosen mucus and soothe a stuffy nose.
May Support Weight Management: Warm water can slightly boost metabolism and may help you feel full before meals.
Encourages Mindful Drinking: Sipping warm water slowly invites mindfulness — you notice the taste, temperature, and the act of drinking itself.
Supports Hydration During Cold Weather: Cold water can feel shocking in winter, while warm water keeps you hydrated comfortably.
Calms an Upset Stomach: Warm water can relax the muscles of the digestive tract, helping reduce nausea or mild stomach discomfort.
Boosts Energy Gently: Unlike caffeine, warm water can refresh your system subtly by aiding circulation and hydration.
Improves Skin Health: Hydration from warm water supports circulation and can help maintain skin elasticity and a healthy glow.
Reduces Stress Hormones: The warmth signals your body to relax, which may help lower cortisol levels and promote calm.
Supports Oral Health: Warm water can help wash away bacteria gently, especially when paired with morning routines like brushing.

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

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Signs of Dehydration You Shouldn’t Ignore

admin — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

The reason I am writing this blog post is because a couple of days ago I realized I wasn’t drinking enough water. Even worse, I was barely drinking at all. During the winter months, I definitely struggle more with my water intake. But even in colder months, it is still very important to drink enough water.

Water plays a huge role in our bodies, and even mild dehydration can cause a lot of vague and easily overlooked symptoms. These are the signs of dehydration you shouldn’t ignore.

How Much Water Do You Reall

There isn’t one perfect amount of water that works for everyone. How much you need depends on factors like your body, activity level, diet, climate, and overall health. A common guideline is around 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, but some people may need more, especially if they exercise, sweat a lot, or drink caffeine regularly.

Instead of focusing only on numbers, it’s helpful to listen to your body and drink consistently throughout the day. Waiting until you feel very thirsty often means you’re already mildly dehydrated.

Sign of Dehydration

Thirst: Feeling thirsty is the body’s most obvious signal that it needs fluids. If you’re frequently thirsty, your body may already be slightly dehydrated. However, some people don’t notice this symptom or don’t feel thirsty at all, which can make it harder to recognize when your body actually needs water.
Dry Mouth or Lips: A lack of saliva can make your mouth feel dry or sticky, which is often an early sign of dehydration.
Dark Yellow Urine: Urine color is a useful indicator. Dark yellow urine usually means your body needs more water, while light yellow suggests good hydration.
Fatigue or Low Energy: When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to circulate efficiently. This can leave you feeling tired or sluggish. So the next time you’re feeling a bit low on energy, try drinking a glass of water to see if it helps.
Headaches: Dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily shrink due to fluid loss, which may trigger headaches. I used to get a lot of headaches when I was younger because I didn’t drink enough water. Your body is about 70% water, so it’s no surprise that you need enough water each day for your body to function properly.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Low fluid levels can affect blood pressure, leading to dizziness, especially when standing up quickly.
Dry Skin: Dehydration can reduce skin elasticity, making your skin feel dry and less supple. So if you want that glowy, healthy, well-hydrated skin, drinking enough water is essential. It’s beauty hack number one.
Difficulty Concentrating: Even mild dehydration can affect your focus, memory, and mental clarity. If you have to study or work for a few hours, make sure to keep a water bottle on your desk so you can take a few sips throughout the day.
Muscle Cramps: A lack of fluids and electrolytes can cause muscles to cramp or feel tight. So if you are feeling a bit stiff or have more cramps than usual, then drink more water.
Constipation: Water helps keep digestion moving. Without enough fluids, stools can become hard and difficult to pass.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

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Darling Venom – Parker S. Huntington | Book Review

admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Title: Darling Venom
Author: Parker S. Huntington
Publisher: PSH Publishing
Genre: Dark Romance
Pages: 470
My Rating:

Buy this book on Amazon

Darling Venom

Charlotte Richards went through a lot. She lost both of her parents, and her sister is barely speaking to her. She hit a dark place and doesn’t see a way out. One Valentine’s Day, she goes up onto the roof, ready to jump. But she is not alone, Kellan is there too, also ready to jump. They make a pact to meet on the same roof every Valentine’s Day, just to check on each other. But a few years later, Kellan breaks that promise. When Charlotte is 22, she meets Tate, Kellan’s brother, and they can’t stay away from each other.

Review

I saw this book everywhere, and people recommended it to me as well. So of course, I had to find out what it was about. The blurb sounded very interesting and promising, and I was so ready to read this one.

And it started off very strong. The first chapters are about Charlotte and Kellan wanting to kill themselves and jump from the roof, so it was very intense. Surprisingly, I didn’t cry. I found the story sad, but it didn’t really make me emotional. Maybe that’s because I didn’t have a connection with the characters yet. Although beforehand I was expecting this book to be a real tearjerker. I think I cried only once in total. It just didn’t hit me that hard.

I liked Charlotte. It was hard for me to form an opinion about Kellan, because he committed suicide very early on. But I could definitely tell he had been struggling for a very long time, maybe even his whole life. Tate, on the other hand, was a complicated person. He was kind of rude. Okay, he was struggling, and most people wouldn’t be in the best mood if they were dealing with the same guilt. But still, do you have to be rude to other people? I don’t think a bad mood is an excuse to be angry at others.

The story was mostly sad. Tate and Charlotte were both dealing with their grief. On top of that, Tate was dealing with his father, who was addicted to alcohol. Charlotte was living with her sister, but her sister barely spoke to her because she believed Charlotte was the reason their parents had died.But there were at least a few moments that made me laugh. One was when Charlotte first met Tate—it was a very awkward way to meet him. Another was when Charlotte had an awkward moment during an appointment with Tate as well. I think it was good to include these scenes, because they made the book feel a little lighter overall.

This is the first time I’ve read a book by Parker S. Huntington, but it might not be the last. I’m definitely going to check out her other books and add them to my TBR if any of them sound interesting enough.

Overall, I thought this book was pretty good. I gave it a 4/5 star rating. I rarely give a book 5/5 stars unless it really hits me emotionally or makes me laugh out loud. This book deals with heavy topics like losing both parents, suicide, addiction, and more, so it might not be the right book for everyone. Make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading. That said, I would still recommend it. I also really loved that the chapters were super short—some were only 3–6 pages long, and I actually loved that.

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What is Project Pan (and how to do it)?

admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:41:05 +0000

I first learned about Project Pan in 2025 while doomscrolling on the internet, but only a few people seemed to be doing it back then. However, when I opened my social media in 2026, I started seeing more posts from people saying they were going to take on Project Pan. Personally, I think Project Pan is a great idea, especially since overconsumption is such a big issue these days. One of my goals for 2026 is to reduce overconsumption and only buy things I truly need.

In today’s blog post, I’m going to explain exactly what Project Pan is and how to do it. So, if you want to stop buying things you don’t really need and declutter your home, you’ve come to the right place!

What is Project Pan?

Project Pan originally started as a project focused on the number of beauty products someone owns. The other day, I saw a photo of someone who was planning to do Project Pan this year, and she had at least 10–20 bottles of shower gel alone. In fact, she had around 20 bottles of almost everything and wanted to reduce that.Of course, Project Pan isn’t limited to just beauty products, it can apply to anything you own and want to declutter.

The idea behind Project Pan is simple: you finish one product before buying a new one. Personally, I’ve been doing this my whole life in a way, I’ve never had a lot of extra shower gel bottles. I always buy a new one when my current bottle is almost empty.

You really don’t need 30 bottles of shower gel in your house. First, you probably won’t even use that much in a year, and all beauty and hygiene products have expiration dates. That means some of them will likely expire before you even get the chance to use them, which is basically throwing money away. By sticking to Project Pan, you’ll save money and keep your home less cluttered.

How to do a Project Pan?

Inventarize what you already have

Pick one category to start with, most people begin with beauty and hygiene products. This is because Project Pan originally focuses on these items, but really, you can start with anything. Lay everything out on the floor or a table so you can see exactly how much you have. Once everything is out in the open, you’ll probably be surprised at how much stuff you actually own. Most of the time, we don’t even notice it because it’s tucked away in a closet or drawer.

Ask yourself: what do I actually need?

Now it is time to be honest with yourself. How much do you like the scent of this showergel? How much do you need? If you live alone then you don’t need a lot of showergel, if you have a big family you need more of course. Ask yourself if you have a favorite scent? How much backup do you actually need? When I started to ask myself these kind of questions, I found out what products were my favorites and what products I barely used because I wasn’t a fan. I found out that I like the vanilla, and coconut scent the most. So I kept those.

Use it, Empty it, or Donate it

If you find items that you don’t actually like or won’t be able to finish before their expiration date, you have a few options. First, you can use up what’s left and then throw it away, but I’d only do this if the bottle is already at least half empty. If the bottles are still mostly full, you can also donate them. Organizations like women’s shelters would really appreciate your donations. Just ask around in your area to see where you could drop them off.

Be more mindful

We all love buying new things, especially when we see a good deal, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I often buy my favorite products when they’re on sale. But sometimes we spot a great deal on something we don’t even use. If one of your favorite products is almost empty, then it’s the perfect time to look for a deal. Make sure you avoid impulse buying. I know how hard it can be, sometimes I see a beautiful jar or bottle of body lotion and just want to buy it because it looks pretty and smells amazing. But most of the time, I don’t actually need it.

Photo by Pablo Hernández on Unsplash

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How to Simplify Your Life in 2026

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

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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