I'd love to hear more ideas of free ways to decorate or get in the fall vibe in the comments!! small list of a few free/low cost ideas: -change your phone/computer background -put on an autumnal ambience video in the background -drink some tea and/or add pumpkin spice or coffee creamer to your warm drinks -try to crochet or knit a decoration with yarn you already own -rent a mystery, thriller, or fantasy from the library -watch a fun fall-themed movie or tv show -try making a pumpkin or butternut squash dish for dinner -buy a few gourds/mini pumpkins from the grocery store -make some paper garlands to hang up around your space
I make a garland every year. I pick up leaves that have fallen then string them with needle and thread. When it is time to put out Christmas, I unstring the leaves and put them back outside. We have turkeys close to our house and I often find feathers. I put them in a vase alongside fallen branches etc. I do purchase a pumpkin or two to put by my front door. Other than that, I use the same decorations that I have had for many years
Pumpkin spice sprinkled in drinks is even cheaper than designated coffee creamers and coffee. A dash is all you need and you can add it to anything. Tea coffee hot chocolate etc
i think the best way to appreciate autumn is to go outside and SEE autumn, not buy a load of stuff that some marketer has decided is autumnal so they can part you with your money. go for walks, look at the orange trees, look at the low-angled light. maybe incorporate more seasonal veggies into your grocery shopping like pumpkins and try new recipes with them, read a horror or thriller book, draw some spooky lil doodles in a sketchbook or planner. autumn is a season - if you want autumnal vibes, look to nature!
could not agree more!!!! nature gives us all the autumn vibes we need!! (I do happen to be lucky enough to live in a place that actually looks like autumn when it is that season.. sadly some are not so fortunate)
I wish I could appreciate autumn by going outside 😭 the trees in my town don't change and if they do it's not until December. The rest are good ideas!!
This one is hard for me because in Florida fall doesn't really exist so the vibe has to be synthetic. I can't just feel cold air or see leaves change and that's kinda sad and the one thing I really miss about not being in a place with true seasons.
Just done that with my shoes, got rid of 16 pairs, 9 left, and one of them I just discovered were the best shoes I ever had though somehow never wore before. They totally feel brand new 😂
You also might find things for seasons specifically that you forgot about that you can then use to decorate your home. Or crafting items you can suddenly see the potential to make into something autumnal that you forgot about, if you’re a crafter.
You also might find things for seasons specifically that you forgot about that you can then use to decorate your home. Or crafting items you can suddenly see the potential to make into something autumnal that you forgot about, if you’re a crafter.
You don't need to buy anything to set an autumn mood. Collect colored leaves, put them in a vase. Get out things that are brown, orange, gold and put them around. Light regular candles and boil some old spices on the stove, it will make everything smell spicy. Put out some copper or brass, wooden things. Use old things and make it a tradition. Consumerism is out of control and most of the fall decorations in the stores are cheap trashy stuff that will look stupid next year.
Yes also a lot of those seasonal fragranced products like scented candles are toxic. They trigger migraines for me making me v ill and can be carcinogenic. Making hot spiced apple juice and bringing in some autumn leaves, branches and flowers is a much better and safer idea.
So much of this is your culture. In my country we might put a tree up at Christmas but we don't feel the need to 'decorate for the seasons'. I lived in the US and saw how much pressure you guys put on yourselves to do this sort of thing. It's just not necessary.
Definitely. And I have to say that it wasn't quite like this in the US when I was a kid in the '80s and '90s. Things have changed a lot and now the idea of fall and Halloween have become as commercialized as Christmas.
When I was growing up, my mom would decorate for the seasons, but the decorations were the same each year. It was a special thing and something I would look forward to as a kid. Now, I'm always shocked at the trend of buying new decorations or creating new themes for each season that requires buying all new decor! I can't imagine how expensive that is. Decorating can definitely be an expression of creativity, but it's totally possible to express that creativity with what you have and can repurpose. I've also noticed that the decorations that are available are extremely low quality. It's as if they're not made to last more than one season. It's sad because they're really cute, but it's definitely not necessary. It's really sad that social media and other types of peer pressure makes it really feel like you're missing out if you don't deck out your home with new stuff for the holidays. So, thank you for the encouragement and reminders.
I agree, my mom also decorated with the same items every year. It was always fun to see the decorations come out, like old friends, and I have carried on the tradition. While I don't decorate for fall, Christmas decorations are so special for me and the longer I've had one the more it means to me
i like making my own decor. i crochet, so i make pumpkins, garlands, coasters, etc. i also paint or sew my own decor sometimes. thrifting is also a good way to get autumn decor, i’ve picked up a few things from thrift stores to “set the tone” for fall. i don’t think there’s anything wrong with seasonal decorating, just be mindful about it
I'm knitting my very first sweater and I'm so excited about it. I probably won't have it don't till January but that's okay because that's when it will actually be cold enough to wear where I live lol
Yes we definitely need more of this! Go on a hike/nature walk or do an experience like sunflower picking, apple picking, making a pie, collect fallen leaves and dry flowers to use as decor or make art project with your kids, scavenger hunt, spooky movie night, etc. You will have less plastic junk and memories to last a lifetime!
Here are some things I did last year to decorate for autumn: - crocheted giant pumpkin instead of buying a pillow in TK Max - made a garland out of paper cupcake toppers (just remove a toothpick and they look really cool!) - painted round pieces of wood (my parents were cutting some thick branches in the garden) and I have now Halloween cup coasters
I was guilty of this every year. Fall is my favorite time of year and as soon as the leaves started to change I’d be itching to go to stores and find new cute and cozy stuff. Then all of a sudden last year I just got so sick of it-I didn’t want to put my decorations out, I had no desire to see what was in the stores and I went through all of my things and did a HUGE purge. I couldn’t believe how much stuff (broken) I ended up throwing away or donating and how much money I had spent on all of it. I do still buy actual pumpkins to put outside and I leave them for the animals after the season. I also will get a pumpkin or fall themed drink once in a while but I get it from a local owned coffee shop instead of the big consumer shops. It is amazing how getting out of the habit of needing or wanting to buy new things all the time does rewire your thinking.
Fall is my favorite season. The ways I enjoy it are: -Candles (I use these year round but they are extra cozy in the fall) -Reusing a few well made decorations that I've had for years (little knick knacks, nothing too involved) -Listening to fall and/or Halloween themed music -Watching fall and/or Halloween themed movies and tv shows -Reading (in general, but especially suspense and murder mysteries) -Tea (I also have this year round but again, it feels extra cozy in the fall and winter!) -Switching up the food I eat to incorporate more apple and pumpkin and other fall flavors -Walking out in nature (my local Botanical Gardens are free and it's great just even walking around my neighborhood) -Collecting colorful leaves to press -Going to a local farm's fall festival These are all either free or very low cost and I really do feel the fall spirit ❤ It's a lot of stuff! Haha.
Autumn is when I pull out my tea bags and hot chocolate. I also reuse decorations every year. If I see something I really want I wait until the store marks it down to half off and I limit myself to one item each season. Most of the time I don’t see something to be my one item. Plus it has to be timeless to me. I also started a new job this year and have had a need to buy a few things for it. For example it can get quite cold and many coworkers have blankets at their desk so I waited until I found a blanket I truly loved and I was able to get it for free due to a birthday reward I was sent. And I walked out of the store with just the blanket. I also try to bring in the seasons into my house through hand soap and shampoo in a scent that makes me think of the current season and this is only when I need replacements.
Felt the part about consumerism not helping mental health! Even after being more aware of these things for years, it's still easy to slip into at times. Because you're not thinking "buying things will give me control and happiness", but "this treat will help pick me up" or "other people are doing this, so if I do it too maybe I'll also be more like them", or "if people see this piece maybe it'll start a conversation". Most of the time it doesn't work. You feel better for 2 seconds, then guilt because the money is gone and you're still not better.
4:25 damn... that hit hard. I always want to add something soft and cozy and I think it's because I want to cuddle and spend time with my family more. But the more I shop the more I have to work to pay for it and that takes always from time with my family.
Fall and Halloween is a whole vibe that I’ll never stop spending for. That’s just my way and everyone else can do whatever best constitutes their own happiness or wellbeing in life. To each their own thing, no hate or disrespect meant. I’m extremely frugal in life “except” major holidays. We get this one life and it goes by so fast, so I’m never going to miss an opportunity to spend fun quality times with family, friends, and community. I know so many people who never took joy in anything and refused to spend a dime on holiday activities or anything else to actually enjoy life. They were so tight with money to the point that they died with large bank accounts and never got to enjoy it. They never did anything, too tight. What that money did was go into a huge family splitting fight afterwards where greedy relatives fought it out over every penny and refused to speak forever more. And let’s face it, this happens far more often than it doesn’t. So yeah I’m going to enjoy these special times and never regret it. Life is short and it’s over in an instant sometimes. I have a bestie that died right after she got married and had her first child, you can bet she never once thought that would happen to her but it sure did. Her child was six months old when she was killed. Life or death happens when we are making plans with borrowed time. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. It’s great to be frugal especially in these expensive times, but sometimes you have to remember to enjoy life too. While you have it. I spend a pile of cash every year on Halloween and Christmas and I’ll never regret it. My yard/house become the epicenter of holiday parties in our location. Halloween night my entire extended family gathers here and all of the neighbors show up and hang out and we put on the biggest display we can muster and hundreds of people come here over the course of the night. We serve food and drinks to all and give out candy/treat baggies to the littles. It’s the best night ever and I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollars in the bank. All year long I conserve money every way that I can, but not holidays. It’s worth its weight in gold to see everyone so happy and excited and having that much fun.
I agree with you, I don’t spend it on Halloween but don’t get between me and my flowers seeds and plants come spring! I want to have a glorious view of flowers and birdbaths ( I have 3)…I want to see beauty from every window we have been married for 50:years and this is our shared passion. I’ll be the penny pincher the rest of the year.❤️🐝💕
Seems like you are feeling very triggered by the entire point of this video, which probably means that you'd benefit from implementing these practices. This is literally the point, check out 9:08. Just a thought.
@ it’s called an opinion and we’re all entitled to our own. I was explaining why I feel the way I do. It’s not a trigger, it’s just the honest truth as far as I have seen in life. Take or leave it. I care not. You don’t control my life and I don’t yours. So don’t try to tell me what to do with my own money or life, that’s an overreach and none of your business.
To feel the season, there are a few things I like doing. I go for a walk, enjoy the autumn air, wonder at the trees, take photos of the mushrooms I come across. I bring a small bag with me in wich I put some fallen leaves that I carefully choose, some acorns and some chestnuts. And when I come back home, I put leaves, acorns and chestnuts around the flat, and it feels cozy. I also borrow spooky books from the library. This year, I also made a headband that I decorated with autumn themed appliqués that I crocheted. This way, I enjoy the item (way much more than something bought), but I also spend time enjoying an activity that gives me autumn vibes. Most of it costs nothing, and nature is way more relaxing than shops.
Your message is on point! We bought a few tiny gourds last year, ended up throwing them into the garden to compost and they produced over a dozen beautiful bumpy colorful gourds. We just cut them yesterday and the kids put them all over the house. Sticking to natural decorations like pinecones, twigs, holly, pumpkins, acorns, etc is the most elegant and you can just toss it outside to decompose after the holidays. For those of us in the desert (Arizona) the seasons don't really look like what the greeting cards depict. So we feel like we need to manufacture Fall and Winter by buying all the stuff. But really, the best way to do that is to make a pot of chai, put on the jazz music, cuddle up on the couch and read a book together. Each family gets to choose how to piece together that cozy scene. And then each family develops an actual family culture, instead of having the same blow up decorations from Home Depot as everyone else.
I used to buy a lot of autumn items and I changed my style pretty often. To make up for my mom never decorating for fall when I was growing up. Then, I got my favorite pieces and kept them and only bought seasonal scents and, occasionally, a new decor piece. This year, I got married and we are living in a camper for the foreseeable future because of things outside of our control so I’m leaving all of my gorgeous blue pumpkins in storage and using a pumpkin spice air freshener that I got for free and pumpkin hand soap that I bought on clearance last year and I’m happy with these little things that set the mood, as well as putting seasonal spices in my instant coffee. We’re poor and have no space, but also very blessed.
I can relate to this. My Mom actually never decorated for anything even Christmas. It left me hungry to decorate and I try to overcompensate for that. Do you have any insight on how to overcome this deficit?
@ That sounds really hard! My dad said they didn’t really do much of anything for Christmas growing up. They had a lot of kids and some years they got one thing for everyone to share. So his youngest brother goes all out as soon as October some years because of the deprivation he felt as a child. His parents also didn’t believe in Christmas trees so he gets a big one. 🤷🏻♀️😂 My seasonal depression has kicked in pretty bad. I have struggled with it since I lost a cousin around my age in kindergarten. It was in November, my birthday month. So, every year, I turn another year older and he doesn’t and it’s right before the holidays! So, even though we live in a camper and I believe my Christmas decorations are in storage in another state and we don’t have very much money, I have asked my husband to bring a little bit of his Christmas decorations out of storage, even before Thanksgiving, and I have been playing Christmas music. None of us expect my mom to make it to Christmas and I’m just trying to keep going and making the best of it. I feel like, when it comes to making up for the deficit, curate a collection of the things that you love after you find out your taste and stick to that. Figure out what your style is and what fits in your space and your budget. I had so much decor. I cut it down to one container of Christmas and one of Autumn. My husband is sentimental and has his own container of ornaments from his grandparents who raised him and passed away when he was very young so I will definitely honor whatever he has. We’re newlyweds. 😊 Abundance isn’t important, but meaning definitely is. When you are hungry and feel like you’re in a deficit, you are. Feed it with the things and the people that matter the most to you.
Loved this video Grace, I usually don't comment a lot. But I think it's so true that autumn is a feeling and not about the stuff. We went camping last weekend and I could just smell autumn in the air. It's a smell i can't describe, but there is also a smell when spring is in the air. Also the slightly colder air but still warmer sun. The leaves started going a little bit orange. It was amazing. Thats the moment I realised what made me nostalgic to autumn, also as a kid. It made me feel so cosy that weekend and was so happy to get home and appreciate it even more, cosying up under my blanket and going into a warm bed at night. ☕
That is something I needed to hear, I have been seeing so many people with such pretty fall sweaters and getting advertisements sent to my emails daily although I do own a few sweaters. It is just seeing something that looks really nice and autumny that makes me want to get a whole collection of new sweaters when nothing is wrong with mine except the fact that I had them for longer. However, the fact that I know I'm not wasting money on something that won't benefit me anymore than it can allows me to not buy it.
This is such great advice! My mom never spent money on decorations to make Autumn cozy and fun. We just had traditions that happened only in the Fall/Winter. I didn’t realize how much this positively influenced me until I had my own children.
Absolutely! We lived in Texas so keeping that in mind, but we had certain meals that were more Autumn related like roasted butternut squash, hearty sausages and soups. We didn’t eat them during spring or summer in order to make them special. So soup was a treat in the Fall. We had hot chocolate on the first week of October no matter the temperature and we could have it on any day of less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit after that day through the Fall and Winter. Believe me I learned early to check the temperature!! 😂 We planted Autumn vegetables at the beginning of September. We would have a bowl full of apples and on the side table September through November because they were in season. We would dry orange slices for decoration. We would bring out the cozy blankets on October 1st. We would walk the neighborhood every night to see the trees changing. That’s how I learned the names of our local trees. When the days got shorter, we would play board games or watch movies together with popcorn and treats every Friday night. We only did that until March 1st. My mom would teach me one new homemaker skill every Autumn and I would work on it throughout the Fall/winter. Like crochet, sewing, cross stitch, etc. I could choose what I wanted to learn. I have more but this is already long. 😂 Have a wonderful Autumn and Winter!!
This was exactly what I needed to hear - a bit of tough love with the underlying confidence that I am capable, creative and intelligent and do not need purchases to validate this! whilst watching this I was knitting a scarf from yarn that have been laying around for more than a year. It feels great to be resourceful and make something of materials I already own. Thank for this vid!
I just bought a relatively inexpensive autumnal quilt from 🎯 and am fighting with myself because on one hand it’s already made and it’s something that I can enjoy right now but, I can make a quilt but I won’t be able to enjoy it until next year. I should focus on the process of autumnal quilt making this year and then look forward to enjoying the quilt next year! Happy quilting to you!
I'm one minute in on this my first video I've watched from you and already impressed. There are way too many TH-camrs out there creating content about minimalism, frugality, & how to stop wasting money, that also have several "helpful" links in the bio for products, services, decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry... These links contradict the message. Thank you for not doing this... It is refreshing.
I’m a sahm, and I live in a very rural area, 30 minutes from any town with a Walmart, so my problem is scarcity mindset. So today I needed catfood, medicine for my kiddos, and paper towels, so maybe $20. But then my daughter wants a snack, sure I deserve a Pepsi, of course I do, and they grab a candy at the checkout and I literally spent $75, for actual trash. I know that I spend at least $300-500+ unnecessary dollars every month at the dollar store, but it’s the dopamine, it’s the getting out of the house without going very far. It’s the ‘I can do what I want.’ It’s the ‘I deserve this’. It’s the ‘I’d better get it now because everything is so far away.’ But I don’t deserve debt for literal garbage and junkfood.
it's really a major major exercise in will power and self control to stop those behaviors, but finding other positive things to do (using up what you already have, finding free activities to do outside of the house, focusing on creating things, etc) is really really helpful when trying to break the habit of impulse spending!
@@gracenevitt at other stores, I’m intentional about what I buy. Prioritize healthy things, But at the dollar store, it’s just like “why not? It’s just one small thing. “ like it doesn’t even count. And the things that don’t count add up so fast.
@@gracenevitt if I were shopping recreationally or for things to upgrade my life, (thrifting or tjmaxx) my emotional limit is like $45 max, on a splurge day. I have no clue why $60 or $75 at the dollar store is normal and acceptable for me, on just whatever random crap, and $45 feels like a ton when I’m spending intentionally, purposefully, on things I know I’m going to use and love for a long time. The inward messaging of that, I guess, is that I’m worth junkfood, temporary dopamine, cheap crap, But very little that’s actually nice. Temporary gratification, but not actual contentment or happiness. And inwardly, that message still is so fundamentally flawed, because I don’t deserve those nicer things, I’m still pretty deeply assuming that happiness is going to come from them. Or that happiness is elusive.
I get it... looking through your statements might be helpful as a bit of a wakeup call.. I went through mine from last year during my unintentional "low buy" year (thanks to minimalism) and I spent over $1000 on things because they were "only $X" 😭 I only'd my way into spending over a thousand dollars on random stuff ... huge wake up call for me. and that was me being wayyy more mindful than I used to be...
this was very helpful and a nice reminder to reflect myself. As you said- we already have so many things we don't even use. Being thankful is very important. Having experiences and not things. Thank you for your sweet and passionate words :) Greetings from Germany.
I have struggled with this for years. I am starting to manage a budget and it has been eye opening on how I have used shopping to manage my emotions while getting debt ;/. It is so frustrating because we have been on a really tight income and it feels like we lack so much, and while I go to the thrift store I end up spending way more than I have 😢So this month I started budgeting and restricting myself and yesterday I felt anxious so instead of going shopping I opened my closet to organize what I already have like buying from my own inventory. I know it is just a coping mechanism but it helped me to have a more organized home, took things out that I don’t need anymore and helped me have more peace. I will continue to fight, your video has been great for me. I want to get to that point. 😢
My favorite thing about fall is getting to wear my favorite sweater again, looking at trees changing colors, and squash soups. I have had the same orange sweater for years, and I get so excited when it's time to get it out again.
One thing I've enjoyed doing over the past few years is to challenge myself to grow my own colorful pumpkins. I always grow pumpkin/winter squash that are good for eating so that I'm able to decorate for fall with my own homegrown pumpkins and then challenge myself again by making new pumpkin dishes with them. Pumpkins are in my life one way or another for like 6 months out of the year 😅 If you don't have the space to grow pumpkins, picking a couple up from the farmer's market and cooking with them when you're done with fall is cheaper than buying big box store decor, produces a lot less waste, and is way more versatile!
My cozy fall weekend- hit up the library book sale ($8 for a HUGE bag of books) baking bread today, making and canning applesauce, also need a cozy time with a book and hot apple cider. Admittedly I do decorate for fall, I have a trunk full of items that I pull out each year to add fall touches to kitchen and dinning room, but it’s been collected over 24 years of marriage and mostly second hand or handmade. You can be frugal and boujee at the same time. My expendable income is split between my home and travel.
if by "bougie" you mean not a minimalist, then absolutely!! my bf's mom is super frugal and a total maximalist! she loves to collect things from people and places she loves and occasionally thrift for little treasures.
I haven’t been able to decorate for halloween for a good few years so I don’t own anything. So I’m going to purchase some things this year but I’m going to minimise what I get. I made the rule that I am going to only buy things the trick or treaters going to love. So besides treats, I’m decorating my doorway and getting costumes for me and my puppy who will be the ones answering the door. Besides making sure I stick to a budget, I’m also going to make sure everything I buy is reusable for next year. I’m also going to keep everything in the shopping bags for 48 hours so then when I empty them, I can reassess what I bought, think if anything was an impulse purchase and return it if necessary.
I am old- 73. When I was growing up, we never decorated for any season except Christmas. And I don't celebrate Halloween. I do have some fall decor such as a wreath for my front door and some candle holders that I reuse every year. I like to bake pumpkin bread to feel like fall. Maybe have some hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Start getting out dome of my winter throws and clothing. I love fall❤
Our favorite part of the holiday's (any) is the crafting and projects! A home feels so much cozier when you have memories attached to your decor. So glad you made this video! 🥰
Thank you, I really needed this dose of common sense. I live in Europe where the trend of buying seasonal decorations isn't as prevalent as it is in the US. Although the shops here don't have a wide variety of seasonal items, we are catching up with the US. I spend too much time in front of the screen since I work from home, and it has started to hurt me. I've been feeling the urge to buy new clothes, shoes, or bags just for the autumn season, even though I have a full closet. I realize it's best to time outdoors and connect with nature every season, rather than surrounding myself with unnecessary items at home.
Ugh, I needed this. Not the decorations but fall clothes. I live in southern Indiana and it will be 80-90 degrees until Halloween! I don’t need fall sweaters because it’s too hot! But, does that stop me…nooooo😢😅😊
I get it!! I'm definitely feeling the urge to buy some clothes now as the seasons are changing and I'm feeling bored with my current wardrobe... but we will stay strong!!
@@gracenevitt toooo late for me so far, but you have inspired me to get my head on straight. I have a big goal that is for my son, so I’ve got to get focused!
I love painting landscapes! I think a good decor idea would be to make a seasonal painting or artwork of aome sort. Love this video and am so happy with how im doing on this no buy year. Thank you for making your videos on minimalism and the no buy year to help! ❤
I'm 74. I make crafts from newspaper, discarded books, string, etc. I have a shoebox of paints and glue. I use old HWY maps and yarn for gift wrap. My clothes are second-hand, from yard sales, or from rummage sales. My parents grew up during the Depression so I didn't have many toys as a child. My grandkids are teens. I have a black shirt, and a few flannel shirts. My off-season clothes fit in a carry-on suitcase. Tina, Al's wife
This just came up in my suggestions and boy did I need to hear this. I have been going through the I need to buy "whatever"" to feel better, and I needed this tough love. What I have recently purchased is not changing my life nor is it making it better. The dopamine hit is very short lived and I was anxiously awaiting the next interior design video to see how I can up my interior decorating. I don't need to. My home is already full of real things that I love. And I don't have the storage for any more seasonal crap. Thank you for showing up when you did. I suspect that I will play this video a lot over the next few weeks when I inevitably get the urge to go out and buy something.
If you have enough things you love, what helps is moving things around, especially a big piece of furniture, and decorative pieces. It gives a fresh new view of the interior without spending ✌
Creating boundaries helped me the most. I allow myself Autumn mugs because I use them all year round and rotate drinking out of all of them. I love Autumn and want Autumn all year round. The mugs do bring me happiness and joy. Even on the bad day. 😂 I use the container concept to keep in check of them. I buy consumable seasonal themes instead of decorations. Like printable colouring books (decorate my space with it finished), word search, jigsaws etc. These activities are part of my mental wellbeing routine. Doing the same with shower and soap products is a nice way too. They feel a little luxury throughout the day. I also only buy take away coffee when it's PSL season and it feels good. Doing seasonal bucket list is helpful too. I personally adore being outside during Autumn/Winter. I spend more time outdoors than any other time. Doing sketch walks has been a new addition. Bonus is I can decorate my space with it too.
Aww. Thank you for your wisdom. Your timing was great. I’ve thought of buying all of these things in the last couple of days! I’m 61 and in your young years you’ve helped me today. 👍🏻
I found that going to the library and checking out books or dvds gave me that happy feeling when I buy something without actually spending money. I will feel excited to read it and I’ll think ooh look at all I got today from the library. Also I love buying used books at the library’s bookshop. I got four books for $1. Of course I need space on my shelf to store them but I know when I’m done reading them I can donate them back to the bookstore if I want to.
Thank you Grace ❤😔 i needed to hear this. I just lost my job and almost fell victim to "retail therapy" myself. Also, to feel productive, I organized my decor and Holy crap 😮 it was a lot of crap! Along with the never ending stream of content of hauls and "look at this cool thing I like". I feel the need to find joy in my books, craft supplies, and the decor I own. despite what our culture claims: what we have is more than enough and, often, we have more than we'll ever need or use. Thank you again, Grace ❤ your well-spoken tough love was just what I needed to hear.
Make art that reflects what you see around you. Bake something with pumpkin or apples and "fall" spices like cinnamon and cloves. Make soup. Gather leaves or branches and display them in your home. Bring out those blankets and throws that have been stored away during the warm months.
I'm not a person who ever buy drinks outside really, but a friend had a really yummy pumpkin tea that i would love to try, which is basically what i sometimes spend a little extra on when i can afford. Tea is my everything
I drink quite a lot of tea, so im not in that place yet. I buy a lot and i drink a lot, so i dont have that much that stays "collecting dust" for long. A pretty good rotation, plus a few favorites
Wow, this is great. I love this idea so much, I am going to try it myself. I don’t need to buy anything, really. I think you’re doing something great here.
I live in Paraguay and we're actually closer to spring time here, but I was feeling this urge to buy decorations for Halloween and other things I don't really need(? Sooo I'm glad the universe put this video in front of me, now I can go back to reflect on my bigger goals. Thanks!🎉🎉🎉
One thing you kinda brought up, but I thought I'd emphasize is I LOVE breaking out my winter/fall supplies from last year like they're presents to myself with lovely memories already attached to them. If you live in a small space, it doesn't even need to be a lot. I just grabbed a brown jug I had, a table cloth my grandmother gave me and some branches/leaves from outside and made a nice center piece for my table. That plus pulling out my sweaters and blankets and everything feels very fall and if it fits in my budget, I might get one PSL or better yet, a half gallon of apple cider for mulling.
Fall has really been hard. We actually have a lot of cold weather trips planned and I didn't have enough cold weather clothing (I live in Florida and we don't really need cold things here.) So I did need to purchase things because I have a genetic disorder that makes me really sensitive to cold but I definitely found and purchased more than I needed while thrifting because I found so much good stuff. I do love it all and will wear it all and will keep it for years but I could have bought less. And I also bought a book. I am proud that there have been a lot of cute things that I said no to like mugs and halloween decor and other stuff I didn't need at all.
Great video! I cant afford to be impulsive with money anymore, so I really need to hear this. Ffs, i cant even afford to save right now! Only food and bills and medical costs (im disabled). I have been so much better with looking up reviews before buying switch games and not just buying all the ones on my wishlist that are on sale. Im doing my best to work through my backlog, use my creative art materials etc. Its hard but i'll keep doing it. Hopefully that need to buy things will have passed until i actually get a job, so i dont just buy a lot then "just because i can"
I crochet (I haven't made anything for 10 years!) This year, my creative side decided it wanted to come out and play again. So I purchased some yarn (on sale!) in autumnal colors (which happen to also be the colors of my living room!) to make a new afghan - which is lovely to look and *useful* ! Holiday decor that I have to dust and then store away in tote? NO THANK YOU!
My youngest and I painted some fall colors on some brown craft paper I saved from a package. I'm going to try making a garland from it to put around some LED lights we have up all year round. I might frame a bit of it for the kitchen, too.
This video was a good reminder to myself that who you are, what you do, what skills and hobbies you have and how you connect with others is infinitely more cool than how much stuff you own. Sure, owning stuff can be nice, but it will not replace interests, skills, attitude and relationships, and there are billionaires out there that count on you to buy stuff so they can have more villas, golf courts, yachts and wine cellars. If you really need to buy something (for example as a gift) please at least buy it from a small bussiness :)
Setting up an appointment that is going to happen after you go to a store is SO SMART. Why have I not thought of that? When I think back when I have been in a store before going to lunch with a friend or to an appointment, those are almost always times I never buy anything because even if I have spent 45 minutes there, I feel like I don't have time to make decisions, so I put the things away. And then do I go back to get them? I think maybe like two times ever!
Holidays, for the most part, I just use my favorites I have year after year. Once in a great while I will get something new, but its a rareity. I LOVE finding things thrifting, most of my favorites were thrifting. With exception to a few large things most of my holiday décor (all holidays) can fit in a laundry tote bag. I prefer to put more into keeping things we use in stock - the need for clean and hygiene isn't going anywhere. And I have my favs there too. If I had free reign financially...yeah old hard back classics and leather books would be the temptation. I will say...the idea of minimalism is difficult when you are into all kinds of crafting, and art to combat stress. Only way I've been able to work around that is don't purchase huge amounts, and things only as I need it for it, and make sure with whatever is left over I can make things with it too. Which brings me to point--how awesome it is to spend 10 bucks on a block of air dry clay, and paint on hand and a few dollars for tools - you can MAKE YOUR OWN sculpted decor. Its more than just buying - I found an outlet to destress, by actually creating something, and then having that learning experience to improve skill. AND not only can it be used for your own decor, but can be also made for gifts for Christmas at a fraction of the price.
Actually yes I DO need all the fall things. I’m a minimalist in a lot of areas but NOT when it comes to getting every last ounce out of fall (and Christmas). This video has actually inspired me to go fall shopping 😅😊
I mosty purchase after really thinking about whether I need it or not. Definitely do not feel the need for purchasing stuff to decorate my house according to seasons (apart from Christmas obviously.) One could just go out and get some chestnuts and autumn leaves. Maybe a bit of moss. Yes. I like to get a pumpkin, which I will then cook and eat. I seen some videos where people decorated and I didn’t understand what drives them. Then again I am much older so know the value of money. Besides a good cleaning session works wonders.
Good video, getting finances in check is so freeing. One of my goals is increasing my financial education. Going for autumn walks and enjoying a hot chocolate at home is all we need, we don't need to buy lots of autumn themed tat. One of my favourite things to do at this time of year is bake a type of cake called Parkin, it's traditional in Yorkshire, England. It's a cake which contains black treacle and ginger and it's low cost and delicious, so I recommend that to everyone. It's an adaptable recipe too if you can't find the exact ingredients locally.
One thing that I have done is to create a notebook in sections for each holiday and put in images of things that I would like to have. The original purpose was to give me ideas for things to create/craft myself very inexpensively. What actually happened was that just creating the notebook satisfied my urge to "have" the things. I got to be creative but spent very little money. Then i started pinterest boards and did the same. Or I downloaded files to my computer of decorating that i wanted to do. But i ended up spending very little money and satisfying my urge to be creative. I did create a few decorations in real life but i reuse them every year and try to find ways to use them differently every year. Sometimes I take them apart and use the materials in a different way. I watch youtube videos that feature creating dupes of expensive decor and I get inspiration from them.
I just went apple picking and it was awesome! The apples were so much cheaper and more delicious than the grocery store and now I get to make a bunch of applesauce and apple muffins! The perfect way to ring in autumn 🍂 🍏
I was freaking out, super anxious and I wanted to buy something that I 100% didn't need just to feel better. So this video popped up and I watched it while doing art and just overall feel better. And won't buy anything. Thanks!
Thank god I've been fine with not going out and buying tons of house stuff at the stores ever since I started decluttering and trying to be more minimalistic. My mind frame has changed so much
One of my favorite ways I DIY'd Halloween decor a few years ago was I spray painted little boxes that food came in and other little jars, then printed off free spooky themed apothecary labels and glued those on. A Spaghetti sauce jar without the label and the lid sprayed black can be fun to put spooky things inside of. I have a large collection I display up over my kitchen cabinets now and it looks great! And I used pretty much all things I had or thrifted.
Gracias Grace por tus consejos, me agrada el de llevar a alguien a comprar algo y que te recuerde no gastar más del presupuesto inicial. No crap Yes autum things for free
I've been watching minimalist channels like this one and also European channels. They don't tell you what to buy. Instead they show you how to make, how to fix, how to enjoy what you already have. I recently decorated my master bedroom with antique furniture that was given to me for free. It looks so good, so chic, I wouldn't change a bit. For this autumn, I'm decorating with fruit and herbs. I've learned to decorate with fruit watching another you tuber. There are many amazing youtubers to give us great ideas. I don't even use TikTok. To much affiliated links with crap.
As someone who is still in a kinda toxic buying cycle at the moment, imo it isn't mean to say that buying crap doesn't fix your mental health. If you end up perpetuating a buying cycle, try to notice your mood changes and write them down if you can. Ask yourself what triggers that change outside of the buying dynamic and if nothing differs you're probably good, but you must be true to yourself. For a brief period of time I noticed I would get hyped waiting for a parcel and unpacking it, then chucking the item in my closet and feel overwhelmed or sad right after. That is the sign of a toxic cycle and it is counterproductive if you have a problem you want to get out of.
fall is my weakness, i needed to hear this today, i am trying to pay off some CC bills and still paying off taxes from the past year, why would I get the ghost mug when i'm in debt! silly brain
Hi! Thank you for this video! Being a knitter and many other things, seeing all the useless "omg this is so cute need it" things thrown at me everywhere just make me... angry? 😅 So love this for a sobering moment.
I'd love to hear more ideas of free ways to decorate or get in the fall vibe in the comments!!
small list of a few free/low cost ideas:
-change your phone/computer background
-put on an autumnal ambience video in the background
-drink some tea and/or add pumpkin spice or coffee creamer to your warm drinks
-try to crochet or knit a decoration with yarn you already own
-rent a mystery, thriller, or fantasy from the library
-watch a fun fall-themed movie or tv show
-try making a pumpkin or butternut squash dish for dinner
-buy a few gourds/mini pumpkins from the grocery store
-make some paper garlands to hang up around your space
Wooow. Paper garlands feels so fragile but creating one with yarn sounds great!!
I have been going on walks in the park near my apartment and collecting acorns and pinecones to make a garland with!
I make a garland every year. I pick up leaves that have fallen then string them with needle and thread. When it is time to put out Christmas, I unstring the leaves and put them back outside. We have turkeys close to our house and I often find feathers. I put them in a vase alongside fallen branches etc. I do purchase a pumpkin or two to put by my front door. Other than that, I use the same decorations that I have had for many years
I went for a walk in the woods the other day and brought back a bunch of pinecones to place in a beautiful bowl.
Pumpkin spice sprinkled in drinks is even cheaper than designated coffee creamers and coffee. A dash is all you need and you can add it to anything. Tea coffee hot chocolate etc
i think the best way to appreciate autumn is to go outside and SEE autumn, not buy a load of stuff that some marketer has decided is autumnal so they can part you with your money. go for walks, look at the orange trees, look at the low-angled light. maybe incorporate more seasonal veggies into your grocery shopping like pumpkins and try new recipes with them, read a horror or thriller book, draw some spooky lil doodles in a sketchbook or planner. autumn is a season - if you want autumnal vibes, look to nature!
could not agree more!!!! nature gives us all the autumn vibes we need!! (I do happen to be lucky enough to live in a place that actually looks like autumn when it is that season.. sadly some are not so fortunate)
Faaaaacts
Omg! Yes! Love this.
I wish I could appreciate autumn by going outside 😭 the trees in my town don't change and if they do it's not until December. The rest are good ideas!!
This one is hard for me because in Florida fall doesn't really exist so the vibe has to be synthetic. I can't just feel cold air or see leaves change and that's kinda sad and the one thing I really miss about not being in a place with true seasons.
Another tip: do a huge cleaning and declutter of your home. It makes everything feel brand new again
Doing that. My kitchen is almost done.
Just done that with my shoes, got rid of 16 pairs, 9 left, and one of them I just discovered were the best shoes I ever had though somehow never wore before. They totally feel brand new 😂
You also might find things for seasons specifically that you forgot about that you can then use to decorate your home. Or crafting items you can suddenly see the potential to make into something autumnal that you forgot about, if you’re a crafter.
You also might find things for seasons specifically that you forgot about that you can then use to decorate your home. Or crafting items you can suddenly see the potential to make into something autumnal that you forgot about, if you’re a crafter.
You don't need to buy anything to set an autumn mood. Collect colored leaves, put them in a vase. Get out things that are brown, orange, gold and put them around. Light regular candles and boil some old spices on the stove, it will make everything smell spicy. Put out some copper or brass, wooden things. Use old things and make it a tradition. Consumerism is out of control and most of the fall decorations in the stores are cheap trashy stuff that will look stupid next year.
1000% !!!
Yes also a lot of those seasonal fragranced products like scented candles are toxic. They trigger migraines for me making me v ill and can be carcinogenic. Making hot spiced apple juice and bringing in some autumn leaves, branches and flowers is a much better and safer idea.
So much of this is your culture. In my country we might put a tree up at Christmas but we don't feel the need to 'decorate for the seasons'. I lived in the US and saw how much pressure you guys put on yourselves to do this sort of thing. It's just not necessary.
100% the consumerist culture here is wild
Where do you live?
Which country do you live in?
New Zealand
Definitely. And I have to say that it wasn't quite like this in the US when I was a kid in the '80s and '90s. Things have changed a lot and now the idea of fall and Halloween have become as commercialized as Christmas.
When I was growing up, my mom would decorate for the seasons, but the decorations were the same each year. It was a special thing and something I would look forward to as a kid. Now, I'm always shocked at the trend of buying new decorations or creating new themes for each season that requires buying all new decor! I can't imagine how expensive that is. Decorating can definitely be an expression of creativity, but it's totally possible to express that creativity with what you have and can repurpose. I've also noticed that the decorations that are available are extremely low quality. It's as if they're not made to last more than one season. It's sad because they're really cute, but it's definitely not necessary. It's really sad that social media and other types of peer pressure makes it really feel like you're missing out if you don't deck out your home with new stuff for the holidays. So, thank you for the encouragement and reminders.
I agree, my mom also decorated with the same items every year. It was always fun to see the decorations come out, like old friends, and I have carried on the tradition. While I don't decorate for fall, Christmas decorations are so special for me and the longer I've had one the more it means to me
i like making my own decor. i crochet, so i make pumpkins, garlands, coasters, etc. i also paint or sew my own decor sometimes. thrifting is also a good way to get autumn decor, i’ve picked up a few things from thrift stores to “set the tone” for fall. i don’t think there’s anything wrong with seasonal decorating, just be mindful about it
I'm knitting my very first sweater and I'm so excited about it. I probably won't have it don't till January but that's okay because that's when it will actually be cold enough to wear where I live lol
The dopamine of watching your savings rise and your debt balances decrease is dope high
Yes we definitely need more of this! Go on a hike/nature walk or do an experience like sunflower picking, apple picking, making a pie, collect fallen leaves and dry flowers to use as decor or make art project with your kids, scavenger hunt, spooky movie night, etc. You will have less plastic junk and memories to last a lifetime!
Here are some things I did last year to decorate for autumn:
- crocheted giant pumpkin instead of buying a pillow in TK Max
- made a garland out of paper cupcake toppers (just remove a toothpick and they look really cool!)
- painted round pieces of wood (my parents were cutting some thick branches in the garden) and I have now Halloween cup coasters
I was guilty of this every year. Fall is my favorite time of year and as soon as the leaves started to change I’d be itching to go to stores and find new cute and cozy stuff. Then all of a sudden last year I just got so sick of it-I didn’t want to put my decorations out, I had no desire to see what was in the stores and I went through all of my things and did a HUGE purge. I couldn’t believe how much stuff (broken) I ended up throwing away or donating and how much money I had spent on all of it. I do still buy actual pumpkins to put outside and I leave them for the animals after the season. I also will get a pumpkin or fall themed drink once in a while but I get it from a local owned coffee shop instead of the big consumer shops. It is amazing how getting out of the habit of needing or wanting to buy new things all the time does rewire your thinking.
Fall is my favorite season. The ways I enjoy it are:
-Candles (I use these year round but they are extra cozy in the fall)
-Reusing a few well made decorations that I've had for years (little knick knacks, nothing too involved)
-Listening to fall and/or Halloween themed music
-Watching fall and/or Halloween themed movies and tv shows
-Reading (in general, but especially suspense and murder mysteries)
-Tea (I also have this year round but again, it feels extra cozy in the fall and winter!)
-Switching up the food I eat to incorporate more apple and pumpkin and other fall flavors
-Walking out in nature (my local Botanical Gardens are free and it's great just even walking around my neighborhood)
-Collecting colorful leaves to press
-Going to a local farm's fall festival
These are all either free or very low cost and I really do feel the fall spirit ❤ It's a lot of stuff! Haha.
Autumn is when I pull out my tea bags and hot chocolate. I also reuse decorations every year. If I see something I really want I wait until the store marks it down to half off and I limit myself to one item each season. Most of the time I don’t see something to be my one item. Plus it has to be timeless to me.
I also started a new job this year and have had a need to buy a few things for it. For example it can get quite cold and many coworkers have blankets at their desk so I waited until I found a blanket I truly loved and I was able to get it for free due to a birthday reward I was sent. And I walked out of the store with just the blanket.
I also try to bring in the seasons into my house through hand soap and shampoo in a scent that makes me think of the current season and this is only when I need replacements.
Felt the part about consumerism not helping mental health!
Even after being more aware of these things for years, it's still easy to slip into at times. Because you're not thinking "buying things will give me control and happiness", but "this treat will help pick me up" or "other people are doing this, so if I do it too maybe I'll also be more like them", or "if people see this piece maybe it'll start a conversation".
Most of the time it doesn't work. You feel better for 2 seconds, then guilt because the money is gone and you're still not better.
so true
4:25 damn... that hit hard. I always want to add something soft and cozy and I think it's because I want to cuddle and spend time with my family more. But the more I shop the more I have to work to pay for it and that takes always from time with my family.
One of the best videos on frugality/minimalism/no buy that I’ve seen, the whole psychology part of it really makes sense
Fall and Halloween is a whole vibe that I’ll never stop spending for. That’s just my way and everyone else can do whatever best constitutes their own happiness or wellbeing in life. To each their own thing, no hate or disrespect meant. I’m extremely frugal in life “except” major holidays. We get this one life and it goes by so fast, so I’m never going to miss an opportunity to spend fun quality times with family, friends, and community. I know so many people who never took joy in anything and refused to spend a dime on holiday activities or anything else to actually enjoy life. They were so tight with money to the point that they died with large bank accounts and never got to enjoy it. They never did anything, too tight. What that money did was go into a huge family splitting fight afterwards where greedy relatives fought it out over every penny and refused to speak forever more. And let’s face it, this happens far more often than it doesn’t. So yeah I’m going to enjoy these special times and never regret it. Life is short and it’s over in an instant sometimes. I have a bestie that died right after she got married and had her first child, you can bet she never once thought that would happen to her but it sure did. Her child was six months old when she was killed. Life or death happens when we are making plans with borrowed time. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. It’s great to be frugal especially in these expensive times, but sometimes you have to remember to enjoy life too. While you have it. I spend a pile of cash every year on Halloween and Christmas and I’ll never regret it. My yard/house become the epicenter of holiday parties in our location. Halloween night my entire extended family gathers here and all of the neighbors show up and hang out and we put on the biggest display we can muster and hundreds of people come here over the course of the night. We serve food and drinks to all and give out candy/treat baggies to the littles. It’s the best night ever and I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollars in the bank. All year long I conserve money every way that I can, but not holidays. It’s worth its weight in gold to see everyone so happy and excited and having that much fun.
I agree with you, I don’t spend it on Halloween but don’t get between me and my flowers seeds and plants come spring! I want to have a glorious view of flowers and birdbaths ( I have 3)…I want to see beauty from every window we have been married for 50:years and this is our shared passion. I’ll be the penny pincher the rest of the year.❤️🐝💕
Seems like you are feeling very triggered by the entire point of this video, which probably means that you'd benefit from implementing these practices. This is literally the point, check out 9:08. Just a thought.
@ it’s called an opinion and we’re all entitled to our own. I was explaining why I feel the way I do. It’s not a trigger, it’s just the honest truth as far as I have seen in life. Take or leave it. I care not. You don’t control my life and I don’t yours. So don’t try to tell me what to do with my own money or life, that’s an overreach and none of your business.
To feel the season, there are a few things I like doing. I go for a walk, enjoy the autumn air, wonder at the trees, take photos of the mushrooms I come across. I bring a small bag with me in wich I put some fallen leaves that I carefully choose, some acorns and some chestnuts. And when I come back home, I put leaves, acorns and chestnuts around the flat, and it feels cozy.
I also borrow spooky books from the library. This year, I also made a headband that I decorated with autumn themed appliqués that I crocheted. This way, I enjoy the item (way much more than something bought), but I also spend time enjoying an activity that gives me autumn vibes. Most of it costs nothing, and nature is way more relaxing than shops.
Such a great reminder. I’m avoiding my trigger stores & that’s been going great. The struggle is real
avoiding trigger stores and unsubscribing to email lists are the two best things you can do !!
I really like going apple picking, flower picking, foraging, and decorating pumpkins. In my area these are all
Your message is on point! We bought a few tiny gourds last year, ended up throwing them into the garden to compost and they produced over a dozen beautiful bumpy colorful gourds. We just cut them yesterday and the kids put them all over the house. Sticking to natural decorations like pinecones, twigs, holly, pumpkins, acorns, etc is the most elegant and you can just toss it outside to decompose after the holidays. For those of us in the desert (Arizona) the seasons don't really look like what the greeting cards depict. So we feel like we need to manufacture Fall and Winter by buying all the stuff. But really, the best way to do that is to make a pot of chai, put on the jazz music, cuddle up on the couch and read a book together. Each family gets to choose how to piece together that cozy scene. And then each family develops an actual family culture, instead of having the same blow up decorations from Home Depot as everyone else.
I love this !!
I used to buy a lot of autumn items and I changed my style pretty often. To make up for my mom never decorating for fall when I was growing up. Then, I got my favorite pieces and kept them and only bought seasonal scents and, occasionally, a new decor piece. This year, I got married and we are living in a camper for the foreseeable future because of things outside of our control so I’m leaving all of my gorgeous blue pumpkins in storage and using a pumpkin spice air freshener that I got for free and pumpkin hand soap that I bought on clearance last year and I’m happy with these little things that set the mood, as well as putting seasonal spices in my instant coffee. We’re poor and have no space, but also very blessed.
I can relate to this. My Mom actually never decorated for anything even Christmas. It left me hungry to decorate and I try to overcompensate for that. Do you have any insight on how to overcome this deficit?
@ That sounds really hard! My dad said they didn’t really do much of anything for Christmas growing up. They had a lot of kids and some years they got one thing for everyone to share. So his youngest brother goes all out as soon as October some years because of the deprivation he felt as a child. His parents also didn’t believe in Christmas trees so he gets a big one. 🤷🏻♀️😂
My seasonal depression has kicked in pretty bad. I have struggled with it since I lost a cousin around my age in kindergarten. It was in November, my birthday month. So, every year, I turn another year older and he doesn’t and it’s right before the holidays!
So, even though we live in a camper and I believe my Christmas decorations are in storage in another state and we don’t have very much money, I have asked my husband to bring a little bit of his Christmas decorations out of storage, even before Thanksgiving, and I have been playing Christmas music. None of us expect my mom to make it to Christmas and I’m just trying to keep going and making the best of it.
I feel like, when it comes to making up for the deficit, curate a collection of the things that you love after you find out your taste and stick to that. Figure out what your style is and what fits in your space and your budget. I had so much decor. I cut it down to one container of Christmas and one of Autumn. My husband is sentimental and has his own container of ornaments from his grandparents who raised him and passed away when he was very young so I will definitely honor whatever he has. We’re newlyweds. 😊
Abundance isn’t important, but meaning definitely is. When you are hungry and feel like you’re in a deficit, you are. Feed it with the things and the people that matter the most to you.
i love the focus of building community and asking for things first before buying new
Thanks! Could we have a similar video during Christmas season too please?
heck yeah😎
Loved this video Grace, I usually don't comment a lot. But I think it's so true that autumn is a feeling and not about the stuff. We went camping last weekend and I could just smell autumn in the air. It's a smell i can't describe, but there is also a smell when spring is in the air. Also the slightly colder air but still warmer sun. The leaves started going a little bit orange. It was amazing. Thats the moment I realised what made me nostalgic to autumn, also as a kid. It made me feel so cosy that weekend and was so happy to get home and appreciate it even more, cosying up under my blanket and going into a warm bed at night. ☕
ugh I love this!!!
That is something I needed to hear, I have been seeing so many people with such pretty fall sweaters and getting advertisements sent to my emails daily although I do own a few sweaters. It is just seeing something that looks really nice and autumny that makes me want to get a whole collection of new sweaters when nothing is wrong with mine except the fact that I had them for longer. However, the fact that I know I'm not wasting money on something that won't benefit me anymore than it can allows me to not buy it.
This is such great advice! My mom never spent money on decorations to make Autumn cozy and fun. We just had traditions that happened only in the Fall/Winter. I didn’t realize how much this positively influenced me until I had my own children.
Would you mind sharing your tradition s?😊
Absolutely! We lived in Texas so keeping that in mind, but we had certain meals that were more Autumn related like roasted butternut squash, hearty sausages and soups. We didn’t eat them during spring or summer in order to make them special. So soup was a treat in the Fall. We had hot chocolate on the first week of October no matter the temperature and we could have it on any day of less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit after that day through the Fall and Winter. Believe me I learned early to check the temperature!! 😂
We planted Autumn vegetables at the beginning of September.
We would have a bowl full of apples and on the side table September through November because they were in season. We would dry orange slices for decoration. We would bring out the cozy blankets on October 1st.
We would walk the neighborhood every night to see the trees changing. That’s how I learned the names of our local trees. When the days got shorter, we would play board games or watch movies together with popcorn and treats every Friday night. We only did that until March 1st. My mom would teach me one new homemaker skill every Autumn and I would work on it throughout the Fall/winter. Like crochet, sewing, cross stitch, etc.
I could choose what I wanted to learn. I have more but this is already long. 😂 Have a wonderful Autumn and Winter!!
This was exactly what I needed to hear - a bit of tough love with the underlying confidence that I am capable, creative and intelligent and do not need purchases to validate this! whilst watching this I was knitting a scarf from yarn that have been laying around for more than a year. It feels great to be resourceful and make something of materials I already own. Thank for this vid!
I'm a sucker for fall/Halloween... I just avoid stores. I am finally going to make the Halloween quilt that I bought fabric for AGES ago!
I just bought a relatively inexpensive autumnal quilt from 🎯 and am fighting with myself because on one hand it’s already made and it’s something that I can enjoy right now but, I can make a quilt but I won’t be able to enjoy it until next year. I should focus on the process of autumnal quilt making this year and then look forward to enjoying the quilt next year! Happy quilting to you!
I'm one minute in on this my first video I've watched from you and already impressed. There are way too many TH-camrs out there creating content about minimalism, frugality, & how to stop wasting money, that also have several "helpful" links in the bio for products, services, decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry... These links contradict the message. Thank you for not doing this... It is refreshing.
this means more to me than I can even tell you😭💗
I’m a sahm, and I live in a very rural area, 30 minutes from any town with a Walmart, so my problem is scarcity mindset.
So today I needed catfood, medicine for my kiddos, and paper towels, so maybe $20. But then my daughter wants a snack, sure I deserve a Pepsi, of course I do, and they grab a candy at the checkout and I literally spent $75, for actual trash.
I know that I spend at least $300-500+ unnecessary dollars every month at the dollar store, but it’s the dopamine, it’s the getting out of the house without going very far. It’s the ‘I can do what I want.’ It’s the ‘I deserve this’. It’s the ‘I’d better get it now because everything is so far away.’
But I don’t deserve debt for literal garbage and junkfood.
it's really a major major exercise in will power and self control to stop those behaviors, but finding other positive things to do (using up what you already have, finding free activities to do outside of the house, focusing on creating things, etc) is really really helpful when trying to break the habit of impulse spending!
@@gracenevitt at other stores, I’m intentional about what I buy. Prioritize healthy things,
But at the dollar store, it’s just like “why not? It’s just one small thing. “ like it doesn’t even count. And the things that don’t count add up so fast.
@@gracenevitt if I were shopping recreationally or for things to upgrade my life, (thrifting or tjmaxx) my emotional limit is like $45 max, on a splurge day. I have no clue why $60 or $75 at the dollar store is normal and acceptable for me, on just whatever random crap, and $45 feels like a ton when I’m spending intentionally, purposefully, on things I know I’m going to use and love for a long time.
The inward messaging of that, I guess, is that I’m worth junkfood, temporary dopamine, cheap crap,
But very little that’s actually nice.
Temporary gratification, but not actual contentment or happiness.
And inwardly, that message still is so fundamentally flawed, because I don’t deserve those nicer things, I’m still pretty deeply assuming that happiness is going to come from them. Or that happiness is elusive.
I get it... looking through your statements might be helpful as a bit of a wakeup call.. I went through mine from last year during my unintentional "low buy" year (thanks to minimalism) and I spent over $1000 on things because they were "only $X" 😭 I only'd my way into spending over a thousand dollars on random stuff ... huge wake up call for me. and that was me being wayyy more mindful than I used to be...
this was very helpful and a nice reminder to reflect myself. As you said- we already have so many things we don't even use. Being thankful is very important. Having experiences and not things. Thank you for your sweet and passionate words :) Greetings from Germany.
I have struggled with this for years. I am starting to manage a budget and it has been eye opening on how I have used shopping to manage my emotions while getting debt ;/. It is so frustrating because we have been on a really tight income and it feels like we lack so much, and while I go to the thrift store I end up spending way more than I have 😢So this month I started budgeting and restricting myself and yesterday I felt anxious so instead of going shopping I opened my closet to organize what I already have like buying from my own inventory. I know it is just a coping mechanism but it helped me to have a more organized home, took things out that I don’t need anymore and helped me have more peace. I will continue to fight, your video has been great for me. I want to get to that point. 😢
My favorite thing about fall is getting to wear my favorite sweater again, looking at trees changing colors, and squash soups. I have had the same orange sweater for years, and I get so excited when it's time to get it out again.
One thing I've enjoyed doing over the past few years is to challenge myself to grow my own colorful pumpkins. I always grow pumpkin/winter squash that are good for eating so that I'm able to decorate for fall with my own homegrown pumpkins and then challenge myself again by making new pumpkin dishes with them. Pumpkins are in my life one way or another for like 6 months out of the year 😅 If you don't have the space to grow pumpkins, picking a couple up from the farmer's market and cooking with them when you're done with fall is cheaper than buying big box store decor, produces a lot less waste, and is way more versatile!
My cozy fall weekend- hit up the library book sale ($8 for a HUGE bag of books) baking bread today, making and canning applesauce, also need a cozy time with a book and hot apple cider. Admittedly I do decorate for fall, I have a trunk full of items that I pull out each year to add fall touches to kitchen and dinning room, but it’s been collected over 24 years of marriage and mostly second hand or handmade. You can be frugal and boujee at the same time. My expendable income is split between my home and travel.
if by "bougie" you mean not a minimalist, then absolutely!! my bf's mom is super frugal and a total maximalist! she loves to collect things from people and places she loves and occasionally thrift for little treasures.
I haven’t been able to decorate for halloween for a good few years so I don’t own anything. So I’m going to purchase some things this year but I’m going to minimise what I get. I made the rule that I am going to only buy things the trick or treaters going to love. So besides treats, I’m decorating my doorway and getting costumes for me and my puppy who will be the ones answering the door. Besides making sure I stick to a budget, I’m also going to make sure everything I buy is reusable for next year. I’m also going to keep everything in the shopping bags for 48 hours so then when I empty them, I can reassess what I bought, think if anything was an impulse purchase and return it if necessary.
if you want to decorate for fall for free go outside and collect some leaves, acorns and other fall things that you can decorate your house with!
I used to do that as a kid and loved it! We glued, spray painted etc and it was so much fun, plus free decorations!
I am old- 73. When I was growing up, we never decorated for any season except Christmas. And I don't celebrate Halloween. I do have some fall decor such as a wreath for my front door and some candle holders that I reuse every year. I like to bake pumpkin bread to feel like fall. Maybe have some hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Start getting out dome of my winter throws and clothing. I love fall❤
Our favorite part of the holiday's (any) is the crafting and projects! A home feels so much cozier when you have memories attached to your decor. So glad you made this video! 🥰
Thank you, I really needed this dose of common sense. I live in Europe where the trend of buying seasonal decorations isn't as prevalent as it is in the US. Although the shops here don't have a wide variety of seasonal items, we are catching up with the US. I spend too much time in front of the screen since I work from home, and it has started to hurt me. I've been feeling the urge to buy new clothes, shoes, or bags just for the autumn season, even though I have a full closet. I realize it's best to time outdoors and connect with nature every season, rather than surrounding myself with unnecessary items at home.
Ugh, I needed this. Not the decorations but fall clothes. I live in southern Indiana and it will be 80-90 degrees until Halloween! I don’t need fall sweaters because it’s too hot! But, does that stop me…nooooo😢😅😊
I get it!! I'm definitely feeling the urge to buy some clothes now as the seasons are changing and I'm feeling bored with my current wardrobe... but we will stay strong!!
@@gracenevitt toooo late for me so far, but you have inspired me to get my head on straight. I have a big goal that is for my son, so I’ve got to get focused!
I love painting landscapes! I think a good decor idea would be to make a seasonal painting or artwork of aome sort. Love this video and am so happy with how im doing on this no buy year. Thank you for making your videos on minimalism and the no buy year to help! ❤
Great idea!
I'm 74. I make crafts from newspaper, discarded books, string, etc. I have a shoebox of paints and glue. I use old HWY maps and yarn for gift wrap. My clothes are second-hand, from yard sales, or from rummage sales. My parents grew up during the Depression so I didn't have many toys as a child. My grandkids are teens. I have a black shirt, and a few flannel shirts. My off-season clothes fit in a carry-on suitcase. Tina, Al's wife
This is so needed and refreshing, it feels isolating to have these feelings when people around me feels the need to buy junk all of the time
I really needed this video. Thank you!
This just came up in my suggestions and boy did I need to hear this. I have been going through the I need to buy "whatever"" to feel better, and I needed this tough love. What I have recently purchased is not changing my life nor is it making it better. The dopamine hit is very short lived and I was anxiously awaiting the next interior design video to see how I can up my interior decorating. I don't need to. My home is already full of real things that I love. And I don't have the storage for any more seasonal crap. Thank you for showing up when you did. I suspect that I will play this video a lot over the next few weeks when I inevitably get the urge to go out and buy something.
If you have enough things you love, what helps is moving things around, especially a big piece of furniture, and decorative pieces. It gives a fresh new view of the interior without spending ✌
Creating boundaries helped me the most. I allow myself Autumn mugs because I use them all year round and rotate drinking out of all of them. I love Autumn and want Autumn all year round. The mugs do bring me happiness and joy. Even on the bad day. 😂 I use the container concept to keep in check of them. I buy consumable seasonal themes instead of decorations. Like printable colouring books (decorate my space with it finished), word search, jigsaws etc. These activities are part of my mental wellbeing routine. Doing the same with shower and soap products is a nice way too. They feel a little luxury throughout the day. I also only buy take away coffee when it's PSL season and it feels good.
Doing seasonal bucket list is helpful too. I personally adore being outside during Autumn/Winter. I spend more time outdoors than any other time. Doing sketch walks has been a new addition. Bonus is I can decorate my space with it too.
Thank you for this! You’re so wonderful at explaining things and I am here for the tough love and critical care toward myself in your messaging 💜
Aww. Thank you for your wisdom. Your timing was great. I’ve thought of buying all of these things in the last couple of days! I’m 61 and in your young years you’ve helped me today. 👍🏻
I found that going to the library and checking out books or dvds gave me that happy feeling when I buy something without actually spending money. I will feel excited to read it and I’ll think ooh look at all I got today from the library. Also I love buying used books at the library’s bookshop. I got four books for $1. Of course I need space on my shelf to store them but I know when I’m done reading them I can donate them back to the bookstore if I want to.
You are right calling it Crap. True
Yes, it was super tough love but it was what I needed to hear and I thank you for that
Thank you Grace ❤😔 i needed to hear this. I just lost my job and almost fell victim to "retail therapy" myself. Also, to feel productive, I organized my decor and Holy crap 😮 it was a lot of crap! Along with the never ending stream of content of hauls and "look at this cool thing I like". I feel the need to find joy in my books, craft supplies, and the decor I own. despite what our culture claims: what we have is more than enough and, often, we have more than we'll ever need or use.
Thank you again, Grace ❤ your well-spoken tough love was just what I needed to hear.
Make art that reflects what you see around you. Bake something with pumpkin or apples and "fall" spices like cinnamon and cloves. Make soup. Gather leaves or branches and display them in your home. Bring out those blankets and throws that have been stored away during the warm months.
I'm not a person who ever buy drinks outside really, but a friend had a really yummy pumpkin tea that i would love to try, which is basically what i sometimes spend a little extra on when i can afford. Tea is my everything
I sooo relate!! I'm trying to stay strong and not buy more tea because I have more than enough right now 😅
I drink quite a lot of tea, so im not in that place yet. I buy a lot and i drink a lot, so i dont have that much that stays "collecting dust" for long. A pretty good rotation, plus a few favorites
Wow, this is great. I love this idea so much, I am going to try it myself. I don’t need to buy anything, really. I think you’re doing something great here.
Definitely needed this video this year 😅
that's what I'm here for !!
I live in Paraguay and we're actually closer to spring time here, but I was feeling this urge to buy decorations for Halloween and other things I don't really need(? Sooo I'm glad the universe put this video in front of me, now I can go back to reflect on my bigger goals. Thanks!🎉🎉🎉
One thing you kinda brought up, but I thought I'd emphasize is I LOVE breaking out my winter/fall supplies from last year like they're presents to myself with lovely memories already attached to them. If you live in a small space, it doesn't even need to be a lot. I just grabbed a brown jug I had, a table cloth my grandmother gave me and some branches/leaves from outside and made a nice center piece for my table. That plus pulling out my sweaters and blankets and everything feels very fall and if it fits in my budget, I might get one PSL or better yet, a half gallon of apple cider for mulling.
Fall has really been hard. We actually have a lot of cold weather trips planned and I didn't have enough cold weather clothing (I live in Florida and we don't really need cold things here.) So I did need to purchase things because I have a genetic disorder that makes me really sensitive to cold but I definitely found and purchased more than I needed while thrifting because I found so much good stuff. I do love it all and will wear it all and will keep it for years but I could have bought less. And I also bought a book. I am proud that there have been a lot of cute things that I said no to like mugs and halloween decor and other stuff I didn't need at all.
Great video! I cant afford to be impulsive with money anymore, so I really need to hear this. Ffs, i cant even afford to save right now! Only food and bills and medical costs (im disabled). I have been so much better with looking up reviews before buying switch games and not just buying all the ones on my wishlist that are on sale. Im doing my best to work through my backlog, use my creative art materials etc. Its hard but i'll keep doing it. Hopefully that need to buy things will have passed until i actually get a job, so i dont just buy a lot then "just because i can"
Just what I needed to hear - thank you!!!
This was so helpful, thank you so much Grace x
I crochet (I haven't made anything for 10 years!) This year, my creative side decided it wanted to come out and play again. So I purchased some yarn (on sale!) in autumnal colors (which happen to also be the colors of my living room!) to make a new afghan - which is lovely to look and *useful* ! Holiday decor that I have to dust and then store away in tote? NO THANK YOU!
My youngest and I painted some fall colors on some brown craft paper I saved from a package. I'm going to try making a garland from it to put around some LED lights we have up all year round. I might frame a bit of it for the kitchen, too.
This video was a good reminder to myself that who you are, what you do, what skills and hobbies you have and how you connect with others is infinitely more cool than how much stuff you own. Sure, owning stuff can be nice, but it will not replace interests, skills, attitude and relationships, and there are billionaires out there that count on you to buy stuff so they can have more villas, golf courts, yachts and wine cellars. If you really need to buy something (for example as a gift) please at least buy it from a small bussiness :)
Needed this right now. Thank you!
Wow! Just caught you for the first time. I feel like I’m listening to my best friend. That’s a real talent. Thanx
Here for the rant!! Tell us Grace!! 🍁🍂
I needed to hear this! 😊
Setting up an appointment that is going to happen after you go to a store is SO SMART. Why have I not thought of that? When I think back when I have been in a store before going to lunch with a friend or to an appointment, those are almost always times I never buy anything because even if I have spent 45 minutes there, I feel like I don't have time to make decisions, so I put the things away. And then do I go back to get them? I think maybe like two times ever!
it has been a game-changer for me tbh!!
This video is so iconic
Holidays, for the most part, I just use my favorites I have year after year. Once in a great while I will get something new, but its a rareity. I LOVE finding things thrifting, most of my favorites were thrifting. With exception to a few large things most of my holiday décor (all holidays) can fit in a laundry tote bag. I prefer to put more into keeping things we use in stock - the need for clean and hygiene isn't going anywhere. And I have my favs there too. If I had free reign financially...yeah old hard back classics and leather books would be the temptation. I will say...the idea of minimalism is difficult when you are into all kinds of crafting, and art to combat stress. Only way I've been able to work around that is don't purchase huge amounts, and things only as I need it for it, and make sure with whatever is left over I can make things with it too. Which brings me to point--how awesome it is to spend 10 bucks on a block of air dry clay, and paint on hand and a few dollars for tools - you can MAKE YOUR OWN sculpted decor. Its more than just buying - I found an outlet to destress, by actually creating something, and then having that learning experience to improve skill. AND not only can it be used for your own decor, but can be also made for gifts for Christmas at a fraction of the price.
Actually yes I DO need all the fall things. I’m a minimalist in a lot of areas but NOT when it comes to getting every last ounce out of fall (and Christmas). This video has actually inspired me to go fall shopping 😅😊
I mosty purchase after really thinking about whether I need it or not. Definitely do not feel the need for purchasing stuff to decorate my house according to seasons (apart from Christmas obviously.) One could just go out and get some chestnuts and autumn leaves. Maybe a bit of moss. Yes. I like to get a pumpkin, which I will then cook and eat. I seen some videos where people decorated and I didn’t understand what drives them. Then again I am much older so know the value of money. Besides a good cleaning session works wonders.
Good video, getting finances in check is so freeing. One of my goals is increasing my financial education. Going for autumn walks and enjoying a hot chocolate at home is all we need, we don't need to buy lots of autumn themed tat. One of my favourite things to do at this time of year is bake a type of cake called Parkin, it's traditional in Yorkshire, England. It's a cake which contains black treacle and ginger and it's low cost and delicious, so I recommend that to everyone. It's an adaptable recipe too if you can't find the exact ingredients locally.
One thing that I have done is to create a notebook in sections for each holiday and put in images of things that I would like to have. The original purpose was to give me ideas for things to create/craft myself very inexpensively. What actually happened was that just creating the notebook satisfied my urge to "have" the things. I got to be creative but spent very little money. Then i started pinterest boards and did the same. Or I downloaded files to my computer of decorating that i wanted to do. But i ended up spending very little money and satisfying my urge to be creative. I did create a few decorations in real life but i reuse them every year and try to find ways to use them differently every year. Sometimes I take them apart and use the materials in a different way. I watch youtube videos that feature creating dupes of expensive decor and I get inspiration from them.
I've found the urge "scratched" with pinterest boards as well!
I appreciate this so much thank youuuu💚🍁🍂
I just went apple picking and it was awesome! The apples were so much cheaper and more delicious than the grocery store and now I get to make a bunch of applesauce and apple muffins! The perfect way to ring in autumn 🍂 🍏
that sounds sooooo fun!!!
I was freaking out, super anxious and I wanted to buy something that I 100% didn't need just to feel better. So this video popped up and I watched it while doing art and just overall feel better. And won't buy anything. Thanks!
i love hearing you talk, you aren't annoying in any way to me (usually youtubers are some way or another)
Loved the idea of asking family if they have fall decor! 🧡why didn't I think of that? 🙈
I love the honesty in this video (:
Just gotta say I love the wall color!
100% agree!!! This may be the most tempting season. Thanks!
At this point, I think my why has become the joy I feel when tactics from corporations/influencers don't work on me 😅 "You NEED this!" No, I do not 🤣
soo real lol
Thank god I've been fine with not going out and buying tons of house stuff at the stores ever since I started decluttering and trying to be more minimalistic. My mind frame has changed so much
One of my favorite ways I DIY'd Halloween decor a few years ago was I spray painted little boxes that food came in and other little jars, then printed off free spooky themed apothecary labels and glued those on. A Spaghetti sauce jar without the label and the lid sprayed black can be fun to put spooky things inside of. I have a large collection I display up over my kitchen cabinets now and it looks great! And I used pretty much all things I had or thrifted.
I needed to hear this . Thanks so much ❤
Great video!!! My no-buy has changed my life forever too!!!
Gracias Grace por tus consejos, me agrada el de llevar a alguien a comprar algo y que te recuerde no gastar más del presupuesto inicial.
No crap
Yes autum things for free
I've been watching minimalist channels like this one and also European channels. They don't tell you what to buy. Instead they show you how to make, how to fix, how to enjoy what you already have. I recently decorated my master bedroom with antique furniture that was given to me for free. It looks so good, so chic, I wouldn't change a bit.
For this autumn, I'm decorating with fruit and herbs. I've learned to decorate with fruit watching another you tuber.
There are many amazing youtubers to give us great ideas. I don't even use TikTok. To much affiliated links with crap.
I’m also gonna paint my nails burgundy rn! Loved this video!!
You are so pretty. And I love this video. I am currently trying to majorly curb my spending.
As someone who is still in a kinda toxic buying cycle at the moment, imo it isn't mean to say that buying crap doesn't fix your mental health. If you end up perpetuating a buying cycle, try to notice your mood changes and write them down if you can. Ask yourself what triggers that change outside of the buying dynamic and if nothing differs you're probably good, but you must be true to yourself. For a brief period of time I noticed I would get hyped waiting for a parcel and unpacking it, then chucking the item in my closet and feel overwhelmed or sad right after. That is the sign of a toxic cycle and it is counterproductive if you have a problem you want to get out of.
fall is my weakness, i needed to hear this today, i am trying to pay off some CC bills and still paying off taxes from the past year, why would I get the ghost mug when i'm in debt! silly brain
the marketing is truly out to get you😭
I needed to hear this, fall/halloween is the most dangerous time of the year for me lol I want to buy all things spooky.
Very wise and intuitive. I love being a minimalist. And what about all those pointless greeting cards for Halloween!!!
Hi! Thank you for this video! Being a knitter and many other things, seeing all the useless "omg this is so cute need it" things thrown at me everywhere just make me... angry? 😅 So love this for a sobering moment.