Empty Tub 64:Camellia Care Mask 🌸

I have a long black hair that looks buhaghag and in English it is called loose hair. It is very thick. Life is crazy while others are complaining about receding hairline I am complaining about thick hair. Not entirely my fault though, I grew up people and media are telling that having this thick hair is not good. Our idea of good hair is straight and thin hair. I don't even know where Filipinos get this idea while French people still looks good and cool with their curly hair. I know French people were not the only people in the world with curly hair but I remember them as I'm watching a lot of French films. Anyway moving on since I grew up with the notion that having buhaghag hair is not good and looks like as if you are not combing your hair naturally I try to look for ways how to keep it straight and thin.

I started going for hair rebonding since 2009. Been doing it at least once a year. People says that hair rebonding is bad for the hair. Like you will get hair fall more often or it will make your hair thin in the long run. But then as per my experience I don't think so. Having a thick hair is hereditary. I still have thick hair as ever. The last time I had my hair rebond was around February this year. And as much as I enjoy the result I was at the point of getting tired of it. Imagine having to sit in a place not doing anything for at least 6 hours. As an end result of the said boredom I resorted to trying out different hair products to see if anything out there will give me at least a thin hair or an illusion of having one.

So when the Chinese lady offered me to purchase this care mask for the hair for around 25AED to 40AED as I can't remember the exact amount, I didn't think twice and purchased it right away. With the thought that maybe it will really help me with my goal to make my hair looks thin or tame it. It is surely made in China. But I don't mind seriously. And as of the ingredients unfortunately it is no longer visible

Review? What I have done was use it after shampoo and conditioner since it is a hair mask. Maybe this tub lasted for a month on me. Smell was not really nice but not bad though. I enjoy fruity scent that other scents will be just meh to me. Price? Not bad actually. As this is 1,000 Grams of product. But in the end this is not a kind of product that I am so keen to buy again. It made my hair soft but then my good old Cream Silk can do that job already. As of my real intention in making it thinner no avail. I sadly wasted money on many hair products with the same end results since February. That in the end I only have 2 choices sit painfully for 6 hours just to have a super straight hair for the whole year. Or just to accept my hair as it is. Accepting the natural state of my hair would have been easy if I don't need to conform with the norm of our society. The society I grew up with. The same who does not forget to mention how fat I am.

If you just want any hair mask that is quite affordable then you can visit any Chinese owned parlor in your area as they surely sell the cheapest hair mask in the UAE market. But if you are like me looking for a product that will make your hair straight or thin then I'm sorry to say but such product doesn't exist. If it does I'll be the first one to share it with the whole world. If you want a soft hair then there are far too many products in the market that can do this. From hair conditioners to hair masks and endless choices of oils and serums.

Unfortunately for me I wasted money from February to June seeking for the miracle hair product that will fit me perfectly. All of them has given me softer hair but then that is not what I'm after. As long as I'm using proper conditioner then my hair stays soft. In the end hair rebond is the only solution to keep my hair thin looking by straightening every strand.

I'm sharing it as part of my Empty Bottle Post Series where I am documenting the stash (that looks like garbage) I own. Those items are accumulated since late 2014 up to early 2016 before I finally wake up that this is not the path I wanted to be. Basically there are products at each corner of the room. And even on the floor and all the other places in the tiny room that meant for something else. I accumulated those products for various reasons. For the last 4 months or more I'm trying to finish them all. To free myself from clutter.

On the left side is the Soap and Glory body scrub and it is around 350ML if my memory serves me right. My stash consists of hair products as I hope to have a straight and thin hair, various skin moisturizing, different brands of body scrub as look for the best for my skin type and different kinds of face products in my hope to combat the whiteheads on my nose. I admit that I'm still making a purchase since August 2016 but the difference is I no longer hoard. That will be all for today. And will share the other products I used some other time.

 

Pan Project. Well regarding my version of Pan Project I do not know if this will be applicable with the make up products I own. I tried to organize them and I even bought plastic containers just so I can see them everyday and be encouraged to use them and eventually be able to finish them. But no matter what it looks and feels hopeless. For example the blusher I got last January 2015 ~ still not yet finished after more than a year. If I have at least 10 blushers then I could be using them forever. Sadly I will be throwing some of them very  soon. It is a waste of mine but then what can I do.

 

TV Series. I am currently enjoying the TV Series 'Vikings' and well they are not often portrayed on TV. This one from History Channel is simply awesome. Another one that I'm watching is 'Versailles' about the story of King Louis XIV. And I'm about to see 'The Last Kingdom' and 'Love/Hate'. At least nowadays I have time to watch at least one episode per day than nothing at all.

 

Books and Photography. Oh no sadly reading books and practicing photography has to wait until I am old and gray. But not now. As long as I'm working for basically almost the whole day and other household chores has to wait until weekends. Not complaining though. If I have lesser items then it would take less time to clean the small space. So yes too many earthly possessions will hold you down. I learned it from the hard way.

 

'The belongings people accumulate throughout their lives will always own them. People seem to think if they had more they'd be happier or freer, but their possessions only chain them to the earth.' ~ Sarah Noffke, Awoken

Goodbye #37: Lee Cooper Green 👖

One of the dozen jeans I purchased from Dubai Outlet Mall last June 2015. I always wanted to have a green jeans and I do not even know why? Green is not even my favorite color. I bought this jeans not because I need it. Just because I wanted a green jeans. Such a shallow reason no? Besides I got it for no more than 30AED. Splash in Dubai Outlet Mall used to have a promo that you will get 2 free items when you purchase 5 items. 

But owning a green jeans did not change anything in my life. It did not bring happiness. Instead it just occupied a space in my small closet. I wore it for only a few times. I can't wear it in the office of course. Wearing it outside I can't find a suitable top or shoes to match with it. So green jeans is not for me. I'm thanking it for the experience but now it has to go away. Someone else might need it and might be able to rock it confidently more than I do. 

That's all for now. Now I will come back again to share about things I purged. I may be doing one item at a day which is quite slow but at least I am not satisfied with the results. There are now free spaces in the tiny flat that used to be crowded with little stuff. Till next time. Ciao!

North Face Green Travel Pouch 💕

Hello!

Good Morning from the Middle East!

I should have been writing a post about my way into minimalism and frugal. But I seem to  be posting purchased items. Haha. But worry not it does not mean that I have fallen into the trap again of hoarding or wasting my hard earned money. Admittedly June to July I made quite a few purchases that defies my No Buy Ban (and now thinking about it, it is a case to case basis as for me right now this is not possible I just have to be wiser with my purchases) but for a reason and I am not just justifying or making excuses.

I was about to go on a one month vacation and it was very important for me as it was my first after a decade of working. As an end result I wanted to be prepared and leaving no stones unturned hehe is that the correct term? I'm no longer sure with my English either. So one of the purchases I made prior to my vacation was travel pouch. I ended up buying 2 as I was unsure. After all I never needed any travel pouch before. I have chose The NorthFace because I know its quality.

I have chosen to shop at Dubai Outlet Mall as I know prices will be much lower compared to other malls in Dubai like Mirdif City Centre and I was right. As you can see the original price was 245AED but I got it only for 65AED and when I checked the branch in Mirdif City Centre the exact travel pouch in black color cost 295AED. So the price I paid for in Dubai Outlet Mall was a fair price after all.

Basically it was my first time to buy a travel pouch so I don't really know how to choose a proper one. I bought it based on the reputation of the brand. I wanted a bigger one but I did not find any that would fit into my budget and not too sure if that is advisable. And after my grand vacation only then I realized that yeah I should have taken a bigger one.

I like it as you can see it has many compartments but right now that I will not be going to a vacation any time soon it is just sitting at home and since my clutter is not yet clear I haven't decided yet what I should do with it. Should I just hand it over to my younger sister back home? Should I use it as a make up pouch? Should I keep it as gadgets organizer? I'll keep it until end of this year before finally deciding. Maybe I will still make purchasing mistakes every now and then.

And that's all for today.

Let me get through some photos again.

Ciao!

North Face Gray Travel Pouch 💕

I'm checking the photos in my PC to see why I have too many. Numbers were now up to 2,000 and it might take me months to declutter them or to organize them. And so today I'm writing a post regarding the North Face Travel Pouch. As I was going on vacation last August I decided to make some purchases during sale last June to July. And how I sh0uld have not bought it. I am still using it but it does not mean I really need it. I just can't ditch as I don't want to waste money.

First of all The NorthFace is quite a reputable brand of outdoor gears. If you are in any UAE mall you will always see this brand next to Columbia and Timberland. I was able to buy winter jacket from the line 3 years ago and I'd say it is a good brand. Plus I love that it is made in the Philippines. But then I find them too expensive so even though I love the brand I can't always afford to shop at them whenever the need arises. But I was having this thought that hey it is on sale and I need a travel pouch anyway and I will be going for one month vacation ~ so I went ahead and purchased this travel pouch on gray.

As you can see in the photo original price was 89.00AED but I got it for only 49.00AED and back then I thought it was a good deal when I was on my vacation I realized that it was not. And I should have just bought something else from the shop during that time like a huge backpack or travel bag. Or any sensible trousers that I can wear whether it is summer or winter.

As of the price I can't and won't complain as looking around whether it is a known brand or not the price are almost the same. You wont really find a dirt cheap travel pouch in the UAE. I even looked at the ever reliable Carrefour. As of the quality no complaints from me either since I trust this brand. And as you can see in the photos it is quite bulky and sturdy. It will surely last a long time. And it will surely be a value for money. But that is if I am extremely happy with this purchase. Also as can be seen in the photo it has a mirror available. But that would be no use for me.

I asked myself if I love it. The answer is no. I asked myself it I am happy with it the answer is no. Even if price and quality are good. I was not able to bring it to my one month trip as it is bulky and cant be pressed in my luggage. It is small that my toiletries wont fit. I am currently using it as a make up pouch and I am not really a make up person. Maybe I will ditch it as soon as I  finish the make up inside. If I could turn back the time I will not make this purchase and save the money instead and wait until I can afford to buy one of their backpacks. As per my experience during my vacation I badly need a sturdy backpack. Mine has given up after a month. Only then I understood why people shelling out hundreds of dirhams just to have a bag from The NorthFace. Yes I also need a travel pouch but bigger than this. And so I hope I can save up enough money until the next sale in the UAE. To purchase what I really need and just what I merely wants.

I actually have 2 travel pouches from The NorthFace the green one is from Dubai Outlet Mall. It is bigger and cheaper and perfect for make up pouch. But still I find it a little small as a travel pouch. Anyway I am not mad at myself over this mistake as after all there was never a need for me for a travel pouch before. And also I had never been away for a month or so. Life is a continuous lesson anyway. That's all for today and thanks for dropping by.

Goodbye #36: H&M Gray 👖

Good morning world!
An item a day to get rid of towards the clutter free space. Even after weeks of purging seems like I still have way too many items to get rid of. Especially in clothes.

So for today I am saying goodbye to this pants from H&M which I purchased during sale for only 30AED. I can't even remember when it was. Maybe it will be running on 2 years since it has been in my closet and I used it only a few times. The number of times won't even be beyond ten! 

When I have seen it first I thought it was a cool trousers to wear in the office. Well it is except it fits perfectly. And you know in this part of the world if trousers is like that then except all eyes to be on you. So the norm would be wearing the ugliest trousers in the office so no one would take a second look at your bum. Haha. But the main reason why I am getting rid of this is, it does not have any pockets. I don't know about you but as per my experiences it is always better to wear clothes with pockets. So your mobile phone will be with you all the time. And that's all for today. Have a great day people!

Goodbye #35: Grab Black Dress👋🏽

I got this Grab black dress in 2009 and it's 2016 until now I do not know from which country Grab brand came from. I'm trying to ask Google but it is giving me different answers entirely not related to the Grab brand at all. I'm trying to ask Google because it is actually a good brand of clothing. As of the price range well we all know nothing is inexpensive in UAE right? I can't remember how much I paid for this little black dress but I surely got it on sale. It used to be available in Safeer Mall but it has been pulled out maybe it does not sell well.

They say every woman should have at least one little black dress. Do you think so? Because I don't. I got it because black used to be my favorite color. But then its hard to maintain its color the same as white. I don't know what you call it but whenever I wash black clothes there seems to be small white particles all over it. Therefore making it not my favorite clothing at all. Wore it a few times then let it rest at the back of my closet. And since I vow to have a minimalist and frugal lifestyle I'm checking my clothing one by one and seriously asking myself if I still need it or do I love it? Or does it gives me happiness? Well if all the answers are NO then it has to go.

I like it for having pockets. It is hard to find dresses with pockets. But then wearing a dress is no longer my thing and even if I wanted to the situation does not match for it. And since I gained weight there are body parts the seems to look ridiculous and not appropriate with my height and body built. My belly seems to be bigger than my bossom. While my arms are so huge that looks irritatingly distracting. Honestly I'm finding it hard nowadays to dress up without looking like Garfield. As much as I want to look like Audrey Hepburn but I've got a body like a sumo wrestler. Sad. Just sad.

That will be all for today.
I still have other dresses that I will let go of but I will try to at least wear them for one last time. Take a photo with it as memento. Till my next post.

Goodbye #34: Muji Blue 👋🏽

Muji. Muji is a Japanese brand of clothing and almost everything under the sun and one of their branches is in Mirdif City Centre. It was created as supposed to be a no  name brand. Ironically for supposed to be no name brand they have high prices almost the same or more than other older brands available in the market. I was able to buy Muji blue long sleeve that's said to be made of organic cotton because it was on sale. I do not need it but there was an itch to have it to see the difference from other brands to see if the price will be justified.

I can't remember the exact price but the same price was 37.50AED and I purchased it last 2015 during the winter. But mind you UAE winter does not really feel cold. Unlike in the earlier years. Now how do it differ from other brands? Maybe only because it feel softer? Will I buy another clothes from Muji again? Nahhh I'll skip it. Actually I'm planning in skipping buying another clothing again. As long as I am in UAE. Maybe the only time I'll make a purchase is when I badly need a winter clothing (I have plans but it is too early to tell one thing at a time as my hands are full right now) but it does not mean I will buy winter clothing at Muji when the need arises.

I am thanking it for the memories if there are any and the services. But I am letting it go now. As I have said even the winter in the UAE does not get so cold that I don't feel the need for it anymore. And even if this coming winter will be cold I still have way too many long sleeves to wear. I can't wear this in summer either. It is not longer my style. And I can't wear tight clothing anymore as my pits don't want to stop sweating when it is hot. Sweat and tight clothes are not a good combination. But don't worry it doesn't mean that this clothing of mine stinks. Haha. The next person who will wear this does not need to worry.

I'm raiding my closet. Setting aside a clothing per day. To give away. As I walk through the path of minimalism. My journey is a slow one but I am getting there. I will be making some purchases soon but it will not be clothing nor make up. And of course I will sharing them over here. But at the same time I will make sure it will not get in the way of my purpose. To have a minimalist and frugal life. Till next time. Ciao!

Goodbye #33: Giordano Yellow 👋🏽

Hello there!

I'm back again with another purging session. Honestly speaking when I came back from one month vacation I was able to throw away at least 20 bags of garbage from the tiny flat because I have an ample of time. I was at home for a few days. But when I started working again then time has been my enemy as usual. I have to work from 8AM to 6:30PM so just imagine what time I have to wake up and what time I can go to sleep.

 

In between I wash clothes. I do the dishes. I cook. And I clean the house particularly the floor. You know to make sure cockroaches will not be having a party in the flat anytime soon. But when it comes to my purging session there really has been a slow down. Taking out a clothing item per day helps but it feels like it will take me forever to finish. So yes I'm looking forward when can I take off for a few days to do a general cleaning again. The life of an OFW. Thus what they say is true that less stuff you own means less time for cleaning too.

 

Anyway moving on as I go through my journey towards minimalism I'm doing a Goodbye Post Series. Meaning I'm getting rid of an item per day and documenting them by writing a blog. Yesterday I said that I will be taking out all the polo shirts I own. Today it is about the Giordano polo shirt in yellow. Purchased between 2007 to 2008 it has been so long that I can't really remember anymore. Price was no more than 100AED as I never catch Giordano to go on sale anyway. I always thought Giordano polo shirts are cool. Not until I become fat and have a bulging belly. And it no longer looks good on me.

I will keep on purging but I do not know until when. I'll stop when I am satisfied. I'll stop when I have just enough. I can't complain as whatever is happening right now is just an end result of my bad decisions in the past. And I can't keep on being hard on myself just because I made mistakes and stupid spending decisions. All I can do is to rectify the mistakes. Learn from it. Move on towards my goal of being minimalist and frugal.

My Current Moisturizers 💕

A few months ago I have written a post about my morning ritual since January. But back then I was not yet into Pan Project. I just feel like sharing it. And then I was able to seriously stop myself from buying further skin care products when I started my Pan Project. Because of it I was able to finish for the first time all the facial moisturizers/sunscreens and some primers I have. Which was a big deal for me as the last two years was a crazy time for me as I hoarded beauty products. I will use something for a while then keep it until I forget about it as I moved on to the next one. It would have been okay if I am in the place where we are experiencing 4 seasons. As I know as  the season changes so do our skin condition. But I am in the place where it is consistently hot. With the exception of at least 3 months per year. And that 3 months there is no rain nor snow. Just a little cold but not enough cold for you to wear layers of clothing. So I don't really have to keep on changing a product based on the season. And so as soon as I get back from my one month vacation I found myself looking for a new beauty products as I ran out of some of them. Particularly moisturizer and sunscreen. So in this post I would just like to share those products I purchased. As well as the other products from last year that I'm trying to finish.

Muji Moist Essence Lotion ~ Price is 100AED per 200ML but then last Friday of October Muji in Mirdif City Centre was on sale. So I found myself broke but still chose to make this purchase. I paid only 75AED. I don't think it has a Western Counterpart. Lotion is another term of toner in Japanese skin care. But unlike Western toner it is not meant to clean the face but instead to add moisture that we tend to lose upon cleaning the face from the make up and debris we accumulate the whole day. I'm using it every morning and evening. After cleaning my face. As of now I cannot say if I will repurchase. As I have yet to see the long term effect. Since I'm a year older now I am really keen into keeping my skin good. That's why suddenly I'm turning into Japanese beauty products. Well I was into it before but not on this level.

Muji Whitening Moisturizing Milk ~ Price was 100AED per 200ML and I did not purchased it on sale. I am not sure if it has been discontinued or repackaged but I no longer see it in Muji at Mirdif City Centre. I am using it after Muji Moist Essence Lotion. Honestly I am not too sure if this is also a lotion or a moisturizer. I feel like it is both. I am also not sure if the ingredients will not clash with the Muji Moist Essence Lotion. But so far there's nothing funny going on in my face. If I am too sleepy at night then I can stop at this. Meaning no need to follow up with any serums/emulsion/essence/cream. I will still wake up the next day with soft skin. I used it after purchasing it in 2015 then after a few uses kept it in the drawer. That was the time that I told myself I'm such a fool to believe such thing as whitening. I mean in Asia there are thousands of whitening products so why then some people like me still have a dark skin? Only a few weeks ago that I decided to take it out and give it a try.

We all know that Japanese and Korean mostly has a white skin. In fact I barely see Japanese and Korean with a brown skin not unless they are from a mixed heritage. So why then white people like them are also making/producing whitening products. And if these products are not working so why then they are thriving now and then? I must have been missing something here. Maybe because my expectation is totally changing ones skin color. Maybe those products are meant for something else like making the dark spots fade away over time of using continuously. Maybe I don't see major results as I tend to stop after using a bottle. It is like dieting for a month then going back to binging again when my weight does not drop immediately. It could be the same thing with my skin. What will I lose in sticking in a regime or particular product in a year?

Muji Moisturizing Milk in Light/Normal/Heavy ~ This is 30AED for 50ML of bottle. But 3rd week of October Muji Mirdif City Centre has an offer of Buy 2, Take 3. So I went ahead and get all the variants of it. Honestly I can stop at Muji Moist Essence Lotion as it is moisturizing enough. Maybe because of the weather where I am right now? It is extremely hot outside but all establishments have AC. But then I'm dreaming of having a soft and hydrated skin. Well if the products I am using will serve as anti ageing as well or at least keep the natural color of my skin that would already be a bonus for me. So with this goal in mind I really do follow the Japanese skin care regime. Since Muji Moist Essence Lotion serves only as a skin softener or preparing my skin to the next layer of skin care products. And as I have stated above I'm following it up with Muji Whitening Moisturizing Milk. Then any serum/essence/emulsion in between if I still have time. Finally I'll end it with Muji Moisturizing Milk and I'm not sure if this one is the last step. I am not sure if this is meant to be the last as I am also seeing a night cream as well as day cream. The night and day cream are in different jars. And I guess much more thicker than Muji Moisturizing Milk. (I suddenly remember that I still have Sana Hanadomy Collagen Cream among in my hidden stash that's in line with my Pan Project I have taken it out and will start using it some other time).

Muji Moisturizing Milk; from the name itself it means to add moisture to the face. So it is like layer after layer of products making sure that the skin is moisturized properly. I'm using Muji Moisturizing Milk Light in the morning. (Using it in between of other 3 moisturizers that I purchased between September and October as well). While the Muji Moisturizing Milk High in the evening in case I wear a make up for that day as this is the thickest of them all. And it is quite sticky too but the stickiness goes off once it sinks it properly to the skin. While I'm using the Muji Moisturizing Milk Normal in between. Now if I were to choose between the 3 I would choose the Muji Moisturizing Milk Light. As this has the consistency I love the most. Truth to be told for one month I haven't seen any major changes in my skin except for being supple. That's good right?

Sana Hanadomy Collagen Lotion and Sana Hanadomy Collagen Cream ~ I can't remember which month I made this purchased but all I know is I bought them more than a year ago. Price was around 100AED and this is not available in any physical store in UAE. For those interested you can try checking it out from Desert Cart website. Mine will expire on 2019. So I kept them and forgot about them. Remember them only when I started Japanese skin care regime again and religiously this time around. I find it thick but I won't complain as I haven't gotten around how to use it properly. Like not yet sure if I'm using the correct quantity. If this will not really work well with my face then I could just use it on my neck. And elbows. If there's anything more that I can add about it I will just update over here.

Soap and Glory Fab Pore Daily Micro Smoothing Moisture Lotion ~ I am not a fan of Soap and Glory. Actually I find their products expensive when it shouldn't be. And even on promotions I don't think I'm really saving money. They are either Buy 1, Take 1 or Buy 2, Take 3. But then I don't need much products. But for the month of November I was lucky enough to find some sale from them. I got this Soap and Glory Fab Pore Daily Micro Smoothing Moisture Lotion for only 15.00AED at Boots Pharmacy in Lamcy Plaza. So far I haven't noticed anything special about it. Or maybe it is because I'm already contented with Muji Moisturizing Milk Light. If there's any additional information I could offer then I'll update this.

I still have at least 2 moisturizers that waiting for me to use them. I know I almost fall into hoarding again. So what I am doing to make sure that I use them all I'm bringing in the office whatever I can bring. So I can reapply anytime needed throughout the day as well as to make sure that I am using them all. Rather than keep them then forget about them.

I also went around looking for good sunscreens. Unfortunately in the market here it seems that makeup is far more important than sunscreen. There are thousands of makeup versus to sunscreens. Carrefour carries a few brands which I'm not interested in. Pharmacies like Aster and Boots carries European brands in prices so high. Aster Pharmacy had Buy 1, Take 1 but it should be the same brand. Duh. Korean sunscreens are equally expensive as European brands. I checked The BBCream Girl and The Face Shop. In the end I resorted into ordering from Desert Cart. The cheapest Japanese sunscreen I found at Desert Cart costs 38.00AED plus 25.00AED shipping fee and that's total of 63.00AED and even so it is still cheaper than buying 100+AED from a pharmacy or the said Korean stores. And that's all for today. I'm planning to order some items again from Japan but this time it will be about face lotion, skin conditioner, face oil and body oil if I can find something affordable. Will try to share my experiences about it.

P.S. Pan Project in makeup and nail polish is quite impossible. Even after a decade I wont be able to finish them all. I'll start purging soon. It's my hard earned money. I do not want to waste anything but it is the most sensible thing to do. It would have been easy if I am crazy about them and make sure to wear them every single day but I don't.

 

'The junks in our homes clutter our minds as well" - Anonymous

Goodbye #32: Giordano Pink 👋🏽

As I work my way to minimalism I'm taking out an item per day out of the house. Out of my life. But so far I had been taking out only clothes because it is so much easier. I have to do some purging soon in my make up and other tidbits but time is my main enemy here.

 

I'm saying goodbye today to my Giordano pink polo shirt. I purchased it back in 2007 or 2008? Polo shirt was my thing. Not until I gained weight that I had to stop wearing them. As it accentuates my body fats.

 

As I purge item per day and get to document them by writing a post I'm having a mixed emotions. One is regret as to how I used to be when it comes to finances. But on the other hand I'm happy that I can easily let go. And my closet is getting clearer and cleaner. That's all for today. Watch out as I purge all the polo shirts I have at home.

Capsule Wardrobe ~ I had been seeing this term a lot via Social Media. But I don't quite get it. They are talking about 33 pieces of clothing. But then they actually own more than 33 if combined with shoes and accessories. And the clothes are rotating according to the season. As much as I'd like to join the bandwagon I can't as I don't comprehend well how it will help me to be frugal. Or a very hard core minimalist.

 

What I really want to happen is to own stuff as if I'm on the move all the time. Our lives in UAE is not permanent as Middle East countries are not offering citizenship to expats unlike other first world countries in the world. Even our jobs are not really secured with the current economy. They will be protecting their citizens but not us. So yes I want to own stuff that if someone will tell me to pack my bag and leave the next day I'll be done in no time. I don't have any plans on going home for good either. And I want to see the world first. With these in mind I don't want my earthly possessions to hold me down or slow me down.

 

But having earthly possessions that will only fit in a luggage or two ~ I'm not sure how possible it could be? Or if it is really possible at all? That is why I'm trying first to clear away all my clutter and unnecessary items and see later where it will lead me. I'm taking baby steps at a time. As I can't yet just throw away everything. I could go away and remove everything from my closet but I could end not wearing anything decent by next week. Owning 33 items hhmm... Are pajamas included? Underwear? Socks? We will see..

Goodbye #31: Giordano White 👋🏽

There was a point in my life where I turned to Google for tips on what to wear according to my body type and age. I would love to wear colorful clothes but I don't want to look stupid and awkward. Google suggested that all of us should have at least one white shirt to go. So I searched the mall for cute and affordable white shirt. I ended up getting an undershirt from Men Section of Giordano. It was not on sale and price was below 100AED but I bought it anyway as I don't own any single white shirt.

 

But then this Giordano white shirt has the same story just like all the other clothes I'm purging. It is the classic story of being able to wear a few times. Then putting it at the back of the closet until I finally forget about it. Until it no longer fits me. Or no longer my style. Collecting dust. Taking up a space. And I'm silently kicking myself for the old habits of wasting money.

 

Goodbye Giordano!

I hope your new owner will love you more than I did. I can say that I really learned my lesson well this time as I keep on purging an item per day.

Goodbye #30: Aeropostale Stripes 👋🏽

For today I am saying goodbye to my Aeropostale stripe polo shirt and thanking it for the memories. Can't remember which year when I purchased it but one thing for sure I bought it because it was on sale. And I think polo shirt is cool. But sadly it has been left out in my closet for far too long as I barely wear it. When I gained weight polo shirts are no longer my kind of top as it emphasizes my huge belly. And my huge arms too.

 

I was hoping that one day I'll go back to my old body structure but I had been waiting for years now. It's far easier to wear something according to my current body type. And that's the bitter end for me and all my polo shirts I own.

Goodbye #29: Another Lee Cooper👖

When I came back from vacation and focused on cleaning the small flat I am living in. I also included major decluttering. And when finally some corners were freed from the clutter there has been a sense of happiness. Indeed a clean and clear space can bring peace of mind. Along with it I become obsessed with decluttering. That is has been a sin if a day would pass by that I don't have anything to take away from my clutter. No matter how small but an item taken away per day is a big help in the long run.

 

My main focus is my closet as I see it everyday. I'm opening it everyday. And I feel like I haven't taken out enough clothing. To think that there are people on earth living with only 33 pieces of clothing. Well I still have 33 pieces of jeans I think. Or more. I may have taken out a dozen already but there's much more. This is the end result of my years of hoarding.

Lee Cooper is a British brand of clothing that I mentioned many times as I purchased far too many items from this brand that later on I have to purge. This is a good brand of casual clothes and affordable when on sale. I mean is I don't have any issues with the brand. I'm getting rid of whatever I have not because it is a bad brand but because I simply feel that I have way too much. And I want a clutter free life.

I think it is a cool design of flowers on the jeans. Cool and chick. But then I can't wear it on the office. And it was hard for me to pair it off with tops or shoes. As I am not bold enough to when it comes to fashion. As an end result I wore this around 4 times only? When you don't wear something often then it is just a waste of space. You can let it go since you don't need it and love it. That's the case with this Lee Cooper floral jeans. No matter how cool I think it is.

That's all for today. But it does not mean I am done with raiding my closet. Or I am done with purging my jeans. I'm wearing something I haven't worn in a long time every weekend and asking myself if I am okay with it if that is the only clothing will be left in my closet. If the answer is no then it has to go. Of course after I wash it first. I can't give it away without washing hehe. I just wish I have more time to purge the make up soon..

Goodbye #28: Aeropostale Blue 👋🏽

Finally for the month of September I was able to take out from the small room one cabinet. As well as one table for that used to be a place where I was stocking the food. With that the space looks big and clean. Pleasing to the eyes and less hiding place for cockroaches to hide. It is inspiring enough for me keep on going on my way towards minimalism.

 

Even my small closet gradually becomes not so crowded. I may have taken out at least a hundred clothing since June or July but I feel like there's so much more that I have to part with. I will stop only when everything would fit into my Delsey Luggage.

 

For today another clothing I have taken out of the closet is the Aeropostale blue top. I got it from Dubai Outlet Mall for only 15.00AED and that's very affordable. But then it is not my style that it would probably be sitting in my closet in the years to come. So this has to go and I'll just give it to my sister in law.

 

As I'm getting rid an item per day each post reflects of what kind of consumer I used to be. I was too busy complaining how hard my life is when I also play a huge part of why I'm always broke. I thought I was being smart buying only on sale. That is if I purchase the things that I need and not just buying anything under the sun impulsively. I just hope that I can rub some of this minimalism and frugal ideas to the people around me. Like my family, friends and colleagues. Hopefully one day.

When minimalism doesn't work

I am slightly obsessed with being minimalist and frugal. And so when my vacation came what I have done was leaving behind all my hair and skin care products. Thinking that basic were enough. Well I was so wrong. Being minimalist and frugal will not work all the time. There will be a case to case basis regarding this one. Anyway let me expound my experiences.

I have thick and long hair. Any shampoo would do just fine but when it comes to conditioner there's only brand that can tame my hair and that's Cream Silk conditioner. If not available I must use at least any hair products but not necessarily have to be expensive. I am aware that all the countries in the world have shops where we can buy everything we need and so with this thought I went to Turkey without any conditioner or hair products with me. Wrong move. Cream Silk was nowhere to be found. Hair products were available but written in Turkish and extremely expensive. I was successful in saving money and having little items with me. But I had to live with slightly greasy, messy and rough hair for a month. It is worth it? No.

My face is always full of whiteheads on the nose. Before leaving I told myself I will be ditching face toner for good. Well I brought only facial wash with me. Thinking facial wash and water would be enough. Well how the earlier people survived when all the skin care products we are having now does not exist back then? Well it is another stupid decision from my side. As I was always outside exposed to sun and dirt. And everything. And I refused to buy anything for face as again most brands cost a fortune. Facial wash only is being a minimalist and frugal. End result? It was a month where I have a nose full of whiteheads 24/7! I'm someone who barely has pimples but then I became someone who has a face where pimples love to live. Plus bumps that I don't understand if they were prickly heat or whatever.

For the body I used only body wash. As I promised myself I will be ditching body scrub and it is just a waste of money since body wash is enough to clean our body. Dang! Again wrong decision. As I was sweating the whole day. Body scrub would have been a big help in keeping my skin moisturized and thoroughly clean. I ended up having some bumps in my body as well. Even if I am taking a shower everyday.

Bottom line is I can still be frugal and minimalist even if I am pampering myself. As to avoid any skin or hair situations that are not comfortable. Or could lead into more serious situations that in the end would make me shed more money by going to a dermatologist. What I should do is avoid hoarding. Because when it comes to skin care products that has been my issue since I started in 2014. Cream Silk is expensive but I don't really have to buy ton and stock them in the bathroom as to avoid crowding the little space. I still need a facial toner but I don't need huge bottle. I don't need to buy different brands or variants at one time. Those are just the example. And that's it.

Goodbye #27: Naked👋🏽

Finally.

Its long over due but I was able to do it.

Here's my story. A few months back I realized that I have too many items inside the room that its no longer fun. And all I see were clutter everywhere. And then I started reading blogs or social media posts of people who are frugal or minimalist or both. I got inspired by them that if they can do it so why can't I?

 

When I was starting in my journey towards a minimalist life there was a little doubt and a few bumps as I ended up making new purchases after weeks of purging which I was able to control later on. Yes now I can say I am in control. Even though there will still be a few glitches every now and then. But at least it is getting less and less.

 

It has been easy for me to let go of clothes as well as documented them. I just need to take at least an item a day and that's it. But that is not the case with make up and skin care products. As I had to finish them up. So its taking time. But as of the make up I may love them a little but it does not mean I am using them or crazy about using them that they are just sitting in my dresser collecting dust. I wanted to take a good phot0s and swatches as after all I love this Urban Decay Naked Palette I am letting go now.

 

But then I know that I will never ever have time for photography anyway. So I just took a photos of whatever a few minutes I have so at least I can keep a memento/remembrance of it. I bought this Urban Decay Naked Palette from Sephora in Dubai for 249AED if I am not mistaken. How can I not buy it when everyone was singing praises for it? Expensive as it is I still went ahead and make a purchase. It would have been a good buy IF I am using it on daily basis but I don't. So in the end it was just a waste of money for me. Here are the photos but no swatches:



Photos overload.

It has fall outs but then I was told all eye shadows have fall outs anyway. I'm trying here to give more description about it but then my mind goes blank. They call it Nude because the colors are neutral meaning whatever your skin tone maybe the colors will suite you. Thus making it popular with make up guru, bloggers and make up lovers. That even me who does not use make up daily fell in line to buy it. If this is 247.00AED or 249AED per palette means each color cost 20.00AED and I think it is not a bad price as mono eye shadow in the market would cost 30.00AED and above. Other will argue that 20.00AED per color is expensive due to the quantity but then even this quantity will take forever to finish not unless there's a dozen of you who are going to use it on daily basis. But as per my financial status shelling out 249AED one time is pretty tough.

 

That will be all for today.

I still have too many make up items I need to get rid of I believe. I'm just finding time to finally sit down and pull out all the drawers. And go through the items one by one. I'm not kicking myself anymore over regretting buying too many make up in the past. I will not be that hard on myself anymore. At least not I can say that I really learned my lesson. Even though back in August I made another purchase again. But I made it without a heavy heart as I will be trying them out then hand over to my cousins.

P.S. I only have 3 make up palettes I mean the big ones. That comes in 12 colors. Sadly though pretty as they are, but then they are just simply a clutter in my already messy drawer/dresser. I'm trying to find time to take photos for the other 2 palettes before letting them go.