As most of my readers will know by now, in January following my solo trip to Bali, I made the decision to sell everything and move across the world. Here we are, early March, and I've given notice for my apartment for April 1st, and I fly out of Canada back to Bali at the end of the month.
The thing about deciding to uproot your life and move acrosss the world is, it really forces you to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, so long as you welcome it. This lifestyle found me more by association and chance rather than choice, as I'm not at a point in my life where it makes sense to pay to store my things (the bulk of what I own is from a small boutique you probably havent heard of *cough* Ikea *cough*).
Not only am I getting rid of about 90% of what I own, I'm also doing some heavy penny pinching to have a little fall-back fund for whilst I'm in Bali and beginning to settle in Aus. I used to be REALLY into clothes and makeup shopping- not out of need but out of boredom and unfulfillment. It has been so refreshing to have had the realization that consumerist behavior not only fails to fill a void, but also holds you down physically by sheer volume of accumulated ownership of "things".
Because I will be living out of a medium sized suitcase, I've not allowed myself to purchase anything (really) except for the following three things. It is so eye opening to have been limiting my spending on material things to either absolute necessity or to the things that I really truely want and know I will use. Of course I've purchased food and other necessary things like toothpaste and contacts. I'm still eating and showering guys- I'm no superhuman and I'm not going to sacrifice being clean.
1. The Red Dress
Check out this link for a very similar and very adorable version from Urban Outfitters!
My beloved Birkenstocks... Arguably the most wonderful shoes I own.
This is one that I so much trouble justifying that I tried it on after having seen it in a display window, loved it, and came back a few days later because I couldn't LIVE without it. Okay, I could definitely have lived without it, but it is gorgeous and really embodies my personal style. I also don't have a ton of dresses, and I LOVED wearing dresses the most in the heat of Bali. It's something I'll treasure because the $70 pricetag is huge for me now that I'm in savings mode, whereas before, I probably wouldn't have given purchasing it a second thought, and thus probably wouldn't have loved it as much.
2. The Bralette
Check out this link for a very similar version from Aerie!
This one is a very cute no-brainer, and was on a great sale at Aerie. I would like to clarify however, I did not buy it SIMPLY BECAUSE it was on sale, which is something that I think is easy to fall into when you are not practicing a minimalist lifestyle. It is pure lace and so cute, I wear it all the time, and it was only $10! Aerie is my absolute favourite for underwear and swimwear. I've definitely converted from the bra to bralette life, they are so much more comfortable, cute, and cooler when you're in a hot and humid climate like Bali.
3. The Best Makeup Base (like ever)
Check out this link to try this magical goop for yo'self!
I don't even know how to describe what the It Cosmetics CC Cream does for my skin- it's magical. It makes it look so smooth, naturally even, and balanced. In heat and humidity, it looks naturally matte, and in drier climates, it locks in moisture and keeps my skin plump. It also has SPF 50, and really lovely buildable coverage. I also have the most tempermental and acne prone skin EVER, and it has never caused an issue... I think it might even help prevent breakouts. I go with the shade light, which is definitely on the darker side for my skin when I'm in Canada, but it gives me a bit of an all-over glow if I take it down my neck with a damp beauty blender. It'll also be a perfect shade once I've got a bit of a tan going from the Bali sun.
I hope you guys enjoy checking out my three beloved treasures of 2018 (so far). Maybe I can inspire you to come on this minimalist journey with me- I swear it's much easier than it sounds! And hey, it makes whatever purchases you DO make that much more special and wonderful!!
Love ya! I'd love to hear your thoughts on my 2018 finds in the comments!
C
*This post contains affiliate links by which I make a small commision if you choose to purchase*
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