february wrap-up || no buy series
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- Опубліковано 3 бер 2024
- reflecting on february of the no buy year... it was an emotional roller coaster lol
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I will be sharing the ups and downs of life and how to attempt to get through it in one piece. I’ll be sharing realistic life advice, minimalism tips, routines, vlogs, and anything else I think you would benefit from! Life is messy and unpredictable, and learning how to manage these hurdles is the first step to leading a happier and more intentional life. We're all trying our best out here, and I just want to share what is and isn't working for me.
Sending you all my love,
Grace
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14:42 I have found that when I’m reading a difficult book it is helpful to read an easy book at the same time and switch back and forth. I don’t get bored or burnt out from reading when I do that.
that's essentially what helped get me out of the reading slump😭
Knitting girlie here 😊 A lot of people destash yarn leftovers from projects for free or very cheap, and it’s great for practicing casting on, binding off and gauge! Where I live the library also have supplies like needles you can borrow. Almost everything can be bought second hand, and libraries often stock some pattern books. There are plenty of free patterns out there, but I buy patterns I love. There are so many youtube videos on every technique, they are very helpful. I started 16 months ago and I’m into slow living, being frugal and minimalism - so I try to be very intentional about the pieces (mostly garments) I make and only buy yarn for each specific project right before i start them. I don’t need a huge yarn pantry or sweater quantities of yarn on hand. I’m working on using up my scrap yarn on smaller projects ❤️ Good luck with your knitting/crocheting journey!
thank you!! I'm super excited !!
Yes you can thrift yarn!
Seconding all of this! ❤ It's a very good slow living hobby! And as you say, it can be cheap if you go to the right sources, most elderly women in my family have tons of knitting supplies and needles already! and yeah scrap yarn is great, it's also really gratifying to make it like a challenge to use it all up
If you learn to crochet Granny squares, you can use up all sorts of oddments of yarn. Please think about sourcing some yarn second hand or preloved. There's loads out there that needs using up! 😉🙂
@helenmali that's my plan!!
Grace do whatever is best and easiest for you. We love you and appreciate all your hard work! I love this series and it has helped me so much as I'm sure is true for others as well.
I feel like this February was just a lot. For me the constant cloudiness and no real sunshine hit me harder than I have ever felt it (and I used to think in my 20's that I could live in Seattle cause I love rainy cloudy days). It wasn't that anything was really wrong in February, but it just wasn't what I wanted the month to be and I too had a hard time with the blahs, the rollercoaster of feelings, and just a whole malaise. I started watching you because I was doing no buy January and you helped me stay on that path. Thought it would be a good reset. Feb I was going for low buy. I sorta stuck to it, but also feel like I faltered cause I think I caved on buying some things that maybe I should have skipped. I told myself "progress over perfection" cause in the past I would have said screw it at the first falter and then gone nuts. Watching you has helped me remember that it is okay to make an oops just try again. One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits. I spent 2021 listening to it because I would listen for a bit/a chapter/a section and then try to digest/put into action that part. He stresses that a falter isn't a failure. Just giving up instead of resetting/restarting for your goal would be the failure. You are encouraging all of us and reminding us that none of this is perfect and we won't give up on ourselves!!! Thank you!!!! Keep doing what you are doing as you are able (don't exhaust yourself for us out here in UA-camland). You are an inspiration to this Gen X gal!!!!!
Grace, I think you are amazing for all you are doing. I'm a lot, lot older than you (retired, in my 60s) but find you quite inspiring and I'm learning a lot from you. Whatever happens, remember to be kind to yourself ❤
thank you so much this is so sweet😭💗
Thank you for being real! I appreciate your videos! The point about only buying because we want to be taken care of is sooooooo real, wow hit me hard.
The Lazy Genius came out with a podcast this morning called “What to Do When You’re Bored With Your Life” and it hits on so many things you mentioned in this video!! I would highly recommend.
Feb was hard for us too. We’ve been dealing with Covid for 2 wks now and finally getting over it
Love the lazy genius and had forgotten about her.
Oooh, just checked out a couple of episodes and now following. Thanks for the recommendation.
@@jesslewis7851 🥰
I just want to say your videos are so valuable Grace!! I'm quite sure I would have never been able to stick with the low but year if it weren't for your videos and the discord group to keep me accountable!! No one in my life really understands why I'm doing this, so I don't have that much in person support. Hope you are able to find more moments of joy and time to relax in March. 🥰
Also, Grace can you do a series of things you can do in New York for fun without spending any money at all?
Like $6 limit, for you or both of you? I know you’re at your personal limit already, because you’re busy, but maybe it will help you feel like you’re having more of a break, to go and chase something new?
Also did a Twilight marathon (watching for the first time) and had those mixed feelings: cringe but also interested what's going to happen next 😅I regret nothing.
LMAO my thoughts exactly
Hi Grace, I'm sorry last month was rough. This is just a suggestion, which is something maybe you already thought of, but maybe doing less updates would stress you less? Like doing one or two per week? Or when you do have a specific urge to buy something? Maybe that would simplify the amount of videos you're having to edit and help? Thank you though for making these videos and sharing with us❤
I am knitting as I'm watching this! Yarn is on my red light list until I use it all up, though.I love your updates! They keep me going. Making a check in my habit tracker for "no buy" Is now a dopamine hit for me!
Totally get the UA-cam pressure, so do what is comfortable! People underestimate the time it takes to run a youtube channel and how money fluctuates. Dont want to add to the pressure, but i would add "no buy year" to the title or thumbnail whenever you can(even on the dopamine videos) can help drive up views because that is what most people come to your channel for. Do what you want to though ❤
I also learned to crochet with a friend ☺️ highly addictive but also higly dangerous in terms of buying too much yarn and stuff 🥲
Also, I love the video diary entries! Keep them coming, please!
I am setting up a new part of my freelance business and it is totally overwhelming me too. I too feel like: what can *I* offer (that’s not already out there), who wants to read my ego-mutterings. I’m not original. Blah. But then I think: I enjoy writing and maybe someone gets a smile on their face when they read my ramblings, or to them something might be original and new and applicable. It doesn’t all have to be Donna Tarttesque…
And in your case, dear Grace. Maybe you are not the world expert on finances or the Holy Mother of No Buy. BUT… you bring people together around your channel and your content and that is *very* valuable and much appreciated! So don’t think of yourself as a poser or whatever. You is smart, you is kind, you is important.
💜🕊
thank you!! when it comes to sharing things online, I've learned the special ingredient is just your personality!! sometimes I falter, but then I remember we all follow people because they are people💗 connection is so important
Honestly, I always have a hard time in February. I live in New England. It’s grey and cold and rainy. Feb is a hard month and we all deserve a big hug just for getting through.
that's so true!!!! the seasonal depression really leaps out in february
Always love these updates! January was quite easy for me...then February was *hard*. Trying to turn it around in March 💪
I felt like this through most of february too i really think its the hardest month of the year. it's both my parents birthdays, plus mothers day here in the uk so ive been buying gifts for them as a way to not buy things for myself - hopefully through march i wont have to visit shops as much so im less tempted to buy things. but yeah this month was super hard, im glad im not alone
I love this series so much. You and Ray together are a hoot 😂 made me smile. You're doing great and I love the realness
On the knitting/crocheting front, you can find all kinds of good videos on youtube if you need instruction. Also, if you don't want to buy yarn or needles, you can always ask someone like me if I have spare yarn or needles or books...because I do and I'm slowly purging my stash.
I really appreciate your honestly in this video, I also struggled a lot with dopamine and lack of spark this month and hearing you describe what I was going though was very reassuring and comforting ❤ I even feel inspired to start making video or voice note ‘diary entries’ to keep myself in check and aware about my feelings as they come though
Hey Grace🥰 you are inspiring! I just want to follow you on all of your challenges for the next years now😂
I don't know if i properly decided to do a no-buy year, but as a student I won't spend much on anything! Let's say this year you inspired me to just start tracking my outgoings and understand how I tend to spend my money, and be sure I don't overspend over futile things.
Moreover, the tracking procedure makes me think a LOT before buying something, so that at the end I often don't want to buy the thing anymore.
Crocheting is so much fun! I got one of my mom's old magazines, and I'm following a project from here right now🥰
P.S. Just wanted to say to not be too hard on yourself, take care!
thank you!! 💗
I also felt suuuper overwhelmed and blah this month and personally I feel like a lot of it stemmed from checking youtube studio to see how my latest video was doing haha. Idk if you do that as well, but since I deleted Studio off of my phone last week (can only check on my laptop now) I have felt wayyy better. I love seeing all your thoughts for the month. Also, I love to crochet and I really think it would be exciting to watch you learn!
I very well may do that!! thank you 💗
You’re doing great. We all have those all over the place feelings. Keep sharing.❤
These videos have been so inspiring. Thank you! You’re doing great :)
Grace, give yourself some grace. It gets easier. I'm doing it too and I love food shopping, I make it fun by going to three
supermarkets to feel like I am having a big day out. Split your shopping and it can be fun.
I hope you will feel better in march 🌸
I’m excited for the wardrobe video!
Love your new Kindle Case!
Grace, you have no idea how meaningful this series has been ❤
Thank you for being honest and also accidents happen and I'm grateful you told us and that you're not starting over or being super harsh on yourself. It was only one book and it wasn't intentional now, and even though yes it was a mistake and not allowed, we move on. I had to also make some stupid purchases last month bc I was traveling and I needed things I had at home but needed there and then. So I had to buy stuff I wouldn't normally buy but it happens. We live and we learn. Also sending hugs to February Grace, you can do it 🩵
I have bought at least 3 books this year and they are definitely on my red-light list
You are way too hard on yourself/. You need to learn to give yourself GRACE , Grace! You have to find what works for you. No one else is you. I have health problems and am also gluten free so i do understand somewhat, but even so you have to figure out what it is that helps you stay a balanced as possible! sending gentle hugs your way. Finding how to be the truest version of yourself is so challenging. I'm 39 and just now really starting to be able to let myself lean into what is right for me. With that said I still find it challenging at times.
I love your videos, cause they are so true! (and cosy😊) I saw a minimalist quote that was like, just because an intentional life is simple, it doesn't make it easy and I try to remember that when it gets hard. It will be worth it in the end. I'm feeling good about March, it has to be easier! 🌷
I read Cait Flanders book, and really enjoyed it. Thank you for recommending her ❤
Definitely didn't do as well as I wanted to, but I aim to do better this month. I don't want to beat myself up but it's hard sometimes.
I felt really defeated this last month. I only saved a whole $12 as I had some unexpected costs. Our electricity bill was higher this month, our fireplace needed to be inspected, forgot my city dog tags were due for renewal in February to name a few. We keep things as low as possible and don't splurge. I got some great advice from a friend who LOVES to budget and suggested making a list of future things to plan in the budget. I added on my spreadsheet at the bottom a detailed list of expected costs for each month. E.g. February my website domain comes due and costs X for renewal or April my vehicle registration is due and will cost X. It'll help give me a better future insight of what to possibly expect with hopefully no surprise costs 🤞
You saved $12 🎉! A small win is still a win! Well done 😊. Great idea from your friend.
your point about the relationship between walking to be taken care of and spending money was so real. when I was moved out for uni I find myself eating out so often because cooking was such a drag. now that I moved back in with my parents who cook for me (a huge privilege) I eat out mostly socially! p.s. we love your UA-cam videos
genuinely just pure entertainment! lmao
A bit off topic, but I've been watching your capsule wardrobe videos and wondering when you're going to attempt some dying projects!
UGH soon hopefully!!!!! been meaning to for tooooo long
February was a difficult month for me, too. Please don’t be hard on yourself! 💐
Girl, your videos are so helpful, inspiring and amazing, please don’t ever doubt yourself ❤
I’m hearing that you have been overwhelmed a lot over February ❤ and outside your window of tolerance. Usually a sign your nervous system has been dysregulated.
Try your best to get some nature, do some grounding and somatic exercises to connect back to your body xxx
This has just been SO valuable for me. And also so motivating! Even the quiet moments bring so much value. Keep going!
I bet you have a friend who would be happy to lend you a sweatshirt for the rest of the cold season. Most people have extras!
I totally have enough sweatshirts, my brain is just getting bored of the same 4 over and over again😭
notification gangggg 🤍 feel you on being in a reading slump and a life slump
ugh yeah. feburary was rough but the anxiety is shaking away and march already feels better💗
Grace you are doing so well and you are enough just as you are 🥰 Crochet girl here - it’s an amazing activity for your mind and keeps your hands busy. Making things like cotton dishcloths is a quick an easy project and rewarding. Plus practical! Also Face Scrubbies is a small and easy crochet project. 100% cotton yarn great for these and I often find it at second hand stores. Keep up the great work with the videos!
February was an incredibly hard month for life in general for me too. Idk why but I ditched my yoga practice and took a hiatus from reading for the whole month. I struggled with spending urges
i've started my low-buy in december and since than february was my best month! yay!!
but i still spent too much on eating out ^(
february grace is how march amber is off too! hope its better for you this month!
aw no I hope march amber's month turns around!!!!
GIRL, I have been returning to Twilight recently too!!!!! I just listened to all of the books again and it's time to watch the movies now. I have no shame. Chase that dopamine. 😂
Twilight has intensity that you can’t get in other books, without being full-on filth lol
That's pretty cool that they are doing the hoodie for donating in each season. I wish they would do that where I am lol.
Sorry you passed out though.
My period was late, so for the last two weeks I thought I might be pregnant and I’ve been plan-buying/ anxiety/ dopamine shopping (not pregnant!) but it threw me off so much financially, just the possibility that things might change. I’ve decided I’m going to do this challenge month by month. So not “no buy year” but no buy march. I like the thought of nixing the yellow light, I think I’m going to try that during march.
You’ve done great! I started learning to crochet last year. I love it but I haven’t had time lately. Lots of great tutorials on UA-cam. Also, your cowboy boots will be great on your homestead. 😊
A video idea... you should do a trial pack with me for when you do move to NZ. Like pack your clothes and the items you know you’ll be taking with you. It also might be a pain to do that since you’ll have to put everything back when you’re done. 😂
Great video!
I actually have a little running list going!! 😉
I wouldn't even have counted that book tbh. Intention matters. It's like my first kiss-someone kissed me without my consent, so even tho in theory that _was_ the very first time someone else's lips touched my own, I don't consider that my first kiss, it's barely an afterthought when the topic comes up.
that's fair
Aw I wanted to give February Grace the biggest hug! So honest and relatable 💙 I really enjoy the format of these videos with your round up at the end too. I can tell my March is going to be tough already, already bought myself perfume “because I fricking want it!” I told myself. Bad purchase but learning not to beat myself up!
Your video also helped me realise why I keep scrolling through my phone, Im searching for dopamine too. Made so much sense when you spoke about it. I’ve found that talking about my why (clearing my debts and saving to buy a house) helps me a lot. So maybe talking about your dream Homestead when you feel overwhelmed and struggling might help you too?
Thank you for another great video Grace! 💖
very true!! 💗 thanks for the kind words as always😭
You are so sweet and genuine, hang in there ❤
Woot! Hi Grace!
two thoughts: 1. you're so BRAVE girl. to post these video diaries and be truly vulnerable and transparent the way you are with us takes courage and I just want to say thank you for that, because you're usually saying my quiet thoughts out loud and it makes me feel so seen
oh no!! maybe I'm a slow deodorant user? idk... anyways thank you for the kind words😭💗
Gracias por tu sinceridad, por mostrar el lado real. Inspiras y visibilizas sentimientos cotidianos en este proceso de dejar de comprar. Gracias gracias gracias! ❤
gracias!!! 😭💗
I check packages in my building too for my name just in case hoping there is some sort of surprise waiting for me 😂 found this video so relatable. Thanks
Girllll, I get you abou getting packages at home. I started to open my girlfriends packages just to feel that rush again (with her consent of course). Coping with the mechanism we have ;)
February was an awful month for me. Getting strept, flu A and covid within the month was crazy. Still getting over covid now. I want to limit exposure to stores and public for a while just for my immune systems sake. A no buy wouldn't hurt because my family wants to buy a house this year.
I always check for packages for me, just in case someone surprised me! It's happened so I feel valid. But I also find myself judging my neighbors for all of their packages, aka, my jealous soul wanting things in the mail.
THIS is so real lmao
I think in general low buy/no buys can make us focus on what we’re not getting which is kind of a negative mindset. Maybe it would help you track what you are getting as a result of the no buy. How much debt were you able to pay off in February? Or how much more did your savings grow than in the same month last year? I also find that making a list of the projects I already own that I want to do and then getting to mark those off as I do them gives me a nice positive dopamine hit. It takes longer than shopping but it’s a more long-lasting “high.”
Ugh, I had a rough Feb too. I spent more on groceries than last year, when I even got 3 take-aways (only 1 this February, so small win). And then today I bought a new sauce pan because the 2 I have (and use reguarly) are both at the end of their days. I would have had to replace them soon-ish anyway, when I transition to an induction stove but meh… Not strictly necessary right now I guess.
Maybe stupid question, but can’t you just (batch) cook rice in a normal pan on your stove? I guess a rice-cooker is much quicker. But even my basmati rice is done in 45 minutes…
That is a big chunk of your income that you’re hurling towards your debt. Just think of all the mo-nay you’re going to save once that debt is cleared, girl!
Also, I’ve been deep diving into (e)books about consumerism and slow living. ‘The Day The World Stops Shopping’, genious! Just started in ‘Stuffocation’, interesting. And ‘Your Money or Your Life’, an oldie by Vicki Robin. Totally engrossed in that one. I think you would like it, in light of your NZ plans and your slow living 2025! These books have helped me to stay on track (mostly, apart from food) with not buying crap and feeling that I have *enough*.
Let’s appreciate ourselves for our continued efforts and the uphill learning experience we’re submitting ourselves to :-P
Onwards, dear Grace and all.
When I felt unable to continue doing the washing up and meal prep every day during a difficult period, I spent £11 on round containers and cooked myself 6 meals in advance. The initial cost was a little but it was cheaper than eating out (which I knew I would do otherwise). I hope you get through this.
very true!! I'm realizing our Tupperware situation is not ideal so I may have to figure something out along those same lines
Maybe you don’t need a rice cooker. I always just use a simple pot on the stove for cooking rice.
I don't know if you've mentioned it in past video's or it's very well known but what do you use as the data visualizer for the pie charts you show?
What is the red book that you mentioned being in the thumb nail? I could not find it. Is it the Women? If not, borrow it from the library. It might be my top book of 2024! So good! Kristen Hannah is such an amazing author!!!
Try sketching your wardrobe…even if you think you can’t sketch. Imposter syndrome happens to most people
Are you allowed to replace items like the leggings? You already had them and if you need them, it would be a justified purchase but not sure how specific your rules are.
Can I start in March now? I have 4kids and not sure how this will work but just found you
start any time !!!!! we'd love to have you💗
Hello! I’m Sydney, I’m an early elementary education student. I am a crocheter alongside nearly every woman in my family. That means I have access to quite a large stash. I am on a mission to sustainably distribute some of the fiber that my family will in all probability never use. I love your videos and I am striving to live a very intentional life. I don’t have a lot of disposable income being in college, but I would love to support you in a way I am able. so if you end up really enjoying crocheting or knitting and you would like to invite more yarn into your life, please let me know and I will take some pictures and videos and we can talk and you can pick which yarn fit your needs.
graceee omg grl if you pay for your things with a card just turn on text notifications from your bank (the card you use) for payments over $.01 or $1 and that way you have all of your purchase amounts in a text thread. that’s what i do anyway 🫶🏻
Do you guys have a microwave? You can buy rice cookers that go in the microwave, I LOVE mine
we luckily fixed the rice cooker we have! it's not perfect but it still works :)
Hi grace! 🩷 Having completely similar feelings and I did in fact start a crochet kit I had sitting for months. I ended up deleting social media and I was really bored for a few weeks but it was somewhat fun to reset. I’ve been doing tons of organizing and then reorganizing the same things again.. and again lol. I will say it’s amusing watching you doing mental gymnastics 🤣 thanks for being our leader🫡
Hey if UA-cam isn’t what you want to do, please don’t feel pressured, okay? You don’t owe us anything. We love to see you and you’ve helped us so much, but if this isn’t the life you want, even temporarily, it’s okay if you just excuse yourself. ❤
Curious to know if you’ve gained weight since starting this? I find myself mindlessly snacking, dopamine seeking now, and I’ve gained a few pounds 😮
I don't weigh myself so I have no clue
@@gracenevitt lol well I guess if your pants still fit you’re probably good. 🫣😅🫠
What was the book? Now are you glad you have that book?
I don't regret the book at all, the charge just caught me off guard
Hi! great video. I'm doing the same thing on my channel. What do you use to edit your videos?
I use Adobe Premier :) it’s not super straight forward though, so if you have an apple computer I'd maybe suggest Final Cut !
Thank you!!@@gracenevitt I know Final Cut is the end-all-be-all but I'm super new and I'm just not sure I'm ready to invest $300 yet 😂
@AllisonIntheCity just start out with imovie then!! premiere costs like $25 a month so it’s also an investment
You mean Adobe Premiere?@@gracenevitt
I have a small question✋ is the breakdown based on your personal income, or is it combined with your bf? Hope this isn't too personal, you don't have to reply if it is! ❤
yes this is just my personal income :)
Nice! Rooting for you to go to New Zealand in a few years!!
First name: Bestie
Last Name: Kelli
LOL
It kinda sucks that your SO doesn’t seem more supportive of the no buy. I know it’s just a snapshot of your day, but it’s kind of unfair to push you on something you’re trying really hard to avoid
In other videos he is very supportive, I think it was just a moment
oh this is absolutely not the case! we were both just super tired and he thought it would be easiest on both of us to just eat out, but he's very on board with the no buy and we try to avoid eating out as much as possible, but we also both work a lot, so the temptation is always there and usually passed on.
When living with another human, I find I have to resist twice the temptation. We each have our tired/discouraged days, and terms to pull each other out of good habits. But it’s about progress, not perfection! Just keep being intentional and sometimes your loved ones need you to make an exception.
@@kjw79This is the truth!
The ADHD fixations are crazy to deal with sometimes. We are an AuDHD household and not only do I have to try to manage my own but I also have to manage my 17 year old sons. He tends to get stuck on things that are just not financially feasible and then I feel terrible that we can’t provide him with whatever he is stuck on at the moment. He usually gets over them eventually but it can be a lot!
Feb is just a bummer month all round really - Here's to Spring and a happier March for all
I could use a dopamine list right about now🫤
there's SO many suggestions online, but essentially it comes down to you customizing it to yourself and your needs! I'll try to make a video of some suggestions soon though!
You will feel better! ❤️🩹 Personally I’m really excited for spring, but my partner has allergies so he’s dreading it. Good job making it through one of the coldest saddest months lol
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who was surprised by the pre order charge 🫠 I didn’t count it though!