As my first post of 2020, I wanted to share with you my first 5 purchases of the year and why I purchased them. In an effort to cut down on my spending, I am trying to be more thoughtful and intentional about my purchases – considering the following ideas: “how many times will this be used” and “how can this make my life more efficient or save money/time?”

With that said, have a great weekend! I plan on working in my home office and trying to finally get it all set up. Check stories for updates on this – it could be a disaster……..

1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Recycling Can, 10 Gallon

Since I’ve been in my new house, I haven’t had a designated place to put objects that need to go into the recycling bin. One of my major resolutions for the year is to waste less and recycle more, so I ordered this off of Amazon so I won’t be temped (or lazy) and throw away recycling items in the trash can.

This recycling can comes in beige, black, and gray and 3.5 gallon, 7 gallon, 10 gallon, or side bin.

Click here.

2. Charming Touch Red Plaid Mules from Red Dress

Ok, so this wasn’t a NEED, which I am trying to focus most of my spending on things that are considered a need. But, at only $14 and FREE SHIPPING, how do you pass it up? A follower on Instagram sent me this link and I am so glad she did. As a tartan lover, I cannot wait to get these in!

Click here.

3. Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend Medium Roast Coffee

This is by far my favorite K-Cup coffee. I realized on New Year’s Day I had three pods left. I drink two every morning, so two on New Year’s Day left me with one the day after (also a work day.) I kind of panicked because I wan’t sure if stores were open on New Year’s Day, but luckily, Wal-Mart saved the day.

Side note: I read an article a long time ago about how the creator of the k-cup actually regretted it. At the time, the pods were non recyclable and ending up in landfills and everywhere else. The article cites that billions of pods were thrown away yearly, enough to circle the globe 10 times. This really bothered me and at the time I found recyclable and reusable pods (a different brand.) Now, luckily, Dunkin’ has come out with a recyclable pod which is the one I buy. I’m really considering buying a percolator at some point this year and switching to drinking my coffee that way. Even though these pods say they are recyclable, I still feel kind of guilty using them every day. Also, k-cups are expensive. Not as expensive as Starbuck’s coffee every day, but not as cheap as regular coffee.

Click here.

4. Leather Bracelet Keychain Bangle

Part of my goals for 2020 is to be more efficient. Every day when I get home from work, I go through this process of digging around in my purse to find my house key. I get frustrated (especially when the garage light turns off) and start throwing things out of my purse to find my house key. On my first day back in the office after the holidays, a coworker had one of these. She had it on her arm like a bracelet and was able to hold a phone and a box to take to the mail room….AND the kicker for me – it will be easy to find in my purse. Instead of just a key floating around lost in my purse, I’ll now have this big ring with a tassle to find.

Click here.

5. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Sticking with the theme of efficiency, I’ve decided to go back to wearing this foundation plus powder all in one. I am trying to find more time in my day wherever I can, and this is one area where I can definitely cut down on some time. This is literally exactly what it says it is – a foundation and powder in one. One swipe. One application. One sponge. It has a matte finish and is medium to full coverage. I wore this for YEARS before switching to a liquid foundation. I will still wear my liquid foundation for weekend events or dinners/events, but plan on sticking to this all in one for weekdays (aka work days.)

Click here.

Cheers – MP