Experience Wanted

JAN 22 2018

I'm always harping on my husband for his over spending on what I consider materialistic items. He needs the newest smartphone that's out, the newest video game system, the most expensive whatever for his newest hobby. I'm always annoyed and tell him our opinions on where to spend money could not be any different. I want to spend our money on vacations, an experience and memories that will last a lifetime versus a few years. 

Flash forward to this Christmas, my parents got everyone Cirque de Solei tickets and my mum made a comment that we're all older now (us kids) and they prefer to spend their money on experiences. I loved this idea and it broadened my thoughts on what experiences are to me. An experience doesn't have to be the big vacation as I always thought, and really not all experiences have to cost money either. The more I thought about it the more I realized, I too waste money on what most would see as materialistic items. Clothes. God, I love everything fashion and I have more clothes and accessories then most stores! I literally do not need another stitch of clothing, especially now that I'm on mat leave for another 9 months. I realized just because my purchases were less money (singly that is) then his big hobby purchases, didn't make it any different. I made the decision late on a Sunday night, while in bed, that I was going to make a HUGE effort to not waste my money on clothes, shoes, purses etc. I told myself I'd unlike my favourite stores on social media to avoid temptation.  In following through with this plan early Monday morning this article showed up on my newsfeed. I'm sure you've read it by now, but if not it is the last letter written by a 27 year old. She outlines what really matters in life and what's important. Hint, it's not the materialistic things. Her entire letter is worth reading but these paragraphs really stood out to me and my night before thoughts. 

"It is a weird thing having money to spend at the end.. when you’re dying. It’s not a time you go out and buy material things that you usually would, like a new dress. It makes you think how silly it is that we think it is worth spending so much money on new clothes and ‘things’ in our lives.
Buy your friend something kind instead of another dress, beauty product or jewellery for that next wedding. 1. No-one cares if you wear the same thing twice 2. It feels good. Take them out for a meal, or better yet, cook them a meal. Shout their coffee. Give/ buy them a plant, a massage or a candle and tell them you love them when you give it to them."

I'm not a believer in coincidences and know I was meant to come across her letter to solidify my idea to change my ways into actual reality. I'm sooo guilty of buying a whole new outfit (this includes accessories and sometimes shoes) for an event when I have a grand selection at home to choose from. In this day of social media posts I never want to be pictured in the same outfit twice! How effing ridiculous is that?! Does this mean I won't ever buy clothes again? No, of course not. It does mean though that I'll put my money towards an experience over another new pair of shoes or stylish blazer. I'll really analyze about a fashion purchase versus just buying it because I wanted it for an Instagram picture. I want to make memories, not "likes" for a photo. 

What's something you are willing to give up to gain more experiences out of life?

Any budget friendly experiences you can recommend? 

P.S. I guess the "fashion" section of my blog will be pretty boring now huh?