I think I'm a hoarder...

(Courtesy of Microsoft)

Ok sooooo...

I'm in the process of purging some books. I'm an avid reader and at one point I was buying up books like crazy. I still have authors I purchase books from but I have slowed down considerably on book purchases. Then when I was in grad school I didn't have time to read like I wanted to. Now that I have the time, I'm kind of  "overwhelmed" with trying to get through the books I have.  It has kind of taken the joy out of reading. I'll sit and contemplate what I'm going to read next. I stare at books or think on what I want to read and come up with nothing.  This sense of  "being overwhelmed" can be said with other items I have.

Now I know I'm not as bad as some of the people who do appear on the show Hoarders. I do frequently give stuff away, donate items and pitch things. At times I feel it isn't enough. I shouldn't feel overwhelmed by the items that I have. Don't get me wrong I am very fortunate and very blessed to be able to  purchase the things I want. I guess I'm getting to the point of asking myself is it too much? Are you enjoying these things or  are they burden of sorts? I guess I'm in downsize mode and instead of it being a liberating process, it's kind of stressing me out.

So I guess I have an inner hoarder/pack rat... -____- Well I want her gone! *stomps foot*

Is going on a "no buy" realistic

We all have our "things" that we buy.  For some it may be different kind of candles, scarfs, ties or watches (you get the idea).  I would love to buy any tech toy I wanted, when I wanted it, but I know that's not realistic.  I've gotten better with buying clothes and shoes.  I think it's more so I'm happy with what I have and there's not point in buying more (other than if something needs to be replaced like tees, socks, etc).  I've gotten better on the handbag front.  There are couple I have my eye on.  I have gotten better with the "I gotta have it now" feeling.  I've gone through what I have and pulled some to give away (I can't be bothered with the whole eBay/Craigslist thing).  On the beauty front....weeeeellll...

In a couple of earlier posts (How Much is Too Much? and Fall 2011 Makeup Collections) I mentioned that I was toying around with the idea of going on a "no buy" when it comes to beauty products (skincare, hair, makeup, etc).  I'll admit *raises hand* that I'm a product junkie.  I like trying out different things.  I do use stuff up and when I get tired of something or if I don't really like it I give away to friend and family (depending on the product) who want it (they appreciated it lol).  Again like with my clothes and such I think I have a nice collection if you will, of various products.  My ramblings lead to the question is it realistic to completely go on a "no buy" of a particular thing or product?

When I go to Target or CVS to pick up something I need I then on auto pilot go over to the beauty/makeup sections and peruse the aisle.  I don't always buy something.  I also like watching various youtube videos and they highlight various products in their tutorials or review products.  I also watch QVC and HSN when certain brands are presenting to see what's new and to learn new makeup tips and tricks.  Again I don't always buy something.  Same with twitter with the various people and brands I follow that are beauty related.  I also have friends that I talk to on a regular basis about makeup/beauty stuff.  I would think that for this "no buy" to be effective I would have to shut myself off from these other things so that I won't know what going on or so that I won't be "tempted" to buy.  Or this a bit extreme?