Are We Saving Too Many Things for Best?

We’ve recently had a new boiler fitted, and while cleaning out the cupboard, I also found the old one had decided to spring a small leak.

This led to me finding water-damaged items, and as I wasn’t sure how badly they’d been affected, they all had to go in the bin.

Including lots of Temple Spa.

I LOVE Temple Spa.

These were products I’d been saving for when I needed a pick-me-up, only instead of actually using them, I’d kept them tucked away.

There was even some Molton Brown in the bag that I’d completely forgotten I had.

What Exactly Am I Saving Them For?

The ridiculous thing is, I’m not actually sure what “best” means.

With beauty products, I seem to save the fancy ones for some future day when I’ll decide it’s time to use the nice stuff.

Except when there is a special occasion or I particularly need a pick-me-up, I’ll normally reach for one of my favourites. Something I already know works well for me.

So I’m not really sure when I think I’m going to use all the other things I’ve been saving.

A couple of months ago, I found some Emma Hardie Moringa Balm sitting in the cupboard and thought, how long has this been here and why haven’t I used it?

So I got it out and used it.

Unfortunately, I’ve definitely had other beauty products go out of date without ever being used.

Probably more often than I’d like to admit.

It’s Not Just Beauty Products

Candles are another problem.

I have a really expensive candle sitting in the cupboard that I’ve had for years because it felt too expensive to burn.

I’m now scared to get it out because I think I’ve probably left it so long that it’s lost its scent.

Ash and I are both terrible with notebooks too. If a notebook is particularly nice, suddenly it becomes far too nice to actually write in.

For me, it’s because I don’t want to mess it up, I want the pages to look all neat and tidy and I know they won’t.

So I end up not using them at all, which sort of defeats the point of having a notebook.

Bags and shoes can end up being saved too, and I have jewellery I rarely wear because I’m scared of losing it.

At least some of my necklaces are hung up where I can see them, but I have lots of rings I never wear, which is a bit sad really.

Gifts Are Even Worse

I think it’s probably sentimentality. I put more meaning on things than I should.

If someone gives me something lovely, I want to save it because they gave it to me.

Not long ago I needed a new cushion and Ash suggested I use my Highland cow one.

My response was, “But X gave it to me!”

Ash pointed out that surely they’d rather I actually used it to help my back than have it sitting there while I looked at it.

And he’s right.

It doesn’t mean I’m suddenly good at using things people have given me though.

Am I Going to Stop Saving Things for Best?

I’d love to say finding a bag full of ruined Temple Spa has completely changed me and I’m now going to use everything I’ve been saving for best.

Realistically, there’s still a very expensive candle sitting in my cupboard that I’ve been too scared to burn for years.

I always say I won’t do it again.

And then I do.

I am trying to buy less, though, which means eventually I’m going to have to use some of this stuff.

That counts, right?

Do you save things for best, and if so, what are you currently refusing to use?

Win a £20 Treat – But Don’t Save It for Best!

After writing all of this, I feel like I should probably put my money where my mouth is.

So, I’m giving one person a £20 Prezze Voucher to spend on a little something for themselves.

Perhaps there’s a candle you’ve had your eye on, a book you’ve been meaning to buy, some fancy toiletries or something completely random that will make you smile.

There’s just one unofficial rule: please actually use it!

Don’t tuck it in a cupboard. Don’t decide it’s too nice for a random Tuesday. And definitely don’t save it for some mysterious future occasion that’s apparently more deserving than today.

The Treat Police won’t actually be checking, obviously. 😂

Enter via the Gleam widget below. Good luck!

Win a £20 Prezzee Voucher

This competition has no mandatory entry; once this is completed, all entries are optional. The more entry methods you enter via, the more chances you will have in the final draw.

Open to UK residents only. Giveaway closes 23/10. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email.

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