I get this feeling EVERY. TIME. i come back from travels.

I stood in my bedroom this morning, fresh cup of coffee in hand,

And took a look around me, starting with my dressing table.

You see, right before my Bali trip, I’d gone on a little shopping spree. To buy things that I “need”.

I use the term loosely here; like I needed to replenish my half-empty skincare & makeup products,
but ended up also splurging on new stuff like the Dior Nude Air foundation (BUT IT FEELS LIKE AIR, GUYS)
that new Benefit mascara and eyeliner I wanted to try out,
or that big bottle of Shu Uemura cleansing oil.

The instant gratification from buying these pretty little things felt great, for sure. But right now,
looking at them after I had left them at home for Bali,
they’ve sort of lost their luster.
I was plenty happy going around Bali with nothing but moisturizer and sunscreen on my face, wasn’t I?
Blemishes and dark circles exposed and all.

Quite literally, everything I need can fit in my luggage bag. That bag sitting by the door right now.
Way more than I need in fact, I hadn’t finished wearing all the clothes that I’d packed for the trip!

Everything else feels like extra. Everything outside this bag, and inside this room.

And I get this feeling EVERY TIME I come back from travels.

I know this feeling will fade soon; as soon as Monday hits and I’m back in my busy city-girl mode,
and I’ll spend too much time picking out what to wear and even more time doing my hair and makeup, and let's be honest, I’ll probably buy more stuff too.

But right now, in this limbo period between not-abroad and not-yet-back-in-the-hustle,
I try to relish in this feeling. Sort of a reminder to myself.

x

Don’t get me wrong though, I have no intentions of suddenly giving up all material items, taking on an extreme minimalist lifestyle. I still love playing with fashion and makeup and pretty little things, just like any girl born and raised in the city.

This just a strict reminder to myself;-
The next time I’m tempted by that new designer bag, heck even that new makeup brush set that costs hundreds of dollars,

Always ask myself (with more conviction this time, pleaseee!),

Does it give me the same amount of long-lasting happiness and exhilaration that new experiences can give me?

Have I ever regretted spending on travel? Nope.

Have I ever regretted spending on shopping? Hell yes.