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Writer's pictureEllie Azerad

Help! I shopped too much over Pesach!


Before I dive into today's topic, I have some exciting news to share! 🎉

 I'm thrilled to announce that I'm offering my Minimalist Makeover Course live in Jerusalem and on Zoom again!

We're kicking off at the end of May for a 6-week journey!

Message me to join because trust me, you don't want to miss this!

Get ready to transform your home and life! 🏠💫

The course covers everything from home management to time management, meal planning, and all things organizing and decluttering!

You can find more details here or shoot me an email to secure your spot.

Let's make this journey together! ✨


Hey Friends! 🎉

I know, I've been MIA for nearly a month! I've just had a refreshing phone and digital detox! Seriously, if you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. 📵✨

It’s something I can’t recommend highly enough. It's been a transformative experience, and I promise to share more about the benefits and how you can do it too in upcoming posts.


Now, let's talk about something that is likely to be relevant to you right now.

Did you shop a lot over Pesach break?

I've been hearing from so many of you about feeling overwhelmed by all the new stuff, so many of you wish you wouldn't have even purchased the items, and you feel like you made a lot of impulse purchases, and I totally get it.

That's why I want to introduce you to a game-changing concept called—the "Familiarity Principle." 💡


What is the Familiarity Principle?

It's a simple yet powerful strategy to help prevent impulsive shopping tendencies.

Here's what you should do: before you hit that "buy" button, snap a quick screenshot or photo of the item and put it in a special folder on your phone, like " Buy Me, Maybe".

This little trick tricks your brain into feeling like you already own the item. 📸💭

When you do this, your brain releases a surge of oxytocin, aka the "happiness hormone."

It's like getting a dose of joy without spending any money! By creating this mental placeholder, you're telling your brain, "Hey, this item is on its way to me," which can push away the urge to splurge. 💰🧠


But why am I, the Frum Minimalist telling you about the Familiarity Principle? Well, it's not just about saving cash—it's about making room for what really matters.


Giving yourself a pause before making a purchase gives you a chance to ask yourself, "Do I really need this, or am I just caught up in the thrill of the moment?"


For example, let's say you're eyeing a gorgeous set of linens. Instead of impulse-buying, snap a pic, save it, and give yourself some breathing room.

You might find that after a few days, the urge to buy has faded, and you're left with a clearer perspective. 🛍️💭


This principle isn't just for shopping. It's a mindset shift that can spill over into every aspect of your life. It encourages thoughtful decision-making and supports a clutter-free, minimalist lifestyle. Each pause is a step towards a happier, more intentional life. 🌱🌟


Additional Tips for Mindful Purchasing

As a minimalist, I teach my students and clients to be very selective about what they bring into their homes.

Here are a few more strategies to resist impulse purchases:

  • The 30-Day Rule: Wait 30 days before buying an item you think you want. If after a month you still feel it’s necessary, then consider purchasing it.

  • Avoid Saving Your Credit Card Information: Never autosave your credit card information on shopping sites. Having to enter your details manually each time adds a layer of inconvenience that can deter impulse buys.

  • Delete Shopping Apps: Remove shopping apps from your phone. The extra steps required to make a purchase through a web browser can make you think twice.

  • Understand Your Motivations: If you find yourself drawn to retail therapy, take some time to explore what’s driving those feelings. Understanding the root cause can help you address your needs in healthier ways.


Wardrobe Tip:

Many clothing items can be worn year-round through clever layering. Before buying seasonal items, consider how they might fit into your existing wardrobe and whether they can be adapted for multiple seasons.


Want to read my book "Frum Minimalism"? Click here, to get it on Amazon.

Want to view my Watsapp statuses? Message me here with your name!


Stay tuned for more tips on how to detox from your phone and simplify your life. ✨📱


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