Amazon lately. January 2025.

I think in the second quarter of 2025, I'm going to try to "get off of" Amazon. Because I know if I want something, I can grab it from Amazon and it'll be here in less than a week, it saves time and money and energy. I feel like it adds up in an annoying way even if I'm not buying treats and toys and bits and baubles, if that makes sense. I feel like I spend a lot of money on things in general (kids and dogs will do that to you) but I don't buy a lot of "treats". So I'm really not sure where it all goes and how we have so much stuff. I'm also a huge proponent of using up products before buying new ones so I'm not having a lot of bottles and build-up in the cupboards. You tell me what you think after looking at this list of purchases...

(Remember when we used to buy clothes from Deb's or Charlotte Russe or Rue 21* or whatever? And the incredible low quality was truly something to behold? I feel like we're that generation of millenials who sees something cute in an Amazon ad that's fashion related and we randomly buy it. It's usually complete low-quality Shein-like garments. Like, *I* don't do this. But a lot of people I follow seem to buy so many clothes and accessories on Amazon.)

*or want to buy clothes there. my mom wouldn't let me because they were cheaply made and then by the time I had a job, I was shopping at AE or Macy's. I also interviewed for a job at Wet Seal once and they one million percent turned me down because I wasn't fashionable enough. 

Ascent protein. I put out an SOS for protein powder a week or so ago on Instagram. This is what we bought: 

I like it. Definitely not gritty. I know that I went through my "protein era" from like 2015-2017 and I'm not there anymore with the smoothies but I need the protein so...trying again! I tried Orgain last year when I attempted to get back in the habit and it was so bad that I am just now trying again. 

Mary Ruth Organics Magnesium Chews for kids. I started giving this to Sutton and it's turned her into a different person. Cannot recommend enough. I'm not willing to admit that my struggles of the lasts 18 months have been as simply as "give her a supplement" but it's looking that way...

Lemon Perfect water. This is just something I thought would be good. I got the variety pack, but I recommend the blueberry. I mix probiotic powder with it. 

Purple shampoo. I needed a toning shampoo after my recent highlights (I think I may be done with home highlights and might go professional next time...my blond is turning too yellow). Walmart only carries so much so Amazon it was. 

Berberine. I heard about this on the Dr. Josh Axe show and it looks like something that should be taken by most adults. I grabbed some for Scott and have tried it myself but I don't know how long you need to use it for to see real progress/results. 

Schishandra. I heard another podcast guest (I don't even remember who!) talk about this and he said anyone with PCOS should take it and, honestly, everyone should be taking it, men and women. I ordered a bottle, having never having heard of it, and I've been taking it each morning. Difference? I don't know, but I'm committed. 

Undereye brightener. This is the Catrice brand which I'd never heard of but Amy recommended it and the fact that it says "instant" "awake" hooked me. That 5am alarm physically hurts when I've been up multiple times a night. 

Starlight galaxy projector. Scott ordered this for the kids because they hate sleeping in the dark but nightlights aren't great for eye development (something about straining to see in the dark) and then they literally wanted to sleep with the lights on, which is ridiculous. We moved them into the same room recently so we can do drywall and electrical work in the other bedroom. It's working out, and this projector helps so much. I have seen the price fluctuate on this from $10 to $34. I think we paid $17? If you want one, I'd Google price track. None of them are lower-priced on Amazon right now. 

Wireless keyboard/mouse. This was something I wanted but wouldn't exactly die without so I called it a birthday present. I really like this keyboard. It has a great feel. I just loathe typing on a macbook. It hurts my hands with the wrist angle, I think. The round keys are kind of fun and have a great ASMR, if you like that kind of thing. 

Dandelion tea. Lastly, something Scott ordered in the supplement realm. He loves it. It tastes like an actual boiled dandelion so I 10/10 do NOT recommend. Don't do it. 

What do we think? Am I too reliant on Amazon? Is it worth trying to wean myself off of it? How about you?