How I Practice Simplicity

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have chosen to live in a simple manner, as is the Quaker way.

For those who have asked, these are the ways I practice simplicity in my life:

• I don't buy things I don't need: I do not need an iPad for example because I have a laptop, an MP3 player, a phone, etc, ergo an iPad is an unnecessary expense. It's indulgent to buy things you don't need for the sake of having it or because it makes you cool, whatever
• I don't allow myself to become addicted to products/commit idolatry by becoming devoted to material things: this might sound silly, but if you have to have every Apple product no questions asked, you're addicted to technology. If you find yourself buying products you don't need or hardly use because Apple made it and you pour money into their products, you are effectively worshipping Apple because your hard earned cash will go to them without reason
• If I need something, I buy it on a budget: I hate to admit that I'm dependent on my phone, but I am. I feel unsafe if I leave the house without it. What happens if I break down? Get lost? Need an ambulance? So owning a phone is essential. But that doesn't mean I need to spend £500 on an iPhone and update it every time a new model is released. That's extravagant. My last phone cost £30, it was a touchscreen, it made calls and texts. Sorted
• I try to avoid excess: I don't need to buy 15 tops if I only need 5. So I don't. If I get bored of my clothes or they are too worn, I donate them to charity if possible or throw them out. Then I buy more. There is no need to buy more clothes than you need, nor is there any need to dump your clothes because they're out of season. Does it really matter at the end of the day?
• I try to make my money go further: I would never buy an item of clothing for some extortionate amount, £200 is definitely too much, but even £40 if you could buy the same thing for £15 I find is a waste. If I can buy 4 dresses for £20 instead of 1 dress for the same price, I do
• If I wear designers, I don't pay designer prices: this overlaps with other points, but basically I grab designer labels like Ralph Lauren, Aeropostale and Vans when they have sales. If shoes from supermarkets cost £10 and you can get designer shoes for £10 in a sale then go for the label if you like it. It costs the same as unbranded shoes
• I try to spend money productively: I don't spend stupid amounts of money on things like alcohol and partying. I drink sometimes and I go out to clubs etc. But I'm not one of those people that spends £40 in a night out on drinks or £40 a week to get into clubs

I think that's everything for now on how I practice simplicity :)