Impulse buy to spending addiction

As a kid of the 80’s my youth was spent hanging with friends in the park, complete with a curfew as mobiles were only for adults, so keeping an eye on the watch was necessary- god forbid I break the rule.

When I got older despite some friends getting phones I was still forbidden but dial up internet entered our home which was hugely exciting though the buzz was soon squashed by the length of time waiting for the damn thing to connect, and there was almost always a ‘queue’ for the one household computer

During secondary school I rebelled and bought a pay as you go mobile complete with an aerial and a yearly service charge (my mum lost her sh*t on that one!)

Fast forward to my mid 20’s when I decided to go travelling. Although I had a more ‘current’ phone, I had to use laptops provided in the youth hostels I stayed in and internet cafes (remember them?!)

As the years have rolled on (too quickly, may I add) so have my ownership of phones and now I find myself with an Oppo smartphone (I’d never heard of it either)

Given the fact I was the last to experience stuff in life- make up, boys, growing up generally; it comes as no surprise that my excitement of apps on my phone was like a kid on Christmas day.

Whilst I was excitedly downloading apps for the first time, everyone else had gotten over the craze, updates and all.

So, when I come across Instagram I’m instantly hooked! Embarrassed at my lack of prior knowledge.

My daily check in of this app becomes hourly but I’m still unsure of the platform so my interaction is minimal. For some reason I stop using it for a while, forgot I even had it and made a new account. I only remembered my original account when I came up as someone I may know! (Yes this sounds ridiculous- this is my life!) Just to put it out there- if I remembered I’d had an account I’d have used the forgotten the Username/password option!

Second time round with a new username (and password saved) I start really getting into it; I add all sorts of accounts to do with travel, healthy eating, exercise, chocolate, jewellery (we could go on) and I’m equally added by some really interesting accounts, again- travel, food, jewellery. I add my friends, they add me and so the community grows. What I wasn’t expecting was the subconscious and emotional pull it has on your mind and the influencial messages that frequent on ‘stories’

This time round I’ve really connected to it, I’m constantly looking at people’s ‘posts’ I’m even adding my own content.

I couldn’t tell you if my usage of the platform has increased since the pandemic (but my daily activity is shameful at 1 hr 24 mins), does anyone even remember a life before it? But what I know now is the content I see daily is different to what it was pre pandemic, this is obvious of course but the change people have had to adapt to has been showcased whether it be through indoor exercise, baking, outdoor exercise or just going batsh*t. I’ve also seen a huge crossover with TIKTOK (I’m not quite down with the kids on this one but I appreciate it from afar)

One thing that’s really got me with instagram though is just how powerful a tool it is for a supplier to influence its consumers. And I’m one of them

I’d never even thought of buying products from a social media app but given real life has been put on hold for what feels like forever (and don’t get me wrong I’m not saying using an app isn’t real life, but it’s not being in a shop exchanging pleasantries with a shop worker) I’ve somehow been influenced into buying products.

What have I bought?

www.freetrain.co.uk @freetrain I love to run and I saw someone shared ‘Freetrain’ in their story so I checked out the website and saw a vest that slips over your top, it’s easily adjustable around the waste and the pocket at the front holds your mobile, there’s also 2 slim pockets on either side of your chest for keys, energy bars, gels etc. At £29.99 I gasped a little BUT so far what I’d been using for carrying possessions just wasn’t working for me, So I committed. And I’ve never looked back. That vest has got me through a 15mile and I plan many more- it’s a game changer

www.tropicskincare.com @tropic_skin_care_with Janine. I also love a good beauty product; there’s so many options now it’s hard to know where to start but I know a few things: Nowadays I’m more inclined to buy natural, not tested on animals, eco- friendly etc. My friend J introduced me to Topic Skincare One of my current favourites is ‘Feel Fresh’ a zesty lightweight deodorant/antiperspirant infused with pink grapefruit and gingergrass essential oils which glides softly onto your underarm and smells wonderful. I was a little sceptical as I’ve never liked anything other than sprays, but this has definitely changed my mind and will be my forever deodorant going forward.

www.thechocolatesmiths.com @thechocolatesmiths- If you love chocolate head over to their website RIGHT NOW, better still follow on the gram and add them! I’ve never seen a chocolate bar like the ones they make but a few great things about them: They do limited edition chocolate bars in collaboration with other small businesses so basically you get 2 products in one. Their ‘bizarre’ bars are just that- bizarre. Mind popping flavours that really work. They’re a really fun and interactive team that have just expanded and are doing incredibly well thanks to Joe Wicks (Who of course needs absolutely no introduction) The collab bar I bought featured www.dunkcookies.co.uk@Dunkcookiesuk it was delicious, insane and just beautiful. It sold out within 2 minutes of going live on the website

@Bellabakes – Fresh homemade brownies, blondies, cakes, you name it. This lovely girl is so talented and I can honestly say these are the best I’ve ever eaten. Local delivery in Southampton

@Sophswaxsmellies- Am I late to the trend on this one? I only really knew wax melts existed a few months ago! (do you see the theme with my life?!) not only do they exist but the fragrances are insane! From chocolate to perfume to cleaning products?! To Snow Fairy (my current fave) This girl is so talented and the product I bought was divine- A snapbar, snow fairy scented of course, with the words ‘Happy Mother’s Day imprinted on them. Sophie also included a cute little lollipop with her logo on it and all her details on there in a well packaged box

@Anzer.art -Last but by no means least. Local to Southampton. A very dear and very talented friend of mine. He’s very well known for his graffiti but of late he’s been painting, and doing an exceptional job of it. He’s a fulltime worker but seeing his pieces, you can see how much love, passion and professionalism goes into his work. He’s painted all sorts and he’s done a few commission (including a few for me). He’s also on Etsy ANZERartwork

I’m happy with every single one of my transactions, even more so for supporting those that are small businesses. If there’s one thing, I’ll take from having downloaded Instagram- it's having had the knowledge that I’m helping those that have struggled through the pandemic but also those that are growing. We’ve all had to adapt to the new way of life and even when things return to some kind of new normal, one thing will remain: I’ll continue to support these businesses.