Designing A Life Fantastic -

Detailed view of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City under a clear blue sky.

Climbing to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty: What to Know Before You Go

We rarely do the touristy things here in New York. When you live in…

easter eggs

How to Build a Low-Waste Easter Basket Your Kids Will Love

Easter is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. One minute it’s…

lots of hearts

Classroom Valentine’s Day Ideas That Are Fun, Affordable and Low-Waste

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is still very much a classroom tradition.…

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Two Days at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Croatia had been on my travel wish list for a while, and when we…

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I'm Robin; traveler and lifestyle blogger.

I'm on a mission to bring more joy into my life. Follow along as I share travel tips, life hacks, easy sustainability swaps, design inspiration and more.

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Detailed view of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City under a clear blue sky.

Climbing to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty: What to Know Before You Go

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026

We rarely do the touristy things here in New York. When you live in the city, there's this unspoken rule that Times Square and the double-decker buses are for visitors,…

easter eggs

How to Build a Low-Waste Easter Basket Your Kids Will Love

March 23, 2026March 24, 2026

Easter is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. One minute it’s February, and the next you’re throwing stuff in a basket. Here’s the thing: Easter baskets don’t…

lots of hearts

Classroom Valentine’s Day Ideas That Are Fun, Affordable and Low-Waste

February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is still very much a classroom tradition. We did them once, in Kindergarten, and making 50 valentines was more stress than fun, and…

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Two Days at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Croatia had been on my travel wish list for a while, and when we finally made it happen, there was one place I knew we had to see: Plitvice Lakes…

Woman with wallet not spending money

Why You Should Try a No-Spend Day—or Month

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

How It Started I started doing no-spend days before I had kids — mostly as a fun little challenge to help me jump-start my savings. I wasn’t always consistent back…

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thejoyfulrobin

805

Raising kids & trying not to burn the planet down ✨
Living proof you don’t need more stuff to have a great life
No perfect vibes, just what works ⬇️

View Instagram post by thejoyfulrobin

Sep 10

Open post by thejoyfulrobin with ID 18103526932968416

I’ve bought a LOT of clothes that seemed like a good idea in the store and then sat untouched in my closet.

So as my style has evolved, I’ve made a few rules for myself. And they’ve seriously cut down on impulse buys and “what was I thinking?” purchases. My closet feels more like me and getting dressed is way more fun.

Here are 7 things I’m not buying anymore:

1. Anything uncomfortable. If it’s Itchy, clingy, pinchy or something I have to constantly adjust, I don’t care how cute it is, it’s a no.
2. Heels I can’t walk 20 blocks in. I still love heels, but this version of me needs cute shoes that fit a full day out and about in NYC. Enter loafers, trainers and flat boots.
3. The cheaper version of the thing I actually want. 9 times out of 10, I’m disappointed by the fit or quality and end up buying the thing I wanted anyway.
4. Microtrends that don’t feel like me. I’m getting much better at admiring a trend without needing to participate in it.
5. Clothes that are basically plastic. The older I get, the pickier I am about fabric. If it feels cheap, scratchy or weird against my skin, I know I won’t reach for it.
6. Something just because it’s a “deal.” A $3 thrift-store find I never wear is still $3 spent on clutter.
7. Leggings for outside the gym. Leggings are not pants. I said what I said.

My style is evolving right along with the rest of my life. I want more color, more sophistication, more personality and a lot more joy.

I want to open my closet and see clothes that light me up. Clothes that make me stand a little taller. Clothes that feel like the person I’m becoming.

What’s on your “I don’t wear that anymore” list?

And if you’re on the hunt for actually-walkable boots, comment BOOTS and I’ll send you my picks.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along for more of my midlife reinvention, from what I’m wearing to how I’m spending my time and money.

I’ve bought a LOT of clothes that seemed like a good idea in the store and then sat untouched in my closet.

So as my style has evolved, I’ve made a few rules for myself. And they’ve seriously cut down on impulse buys and “what was I thinking?” purchases. My closet feels more like me and getting dressed is way more fun.

Here are 7 things I’m not buying anymore:

1. Anything uncomfortable. If it’s Itchy, clingy, pinchy or something I have to constantly adjust, I don’t care how cute it is, it’s a no.
2. Heels I can’t walk 20 blocks in. I still love heels, but this version of me needs cute shoes that fit a full day out and about in NYC. Enter loafers, trainers and flat boots.
3. The cheaper version of the thing I actually want. 9 times out of 10, I’m disappointed by the fit or quality and end up buying the thing I wanted anyway.
4. Microtrends that don’t feel like me. I’m getting much better at admiring a trend without needing to participate in it.
5. Clothes that are basically plastic. The older I get, the pickier I am about fabric. If it feels cheap, scratchy or weird against my skin, I know I won’t reach for it.
6. Something just because it’s a “deal.” A $3 thrift-store find I never wear is still $3 spent on clutter.
7. Leggings for outside the gym. Leggings are not pants. I said what I said.

My style is evolving right along with the rest of my life. I want more color, more sophistication, more personality and a lot more joy.

I want to open my closet and see clothes that light me up. Clothes that make me stand a little taller. Clothes that feel like the person I’m becoming.

What’s on your “I don’t wear that anymore” list?

And if you’re on the hunt for actually-walkable boots, comment BOOTS and I’ll send you my picks.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along for more of my midlife reinvention, from what I’m wearing to how I’m spending my time and money. ...

1 0

View Instagram post by thejoyfulrobin

Sep 10

Open post by thejoyfulrobin with ID 18140992912579802

I’ve bought a LOT of clothes that seemed like a good idea in the store and then sat untouched in my closet.

So as my style has evolved, I’ve made a few rules for myself. And they’ve seriously cut down on impulse buys and “what was I thinking?” purchases. My closet feels more like me and getting dressed is way more fun.

Here are 7 things I’m not buying anymore:

1. Anything uncomfortable. If it’s Itchy, clingy, pinchy or something I have to constantly adjust, I don’t care how cute it is, it’s a no.
2. Heels I can’t walk 20 blocks in. I still love heels, but this version of me needs cute shoes that fit a full day out and about in NYC. Enter loafers, trainers and flat boots.
3. The cheaper version of the thing I actually want. 9 times out of 10, I’m disappointed by the fit or quality and end up buying the thing I wanted anyway.
4. Microtrends that don’t feel like me. I’m getting much better at admiring a trend without needing to participate in it.
5. Clothes that are basically plastic. The older I get, the pickier I am about fabric. If it feels cheap, scratchy or weird against my skin, I know I won’t reach for it.
6. Something just because it’s a “deal.” A $3 thrift-store find I never wear is still $3 spent on clutter.
7. Leggings for outside the gym. Leggings are not pants. I said what I said.

My style is evolving right along with the rest of my life. I want more color, more sophistication, more personality and a lot more joy.

I want to open my closet and see clothes that light me up. Clothes that make me stand a little taller. Clothes that feel like the person I’m becoming.

What’s on your “I don’t buy that anymore” list?

And if you’re on the hunt for actually-walkable boots, comment BOOTS and I’ll send you my picks.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along for more of my midlife reinvention, from what I’m wearing to how I’m spending my time and money.

I’ve bought a LOT of clothes that seemed like a good idea in the store and then sat untouched in my closet.

So as my style has evolved, I’ve made a few rules for myself. And they’ve seriously cut down on impulse buys and “what was I thinking?” purchases. My closet feels more like me and getting dressed is way more fun.

Here are 7 things I’m not buying anymore:

1. Anything uncomfortable. If it’s Itchy, clingy, pinchy or something I have to constantly adjust, I don’t care how cute it is, it’s a no.
2. Heels I can’t walk 20 blocks in. I still love heels, but this version of me needs cute shoes that fit a full day out and about in NYC. Enter loafers, trainers and flat boots.
3. The cheaper version of the thing I actually want. 9 times out of 10, I’m disappointed by the fit or quality and end up buying the thing I wanted anyway.
4. Microtrends that don’t feel like me. I’m getting much better at admiring a trend without needing to participate in it.
5. Clothes that are basically plastic. The older I get, the pickier I am about fabric. If it feels cheap, scratchy or weird against my skin, I know I won’t reach for it.
6. Something just because it’s a “deal.” A $3 thrift-store find I never wear is still $3 spent on clutter.
7. Leggings for outside the gym. Leggings are not pants. I said what I said.

My style is evolving right along with the rest of my life. I want more color, more sophistication, more personality and a lot more joy.

I want to open my closet and see clothes that light me up. Clothes that make me stand a little taller. Clothes that feel like the person I’m becoming.

What’s on your “I don’t buy that anymore” list?

And if you’re on the hunt for actually-walkable boots, comment BOOTS and I’ll send you my picks.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along for more of my midlife reinvention, from what I’m wearing to how I’m spending my time and money. ...

3 0

View Instagram post by thejoyfulrobin

Sep 10

Open post by thejoyfulrobin with ID 18069993764725230

I’ve bought a LOT of clothes that seemed like a good idea in the store and then sat untouched in my closet.

As my style has evolved, I’ve made a few rules for myself. And they’ve seriously cut down on impulse buys and “what was I thinking?” purchases. My closet feels more like me and getting dressed is way more fun.

Here are 7 things I’m not buying anymore:

1. Anything uncomfortable. If it’s Itchy, clingy, pinchy or something I have to constantly adjust, I don’t care how cute it is, it’s a no.
2. Heels I can’t walk 20 blocks in. I still love heels, but this version of me needs cute shoes that fit a full day out and about in NYC. Enter loafers, trainers and flat boots.
3. The cheaper version of the thing I actually want. 9 times out of 10, I’m disappointed by the fit or quality and end up buying the thing I wanted anyway.
4. Microtrends that don’t feel like me. I’m getting much better at admiring a trend without needing to participate in it.
5. Clothes that are basically plastic. The older I get, the pickier I am about fabric. If it feels cheap, scratchy or weird against my skin, I know I won’t reach for it.
6. Something just because it’s a “deal.” A $3 thrift-store find I never wear is still $3 spent on clutter.
7. Leggings for outside the gym. Leggings are not pants. I said what I said.

My style is evolving right along with the rest of my life. I want more color, more sophistication, more personality and a lot more joy.

I want to open my closet and see clothes that light me up. Clothes that make me stand a little taller. Clothes that feel like the person I’m becoming.

What’s on your “I don’t wear that anymore” list?

And if you’re on the hunt for actually-walkable boots, comment BOOTS and I’ll send you my picks.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along for more of my midlife reinvention, from what I’m wearing to how I’m spending my time and money.

I’ve bought a LOT of clothes that seemed like a good idea in the store and then sat untouched in my closet.

As my style has evolved, I’ve made a few rules for myself. And they’ve seriously cut down on impulse buys and “what was I thinking?” purchases. My closet feels more like me and getting dressed is way more fun.

Here are 7 things I’m not buying anymore:

1. Anything uncomfortable. If it’s Itchy, clingy, pinchy or something I have to constantly adjust, I don’t care how cute it is, it’s a no.
2. Heels I can’t walk 20 blocks in. I still love heels, but this version of me needs cute shoes that fit a full day out and about in NYC. Enter loafers, trainers and flat boots.
3. The cheaper version of the thing I actually want. 9 times out of 10, I’m disappointed by the fit or quality and end up buying the thing I wanted anyway.
4. Microtrends that don’t feel like me. I’m getting much better at admiring a trend without needing to participate in it.
5. Clothes that are basically plastic. The older I get, the pickier I am about fabric. If it feels cheap, scratchy or weird against my skin, I know I won’t reach for it.
6. Something just because it’s a “deal.” A $3 thrift-store find I never wear is still $3 spent on clutter.
7. Leggings for outside the gym. Leggings are not pants. I said what I said.

My style is evolving right along with the rest of my life. I want more color, more sophistication, more personality and a lot more joy.

I want to open my closet and see clothes that light me up. Clothes that make me stand a little taller. Clothes that feel like the person I’m becoming.

What’s on your “I don’t wear that anymore” list?

And if you’re on the hunt for actually-walkable boots, comment BOOTS and I’ll send you my picks.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along for more of my midlife reinvention, from what I’m wearing to how I’m spending my time and money. ...

1 0

View Instagram post by thejoyfulrobin

Sep 8

Open post by thejoyfulrobin with ID 17944925517321899

What would you add? Tell me your top 5 in the comments!

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I’m sharing the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic. Follow along!

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