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Episode · Before Breakfast

Second Cup: If you like it, buy another

15 Aug 2026 · 4 min

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Episode notes

Sometimes, variety is over-rated See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript

Read the transcript · about 630 words, follows along as you listen

Speaker 1:Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good Morning, This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is that if you like and use something a lot, do yourself a favor and buy a second copy. You will probably like and use it too, and if something goes wrong with the first, you'll be glad to have it. Today's tip was inspired by my current favorite pair of jeans. A few months ago, I had the great fortune to go shopping with Lonnie and Lunder of Real Lifestyle. We bought a number of things, but I quickly saw that I was often reaching for the same pair of cropped Nick and Zoe jeans with a slightly frayed hem. Now, in the past, I have had the experience of having a favorite pair of jeans and then having them develop a hole in the knee or getting stained in some tragic incident that was entirely my fault. I'd go to buy a replacement pair, but with the passage of time, the retailer had moved on to new styles and that was that. So this time, as soon as I realized I was wearing those particular jeans all the time, I went online and ordered a second pair. I also bought

Speaker 1:a third pair and a cream color that I've worn a lot too. I elected to buy an extra pair of everyday shoes as well. I have a particular pair of flats that's worked well for walking all over the place this summer, like fifteen thousand steps in New York City on one day, and given that, I am sure they will get ruined from my clumsiness at some point, I decided to order a replacement Paar. I am not using the replacement pair yet, but unlike with my kids, my feet are not growing. I am sure the replacement pair of shoes will be fine if I start wearing them next summer too. In any case, for many things, we wind up reaching for our favorites over and over again.

Speaker 1:You might have four pairs of black pants, but always wear your first choice until you have to wash them. If that is the case, you are probably better off buying a duplicate or two of the pair you love and getting rid of all the rest. I am all for minimalism and avoiding clutter. So to me, three copies of the exact same pants that you love beat eight different versions that you don't. Unless you are in the fashion business, it is probably fine to wear something very similar over and over again. Sticking with your favorites is a good way to avoid clutter. Now, if you love something and it wears out, it might be possible to find it again, even if your original retailer isn't selling it.

Speaker 1:I've had some luck with finding replacement pieces on Poshmark and eBay. Sometimes they are even sold with the original tags on them. Very exciting, but you never know. You do, however, know if something is a favorite. If you find yourself reaching for the same shoes or piece of clothing over and over again, go ahead and buy another when the first gets ruined in some washing machine mistake. You will be happy to avoid a shopping trip and just keep chugging along in the meantime. This is Laura. Thanks for listening, and here's to making the most of our time. Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast. If you've got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach me at Laura at Laura vandercam dot com. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartMedia.

Speaker 1:For more podcasts from iHeartMedia, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

Transcript supplied by the publisher with the episode.

Podcast

Before Breakfast

iHeartPodcasts · Learning · English

In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy an

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