I’m Elle, and I talk about why we spend, including the things influencer culture teaches us to want.

For years, I bought clothes, makeup and home decor because I thought they’d help me look like I had my life together. I’m still unlearning those habits, and I’m sharing what I notice as I go.

You’ll find videos about emotional spending, shopping psychology, deinfluencing and the expensive habits we’ve learned to think are normal.

I post new videos each week, with more of the conversation in my newsletter, Don’t Be a Lemon: Unhooked.

Thanks for being here 🍋


Don't be a Lemon

Enjoy some photos of Aspen and Oliver while I apologize for being late on my video this week.

I had a few technical difficulties, hope to get it up by tomorrow 💛💛🍋🍋

1 month ago | [YT] | 779

Don't be a Lemon

What actually sets over your shopping and overconsumption? If none of these are you, feel free to tell me in the comments ⬇️🍋💛

3 months ago | [YT] | 122

Don't be a Lemon

Quick heads up: I’m bumping this week’s video to Monday instead of Sunday. Sorry for being one day late. 💛💛🍋🍋

3 months ago | [YT] | 835

Don't be a Lemon

100,000 subscribers.

To be honest, when I started this channel, I never imagined 100,000 people would want to follow along.

Thank you for watching, commenting, sharing your stories, and being part of this community. What started as me trying to get out of debt and figure out my own relationship with shopping and money has turned into something much bigger than I ever expected.

To celebrate, I'd love to do a Q&A.

If there's anything you've wanted to ask, please leave your question below. Nothing is off limits.

If you'd rather ask privately, you can also email me at dbalemon@gmail.com.

Thank you again for helping me reach this milestone. I appreciate every single one of you 💛💛💛

4 months ago | [YT] | 2,562

Don't be a Lemon

For years, I thought status made me look successful, designer bags, perfect nails, a life that photographed well.

But looking back, I realize it had the opposite effect.

The harder I tried to look “put together,” the more insecure I looked.

Status chasing isn’t confidence, it’s signaling that you don’t have enough of it.

I’m still unlearning a lot of it, but I’m no longer chasing the signal.

1 year ago | [YT] | 626

Don't be a Lemon

Yesterday I brought my dog to the vet.


I noticed CareCredit posters all over the office.


And it’s not just the vet.


I’ve seen CareCredit ads at dermatologists, med spas, doctors’ offices, even plastic surgeons.


Here’s the problem:


They show up when you’re at your most vulnerable.

Your pet needs urgent care.

You’re worried about your health.

Or you’re considering an expensive elective surgery.


That’s when they push CareCredit as the “solution.”


But it’s not a solution.

It’s a trap.



Red Flag #1 – The fake 0% interest

It’s not really free. It’s deferred interest.

If you don’t pay every single dollar by the deadline, they charge interest on the ENTIRE bill from day one. (They have been sued for this)



Red Flag #2 – Sky high interest rates

After the promo ends, the rate often jumps to 30% or more. That’s higher than most credit cards.



Red Flag #3 – They catch you under pressure

These offers are everywhere in high stress situations when you don’t have time to read the fine print.



Red Flag #4 – Complaints everywhere

Thousands of people report billing errors, surprise charges, poor customer service, and sudden account changes.


CareCredit is designed to look like help, but it costs people way more than they expect.


Avoid this company if you can.


P.S. Aspen is okay but may need surgery. Thank god for an emergency fund 💛

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 633

Don't be a Lemon

I’m on a mission: figure out what clothing is worth the price and what’s just overpriced hype.

Step one: Learn how the clothes are actually put together.

I wish I did this years ago….

P.S Libraries are amazing 💛

1 year ago | [YT] | 463

Don't be a Lemon

I just filmed a Deinfluence video on the products I won’t be buying.

I forgot to include the brand Saie so let’s talk about it.

It’s heavily hyped and hype fades fast. It’s a “‘must have” today but will be forgotten next season.

My current makeup already gives the same look ( I promise it’s not a game changer in your makeup routine)

Pretty branding, but the results aren’t likely anything special.

So no, Saie won’t be taking my money this time.

1 year ago | [YT] | 487

Don't be a Lemon

Crazy we hit 20K! In honor of that, let’s do a Q&A. Ask me anything and I’ll do my best to answer. 🍋

1 year ago | [YT] | 364