The good:
Yesterday, I saved $52 at the grocery store using coupons. I got about a dozen items for free. It felt really good. I can see how the hunt for the discount can become addictive. My "stockpile", which will one day allow me to buy only on sale, is slowly growing. This doesn't even include all the toothpaste:
In other good news, my tax forms are finally arriving. I have input most of them into our tax program, and it appears we will be getting a huge refund, which will go directly into the house fund. Yay!
And, I finally shopped for a new cell phone. After several calls and hours wasted on the phone with customer service (who would have thought changing plans with the same carrier would be so hard?) I have a new plan. It will save us a minimum of $300 a year.
The bad AND the ugly, all rolled into one:
I have spent WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY too much money these past couple of weeks. We had to stock up on some big ticket item we were out of, such as tea (I buy bulk, yes I drink that much), and cat food.
Our 15-year old cat is on a very special diet for his health issues. No getting around it.
My sister and I are also taking my mom on vacation to Las Vegas in April. It is one of her Christmas gifts. It's on her bucket list, plus my late dad's sister lives there. Have to do it. I put all three airfares on my CC (sister said will pay back, but will likely wait until her tax refund arrives. Ugh. ) So, that's $992 on the card.
I also paid the deposit for the first night in the hotel -- $123.
Plus, hubby and I took a one night, 2-day minication while the in-laws were here, just to have some adult time. So, we had one night at a hotel, plus ski lift tickets, and food. Not expensive, but still. Money out.
And here is the UGLY UGLY.
Go ahead. Yell at me. I deserve it. I had frugality fatigue something awful. I work so hard, and every penny always goes to some goal or some responsible means.
CeeJay will appreciate this: I look terrible. I used to be pretty. Now, I am a hot mess, so to speak. None of my clothes fit (thanks kids)... my hair is crazy, my wardrobe is nil because I sold my clothes to consignment. Even if you lose the weight, your body will not be shaped the same after babies. No getting around it.
So, I have zip to wear. I wear the same pair of jeans just about every day.
So yes. I was bad. I took myself shopping. Everything was on sale, but it still wasn't cheap and it was still money I shouldn't be spending. I'm not going into debt or anything, but I haven't exactly been putting anything in savings lately, either.
I bought two pairs of boots at DSW. I love love love them and will keep them for years. Unfortunately, I am now out $100.
I also bought a Saints T-shirt (they are my team!), and two pairs of jeans on sale at Old Navy for $20. Too good to pass up.
I bought some undies at Victoria Secret. I had a $25 gift card, but still spent $11 out of pocket.
And today, I bought myself an awesomely cute purse off the clearance rack at Target, as well as some more undies. That set me back about $35.
Okay, it's not exactly a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue, but it might as well be for me.
I am also planning to hit up the Sally Beauty Supply this weekend to get some supplies for my hair and nails. I'm way overdue.
Good, Bad, and Ugly weekly update 2/4
February 4th, 2011 at 03:41 pm
February 4th, 2011 at 04:05 pm 1296835546
Good for you!!
I have a secret: I like *nice* things, as in nice sweaters at Von Maur (which is like a Macy's). This season I have purchased two sweaters (one was $108 down to $53, the other was $87 down to $35) which I wear a lot and get tons of compliments on (in my Kohls and Target clothes I never get compliments). My mom got me a wonderful pachmina (is that the word) as a gift and also my parents got me a Coach purse I was watching. I LOVE ALL OF THEM, and have decided that when it is time to spend on myself, I will spend money for things that I like and I will wear.
It sounds like you scored some good deals and are well worth it!!
February 4th, 2011 at 04:06 pm 1296835609
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February 4th, 2011 at 11:06 pm 1296860807
I don't get everything for that cheap! I went today and used $13 worth on $33, and I was happy with that.
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February 6th, 2011 at 05:46 pm 1297014402
As far as the clothes/kids thing, I have been pretty stubborn about buying clothes over the years. I am one of those people who wears clothes forever, and initially looked at buying new clothes as a waste of money. Particularly right after having kids when weight is more temporary. But, over the years I have gotten better about allowing myself clothes that fit better.
I've also adjusted my shopping habits to my body. The size of my butt literally depends on the day, but my torso is about the same size it has always been. SO, I buy a wide variety of shirts (Sales, etc.), but maybe only own a couple of pairs of pants fit me well, any given day. I know if I gain or lose 10 pounds, all my shirts will still fit, so I just shop more efficiently. Pants are hard for me to find, and who notices those any way?
February 8th, 2011 at 03:02 pm 1297177359
As for your bottom (
I'm on a clothes frenzy because I spent years buying a few really beautiful pieces that I loved and looked great, but all that work was lost once I got preggo.
I'm mad I have to start over. But, it's probably good, too. I'm now in a different age demographic and life than I was before, so new clothes that suit this life personally and professionally would probably be a good move.
I never thought I'd say this, but I checked out two fashion books from the library, to help me plan out my new wardrobe strategy-- How to Be a Budget Fashionista, and One Hundred Pieces by Nina Garcia. I thought it would at least get me thinking.
Although, I think I am covered for shoes now...
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