Confession

As promised (and to cleanse my conscience!), here are my purchases and additions since starting my Buried Treasures Closet Challenge back in November.

Clockwise From Top-Left: Smart Set; Dynamite; Smart Set; American Eagle; Bluenotes; American Eagle; Spring; Bluenotes.

Total Spending: $134

So you might be thinking to yourself, "did she really need FOUR pairs of new pants?!" or, "did she buy THREE of the same sweater?!"

Not really, and yes. 

I think I've come to realize that by denying myself the pleasure of shopping and then being unleashed on a store, I lose all self control. 

I really need a better strategy.

Pulling a Mel

Once again I have disappeared into the abyss. I’m quite good at this apparently. Life just gets slightly crazy sometimes and hobbies fall to the wayside.

My exam (almost two weeks ago now! Jeez…. ) went well, but instead of buying myself a new pair of shoes as a reward, I “pulled a Mel.” I’m sure that phrase will catch on. The definition?
To do something impulsive in the spur of the moment without thinking of the consequences or impact on your financial situation.

What is it I did? Oh, just bought a new car. Without doing research. Or actually shopping around. I basically pulled into a dealership in the spur of the moment, fell in love with a little red hatchback, and signed the papers then and there. While I love my new little Nissan Versa, money will be tight for the next little while, so no random new shoes for this girl…. Until of course, I “pull a Mel” again.

Monthly Money Check-Up: May 2011

Clothing Budget: $100
Actually Spent: $236

Breakdown:

Verdict: BAD GIRL!
Although I love everything I bought and see them fitting into my wardrobe well, I did go a little overboard. I blame the sudden change to warm weather and the fact that nothing from last summer fits anymore. Also, that trench was a crazy deal marked down from $150. I would have been crazy to pass that up, it's a classic!

Other Frivolous Spending of Note:

Art & Shelving for the house: $97
Spoiling the Animals: $72
Savings Contributions: $250

Future Goals to Save for:

Jersey Shore August 8th: $0/$800

Building a Budget

If you know me in real life, it will come as no surprise that I LOVE Canadian financial guru Gail Vaz Oxlade. She's one of my career idols. This lady just makes SENSE!

The secret to my financial "success"? Her simple rules.
Don't spend more than you make.
Credit cards are the devil.
ALWAYS have savings.

Sounds simple enough, right? But you'd be surprised how many people just don't.
Sure, I'm human and I slip up, spend a little more than I've allocated to category, bring out the credit card for an impulsive buy, but because I have a plan (of sorts) I can always figure it out.

If you have a few minutes, you should check out the resources section on her website. It definitely helped me get my finances in check and plan for the future, something that as a young adult I never thought mattered.

My favorite is her "build a budget" tool. Download the excel version and it does all the calculations for you!

Monthly Money Check-Up: February

Hmmmm, so I may or may not have gone a little overboard with my February spending. Budget, what budget?
It was a very emotional month however, and I can't help but shop to make myself feel better. I know, I know, another addiction I need to get over... but there's just something about finding the perfect pair of shoes or bag that makes you gray skies seem blue again...

Purchases:


Maxi Dress - Dominican Republic Vendor ($50)


Floral Dress - Dominican Republic Vendor ($20)


Jean Shirt - Walmart ($12)


Big Floppy Hat - Walmart ($7)


Bag - Via Pom Pom ($35)


Tights - Hue via Pom Pom ($12.50)

Tall Boots - Spring ($25)

Ankle Boots - Spring ($28)

Grand Total = $189.50
Ashamed? Yes. In love with every single purchase? Hells Yes.

March Goals:

1. Restrict clothes budget to $50. I'd get rid of it completely... but a girl's gotta shop!
2. Contribute another $1000 to savings.
3. Find a washer/dryer set for under $900 for my new place.
   

January Money Check-Up

This month is the first that I've decided to do a Monthly Money Check Up as opposed to a Weekly.
So far, so good. I set myself a $100 clothing budget, and my spending was as follows:

Tristan thrifted blouse - $4

Ricki's polka dot blouse $16

Dynamite pencil skirt $5

Dynamite zip front skirt $5

Dynamite floral tunic $30

Etsy wool skirt $23

Dynamite trousers $25 (exchange from December purchase)

Total January Clothing Spending: $108

Total Additions to Savings/Mutual Funds: $985
Other Big Purchases: Ikea set of drawers ($150), Clinique skin care regimen ($100), Make-up ($35), Books ($25).

All in all, there was some frivolous spending, but when I move into my new place in March, that will clearly have to stop.

February Goals:

1. Stay within my clothing budget, and spend under $92 to make up for this month's excess of $8.
2. Add at least $1000 to savings.
3. Savings Goal: I would like to purchase a new car in the next year, and would like at least $8000 for a down payment.
   

18: Dressing Up for the Sake of Cookies & Weekly Money Check-Up

Oops! This is a day late, but all should be forgiven because I was busy making delish christmas cookies!

Weekly Money Check-Up!

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Christmas presents! Which I obviously cannot divulge here! Silly snoop-y people!

2. Today I feel giddy towards money, because the things I spent it on will make a lot of people happy!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was make a christmas stocking for my Milo-Kittan, because he doesn't have one, and TOTALLY needed one! What else am I supposed to put his Christmas themed catnip into?

4. I will consider this week a success if I go to the gym and actually USE the pass I bought... I was a bad girl last week.

5. My favorite holiday drink is the Gingerbread latte from Second Cup. DELICIOUS!

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.

Okay, so I really love my outfit from yesterday, but have no idea why I wore it to be lazy around the house and bake. Naturally it got coated in flour and no one really got to see it.... Fortunately I get to show it to you all!

Don't mind the frazzled hair! I'm in desperate need of a cut! I'm thinking Keiko-esque bangs... yay or nay?

4. lace tee - Suzy Shier (2010)
10. cardigan - Zara (2010)
22. skirt - Dynamite (2010)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)

Weekly Money Check-Up: Oct. 25th- Oct. 31st

Ottawa Fashion Week was absolutely AMAZING! Please be patient with me while I sort through a MASSIVE amount of photos! I'll be back with an official post on that soon! 'Til then it's time for another
Weekly Money Check-Up!

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on tickets to Ottawa Fashion Week for J and I! Money well spent :) ($90)

2. Today I feel anxious towards money. I just got my MC bill from October... ouch man. But my pretty camera IS on there :)

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was bake a cake for my mother & grandparents' return from Italy. Welcome Back!

4. I will consider this week a success if I pay off half that huge balance with my upcoming paycheque.

5. If I could grow one thing, it would be a mini herb garden. I'm so used to fresh spices thanks to my wonderful Nonna, that I'll need my own when we move in February. I have black thumbs though... so I definitely don't see that happening!

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Weekly Money Check-Up: Oct. 11th - Oct. 17th

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on my pretty new camera! A little more than I had planned on spending though... after peripherals and an extended warranty it was almost $900 :( No shopping for me for the next little while!

2. Today I feel a little down about money. I need to budget my payment for the new toy, so I can't put as much away in savings as I would like to for the next little while.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was have a pot luck lunch at work. It was a nice opportunity to chat and catch up with everyone. And it turns out one of the VP's knows my grandmother... she made her bridesmaids dresses! Small world...

4. I will consider this week a success if I cook every night, pack all my lunches, and don't eat out.

5. My favorite cereal is cheerios. Yes, it's pretty simple and not very sugary, but oh so delicious.

6. Other frivolous spending I did this week was on groceries, so not very frivolous at all. Oh! And some wool tights for the chilly weather we've been having! (3 pairs for $10 @ Ardene)

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Weekly Money Check-Up: Oct 4th - Oct 10th

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a new "winter" foundation from MAC, $30. I get so pale during the colder months that my old one just wouldn't work!

2. Today I feel pretty thrifty towards money. I went shopping at the Rideau Centre over the weekend and didn't buy ANY clothing (which is so rare for me) because I felt guilty spending money on anything other than what's on my winter "must-haves" list. Instead I opted for used items... go team me!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was make a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with J for my siblings. Yum!

4. I will consider this week a success if I go to the gym more than twice.

5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose Thailand. Both Top Model New Zealand and Australia travelled there recently and I was in awe of the beautiful scenery and culture!

6. Other frivolous spending I did this week was on a wool plaid skirt from Etsy, SO pretty and only $15, and a wool wrap skirt from Value Village for $6. Cross that off my list!

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Weekly Money Check-Up: Sept. 27 - Oct. 3

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a delicious Greek feast for J & I, $30.

2. Today I feel excited about money. Tomorrow is pay-day!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was take a BodyPump class for the first time at Goodlife Fitness. ( I won a free 2 week membership :) )

4. I will consider this week a success if I cook dinner every night and DO NOT order out. I'm currently living at home and have been spoiled by my mother & grandmother, but now they're in Italy for 3 weeks! Time to be responsible.

5. The TV show I am most excited about this season is Cougar Town :) I freaking love Courtney Cox.

6. Other frivolous spending this week included: $30 on a Scouts Canada donation (how in the heck can you say no to co-workers?!), and 2 pairs of shoes.... which I was actually refunded $100 after those purchases because I returned my beloved LeCaros.... I know, I know, they were gorgeous... but it made me feel guilty spending that much on a trendy pair of boots... and when I found their replacement at a fraction of the price I could justify my purchase even less. I'll debut them soon, I promise.

Weekly Money Check-Up is a weekly feature courtesy of My Pretty Pennies.
Image via Marie Claire Magazine.

Too Much TV & My Weekly Money Check-Up!

It's premiere week! I'm such a TV junkie it's ridiculous. While my favorites are all the reality tv shows, I have a weakness for sitcoms... but can you blame me? I'm a child of the 90s! I can't wait for Cougar Town and Modern Family, and those boys from the Big Bang Theory always make me giggle.
Last night though was dancing with the stars. I love how varied the cast is this season. Everyone from Florence Henderson of Brady Bunch fame to The Situation from Jersey Shore. Brandy was absolutely fabulous, and Kyle Massey from the Disney Channel definitely surprised me. Did anyone else notice though how pigeon toed The Situation seems?

Does anyone else have any favorites they're looking forward to?

cardigan - Smart Set (winter 2010)
tank - Dynamite (summer 2010)
cropped trousers - Mexx (summer 2010)
wedges - Aldo (gift, bday 2010)

And since I missed My Pretty Pennies' Weekly Money Check Up Yesterday:

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a plaid shirt from Smart Set for $30.

2. Today I feel great about money. It's pay day and I got a raise! Go team me!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was go to the Papanack Zoo with my best friend from high school, Tara & her friends for her 24th bday.

4. I will consider this week a success if I master the new job I'm being assigned at work. Finally a little more of a challenge!

5. The thing I am most looking forward to about this autumn is going to a pumpkin patch and grabbing a few to carve. I've NEVER been, but I think it's a super cute idea.

6. Other frivolous spending I did this week was on the cutest socks ever from Garage for $5, and 2 pairs of shoes from myspringshoes.com for $27, which are both being returned.

A Lazy Weekend & Tryign to Remain Accountable!

So no Montreal this past weekend. :( The boy had to work on Saturday so we decided to reschedule it to the following weekend, so at least it wasn't cancelled completely! Instead we spent a very lazy weekend at home playing video games, watching movies, and ordering in a pizza.

cardigan - Jacob (gift - xmas 2006)
tee - Smart Set (summer 2010)
black skinnies - GAP (this past weekend! see below!)
wedges - Aldo (gift - bday 2010)

I've come across a way to help me remain accountable to my spending. The questions are ones I should be asking myself every week, so I was pretty thrilled to find it. Questions 1-4 are the same every week, #5 is one created by the check-up's original author, and #6 is one I added for myself. So without further ado:

Weekly Money Check Up via My Pretty Pennies

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on: Pizza for the family ($50), but clothing-wise, super skinny black pants from Gap ($45).

2. Today I feel cheap towards money: i feel broke even though I'm not.... but I know I'll spend a lot next weekend so I'm trying to save!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was accompany my mother saturday afternoon while she looked for new coffee and end tables. We didn't find anything, but parental bonding is always good times.

4. I will consider this week a success if I don't spend any money frivolously until my potential Montreal trip on the weekend.

5. One of my most memorable birthdays was when I turned 21 which I thought would be uneventful, but my good friends surprised me with 21 cupcakes made into a colorful caterpillar and my best friend who was supposed to be out of town came in unexpectedly to join us for the festivities.

6. Other frivolous spending this week consisted of: 3 tubes of DuWop lipstick on clearance for $5 a piece.