Fabulous Financials & Fitness

I’m always trying to find new ways to add color to my wardrobe – and what easier way than through accessories, shoes or a handbag. So I’ve been on the hunt for a bright-colored summer bag. I’ve also been looking for cute summer tops, particularly, weekend wear. You know…something a little sexy.

Armed with a few gift cards, I made my way to the Maxx – TJ Maxx that is. And boy was I in luck! Look at what I scored…

HOOOOOT!!  This mustard handbag was only $29.99 and I couldn’t believe it! I love the texture of this leather, it feels soooooooooo soft and delicate. I must admit, the smell of the genuine leather is a bit strong though. Based on my inspection of the seams, interior lining, straps, and hardware, the workmanship of this handbag is A+++++++++. Although this isn’t quite the “summer” bag I had in mind, I couldn’t dare pass up this steal. It will get lots of usage this fall.

This type of shirt isn’t usually my style because I don’t do the visible bra look – maybe a little peek-a-boo of the lacy trim, but not a straight up display of my goodies. At any rate, I thought the fabric was cool and summer-y, which is what I was looking for. Perhaps I can wear it on top of my strapless one piece pant set for a layered effect. If I’m feeling mischievous, there’s no telling how I might wear it. For $14.99, I’m sure I can think of many ways to get my money’s worth.

I also picked up a zebra print cosmetic caddy for $7.99, a pair of hater blockers (BabyGirl taught me that term LOL) for $9.99, and a chunky hot pink necklace for $10.99. I quickly scanned the shoe selection and…*shock*…nothing caught my eye. Overall, it was a productive shopping trip for little to nothing out of pocket.

Do you shop at your local TJ Maxx?  Any great finds lately?

For most of the day, I am either on the computer or near something that gives me easy access the internet.  Therefore, it is purely out of convenience that I’d find something to buy on the internet much faster than I would in a store.  And boy, have I been tempted lately!  It’s a new seaon and every retailer is enticing consumers with their semi-annual sales.  But somehow, I’ve been able to resist.  Here are the steps I follow to avoid impulse shopping on the internet:

1. SEARCH, SAVE & SIMMER

I haven’t bought any new shoes since…uh…hmm…  *scratching my head*  Shoot, if I can’t remember, then it’s been way too long.  However, it hasn’t stopped me from [internet] window shopping.  When I find something I like, I tag the link in a “shopping” folder.  The Firefox ‘read it later’ feature makes it easy to click and sort.  Then I wait a few days – at least three but no more than seven – before I pull the trigger.

2.  PROCESS OF ELIMINATION

After a few days, I clean up the folder and delete most of the links.  I may decide not to buy an item for various reasons: don’t like it anymore, found something better/cheaper, or admit I don’t need it.  Like these…

These are a beauty, but I don’t need anymore suede peeptoe pumps.  Then again, if the price was right (think: out of season clearance), I may give in to the temptation.  This waiting period eliminates about 75% of my impulsive purchases because it forces me to think about if I really want it.

The other 25% require a little more effort…

Occasionally, I run across something that makes my heart skip a beat every time I see it, even after the waiting period is over.  Like these…

and these…

The style…the color…oh my!  I’ve been admiring these sandals for about 2 weeks.  In fact, I had a dream about the pink pair two nights in a row.  They are HOT!!  And I’ve already put together an outfit (or 2) in my mind for each pair – including the accessories!  *fanning myself*  I’m sure there’s a name for what ails me when it comes to fabulous shoes.   The only logical step is to get them on my feet.  POST HASTE!  But not so fast…

3.  PRICE/VALUE CONSIDERATION

I consider moving the ‘must buy’ item(s) to my shopping cart, but first, I have to decide if the price is reasonable and if I can afford it.   Depending on the item, this eliminates another 15% of my impulsive purchases.  I will never compromise my financial goals in the name of retail therapy.

Those sandals cost more than I’d prefer to pay – $100+.  I could wait for a sale, but I want them so badly.  Plus my size (7.5) sells out pretty quickly and I don’t want to risk it.  I’ll search for a discount code, find an affiliate cash back site (i.e. fat wallet, ebates, msn live, etc.) and use a cash back credit card to reduce the price.

Also, both brands have a good reputation and they appear to be well made.  Assuming they’re comfortable, I know I will wear them often and for years to come.  But just in case, I read the site’s return policy.  Then, on to the fun part…

4.  FABULOSITY ASSESSMENT

Before making the final decision to buy, I ask myself one more question:  Do I love it?  That one question, alone, eliminates the remaining 10% of my impulsive purchases.  If you love it, you’ll always wear it.  As a result, the per use cost will decrease and the item’s overall value will increase.  Otherwise, if an item was $5, it’s a waste of $5 if it doesn’t make you feel FABULOUS.

5.  BUY IT, GUILT FREE!

At this point, it’s a no brainer.  I found, I waited, I eliminated, I priced, I loved – and now I’m buying it.  Guilt Free.  When I say ‘guilt free’ I mean, I do not…

• Say “I deserve it” to satisfy my conscience.
• Brownbag (or make other minor changes) for a week to justify the purchase.
• Think about all the hungry kids in Africa I could have fed or all the whales I could have saved by donating the money.
• Consider the potential earnings if I had invested the money at some ridiculous rate of return for a zillion years.
• Care if Suze Orman thinks I can afford it.

None of that crosses my mind.  I sit and wait patiently for the UPS man to bring me the goods.  And when they arrive, I get excited!  I can’t wait to get home from work so I can rip open the boxes and play dress up in the mirror like a big ol’ kid.  :-)

How do you avoid impulse shopping on the internet?

I’ve been in a shopping mood lately. I have a mental list of things I need want to buy for upcoming birthdays and showers, the vision I have to redecorate my bedroom, and random odds/ends. When I find what I’m looking for at a great price, I do not hesitate to snatch it up. Thanks to these fabulous hot deals websites, I’ve recently purchased the following items:

1. Purple iPod Nano 8GB for $99 (deal)

2. Two sets of 400tc Queen size sheets for $25 each (deal)

3. One-year subscription to Seventeen magazine for $2.67 (deal)

4. JanSport backpack for $9.95 (deal)

5. Canon Powershot A590 IS, 8MP for $119 (deal)

6. SpongeBob DVD Collection, The Complete Seasons 1-3 for $48 (deal)

7. Three PS3 games for $10 each (deal)

8.  Comforter Set for $42 (deal)

Other things on my mental list of things to buy in the near future are:

• Comforter Set
• Bedroom window treatments
• Chest/Dresser

If you know where I can find any of these on a fabulous deal, please let me know.

I’ve been so happy lately!  Over the past month, I’ve been in the process of developing new interests, changing my perspective on many things, adjusting my priorities, and staying on top of my finances despite the doom and gloom of the economy.  I refuse to let this recession drive me batty.  It’s a natural flow of the economic cycle, but life goes on.  Shoot, I still have things to do (get my body in shape), places to go (vacation), and people to see (eye candy!).  So instead of blogging about Obama’s housing bailout plan and how effective it may (or not) be, I’ve been saving money, spending money, and enjoying life – three things that make me happy.

Here are a few of the things I’ve been up to lately:

SAVING

I received a huge fed and state tax refund this year – over $5,000.  All of it went into savings.  Yep, ALL of it!  In addition, I saved $2,000 last month (Feb) and I project to save another $1,500 this month (Mar).  Man, I’ve been a saving machine!  The balance on my efund is over $35,000!  Only $25k is earmarked for emergencies though.  The other $10k plus regular savings is for whatever comes up that I can’t cover with monthly cash flow.

SPENDING MONEY

My shoe fever season has begun and I’ve already added 2, maybe 3 (or was it 4?), new pairs of heels to my collection.  I’m trying to practice a little restraint so that may be all I buy this season.  *thinking about what I just said* Aww shoot, who am I fooling?!?  If I see a pair of fabulous shoes and they’re within my budget, I’m buying ‘em! LOL!

I bought a CHI flat iron on Amazon for $66 (reg $190) with FREE shipping.  Let me tell ya, this thing really lives up to the hype.  I usually HATE doing my own hair because of the time it takes, but after a quick wash and deep condition, my tresses are silky and straight like I’m fresh from the salon.  I also bought a heat protectant that I apply to my hair before using the CHI because that little thing gets HOT – over 400 degrees.  But the results are fab!  And it’s already paid for itself because I can stretch out my salon visits and do more regular maintenance at home.

ENJOYING LIFE

I have 6 weeks vacation that I keep in reserves and rollover every year for emergency time off, but I also earn an additional 4 weeks each year.  I plan to take 1 this spring, 1 this summer, 1 this winter, and float 1 throughout the year for personal time.

Over spring break, I’m taking BabyGirl to NYC.  This will be her first time in the city so she’s very excited.  We’re staying in Manhattan for 4 days and 3 nights.  While there, we plan to see the The Lion King on Broadway; visit the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, NYC Library, Grand Central Terminal, and (undecided) one of the museums near central park; eat “real” Chinese food (BabyGirl’s term) in Chinatown and “real” pizza (BabyGirl’s term) in Little Italy; and do a little shopping.  So far, I’ve booked the transportation (megabus), hotel (partially funded with CC rewards), Broadway tickets (using discount codes found on theater discount websites) and the SOL ferry.  Total spent: $387. Total budget: $650.  I have friends from the Bronx and NJ meeting us for one or more of the scheduled activities and I already know we’re going to have a blast!

This summer’s vacay will be on a tropical island.  Still researching destination spots but undecided if I’ll take BabyGirl with me or roll solo.  Budget: $1,500 w/ BabyGirl, $700 without.

I joined a gym and I’m committed to working out at least 3x each week.  I just completed my first week and it’s had an amazing impact on my energy level.  However, I must admit, it was HARD, my body was EXHAUSTED, and my muscles are SORE.  Bodies don’t lie, I was an out of shape lazy bum.  Emphasis on the word WAS.  As I build my stamina, I will gradually increase my workouts to 4x each week.  The cost of membership and my personal trainer is $50/month without a contract (deal through my employer), so I have to pay a month in advance.  Now you know I’m not wasting any money, right?  Hellz to the naw!  I plan to have my fat arse front and center on Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs/Sat every single week.  Hmph!  I already added the expense to my monthly budget and I think it’s worth every penny.

That’s all I have for now.

I hope you guys are making the best of these challenging times and enjoying life as well!

Pssst. When I don’t post on the blog, you know where to find me.

The kids are having a snow day, but I’m ready for winter to GO AWAY.  Got that winter?  You’re not welcome here no mo’!  Alright now, git!  In the meantime, I’m going to mentally pretend that it’s spring already and share with you guys my first spring shoe fever purchase.  Yea, I got the fever for the fabulous flavor already!  See…

They’re purple if you can’t tell.  Sorry for the bad picture, had to take it with BabyGirl’s camera phone. Mine was laid to rest in December.  Still searching for a replacement.

I found these babies on clearance at Ross for a grand total (including tax) of $14.16.  I just so happened to be standing in the aisle when the sales lady was marking them down from the regular price of $49.99.  I saw them from a distance – the color is striking – and noticed there were only two pair of its kind.  And wouldn’t you know – one of them was in my size.  Bingo!

I tried them on and immediately fell in love.  When I stood up, thoughts of spring/summer outfits began dancing in my head.  What?  I know y’all do it too – put together outfits in your mind when you’re buying something new.  I was thinking about my white linen suit, tan cropped pants, or any one of my bright colored, flowy, summer dresses.  Then I blurted out – to no one in particular – “I need jewelry!  Oh and a handbag too!”  BabyGirl thought I was nuts.  I really wanted a new bag, but I quickly suppressed the urge and settled for the shoes only.

As I approached the register, I noticed tiny scratches on the buckle of the right shoe and I was about to put them back.  I mean, the gold-toned buckle on this shoe is EVERYTHING!  I was so disappointed. :-(  Then BabyGirl said she didn’t notice the scratches at all and reminded me that I usually ask for an additional discount on slightly imperfect merchandise.  Well duh!  How can I forget to bargain during a critical shoe buying opportunity like this?  So I asked for an additional 10% off.  And BAM! They were sold!

In Single Ma land, it is officially spring shoe fever season.

Buy anything cute lately?  Do tell.