We're revisiting winter here in Toronto. Well, more like fall. It's fresh and chilly outside, which awakens all my hibernation instincts. I want to eat everything in sight, then curl up and go to sleep. Not my finest hour. It also seems to highlight the absolute sameness of my every day. Do you know that feeling? Like the movie "Groundhog Day" was written about your life?
(To add insult to injury, the ANTM chicks are in Rome right now. I remember when I was in Rome...)
But I have a mantra: 8 days until vacation.
I can make it I can make it I can make it.
Total debt: $7515 and a bit
Spent today: $4.79 (Foodstuffs to feed my hibernation instincts.)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
No soup Nazi here
Despite having to be taught how to make spaghetti in college (I didn't even know how to boil the pasta and pour the jar of sauce in. Seriously.), I have embraced cooking in the last five years or so. I believe the turning point came after my 7 months of working on a cruise ship, when I couldn't have set foot in a kitchen even if I wanted to.
I do, however, require a recipe. I don't have the skills to "wing it" when it come to culinary confections. But sadly, my strict food budget generally isn't enough to foster my blossoming gourmet talents. Which is why I get so excited when I find something new to make that doesn't cost a lot of money.
Enter: The Soup.
Many of you have heard me sing the praises of The Soup in the past few days. I've become a little addicted. If you've already experienced my sermon, feel free to skip to the bottom of this post. If not, read on.
*Side note: The Soup, while delicious and budget-friendly, is in no way gourmet. In fact, it's pretty much the opposite of fancy food. But it's YUMMY, so I'm adding it to my regular recipe rotation.
A couple of weeks ago, while grocery shopping, I was lingering in the legumes section, wondering how I could incorporate more of them into my diet. They're just so good for you - full of fibre and protein. I was running my hands along the dried beans and lentils, when I suddenly saw a bag simply labelled Soup Mix. Intrigued, I turned it over to have a look at the instructions. Dead easy! Basically boil the contents in some stock, add some seasoning and then fry up an onion and add that. Done. Then I read the label. All good! Just a dry mix of lentils, peas, beans and such, low in calories, low in fat, high in protein and fibre. Then I looked at the price.
JACKPOT!
The bag, which in total makes about 8 cups of soup (it's so hearty, a cup is all you need), was on $1.19. ONE DOLLAR AND NINETEEN CENTS! Very much in my budget.
Needless to say, I not only bought the Soup Mix, but have used the whole bag already. It's a very good lunch to bring to work, because the protein wakes me up and allows me to concentrate in the afternoon. (I am not an afternoon person.)
I do, however, require a recipe. I don't have the skills to "wing it" when it come to culinary confections. But sadly, my strict food budget generally isn't enough to foster my blossoming gourmet talents. Which is why I get so excited when I find something new to make that doesn't cost a lot of money.
Enter: The Soup.
Many of you have heard me sing the praises of The Soup in the past few days. I've become a little addicted. If you've already experienced my sermon, feel free to skip to the bottom of this post. If not, read on.
*Side note: The Soup, while delicious and budget-friendly, is in no way gourmet. In fact, it's pretty much the opposite of fancy food. But it's YUMMY, so I'm adding it to my regular recipe rotation.
A couple of weeks ago, while grocery shopping, I was lingering in the legumes section, wondering how I could incorporate more of them into my diet. They're just so good for you - full of fibre and protein. I was running my hands along the dried beans and lentils, when I suddenly saw a bag simply labelled Soup Mix. Intrigued, I turned it over to have a look at the instructions. Dead easy! Basically boil the contents in some stock, add some seasoning and then fry up an onion and add that. Done. Then I read the label. All good! Just a dry mix of lentils, peas, beans and such, low in calories, low in fat, high in protein and fibre. Then I looked at the price.
JACKPOT!
The bag, which in total makes about 8 cups of soup (it's so hearty, a cup is all you need), was on $1.19. ONE DOLLAR AND NINETEEN CENTS! Very much in my budget.
Needless to say, I not only bought the Soup Mix, but have used the whole bag already. It's a very good lunch to bring to work, because the protein wakes me up and allows me to concentrate in the afternoon. (I am not an afternoon person.)
In case my message wasn't clear enough - buy the soup!**
**I am not getting any money from endorsing the Soup Mix.
I'm having sleeping issues again, so it was a draggy sort of day. My Starbucks card helped see me through. (Thank you!) Oh, I also got some more freelance work, so a little more money will be coming in. (I just need to write it...)
Total debt: $7515 and a bit
Spent today: $0 (And a thank you to The Boyfriend for bringing home some wine. Big kiss!)
Total debt: $7515 and a bit
Spent today: $0 (And a thank you to The Boyfriend for bringing home some wine. Big kiss!)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Practically free
Today, on a little lunchtime shopping excursion, I managed to purchase 4 tops for $45 including tax. (There is a Joe Fresh dangerously close to my workplace, with dangerously low prices.) Now, I'm planning to return two of them, since they look less appealing post shopping-induced frenzy, but my question to all of you is this: What price doesn't count?
For example, is an $8 t-shirt considered shopping or merely a basic everyday necessity?
During a conversation with a recently spendy friend this evening, we both agreed that pants that fit well (which can seem like an absolute mission: impossible for months at a time) are a steal at almost any price. Unless you already have a closet full of pants that make you feel incredible every time you wear them, how could you possibly turn your nose up at an incredible discovery?
In my current budget-busting climate, I find the only way to avoid buying because the price is just so good is to stay away from malls and fitting rooms altogether. Only today I let my deadline-induced stress take me right to the stores.
Good news - no actual cash was spent! (Plus my credit card has just a teeny, tiny, soon-to-be-paid-off balance. AND I'm taking two of the shirts back for a full refund.)
Total debt: $7515 and a bit
Spent today: $0 (Yes, I know! Plus the credit. Why you gotta be like that?)
For example, is an $8 t-shirt considered shopping or merely a basic everyday necessity?
During a conversation with a recently spendy friend this evening, we both agreed that pants that fit well (which can seem like an absolute mission: impossible for months at a time) are a steal at almost any price. Unless you already have a closet full of pants that make you feel incredible every time you wear them, how could you possibly turn your nose up at an incredible discovery?
In my current budget-busting climate, I find the only way to avoid buying because the price is just so good is to stay away from malls and fitting rooms altogether. Only today I let my deadline-induced stress take me right to the stores.
Good news - no actual cash was spent! (Plus my credit card has just a teeny, tiny, soon-to-be-paid-off balance. AND I'm taking two of the shirts back for a full refund.)
Total debt: $7515 and a bit
Spent today: $0 (Yes, I know! Plus the credit. Why you gotta be like that?)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Walking in a summer wonderland
I seem to have forgotten to blog yesterday. Or, rather, I remembered that I needed to blog, but not until quite late at night. And then I proceeded to choose sleep over blogging. My apologies.
It has been a weird weekend here in Toronto, what with our entire transit system on strike. I must say, the whole mess threw quite the kink in all of my weekend plans! This morning I was supposed to have brunch with two wonderful women - one visiting from out of town - but I was forced to cancel, because both taxis and extra money in the budget to take them are hard to come by this week. I was also supposed to attend the second installment of Dance Dance Party Party Toronto, but it was just far enough away that I couldn't conceive of making the trek sans transportation.
And then my day unfolded in such a manner that the boyfriend and I did this huge walk - nearly 4 miles. So, I really could have walked to and from brunch and DDPP. Alas.
Lots of money spent on food. And a little on wine. And some more on a dvd. We watched this:
It was one of those small, charming Hollywood movies that was filmed here in Toronto and surrounding areas masquerading as Nowhere, America, full of Canadian actors in supporting roles (plus, obviously, the Canadian in the lead role) that make you ask yourself, "Why can't we make these kind of movies here in Canada?" It's a frustrating conundrum.
Anyway, that's all I really have to report. I have the Sunday evening blues. A common occurrence since my childhood days. But here's a happy thought: 11 days until we go to Montreal! Can't wait. I need a little change of scenery.
Total debt: $7515 (and a bit)
Spent yesterday and today: $57-ish
Friday, April 25, 2008
Does my debt look lighter to you?
Seeing as it's finally spring (although I did hear that nasty four-letter word sn*w in the long range forecast this morning) I thought I'd spruce up my blog a little. Lighten it up! What do you think? Is it disconcerting to see my smirking mug on the side?
I'm blogging a little early today because I am working from home. My sour tummy continues, so I embraced the portable nature of what I do. However, I did take a little trip to the corner to run some errands, so money has been spent.
(I felt awful the entire time I was out, and then quite a bit better when I was back on the couch in my pjs. Is it psychological? Am I destined to become a hermit? I don't think I'd be a very good hermit. I need too much stimulation. And I would surely drive the boyfriend insane with my repeated demands for frozen yogurt and dvds.)
But the big news of the day - the news I've been excited to type all week long - is that I made a hefty loan payment. After a mere 14 days in the $8000s, I have reached a new, all-time low. Check it out.
Total debt: $7515 and a bit (!!!!)
Spent today: $57.94 ($35.30 of that was mending and dry cleaning and I'm giving myself $90 on top of that this week, since I received some extra money.)
I'm blogging a little early today because I am working from home. My sour tummy continues, so I embraced the portable nature of what I do. However, I did take a little trip to the corner to run some errands, so money has been spent.
(I felt awful the entire time I was out, and then quite a bit better when I was back on the couch in my pjs. Is it psychological? Am I destined to become a hermit? I don't think I'd be a very good hermit. I need too much stimulation. And I would surely drive the boyfriend insane with my repeated demands for frozen yogurt and dvds.)
But the big news of the day - the news I've been excited to type all week long - is that I made a hefty loan payment. After a mere 14 days in the $8000s, I have reached a new, all-time low. Check it out.
Total debt: $7515 and a bit (!!!!)
Spent today: $57.94 ($35.30 of that was mending and dry cleaning and I'm giving myself $90 on top of that this week, since I received some extra money.)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Under the weather
A crazy thing happened this afternoon. I stopped at the drugstore on my way home to pick up a couple of necessities. I had left work a little early after a whole day of feeling awful - exhausted and with a bad tummy. Since I still had plenty of money leftover from my week, I thought I would treat myself to a lovely, glossy mag. I looked at the shiny array...
...and I didn't want to buy any.
Perhaps whatever sickness I'm suffering from has gone to my head?
Suddenly it seemed to make so much more sense to pick the magazines up at the library rather than buy them.
We can only hope that I feel better soon. My tummy and my head!
Total debt: $8715 (Last day in the $8000s!!)
Spent today: $15.05
Weekly total: $67.07 (Way under! Although I feel like I forgot something, because I only have about $15 left...)
...and I didn't want to buy any.
Perhaps whatever sickness I'm suffering from has gone to my head?
Suddenly it seemed to make so much more sense to pick the magazines up at the library rather than buy them.
We can only hope that I feel better soon. My tummy and my head!
Total debt: $8715 (Last day in the $8000s!!)
Spent today: $15.05
Weekly total: $67.07 (Way under! Although I feel like I forgot something, because I only have about $15 left...)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lesson being learned
The boyfriend and I were watching "'Til Debt Do Us Part" tonight (I forced him) and he suddenly asked me if I wish he had just paid off all my debt for me.
And I honestly said no.
Don't get me wrong - I would have been relieved. I would have been grateful. I would have been ecstatic.
And I wouldn't have learned a single thing.
I fear that if that had happened, I may have continued living my life without a true sense of the cost. Maybe I would have expected him to pony up the money for a vacation, a house, and anything else I wanted. And maybe he would have resented me. Felt used.
This is a difficult lesson, but something that has changed me for the better.
Turns out we're both glad that he didn't just pay it all off. But I am forever grateful for the loan he gave me to kick start my efforts. It was enough that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and that made all the difference.
On a different note - someone asked me for budgeting advice today! I was absolutely tickled pink.
Total debt: $8715 (Soon to be a whole lot lower...)
Spent today: $0 (Thanks to that very generous Starbucks card, which saw me through a stressful afternoon at work!)
And I honestly said no.
Don't get me wrong - I would have been relieved. I would have been grateful. I would have been ecstatic.
And I wouldn't have learned a single thing.
I fear that if that had happened, I may have continued living my life without a true sense of the cost. Maybe I would have expected him to pony up the money for a vacation, a house, and anything else I wanted. And maybe he would have resented me. Felt used.
This is a difficult lesson, but something that has changed me for the better.
Turns out we're both glad that he didn't just pay it all off. But I am forever grateful for the loan he gave me to kick start my efforts. It was enough that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and that made all the difference.
On a different note - someone asked me for budgeting advice today! I was absolutely tickled pink.
Total debt: $8715 (Soon to be a whole lot lower...)
Spent today: $0 (Thanks to that very generous Starbucks card, which saw me through a stressful afternoon at work!)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Please, Mr. Postman
I have always loved mail. E-mail is okay, but I have a special place in my heart for old-fashioned snail mail. I get a little thrill every night when I check the mailbox. Even if it's just bills, I still like seeing an envelope with my name on it. (That's sick...right?)
And a few times in my life I have received surprise mail presents. Does it get any better than that?
Tonight was one of those nights.
A dear friend who I have known since I was a brand new teenager with permed hair, and who reads this blog, sent me a little note congratulating me on my budget-busting process. And a Starbucks card! So I can still indulge my afternoon treat monster and save a bit of money for the upcoming vacay.
I am both touched and humbled. Do I really deserve such generosity and effort?
Thank you very, very much. Sincerely. Thank you.
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: 38 cents (seriously)
And a few times in my life I have received surprise mail presents. Does it get any better than that?
Tonight was one of those nights.
A dear friend who I have known since I was a brand new teenager with permed hair, and who reads this blog, sent me a little note congratulating me on my budget-busting process. And a Starbucks card! So I can still indulge my afternoon treat monster and save a bit of money for the upcoming vacay.
I am both touched and humbled. Do I really deserve such generosity and effort?
Thank you very, very much. Sincerely. Thank you.
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: 38 cents (seriously)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Shall we have a mini-break?
Well, Monday was determined to live up to its reputation today. I was instantly busy from the moment I arrived at work. But not busy in that steady, enjoyable, make-the-day-go-faster sort of way. Busy in a panic-at-the-disco sort of way.
Alas I found myself unable to set foot outside the office until I was released into the early evening air. I promptly took myself to the gym to get my stress levels back to normal. Then home to make dinner with the boyfriend - our favourite frozen dumplings with ginger vinegar. Remarkably tasty, low-fat and low-cal. Love 'em!
All of this prevented me from spending a single red cent today!
Although... I did book our mini-vacation! So my credit card got a little action: two plane tickets and a hotel reservation. Montreal, here we come!
Check out the photo at the bottom to see where we're going to spend two of the nights.
And don't worry - I promise to pay it all off before I even get on the plane.
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: $0 (Other than that stuff I mentioned up there...)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The summer wind came blowin' in...
If you're reading this from Toronto, haven't we had the most beautiful weekend!? It's suddenly summer, but without any of the humidity and smog alerts. There's the hot, bright sunshine and a lovely warm breeze. Ahhhh... makes me want to spend money!
Yesterday I headed downtown with the boyfriend. He went off to get a massage because he's suffering from some serious back pain (If anyone needs a great RMT in Toronto, let me know. We've got the best.) and I wandered along Queen West - the shopping mecca for people who make less than six figures. Sadly the strip has turned into a bit of an outdoor mall, with only a few independent stores mixed into the usual fare, but the area still has lots of flavour and it's quite the scene on a sunny afternoon. I knew that my day held the potential to purchase, because this change of season means that I need:
a) Sunglasses (I left my last pair at the gym, I think...)
b) Shoes (See my Friday post)
c) Some summer tops to match my array of summer skirts
I have some extra money coming in during the next couple of weeks, so I felt that it was okay to see what was out there. I managed to snag some sunglasses right away. Normally I get really weird and hung-up about sunglasses. I refuse to pay more than $15 for them, because I don't have the patience to treat them with kid gloves and I have a tendency to lose/break them. Oftentimes I will obsess over which pair to buy, which is really unlike me. I am a decisive person and a decisive shopper! Anyway, yesterday I tried on a pair that were fine, saw that they only cost $7.90 and therefore marched straight up to the cash. Phew! One thing down. (And at a bargain price!)
*Note to my kind friend who offered me a brand new pair that she'd quickly fallen out of love with - Thank you so much for the offer, but the weather sort of demanded I act on the issue as soon as possible.
After another hour of wandering and half-heartedly trying things on, I settled myself in at one of our favourite sushi places and ordered some udon soup while waiting for the boyfriend. He not only joined me for lunch, but he also picked up the tab! Sweet. (I picked up our tea and treat tab a little later.)
We somehow ended up at the mall, where I found a pair of metallic flats to replace the cheapies that have already seen two summers. (Did I mention how smelly they are? It's sort of horrific.) These shoes were not cheap, but they were a good name and they were comfortable. (At least, I think they are. Wearing them around the house, I'm not so sure...) I think I'm going to keep them. I think...
Two things down!
The third thing proved to be more difficult than I'd hoped. Particularly because my fave place to buy tank tops - a cheap chain with lots of basics - CHANGED their tanks this year! They are now thinner, making them better for layering, but not as good to wear on their own. They're also more of a racer-back tank now, which isn't good for me, because I don't own a racer-back bra!
(I can't even get into the whole undergarment issue. After finally getting a couple of professionally-fitted, quality bras a couple of years ago, I can't even conceive of wearing something from a mall chain. Trust me - the difference is phenomenal!)
So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do about tops, because I usually work these cheap tanks into several outfit options. But t-shirts don't really stand up past one season. Particularly if you perspire alot...which I do. Hence my need for new ones.
All in all, a less spendy day than I pictured, but spendy nonetheless.
Today the money went to food. Groceries, don't ya know.
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: $37
Yesterday I headed downtown with the boyfriend. He went off to get a massage because he's suffering from some serious back pain (If anyone needs a great RMT in Toronto, let me know. We've got the best.) and I wandered along Queen West - the shopping mecca for people who make less than six figures. Sadly the strip has turned into a bit of an outdoor mall, with only a few independent stores mixed into the usual fare, but the area still has lots of flavour and it's quite the scene on a sunny afternoon. I knew that my day held the potential to purchase, because this change of season means that I need:
a) Sunglasses (I left my last pair at the gym, I think...)
b) Shoes (See my Friday post)
c) Some summer tops to match my array of summer skirts
I have some extra money coming in during the next couple of weeks, so I felt that it was okay to see what was out there. I managed to snag some sunglasses right away. Normally I get really weird and hung-up about sunglasses. I refuse to pay more than $15 for them, because I don't have the patience to treat them with kid gloves and I have a tendency to lose/break them. Oftentimes I will obsess over which pair to buy, which is really unlike me. I am a decisive person and a decisive shopper! Anyway, yesterday I tried on a pair that were fine, saw that they only cost $7.90 and therefore marched straight up to the cash. Phew! One thing down. (And at a bargain price!)
*Note to my kind friend who offered me a brand new pair that she'd quickly fallen out of love with - Thank you so much for the offer, but the weather sort of demanded I act on the issue as soon as possible.
After another hour of wandering and half-heartedly trying things on, I settled myself in at one of our favourite sushi places and ordered some udon soup while waiting for the boyfriend. He not only joined me for lunch, but he also picked up the tab! Sweet. (I picked up our tea and treat tab a little later.)
We somehow ended up at the mall, where I found a pair of metallic flats to replace the cheapies that have already seen two summers. (Did I mention how smelly they are? It's sort of horrific.) These shoes were not cheap, but they were a good name and they were comfortable. (At least, I think they are. Wearing them around the house, I'm not so sure...) I think I'm going to keep them. I think...
Two things down!
The third thing proved to be more difficult than I'd hoped. Particularly because my fave place to buy tank tops - a cheap chain with lots of basics - CHANGED their tanks this year! They are now thinner, making them better for layering, but not as good to wear on their own. They're also more of a racer-back tank now, which isn't good for me, because I don't own a racer-back bra!
(I can't even get into the whole undergarment issue. After finally getting a couple of professionally-fitted, quality bras a couple of years ago, I can't even conceive of wearing something from a mall chain. Trust me - the difference is phenomenal!)
So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do about tops, because I usually work these cheap tanks into several outfit options. But t-shirts don't really stand up past one season. Particularly if you perspire alot...which I do. Hence my need for new ones.
All in all, a less spendy day than I pictured, but spendy nonetheless.
Today the money went to food. Groceries, don't ya know.
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: $37
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Happy 100
According to Blogger, which I trust in that weird way that we trust machines not to make mistakes, this is my 100th post. Isn't that crazy!?
Let's recap, shall we?
In 100 posts I've managed to:
- Pay off about $2300 of what I owe
- Spent more than my weekly budget (by more than a few bucks) 7 times (That's more than I imagined... Must get this under control!)
- Been treated by my generous, blog-reading friends to wine/treats/movies about a half-dozen times (I forgot to mention in yesterday's post about my lovely picnic lunch on Friday with a beautifully-freckled pal. She brought me Starbucks treats, so I wouldn't have to struggle with my usual afternoon dilemma. Delicious and thoughtful!)
- Become addicted to "Till Debt Do Us Part," much to the boyfriend's chagrin
- Had many frank money conversations with several excellent women in my life
Besides just getting my debt-repayment on track and under control, that last one has been the most significant for me. For a long time I sort of existed in a vacuum of shame and denial regarding my debt. I assumed no one else had issues with money and I had no clue how to make it better. Turns out, I'm not alone. A big thank you to everyone who has encouraged me with this blog and this whole endeavor. Not a single one of you has called me up and said, "How could you possibly have been so stupid!?" I was a little afraid that could happen. Because I felt so stupid! Instead many of you have shared your stories and your tips on how to cut corners. I have appreciated all of it.
(I suppose there could be readers out there thinking, "How has she possibly had jobs for more than 20 years and still be in debt?" I also thank them... for keeping their negative thoughts to themselves.)
I feel like this will really happen. That I will ring in 2009 debt-free. (Technically, as far as the blog name goes, I have until March 8, 2009, but I like to be on top of things!)
On that note, I'm going to sign off...and wait until tomorrow to tell you what I spent money on today. (I'll give you a hint - read yesterday's post!)
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: $14.63 (Plus 128.80 on credit)
Let's recap, shall we?
In 100 posts I've managed to:
- Pay off about $2300 of what I owe
- Spent more than my weekly budget (by more than a few bucks) 7 times (That's more than I imagined... Must get this under control!)
- Been treated by my generous, blog-reading friends to wine/treats/movies about a half-dozen times (I forgot to mention in yesterday's post about my lovely picnic lunch on Friday with a beautifully-freckled pal. She brought me Starbucks treats, so I wouldn't have to struggle with my usual afternoon dilemma. Delicious and thoughtful!)
- Become addicted to "Till Debt Do Us Part," much to the boyfriend's chagrin
- Had many frank money conversations with several excellent women in my life
Besides just getting my debt-repayment on track and under control, that last one has been the most significant for me. For a long time I sort of existed in a vacuum of shame and denial regarding my debt. I assumed no one else had issues with money and I had no clue how to make it better. Turns out, I'm not alone. A big thank you to everyone who has encouraged me with this blog and this whole endeavor. Not a single one of you has called me up and said, "How could you possibly have been so stupid!?" I was a little afraid that could happen. Because I felt so stupid! Instead many of you have shared your stories and your tips on how to cut corners. I have appreciated all of it.
(I suppose there could be readers out there thinking, "How has she possibly had jobs for more than 20 years and still be in debt?" I also thank them... for keeping their negative thoughts to themselves.)
I feel like this will really happen. That I will ring in 2009 debt-free. (Technically, as far as the blog name goes, I have until March 8, 2009, but I like to be on top of things!)
On that note, I'm going to sign off...and wait until tomorrow to tell you what I spent money on today. (I'll give you a hint - read yesterday's post!)
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: $14.63 (Plus 128.80 on credit)
Friday, April 18, 2008
Baby needs a new pair of shoes
I have a confession that may surprise some of you.
I, Tammy, am not a shoeaholic. I don't have any sort of obsession with shoes. I would never in a million years spend my rent on shoes.
Now, don't get me wrong! I can go to the shoe store and appreciate the pretty shoes. I may even coo over them a little. (Although not this spring - are we all supposed to wear shiny hooker shoes this year?) But I won't buy them.
The problem is money. If I had a lot of money (and I mean A LOT), I would buy lots of shoes. I would have shoes that go with every outfit. (And a driver. Not many shoes are commuter-friendly.)
I buy shoes that go with everything. Translation: boring shoes. I do have several pair of cute, summer shoes in the closet, all bought on the cheap. And cheap equals uncomfortable.
Yesterday I wore a pair of gold flats that I bought for $16 in the summer of 2006. Not only does it feel like I'm walking on the concrete, but they also cause welts on the edges of my feet.
This is not a very cohesive posting - it's Friday night and I'm tired - but I want some new shoes.
I need some new shoes.
Total debt: $8715
Spent today: $0
Thursday, April 17, 2008
It's for my health!
It's been about six months since I got rid of my Nalgene bottle out of concern for potential cancer causing chemicals. Especially since I was fond of running mine through the dishwasher or dowsing it in boiling water. Both major no-nos. I've still been using a hard plastic bottle at my desk and sort of pretending that it's not causing me any harm. But I never removed it from my desk, so I've been commuting and going to the gym all without readily available hydration. A strange thing for a girl who has been carrying water with her 24/7 since probably 9th grade. (1989, if you want to be nosy about it.)
Anyway, I've known that my new water bottle would be a Sigg for quite a long while. They are just ridiculously stylish as well as safe. I put it off originally, because I didn't know where I could get one. Then I discovered that I could cross town and get one easily, but I couldn't find time for the subway ride. Then, a few months ago, I discovered a pharmacy that I pass almost every day has a huge stock in various adorable designs. (I know, I know - but I like having cute things!)
I've passed the pharmacy probably 100 times since then, every time thinking, "I should get a new water bottle," quickly followed by, "Don't spend the money!" Whenever I am not near the pharmacy I find myself thinking, "I'm kind of dehydrated. I really wish I had a new water bottle. I should totally just suck it up and buy one."
Today, something cracked.
I am the proud owner of a super-cute new Sigg water bottle. I thought I would choose something really colourful, given the option, but it's actually black and white, yet lovely and whimsical at the same time. I've already recycled my old desk bottle, determined that the new Sigg should travel with me at all times, eliminating the need for a desk bottle.
I'm in love. And love is costly.
I still had about $14 in my bank account, so I used that and then charged the rest.
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $14 cash (and about $15 credit)
Weekly total: $115-ish (Oh well...)
Anyway, I've known that my new water bottle would be a Sigg for quite a long while. They are just ridiculously stylish as well as safe. I put it off originally, because I didn't know where I could get one. Then I discovered that I could cross town and get one easily, but I couldn't find time for the subway ride. Then, a few months ago, I discovered a pharmacy that I pass almost every day has a huge stock in various adorable designs. (I know, I know - but I like having cute things!)
I've passed the pharmacy probably 100 times since then, every time thinking, "I should get a new water bottle," quickly followed by, "Don't spend the money!" Whenever I am not near the pharmacy I find myself thinking, "I'm kind of dehydrated. I really wish I had a new water bottle. I should totally just suck it up and buy one."
Today, something cracked.
I am the proud owner of a super-cute new Sigg water bottle. I thought I would choose something really colourful, given the option, but it's actually black and white, yet lovely and whimsical at the same time. I've already recycled my old desk bottle, determined that the new Sigg should travel with me at all times, eliminating the need for a desk bottle.
I'm in love. And love is costly.
I still had about $14 in my bank account, so I used that and then charged the rest.
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $14 cash (and about $15 credit)
Weekly total: $115-ish (Oh well...)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Weary money-spender
Oh, another long day. I splurged on lunch (sushi), I got a treat (cookies), and I had to pick up some essentials on my home from work (oranges, spinach and toilet paper). And I didn't do a very good job at keeping track of my receipts!
Normally I only have my $90 for the week in my bank account, but when I paid my bills last week I had about $45 leftover. And instead of automatically putting that on either my credit card (which has about $48 on it) or on my loan, I talked myself into leaving it there. I thought, "I haven't got my cellphone bill yet, so I should just hang on to it so I can pay that when it comes in."
And what has happened? I've used the majority of the money on treats and lunch and other food. And now my cellphone bill HAS come in and I'm going to have to wait until payday to deal with it.
I'm not perfect, people!
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $16-ish
Normally I only have my $90 for the week in my bank account, but when I paid my bills last week I had about $45 leftover. And instead of automatically putting that on either my credit card (which has about $48 on it) or on my loan, I talked myself into leaving it there. I thought, "I haven't got my cellphone bill yet, so I should just hang on to it so I can pay that when it comes in."
And what has happened? I've used the majority of the money on treats and lunch and other food. And now my cellphone bill HAS come in and I'm going to have to wait until payday to deal with it.
I'm not perfect, people!
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $16-ish
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tired blogger
I'm at a lose for funny blogging stories today. It was a long, busy workday. I wish I could say that I didn't spend any money, but I fed my stress with a treat. And then I picked up some dinner for the sick boyfriend on my way home. (I got free dinner at work, because I was there late, working to deadline.)
And I can't get it together to make lunch tonight, so I'm buying some sushi tomorrow.
All of this means that I'm going to be over $90 this week...
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $7-ish
And I can't get it together to make lunch tonight, so I'm buying some sushi tomorrow.
All of this means that I'm going to be over $90 this week...
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $7-ish
Monday, April 14, 2008
Mini-break!
Exciting news everyone - The boyfriend and I are finally planning a wee vacation!
Oh, I can't tell you how happy I am to report that. Yes, I know it's going to cost a small chunk of money, but I've decided it's worth it. I need to put life into perspective a little. I'm making great progress on my debt, so taking a little detour isn't going to kill me.
We're headed to Montreal. In 24 days! (If everything goes as planned.) I'm officially counting down.
Yippee!!
Oh, I overheard a fashionable young woman say this in the subway today: "For someone who has no money, I spent too much money this weekend." Girlfriend, tell me about it!
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $7.69 (I rescued pants from the dry cleaners.)
Oh, I can't tell you how happy I am to report that. Yes, I know it's going to cost a small chunk of money, but I've decided it's worth it. I need to put life into perspective a little. I'm making great progress on my debt, so taking a little detour isn't going to kill me.
We're headed to Montreal. In 24 days! (If everything goes as planned.) I'm officially counting down.
Yippee!!
Oh, I overheard a fashionable young woman say this in the subway today: "For someone who has no money, I spent too much money this weekend." Girlfriend, tell me about it!
Total debt: $8715 and a bit
Spent today: $7.69 (I rescued pants from the dry cleaners.)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
It's true...
Now the boyfriend and I are listening to "The Sun Always Shines On T.V." We're totally those people.
Skirting the issue
So, I returned that dress today and got 55 cents back... And a skirt.
That's right! I went to return the dress and came home without the dress, but with a new skirt. It's totally cute and I already tried it on with a few things in my closet. It's a keeper! I believe it might become my go-to summer skirt. Now if only it were summer and I could wear it tomorrow...
Why must the stores put everything out so early!? I'm always broiling in new sweaters in September and freezing in summer frocks when the leaves aren't even out yet. You know you're the same! I saw so many women in bare legs on the subway last week. And a few weeks before that, when it was still below zero, but the sun kind of made it look like spring, I saw a teenager at the mall in a denim mini, a tank top and flip flops. I felt like such an old lady, because I wanted to go up to her and give her a talking to. I was still wearing my down coat, for crying out loud!
Anyway, my point is that my credit card isn't quite empty yet. There's still roughly $50 lingering on there... but I promise to take care of that before any sort of interest is applied.
I also wanted to tell you about the crazy moment I had in one store today. (I spent a lot of time perusing racks and trying stuff on, but I didn't buy anything! Except the skirt...but technically that money was already spent.) I was in a European chain that caters more to women than to young girls, and they were playing Miley Cyrus. At least, I think it was her. Being over the age of 20, I'm a little behind on the whole Miley thing. In fact, I think she may have taken over the world while I was downloading "Guitarzan" by Ray Stevens on iTunes in a fit of nostalgia.
Are adults listening to Miley now? Have I become one of those people who are no longer in touch with what the "cool" radio stations are playing? (Although, in high school I was more likely to be listening to Andrew Lloyed Webber's canon with a side order of The Andrews Sisters, so maybe I was never one of the cool ones anyway...)
Total debt: $8715 and a bit (Still makes me smile!)
Spent today: $0 (In fact, technically I'm up 55 cents! Although that is on credit...)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Errand day = spending money
We did a very big grocery shop today. You know those days? The ones where you need to buy all the food PLUS laundry detergent PLUS kitty litter PLUS... It was one of those. Luckily the boyfriend brought in a yogurt tub full of change, which came out to more than $30, and we put that towards the groceries. Very generous of him!
On top of groceries, we needed several drugstore things. I'm happy to report that everything I bought was on sale! Plus I got two coupons on the street last week for a FREE pack of these new disposable razors. Now, in theory I'm against making more disposable things in this world. Aren't we supposed to be embracing the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra? However, I'm hardly in a position to turn down $10.49 in free razors. (Well, when I cash in the other coupon it will be more like $21 in free razors. And razors aren't cheap, yo! Plus, I am a very hirsute woman and I need all the help I can get in the hair removal department.)
So, it was a spendy day, but all on non-frivolous items. Except the few treat-like things that found their way into our grocery cart, completely unbidden. Well, mostly unbidden.
Total debt: $8715 plus a bit
Spent today: $62-ish
On top of groceries, we needed several drugstore things. I'm happy to report that everything I bought was on sale! Plus I got two coupons on the street last week for a FREE pack of these new disposable razors. Now, in theory I'm against making more disposable things in this world. Aren't we supposed to be embracing the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra? However, I'm hardly in a position to turn down $10.49 in free razors. (Well, when I cash in the other coupon it will be more like $21 in free razors. And razors aren't cheap, yo! Plus, I am a very hirsute woman and I need all the help I can get in the hair removal department.)
So, it was a spendy day, but all on non-frivolous items. Except the few treat-like things that found their way into our grocery cart, completely unbidden. Well, mostly unbidden.
Total debt: $8715 plus a bit
Spent today: $62-ish
Friday, April 11, 2008
We're in the money...
Ah, payday. Hard to believe that there was a time in my life when that word was only the name of a board game.
Now it is one of my favourite days, along with Thursdays, holidays, my birthday and any day that involves cake.
Today was a good payday, because not only did I get to make a nice big loan payment (all will be revealed at the bottom of this post), but I also got enough freelance money to pay off the bit of money I was carrying on my credit card.
(Truth be told, there's still a little bit on my card, but that's just because I'm returning the dress I bought last weekend. I've decided it's too similar to something I already own and that I can do better, if I'm going to spend the money. So once that goes back, THEN it will be totally empty again.)
As for my loan, I'm very glad to be out of the $9000s. It felt like a long time that I lingered there, but if all goes according to plan, I won't be lingering in the $8000s too long...
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to don some gold lame tap shoes and dance on top of over-sized coins, a la "42nd Street."
Total debt: $8715 and a bit (Yeeha!)
Spent today: $7.84
Thursday, April 10, 2008
You better shop around
As I was walking home from the subway today, I saw this very stylish girl loaded down with shopping bags. A big GAP bag over her shoulder, a La Senza bag in one hand and another kind of bag in the other.
And I missed that feeling.
Now, even if I did go to the mall today and do all sorts of shopping, you wouldn't see me loaded down with store bags. If I didn't have my reusable enviro-bag, I'd put as much as possible in my purse. And then if I did have to resort to a store bag, I put everything else I bought in that same bag, because the whole plastic bag thing is out of control. I can't even wrap my head around how many hundreds of years after we all die that those bags will all be hanging around!
But, bags aside, I love a really good shopping excursion. The kind that requires two extra hours when you get home, trying all the new stuff on together and then creating combinations with all the things you already own, which you were totally sick of until you paired it with something new.
I remember my first spree. It was the end of August 1988. I was just about to start grade 8 and for the first time I was allowed to go school shopping on my own. I believe my total cash allowance was $100 and I took the bus to the big mall in downtown Ottawa with a friend. It was exhilarating! (And I believe a knee-length, three-tiered black acid wash skirt was one of my purchases.)
Anyway, I hope that the girl with all the bags didn't charge it all on credit. And I hope she went home and felt lucky for all her new stuff. And I really hope she realized that she could have fit it all in one bag.
One day I will spree again!
Total debt: $9315 (Tomorrow is payday, so this is the last time that number will be in the $9000s!)
Spent today: $5.17 (Foodstuffs. Hard habit to break.)
Weekly total: $147.80 (Not including credit. Yikes!!)
And I missed that feeling.
Now, even if I did go to the mall today and do all sorts of shopping, you wouldn't see me loaded down with store bags. If I didn't have my reusable enviro-bag, I'd put as much as possible in my purse. And then if I did have to resort to a store bag, I put everything else I bought in that same bag, because the whole plastic bag thing is out of control. I can't even wrap my head around how many hundreds of years after we all die that those bags will all be hanging around!
But, bags aside, I love a really good shopping excursion. The kind that requires two extra hours when you get home, trying all the new stuff on together and then creating combinations with all the things you already own, which you were totally sick of until you paired it with something new.
I remember my first spree. It was the end of August 1988. I was just about to start grade 8 and for the first time I was allowed to go school shopping on my own. I believe my total cash allowance was $100 and I took the bus to the big mall in downtown Ottawa with a friend. It was exhilarating! (And I believe a knee-length, three-tiered black acid wash skirt was one of my purchases.)
Anyway, I hope that the girl with all the bags didn't charge it all on credit. And I hope she went home and felt lucky for all her new stuff. And I really hope she realized that she could have fit it all in one bag.
One day I will spree again!
Total debt: $9315 (Tomorrow is payday, so this is the last time that number will be in the $9000s!)
Spent today: $5.17 (Foodstuffs. Hard habit to break.)
Weekly total: $147.80 (Not including credit. Yikes!!)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Lunch misstep
Because we didn't eat at home last night, I decided that I could buy lunch today. Since I "embraced the buffer" this week, I have extra money in my wallet. Let's not talk about my credit card... Not that it's full or anything, but there's a bit of money on it and I prefer to operate with nothing on it. It'll be paid off in a few days, though.
Anyway, back to lunch. Every time I decide I can buy lunch, it feels like a big treat! Then I go out to get lunch and nothing looks appealing. I want to have something healthy, but all of the pre-made salads are inferior to the ones I can make at home!
I ended up at this amazing salad bar. The kind of salad bar that offers a little bit of everything - for a price. It was $1.99 for 100 grams, so I tried really hard to take just a tiny bit. There were a few pieces of chicken, a tablespoon of 7-grain salad, some bell pepper strips, about 1/4 cup of pasta salad and a few other things. IT WAS $7.86!!! I was a little taken aback. Thank goodness it was tasty.
You can bet that I made lunch for tomorrow.
I was also beckoned outside by the lovely weather today and forced to purchase an Iced Cap from Horny Tim's. I am a slave to icy drinks.
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $10.47
Anyway, back to lunch. Every time I decide I can buy lunch, it feels like a big treat! Then I go out to get lunch and nothing looks appealing. I want to have something healthy, but all of the pre-made salads are inferior to the ones I can make at home!
I ended up at this amazing salad bar. The kind of salad bar that offers a little bit of everything - for a price. It was $1.99 for 100 grams, so I tried really hard to take just a tiny bit. There were a few pieces of chicken, a tablespoon of 7-grain salad, some bell pepper strips, about 1/4 cup of pasta salad and a few other things. IT WAS $7.86!!! I was a little taken aback. Thank goodness it was tasty.
You can bet that I made lunch for tomorrow.
I was also beckoned outside by the lovely weather today and forced to purchase an Iced Cap from Horny Tim's. I am a slave to icy drinks.
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $10.47
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Eating like the rich folks!
Today, besides being my lovely sister's birthday, is the anniversary of the boyfriend's and my third date. Three years ago tonight we went to a Moroccan restaurant for dinner and walked around endlessly in the chilly spring night before he finally kissed me on a bench and stole my heart. (Dates one and two were also good, but I wasn't convinced... Date three was the clincher, so I long ago decided that it would make a better anniversary.)
To celebrate, the boyfriend took me to dinner, only he wouldn't tell me where we were going. It was a good surprise!
After some confused wandering - he hadn't been there in years and was a bit confused over exactly where we were headed - we arrived at a Japanese place in Yorkville. Now, if you are not familiar with the Toronto landscape, Yorkville is where the richie riches shop and where the celebrities hang out when they're in town. It's pretty much grand central station for star gazing during the film festival every fall. As you may well imagine if you are a regular reader of this blog of frugality, I don't spend much time there.
Anyway, the restaurant had cooking tables - big, family style tables where the chef will come out and prepare your food right in front of you. It's like dinner and a show, all rolled into one yummy event! (The proper term is teppanyaki, which is sort of like dinner theatre, but without the sets and with fewer medleys.)
It was so fun and unique, since I had never experienced anything like that before. The chef was a Japanese version of pre-Katie Tom Cruise in Cocktail, tossing pepper shakers around and juggling lemons. All very impressive.
The last time the boyfriend was at the restaurant, William Shatner sat at his table. I told you - rich people! Tonight the place wasn't very busy, being Tuesday and all, so there was only one other couple at the far end of our table. She had a Chanel purse and they both ordered Kobe beef...at $130 EACH!! Can you imagine? I'm sure it tastes fabulous, but COME ON! Hero Burger tastes pretty damned impressive too, and it's only $6.
The boyfriend had delicious chicken teriyaki and I had super tasty shrimp. It was a perfect meal...and the two combined, plus my glass of wine, didn't even cost HALF of what one of their strips of beef cost.
As we headed out, drunk on the fantasy of eating out in Yorkville, we wandered into a rich person grocery store to look at what rich people buy. We discovered baby kumquats, black and white striped pasta, and the biggest cuts of beef I've ever seen. (What is it with rich people and their beef?) We indulged in a coconut cream souffle to bring home for dessert before heading to our stretch limo...and by stretch limo I mean the subway. Know what? That $5 souffle was only just okay. We were happier with our run-of-the-mill frozen yogurt. Take that fancy supermarket!
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $0 (Yep. Spoiled girlfriend, right here!)
To celebrate, the boyfriend took me to dinner, only he wouldn't tell me where we were going. It was a good surprise!
After some confused wandering - he hadn't been there in years and was a bit confused over exactly where we were headed - we arrived at a Japanese place in Yorkville. Now, if you are not familiar with the Toronto landscape, Yorkville is where the richie riches shop and where the celebrities hang out when they're in town. It's pretty much grand central station for star gazing during the film festival every fall. As you may well imagine if you are a regular reader of this blog of frugality, I don't spend much time there.
Anyway, the restaurant had cooking tables - big, family style tables where the chef will come out and prepare your food right in front of you. It's like dinner and a show, all rolled into one yummy event! (The proper term is teppanyaki, which is sort of like dinner theatre, but without the sets and with fewer medleys.)
It was so fun and unique, since I had never experienced anything like that before. The chef was a Japanese version of pre-Katie Tom Cruise in Cocktail, tossing pepper shakers around and juggling lemons. All very impressive.
The last time the boyfriend was at the restaurant, William Shatner sat at his table. I told you - rich people! Tonight the place wasn't very busy, being Tuesday and all, so there was only one other couple at the far end of our table. She had a Chanel purse and they both ordered Kobe beef...at $130 EACH!! Can you imagine? I'm sure it tastes fabulous, but COME ON! Hero Burger tastes pretty damned impressive too, and it's only $6.
The boyfriend had delicious chicken teriyaki and I had super tasty shrimp. It was a perfect meal...and the two combined, plus my glass of wine, didn't even cost HALF of what one of their strips of beef cost.
As we headed out, drunk on the fantasy of eating out in Yorkville, we wandered into a rich person grocery store to look at what rich people buy. We discovered baby kumquats, black and white striped pasta, and the biggest cuts of beef I've ever seen. (What is it with rich people and their beef?) We indulged in a coconut cream souffle to bring home for dessert before heading to our stretch limo...and by stretch limo I mean the subway. Know what? That $5 souffle was only just okay. We were happier with our run-of-the-mill frozen yogurt. Take that fancy supermarket!
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $0 (Yep. Spoiled girlfriend, right here!)
Monday, April 7, 2008
I forgot!
I neglected to mention the exciting news. Center Stage 2 is currently in production!! It's supposed to come out sometime this year. We'll all go to a matinee. Seriously.
"Cooper, you're an amazing dancer, and you're a great choreographer, but as a boyfriend... you kinda suck."
I have no blog inspiration today, so instead I will tell you all that the best worst movie of 2000 is on TV at the moment. The dance flick Center Stage, which stars all sorts of crappy young actors who are incredible dancers and lots of amazing Broadway actors who are supposed to be accomplished dance teachers, although we never see them dance in the movie.
Oh, and a really hot guy whose name, according to IMDB is Eion Bailey, which is a really pretentious spelling, but look at this:
Very cute. Very much my type. Don't tell the boyfriend.
(Although, the boyfriend has dark hair and blue eyes. And is pretty handsome, if I do say so myself. Plus he loves me in all my frowziness. That's really a word. Look it up. I was procrastinating this evening by reading the dictionary when I was supposed to be cleaning the bathroom. I was looking up the bad words, just like a pre-teen. But then I learned a new word - frowzy - so something good came from it. Now I need to use it several times in the next couple of days, so I can successfully integrate it into my everyday speech. Oh, and I did clean the bathroom in the end. Don't worry.)
Okay, so back to the best worst movie made in 2000. My second favourite character plays Eion's bulimic girlfriend, who is one of the best dancers in the school, but who has no actual passion for ballet. She's just playing the puppet to her stage mother's unrealized dreams. She is played by a very skinny actress named Susan May Pratt. Her big acting move is to growl when she's angry. Seriously! There's a whole scene where Eion's character (who is pre-med, so he's smart about these things) confronts her about the bulimia and she growls, "Who are you? You're N(grrrr)othing! N(grrrrr)obody!" to him. It's awesome.
(I totally saw this movie in the theatre with a couple girlfriends, and after that scene I would growl ever time Susan May Pratt came onscreen. My girls laughed, but I may have offended the 7 other people at the matinee... If you were there, I'm sorry. Well, sort of sorry. But it was funny, no?)
Finally, the best scene in the movie is the extended dance montage at the end. (In case I haven't yet mentioned it on this blog, I am a sucker for a movie montage. My favourite, in order, are: makeover montages, falling in love montages, and sports/dance training montages. A good montage can save a bad movie in the world of me.) The lead character, who was a real ballet dancer and not an actor, which explains why her big acting move is biting her bottom lip, is doing this big, experimental dance number on stage in front of 3000 people, and suddenly she's wearing a completely different outfit! Okay, not so impossible. I've done quick changes, I know how they work. But her hair goes from being in a bun, to having red ribbons french-braided into it! (Did I mention that the big dance scene is to a Michael Jackson song!?!)
Oh, you guys are in for a treat, because I found a clip. It's long, but it's worth it. And the plot of this dance sequence sums up the plot of the whole movie - minus the barfing ballerina - so you don't have to rent it!
I hope you enjoyed this post, which had nothing to do with debt.
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $3.69
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The gospel of good hair
Okay, before I tell you about my day of spending yesterday, let me lay a few cards on the table:
I believe it budgeting. I believe in buying the less-expensive no-name brand of most everything. I don't think ibuprofen that is stamped with a trademark brand name is any more effective than the drugstore brand stuff.
However, I don't believe in cheap haircuts.
Oh, I've had my fair share of awful, cheap haircuts, including a soul-scarring trip to Super Cuts when I was about 12. Let's just say that the woman wasn't all that interested in the picture I had torn out of Teen magazine and proceeded to chop away at my hair, making my already awkward phase much, much worse. I believe my own father laughed at me and called me k.d. Lang. Nice.
For a long time my method of choosing a hair stylist would involve waiting until I could no longer stand to look in the mirror at my hair and then call around to find the first available place and person that would take me. (That's how I once ended up having my hair ruined by an older woman wearing an ankle-length sweater dress that she had knit herself, who also happened to not have much of her own hair still left on her head. I ended up with a very short pixie cut about a month later, because it was the only way to correct the damage she had inflicted.)
About 4 or 5 years ago, I ended up at a slightly fancy salon in downtown Toronto, in the hands of a lovely woman named Jill. The most amazing thing about that visit was that before Jill even touched my hair, she sat down on a stool across from me and asked me what I wanted. And then she listened. This was new for me. Almost unheard of, in fact. The second best thing - my hair grew and grew and grew...but still looked great! Sometimes people would ask me if I'd just had it done - 3 months after I'd been to the salon!
So Jill became my one and only. And in the intervening years, her fee, along with her skill and experience, has gone up. So with tax and tip, I spend $100 to get my hair cut. I colour it myself with $8 box colour, but I go to Jill for the cut. It's really the biggest thing I splurge on, so I'm not giving it up.
And that's how I started my day yesterday. With a soul-refreshing haircut, which I'm loving. Which I charged. And somehow, whether it was the long overdue spring-like feeling in the air or the sassy new 'do, I found myself at the mall charging a couple of other things to... Namely a shirt for $16.90 and an on-sale summer dress for $45. I'm loving the shirt, but I may return the dress. It's quite similar to something I already own, so I may save myself that money and bring it back from whence it came.
Then I picked up some flowers for both of the birthdays I attended yesterday, because it's not right to arrive empty-handed.
Today there were groceries, plus a trip to the drugstore, plus a belated brunch out with the boyfriend. All in all, an expensive, but enjoyable weekend.
Total debt: $9315
Spent yesterday: $24.12 cash, plus $158.83 on credit
Spent today: $80.69
I believe it budgeting. I believe in buying the less-expensive no-name brand of most everything. I don't think ibuprofen that is stamped with a trademark brand name is any more effective than the drugstore brand stuff.
However, I don't believe in cheap haircuts.
Oh, I've had my fair share of awful, cheap haircuts, including a soul-scarring trip to Super Cuts when I was about 12. Let's just say that the woman wasn't all that interested in the picture I had torn out of Teen magazine and proceeded to chop away at my hair, making my already awkward phase much, much worse. I believe my own father laughed at me and called me k.d. Lang. Nice.
For a long time my method of choosing a hair stylist would involve waiting until I could no longer stand to look in the mirror at my hair and then call around to find the first available place and person that would take me. (That's how I once ended up having my hair ruined by an older woman wearing an ankle-length sweater dress that she had knit herself, who also happened to not have much of her own hair still left on her head. I ended up with a very short pixie cut about a month later, because it was the only way to correct the damage she had inflicted.)
About 4 or 5 years ago, I ended up at a slightly fancy salon in downtown Toronto, in the hands of a lovely woman named Jill. The most amazing thing about that visit was that before Jill even touched my hair, she sat down on a stool across from me and asked me what I wanted. And then she listened. This was new for me. Almost unheard of, in fact. The second best thing - my hair grew and grew and grew...but still looked great! Sometimes people would ask me if I'd just had it done - 3 months after I'd been to the salon!
So Jill became my one and only. And in the intervening years, her fee, along with her skill and experience, has gone up. So with tax and tip, I spend $100 to get my hair cut. I colour it myself with $8 box colour, but I go to Jill for the cut. It's really the biggest thing I splurge on, so I'm not giving it up.
And that's how I started my day yesterday. With a soul-refreshing haircut, which I'm loving. Which I charged. And somehow, whether it was the long overdue spring-like feeling in the air or the sassy new 'do, I found myself at the mall charging a couple of other things to... Namely a shirt for $16.90 and an on-sale summer dress for $45. I'm loving the shirt, but I may return the dress. It's quite similar to something I already own, so I may save myself that money and bring it back from whence it came.
Then I picked up some flowers for both of the birthdays I attended yesterday, because it's not right to arrive empty-handed.
Today there were groceries, plus a trip to the drugstore, plus a belated brunch out with the boyfriend. All in all, an expensive, but enjoyable weekend.
Total debt: $9315
Spent yesterday: $24.12 cash, plus $158.83 on credit
Spent today: $80.69
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Yikes!
A lovely, but spendy sort of day... Can't even contemplate it at the moment. Tomorrow I will confess all!
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $??
Total debt: $9315
Spent today: $??
Friday, April 4, 2008
Embracing the buffer
So, I was at the drugstore today, sending a parcel, and I started to panic about my money this week. You see, I have a couple of events to attend tomorrow that require a bit of money, and I had no idea how I was going to fit it into the budget.
And then I remembered the GST money that I received today. My plan was to use it for my haircut tomorrow, but I've decided to charge my haircut (there will be a bit of extra money coming in very soon to pay it off) and not stress so much about spending a little extra this week. And if I have money leftover, which I should, I will put it towards the haircut.
I feel like the small setback on my payment schedule is worth it, because I stopped freaking out in the middle of Shoppers.! (And then I went to my favourite cashier, Beatrice, and she made me smile.) I do need to be fairly hardcore about this whole repayment thing, so I can actually see it through, but I also need to remember to live my life a little.
And life requires haircuts!
Sadly, knowing I had a bit of extra money and that my day at work was crazy busy, I ended up at Starbucks for a cookie and some tea. Does anyone else do this? Comfort themselves during a busy day with treats? Because they feel like they deserve it? I swear, I was on fast forward all day, so I totally stuffed the cookie in my mouth and hardly tasted it! I need some help.
Total debt: $9315 and a bit
Spent today: $23.66
And then I remembered the GST money that I received today. My plan was to use it for my haircut tomorrow, but I've decided to charge my haircut (there will be a bit of extra money coming in very soon to pay it off) and not stress so much about spending a little extra this week. And if I have money leftover, which I should, I will put it towards the haircut.
I feel like the small setback on my payment schedule is worth it, because I stopped freaking out in the middle of Shoppers.! (And then I went to my favourite cashier, Beatrice, and she made me smile.) I do need to be fairly hardcore about this whole repayment thing, so I can actually see it through, but I also need to remember to live my life a little.
And life requires haircuts!
Sadly, knowing I had a bit of extra money and that my day at work was crazy busy, I ended up at Starbucks for a cookie and some tea. Does anyone else do this? Comfort themselves during a busy day with treats? Because they feel like they deserve it? I swear, I was on fast forward all day, so I totally stuffed the cookie in my mouth and hardly tasted it! I need some help.
Total debt: $9315 and a bit
Spent today: $23.66
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Short, but sweet
Okay, so I managed not to buy any treats today, which is great considering that I worked from home. Sometimes working from home means I sneak in a bit of baking. But I purposely haven't replaced any of my depleted baking supplies, because the baking leads to eating...
I did, however, spend money on food. Some cereal for the boyfriend and a few apples to get us through until grocery shopping on the weekend.
Definitely no extra money this week! Let's see how I did...
Total debt: $9315 and a bit
Spent today: $6.58
Weekly total: $111.85 (But I had some leftover from last week!)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Less fat, more fashion!
I've made an unfortunate discovery about my spending recently. It seems that I always believe food expenditures are okay. And since I've been depriving myself of buying any clothing - something that brings me serious joy - I've been compensating by buying treats.
And eating them.
Can you see where this is going? If I don't get control of this, I'm going to be forced to spend money on clothes soon, because the clothes I have aren't going to fit!
But what's the answer?
Well, my intention has always been to put any leftover money at the end of the week on my debt. But, as you've probably noticed, I rarely have any leftover. And a big part of that is because of Thursday afternoon jaunts to Starbucks as a "reward."
So, I'm going to try to curb my treat purchases (including excessive treat buying at the grocery store) and then put any leftover money at the end of the week aside. I can save it up for a new piece of clothing!
Total debt: $9315 and a bit
Spend today: $8.93 (A little something for the new "man" in my life.)
And eating them.
Can you see where this is going? If I don't get control of this, I'm going to be forced to spend money on clothes soon, because the clothes I have aren't going to fit!
But what's the answer?
Well, my intention has always been to put any leftover money at the end of the week on my debt. But, as you've probably noticed, I rarely have any leftover. And a big part of that is because of Thursday afternoon jaunts to Starbucks as a "reward."
So, I'm going to try to curb my treat purchases (including excessive treat buying at the grocery store) and then put any leftover money at the end of the week aside. I can save it up for a new piece of clothing!
Total debt: $9315 and a bit
Spend today: $8.93 (A little something for the new "man" in my life.)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
It's not easy
The great thing about this blog is that I am forced to confront my financial situation every single day. So even when I am presented with an adorable summer dress that I could wear all the time, I can't pretend that I can afford it. It definitely keeps me in line.
However, it can also drag me down. Way down. And that's where I landed last night.
Even though there is an actual end in sight, it sometimes feels like I'm stuck in a really long prison hallway. There are doors lining the sides, but if I choose to open any of them, the hallway automatically gets longer and the things I really want get even further away.
I know it could be so much worse than it is, but it feels pretty bad to me right now.
I do have a little treat planned on Saturday. I'm going to get my hair cut after four long months. (I believe I'm be getting a GST rebate at the end of the week, which will pretty much pay for it...) I'm hoping that a little pampering might make me feel a bit better about myself and give me some renewed focus and resolve.
In happier news, I became an aunt again for the third time today! My third nephew. I wish I wasn't so far away, because I would like to give the little guy a kiss, but I'll have to send good wishes instead.
Total debt: $9315 and a bit (Interest!)
Spent today: $9.73
However, it can also drag me down. Way down. And that's where I landed last night.
Even though there is an actual end in sight, it sometimes feels like I'm stuck in a really long prison hallway. There are doors lining the sides, but if I choose to open any of them, the hallway automatically gets longer and the things I really want get even further away.
I know it could be so much worse than it is, but it feels pretty bad to me right now.
I do have a little treat planned on Saturday. I'm going to get my hair cut after four long months. (I believe I'm be getting a GST rebate at the end of the week, which will pretty much pay for it...) I'm hoping that a little pampering might make me feel a bit better about myself and give me some renewed focus and resolve.
In happier news, I became an aunt again for the third time today! My third nephew. I wish I wasn't so far away, because I would like to give the little guy a kiss, but I'll have to send good wishes instead.
Total debt: $9315 and a bit (Interest!)
Spent today: $9.73
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
