February Budget Blog

Last month I did extend my budget due to the multiple semi annual sales that I wanted to go to. This month I am staying at $150 and hopefully will work my way back down. I find it difficult because now all the winter clothes are going on major sales. Most of my purchases will be from Kohl's because we are now marking all our winter items clearance. It is a huge amount of clearance.

Budget Spent: $146

Budget Left: $4

Days Left Until End Of Month: 5

February 4th 2013: 
Kohls-
Sonoma mint button up hoodie jacket size small $7.50
So black riding boots size 9 $23
Rock & Republic studded moto boots size 9 $17
Lauren Conrad fringe suede boots size 8.5 $15.50

February 6th 2013:
Kohls-
Eyelash cobalt blue peplum top size small $4
Eyelash black peplum top size medium $4

February 8th 2013:
Kohls- 
Maidenform Slip size large $3 I bought this because I needed a slip, and since its one that,s a tummy control it was not too lose even though it is a large. It won't do anything for me, but I only need it as a slip.
Mudd Black Cotton/Twill Blazer size Medium $7 I sold a blazer that I owned before because it was just too big. This fits pretty well and is not too dressy, which I like. I don't want to look like I am going to the office if I am not.

February 9th 2013:
Kohls- 
LC Lauren Conrad size 2 floral dress $19 I usually only buy things on super good sale or clearance, but I have been looking at this dress for 3 months. I finally tried it on yesterday and decided to put it back because of the price. I could not stop thinking about it, because it was a perfect fit and length for me. So I had to go back and buy it. It is original price $60 and was on sale for $30.
Speechless Pink bralet size medium $4
Rose gold watch $4.50 I have been wanting a rose gold watch for a while, but I did not want to spend a lot. We had a lot of watches on clearance for $5.99 each, great deal.

February 10th 2013:
Kohls-
Levi's size 5 denim skinnies $13.80 (only paid $2.90 because I had a $10 kohl's cash)
I had these on hold because the kohl's cash did not start until today.

February 15th 2013:
Kohls-
So cobalt blue skinny jeans $6 size 5

February 16th 2013:
Rue21-
Vertical Stripes Chiffon Pink/Nude Top size medium $10.50

February 17th 2013:
Kohls- 
LC Lauren Conrad Off-white blouse with black lace size medium $5.50
Even though this is two sizes too big because it is a misses medium and I wear a xsmall, I think it looks great oversized and the larger size is long enough to cover my butt and crotch area so I  can wear it with leggings and feel comfortable.
SO Pink Skinny Jeans size 7 $6

February 19th 2013:
Target-
Nautical anchor shirt $6

January Budget Blog

Last month I did actually go over budget but I am counting the purchases towards this month. They were made at the end of the month because of semi annual sales. I'm setting my budget a bit higher to $150 because of all the semi annual sales this month. The ones I will be going to are Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, & Victoria's Secret. I can no longer add pictures of the items, sorry. All items will be shown in my monthly hauls.


Budget Spent: $139.01

Budget Left: $10.99

Days Left Until End of Month:25

December 28th, 2012: Bath & Body Works- $16.29 total

$3 Antibacterial Soap in Fresh Picked Strawberries 8 FL oz

$3 Secret Wonderland Bubble Bath 10 FL oz

$3.12 Love Love Love Triple Moisture Body Cream 8 oz

$1.25 Twilight Woods Body Lotion 3 FL oz

$1.50 Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Mist 3 fl oz

$3.50 Paris Amour Fragrance Mist 2.5 fl oz 

Had to pick up more items from the semi annual sale. This was a different bath and body works.

Yankee Candle- $21.16 total

$13.99 White chocolate mint large jar candle 22 oz

$.99 Sparkling Snow Votive Sampler 1.75oz

$.99 Over the River Votive Sampler 1.75oz

$.99 Whoopie Pie Votive Sampler 1.75oz

$.75 each X4 Candy Corn Car Fresheners 

Did not pick up as much as I usually do because Kohls(where I work) Had a lot of fall and winter scents on clearance cheap, plus my discount. It is not worth getting at Yankee for me, but we did not have any minty chocolate scents so I got that at Yankee Candle.

December 29th, 2012: Kohls- these prices include my discounts and tax. $35.53 total

$7.79 Rock & Republic Studded Shorts Size 4 these were originally $72 and I have been waiting forever to buy them. Glad the 4 fits.

$3.66 Yankee Candle Absolutely Autumn 7 oz candle

$5.84 x2 Yankee Candle Absolutely Autumn 19 oz candles

$6.20 x2 Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie 19 oz candles

I probably will not be buying anymore candles for a while or lotions/bath products. The only other semi annual sale I want to go to is Victoria's Secret to get 1-2 new bras, which I do every semi annual sale.

January 1st, 2013: Target- Mossimo Mint Waffle Long Sleeve Shirt Size M $7.02

January 2nd, 2013: Victoria's Secret- Pink Bra $15.99
Old Navy- Baseball tee 3/4 length sleeves White with Gray Sleeves $2.99, Reusable Coffee Cup 16oz $3.99, Total: $7.40

January 3rd, 2013: Kohl's- Total: $10.56 (I had a $3.58 return, so I used towards this purchase)
These items are all clearance and right now clearance is an extra 25% off.
So Navy and White Striped Sweater Size M- $5.27
Lauren Conrad Mint Lace Button up Dress Size 4- $8.64

January 6th, 2013: Bath & Body Works- Total: $9.28
$3 Sweet Pea anti-bacterial deep cleansing hand soap 8 fl oz
$3 Warm Vanilla Sugar anti-bacterial deep cleansing hand soap 8 fl oz
$2.75 Sweet On Paris body lotion 8 fl oz

January 9th, 2013: Target- Merona Medium wash denim button up shirt Size XS- $14.81
I did not plan on buying this but it fit perfect. I do have two other denim shirts that I find I don't reach for because one is too big the other is too small in the sleeves. So I will be replacing those 2 with this one. It is also between the two washes I currently have.

December Budget Blog

Well I failed last month at maintaining my budget. All the sales (black friday, holiday sales etc.) are just too tempting. I may not keep budget this month too but once the holidays are over it should be easier. I'm going to set my budget at $100 again because I hope to keep to that. I can no longer add pictures of the items, sorry. All items will be shown in my monthly hauls.


Budget Spent: $99.51

Budget Left: $.49

Days Left Until End of Month:1

December 2nd 2012: Forever 21- Black Leather Vest $13.82, Green/Black Gingham Flannel $15.72, Burgundy Basic Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Top $6.80. Total: $38.52 I had a 21% off coupon good only today, for some reason it did not work on the basic shirt but it worked on the others. It saved me around $8.

December 8th 2012: Kohls- Candie's Khaki Linen Shorts Size 5 $1.73 crazy deal could not pass it up.

December 9th 2012: Sears- Bongo Shoe Booties in Black Size 8.5 $21.19 I saw these in the ad for $19.99 and knew I had to have them. They are like a mix between a sneaker, combat boot, and a wedge. I'm not a huge fan of the ones that look like sneakers, but these are great. They are super comfortable too. I wore them a few hours with no pain. They are also easy to walk in.

December 15th 2012: Kohls- Lily Rose Floral Bodycon Skirt Size Medium $1.14, So Star Print Sweater Size Small $9.46
Could not pass up on the skirt. The sweater I've wanted for a while but passed on because it was $25. Once they went down in price the one I wanted sold out. So finally we got more in, in my size and on sale for $14.99. It is the warmest sweater I own. I only have two or three actual sweaters including this one because I live in South Florida.


---haul was filmed already so stuff after this line will be featured in my January haul even though it is towards this months budget.

December 20th 2012: Kohls- So Cropped Navy Lace Top Size Medium-  $1.60
The shirt was really cheap and cute as well.

December 27th 2012: Forever 21- I want Coffee Nightdress $10.80 Size S, Midtone Brown waist belt Size XS/S $3.80, Dark brown waist belt size S $.99 on clearance. I had $14.63 from an item I returned that I bought with Hanukkah money so this technically cost me $1.90 out of pocket. I really wanted the nightdress prior because I saw it online but wanted to try it on in store for length. Last time they did not have it but this time they did. 

Bath & Body Works- These are prices before my $10 off of $30 coupon. Body Lotions ($3 per) Butterfly Flower, P.S. I love you, and Vanilla Tini all 8 FL oz. Shower gel- Strawberry Sparkler $3, 2 Warm Vanilla Sugar $5.50 each all 10 FL oz. Candy Cane Bliss Hand Soap $3 (8 fl oz.), Vanilla Bean Noel Foaming hand soap $3 (8.75 fl oz.) Paris Amour Hand Sanitizer $1.50 (1 fl oz.) I usually don't go to bath and body works semi annual sale, but I really wanted some nice smelling shower gels and hand soaps and I already liked their lotions. They were such a good deal with the coupon and sale. $21.73 for all.


December 29th 2012: Kohls- Lauren Conrad Red Jeggings Size 4: $2.24 Awesome deal and these pants are so soft it is crazy. They have been floating around the store for a while, but they were not super marked down yet. The tag said $8.80, but they were actually $4.40 (90% off...). All our clearance currently is an extra 25% off as well. So before my coupon and associate discount these pants were $3.30. I could not pass them up. I am so glad they fit and are comfortable. 

November Budget Blog

Hey everyone here are my purchases for November, including my thoughts on the purchases I have made. My currently weekly budget on clothing, shoes, makeup and other items that are not food, gas, or bills is about $22. So that makes my monthly budget $100. Last month I slipped, seeing as I went on vacation and planned on going to a huge mall. This month it is back to cracking down.

Budget Spent: $117.75

Budget Left: -17.75 BOO Not good

Days Left Until End of Month: 1

November 1st 2012: Kohls- Candy Corn Candle- $7.20 Halloween candle I really loved so I repurchased the last one in stock at my job, since they went on clearance. I don't need any more candles so I won't be purchasing any unless there is a winter scent I really love. Fall is actually my favorite for candles and clothing for that matter. 

November 9th 2012: Kohls- Candie's Polka Dot Skinny Jeans- $7.35 It has been 8 days since my last purchase. I notice my willpower getting a bit stronger when it comes to shopping. I think more before making a purchase. These are something I actually have wanted but forgot about because they were too expensive. These went on clearance and I saw them while working. I have not actual looked for clothing since last month. I also rarely buy bottoms, and this is now my second pair of printed bottoms:)

November 10th 2012: Kohls- Elle Breast Cancer Awareness Tee (XS) $2.12, About a Girl Sheer Polkadot Top (M) $8.57: Total $11.11

November 11th 2012: Yankee Candle- All $1 each 3 car jars(2 vanilla cupcake 1 Christmas cookie) and 6 votive candles (2 Peppermint Bark, 2 Buttercream, 1 Red Velvet, 1 Sun & Sand)- $9.54 Yankee got me with their sale, lol. I had to smell the newer Holiday scents as well. Hopefully this is the last bit of candles I buy for some time. 

Pacsun- Kirra XS Coral Cut Out Shoulder Top $10.49, Lira S Black Triangle/Tribal Print Top $6.29- $17.79 Total The Pacsun in the mall by me is closing so everything was on an extra sale. This was all I found that I really wanted and was a decent price. The tribal top I am not 100% sure I love but it is so soft so I got it anyway. It looks good on I just don't know how often I will wear it. Sadly it is final sale because of the store closing. 

November 16th 2012: Kohls- Owl Gloves ($3.40), Hello Kitty Tee ($4.08), Candie's White Button Up ($5.82): Total $14.08 With Tax

 

I love owls and these gloves are super cute, couldn't pass them up. They are great because they can be worn finger-less or as mittens.

This shirt is one size too big but its okay. It is so cute. And I usually only get v neck graphic tees, because I am not a fan of crew neck.

I have a white button up sleeveless top that just doesn't fit right so I have been looking to replace it. This is more an ivory color but it works just the same. It is long enough to wear with leggings and has a cute crochet detail on the top part of the back. I also like the two toned detail. I would pair with black leggings.

November 17th 2012: Target- Coral Skinny Jeans (Size 2) In Fit 4 $13.98, Lavender(violet) Skinny Jeans (Size 2) In Fit 3 $13.98: Total $29.63

 

Been looking for this exact coral shade for a while so I had to pick these up. Also I never buy bottoms, lol.

I recently sold my light lavender colored skinny jeans because they didn't fit well. So these will replace them.

November 18th 2012: Kohls-  Lauren Conrad- Crochet/Lace top (S) $4.75 I've wanted this shirt previously but it's been a while since we've had it in stock. Someone returned it today, tags attached and all. I just had to buy it. Not really fall appropriate for most areas, but for where I live it's fine, lol. 

November 25th 2012: Rue 21- Coral button up top - $7.42

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November 27th 2012: Kohls- Weavers Sequin Tank- $3.58

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November 29th 2012: Rue 21- Black cotton button up with denim accents- $5.30

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October Budget Blog

This month I am challenging myself further and I hope to do the same every month from now on. My budget this month will be $105. Yes only $5 less but overtime that will be a drastic change, not only on my bank account but on my overall shopping lifestyle. I hope to eventually change my overall way of thinking when it comes to buying things I do not need. 

Budget Spent:xx

Budget Left: xx

Days Left Till the End of the Month: xx

These two purchases were made prior to this month but will be included in this month. 

Ebay- Light Wash Denim Shirt- $9.74 This item was something that has been on my list for a long while. So even though I was at the end of my budget this is something I could not pass up. This was a one time find not from a store or a place that restocks. Most denim shirts are $18-$40. I purchased one from Target before I got this in the mail for $18 and I am returning it tomorrow because I love this one. The brand is Fred David and I have never heard of it before but it is exactly what I was looking for. Its a medium and fits great, a bit oversized but I need a medium or I would not be able to button it in the chest area. 

Kohls- 3 swimsuit bottoms- $7.07 Beyond excellent deal I saw while working today. Our swimwear is  usually never marked down this far. I bought a fourth one but it did not go with any of my current pieces. The rest match with a few other separates I have. I got a majority of my swimwear on clearance. I don't plan on buying anymore for a while. I have 9 tops and 8 bottoms which is plenty. I  can go to the beach/pool pretty much year round so I cannot just have 1-3 bathing suits they will get  worn out and damaged very quickly. The brands and sizes are- So size Medium(coral one), Mudd size Small(gray and teal one), and Mudd size Xsmall (striped one). They all fit, actually the medium fits the smallest. The brand So runs small usually, in Mudd swim bottoms I usually wear XS or S. In So I can wear M or L. So if you try to find these online please keep that in mind. These are all Juniors Swimwear Sizes.

October 1st 2012: Old Navy- Light/Medium Wash Shorts- $8.98

I know they may not be everyone's taste, they are a 4 1/2" inseam and are very comfortable. I have not liked wearing short shorts to school or if I'll be sitting a while because they are very uncomfortable because my thighs are are bigger. These are a size two and are a little loose on the thigh which never happens and perfect at the waste. A zero would of been perfect but these were the smallest on the clearance rack. The style is called the Flirt and it is fitted on the waist and bigger at the thighs for girls like me who have a smaller waist and not so small thighs. It is something I've always had an issue with since about 12-13 years old. I have a good amount of muscle in my thighs from walking and biking a lot so they are bigger and it is hard to make them smaller. The measurements on these are: Waist laying flat: 15" Thigh laying flat: 10 1/2" Rise: 8" They are a little higher than the usual low rise but I prefer these. Few years back I would of not picked this up but with age I noticed changes in my style and how comfortable I am not with showing my thighs. I am only 22 but I feel I always want to look appropriate and be comfortable.

October 8th 2012: Forever 21.com- yoga leggings- $10.39 they had free shipping no minimum and I have been looking to get another pair of yoga leggings for biking. I ride my bike for exercise when it is cooler out so I got 2 gray pairs and one black pair and I have been looking for another and these are by far the least expensive. I got my other 3 from forever 21 and have had no issues with them. Yet again it is too hot to bike so I haven't gotten much wear out of them just yet.

not my images, this is forever 21's image. This is just here till I get mine in the mail.

September Budget Blog Confessions

My first experience with being on a budget...

It was very difficult to go from $250-$400 dollars a month to spend on clothing, makeup, room decor etc. down to $110. I almost made it but not quite. It was hard not buying all the great end of summer clearance deals, but honestly I did not need them. I feel a lot better being able to save some money and still get a few cute pieces. I hope to still knock down my spending a lot. 

There are a few items I did not add in this budget. One item being a hot pink sketchbook which is not something I needed but drawing is a big part of my life and I have been neglecting it because I do not like my current sketchbook or the paper quality inside it. This one has great paper and was only $10 at barns and nobles. I also did not add in a lunch box I got for about $3.50 at Target because I did need a new one. 

I did buy other things that I ended up returning that are not shown here. 

Here are this months item purchases:

2 Bikini Tops 1 Bikini Bottom (this is a bit much but only because of the end of summer super inexpensive swim wear) 

5 Shirts(this is a bit much)

1 Denim Vest

1 Hooded top

1 Dress

1 Pajama Bottom

1 Skirt

2 Yoga Shorts

1 Candle Sleeve

= $110.66 even though I bought a lot it seems, I always get great deals.

At the beginning of this budget goal I was a bit depressed when I did not have a ton of new things to wear. Also I did not get that rush from finding new and cute pieces. Last month when I first started my budget I was not as committed and spent around $40-$60 over my budget this month only $.66. Next month I am knocking down my budget $5. But last month after seeing everything I bought it got me upset and I knew my behavior had to change. 

Seeing as I am not yet out in the real world I do not have many bills it seemed okay for me to spend all my money on myself. My savings had not changed in almost 2 years because I spent everything I made. Last month even with gas and bills I put away $240 and my goal was only $180. This is not for anyone but myself. This is a choice a lifestyle change, just like any other addiction. Even though my shopping was not out of control it would of eventually gotten there, if I let it. I want to move out of my parents once I am finished school and hope to have a good amount put aside.

Seeing that I almost made my budget makes me happy. Its something that I did not think I could do and I did it. Anyone else who spends a lot of their money on things they do not need I'd like to see you try this. See if it helps. Month one may be hard even one year may still be difficult, but in a few years you'll have a complete lifestyle change. I sound like someone talking about a diet, lol, but even with that or anything else all you need to do is take baby steps. Don't quit anything cold turkey. Don't lie about what you are buying it won't help. 

Thank you for reading this and I hope this will inspire others with any addiction (big or small).

My healthy hair journey

My last hair update on my youtube channel was last fall so I figured it is time for another. Sorry I have been slacking on updates. I don't really pay attention to my hair growth as much as I use to. I still have not dyed my hair, it has been about 1 year and 9 months. I also have stopped straightening my hair.

I decided a while back that I would try go a month without straightening my hair. I did that for a few months and then after that I just felt no need to straighten my hair because it was summer and the heat ruined it. As my hair got healthier I noticed I liked my natural hair more. I only have pictures of my hair straightened so there is not too many within the last year since I have been mostly off heat styling. My hair has a slight natural wave so most of the time I can get away with not doing my hair.

Here are pictures I have taken since my last year update about a year ago:

 12/4/11 1/17/12

 1/29/12 2/20/12

 3/29/12 4/10/12

 4/24/12 5/14/12

 5/20/12 6/16/12

  6/30/12

 8/26/ 12 9/23/12