This Is Not Going To Be Easy!
Of course, right from the beginning there was a challenge. First, the coffee maker was broken! (headache coming on) Next, the forecast was 92 sizzling degrees… with high humidity. (headache growing) Warm weather in South Texas goes on and on and on for a really long time, so it’s easy to get weary of those warm weather clothes! Do I really have to wear them???? Actually, long term forecast says: La Nina Winter, warm & Dry!
Today is also a teacher workday (without students day.) So, I chose to go with my dark denim and wear a fun jacket that I have not reached for since last May. This cotton jacket is from Chico’s and I love the artsy print and flattering seams. All of the accessories have been purchased in the last year. In fact, Chico’s tried to sell me a complimentary bracelet stack for over $40 when I bought the jacket. At that time, I decided to go by Avenue and select a very similar silver and black stack for only $7. But, I did go for the Chico’s studs….nice touch with a statement necklace. Despite the lack of caffeine, the mirror made me smile, and I began to feel better.
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| Shoes: Target Ballet Slippers |
But, this budgeting thing covers many areas (not just fashion)…so I drove past two Starbuck’s knowing there was coffee at work! Of course, when I arrived both coffee makers were not usable…one without pots, the other without coffee!
So, holding my head, I opened all of the usual emails offering coupons from my favorite retailers…. Ugh, where’s the coffee?? I had already decided to just delete them for awhile without reading….even though I may be deleting incredible savings opportunities. These sent me running from the computer to stake out a coffee location until the supplies arrived.
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| Bracelets only $7.00! |
Once I was caffeinated….the day got better and I received many kudos on the jacket. After work though, I had to take the freelance funds and pay off my account at Kohl’s. Normally, that is no big deal…but, normally, if my eye catches something I like, I might be able to buy it! Today, though, Kohl’s items will begin my first WISH LIST. The WISH LIST will be items that if I had the money, I might purchase, but now recommend for those of you with discretionary funds…..
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| Simply Vera Wang Jacket $88 full price |
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| Apt. Nine Sweater, Great blue Color, Tiny buttons on a fitted sleeve V Neck for slimming |
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| Sorry, bad Picture! Vibrant Red outdoor sweater by Chaps. Cute, casual look with jeans! As I approached the scarves, I had to walk faster, but I made it out!! |
Wow, what a day you had! The coffee thing would have hung me up right away! God, I love Starbucks…
On the bright side, your outfit looks divine! I NEVER find anything at Chico's….
You'll probably find in a month all those things you think you wanted at Kohls will be long forgotten….I guess one can only hope, right?
There are so many things in the stores to tempt us. When I did a no shopping challenge I forced myself to stay out of the stores just to avoid the temptation! But, once I did it, it was surprisingly how I "broke" the habit of shopping as a hobby.
It's a hard habit to break – good luck! 🙂
I compromised on Starbuck's.
I buy a pound of coffee, make it at home and put it in a thermos and take that. I got started with that not to save money but to have what I wanted when I wanted it. Happily it also saved money.
I already had the thermos but you can justify the cost of a $20 thermos pretty quickly if you have to buy one. You can get alot of cups out of a pound! The bags that I buy at the grocery have an offer for a free cup from a store if you bring the empty bag in. So I score a real Starbuck's cup at the end of every bag.
As long as you're "wish-listing" why not move up the chain and cruise Nordstrom? When dreaming you might as well dream big.
What a fun jacket! I wish I could send you virtual coffee! It would take me HOURS to try to start without it.
I've incorporated my wish list into my blog also. Good luck.