topic Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY) in Fashion

SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 16:17:06 GMT

Good morning, shopping friends. It is a dreary day with flurries, but we have the promise of a warming trend. Even a couple of days of good temperatures would be appreciated at this time.

I started the day by weighing in and found I had lost another two pounds this past week. This makes a total of 9 pounds lost since the beginning of January. I celebrated by having my usual breakfast of Quaker Weight Control oatmeal with blueberries added.

I did watch the Susan Graver show and saw a gorgeous top that called out to me. Add to that she added the magic words I was thinking, "Put a little Spring in your life." After doing a mental calculation, I decided that the ending price of $50 was more than I was willing to pay at this time for a "little Spring." Would I pay that much in a store? Highly unlikely unless it was a real winner.

I know that eventually I will be buying something, but right now the shopping gene has been deactivated. I set out with a goal of just January being a month of buying only essentials. That went so well that I decided to try February and now have gone six weeks with buying only essentials. It helps that I'm losing work days and pay because of the snow. Loss of income is a great motivator.

Each of us has our own struggles to face. Set goals to overcome them in the manner best suited for you. Have a great day. If you shop, shop wisely.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

PAlady — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 17:04:35 GMT

Good morning ladies, hope all is well.

Jean - Thank you for starting us today, we are also having a dreary, snow flurry day here. I think next week we may hit 50 and then of course it is going back down to freezing. I am so over winter and snow right now. I am curious as to how my plants will do this spring, they have not been in this much snow and in such cold temps for so long. I at least hope my rose bushes come back. Time will tell.

Congrats on the weight loss, you are doing well with that. Sorry about the shirt, but before I buy on line and add the shipping costs, I also ask myself if I would pay that much for the item. Usually the answer is no.

Not much going on here today, I do have to go out and get a couple things, then I need to come home and do some more decluttering. I have a box started for donations so I will see what I can add to it.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 17:17:07 GMT

Susan--We are in a somewhat similar climate situation as we are about 3 to 4 hours apart; in our area, sometimes 50 miles can make a big difference in the precipitation as well as type and amount. Like you, it will be interesting to see if my Daylilies survive. I've had them for several years but not in these conditions. Enjoy the decluttering. Sometimes, that can be overwhelming but if we do a little bit at a time, it becomes less tiresome and less overwhelming.

I have been so depressed the past three days as a result of the snow that I have done little except read. Now that I hear of some good temps ahead, it was like a shot of energy and something to look forward to. I'll be doing a few things in the afternoon.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

LindaLatte — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 18:45:11 GMT

Good Morning and thanks for getting us started Jean. Really hope your weather improves very soon. My SIL wrote to say that the winter has just been way too much for her this year. She spent two nights at work (unable to get home) and slipped on the ice and sprained her finger a couple of days ago. Like your area, they are expecting warmer weather this week.

Happy to hear about your weight loss and continued shopping restraint. It is interesting how things add up to $50 these days. I have done a lot of that kind of thinking lately -- would I spend this much if I went to a store? And, the answer is almost always no. Another factor is that I have finally gotten into my head that new clothes and shoes are just not a "need" and I have better/more important uses for my money. De-cluttering has also helped -- so many clothes that were not worn very much or should have been donated years ago since they don't fit in my current lifestyle.

Hi Susan! Interesting thoughts about your plants. We had a very cold winter a few years ago, and quite a few plants died -- even very old ones that had been healthy for years. Hope you don't lose too many of your favorites. I want to add a few things to my donation pile as well since the vets are picking up on Thursday.

The appetizer meet and greet yesterday was very nice. Met some interesting couples, including one couple that is organizing a wine tour -- yes, there are wineries in Southern Arizona. I was thinking about going, but I think not. For one thing it is a couples trip, and DH rarely drinks any alcohol these days (because of his medication), and never was a big wine lover. Also, based on past experience, I think going to several wineries in a day would be a waste for me since I end up not being able to remember one from another. Don't know if that makes sense, but....

I did get my laundry and financial stuff done yesterday, but I am afraid I'll need a new dryer sooner rather than later. A good reason not to buy clothing, etc. "wants". Today I have church, gym, and ironing. We did make it to record high temperatures yesterday -- even DH found it hot, which is out of the ordinary to say the least.

Waves to Kathleen, Arlene, Marijane, LindaR, Rosa, Sonya, Nancy, Karen, Twinny, Kathy, Gayle, Val, and all of our posters and readers.

Have a good day everyone!

Hugs,

Linda

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:17:28 GMT

Linda--I am happy that the "meet and greet" appetizer event went well. Sorry that SIL fell and injured herself during the snow apocalypse. Add to that the discomfort of having to stay at work for two nights.

Like you, I'm becoming good at determining when a purchase is really a "need," or a figment of my desire to have it. We have become accustomed to having more when it isn't needed. As you said, when you start de-cluttering, often those "needed" purchases did not withstand the honeymoon of the purchase and then found a hiding place where it was rarely pulled out and used.

I think a wine tour would be interesting, but although I enjoy wine at times, I'm not sure that at the end of several tastings, I could tell which one was the superb one. I remember doing a tour of just one winery in California. One definitely was enough for me.

Those appliance replacements, such as a dryer, are great incentives to watch the spending.

Enjoy your Sunday activities. I join you in extending greetings to all our readers and posters. New posters are always welcomed!

For any of you interested in improving your credit picture or scores, this information from Myfico,com is a great summary of the information from the company that computes the real credit scores:

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Rebuilding-Your-Credit/Your-Guide-to-Credit-Scoring/m-p/718550#U718550

I'm a stickler for monitoring my credit, so I have Equifax Score Watch and also check the other two bureaus quarterly. My scores are great but I never take anything for granted.

It is time to finish watching Love It or List It, have my Progresso Light Soup for lunch, followed by two hours of Kindle time. I will check in later.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

Gayle2 — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:19:01 GMT

Hello All,

Very cold but now back to warmer weather as I am actually wearing capris today.

Jean, thanks for the kindle information. I love reading and it is my favorite pastime but watching Downton Abbey is a close second for entertainment.

I started thinning my wardrobe again. I do this about once a year and this time it amounts to eliminating wardrobe pieces that are too much care or did not wash and wear well. I don't have much storage and just want stuff in my closet that I truly wear and like.

I haven't bought much in awhile either but I did post on another thread a story about a denim and company purchase. I ran into a lady leaving a resale shop with a armload of clothes that were unsold and she was picking them up. In that group was a cute denim and co cropped jacket that was in my size. I offered her 5 dollars for it (yes this was in the parking lot) and we were both happy with the transaction. That was my big purchase for the month.

Well, getting lunch underway. Gayle

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:19:54 GMT

Gayle--That was a great deal on the Denim & Co. cropped jacket!! The timing was right for a cost-effective purchase this month. Good job on thinning the wardrobe. Whether once a year or by seasons, thinning the closet is a necessity.

I finished a novel on the Kindle and am now watching an episode of Dexter streamed from Netflix. I will reserve an hour after dinner for more weeding out in the kitchen. The box is ready for more things for Good Will. Of the kitchen gadgets I've purchased in the past year, the 40 oz Ninja gets a workout almost daily so it stays but those gone untouched for a long time might find a new home. Do I really need 3 measuring cups? Do I really need three ice cream scoops despite each functioning a little differently?

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:50:15 GMT

I was just notified that visitation for my cousin who died will be held in the city tomorrow with the funeral on Tuesday. Weather permitting, I will go tomorrow if not working. If I don't go tomorrow, I'll go to the funeral on Tuesday.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

kittyfan — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:07:22 GMT

Jean: Hopefully you will have good weather to attend the visitation/services.

You have done an amazing job on your continuing weight loss!

I so agree---I look at the cost of shipping and factor that into the total cost. I have said "no thanks" a lot-since I have been paying close attention. I remember watching a show a few years back. Put a bunch of stuff in my cart and then when I saw the shipping totals I deleted it.

Gayle: what a find. Something in your size! I'm sure the lady was happy to get a few dollars. Win==win situation.

Came home from church and sat down---big mistake==I need to get moving and get the recycle/trash out for pick up tomorrow. The recycle comes very early so if I tarry I miss it.

I have identified a few items to pass along---I know there is more--I just need to take care of it!!!

A lady at church had on a really cute topper. She commented that she enjoys the cold and likes wearing sweatshirts, etc. I know she grew up on the Mid West---and they spent time in the middle east as missionaries. I am thinking that was a temperate climate but I am not sure. Well, we are enjoying the warm---saw some early blooms this morning as I was leaving services.

Not much going on with me---I need to think about something to eat. Fred rode with me today---he thinks food is associated with me leaving and coming back! No food today. Silly boy. Although last week when he rode to the city with me--I did stop and get him a snack---and my friend and I had some treats for him from our dinner.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:18:15 GMT

LindaR--At one time, I would not have given the thought of shipping cost much thought. After all, it is expensive for me to make trips to the city and often not finding what I wanted in my size. Now, however, I have so many clothes that I can resolve not to buy. Most of the clothing is casual wear but well made so it is lasting. Paying the cost of shipping is a convenience when the cost of travel and time involved (3 hours of driving round trip) are factored in. Under the current conditions, I can afford to wait to make a purchase. Those early blooms you saw are a foretaste of the good to come in Spring.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

kittyfan — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:26:06 GMT

Oh yes--I agree you have travel costs to consider. And there is always the chance of not finding what appeals to you in your size. But there are so many sites now that offer free shipping---yes, I know it is a trade off. And I know that shipping costs are high. I recently mailed a box that I didn't think was heavy and it costs a LOT to mail. Too much to fit one of the priority boxes.

I decided the items I was considering were definitely impulse===and I didn't regret not making the purchase. I was watching some show and thought I really needed the item. When I went to look it up and read the reviews----I realized I had already condisered this item and decided it wasn't a value purchase. I am one who does read the reviews. I love the amazon reviews---some folks go into great depth---has influenced some buying decisions for me.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

KonaKat — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 01:44:05 GMT

LindaR--I love Amazon reviews. They just don't say the item is the greatest or the worst; most of them give very specific reasons and many give advantages and disadvantages, as well as videos of the use of the item at home. There is a cook book on advance sales from the Q which is also on advance sales at Amazon; it is $8 cheaper at Amazon. It is that type of thing that really leads me to make a decision....reviews and final cost.

Re: SHOPAHOLICS: ONE DAY AT A TIME (SUNDAY)

twinny70 — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:33:47 GMT

Hi Jean, as the saying goes, I am a day late and a dollar short today. I didn't check anything out on here yesterday. We went to church in the morning and I took a 3 hour nap in the afternoon. Then last night my DH & I watched the olympics. Good job with your weight loss. Sorry to hear about your cousin. Hopefully the weather will hold up for you. We are supposed to get between 4"-7" of snow today. It has snowed all day. I got a Kindle for Christmas and hope to soon be able to read books on it. I was told to go to our local library and they will program it with what I would like to read. I don't know much about that yet. Also, I've done no shopping for a long time. Tomorrow if the roads are good, DH & I plan to celebrate my belated birthday with a nice lunch out maybe some shopping. They are saying 30's all week and maybe 40 degrees on Weds. Haven't had anything other than teens (or minus temps) for many weeks. I did go to the insurance company last Weds, about the bill wanting me to pay for my PT when the accident was not my fault. They said they would have the insurance agent call me. So far I have stayed home for 3 days and still no phone call. DH & I had fun last Friday when two other couples came and we played cards, had a nice dinner out and played cards again. Then on Saturday night, we went to our church Valentine's Day dinner. This weather is depressing for me too. The good thing is that while we had such cold snowy weather, I did get all of my purging done. Now I just want it to get warm so I can ride my moped again.

LL, that appetizer meet & greet so fun. We went to a winery once, but I didn't try anything that I liked. It was all too bitter for me. I did lots of laundry too and now I'm caught up for a week or so.

EGW, capris today. What a wonderful thought that is for me. Also, good job on your D & Co. purchase.

Kittyfan, You do good not to impulse buy. I hate buying something and then wondered why I did it. I have done great without buying anything except necessities as the cost of shipping gets me down every time. When I am over tired and don't want to take one more step, then I don't mind paying the shipping $$$.

Hugs to all other posters & readers.