Shopping — Blog — Talia, She Wrote

Ok. It's awful. I have been on my No Pants Dance for... how long? I can't remember! Four months? Am I delirious from no shopping? Oh dear.Here's the worst part...Rosh Hashanah in next week. I know! Terrible!What do you mean you don't understand?! Alright, I'll explain it.Rosh Hashanah is one of the Jewish New Years. The name literally mean head (rosh) of the year (hashanah). This is when we change the year (from 5772-5773). It is a happy, celebratory time but also reflective of the year past. We reflect and apologize for our mistakes then go into Yom Kippur and come out in Sukkot with freshly laundered souls. Very spiritual and cool... what the heck does this have to do with my No Pants Dance?I NEED A NEW OUTFIT FOR ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES!!! Everyone knows if you buy a new outfit for something, it's Rosh Hashanah!

I know, I'm crazy but seriously, I have had my eye on this dress at Shabby Apple for AGES and I really want it. For those of you who know me you know that I have a very specific style. I can only call it vintage/retro. Basically, I like to look like I live in the 1950's. There have been two online stores that have fed this addiction - Stop Staring and Shabby Apple. Stop Staring is great for a few pieces but I have just FALLEN IN LOVE with Shabby Apple. I don't think I have seen one dress I wouldn't wear from them!So I have a present for you, my readers... and possibly one for myself. Shabby Apple has given me a great discount code. Take 10% off your order (anything on their site) with this exclusive discount code - favorite10. But here is how it benefits me... if you use the link on the right, you know... right over there --------------------------------------->I get a little something to buy myself a dress... and this blog could even win me one! So click on Shabby Apple, cruise around, find yourself a 'pretty lil thing' for the holidays and get a discount! It's a win win.Wanna see some of my favorites? OK! Here's what's on my shopping list:

OMG I WANT THEM ALL!And stay tuned. I have some No Pants Dance updates and holiday words for you, my dear friends!Shana Tova!

Well, we are nine days into our second month... I've been doing okay but I did make two purchases this month. I know... bad news bears but in all honestly, they weren't that bad AND I am thinking of extending the dance a few more months...How did I fall off the wagon? Well, first off, I use a certain store's credit card that sends me back rebates. I had a rather large chunk of rebate waiting for me and I didn't want it to expire... PLUS I saw a super cute pair of shorts that would be great for work this summer. With the rebate bucks, I ended up only having to pay shipping! Not to bad, just $7 for a brand new pair of shorts that will liven up my wardrobe. The second purchase was less money saving and more necessity... I love a certain type of tanktop/undershirt. It is NOT expensive and from a ... shall we say ... 'teen' retailer? So they aren't a billion dollars to begin with. Well, Sweet Boyfriend and I started to notice that the white ones I wear ALL THE TIME were getting thin, with holes in them, stretching out, etc. I was going to make due but he encouraged me to look into replacing them. Well I went online and saw that they were on sale for $5 a piece. Plus I found an online coupon for $5 off if you spend $30. Well, with $30 of shirts in my cart, I used the coupon and essentially got one of those for free! Now I can dump the old ones and not worry about the holes!One thing that I am really learning through this process is to be much more mindful of how I spend money and what I spend it on. When Sweet Boyfriend and I talk about the future, I realize that I would much rather put my money towards that (and have it gain interest in the meantime) than a new outfit that may not be my favorite.So let me reiterate my goals for you (and for myself):

I will be out of credit card debt in 9 months
I will have a significant amount in my retirement account by then
Once I am out of CC debt, I will put that money towards my car, student loans, and savings
I will put at least 30% of my income towards bills, loans, or savings every month

It isn't easy but I'm doing it!