Magical Monday

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It's Monday, which means it's time to make a list of five fabulous things from the past week.


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1. Painted nails. Even better if it's a bright, cheerful color. I don't usually paint my nails, but I did on a whim earlier this week. I quickly remembered just how much of a mood-booster magenta nails can be. Seriously, why don't I do this more often? Unfortunately, it's already chipping since I didn't have any top coat, but I still love it.


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2. Getting mail. I got a letter earlier this week from my lovely friend, complete with a cute drawing on the envelope and various drawings within the letter itself. Nothing makes me happy than good ol' snail mail.


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3. Friends. I absolutely adore my friends. They always know what to say to make me feel instantly awesome. That's all.


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4. Shopping. As you know, I went shopping over the weekend, and nothing's quite like coming home with new clothes you adore. Even better? Buying jeans not one size, but two sizes smaller than normal. And no, I haven't lost weight since last time I tried on jeans. The blessed brand is just amazing. Why have I never tried their jeans on before? My day was instantly made.


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5. Plain Jane. Have you seen this show? Because if not, you should. It's all about turning self-proclaimed plain Janes into bombshells and helping them get the guy they love, all while building up their self-esteem along the way. It's all the warm, fuzzy feelings associated with chick flicks, only these are real people instead of actors portraying characters.

What I Bought

I got to go shopping today, and I haven't gone in a really long time, so it was very exciting. Unfortunately, I was on a limited budget, but it was still fun. There were a lot of really good sales going on, but I still wish I could've gotten more (don't we all?). So, without further ado, here's what I bought!


Charlotte Russe: Dress, Boxer Shorts
Payless: Boots, Flats

I fell in love with this dress from Charlotte Russe. Wouldn't it be lovely with tights or leggings (I haven't decided which I feel more comfortable yet)? Also, I desperately needed flats to replace my old ones, and I've been dying to have a pair of ankle boots. Originally I was going to get the pair I used in a set in this post, however I didn't see them when I looked in Forever 21. Still, I'm happy with what I bought (even if they were $20 more). I also desperately needed jeans, so I got two pairs of skinny jeans (from JcPenney's, not pictured above. The website wouldn't let me clip them to Polyvore, and I was only able to find one of the pairs). And then I thought the boxer shorts were cute (and comfy). Plus, I need more pajamas, especially if I'm going to go to the gym more this semester, since a lot what I wear to bed is also what I tend to wear to the gym (i.e. basketball shorts and sweats).

How much was all this? Approximately $113. Not to shabby.

Rules To Live By: If You Don't Love It, Don't Buy It

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So, I've been thinking, and I've decided to start a series about rules to live by (so far the only things I've brainstormed blogging about pertain to shopping, but I doubt it'll stick to that). I'm not pretending to be an expert, and I've by no means mastered these things, so these are just as much for me as for anyone else reading it.

I have problems spending money. I'm getting better, but every time I buy something, I mentally calculate exactly how much of my total spending money it is, which is a pain. Say I'll have sixty dollars, and spend twenty. Then, oh no! I've spent a third of my money. Logically, I know that twenty dollars is not that much money, but something in me makes me hesitant to spend even that much money on one thing.

All things considered, this isn't the worst problem I could have, however it's led to a number of clothes I never wear in my closet. I know, it doesn't make sense. You'd think someone so hesitant to spend money would make sure she absolutely loves something before buying it, but that's usually not the case. Instead, I hold out on buying things I truly love, because they're too much. Then, as I continue shopping, I begin getting frustrated that everything is more than I want to spend, so I end up buying things on sale that I don't really love.

Instead, I need to remember that just because it's cheap, doesn't necessarily mean that it'll help me save money in the long run. I mean, it's a complete waste of money if I never wear it. I need to learn to buy something because I love it, and that should be justification enough for maybe spending a little more money. And really, I am getting better at it, I really am. But I still have a long way to go, I know. So, assuming I ever have some spare change again (college student+saving up for multiple trips=zero spare change), but I need to tell myself sometimes it's okay to actually *gasp* buy something at full-price. Because, if I do truly love it, it'll definitely be worth it.

[In hindsight, this could just have easily been about quality, not quantity-- part of my cheapness is wanting more bang for my buck, which, in my case, referred to as many objects as possible.]