Frugal living... money saving time.

A few weeks back I blogged about my new savings routine of using envelopes to help focus my spending habits. It's not that I was going over budget as such, I just hadn't really set myself a budget. With being unwell, the last thing my head could deal with was numbers and bills so I admit I buried my head slightly.

Also, with my sister's wedding, I spent a lot more than I thought with the little things I helped with as well as the wedding necessities such as hair, beauty, jewellery etc. So after this I decided it was time I began to take stock of my incomings and outgoings and to see where I could gain a little extra cash!

If you are wondering about the envelope system click here. 

So, I set my envelopes up and began a month of cash spending. I have to say, it does take some discipline but, being slightly OCD, I stuck to my routine and get on with it. When my mind was set on the saving it was amazing how focused I became. No more mid week take away (my figure AND bank balance will thank me for that), no more supermarket browsing or rash purchases. 

Time to help myself [Source]

My weekly shop is where I have made some amazing savings! I have switched supermarkets. I decided to try a supermarket which markets itself as a budget place. Where best to start? So I decided I would do a weeks shop there and check out the products. I liked all the food and realised that I had saved money so that was my first brainwave. I then realised I would wander aimlessly shopping so decided to tackle that. So what did I do? I made myself a meal plan.

My attitude when going food shopping... without a list! [Source]

The meal plan kinda worked in two ways. Earlier in the year I had severe anaemia and began to look at my eating habits (yep, take away was not going to help here either) and started to change. I began to eat healthier. With the realisation of my high anxiety I began to plan more and put this into my meal times. Before shopping, I make a list of what I will have for tea each night as well as my dinner and shop accordingly. I do throw in a treat each week because I am not THAT self disciplined. From planning, my shop is much more effective and when it is written down, I am more likely to eat regular meals because I don't have a a panic over what to cook when I return from work. 

So, what is the savings of this? Something which takes me a minute to plan. Well, I have been saving around £12 a week!!That's about $18. That almost pays for my petrol for the week.

It's like free money, kind of... ok, not really! [Source]

I have also began to search for vouchers and coupons which has led me to save on my fitness regime. Through using a voucher, I saved £10 on a monthly membership and got it for £25 ( I was currently paying £8 a week). My nights out money was set aside at the start of the month and I have to say this has been a big saving just because I haven't had many nights out lately (that's another story).

By using cash, I am really starting to see how much money I am spending and I am much less likely to just make a rash purchase. When I use my cash card I don't think too much, it just all adds up! I still carry my card for emergencies but I've only used it once so far. 

As well as saving money, I have been trying to make some money. When I moved into my own apartment, the person I bought it from said I could keep the wardrobes, sofa bed and coffee table. I was going to throw them out but then thought... Surely I can make some money from these? So I put them on Gumtree which is an on line selling website. I've nearly sold all so with that I have even MADE over £100 profit! No one can say I'm not taking my NYC savings seriously! 

It's amazing how focused I can be sometimes [Source]

All in all, I am feeling confident for my final savings total for the month! 

Do you have any money saving tips?

The outfit...

Today I have done what I do best...spent money on clothes!! I went for a massage (BLISS!) and then proceeded to shop around for my Fashion Week show outfit. I had a possible dress but felt it was too dressy so was after shorts.. Well...I found them today.

I found a cute little vintage looking blouse and some fab chunky wood platform heels. It was one of those outfits where you put it on and instantly love it! I even bought some little ankle socks (obv in the cold NYC I will have some nude colour tights to hide my 'winter legs'- I'm sure fellow women know what I mean!). I obviously wont be accessorising with a black bra! That was just bad planning on my part for going to try on outfits.

I heart the blouse...

I think this will be fashion week appropriate and has quite possibly became my new favourite outfit...still no peacock/lynx dress however ;)

Intense..

That was the most common word out of me and my friends mouths after going to see Black Swan this evening. If you haven't seen it then I would recommend it, Natalie Portman is just amazing!!I can well understand the plaudits she is getting for the role. I actually thought the film was quite dark so if you're expecting to see some light and pretty ballet film then think again. I actually thought the whole film was stunning regardless of it's edge. I tell you what, it makes my ballet lessons look oh so tame...thankfully!! 

Apart from that fun, I spent some time hunting for a dress. Not just any dress, THE dress which I will be wearing at a NYC Fashion Week Couture show!! Yes- I have a ticket for a fashion show when I visit in a couple of weeks. I am so excited yet having a fashion panic!? What does one wear to such an event?!  Effortless chic is the only guidance it gives.....argh!! Unfortunately my Peacock/Lynx dress wont be ready in time so the British High Street was the next best option! I did manage to find a pretty dress which looks quite dressy and chic. I love one shouldered dresses and this has the most amazing ruffle shoulder thing going on!!

What do you think? I'm sure I will post a picture at some point with accessories if I decide on this!! I mean there is the question of bag, shoes and jewellery to think of!PANIC!Although it looks inky blue in the photo, it's more teal green.

Good enough for fashion week?!

I will have a look around as my other idea was some waist shorts and a nice over sized blouse, slightly more trendy but less glam. Oh the perils of fashion!! Fashion week is NOT the place to make a fashion faux par!

Just to finish tonight, I thought I'd share a picture of my mega hot chocolate today... it was quiet spectacular and oh so yummy!

What a sugar rush!!Mmmmmm.......

Such a girly day therefore my post today has been very girly too!! Just a bit of an insight into my world which I hope you have enjoyed. It's definitely what I needed as my headache (after the 5th day) has now eased...WOOO!!! Shopping really is the answer to everything!

Hope you have all enjoyed your Saturday and enjoyed my slightly more girly post than usual :-)