Shopping, Money and Blah Blah

I was inspired to write a blog about spending, shopping, etc., since I realized how much my spending has gone down as we've been saving for home projects. Side tangent-our sewer is fixed <insert happy dance>. I've been especially saving in the makeup and beauty care items department, as I've been making a conscious effect to use what I have and only re-purchase items that have run out. It's been amazing how many samples I've used up and makeup items (like face powders) that I had and they needed to be finish up. I don't collect makeup, but I do love hair styling products and had a drawer full in my vanity that needed to be used and/or passed on to someone else. I guess my 'wear everything' clothing campaign has also trickled over into a 'use everything' motto. Hehe!

(Here is a video blog from 2013 that I'm chatting a bit about my financial past)

A few subjects I get asked a lot about is advice about shopping and spending. Shopping on all levels; home decor, groceries, clothing/shoes, and home services (cable TV, cell phones, etc.). But before I go any further I have to preface this with a few facts about Derek and myself and our household; we are not in massive debt due to schooling, medical bills, etc., we are a one car couple, we have duel incomes, own our own home in a somewhat economically depressed city and both of us are relatively healthy. Why the preface? Well, there is a variety of reasons of what causes people to spend and are due to things beyond their control and I want to be sympathetic to those reasons. I remember surviving on next-to-no money while still working full time. I get it, I really do.

I also have been asked to write a comprehensive list of where I shop for clothing (including eBay sellers), but I'm still debating on that blog subject.

Tips and Advice From My Experience:

+Groceries: Can be a #1 budget buster for some people, but it doesn't have to be. Now mind you there are thousands of online advice on this subject, but I will give you this one; Make a shopping list, make a weekly menu and cook at home. I learned to cook simply by being forced to and having a small income meant; using coupons, paying attention to sales, cooking with seasonal produce and the biggest money saver---shopping at Aldi. Yep, I still do all these things and it helps to control our diets too. Oh, and take advantage of farmer's markets or local farm's in general!

+Eliminating Extras: Cable TV? Gone and replaced with Netflix and Hulu. Satellite radio that came with the car? Gone and replaced with loads of burned CD's. Going out for a drink? Whittle down to 'once in a while' and replaced with making cocktails at home. Major Network Cell Phones? Gone and replaced with no contract phones. 

+Second Hand: 99% of my furnishings in my home are second hand. Even if you don't love mid century modern mixed with kitsch and the macabre like I do, you can still score some things that suit your aesthetic from thrift shops, charity shops flea markets, garage sales (or boot sales if you're in the UK...I love that name) or Craigslist/newspaper 'for sale' sections. It's a amazing how a little money, some spray paint and elbow grease can really turn other people castaway's into beautiful decor. You know how I thrift for clothing, so I don't need to go into that way of saving. *Wink*

+Make Lists: This one may seem odd, but I pretty much make a list for everything. I use the old school way of using pen and paper as I am not too good with using my phone to track of everything. (Hello, I am Meagan and my smart phone makes me feel stupid) I have magnetic note pads on the fridge, as we tried the dry eraser system and things got forgotten about......and the paper always gets recycled, always.

I usually have three lists going. To-do house list is a great way to help with the 'I don't know what to do' days, so we look at the list and things magically get done. Wooo! The household needs list is for things that we don't purchase at the grocery store, like laundry detergent, shave cream, etc., and a grocery shopping list for when we run out of something. Always write it on the list!!!!! *Looks at Derek*

+Being Happy With What You Have: I have to remind myself of this on a weekly basis as I window shop, read blogs and work in a retail environment. I am tempted all the time to blow my paycheck on an impulse buy or treat myself to something, because I'm feeling down or had a bad day, or I got an email with a 25% off sale. Self control is a bitch. I look all around me and think, "This is more than enough." Don't get me wrong, I am not a cheap ass and I don't expect you to be. I just worked so hard to get myself out of debt that if I don't remind myself of what I have, I could spiral right down that path again! Annnnnnnd, I most certainly don't want to encourage any of you to go down that path either!

Alright, I'm going to stop right here before it turns into a novel, phew! How do you like to save and do you have any budget and/or spending tips you'd like to share? By the way, when did I become so responsible?!?!?!? ARGH!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Yellow Leopard Sweater and Some Words About Summer Clothing

Hello friends! What's shakin'? My week was filled with work at the store as my bosses went on a much needed vacation and I was left in charge. Muahaha! Actually, it's not that exciting as I just bossed myself around and made sure I didn't goof off...too much. I kept my outfits pretty simple and comfy since I didn't have much time to think about myself when I wanted to make sure I got everything done for the store. 

Wearing; yellow leopard sweater (Sourpuss Clothing), old skater dress (thrift?), leggings (Target), my favorite black flats (by Aerosoles), sunglasses (AJ Morgan), necklace (??), Batcave pin (eBay), coffin dangle earrings (Sourpuss Clothing)

Oh yeah, those words about summer clothing=WTF. Hahaha!!! Help me out here, what is going on? I don't want to shop the trendy goth brands (too pricey, don't like the material, etc.), I am looking at some of the alternative brands/stores and I am not finding anything that is peaking my interest and then the 'regular' trendy stores are puzzling me......are they actually summer clothes?! Weird material, weird cuts, and everything looks like you are heading to a club or has long sleeves?!

I keep mentioning material, because rayon, unflattering stretch jersey and other varies of blended materials that show everything and I'm clueless as to what sort of underwear (or perhaps lack of) I'm supposed to wear. It's summer, it's hot, I don't want to be concerned about my under garments,  I don't like going out of the house braless!!!! This is why my summer wardrobe is boring, unless I find something new at a thrift store or via etsy, I just wear my few pieces until they are worn out! Sigh....

I don't find it hard to be a goth in the summer, I find it hard to find clothing I like and that inspires me and not be buried under lots of layers (which is very much a part of my style) or that makes me uncomfortable. Is this all too much to ask? Am I living in a fantasy world? I guess I'm sticking to my usual strategy of wearing lots of accessories and fun flats. Hahaha!!!

Where do you shop for summer clothing? Any advice for me?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Power of Encouragement

A lot of things roll around in my head about why I like being a stylist, dealing with clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. The idea of creating a 'look' and feel to an outfit from a creative view point, but the reality is I love to dress people to make them feel good. There is nothing like feeling good from the inside and letting that shine through to the outside. I find this also to be true when you communicate with someone through compliments, encouragement, and just general nice banter as those small exchanges may brighten their day as well as yours.

I have a lot of female friends that are so judgemental on their looks, they are always comparing themselves to my other friends who may be taller, thinner or perhaps dress a little more flamboyant or unique. It seems written in the sands of girl-dom that we all must put our selves down, all the time. You may not notice it, but when you do it all the time other people do notice when you consistently are negative all the time. It seems like it's uncontrollable word vomit that comes up without even noticing, almost like a nervous tick or prompted recorded message. My advice : STOP. You're NOT perfect, that person who you wish you were is NOT perfect, it's asinine to even think that any person who walks this earth is perfect. Am I sounding harsh, it is my point, living in la la pity party land won't do you a world of good. Stand up straight, shake it off and let's continue. *Wink*.

by bluntcard.com
Just a little humor :)

Why are you hating on yourself? Is it that you think your ass is too big? You think you are considered fat? You have small breasts? "Nothing ever fits me"? And so on and so on and so on. I'm not here to get all women's lib on you and tell you about women power and all that jazz, I'm simply saying that if you cave into to the voices in your head (hello? anyone in there...) or what people may have or had said to you about your appearance then they win. You are giving the power to someone or something else and in turn you are not enjoying life, you're not enjoying your beauty and you certainly will never try anything new with a crappy attitude. I'm not saying that you may have deep rooted issues and skeletons in your closet that can't be fixed with a snap of the fingers, but you need to start somewhere and self loathing is just not a fun way to live.

Celebrate something about yourself! Do you have fantastic skin and you don't need to wear makeup? Do you have long luscious eyelashes that other ladies would love to have? Are you an hourglass figure and can wear a killer corset with ease? THEN CELEBRATE IT! Don't hide in over size clothing=you will look even bigger. Don't hide your face with your hair=you are beautiful! Don't worry about your small breasts=you don't have to worry about being saggy and can wear cute summer dresses with ease. You aren't tall enough=there are so many cute platforms out in the world! My point is, there is a solution to your 'wardrobe woes' if you work at it. Knowing yourself on the inside really can impact your outward appearance and let your personality be expressed through your clothing. You may think "this is all such vanity", but in reality spending a little time on yourself and taking care of YOU will in fact impact others around you. Think about it, but don't obsess about it.

So start living for today, don't think, "I'm not going to buy myself anything new until I lose X-amount of weight" or "By this time next year I'm going to be size _____, before I get myself a make over". DO IT NOW. Living for the person and shape, size, etc. at this current moment is what you should do. Pamper and love yourself now, not the future you, not the past you, YOU NOW! If I had a dime for every time I heard "I will buy this when I'm thinner" or "I will try new things in the future", you are cheating your current self at really enjoying the present time. Be good to yourself, be good to others in need, and for the love of the Gods pass that encouragement onto others!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla