Eight days into the month and our bills are paid (except one) through August.

There’s a certain amount of responsibility we must consider regarding our purchases when living on our own. Especially since we’re a one income household (until I hear back from some recruiters, keep your fingers crossed!) and because of this we’ve got to be smart about what we spend. Although we each have our share of splurge worthy items (for me – sephora trips, for him – camera accessories), we’ve managed to not only stay afloat without assistance, but we’ve saved five figures worth (with decimal) for our wedding budget!

I’ve always been a conscious shopper — looking for deals and such. But remembering back a few years ago, there were so many things I could have done differently to save even more. I’ve made out ok, but there’s always room for improvement.

So fast forward to 2010 and I’m a savings-savvy, bargain-hunting, price comparing, coupon-clipping frugalista! Seriously, it pays off and you’ll see what 50¢ here 75¢ there  adds up to. And if you don’t mind the spam box of occasional junk mail (but also bears great discounts/coupons), sign up online for the stores you frequent and/ or register for free store loyalty discount cards. Not sure how these work, but there have been plenty of times that I’ve made out like a bandit just by swiping these loyalty cards. There are also sites devoted to great deals where you can grab a promo code (for online purchases, of course) or print out store coupons. There are even sites where other coupon lovers swap out one deal for another! The possibility of saving a buck or two is endless, you’ve just got to do your homework.

Here’s an article with a concise list of the sites I use to wrangle my coupons:

http://www.wisebread.com/the-best-places-to-get-coupons-online

Happy shopping!

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I typically make bigger purchases on a “feeling.” That maybe stupid, but it’s what works for me. I was in Nordstroms and saw the most gorgeous Burberry bag. I’m not really into Burberry, too posh. But this was perfect size, nothing too gaudy but most of all, it had functionality written all over it. It was $998. I thought about it, left the store, and even came back to touch it again. Weighing what $998 would otherwise buy mee. You’ll be relieved that I didn’t get it.

Instead, I went back to the Coach store to purchase this black bag I’ve been eying earlier that afternoon. I liked it, wanted it, needed it and bought it.

This was first Coach bag that didn’t come home with me. It was not in stock and will be shipped to me in 5-7 days. So much for instant gratification.

I got an evite to come to Tentation last nite. It was Adrienne Curry’s Birthday and I wanted to go, but kinda pushed it outta my mind since I wasn’t sure if anyone else wanted to go.

Well during happy hour earlier that afternoon, some of us decided to go to Tentation for other reasons than that of my own.
So Im pumped. Im a nerd. I know. And I got hang out with them too!!

This high is wearing off. 20 unsold items will do that to anyone. We’ll I’ve re-listed and reduced the costs, hopefully this will start encouraging more buyers. Do you think I was ever good at business? LOL!