New year, new budget (part II)

You guys, I'm so glad that you are as dorkily excited by personal finance as I am. It's nice to have company and I loved reading your thoughts on spending.

Once I knew how I wanted to spend my expendable income, I had to figure out how to stick to a budget. I've always had a generalized budget, but I've never really tracked my spending. My necessary expenses are all paid automatically. My contribution to our joint account (which pays for rent, utilities, groceries, car insurance and any fun stuff we do together), my student loan payments (which I will be paying for a very long time), my savings, our joint savings, and my retirement contributions all get pulled out immediately after I get paid, so I never have to worry about overspending and not being able to meet my obligations. But whatever was leftover was just mine to play with and I'd like to step it up a bit this year, especially with the wedding coming up. 

Soooo .... I'm giving myself an annual allowance this year. I always get frustrated with monthly budgets because my spending fluctuates a lot. I'm hoping that seeing a lump sum sitting there (and diminishing, over the course of the year) will help motivate me to keep my spending in check. The annual allowance is just for money that I spend on fun things (shopping, drinking, buying overpriced cookies, etc). As I mentioned, most of my big expenses come out of our joint account and D and I have a separate budget for that.

Also brand new this year - I created a line item for hair cuts.  I am cheap and I hate paying to get my hair cut. But I also feel significantly better with a decent cut. Dilemma. So I calculated out how much it will cost me to get my hair cut every 8 weeks (my stylist will do a free bang trim whenever I want, which is every 3 - 4 weeks), added it up, gasped a little and then put it into my budget. That money doesn't come out of my allowance, so I won't be tempted to stop going.

I created a super simple spreadsheet so I can have a brief overview of how I'm doing throughout the year. Each month I'll enter my credit card bill + miscellaneous expenses. I put almost everything on my credit card (points!) so the miscellaneous is usually cash that I've taken out for splitting bar tabs. 

You can see the spreadsheet here. Feel free to save a copy to your computer if you'd like - I'm not guaranteeing that it will be the most mind blowing financial tool invented, because I'm using it for the first time. You can make your yearly allowance anything you want. If you change the number in that cell, the others will adjust for you. As you input your monthly expenses, you'll see a running tally of how much money you have left for the year.

I'll keep you guys updated on how it works. I went back and checked my spending from last year and the allowance I've given myself is much, much lower than what I've been spending. The sensible thing would have been to up it a bit, but instead I'm soldiering on. I'll adjust if I need to, but I'm hoping I can stay in the ballpark.

Questions? Ask in the comments and I'll answer as best I can.

New year, new budget (part I)

The last two years I've done a shopping hiatus after January, inspired by Joslyn. The first year was revelatory. The second year was slightly less so, which I took as a good sign because I really do think I improved quite a bit. (If you missed it, you can see all my 2009 shopping hiatus posts here and the 2010 ones here)

The goal is always to think about my spending and to learn to spend more usefully and thoughtfully. What I've learned is that I prefer to spend money on experiences (yoga classes with D, happy hours with my girls, good meals out, premium cable*) rather than stuff. Unless it is really awesome stuff that I will cherish forever (notably, my CathrineHolm bowls that I have not had a second of regret over, despite the high price tag) or use like crazy.

{catherineholm lotus bowls}

Once I figured that out, it was a little easier to prioritize. I spend less on clothes than I used to (although I could still improve - my goal is to stop buying anything cheap, ever). And I feel less guilty about spending money on the experiences I love. I'm naturally a saver, so I can't focus too strictly on cutting back or I start to stress out big time and not want to spend any money at all. If you read quick financial tips, they tend to emphasize cutting your spending on frivolous items. Cut back on your eating out, paint your own nails, make your coffee at home, watch DVDs instead of going out to movies.

To some extent, I agree. You can save a lot of money by making your own coffee in the morning and if you're stopping for coffee just because you can't get your act together to make it, you might want to look into that. But, if you stop for coffee every morning because you love the ritual and you truly enjoy the luxury of having someone else make it for you, then prioritize it and make room in your budget. You'll just have to give up something else that you like less (cheap tee shirts that fall apart after you wash them, maybe?).

I don't buy coffee every morning, but I do buy myself flowers almost every week. Because I like it. So I make room for it. I also like going out to eat regularly, and I'm happy to pay for it. I like being with friends, and I don't mind buying ingredients for a really nice meal or paying for my drinks if we decide to go out. It would be cheaper to stay home and just eat beans all the time, of course. But these things improve my life, tangibly. I'm careful not to take them for granted, to remember that I'm lucky. I don't deserve these things, in the sense that I'm somehow entitled to them as a right (indulgences are not rights even if it seems like everyone else can afford them - I think we tend to forget that sometimes). But I deserve them in the sense that I work hard for them and I budget for them and I appreciate them.

I save money on things I don't care about as much. I always pack a lunch (or eat frozen meals) at work, because running out to buy lunch and eat it in a rush by myself doesn't make my life any better. I take the bus to work and D and I share a car (and all the expenses that go along with owning a car), which is a pain sometimes, but not that often.  I avoid wandering around in stores because I know I'll be tempted to make impulse purchases and I don't need extra stuff. I check books out from the library and only buy the ones I really love. I have a $10 cell phone and a prepaid plan that costs me less than $10 per month, because I don't like talking on a cell.

Here is the bottom line - your expendable money should be giving you joy, making your life richer. I can't have everything I want, but I can pick and choose the things I want the most and then make them happen.

Tomorrow (if you aren't all completely sick of personal finance already) - my new strategy for this year.


* I used to try to convince myself that we should cut our cable, but I've come to peace with it. We love cable, we look forward to all the new shows and we watch them together, so I'm classifying it as together time. Also, crafting without cable really sucks.

Ikea Christmas

We made a very quick stop at Ikea because D needed to pick up something for work. It would have been even quicker, except that I found this fabric and then had to find someone and convince them to cut it for me. I got red and blue.

{ikea loot}

Ikea fabric is almost always 59" wide, which makes it perfect for easy tablecloths. I was in love with this pattern the moment I saw it and it's even better when you see it in full scale. Like many of the Ikea fabrics, it's a gorgeous 100% cotton that's hefty enough to be close to canvas. Clearly worth much more than the $4.99 a yard that it actually costs. 

{snoa flinga fabric, photo from Ikea}

I took the last of the red at the Orange County Ikea, so my apologies to anyone who tries to find it there. Hopefully they'll restock. They also have placemats in the same pattern.

We picked up a few of these moose wine gift bags and a couple rolls of wrapping paper. Even though I keep trying to get away from wrapping paper, I like to have good patterns on hand.

My love of Ikea fabric is pretty well documented ...
first visit to Ikea fabric section
Ikea tablecloth 1
Ikea tablecloth 2
Ikea tablecloth 3

To be fair, it is pretty amazing fabric. The fact that it's starting to take over my credenza storage space is going to become an issue at some point.

Psssssttt...

The holiday sale in the shop is ending tonight at 8 pm PST. Use code BLOGLOVE20 for 20% off all orders up until then.

The four phrases napkins have been going pretty quickly (I'm so happy that you guys like them as much as I do) but I have 8 sets left in stock, so there's still time to snatch them up. The ENJOY napkins are currently sold out - sorry! They probably won't be back in stock until after Christmas, although there's a tiny chance I'll have more ready by next week. Chalkboard gift tags are available, and always a good bet for the holidays. I used them with my re-useable felt gift wrap last year, and I'll be using them again this year for sure. As always - contact me if you need larger quantities than you see listed and I'll be happy to set up a reserved listing just for you.

Heart of Light - shop update + holiday sale!

I had hoped to have more done for the shop before the holidays, but somehow there never seem to be enough hours in a day. And obviously, I have very crucial things to do, like make wreaths.

But, there are a few new things up and as a little thank you to all you readers, I'm offering a 20% discount in the Heart of Light shop from now through next Wednesday (12/8/10). Just use coupon code BLOGLOVE20 at checkout (doesn't apply to shipping, taxes or special custom pieces). As always, if you would like a larger quantity of any of the items, please contact me and I'll be happy to set up a reserved listing just for you.

A little peek at some of the new items ... 

I designed the "check one" tags last year and finally had time to stamp and package them last month. They're simple manila gift tags for people who don't like having to fill out actual cards. Or just for people who like a deadpan sense of humor. Fill in the blanks, check off the appropriate box and you're good to go. They come as a set of eight, simply packaged in a glassine envelope.

The "enjoy" napkins were designed as my personal gifts last year. Everyone in my family got a set for Christmas. We made the switch to cloth napkins a couple years ago (accidentally, because we were too lazy to go out and buy more paper towels) and we've never looked back, so we use these all the time (you can see them in use way back at new year's eve last year!). These large (~18" square) napkins are excellent for every day use. They are super sturdy 100% cotton, not fine linen. They absorb like crazy and they can be tossed in the washer and the dryer. I've even bleached ours a couple times on accident, and they still look fine. Hand printed, by me. Sold as a set of four.

The "four phrases" napkins are a little more playful and a little less elegant. Large block letters encourage guests to dig in, pig out, eat up and chow down. Again, they're sturdy and absorbent. Hand printed, by me. Sold as a set of four.

And on the personal accessories front - the silk + leather headband is a piece I'm really loving right now. I braid hand dyed bias cut silk with metallic gold leather (carefully sourced and dyed without any lead at all). Soft elastic is securely stitched to both ends, so you can simply slip it over your head and go. The design is simple, but the materials are luxurious, one of my favorite combinations.

The woven headband is handwoven by me out of a beautiful cotton/linen blend striped fabric. The result is a bright spattering of colors in a very soft headband. Secured with elastic. I made myself one of these months ago and it's been my go to for every day wear.

There are also a few new colors available in the rosebud belt, which you can see here.

A million thanks to D for taking the headband shots for me. It's a painful process, because I hate modeling (and not having control over the camera myself) but I didn't have time to schedule a real photoshoot with my sis and I wanted these up for you guys when the discount went live. 

Threads for Thought sale

Don't usually bother passing along sale information, but this one is seriously worth it. Remember those tanks that Kristina recommended and I subsequently fell in love with? Threads for Thought is having a 30% off sale through December 1st (tomorrow). Persevere through the terrible website (it deleted my entire cart again), ignore the lackluster photos and use coupon code "Holidays30Off". My favorite tank is here, but I'm also quite fond of the v-neck tee.

I actually bagged up all of my other tanks and sent them to the thrift store after I discovered these. They're that much better. And no, the company doesn't give me anything and they don't even know I'm obsessed with them. So far I've managed to dissuade myself from writing them a love letter.

Holiday TOMS

So you guys remember my reluctant conversion to TOMS, right?

After some intense back and forth debate (in my head) I gave in and purchased two pairs. For the holidays. I think I'm probably crazy, because my feet are not nearly dainty enough to look adorable in these. I could have purchased a nice pair of flats for what it cost me to buy these two pairs and I would probably look much more pulled together.

{holiday TOMS - images from website}

But Moroccan geometric designs in silver and herringbone in glittery GOLD? I really didn't stand a chance. They have arrived. I love them.

TJMaxx Experience + (Secret Giveaway)

A few weeks ago I was invited to TJMaxx and Marshalls’ headquarters near Boston and since I am a big fan (I’ve found so many cool things there) and was unable to attend, I sent my sister Becca in my place. Now she is sharing with us her experience. Thanks Becca & TJMaxx!



Hello Black Eiffel Readers,

While at T.J.Maxx & Marshalls' headquarters, it was interesting to see how they get great deals on all of their merchandise. They are able to buy in-season things last minute directly from designers and since they can sidestep all the fancy-foot work they are then able to get items to the floor very quickly. I was impressed by their company culture, along with how they have buyers travel the world all year long (instead of only select seasons) to score great deals to bring to the customers.

Interesting Facts I learned:
* Of the designer and top brand name merchandise more than 85% of it is current-season.
* Each store receives 10,000 pieces of merchandise weekly!!
* 95% of their items are first quality and only 5% of items are unnoticeably irregular.
* TJMaxx and Marshalls receive different merchandise.

Also while I was there they asked me along with other bloggers to participate in a Secret Santa to see what great gifts we could find at our local TJMaxx when we got home to send to another person. Here is what I found all for under $50, which would have normally been double the price! A cozy super soft faux fur throw, a set of glass candles, Lindt's truffles, a white glass dish, and a little grater from Italy.



It is pretty cool that you can score deals like this at TJMaxx and Marshalls. It makes for a great money-saving place to stop by and shop during the holidays. Thanks for the experience to see up-close what goes on behind the scenes TJMaxx!

What about you readers? What cool things have you found at TJMaxx or Marshalls?

* The secret giveaway is to win a $100 TJMaxx or Marshall's Gift Card! Leave a comment with what you are more thankful for on this TJMaxx post or this post (yes you can enter twice on both posts if you would like) and the winner will be randomly selected on Monday November 29th and announced on twitter. Make sure I have a way to get in touch with you. Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

** Winner announced on twitter and giveaway closed.

Christmas cards! (+ a link to a really amazing giveaway)

I'm going to talk about the holidays now. Please forgive me. I usually try to contain myself until we're a bit closer to Thanksgiving, no matter what crazy advance prep is going on in my head (or how much wreath assembly is taking place on my coffee table). But Christmas cards must be discussed earlier, especially if they are of the custom letterpress variety and are finally getting me off the Christmas card bench and into the action.

I loved my Satsuma Press letterpress calendar last year (still enjoying it as the months dwindle) so I made sure to get my order in for next year's edition early. And then Lynn, who is the genius behind Satsuma Press, mentioned that she was rolling out a line of new custom holiday cards. I never send cards, because it requires effort and I never find any that seem worth it. But these ...

{christmas cards 2010! - "it's fruitcake weather!"}

These deserve to be sent. We spent approximately two days intensely debating what short phrase we should use on the cards. Twelve million points to anyone who recognizes the quote on our wreath cards, above.

In the end we picked two different designs with two different phrases. Now we just have to decide who gets what. I think that what appeals to me about these cards is the feeling they give me. They feel special, right down to the texture on the paper. They feel the way I want the holidays to feel - unhurried and well thought out and simple.

If you want to nab a set for yourself, Lynn is generously offering a giveaway for three winners over on Oh So Beautiful Paper. I would jump on that if I were you. Quickly, because the deadline to enter is Friday.

{christmas cards 2010 - side by side}

Lynn puts so much love into all her work, and I was pretty floored over my package of goodies. The details are always just right. I'm super excited about adding her letterpress gift tags to fancy up bottles of wine and little brown paper wrapped packages.

{satsuma press - package!}

Must. wait. till. after. Thanksgiving.

Purchasing ...

Kristina mentioned that she's been living in the Threads for Thought tanks (um, for nursing, but they AREN'T nursing tanks and normal people can wear them). I am always on the lookout for shirts that will fit my oddly long torso and Kristina promised they would. Double bonus points because Whole Foods carries them. If I can avoid going to an actual clothing store, I almost always will.

{tanks, image from threads for thought and yes, i'm using the exact same image kristina did, but only because the photos of the models wearing the shirts are so unflattering and i didn't want to scare you off}

I bought a couple of the tanks and also the v-neck tees and I'm sold. Sadly, my WF is being really lax about re-stocking, so I finally went online* and placed a big order. They are the most perfect gym tops, super long and very soft, but also decent enough that you could actually wear them out in public with jeans.

Sizing wise, these aren't meant to be skin tight, but they're nicely cut. I've tried small, medium and large in both styles and settled on a medium. For reference, I'm 5'6 and a wee bit (okay, approximately 20 lbs) away from being the skinny minnie I was in college (um, possibly making some progress on this front, which I may or may not share at some point - weight stuff is tricky) - I would call myself comfortably average at the moment, when I'm not being overly self critical.

* Please be forewarned - their website kind of sucks. It somehow managed to empty my shopping cart the first time I tried to check out and then made me go through what seemed like a lot of pages in order to actually get checked out. If I didn't already know how good the shirts feel in person, I might not have persevered. And the pictures do not do the shirts justice, at all. I almost bailed on the whole idea when I saw the picture of the model in the tank top. But they're so much better in real life.

Shop update!

{mini rosebud pin rainbow, single bloom hairpin in cream, mini ruffles pins in floral green and yellow}

Lots of new rosebud colors up in the shop, along with new (patterned!) silk chiffon ruffles pins and new single bloom corsages and hairpins.

I'm working on getting the belts section filled up with rosebud belts (on the menu - white, cream, royal purple, deep red, sage and burgundy, for starters) but there simply aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. So, headbands and belts are coming, hopefully soon, but I can't commit to a date just yet. In the meantime, I'm always happy to fulfill orders on request, if you need something sooner than "sometime in the future."

Also in the dreaming and scheming stages - new napkin designs (dying to finish these and get them out!), a new notepad, and a new headband design that I wore (I call it testing out) and loved all summer. What I really need is eight hands and a 34 hour day. Someone should get on that, stat.

Thrifting, lately

Ginormous ring - large enough to be a fairly effective mirror, excellent for checking to make sure nothing is stuck in your teeth, awesome filigree detail on the underside, fits perfectly on my middle finger which could come in handy in so many situations.
$15
(from the NCJW thrift store on Santa Monica Blvd, always pricier than your average thrift store but also a little better organized and curated)

{vintage ring}

Milk glass baking dish with vintage detailing. Cleaned after I took this picture - looks even more gorgeous now.  Love.
$2.99
(from my usual Goodwill, also on Santa Monica Blvd)

 

{vintage baking dish}

Thrifting, lately

And by lately, I mean months and months ago. Just haven't gotten around to posting these guys yet.

{milk glass bakers}

Milk glass baking dishes from the local Goodwill, picked up for two dollars apiece. The rectangular ones are Anchor Hocking Fire King and the square one is GlasBake.

{milk glass fire king}

Love the just slightly curved handles on the Fire King pieces. It's those little details that get me.

Sometimes it's tough to decide whether or not to make a thrift store purchase. My midcentury fondue pot, for instance, is gorgeous but remains unused to this day. Eventually I'll have to decide whether to let it find a new home. But baking dishes are always a no brainer for me. Useful, because I cook a lot, and if I ever end up with too many I'll just drop off my newer ones at the thrift store for someone else to find.

Jars, update

So I bought some of those jars I was talking about last week. Here are my thoughts ...

32 ounces is not nearly as large in person as it is in my head. These wouldn't work for flour or sugar unless you like to buy those ingredients in very small portions. I can't even use them for nuts, because we buy them in bulk and they are, well, bulky. They are perfect for storing lentils and grains, however.

{emma jars, lentils}

The lids are not super tight fitting, but they have a little gasket so I think they're still air tight. Under no circumstances should you attempt to hold the jar from the lid only. Disaster will ensue.

They are kind of stackable. If you have them against the back wall of the cupboard, they'll be fine. But they aren't exactly meant for stacking, which is sad.

{emma jars, in use}

I wrote on them with the sharpie, but this time added some pertinent information to the top of the jar. Cooking ratios, times and serving sizes, for quick reference.

{instructions}

I think I need some of the 20 ouncers for couscous and rice, which I purchase in smaller quantities.They look a little lost in the larger jars.

All in all, they're a pretty solid addition to the kitchen and they're relatively affordable. The 32 ounce jars were on 4 for 3 promotion, so I got 16 jars (4 packs of 4 and yes, I realize that I have a ton of dried goods - this only took care of my grain cupboard) for $54, with free shipping. The 20 ounce version isn't on promotion right now, so I'm holding off for the moment but I'm going to keep an eye on them.

Spending

The hiatus has been over for a while, but I really haven't done much shopping. I did order some sunglasses from Zenni, prior to the Greece trip (numbers 4 + 5, in case you were wondering). And there were some summer dresses from  Old Navy and F21, which have gotten quite a bit of use.

And recently, a funny little hodgepodge of high and low ...

{purchases}

Cheap fix:  L'oreal collagen mascara - Miss B recommended it and then I stumbled on it in the store not two days later, on sale for 50% off. Fate, obviously. It's pretty fantastic. My lashes are long, so I need something that makes them look thicker without being clumpy or spider-leggy. This works.

Serious indulgence:  Catherine Weitzman gold coral reef bangle - I'm a bangle person, choosing them over almost any other form of jewelry even though the selection is often limited. I actually got this on sale for half off, but it's only available full price now. It's gold vermeil, so it isn't quite as bright as pure gold but I love it.

Justifiably useful:  Ikea dishtowels - Total impulse purchase, just because I love Ikea textiles and dishtowels come in handy. These are nicer in person - this angle doesn't show much.

Greece - purchases

I find I buy less than I used to, when traveling. There's still that nagging little voice that makes me feel like I have to find souvenirs for everyone I might see in the next 3 months (family, friends, coworkers). I'm getting really good at ignoring that voice. If someone requests a particular item, or if I happen to see something perfect for a particular person, I'll buy it. If not, I don't buy anything.

I considered indulging in shoes or jewelry for myself this time around, but ultimately ran out of time and energy. Instead, I picked up a few odds and ends that I truly love.

Behold the haul...

{greek bounty}

A bag of gigantes, from the grocery store. They're so hard to find at home and when I do find them, they're terribly overpriced. And no, just buying the largest lima beans you can find does not work. They don't taste the same, somehow. 1 euro.

Two bottles of liquor. One of them is pomegranate, purchased for summer cocktails. The other is clear and unidentifiable.* I was in a little store in Nafplio, waiting for my order of loukamades to finish frying when I saw the bottle on the shelf and asked the owner what it was. He and his daughter conferred, but couldn't figure out how to explain it. Instead, they poured out some shots - the fastest way to promote universal understanding, truly. It is stronger than ouzo** and it doesn't have the aniseed flavor. 20 euros total (for two smallish bottles + 1 order of loukamades + free shots + free samples of every gelato flavor in the store)

{brass bowl}

Antique brass peacock bowl, found at the Monastiraki Sunday flea market (always fabulous). 4 euros

{tin figures}

Little pieces of hammered tin, also from the flea market, original use uncertain but we'll be hanging them on our Christmas tree. 10 euros total.


*I got curious while writing this and did some research. I think it might be tsipouro, a strong (45%) alcohol produced from the remnants of the wine making process. I'll have to examine the bottle more closely.

**I love ouzo but I don't bother purchasing it in Greece. It's fairly readily available at large liquor stores and I have never been able to distinguish between the various brands anyway, so I'm happy with whatever I find.

Stocking up ...

on summer dresses.

A quick (okay, fine - two hour) trip to Forever 21 over the long weekend yielded three dresses, not all available online, sadly. The online and in store selections are vastly different.

{dena silk dress, boxy print woven dress}

The store was bursting with sweet summer dress options but almost everything I tried on was too short. I have a fairly high tolerance for minis, but there are limits, people. And that limit is hit when you realize that you are risking arrest for indecent exposure if you so much as step foot outside your door. I'm not even super tall, but at 5'6 I found that most of the dresses were hitting reaaaaally high up my thigh.

These dresses have driven me to leggings. I know. The rest of you probably gave into leggings 5 years ago when they made their comeback. I purchased my first pair on Sunday. Turns out, they are just as comfortable as you've all been claiming for years. Go figure.

Acquired

I guess I was a little too obvious about my love of the Heath summer appetizer set, because I received two as gifts. It really turned out to be even more fun, because I had an excuse to go visit the store myself.  I exchanged the second set for these two bowls. Normally they would have been pricier, but the larger one had a small imperfection in the glaze and it was marked down. Score.

{heath serving pieces}

I love how they all look together.

I was sorely tempted by the soup server but it's one of their standard pieces and the seasonal collection will only be available this summer, so the bowls won out. I also wasn't wild about any of the glazes that were available at this time.

{soup server - image from Heath}

Isn't the notch for your serving spoon great? And you could definitely use it for rice and grains, not just soup.

We are stripe-y

What we have been wearing ...

{shirt from urban outfitters, dress from old navy}

Not at the same time. I swear.

Celebrating the end of the shopping hiatus ...

Monika, the artist behind Favor Jewelry, is kindly offering a 15% discount to all of you for the month of May. Just enter "heartoflight" at checkout. All of Monika's pieces are handcrafted and her sterling silver comes from reclaimed sources.

{earrings, bracelet, images from favor jewelry}

I'm generally a bracelet and necklace person,  but I love that she has some fun variations on the standard hoop shapes. Makes me want to try wearing earrings more often.