Author: katemcgate

A typical Long Island girl with a passion for beauty, fashion, and "chic" ness... can rationalize myself into buying almost anything and everything I think is pretty. I’m making a stand, putting down the debit card, and budgeting myself. Care to watch? Don’t be fooled by my shallow exterior, I’m a product of my environment.

Eating Out is Eating Away at my Bank Account…

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Let’s just say I’m convinced I am a lost cause. However, I have been cooking more! And no…not “tomato soup” or heated up V8 juice. Whatever! Pinterest has been a phenomenal help when you are trying to learn how to cook.

My boyfriend still laughs at my attempts, but he says I do have my moments of cooking correctly. Wahoo!Anywho, my biggest vice IS eating out. This is probably due to: (1) Laziness (2) Incompetence (3) None of my friends cook either. Oops on our part? My friends and I are definitely “eclectic” eaters. We enjoy trying different foods and different restaurants. Is that not an excuse?   

Basically, my laziness extends to my lack of excitement for packing my own lunch for work as well. This means, I will stop off somewhere before work for breakfast, then leave the office to get something for lunch…and unfortunately, if my parents are working late…I get dinner with a friend. Let’s do that math: Breakfast: $7, Lunch: $8-15 depending on where I go, Dinner: $20 or more.

Look away. I’m blushing and embarrassed. I know I’ve said it before, but I promise I’ll be better!

I’m back!

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After a much eventful half year, I am happy to say, it’s time for me to get back to what I truly love.

No matter how long I’ve been away from writing, I have not lost the need and the drive to save my hard-earned money. Yes! I have actually matured in my spending habits, and I am so excited to share all that I have learned with you!

See you soon:)

Holiday Shopping

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With the holiday season just around the corner, I figured I would share some interesting ideas for NOT going into debt this year. I know we all want to pamper and spoil our loved ones, but there comes a time that you have to draw the line inbetween being generous and being insane.

For those who have a big heart, but not a big paycheck: read on…

  1. Take cash out before a shopping trip and put in an envelope. Leave your credit cards at home and only use you alotted money that you have budgeted yourself.
  2. Use apps and websites like RetailMeNot, Hautelook, Ruelala, and Looksy to get great, designer looks for less.
  3. Never buy full price. Ever. Don’t do it. You’ll regret it. Do you hear me?
  4. If there is something major that you are buying for somebody, shop around. Instant gratification is not a feeling you want while holiday shopping. You’ll end up finding the exact item somewhere else for $100.00 less. Believe me, it happens.
  5. Do not procrastinate. Start thinking about gifts now. If you aren’t exchanging gifts, think about what you and your loved ones will be doing instead. Dinner? Great…get a reservation ready. Movie Outing? Even better…start making plans.

This year, I started saving for presents in August. I used my savings account as a safe haven for my money (literally). Today, I “cashed out” and once the money arrives into my checking account, I will be on my way to the bank with a crisp envelope ready to withdraw it! 

Shopping on a budget isn’t the most fun. I know we would all love to have an endless amount of money, with sales and beautiful items at our fingertips ready for us to buy…well, the latter actually exists, but you get what I mean. This isn’t dream land, and we don’t have an endless supply of money.

Happy budgeting!

K

Back at it…and Embarassed

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There is no doubt I stopped writing because I’ve been busy…but there is a side reason as well…I’m back at spending, but wisely. Is that a thing? Is bargain hunting bad? I sure hope not. It seems to me that there is no grey area with deciding to stop spending frivolous money. You either lose all hope, or you don’t even spend money on gas. I’ve decided to break all of these stereotypes. Let’s be real, rationalization at its finest here, folks.

Why deprive ourselves? Saving money is like dieting. When you deprive yourself of an ice cream cone or a cookie, you tend to break your diet more and HARDER. So, I’m proposing, save…but spend responsibly. (I sound like a beer commercial) Don’t fool yourself, because if you are an instant gratification gal or guy, you always will be…let’s look at the hard facts. How would you know? Take a second and think about the past couple of days. Did you think about how much better your room would look organized? What about how much better it would be if your kitchen plates were in a different place? And then think about your reaction. If you went out to Bed Bath and Beyond or the Container Store and GOT and organization rack without weighing out the pros and cons…you’re instant gratification. FACE IT. I know I know…now let’s get over it and DEAL.

Since we last spoke, I left my job because of unhappiness. I still work for the company, just in a different, closer place. BUT this cause a severe dent in my wallet due to lack of paychecks. SIGH. Talk about struggle. Here’s a tip: During unemployment…don’t spend. Seriously, you’ll need your extra cash while looking for a job…or in my case, racking up hours again so you have a reasonable paycheck.

I have spend less money on eating on the way to school or work, which I am very proud of myself. I have taken advantage of my savings account, and decided to start putting money in (for the long run…and my dream wedding) (just kidding?)

Okay, time to jet. My room has been painted and I am SO EXCITED to see it… pictures? Okay…whatevs.

 

Happy Saving/Spending/Being Responsible?

xoxo

Latest Dupes for High End Fashion/Beauty

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Let’s face it, if you are a fashion and beauty lover like me, sometimes it can be hard to not get the actual product…but OUCH! For that price?! I’m owning up to the fact that I LOVE whipping out my MAC or NARS lipstick in front of my friends and being the most “chic” girl…

I am so guilty of instant gratification, as well as cute Instagram pictures. So, when I see a product I love, I tend to spend the money, no matter the cost, to get what I want. Let’s stop this shall we? I’ve compiled a list (let’s call it part one) of items that are super cute or super expensive…and “dupes” for said products.

  1. MAC’s “Snob” lipstick–Revlon’s “Pink Pout”
  2. MAC’s “Ravishing” lipstick–Revlon’s “Smoked Peach”
  3. MAC’s “Russian Red” lipstick–Revlon’s “Really Red”
  4. OPI’s “Mod About You” nail color– China Glaze’s “Something Sweet”
  5. Essie’s “Turquoise and Caicos” nail color– China Glaze’s “For Audrey”
  6. L’Occitane’s “Crème Mains Hand Cream”– Burt’s Bee’s “Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream”
  7. Benefit’s “Hoola” Bronzer– NYC’s Smooth Skin in “Sunny” Bronzer
  8. NARS’ Blush in “Orgasm”– Milani’s Baked Blush in “Luminoso”
  9. MOROCCANOIL Treatment (Hair treatment)– Garneir Fructis Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment
  10. Chi Silk Infusion (Hair)– Got 2b Smooth Operator Lustre Lotion

That’s all for part one… stay tuned…for picture comparisons! Sigh, I know it’s hard…but your wallet will thank you!

 

Happy “dupe-ing!”

 

Utilizing What You Have

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Hi Saving Beauties!

Sorry for the writer’s block lately. While being away, I did not spend much money, and when I did…I was using up gift cards that I received for my birthday. Topic for today? Utilizing what we have.

When going out, how many of you change purses and wallets? That’s right, every single one of you. How many of you just take what you need for the night and leave the rest of your items begging for a home in your old purse? Here’s what I’ve come up with:

  • Gift cards that are half used tend to be forgotten about. “Out of sight, out of mind”
  • Items that fall out of you bag and into your car or in your room go missing forever.
  • Going through your coat pockets can bring a bit of wealth your way.

Just some thoughts I thought I would share…the main point? Use what you have before you go out and buy more. You would be surprised the amount of money you have in half used gift cards!

Another point of random interest? Buying nail polish bottles is not a crime! Think about it: A whole bottle of nail polish is $10.00 tops? A full manicure and pedicure is $20.00 minimum. How many manicures can you give yourself with a WHOLE bottle of nail polish? My justification skills are phenomenal!

 

Happy savings!

Another Day Another Dollar

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Since we last spoke, I traveled down to Long Beach Island to go on family vacation. I realized that I wouldn’t have access to a computer…but, alas, I am able to write about my demise via iPad. SIGH. The things that have happened since I’ve been here. Even though I have unsubscribed to many email lists, they are relentless! Unfortunately, many companies have not gotten the clue that I do not want to be part of their terrible club of constant buying pointless crap I don’t need.
As my readers, I feel that we should be totally honest with each other. I bought hard this week. I know I’m sorry. Don’t give me that judgement face.

I first became sucked in by shoedazzle.com because their selection of shoes is beyond amazing. I bought clearance heels for $20.95. Not so bad right? Well, read on. I also ordered a pair of adorable Jack Rogers that were off of ruelala.com with another $20.00 credit that was given to me by their emails. I’M SORRY! I couldn’t help myself. I know I’m in denial, and I apologize severely.

Ok, confession over. That’s all that was hanging over my head. I need to buckle down!! My addiction to shopping is so materialistic and I hate myself for it!

Sigh sigh sigh. On a higher note, I have withheld myself from shopping on vacation. From the obvious alcohol purchases and food, I have yet to buy anything stupid.

I have had enough grief from my mother, so please find it in your heart to forgive me! Saving starts….Monday?

The Adjustment Bureau…Makeup Edition

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That’s right, this is going to tell you the hard truth about makeup. As much as I am SUCH a hypocrite in that I have more makeup than anyone, I still do have a couple of ideas in order to tighten up makeup collections and help rationalize not buying more. Time to control yourself and learn to manage with what you have.

First things first, take all of your makeup OUT of your current storage. This way, you will be able to see everything you have, including things you may have *ahem* forgotten about. Next, conquer your storage compartments. Clean them out, take a Lysol wipe to them and make sure to clean up all the old, spilled makeup.

Reorganization:

  1. Part ONE- Look at your foundations. Any that are your wrong shade? Any empty bottles? Throw it out. Have you found a certain brand that you like? Make sure you have enough.
  2. Part ONE A- Look at your eye and face primers. Ask the same questions as above and continue to throw out old or empty tubes. I feel like as avid makeup users, we tend to accumulate samples and different types of products just to have them. Break the habit! It’s not worth the space or the money!!
  3. Part TWO- Check your bronzers and blushes. Do you have two of the same? Is there a shade you didn’t like and just kept? Guess what? Different stores that sell makeup do indeed have a return policy. If you waited a while after your purchase, you lost out on your money. Learn to speak up! You don’t like something? RETURN IT.
  4. Part THREE- Okay, confession time. Eye shadows are my kryptonite. I am SO weak..SO weak. Le sigh. Look through them, I know it’s hard…but just do it. If you find a palette or shade you don’t use, throw it out. I wouldn’t suggest giving it to a friend, because of germs, but if you haven’t used it…go ahead! I stick to Urban Decay eye shadows…if you like a specific brand, just stick to your colors. Let’s face it, you’re never going to try that hip, cool, and new way of doing your eyes…so let’s stop fooling ourselves.
  5. Part FOUR- Lipstick. My love, my obsession, my downfall. Last thing to look at would be your lipstick collection. I know, I know…open each lip color and see if you’ve used it…if you don’t recognize it, guess what? You haven’t used it…throw it out. If you have three kinds of the same pink or red…give one to a friend.

I know it’s hard to hear…but as I’m writing this I’m laughing. I actually SHOULD do this. By minimalizing your collection, you will be able to be more organized and more prone to use the products you already have, instead of buying more because you can’t see the ones you already have.

…I know what I’m doing tonight. Do you?

Healthy Saving

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If you live in New York, you know just how much cigarettes cost these days. LORD. Not only would quitting this nasty habit help your health, it will help your wallet in the long run. If you smoke, take the time to sit back and write down how many packs you purchase a week– do the math. $35.00 a week? Yea…I know that pain. Luckily, I have cut down a LARGE amount, which makes my parents and my boyfriend very happy. I feel much better than usual. As of right now, I have 33 hours cigarette free. It’s tough, but it’s worth it.

What about all the money you spend on alcohol? Sit back down and add up all the drinks you had at the bar last night. LE SIGH. That’s the kicker isn’t it? When you think about it, you could drop over $100.00 in a single night, and not even remember it. Now, I’m always up for a good night at the bar, but let’s get real. We’re spending money on cigarettes and alcohol only to not remember the “great” night you had and feed into a life in the fast lane. Think about the amount of money you have, and how much you spend on items that will ultimately be bad for you.

Over my birthday weekend, I was able to go out for a couple meals, and found myself penny pinching in order to be able to eat lunch today.

Goal for today: Spend only what I need to. Don’t indulge in the pretty things you pass by in the windows. Make today a “healthy” saving day. Fight the urge. We’ll do this together!