It's not getting easier each day...it's getting harder!

As I continue this journey, I thought it would be easier as the days passed. I knew that there would be temptations (Bag it Up Weekly Album, Walmart trips etc.) but I thought that I would be less tempted by those things. NOT!!!! I am always tempted and I can say that I have not given in thus far. I know that shopping is my refuge, my impulse and my "make Schnell feel better" mechanism. But, that's not a good thing. Any time you use something external as a self soother, it's not good at all. I don't think that I will ever give up shopping completely because I enjoy bargain hunting and it is fun especially with my mommy and my bff. However, I will take this opportunity to gain perspective on my habits and watch for the triggers so that it is not a soothing mechanism and I consider my overall financial picture before I make a purchase.  I will also do my laundry more often so I have the benefit of seeing all the great stuff I have in my closet. Finally, I will consider getting rid of things that I don't wear so that my closet is organized to see the great items that I have and enjoy. I take really good care of my clothing and so I know that I can bless someone with items that are taking up space. As one of my student's Toni would say, "it's time for me to open the Schnell boutique and share some of those items". Shoes to be included. LOL

Two of my favorite people that I miss very much! Not blog related but it's my blog so I can do what I want. LOL

Quiet weekend..still tempted!

My weekend was pretty quiet. I rested and relaxed. I didn't go to the mall and resisted shopping online. As we prepare to do some work on our house, it makes this sacrifice even more important. We are relatively new home owners. Our townhouse is in a great neighborhood and it's just enough space for us. My only second thought was that we had learned about the hidden costs of home ownership. We focused so hard on what we needed to do to get into our home (down payment, closing costs, etc,), that we didn't consider the cost associated with owning a home. You have to be in a position to take care of repairs that may not be revealed during the home inspection and other things that may result by natural wear and tear (especially if you buy an older home). My reality has made my temptation a little more easier to deal with. My next hurdle...stop buying extras on game apps.....those $1.99 and $4.99's add up quickly.

On the Run was a blast...

I had an awesome time at the On the Run show. Beyonce and Jay Z are consummate professionals and really give a great show. The best part was that they looked like they enjoyed every minute of it. I admire anyone that displays passion for what they do! I think that we all should be passionate about our work. If you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work! Don't get me wrong, I work very hard but my passion pushes me to excel and go beyond the basics. I truly believe that is why Jay Z and Beyonce are so successful because the money, fame and accolades came as a result of their passion and hard work.

I also walked away from the show without purchasing anything! It was difficult because I love having concert souvenirs but I have pictures and videos that I can always check out. The experience was enhanced because I shared the moment with my colleague, soror and friend Candace. She was able to attend when my husband had something come up that required his attention. Candace and I even made up new lyrics for "Drunk in Love" as we were waiting to get out of the crowded parking lot. On to the next one.....

On the Run.....

I am so excited to see the On the Run tour tonight. I am a super fan of Jay Z and Beyonce! I have seen Jay Z several times over the past few years and he NEVER disappoints. I have only seen Beyonce once but she put on a killer show. I wanted to be comfortable so I picked out a cute pair of jeans, top and my sparkling chucks! It was great to be able to go right to closet and find several options. Normally, I am going to a store, purchasing something and not really giving a thought to what I already have at home. Each time I shop my sister says to me, "don't you already have something" or "don't buy black". My biggest challenge for today will be not buying a souvenir at the concert. I usually buy 1 or 3 t shirts when I go to a concert. However, I realize that I don't need the shirt for great memories. I am still in my right mind, I can use my phone to snap a few pics and a video or two and keep that $30 - $50 per shirt in my bank account! Here's to my first temptation! Let's see how it goes! On the Run 2014....here I come!

What was I thinking?

I love to SHOP! I especially love bargains. I will comb through a clearance rack looking for the best deals. I love clothes, shoes, jewelry (love, love, love) and handbags! I also love shopping for others. I shop online and in stores. One of my favorite places to shop is Macy's. I buy what I need and what I want (much more of what I want!). You are probably wondering why I would put myself on a shopping fast since I love it so much. The answer to the question is one word......LAUNDRY! I have spent the past couple of weeks trying to catch up on laundry. Most of the time, I just grab what I need and let it pile up but I decided that I needed to get the laundry done. As I was washing, I saw all of these pieces of clothing that I forgot that I had. I also organized between spring/summer and fall/winter so that things would be easier to find. I realized that I had some gems in my closet and that I didn't need to purchase another thing! I am also hoping that this time will teach me about discipline. I have a savings goal in mind and I want to get started now. I was recently promoted and I want to be able to save a portion of the money that I am bringing in from the promotion. I thought that giving up soda was going to be difficult but I know that I am in for a bigger challenge.