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Halfway through the Frugalista’s No Buy Month and it feels both like a blessing and a curse.
A blessing, because I’ve been able to add to my savings account. Going shopping in my own closet, makeup drawer, and pantry has helped me appreciate the value of what I already have.
I’ve been quite proud of my fashion-related and culinary ingenuity for the month — add that to my new policy of not spending more than $100 per grocery visit, and the chips are stacking up.
But I can’t lie, sometimes it feels like a curse. Sometimes March 1 feels way too far away. Especially when I see these fabulous products coming out by all of these cosmetics companies. Sometimes this product junkie heart of mine just aches. Trust me, I’ve been avoiding the mall like the plague. Just one glimpse at the storefront of Sephora, or a whiff of the heavenly scents wafting out of Bath and Body Works might be enough to break my resolve and lead me to spend money I don’t have.
Sometimes it feels pretty lonely out here, on my ledge of frugality.
Especially when I see the hubbub a-happening on all my favorite beauty blogs. Bella Sugar sounded the call, Palacinka got my appetite up, Temptalia broke it down, The Makeup Girl is hosting a giveaway, Musings of a Muse revealed the tres-scary (and tad Afrobella-inspiring!) video, Makeup and Beauty Blog demonstrated the look of the collection, and The Next Best Thing To Going Shopping Yourself swatched the whole thing.
MAC’s Hello Kitty collection is here and consumers are lining up like crazy to get it. Products have sold out online and the crowds at the department store counters have been thick and insistent. Ladies love Hello Kitty!
Myself included, but I must say, I am trying my best to avoid this craze.
If I had more disposable income, I’d probably be among the eager throng lining up for the adorable tinted lip conditioner, or that hot eyeshadow quad, or the sick glitter eyeliner.
But I don’t. And as much as I would love to splash out and spend MAC kinda money, I can’t justify it right now.
Even though no buy month is threatening to become no buy life — at least for a while, untill this bella lines up some paying freelance gigs… it kind of gave me hope to see so many women lining up to buy this new hotness despite this recession. Does this mean that MAC’s Hello Kitty line is like a beauty stimulus package?
Have you bought any of MAC’s Hello Kitty stuff? Do you plan on purchasing something in particular? Or are you like hell no, I got bills to pay?
Discuss, bellas! I’m about to enter The Makeup Girl’s giveaway!
I feel you. It’s crazy how accustomed we get to buying things! We feel so deprived when we can’t. I am always on a budget, so what I do when I feel like shopping but can’t afford to is enter sweepstakes and giveaway contests. Just like you’re doing. I love Lucky Magazine’s monthly giveaways.
Stick with your no-buy month, though. It will get easier. Visit The Compact at http://sfcompact.blogspot.com to read about not consuming as a way of life. You’ll feel better. 🙂
I feel you Bella, I’ve spent my life so far broke but its made me more determined to be a wealthy adult.
Just remember that this too shall pass, before you know it it’ll be March and you’ll at least be free from the no buy thing. My advice for everyone is only buy neccessities, and not luxuries.
However the MAC Hello Kitty line looks amazing- oh well I’ll keep dreaming lol
Great post! I admire you for not buying anything the entire month and that’s great that you’re saving money while doing it. Hold out!!! And I have not purchased any MAC Hello Kitty, but when/if I do, it would be the eyeshadow quad. Unfortunately right now, I don’t have it…gotta be more responsible and buckle down.
Hey Bella.
I must say bravo for doing a no-buy month. It’s not for me, but everybody could use a month where you only do the necessary. I have to say, I did buy some Hello Kitty things. I got “Nice to be Nice” lipglass, which I got strictly because it’s orange(doesn’t look orange on though). I also got “Fresh Brew” lipstick. It’s a pretty good neutral.
I REALLY want that Hello Kitty line. LIKE REALLY. But at the end of the day, you must sacrifice for your dreams. I used to indulge in small little guilty pleasures. It was fun…until I realized that I wasn’t in control of my finances.
You only have a few days left. You’ve been making excellent strides. Your blog is thriving and you are planning for the future. If you were out buying stuff, all of your hard work would be put on hold until AFTER you spent your afternoon at the MAC counter.
Stay strong, Bella!
as much as I love MAC I played with it over the weekend and well my daughter loved it more than me.. I entered as well and if I win I will give it to her..
Hi Bella, I love the idea of a no spend month. In your honor and for my wallet, I’m going to do it for the month of March. I was in the MAC store for concealer. I looked at the hello kitty collection and thought it was soooo cute. When I thought more about it, all I could see is how the color would rub off the containers in a few months and they wouldn’t be worth all hype. I don’t know, maybe it was my way of stopping myself from buying them. I bought what I went for and left (except for a pair of killer eye lashes). Anyway, I know your struggle, and I too am trying to cure myself from retail therapy. We’re in this together.
Wow! You are exhibiting some extremely impressive willpower. Every time I try to buckle down with my finances, beauty products are ALWAYS my one weakness. Hang in there Bella!
I will admit that even on my college budget I did splurge on a hello kitty tinted lip conditioner. I did need a balm with a bit of color (so I thought) but mainly I loved the packaging. Logically, I could have saved my money. I’m trying to start a new strategy to reduce my impulse spending especially when it comes to eating out and trying out new food place since I am in college and money is tight. I feel bad that im not managing it right but feeling bad won’t do anything unless I make changes! My current goal is to spend no more than $30 a week on extra things besides gas or meter money. Small but I would help me make better choices. Good luck everyone and Afrobella!
Aww, you stay strong, Bella! It is tough to resist when everyone around you is chattering about a new makeup collection, but you’re doing great!
I was actually able to get some freebies after modeling the line at a MAC party.
BTW, the picked me because of my fro!!! Going natural pays…
I love your blog so fun! Im a true die hard m.a.c. lover! I got my hello kitty samples in the mail and I was so happy!
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