#blockfriday

i am celebrating a belated thanksgiving with my extended family that i havent seen in ages! i dont normally participate in black friday and dont plan on it this year. things never make you happy, lets not shop :)

NO BUY!

I have started keeping track of my expenses using mint.com, and it has been quite enlightening.  I have noticed where I have been spending like crazy aside from food and transportation (totally necessary)... makeup/beauty items. I am in a situation where I should not be spending money like this, I don't have a budget to spend money aimlessly or to shop for things I don't need.

I always hate to talk about beauty and fashion, I dont know why but I feel like its embarrassing as a woman. I feel like its shallow and petty but I do like it and enjoy it. I care about what I wear and what I look like most of the time.

When I started watching youtube beauty videos (around 2009/2010) my amount of makeup dramatically increased, and as I usually only buy drugstore brands it doesnt feel like I am spending much. I do see a new nail polish or eye shadow as a nice treat as I can't afford much these days. The drugstores also have lots of deals and coupons that lure me in, and I have realized that the makeup I do have will take me ages to finish. Part of me feels that I switched from fashion to makeup.

I decided to do what I've seen beauty youtubers do, a no buy and I want to not buy or watch youtube (beauty videos) starting now this month of Nov. I have been trying to lessen my habit of youtube and I think just not watching those videos will remove my desire to buy makeup. I am not sure when my no buy will end but I will replace items that I finished and need to be replaced as it comes up (definitely not nail polish, eye shadow or lipsticks).

here it goes, i dont need or want makeup and heres to more money in the bank account...

ipod wishlist & thinking out loud

(photos from apple.com)

my ipod touch's audio jack is on the fritz and it will need to be replaced soon ... thinking should i get the new ipod touch, or the ipod nano?

my ipod touch is actually the first generation and belonged to my brother who gave it to me when my ipod (classic)'s audio jack failed just as its doing now. i am a big believer in using what you have until you need to replace it.

i like the ipod touch because its like a mini ipad you can use apps, get a camera... could use it to read books but its a bit small, i dont want an iphone i dont have a smart phone and it doesnt bother me. i dont want to add any bills i dont need. at the same time i would have to carry around my mobile phone & ipod nano & camera for when i need it and maybe someday an ereader/tablet.... i think i wont always carry that stuff only when i need it but it seems like a lot.

i have wanted an ipad or actually an ereader like tablet device like the nook or the kindle fire for a while now as i have been getting into reading and just notice how little space books & comics take up on a computer compared to a bookshelf (i blame moving and how heavy books can actually get, and then again i get most of my books at thrift stores). there is also rumors of the ipad mini.

debating about this in my head & with my brother but quite honestly i am seriously missing my music during my walk to work and my podcasts for falling asleep too.

any ideas internet?

2. First Haul Ever

I don't know why but making 'girly' videos or talking about these sorts of topics was/is always embarrassing to me. I feel that I am a feminist (always learning) but yet I feel ashamed to be girly but yet I am. Here is my consumption while aboard. I've only included stuff not personal hygiene items or food products but stuff I've been spending my money on. Money that seems to burn in my pocket and after making this video and putting this stuff away (finally) I feel ashamed. I hope to really really try not to buy anything for a while! At least makeup products and clothes. I don't need it but I feel like I want it. I am supposed to be saving money for traveling and eating lots and lots of yummy French food, and hopefully other European foods.