Shopaholics Anonymous

My 12 step program for the year to spend less money:

(1) Delete emails that have the word SALE in the subject line.

(2) It is possible to just window shop. I do not have to feel the need to buy something before I leave a store.

(3) Magazines are meant to be read and not to be used as a catalogue of items to purchase.

(4) Spend less time shopping online and more time being creative - knitting, photography, jewellery making

(5) No impulse shopping. Buy only what  I need.

(6)  Save money for a trip.  I do not have a vacation planned this year, but it would be nice to get away for at least a couple of days.

(7) Do not go to the Coach website. Too much temptation.

(8) Make a list of all the cosmetics and bath & beauty products that I own. This way I will know what I have and what I need to purchase.  I just finished my Smashbox Primer. It will be number one on my list of items to purchase. It is a must have.

(9) Limit the number of times a week that I go to Starbucks.

(10) Don't be pulled in by deals that offer bonus points or a gift card if you spend a certain amount of money. It is a trick stores use to get you to spend more money than you planned.

(11) Avoid the makeup counter at Holt Renfrew. Specifically the Yves Saint Laurent counter. They always want to do my makeup and then I end up spending more money than I should.

(12) If I purchase a new bag,  I will have to give one away. (I hope my sister does not read this)

TIFF Update - Day 3

It is day three of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), but day one for me.

I watched two films today - City of Life and Death and Women Without Men. I spent six hours in the Scotiabank Theatre. I left the first film and got in line for the second. I like to get a good seat.

I realized that it will be hard to eat healthy this week. Too many temptations. I have $25 on my Starbucks card. Hopefully, that is enough for the week.


The Days Events...

1. People need to have more manners. A man yelled at a woman today because he thought that she was saving seats. Actually someone else had left their items on their seat and either went to get a snack or use the washroom. This happened at the screening of Women Without Men.

2. I passed MuchMusic on my way to the subway and there was a crowd outside. Too small for the Jonas Brothers. It was Drew Barrymore at Etalk for an interview. I could not see her, but I heard her voice. I could not get a picture. Happy to see sunlight. Did not stick around.

3. In the subway station I saw a man in a tuxedo holding a bridal veil. Not something you see everyday.

4. A man was carrying a package of bed sheets. Pay the 5 cents and buy a bag.

Note to self: the knapsack was not comfortable. Need a new bag.

No films on Sunday. My day of rest. Monday...Precious.

One Week

It has been a long week. I am finally able to get out of my bed. At least I was able to access my email on my iPod Touch. The boredom drove me crazy. When not sleeping I would be on my MacBook.

The first thing that I want to do before I go back to the office is go to Starbucks. For some strange reason, I was craving Starbucks and Kettle Chips. Thankfully, my sister was kind enough to buy me some Kettle Chips on Friday. The bag is done. Now all I need is a grande latte from Starbukcks with whip cream.

I ventured out of the house today to gets some fresh air. I did not want the blast of Arctic Canadian air to hit me first thing Monday morning. It would be a shock to the system. I went to the local mall which does not have much, but it was better than nothing. It was odd not spending any money for one week. My bank must have thought that something was wrong. I just bought two pillows and I got a great deal for a duvet cover at the Bay which was originally priced at $99.99. It was marked down to $49.99. When the salesperson rang up my order it was $29.99. That was all I could handle for the day. I hope I don't go crazy spending next week.