Sunday, September 30, 2012

Update: Not A Shopaholic Wish List

http://notashopaholic.blogspot.ca/2011/04/not-shopaholic-wish-list.html

Remember back in April 2011, I did the Not A Shopaholic wish list? Link is above in case you don't.  I was unemployed and not able to go out and do much of anything. I was thinking of all the things I wanted but had no money for. Mostly as a therapeutic exercise I created this wish list as incentive and motivation to get me out of the situation I was in. I haven't thought much about it since then until I realized I have accomplished some things on the list. I thought you might want an update on things I've knocked off the list. It will never be completely done as I am always thinking of new and expensive things I want to buy. It's the expensive ones that are trouble. They take a lot of planning and saving to acquire. I also like a deal so I try to find the least expensive way to get the things on my list.

Here is a current update to that list from more than a year ago:

1. Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress - sadly this still remains on the list. Its funny because I thought when I started working again this would be one of the first things I would get. Hopefully this will be checked off in the near future. I am planning a trip to Woodbury Common outlet shops where DVF has an outlet. I am confident my first ever DVF dress will be found there at a somewhat reasonable price.

2. Smythe blazer - another piece still unchecked from the list. I have been keeping my eye on the Smythe options at Holt Renfrew but so far nothing has caught my eye. This is an ongoing pursuit.

3. Art from Celeste Brunel - Yea, this one I actually did! I bought 3 beautiful photographs from Celese that now hang proudly in my living room. I never knew art would add so much dimension to a living space. I love, love, love these photos and am so glad I chose the ones I did.
Her full catalogue of pictures is available through her website. Please have a look and support Canadian artists.


My living room with Celeste's photographs

4. Michael Kors - I was in love with Rose Gold watches and Michael Kors had some of the prettiest. Since writing the original post, I have given this some thought and will likely go with the Fossil brand over Michael Kors. Fossil is more affordable and just as nice. I have long been a fan of Fossil and am pretty sure I can get just as beautiful a watch. 

From Fossil.com: Stella Watch in Rose Gold $125 US
 
 
5. Toy Watch: This is one of the first things I did get once I had a job and income again. I was fortunate enough to be able to puchase this one wholesale plus shipping. I ended up going with a bit of a smaller style than I originally planned and its perfect for me. I get so many compliments on it. People really like the combination white and silver band which is one of the things I loved about it. I tend to wear this watch a lot in the summer obviously, but am surprised at how much I wear it in Fall and Winter. It really does go with anything.
 
 
 
6. Mirrors - After many many years in my condo with only the bathroom mirror to see what my outfits look like I finally invested in a full length mirror. This functional and decorative mirror is now on my bedroom wall. Thank you Ikea for this affordable find. Thanks to Dad for putting it up for me.
 
Ekne mirror $49 Ikea Canada
 
7. Running Shoes - I did buy a pair of good running shoes and started running. It took me awhile to get going. I am now up to 20 minutes on the treadmill. Running outside is a bit harder so working on getting that time up. I hope to do my first 5k run sometime next year.

8. Home Internet - Done! Got this shortly after starting work and I wonder how I did without it for so long. Even better news is because I have Rogers internet, I am able to watch my beloved Toronto Blue Jays play games again.
 
9. New Car - This one I just accomplished this year. A new or used car is a major purchase and requires a lot of research. I probably did more than the average person because I despise buying things I am not familiar with and cars falls into this category. I got some help from a friend on Twitter and was able to get a great deal on a used 2008 Honda CRV which I love! If you are looking for a new or used car I encourage you to do as much research as possibly and try to talk to people who have the car you want. Happy to still be in the Honda CRV family. I love my car more each day.
 
 
So happy I couldn't keep my eyes open
 
 
10. Charitable Donations - this one I have to get better at. I continue to volunteer my time at a position I've been at for 3 years. Financial contributions I haven't kept up with. Hopefully I can get moving on this one and have an update the status on this one soon.

Been A Busy Girl

Many apologies for ignoring my blog for so long. It wasn't my intention. I didn't have my usual inspiration and a major trip this summer forced me to curb my shopping habits early on so I could save some extra cash. Even though I may be a Shopaholic, I do my best to be financially responsible. A two week trip to Wales and England this summer was quite an expensive undertaking but one that was well worth it. The down side is it cost a lot of money so shopping habits had to be downsized and I forced myself to stay out of malls and shops for months! I could have still blogged during that time, goodness knows I have enough material saved up to keep going. Truth is I was just lazy. I promise that has changed and I will do my best to keep up with regular blog posts. I love getting comments, tweets and Facebook comments from the people who take the time to read my blog and I promise not to disappoint you.
Good news is my summer trip has provided me with a ton of material. I will work on doing a few posts about my shopping excursions in the UK. It was my first time there and I loved it. I can't think of too many other places where I've come home with four pairs of shoes in my carry on!
If you are a member of the Not A Shopaholic Facebook page then you have already seen some of the photos. I will post them here as well and tell you how I came across all these great finds.
As always thanks for reading!

Christina