75. Lifestyle // Spending Ban Update

I have a confession to make... I have failed my spending ban spectacularly! I lasted three weeks. Three weeks without buying any clothes and make-up. Now, I think that's pretty good. Not great, but pretty good. 

So why did I give up, you ask? Well, I needed a vest for work. Just a simple black vest... £5 from Dorothy Perkins. But as soon as I'd bought it I wanted to buy more! I spotted a bag and asked Shane if I should get it, he obviously said 'no' so I left with just the t-shirt, but as soon as I got home I ordered the bag online! *faceplant*

And it was a downwards spiral from there! I've ordered a few new things that I actually needed. Well, maybe not desperately, but I certainly feel that they will 'improve my life' or something like that. Here's what I've been buying lately...

My beautiful new camera! I bought this Canon PowerShot SX500 IS in Argos on Friday as I was fed up with the shoddy quality of my blog photos! I can't wait to start using this camera to get some great, professional looking shots.

I bought this Sleek contouring palette after some recommendations for a few beauty bloggers on Twitter. I used it for the first time yesterday and I love it, I'll be posting a review of it within the next couple of weeks!

Here are a few other bits and pieces that I've picked up over the last week. At the back of the photo you can see the gorgeous burgundy handbag that I spotted in Dorothy Perkins! In front are my new Nicky Clarke straighteners and Babyliss travel hairdryer which will both come in very handy when I'm at Shane's. I also bought up a few little necessities from Superdrug and, as I'm trying to eat healthier, I bought this funky packed lunch box from Amazon which has loads of little compartments inside for me to keep all my healthy snacks.

What have you been buying recently?

What's on your wishlist?

Lots of Love,

Becci xo

67. Lifestyle // Spending Ban Update

I am now 18 days into my Spending Ban, can you believe it?! It's been tough - really tough - and there have been moments of weakness, temptation and a few slip-ups along the way. But overall, I'm pretty happy with how I've done.

 

First of all, here are my 'rules' on what I can and can't spend money on...

Source
 

What am I allowed to spend money on?

~ Bills

~ Travel

~ Cigarettes (within reason)

~ Socialising

~ Gym

~ Basic toiletries, e.g. deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, razors

~ Make-up/clothes when I've ran out, e.g. foundation, tights

~ Ingredients for baking/cooking

What am I not allowed to spend money on?

~ Clothes

~ Make-up / beauty products

~ Magazines

~ Unnecessary snacks / takeaways

~ Books and DVDs

So, what have I bought? Well, the day after I started the Spending Ban I set off to work in a dress, a cardigan and some pumps... within minutes there was torrential rain! I had to run into Marks and Spencer's and pick up an umbrella which left me £8.50 worse off... Now, I've been contemplating whether this is a cheat or not?! I mean; an umbrella isn't clothes, but is it an accessory  It was raining so I did need to keep dry, but could I have just held my bag over my head and saved some money? Oh, who knows! Either way: I bought something.

A few days later, I also bought two magazines and LOADS of snacks! Dammit  Snacks is something that I've found it impossible to resist... Although I have spent a lot less than I usually would, I've still probably spent about £15 each week on lunches, treats for the night time, bottles of pop, etc... so not great! But - as I always say - I'll do better next week ;-)

In terms of clothes and make-up, I've not bought a thing. Honestly. Not a single thing! No knickers, no foundation, no tops, not even any tights?! (Oops, I did buy some dry shampoo actually... but it was only 60p!) I am, however, running incredibly low on primer and so a sneaky purchase will need to be made within the coming weeks, although I did state in my rules that I can buy something when it runs out and I really do need it.

I've really enjoyed the Spending Ban so far; I've spent an awful lot less money than I normally would have done and I've realised that I really don't need to buy a new lip-gloss or nail polish or top every time I pop down the street. I've got enough clothes and - on the whole - enough make-up to keep me going for a while, so I honestly think that I can make it until October! 

Wish me luck!

Lots of Love,
Becci xo

55. Lifestyle // Bedroom Wishlist

Hello lovelies, I hope you're all having a good week so far. If not, have faith - it's almost the weekend! I've been having a really good week; I've been getting stuck in with work and I feel like I'm really finding my feet. It's keeping me busy though and tiring me out, which explains the lack of recent updates. I really do apologies for being so rubbish with blogging for the last month or so, but whenever I get the chance, I do try to write. 

Tonight's post is a wishlist. I love wishlists. Mainly because I love shopping! This time my wishlist is a bedroom wishlist. Anybody who follows my ramblings on Twitter will be aware that I'm saving up to move out and a relaxing, sensual bedroom is exactly what I'll need, so here's what I think would make my bedroom perfect...

Ever since seeing these gorgeous Our Story posters from PaperThemes on the lovely Ella's blog, I've been desperate to get one! At only £25 (plus the price of a frame) they really are a steal and they're so unique. I love the idea of having something completely personalised in my home and I think that it'd be a real talking point. I'm definitely going to be purchasing one as soon as we've secured a new home.

I spotted this mirror this evening on the Argos website and I love it. I've been looking for a statement mirror for quite a while as I'm hoping to get a dressing table when we move out, and I think this would look beautiful above it, especially with some fairy lights around it too! For only £59.99, I think it's a bargain as it'd last for year. 

Purple, to me, is the ideal colour for a bedroom. It's sensual, rich and luxurious. Exactly like this gorgeous duvet set! At £65, it's very expensive (but what do you expect from Debenhams?) but it just looks so beautiful and silky! It's a total indulgence but, considering the amount of time I spend in bed, it'd be a good investment.

This coconut and lime diffuser is ideal for me. Coconut is one of my absolute favourite scents, and mixed with the lime, I think there'd be a really nice Thai infusion. Although maybe that isn't a good idea as I'd constantly be craving Thai curry... At only £12.99, it's worth it! You can find it on the Yankee candle website.

So, those are my four wishlist items for my bedroom... Some cheeky little treats and then some big splurges! If money wasn't an object, I'd snap each and every one of these items up without a second thought but I suppose I'd better get saving...

Do you like any of these products?

What would your dream bedroom look like?

Lots of Love,

Becci xo

31. Fashion // High-Street Wishlist

Hey guys!

Today's post is a little different, for me at least, as it focuses on fashion! Having had a snoop around the shops in town today with a friend, I was inspired to make a little high-street wishlist. Everything on my wishlist is under £25 (!)

Apologies for the poor quality images - I just had to make this into a collage quickly using iPiccy.com as I'm not really up to date with photo editing and blog layouts yet!

1. Turqoise Chiffon Split Maxi Dress, £19.99, New Look

I've been looking for a maxi dress for ages and I've finally found one that I really love. The colour of this dress is beautiful, so fresh and summery, and the chiffon fabric is light and cool. A must-have, teamed with a denim jacket, for a meal out or a few drinks in a beer garden.

2. Blue Polka Dot Midi Skirt, £24, Dorothy Perkins

Having tried this skirt on in-store today, I have fallen in love with this 50's style skirt! I'm not a big fan of polka dots but this skirt is such a lovely shape & style that the print doesn't faze me! This could be worn with a plain vest and some strappy sandals for a laid-back summer look.

3. Cutwork Detailed Sunglasses, £7, F+F @ Tesco

There's nothing worse than having to walk around squinting or constantly having the mirror down when you're in the car, so sunglasses are a must-have for this time of year! I don't really suit glasses but rounder shaped ones are better for me and I love these retro-style sunglasses from Tesco, of all places!

4. Limited Gold Geo Cut Out Chain Necklace, £14.99, New Look

I'm a huge fan of the art deco period and this gorgeous necklace definitely has an air of 1920s glamour to me! It's a statement necklace so I'd team it with a low-cut dress to draw attention upwards. 

5. Graphica Shopper, £7, Dorothy Perkins

I love this quirky shopper bag; the print is gorgeous and it would go with most outfits. The price is also a major benefit as it's so cheap! Perfect for carrying around picnic food or towels for the beach, along with all your other summer-time essentials.

6. Black Tribal Print Stud Pocket Trousers, £16.99, New Look

I'm not really a trousers kind of girl, I tend to live in skirts, dresses and - occasionally - jeans, but I've been looking for some printed trousers for a while now and I stumbled across this striking pair on New Look's website. I love the print and think they'd look fab teamed with a white vest, sunglasses and some sandals, or dressed up with a black vest and heels for a night out!

7. Light Wash Denim Shirt, £20, Dorothy Perkins

I tried this casual shirt on in-store today and loved it immediately. It's a really flattering shape whether it's fastened or left open over a vest. I think it'd be great for days out in the sun as it's nice and casual, yet stylish, and very light-weight.

8. Gold Leaf Head Band, £2.99, New Look

Headbands are all the range right now and personally I'm loving the flowery garlands, however, I couldn't find one for a sensible price so I was over the moon when I spotted this dainty, golden head band online. It's beautiful with intricate details too, gorgeous.

9. Purple and Orange Double Dip Dye Vest, £9.99, New Look

I'm loving the dip-dye trend and the bright, summery colours in this vest make it absolute perfect! I think this colourful top would look brill with denim shorts or, on a colder day, a pair of jeans and a jacket! Ideal for any occasion.

What do you think of my wishlist?

Is there anything you own/want?

Lots of love,

Becci xox