It's Possible to Overspend Everywhere

Spent $33 total to get one Rx each for Dan, Figgy and me
 and another $33 because I had the car at the store and
Dan was about to take it to work all night in NYC.

Could have gotten PB cheaper at ShopRite but the rest of the grocery prices were OK. I also got 2 bags of Dr. Teal's Lavender Epsom Salts, a bathtime delight. Should not have gotten the Pringles, even if they were on sale. And the frozen Lean Cuisine chicken parm was a waste, not tasty, but I had a very small lunch before Dan and I took nice [soaring and free] walk at Garrett Mountain with Punch, her friend and Sug. I knew I wouldn't have the car when he left so I kind of panicked and scrambled to buy things, including the eggs.

$MSOOP

• Gas for car, $20.
• 3 family prescriptions at CVS, $33.
• Groceries and bath products at CVS, $33.16.
• The Capital One Bank in our town closed; steep bank fee to get cash at ATM, $3. 
• Punch & I home alone Saturday nite, no car, Marcel dinner delivery via DoorDash, $32.65 including tip.

TOTAL: $121.81

My City Sparks $pending

Pretty Little Liars?
Foil-wrapped chocolates that allude to the luxe life.
$20 for a box of 44 thin squares in a mix of dark, milk, mint. Bought for the family.
I think the dark ones are vegan, so Figgy can eat them.

Bus trip into NYC to see my friend/colleague--who left Good Housekeeping after 30 years--stimulated my spending. No surprise, I guess.

When I'm in NYC, or another sophisticated city or charming town, I like to buy things that speak of the place. New York City=The best of everything, and not just writers, magazines, publishing houses, plays, opera, dance, clothing, restaurants but also bagels, big triangles of melty pizza, brownies, babka, cookies, coffee, Brooklyn blackout cake. 

Dean & DeLuca has a location right across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and I like that, because a lot of the other stuff in the neighborhood is not uptown upscale. I love to peruse the offerings at D&D before boarding my bus back home.

Danger, danger.

$MSOOP

1. DeCamp bus fare in and out of NYC, $7.65 each way.  So $15.30.
2. Worked on magazine deadline in Starbucks at Port Authority after bus pulled in at 10:30. Got small decaf Americano and chocolate cake pop; $4.59.
3. Subway to meet friend at restaurant on 10th Avenue near 19th Street [walking from 14th street station], $2.75.
4. Lunch at bustling, stylish COOKSHOP with my colleague Sharon, a foodie and kitchen equipment pro. I decided to treat her, to honor her after 30 years on the job. We worked on staff together for 10+ of those. The bill was $74.04 plus $15 tip, so $89.04. I did waste $ on one thing and didn't realize until later, when I saw the check and did a double take. I was so busy trying to sidestep a PB chocolate dessert that sounded SO GOOD that I steered to the cheese plate, but the smallest size was $12. That was crazy, because the portion of Calderwood cheese from Vermont and paper-thin-sliced apple was modest indeed. I could have avoided that, had a cappuccino? The waitress said no fresh fruit for dessert. Sharon and I wanted to talk longer, so stretched out our meal w final course.
5. Dean & DeLuca, the box of individually wrapped chocolate squares, above, and one Amy's caramel fudge brownie, neatly wrapped in cellophane with perfect corners [don't ask, I know], $24.01 total.
6. Back home, I drove Punchy into town to meet a friend. She had spent her last $20 on hamster chew toys, so I gave her $5.50 spending money.
7. Figgy watched Punch tonight so Dan and I could go see "Mary Poppins Returns," which I loved and he liked but not as much as the original, which he described as "candy." I don't remember watching the full original and will soon. Anyway, Fig got some gnocchi and other groceries for dinner for her and Punch at Kings--$9.45. I'm not adding the price of movie tix [$12 each] and snacks because that came out of Dan's pocket at the theater. Figgy kindly saved us on babysitting money or that would have been another $13 per hour for three hours.

TOTAL: $150.64

Home Nursing a Big Cold

I loved it when Figgy fixed my blanket.

Money spent, zero.

Good nite.

Oopsy Daisy

I can see you--through the miles and over the airwaves--keeping me honest. I overspent today.

There's N., in the D.C. area, diligently reporting to work at her government job even with the shutdown/pay freeze. I spy Liz, who swore off buying new clothes and Kim, who meticulously reorganized her stuff, down to every necklace, and likes to shop her own closet. Don't forget Eileen, mother of three, who goes into Whole Foods solely for the good salmon, and will not take a cart, not even a basket, to avoid other temptations.

Can’t miss Sis, who is not an overspender or waster; Moey, who generally doesn't buy at full retail price; and Anne, who loves thrift shopping. My friend Bill, cub reporter/editor at The Daily Targum, who told me about the Mint spending tracker. And what about Mary Kate, who said I was doing well?

Or my cousin Lin? We share the same Italian immigrant grandma, Rosie, who worked hard in NYC doing piecework [artificial flowers for hats, etc.]  while mothering four boys, one who died in babyhood. I don’t think Rosie wasted money--or had much money to waste.

But in my defense: Did you know that my first staff magazine job was in a fashion department? I was indoctrinated at age 22 into the world of insider sample sales [where designers sell clothing at giveaway prices] and a locked fashion closet, similar to but smaller than the one in "The Devil Wears Prada." Did ya know that when I was at Good Housekeeping, my editor loved my accessory style and inquired about me moving from writer to fashion editor? And before that, another EIC wondered if I would be interested in being beauty editor?

Oh, hell, none of that pays the heating bill, does it?

I always check the coupon machine when I arrive at CVS to get Rxs. Today
I had $4 off Neutrogena Rainbath [I take a lot of baths] and $2.50 off
Colgate toothpaste.

Anyway, here goes. As forecasted, I received an electronic payment--for $960. Unlike someone I mentioned who might have been tempted to drink his paycheck, I did pay some key bills first.

• I was at the dentist this morning to get my crown [not gold tiara, sadly]. On my way out, I doubled down on our monthly payment plan agreement and paid $300 instead of $150.
• I paid off the total balance owed to my therapist, so I have a clean slate going forward: $320.
• Fees for using an ATM that was not my home bank: $1.25 and $3.
• Then, innocently enough, I was driving by Frederic Goodman, an anchor in our town--an establishment, a jewelry store that has been there for 40 years and is going out of business. The other day, I stepped in and Jeannie [sp] showed me a beautiful Swarovski crystal wraparound bracelet with 7 large genuine pearls spaced among the crystals. No clasp to open and close, and slow me down, making me less likely to wear it. It was marked down from $486 plus tax to $195 plus tax. It will also go nicely with the necklace your husband got you for Christmas, Jeannie said. I resisted. But the store only has a few days left and now the bright signs say, YOU SET THE PRICE. I walked in and asked Jeannie if the bracelet was still there. It was. She said How about $145? I said okay, and walked out wearing it. With tax, that was about $154. I feel like I'm disappointing you, friend, but not necessarily myself, in admitting that. I think I can see you shaking your head in dismay? Three thoughts/emotions were at play here when I handed over my debit card: 1. That I had made a big dent in family bills already and 2. That Frederic Goodman was closing, so this was a last chance and 3.,A  biggie, the idea that I deserve this treat and shouldn’t be deprived. See, the road to overeating and overspending starts with #3 for me. I lose sight of the bigger picture, my overall health and my family’s financial well-being. I also believe that fashion softens life and adds beauty and sparkle--so there’s that.
• Parking meter was 50 cents for 30 minutes.
• Next stop, Williams-Sonoma, but not for me. For a $25 gift card to mail to sweet newlyweds. [Dan and I were invited but could not attend reception.]
• Then, CVS, to get Punchy's melatonin. I spent $22.24, which included $4.99 plus tax for a Hallmark wedding card to go with the W-S gift card I will mail.
• Then I went back to Chelsea Square and got another tube of that Kiehl's Butterstick SPF Lip Treatment in Touch of Berry because I really love it and decided the color is just right. Price with tax, $20.79.
• Jackie's Grillette for my lunch and a coffee for Figgy. $15.99 plus $3 tip.  $18.99
• Joyist, where I have come to work until 4:15, for a handcrafted cappuccino [delicious custom Java Love bean blend, $6] and 2 small cacao PB cups, $4.; so $10 total.

$MSOOP

So, if we take away the family bills [therapy and dentist], and the $4.25 in ATM fees, we are left with $252.13. What? Wow. That is a lot.

Postscript
It's 3:42 p.m. and I've had a very difficult time settling down and getting my work done. Does overspending, like overcaffeinating, bring on this jingly-jangly feeling? Is it the cappuccino? Or the carbs at lunch at Jackie's? Or the overstimulation of spending too much $? Also, it does take time to write these posts....adding up every cent....I did walk the 20 minutes into town with Figgy in the brisk sunshine, but did not sleep well last night. Could use a nap right about now.

The spending continues and I feel every dollar. Punch has weekly therapy but this week is talking alone, not with me. So I'm working in Java Love, right near therapist's office and Punch will walk down and meet me. I had to buy something, so got Figgy a wrapped vegan raw bar for $4 plus 31 cents in tip jar.

Revised total. $256.44.

Tuesday Tracking

$MSOOP

• At 6 p.m., $14.93 at Marcel, Middle Eastern spot in town with nice space for laptops [except when they are banned, from 11 to 2:30 maybe?], plus $1.07 for tip jar. This was for Mama's Chicken Stew over basmati rice with side green salad and a fresh mint tea. My sitter/friend is home with Punch and a playmate, and I needed some space to think and organize my work thoughts. I DID NOT hear when the counterperson said at about 7 p.m. that the pastries are now buy one/get one free, since the place closes 7:30 tonight. Did not partake. I'm noticing how this money issue and this overeating issue go hand in hand. Don't want to spend extra money, so less tempting to get two pastries for the price of one. Punchy won't eat them--who am I kidding? And if she does, she will take days to nibble away.....I can't have them in the house. 
• Please note: I go to therapy on alternate Tuesday afternoons, and I am not listing the charge for that here, though it is money spent out of pocket. 
• Likewise, last night, we put down a deposit for Punch to attend a week of summer day camp in August at the Wellfleet Bay Audubon on Cape Cod! Figgy went for many years and loved it. So basically, I'm not putting family household or health bills here, just money spent out of pocket for purchases. I might list out of pocket co-pays at dr. offices, not sure.

Total: $16.

Taking Stock, Leaning in

Liz and Nan sent me this cookbook in winter 2018. I've looked at the recipes
with great interest and finally made one today: Buffalo Cauliflower.

The cauliflower is looking good. You dip the florets in a batter of flour and water--I used Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour, since I have a big sack--and then bread in crumbs drizzled with olive oil. Next, roast 10 minutes, flip cauliflower once, finish roasting. Add buffalo sauce, ranch dressing etc....this was in the New Year's holiday section.

Punchy made the batter but was so busy with her new pet, a Russian dwarf hamster, that she then bowed out of the kitchen. She has been gunning like crazy for another pet in addition to our Sugar. Fig's friend moved to Chicago and asked us to take on tiny Mochi, who had already been named after the little Japanese ice cream balls Punchy loves.

You and Dan have to stop arguing, Punch said this morning on the walk to the schoolbus. Loud noises will scare Mochi. He is nocturnal. Ok, Alice?

Yes, I said. Ok.

But...taking stock. As in, I asked Dan to get the ingredients when he went to ShopRite yesterday. I didn't have to steer out of a splurge. And instead of buying another new cooking magazine or cookbook, my weakness, I used this fabulous gift of recipes.

I spent zero $ today, because I only left the house to walk Punch to and from bus stop, take a quick walk and make many trips hauling recycling out to the curb. 

Yet, I have lost some armor. The fluffy frostings, butter cookies and glittery, newly acquired accessories have buffered me from pain, from feelings. Today I felt still and quiet, even melancholy.

If this is how life is without my style and sugar shields, I'm not sure I like it so much. I feel vulnerable. Hurt. Some things have come up.

I texted a friend/mentor.

It is scary and hard, I wrote.

You are brave and strong, came the reply.

Yes, I am. And putting some of my fashionable flair into making stylish, healthy meals is a step in the right direction.

Nan and Liz, thank you.

TCOY

1. Bath with lavender bubbles.
2. Applied makeup, felt good.
3. Vegs.

Sunday Dollars

Doing pretty well with my spending so far. Things will get challenging this week, when I have two big [for me] payments coming in. The money is earmarked to pay some bills, including therapist and monthly payment plan for staggering dental bill. We are taking a bite out of that one, though.

But if I had extra money today, I would have been tempted to get high-end Christmas stuff [50 to 75 percent off at Pink Bungalow], though I know I did not need that Santa cheese plate with the little silver knife. It was a jolly, retro image of the big guy, so nostalgic. I love Santa dishes. And then there was the new plant store next to Java Love on Bellevue Avenue, where the weathered clay pots with that moss-covered look were so pretty. Our friend, his boys, Punch and I meandered in and out of four shops in town.

I do not need another designer pot for houseplants; I have acquired beautiful ones already from a store in Maine and Howell in Montclair.

Just had a very clear thought: I don't have a big house with a potting shed, like Martha Stewart might. I'm carrying around extra weight that I want to drop. Yet I still reach for household and fashion items as if I have a spacious house with ample shelves for flowering African violets, and a body that is slim and ready to style. So if my house is my body and my body is my house, it might be nice for me to get both in order a bit more before bringing in more stuff to adorn them.

MONEY SPENT OUT OF POCKET [$MSOOP]: $25.45

• After Mass, Punch and I walked to the bagel shop with some friends we know from church, a sweet Dad and his sweet little boys, one in preschool and one almost 2 years old. They treated Punch to a bagel once in the past, so I wanted to treat today. The total bill was $19.45 plus $1 for tip jar. This was for a rainbow bagel; a cinnamon-raisin bagel; an egg bagel w cream cheese; an iced coffee; a small boxed Horizon chocolate milk; and my reuben on rye. [I was trying to avoid too many carbs in bagel.]
• Punch wanted some green matcha tea iced drink from Starbucks. I let her walk over alone from the bagel place, and she got a venti. $4.96 and four pennies in the tip box.
• I went to yoga but am not paying class by class, so won't list here. I got an introductory special at Juniper Yoga, one month unlimited for $39.

TCOY

1. Sang some hymns at Mass.
2. Short walk with Sug around grassy island.
3. Bath with lavender bubbles.

I didn't put money in the basket at church, and should have. Good night to you.