@Midwest67 What does IT Cosmetics sell? IT stuff or cosmetics stuff… or both? Never heard of it.
IT Cosmetics sells make-up.
There was a thread, last year?, year before? where posters were invited to share their favorite make-up products. Based on that thread, I bought a trial size of IT CC Cream, and I’ve been using it ever since.
I’ve added in some of their other products too. A brush for the CC Cream. Brush cleaner. And they make a redness concealer that I use daily.
I don’t like trying a lot of new make-up products, and once I find something I like, I tend to stick with it. That was a great thread, by the way. I learned so much!
IT cosmetics makes the best brushes. And they have a makeup remover that is really good.
I haven’t been perfect, but I feel OK so far this year. I am thinking about retirement, so I don’t buy nearly as many work clothes as I used to. One son is very minimalistic, so he won’t take things even if I buy them. Other son is graduating and will be pretty much self sufficient immediately, so kid spending will become less (until it becomes more - weddings, help with grandkids, whatever, but that will be strictly by choice and not obligation).
We are taking a family trip this month, and it will wind up costing quite a bit. I am happy to be paying for experiences and not things (especially “junk” that’s really not needed).
My ridiculous costing “splurge” this/last month was to get a bike rack which required a tow hitch to be put on my car. It was way more expensive than I thought it would be, but over 8-10 years that I plan on keeping the car, it’s not so bad. I’m hoping I will ride often, so it’s a plus for that also.
Yes, we were gifted a rowing machine by our kids for Christmas but we tore up their check and opted to pay for it ourselves. At least we ARE using it and that’s both of us, so it feels like a worthwhile purchase for our health. We now have NO excuse not to exercise regularly.
The drapes are something we have been meaning to replace but never got around to it until now. We have certainly gotten our money’s worth on them and they really can’t be mended further. It is conscious spending.
Well…Jan, Feb, March, and April are no problem for me due to working 80 hr weeks. May isn’t going to well 
I’m not a spender, at all. I hate to shop…except at home improvement stores.
My rapid move and massive January downsize means all my outdoor equipment and garden/flower tools, chemicals, and necessary items are in one of four storage barns, all on different properties. After the never ending winter, it’s 80 and sunny today.
Yes, this means I spent $200 on hoses, sprayers, flower fertilizer, rose spray, etc. The other stuff will all show up eventually…then I’ll have multiples again. So much for downsizing! I’m going to look at it as a mental health investment and neighborhood beautification project
We were traveling almost all of April and are remodeling the house. So much spending. At this point, while my “mindless” spending is at a minimum, it doesn’t really matter because I don’t even think I’d feel (notice) it if I spent on something mindless because it would just be a blip. We’ll finish some time in June. And then I’ll be happy to spend next to nothing I hope. These were planned expenses but it still feels somewhat shocking.
So far, a good start to May. Bought a couple of tops for myself from Real Real - 40 bucks apiece is a great deal, about 80% off. Today was, unfortunately, an epic fail… spent $500 at Costco. Walked out with supplies for pantry for another year and some things to put into the wine cellar. And a lovely pot with flowers for baby kiddo. She was looking for things to beautify the patio at her pad,
I have found not going to the mall, and TRYING to ignore the many sale emails I get daily, has helped me save money lately. I am thinking I need to freshen up my summer clothes, but if I wait a few more weeks, I suspect I can get better prices.
I think I made it almost 2 months without going to the mall, and I haven’t ordered much online either. I do admit to going into a couple of shops close to wear I get my hair cut, but I didn’t buy much if anything. Yesterday I went to the mall and did some “power shopping,” but I stayed focused on what I went for. I do need to refresh my clothes a little soon.
Hello all! Remember our fun adventure with @deb922 in February trying to spend less? Between this thread and a couple of podcasts I listened to I was inspired to read Cait Flanders book The Year of Less.
I would really encourage anyone who has stopped and thought about how much mindless or excess spending they do to consider reading it. It’s an interesting story - and I can’t say I thought all through the book that she was amazing in her way of handling things (remember, real life can stink…) - and she has her share of downers. But in the end it was really quite thought provoking.
Talk about reducing bags of stuff we don’t need and spending freezes - this is a good quick read! (got my copy at the library - SAVING $$) - and, I think I’m taking back a rug I purchased - I had a lot of adrenaline for it when I was in the store - at home, not so much!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Year-Less-Shopping-Belongings-Discovered/dp/1401954871
(but go to the library to get it!!) 
Any updates on spending? I started a new job and peopled ress a little nicer than at old job, so I got a few new things. I also spent a fair amount at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I have been better about mindless spending this year, and I have tried not to buy things just because they were on sale.
I’m always terrible at spending with the change of seasons close by. I’ve bought two pair of awesome skinny jeans and leopard printed I.N.C. Pumps. Looking for some black booties. I don’t feel guilty. I’ve also done better not buying things just because they are on sale. I bought this and love it…wear it all the time, it looks so real.
I wear it half up, half down most of the time. It looks quite real.
I haven’t bought any clothes, other than 2 new bras and a pair of jeans during Nordstrom Anniversary sale, in the last 4 months. It has started to sink in that if I plan to retire in 2-2.5 years, I don’t need to keep investing in professional wardrobe.
Unfortunately, the car repair, plumber repairs, and upcoming cost of trimming massive birch tree next to house are keeping my checkbook from wearing a happy face.
For me, January and February seem to be my worst months. The weather is bad, I can’t work in my yard, etc. This summer I haven’t spent much on anything other than perennials and mulch. Even back to school shopping was a minor event - two pairs of shoes and two pairs of shorts for S. I’m trying to streamline things in the house, which also helps reduce impulse purchases. The next big wave of mindless/impulse spending precedes the holidays…
Well, the unplanned but necessary spending continues for me - had a new hot water tank put in this week. I have spent next to nothing on clothes or house stuf, but my husband got a us a new tv, sound bar, and blu ray player (all on sale.)
OH add on the $500 for new glasses for daughter (again something needed)
The new year is upon us, the holiday spending bills are arriving, time to revive this thread.
How about one for 2019…so we dont need to wade through pages and pages of old posts?
I’m fine with continuing this thread! When I am logged into CC, the thread automatically opens at the last unread post.