Currently 12.18.17

Reading
Modern Romance - Aziz Ansari
I thought this book was really funny and a perfect look at how dating and romance has changed over the past few decades. I’ll be watching his series Master of None on Netflix soon.
That was the only book I finished in the past month!

Writing
Not much ! It’s that time of year... busy busy.

Clicking
Social media. Surprisingly, not much on-line shopping. I did most of my Christmas shopping in actual stores this year, mostly on Black Friday. I’ve been watching a bunch of Vlogmas on YouTube. It’s hard to keep up with watching daily vlogs though.

Watching
The Night Before - Netflix. A funny adult content Christmas movie.
Love Actually - Netflix. Does anyone else always cry at the “ to me, you are perfect” scene?? What is wrong with me?
Orange is the New Black - Netflix. I’m halfway through the most recent season. It’s not nearly as good as it used to be...
Modern Family - I had a bunch of episodes backed up on the DVR. Such a funny show! It never gets old.
I’m looking forward to a new wave of shows in January, which I will watch from under a blanket in my warm basement. With wine.

I'm borrowing her for January binge TV snuggles. 

Eating
We had so much Chinese food left over from the work party last week. I’ve also been eating the usual  pre-Christmas baked goods and treats that are hanging around work and home, but I’m trying hard to be reasonable. We haven’t been out to a restaurant in a while actually. We tried Hello Fresh last week for the first time. I quite enjoyed it! We'll definitely try it again, maybe after our vacation - it's lovely not to have to plan a meal.

Hello Fresh

Seeing
I’m writing this on my lunch break at Starbucks. Have they mopped the floor yet today? Salt everywhere.

Smelling
Starbucks. Mostly the Christmas Tree frapp in front of me. Yum.

Hearing
Conversations around me. Lots of retired men go to Starbucks in the early afternoon.

Wearing
Zara bell sleeve top, Topshop black pants, black ankle boots. It's cold today!

Feeling
Restless. Wishing I was on vacation. I find the week before Christmas is always hard to stay focused. I’m also feeling quite satisfied with myself because I’ve been keeping on my workout schedule almost perfectly throughout December, which is unusual for me. Could be the pressure of a beach vacation in January - LOL.

Anticipating
Christmas! Punta Cana! My oldest friend arriving home from China for the holidays! Not one but TWO of my closest friends in the world moving closer to me next year!

Merry Christmas everyone!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Deck the Malls

When the mall's Christmas decor is this nice, you can't help but want a photo. If you haven't checked out Halifax Shopping Centre's displays yet, you need to! Don't forget to see the reindeer outside of the food court and the giant tree in front of Zara.

Details

Sweater: Wilfred Free at Aritzia

Jeans: Harlow

Boots: Old Navy

Bag: H&M

Bag Pom: Topshop

Hat: Gifted

The key to mall shopping in December is to GO EARLY. We were there today at 10:30 and it was no more busy than any regular Sunday.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

November 2017 Purchases

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $500. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

November can sometimes be a big spending month due to Black Friday sales. This year, I was much more focused on getting Christmas shopping done than shopping for myself. I felt the need to upgrade my casual holiday party attire though, as you can see by my selections.

Sweater: Zara
Reg $36, on sale for $25 (Black Friday 30% off)
This makes me look vaguely like a Muppet but I’m okay with that. I’m big on texture lately.

Sweater: Zara

Reg $20
I retired my other pink sweater after a few seasons. This is actually from Zara’s kid section - size 13/14 usually fits me in sweaters. It’s very soft and cozy.

Top: Banana Republic (no longer available on-line)
Reg: $74, on sale for $17
I couldn’t step away from this for the price. It will be great for the holidays either on its own (provided I’m ambitious enough to sunless tan myself) or under a blazer.

Earrings: H&M
Reg $7, on sale for $3
One of those purchases you need to make to get your total over $30 to use a Conscious coupon!
They’re cute though!

Sweater: H&M
Reg $30, on sale for $10 (on for $15 plus used $5 Conscious coupon)
I have a sparkle sweater in a similar color already but I’ve worn it for a few holiday seasons in a row and I wanted something different. The full sleeves on this is what sold it for me.

Top: Gap
Reg $40, on sale for $20
Again, another holiday staple - the basic black velvet top. I retired my other one, which was long sleeved.

Original value of items: $207
Price I paid: $95
I saved 54%

I’m left with  nice chunk of budget ($213) to get me through December and Boxing Day. I’m hoping to find a black spring/fall jacket on sale and will likely place a sizable Zara order on Boxing Day as per usual. I don't think I have anything to buy for our tropical vacation next month... I stocked up on sundresses and stuff at the end of summer.

Did you find any goodies on Black Friday?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl