We all know that saving money is chic, but where do we choose to spend and where do we choose to save? These are conscious decisions we all have to make.
Today's video is a collaboration with my dear friend, Kim, from Free to Family. You can watch her video here.
It's been all over the news lately... Americans are in debt and many cannot meet basic financial needs. It's clear that we need to become smarter savers and that saving money is chic. We also have to live and each of us (particularly women) have areas where we feel we need to spend vs. save. Every person has their own process and priorities. I share mine with you in today's video.
There are certain little luxuries that I uphold and many that I am willing to live without. I subscribe to Victoria Magazine still, for example, but have dropped all of my other subscriptions. I also subscribe to Audible and listen to my audiobooks that way. I know that I could also get them free from the library, which is an option that many people utilize.
Another little luxury I won't skimp on is natural deodorant. I could buy cheaper versions from the drugstore, but those are filled with aluminum. Over ten years ago I decided to only use high-quality natural deodorant. The one I repeatedly buy over and over is from Bend Soap Company (my favorite are the grapefruit and lavender) code DC10 gives 10% off.
I also buy high-quality skincare because I believe it will pay off in the long-run. I am currently using Paula's Choice. I also prefer high-quality natural or organic makeup over drugstore makeup. My favorite brands are Osmosis
from Amazon, A'DEL Natural cosmetics, and The Organic Skin Co. I also frequently buy from bareMinerals. Let's talk about where I save...
I do my manicures and pedicures at home, saving hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars each year. Salon manicures are very pricey and I have really perfected the art of the at-home manicure (look out for another French manicure tutorial coming very soon on the channel). My favorite nail polish brand is LONDONTOWN not only because they are 9-free, but also because they are the longest lasting at-home gel nail polishes I have ever used. I know many of you love them too. I always leave my code, JenniferS for 25% off because it is a tremendous discount.
I also do not have any expensive recurring beauty treatments. I don't dye my hair, for example, and I don't do extensions (hair or eyelash). Now here is a prime example about how saving might not look the same for each woman. I have many friends who get eyelash extensions (which can be pricey and time consuming) because they find it saves them time all month long and that they do not need to wear makeup. Those friends budget for this expensive because it is worth it to them. It is not something I'd be opposed to in the future, but right now it does not fit into my budget.
While I tend to buy higher quality "extras" in my ten-item wardrobe (coats, shoes, etc.), some of my core items are budget items. My fall/ winter ten-item wardrobe contained a Target dress and this floral dress (linking similar) was under $25 but I've worn it for over two years, for example.
As far as home decoration goes, I love to pick fresh flowers from the garden. When they are not in season, I do enjoy faux floral bouquets, which have really come a long way and look realistic. My two favorite places to get faux flowers are Nearly Natural and Horchow (I wait until the Horchow flowers go on sale).
What I'm wearing:
My blouse is from Loft
My pearl earrings and necklace are Ana Luisa NY code Jennifer10 for $10 off your order
I was under the weather when I shot this video earlier last week and I ended up getting the flu a few days later. It has been a rough week, but I am finally on the mend. I hope that you are all healthy and happy right now. Thank you for watching.
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Comment of the Week
Regarding this month's Chic Assignment, Melissa writes, "You are so right about that performance of Adagio. It just melts my stress. I literally play it now as my trigger to stop. I’m bad about going 24/7 and in the past I’ve taken afternoon tea but something about adding that music in takes it up a notch. I now really prioritize the 15 minutes I give myself and my kids in the afternoon. It’s made a big impact on our day. Intentionally slowing down and spending that time with my kids, good tea, good music and quietly talking to each other is 🥰🥰"
Dear Melissa, thank you for sharing your Chic Assignment observations with us. There is something about Adagio that melts the stress away.
I would love to know how you save and how you splurge. What do you do in your home? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.
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4 comments:
Thank you or this interesting topic. I had to think where I spend the majority of our money and I've come up with food and furniture.
Like you, we rarely eat out. I cook all meals at home but I always buy organic produce (local if I can) and locally raised grass fed meats, locally made sausages and local eggs, organic dairy and locally roasted coffee etc. It is significantly more expensive but it is something I really believe in and I truly believe there is no comparison in the quality and taste.
Our other splurge is furniture. We will buy high quality furniture that will last. Case in point, my brother and I bought houses the same year. In 15 years, he went through 3 inexpensive couches and we bought and still have our high quality couch. We recently moved and that 15 year old couch is now in the office and looks fabulous.
Hi. I enjoy your videos where you translate theory into practice :). One area in which I splurge is on health care. In this category I include health insurance with a deductible and copay structure that I can afford, regular screenings, and whole food. I save by not belonging to a gym and walking/hiking and doing YouTube exercise videos.
Hi Laura, furniture is a great one to spend on too. Cheap furniture always needs to be replaced. So true!
JourneyWoman, thank you! So true about health care... these are great ones!
Thank you for commenting.
Jennifer xx
Hi, Jennifer!
I very much enjoy these kinds of videos! It reminds me that I don't have to have all the luxuries that are offered in our materialistic world.
I stopped going to the salons for my manicures and pedicures. I've been doing them myself using the LondonTown polishes. They are fabulous! I'm transitioning to my natural hair color because the cost is ever increasing! Just last night, to have my hair highlighted was $80! I will have one more highlighting and be finished with the transition. NO more expensive hair-damaging treatments.
I do splurge on skincare. My skin is constantly changing now that I'm in my mid-40s. I go to a dermatologist for my products. She said that using devices will cause aging skin due to the lighting. So, I make sure to always apply sunscreen even if not wearing make-up just because of the light from my computer and phone screens.
I agree that once you buy a high-quality item, it will last and last. I purchased a high-quality winter coat almost 20 years ago. It is still going strong! I've had to replace a button, but that's it! The pockets are still in good shape! I DO NOT skimp on shoes! I did that one time and ended up with plantar fasciitis! Never again!
Taking care of our skin and feet are vitally important!
Thank you for the good reminder about being chic with our spending/saving!
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