I love champagne, I love Louis Vuitton and all things Chanel. Above all things I love to travel and Europe is my favorite destination to hit. The last time I was in Europe was when I explored the UK which included England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland with my best friend & greatest travel companion Jenn. She appreciates the finer things in life too & after living together for years as roomies we fed off one another in our bad shopping habits. Thankfully I am no longer an influence on her, mostly because I realized I was living way beyond my means. However, I do find myself coveting her new Kate Spade bags (yes plural!).
The title photo and top picture were taken in London, England when we (me & Jenn were on our UK adventure) went for High Tea at the Hyatt. I still would recommend going for High Tea and partaking of fancy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and fresh berry jam. As when traveling it is important to take in the culture.
Look at the wee crème brûlées and tiny finger sandwiches. It was a decadent day indeed!
Jenn through the tray of goodies below:
And my pot of rosebud tea…
Throw in an afternoon of shopping at Harrod’s…
Yet, honestly, neither of us purchased much besides some souvenir stuff like a makeup bag with Harrod’s written on it with the Great Britain flag. However, I was living beyond my means. I probably shouldn’t have taken the trip to the UK and I definitely should not have purchased as many things as I did.
Shopaholics can always justify a purchase, and it is hard for me to say no to something unique which I know I will never see the likes of in Canada. Shopping is my achiles heal and it has been my solace for many years (and traveling to Europe).
Meeting my boyfriend has been the best thing for my “shopaholicism”. Here is a guy who does well for himself but he only purchases with cash. A balance of $200 on his credit card raises concern for him. Some of you may be reading this saying “oh come on, chill out!”, but really now. Credit cards are the devil.
How did I pay for my trip to the UK – thank you Visa. This wasn’t a trip either where I could pay it off the next month or I had a stash of funds tucked away to pay it down. It was a fairly high balance which stayed high for a long time while accruing interest and lining the pockets of Visa.
Welcome to my new reality. I am now on a strict budget and I am paying down a debt which I am very aware of daily. It prevents me from purchasing a car and it prevents me from saving for a home.
Now I drink beer…
Me & my Mom in Cuba last year (trip was a gift from my overly generous father).
I am trying to figure out ways to cut costs and live an enjoyable life while I pay down my debt and still be able to travel.
I am going on a shopping ban which will be realistic & hopefully doable. I have attempted in the past and have failed miserably. So, I am going to start with four months and see how that goes. I will post the allowables and non-permissible.
As things slow down at work and I am not so beat at the end of my day I will post more to be accountable.
What is your weakness for spending money? If you have suggestions on how to balance the budget without feeling resentful – please share your ideas with me.
Peace & love – Rachel
You Know Jacques! 