2015 resolution - shopping from my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[vink]

Hello! I wanted to drop a line and let you know that I have been away from TPF and keeping myself otherwise occupied. Our family is making some adjustments in our life and that has kept me busy.

We are helping our kids with buying their first home. We have been looking and trying to decide what to get in a price range that works but still in a decent school district. Both kids are single and don't have plans to have kids in the near future (to my knowledge) but wanted them to understand how location plays a big factor. It's tough in our market as it's very expensive around where we live.

With this upcoming expense, I am going to try and go on a real ban. In order for me to stay true to that I have to limit my time on TFP and keep myself busy. I am going to try and keep active here but in a low key way. My problem is that I tend to wander into other threads and I get off track. Lol.

Since my last post, I did pick up a couple of things. I bought a Kate Spade rose gold planner that I love [emoji173]️. Then of course when I was there I saw a mini purse that was in the clearance section. I bought it. Think it's the mini romy but I really don't know anything about her bags. I was caught in the moment and still wonder if I should keep her. If I had been on my ban at the time I would have tried to resist more.

Recently I have not even carried a purse when going to work. Just throwing everything into a Henry Bendel freebie tote I got a few years ago. Otherwise I am still in my Julian during the weekends.

DC, Congrats on your new Julian mentioned a few posts up! I know you will enjoy her as I have. Glad to be twinsies with you!

I also want to wish everyone else well with shopping in your closets, finding new homes for your bags, buying new bags and resisting bags. I will pop in periodically but with year end sales going on, I will need to be extra strong to avoid temptation. I will be realistic and not ever say that I won't buy anything but it will be only very small items and even then I should be more strict with myself.

Hugs to all[emoji178]!

Quick pic of my rose gold planner and a cover page I crafted.
View attachment 3189680View attachment 3189681

I love your planner! It's beautiful! Girls gotta have some fun, right?

If you're not so sure about that small bag, return it. You have many beautiful pieces in your collection. There's no need to waste that money with the misc piece. You can later get a better one when you know that it's the right time and the piece is just right.

There were times when I'm off TPF completely and times that I visit a very specific section on the forum. I normally access here via the app now so, I just simply scan through the unread section where they show everything then I come here. That's all. I subscribe on some thread that I interested in and sometimes I only check on them. That's all.

Be strong and I hope you get to your goal!

 

[vink]

On the house front, I've been contemplating on selling a majority of my collection to fund my house down payment. It's like my last resort, if my overtime hours isn't enough to boost the fund. I'm looking at whatever I can sell at this point, to help fund that down payment before I resort to selling my bags.

I'm even thinking that I won't buy a bag in London, so I won't spend too much money.

Have you found the exact house that you want? Or is this the planning stage? I mean it's important to know how much you'll need and to have that much on hand, but don't stress yourself out. It's really worth it, but stressing won't do you any good. It'll simply ruin the other part of life. If you're not in a hurry, don't rush it just so you have that money on hand. Otherwise, go with your gut feeling. Good luck.

 

[vink]

Thanks vink! I think I'll re-apply after the holidays. We've been busy at home since I resigned. DH will be home by January. He can take care of the kids so I think I'll have more time to apply and sort what kind of job fits me well.



True, the wallet has really nice organization. Rafe bag is resting now. But I still like it to stay in my collection for now



I'm loving Starbucks Christmas Panetonne hot beverage right now. Our mornings are cooler now and when I've got time, I go to the nearest branch after dropping DS to school. They open at 8am







Haha! Sofia the First is also one of DD's favorites on Disney Jr. And we've watched episodes over cable TV over and over again. I can't even clear my head with the show's song. I even sing it involuntarily, lol!



I'm sorry but I have forgotten what the wide horn looks like but it sounds like a pretty great bag for being lightweight, spacious and tough. Everyone needs that kind of bag IMO

I wish I have one close by especially when they have Peppermint mocha to offer. It's my special treat of the year. I normally don't drink coffee, but this is my exception. (With mocha java chip once in a blue moon.) Normally, I'm a tea or ice cream person.

I can sing the song from Sofia the first, too! I think it's a fun show. I think maybe it's an excuse on my part to watch cartoon.

My wide horn look just like a speedy B and it's made of coated canvas, too. I'm glad you're loving your LS. I love every mine, too.

It should be winter here (or the least-hot season), but it still rain everyday and the sun's still very strong. I guess it'll come late this year.

 

[vink]

I decided to start selling in small spurts. DBF was warning me not to sell my LV, H, and Chanel because I would waste more money rebuying them later.

So I'm selling other things that are not my highest end bags, and I will limit myself to only one bag in London.

Really trying to be focused on shopping my closet until then, and to really limit my spending.

I may choose to sell a couple LVs, but I'll wait until I really can part with them. I couldn't put any of them in a sell pile. [emoji29] it's too hard.

If you're not so sure on selling them, I'd say you should keep it for a while or just don't sell. More often than not, the cost of replacing that item is more expensive than keeping it. If you're not in a rush, don't rush. Don't forget to save some lower key piece, too. You can't carry LV, H, or CC everywhere.

Good luck!

 

[vink]

Not weird at all because I can relate . I do this especially with our old car. It's still with us even after we bought a new one last July. Whenever I drive the old one, I don't compare it with the new one, (well, not aloud, haha!) And when we get through tough alleyways easily and overtake a really long line of cars in the highway (well, I have some Fast and the Furious moments, you know), I pat it and tell him "Good boy!".. Now, who's weirder? LOL!!!





If I'll be bringing a small bag, these will be my essentials (and hope I can just carry these even with a big bag):



- medium-sized wallet

- cellphone & small battery pack

- small foldable Japanese fan (I feel hot and sweat easily (eek!) almost all the time; our climate isn't really helping)

- compact powder, lip gloss & lipstick

- mints (to bust sleepiness)

- small wet wipes

- mini alcohol bottle

- Advil

- small comb

- ballpen (I never leave the house without one)





Sounds like me. I also want to be prepared for anything. Last Friday, I downsized and was contemplating if I need to bring my mesh pouch carrying first aid items. I thought well, we'll just be doing groceries, what bad thing could happen to me? And then right after alighting our car, I stepped back and didn't notice DD was already behind me and to avoid falling on top of my 3-year old and literally crushing her, I got out of balance and fell on one knee! Ouch!!! Where are my antiseptic and band aids when I need them?!?! :cry:

No way! No, you're not weird! I did that, too! DH often laugh, but then I give him my stink eyes. I even name my car. I don't name my bag though.

I carry about the same stuff that you carry. I'm looking at my bag tonight and decide that I need to do something to get it all under control. Arg! I have to cut down my load.

I always carry a tune of bug balm for DD, but the days she got bitten are always one of those days I decided not to carry it. I guess Murphy's law is true.

 

[vink]

About funding your home, take baby steps on selling your stuff. I'm sure both you and your DBF are working really hard to buy your new home. When you have your priorities in mind, it will remind you to be more careful with your purchases. Either you truly make a sweet sacrifice of not buying at all or if you can't totally ban yourself, at least you can limit what you'll buy. Then just put the money you make in your sales straight to your home fund.



As you save, picture the house you'll be buying just like a jigsaw puzzle slowly getting complete as you put more money towards your home fund Do you have a time frame for saving for your new home's downpayment? Or a target date to buy the house?

Bake-When I wanted to move years ago my Dh said we could not afford it. Then what I did is found a picture of a house I liked and put it in the front of my planner where I would see it everyday. Then I made a list of all the obstacles we would need to find solutions for if we were to make such a big move. For us it was not only money, but schools, the need of a second car because we would be moving to the county with no mass transit and other things. By having that house picture where I constantly saw it really helped me focus and not only was I able to save I figured out all the other obstacles as well.

I'd second you both.

 

[LVintage_LVoe]

I wish I have one close by especially when they have Peppermint mocha to offer. It's my special treat of the year. I normally don't drink coffee, but this is my exception. (With mocha java chip once in a blue moon.) Normally, I'm a tea or ice cream person.

I can sing the song from Sofia the first, too! I think it's a fun show. I think maybe it's an excuse on my part to watch cartoon.

My wide horn look just like a speedy B and it's made of coated canvas, too. I'm glad you're loving your LS. I love every mine, too.

It should be winter here (or the least-hot season), but it still rain everyday and the sun's still very strong. I guess it'll come late this year.

Is the wide horn your Bally? I love that bag of yours!

Btw, I forgot to mention that today, I started going to the gym again A new one just opened which is only 15 minutes drive or ride by jeepney (a popular mode of public transportation here) from my home. I have a friend who goes there so I tried their group training (circuit training) and it felt good. I love being back in the gym! I have to commit and also have to eat healthier. I've loaded myself with lots of soda and sweets lately (blame it on our friends, relatives and even neighbors coming back from abroad; they always give me chocolates for "pasalubong", haha! I forgot to take a picture of my gym bag. It's just a simple cloth tote that has the words Las Vegas in front. I'll take a pic of it when I go back there this Thursday, like "your bag in action" pic. I think I'm back on track with my weight loss goal. I may not lose a lot til year-end but I'd like to be more active in my life now. This will be one of my resolutions for 2016. And who knows, I might buy my dream Balenciaga Town as my reward afterall

 

[vink]

I'm not sure about the colorblock for the flap. The leather for it starts inside, I think it is a bit weird to have one side in one color and the other in another albeit inside the bag, IMO. But you can ask Marco about it when the time is right for you.



My neck and shoulders don't agree with heavy loads too, that's why I'm really trying not to bring the kitchen sink in my bag.





I agree with your DBF for you not to sell some of your classic pieces, you will likely want to have them again in the future, and they will be even more expensive to have then. I mentioned some time ago this year that I also have an expense regarding some real property. I am trying to manage that currently (one of the motivating factors for bag downsizing) but at the same time I cannot totally ban myself from bags because if I do I would have some feeling of depravity, which could be totally not healthy too for me. I wanted a YSL Moujik before, but I couldn't bring myself to buy in that price range because of this other expenditure. So I buy something much cheaper, some pre-loved (I'm not saying you go that route though). But, since my bag inventory exercise in September plus my October purchases, I really think there is not a style I still need so my resolve is getting stronger, but I'm not yet there, I know. In fact next year, I know I will get at least one bag (Massaccesi).



So for me, you have to strike a balance. You said you are doing a lot of overtime. So maybe you can reward yourself from time to time, something smaller maybe. But the focus on the house should not go away.





Yes, a family gathering, but only our immediate family and the family of a first cousin. Not a very very big group. But do you know that the eldest niece in our family already has a child and another niece is gonna give birth soon (2 sisters of mine married in their early 20s and had kids early). So I am already a "lola" really. .

Caressing bags when they're in distress always wins you an extra point.

I need to find more info about this. I'm still on my drawing board and my imagination still runs wild. I find it's so hard to decide when I know I can have a bag cater to my whim. It's so easy to just pick bags when they're offered to you as is. I just decided today that it'd be a Midi Minerva. All the photo look so good I start to want 2 bags, one in pebble and another in merino. Not a good sign since I think my quota for next year should still be 2 bags and only 1 wallet.

Some of my nieces are a couple years younger than I do and already have kids, too. My dad got married late and my bros and I are the youngest in our "class".

 

[LVintage_LVoe]

No way! No, you're not weird! I did that, too! DH often laugh, but then I give him my stink eyes. I even name my car. I don't name my bag though.

I carry about the same stuff that you carry. I'm looking at my bag tonight and decide that I need to do something to get it all under control. Arg! I have to cut down my load.

I always carry a tune of bug balm for DD, but the days she got bitten are always one of those days I decided not to carry it. I guess Murphy's law is true.

Haha! Me too! The old one is Lightning and the new one is Mobi. But I'm afraid I get too attached to these cars by naming them. There were prospective buyers for Lightning (a sedan) and when they checked the car out, I was wishing that it's not the car they're looking for Lightning and I, we've been through a lot, both good and tough times, and I find it hard to let it go, yet. But I know eventually it has to be re-homed. It's been taking space in our garden. My kids can't play properly in our yard.

 

[LVintage_LVoe]

Yes, a family gathering, but only our immediate family and the family of a first cousin. Not a very very big group. But do you know that the eldest niece in our family already has a child and another niece is gonna give birth soon (2 sisters of mine married in their early 20s and had kids early). So I am already a "lola" really.

Wow, congrats on the new additions to your family. Babies are such wonderful blessings! So, you're already a "lola" (grandmother) and a very young one at that. I bet you'll spoil your grand kids rotten, lol! Are they all girls? If they are, I picture them storming your bag closet when they're older, haha!

I have also sorting out my bags and have some listed on EBay. My experience during last years has been that this time of the year is the best time to sell. Let's see if this is still true. Good luck to other sellers!

I hope we all make good sales before Christmas!

 

[vink]

Is the wide horn your Bally? I love that bag of yours!



Btw, I forgot to mention that today, I started going to the gym again A new one just opened which is only 15 minutes drive or ride by jeepney (a popular mode of public transportation here) from my home. I have a friend who goes there so I tried their group training (circuit training) and it felt good. I love being back in the gym! I have to commit and also have to eat healthier. I've loaded myself with lots of soda and sweets lately (blame it on our friends, relatives and even neighbors coming back from abroad; they always give me chocolates for "pasalubong", haha! I forgot to take a picture of my gym bag. It's just a simple cloth tote that has the words Las Vegas in front. I'll take a pic of it when I go back there this Thursday, like "your bag in action" pic. I think I'm back on track with my weight loss goal. I may not lose a lot til year-end but I'd like to be more active in my life now. This will be one of my resolutions for 2016. And who knows, I might buy my dream Balenciaga Town as my reward afterall

Haha! Me too! The old one is Lightning and the new one is Mobi. But I'm afraid I get too attached to these cars by naming them. There were prospective buyers for Lightning (a sedan) and when they checked the car out, I was wishing that it's not the car they're looking for Lightning and I, we've been through a lot, both good and tough times, and I find it hard to let it go, yet. But I know eventually it has to be re-homed. It's been taking space in our garden. My kids can't play properly in our yard.

My car's name is Silver. Just like his color. I hope your Lightning goes to a good home. It's hard to part with my older car, too. Her name is Speedy. But after a while, you'll feel better. And a good memory stays while your kids can play in the garden.

And yes. My wide horn is a Bally. I really start to understand why people love coated canvas. This is my first one ever!

I really should get into exercise routine. Just hearing about your plan get me to think about my life style lately, too. I tend to eat and shop a lot when I'm stress out and since I don't really shop now, I eat. [emoji28] I'm sure you'll get your Town soon. Stick to your plan and be determined! You can do it! Hooray!

 

[vink]

Bakeacookie, I agree with others. Keep your favorite pieces, you will miss these and might want to buy again.



I have also sorting out my bags and have some listed on EBay. My experience during last years has been that this time of the year is the best time to sell. Let's see if this is still true. Good luck to other sellers!

I always read about how much fun and such a deal people can score on eBay during this time of the year. I wish the market in my area now is as good. Good luck to everyone!

 

[bakeacookie]

Oh I see.. now I don't stand a chance of owning one.. but it's ok.. there will come a time


That's exciting and at the same time nerve-racking! Who knows what you're going to get?! Good thing you liked what was sent to you

About funding your home, take baby steps on selling your stuff. I'm sure both you and your DBF are working really hard to buy your new home. When you have your priorities in mind, it will remind you to be more careful with your purchases. Either you truly make a sweet sacrifice of not buying at all or if you can't totally ban yourself, at least you can limit what you'll buy. Then just put the money you make in your sales straight to your home fund.

As you save, picture the house you'll be buying just like a jigsaw puzzle slowly getting complete as you put more money towards your home fund Do you have a time frame for saving for your new home's downpayment? Or a target date to buy the house?

Thank you for the motivation. We have a time frame on which we will buy a house, ideally in two years. I'll definitely take baby steps. I think if I sold it all now, I'd end up going on a shopping spree for some reason.

And it is nerve wracking, as petit h is far from cheap for a gamble. It's also a pain to return, as we can't return in store, you have to mail it in.

Bake-When I wanted to move years ago my Dh said we could not afford it. Then what I did is found a picture of a house I liked and put it in the front of my planner where I would see it everyday. Then I made a list of all the obstacles we would need to find solutions for if we were to make such a big move. For us it was not only money, but schools, the need of a second car because we would be moving to the county with no mass transit and other things. By having that house picture where I constantly saw it really helped me focus and not only was I able to save I figured out all the other obstacles as well.

I think I'll just draw a house so I'm not particularly attached to one, as there are ones I've liked that sold the next day online.

But I do like the lists. List of obstacles, house wishlist, list of solutions to obstacles.

My neck and shoulders don't agree with heavy loads too, that's why I'm really trying not to bring the kitchen sink in my bag.


I agree with your DBF for you not to sell some of your classic pieces, you will likely want to have them again in the future, and they will be even more expensive to have then. I mentioned some time ago this year that I also have an expense regarding some real property. I am trying to manage that currently (one of the motivating factors for bag downsizing) but at the same time I cannot totally ban myself from bags because if I do I would have some feeling of depravity, which could be totally not healthy too for me. I wanted a YSL Moujik before, but I couldn't bring myself to buy in that price range because of this other expenditure. So I buy something much cheaper, some pre-loved (I'm not saying you go that route though). But, since my bag inventory exercise in September plus my October purchases, I really think there is not a style I still need so my resolve is getting stronger, but I'm not yet there, I know. In fact next year, I know I will get at least one bag (Massaccesi).

So for me, you have to strike a balance. You said you are doing a lot of overtime. So maybe you can reward yourself from time to time, something smaller maybe. But the focus on the house should not go away.

Yes, I'm doing a lot of overtime. I made enough to fund my trip expenses, and a small shopping fund (herbag and a couple things). The remainder of this year's overtime is pure savings, that I will avoid touching as much as possible.

I will keep the classic pieces, as you and DBF are right, it would cost me more now than when I paid for it since all the price increases that happened after. If I treat myself, it will have to be with restraint. This year I've gone crazy at LV, which I definitely need to tone down. I will still some pieces, ones that I don't reach for as often.


Also, try taking maybe a couple things out, you'll notice a difference in weight and it'll help your neck and shoulders. I understand you feel the need to carry a lot, but just a couple days without the weight works wonders.

Maybe I should find time to empty and reorganize my bag everyday, but most of the day, I just left it there and go do something else and won't pick it up again until it's time to leave the house. I'll just add the item of the day in and I'm good to go.

I do the dividing the card, too, but after a while, even the card case is stuff to the brim. I somehow just want them with me , just in case. It's the mentality, I think.

I had a very bad migraine last week. Maybe it's part of the reason? My bag was also very heavy on that day. I know carrying too much is bad for the shoulder. But this is the first time I hear it also affect the head.

Shopping in the scarf bar seems like fun time. I've never been to one. We don't have it here. Maybe it's the new service?

Why don't you get the desk calendar with the doodle exercise? This way, you don't have to carry the book to work. I buy one for myself every year. It's the first thing I do when I get in my office. There's one new activity for every day. I think the artist is Taro Gomi. You can just left the color set at work and if you can't get it done, tear that page for the day out and take it home with you to do it later. And since adult coloring is very popular this year, I think some publishers may come out with the calendar idea.

The scarf bar is new. They didn't have it earlier in the year.

Remember when I mentioned my headaches earlier this year? That was one of the reasons, it was tensions in the neck and shoulders which triggers headaches. It felt weird to lessen the amount I carry, especially since my bags are pretty big, but it really helped stop my headaches.

Bakeacookie, I agree with others. Keep your favorite pieces, you will miss these and might want to buy again.



I have also sorting out my bags and have some listed on EBay. My experience during last years has been that this time of the year is the best time to sell. Let's see if this is still true. Good luck to other sellers!

Good luck with your sales, Tuuli!

And I'll keep my favorites. There's no way I'd be able to rebuy some of them, after all the increases these past few years.

 

[bakeacookie]

Have you found the exact house that you want? Or is this the planning stage? I mean it's important to know how much you'll need and to have that much on hand, but don't stress yourself out. It's really worth it, but stressing won't do you any good. It'll simply ruin the other part of life. If you're not in a hurry, don't rush it just so you have that money on hand. Otherwise, go with your gut feeling. Good luck.

No, I haven't found the exact house I want, but I know what areas I'd like to be in. There's like one ideal area I'd love to be in. Everyone tells me to look in a cheaper area first then upgrade, but the difference between a "cheaper" area vs my ideal area is like $50-75,000.
I'd rather save more money and get the ideal area instead.

This is definitely the planning stage. Getting our downpayment squared away, getting some of our before marriage wishlist things done first, ensuring our credit scores and reports are good. I guess I just felt "behind" again as my friend just moved into a townhouse with her DBF.

I guess my main thing is really changing my spending habits. I can't be shopping as much anymore. Not that I have much to shop for anymore, haha. I have so much stuff.

If you're not so sure on selling them, I'd say you should keep it for a while or just don't sell. More often than not, the cost of replacing that item is more expensive than keeping it. If you're not in a rush, don't rush. Don't forget to save some lower key piece, too. You can't carry LV, H, or CC everywhere.

Good luck!

I'll keep a few things. I doubt I'll sell more than like 4 pieces out of my 20(?).
But I guess this is my revolving door. If I want something new, I'd have to sell one.

Is the wide horn your Bally? I love that bag of yours!

Btw, I forgot to mention that today, I started going to the gym again A new one just opened which is only 15 minutes drive or ride by jeepney (a popular mode of public transportation here) from my home. I have a friend who goes there so I tried their group training (circuit training) and it felt good. I love being back in the gym! I have to commit and also have to eat healthier. I've loaded myself with lots of soda and sweets lately (blame it on our friends, relatives and even neighbors coming back from abroad; they always give me chocolates for "pasalubong", haha! I forgot to take a picture of my gym bag. It's just a simple cloth tote that has the words Las Vegas in front. I'll take a pic of it when I go back there this Thursday, like "your bag in action" pic. I think I'm back on track with my weight loss goal. I may not lose a lot til year-end but I'd like to be more active in my life now. This will be one of my resolutions for 2016. And who knows, I might buy my dream Balenciaga Town as my reward afterall

Great job getting back on track!

Honestly, with all the holidays and parties, my goal for the next two months is to not gain weight. As long as I don't undo what progress I have made, then it will be a successful holiday.

 

[vink]

Thank you for the motivation. We have a time frame on which we will buy a house, ideally in two years. I'll definitely take baby steps. I think if I sold it all now, I'd end up going on a shopping spree for some reason.



I think I'll just draw a house so I'm not particularly attached to one, as there are ones I've liked that sold the next day online.



But I do like the lists. List of obstacles, house wishlist, list of solutions to obstacles.



Yes, I'm doing a lot of overtime. I made enough to fund my trip expenses, and a small shopping fund (herbag and a couple things). The remainder of this year's overtime is pure savings, that I will avoid touching as much as possible.



I will keep the classic pieces, as you and DBF are right, it would cost me more now than when I paid for it since all the price increases that happened after. If I treat myself, it will have to be with restraint. This year I've gone crazy at LV, which I definitely need to tone down. I will still some pieces, ones that I don't reach for as often.





Also, try taking maybe a couple things out, you'll notice a difference in weight and it'll help your neck and shoulders. I understand you feel the need to carry a lot, but just a couple days without the weight works wonders.





The scarf bar is new. They didn't have it earlier in the year.



Remember when I mentioned my headaches earlier this year? That was one of the reasons, it was tensions in the neck and shoulders which triggers headaches. It felt weird to lessen the amount I carry, especially since my bags are pretty big, but it really helped stop my headaches.




And I'll keep my favorites. There's no way I'd be able to rebuy some of them, after all the increases these past few years.

Wow! Now, I'm more determine to change my kitchen sink habit.

I'm sure your house floor plan will be great. From what I've seen from your craft, you're very good at this kind of thing. And you seems to be very clear on what you want and not want.

And I'm glad to know you keep your favorites. Nothing is sadder than a lost love.