John and I are supposed to be playing our game, well my game actually. Yes, the “how low can you go” cheapie game. I think I mentioned before that part of the program entailed cutting our energy consumption. So this winter, we turned off all the heat (we have ultra-inefficient heating panels in the celings, of all places) except at bedtime when we set the knob somewhere between 55 and 60. Yes, still pretty chilly but I also pile on three comforters so by morning, we are practically both waking with headaches due to the toasty bed. Anyway, I was disappointed that our last electricity bill nearly reached $100. Normally it’s less than $40. Then again, with all the rain, I haven’t been able to line-dry our clothes. I don’t know. Still doesn’t seem right but whatever… God, am I OCD or what?
Anyway, John and I did really well in January with cutting down on eating out. And I have to say, eating in is growing on me. Sure, the transition has increased our dependency on frozen foods (still healthier than restaurant foods right?) but at the same time, I think our portions are smaller and we are feeling better.
Looking at the numbers, grocery expenditures are up, restaurant costs are down… not a huge difference overall but I think the gains will become more substantial as time passes. And once I rid myself of my latest weakness (somehow I’ve picked up a clothes shopping bug), I’ll be all over this shit with my A game.
Yeah, I’m not sure what is up with my shopping itch. Too much WNTW perhaps. Nothing really major (I wear cheap crap anyway) but with all the clearance sales and stuff, I just couldn’t resist. And the odd thing is, I’m buying all these dresses. Like three of them. I’m like in some weird earthy-wanna-be-dressy phase. I know, how fancy can $10 buy, right? 
Yeah, so I got this navy strapless pencil dress from Target. Thought it was cool and then when I put in on at home, John complained that the fabric was like umbrella material. Admittedly, the fabric is not so great but it was $10! I know, Stacy and Clinton would be pissed. Quality, quality, quality! I’m retarded. And the other problem is the length. I really need to get a full-length mirror at home. What the hell am I doing, right? See? I need help. Who’s gonna nominate me for WNTW? Seriously. And when the hell will I wear a dress like this? I really need to put more thought into my purchases.
That said, the second dress is actually pretty cool, except that, being on clearance, it’s one size off and John says it looks tenty (but who said he was an expert on this?). But my question is… all the flowy dresses out there, aren’t some supposed to be tenty? Who the hell can figure this shit out? Sigh. Whatever. This dress is cool. And it’s not Target: it’s Ann Taylor LOFT (I told you I’m earthy wanna be prissy). And since it only cost $18, I’m going to splurge on a tailor to get it right. Nice piece for the theater maybe? No picture, sorry. Ok, so I’ve gone on a tangent. I know none of you really give a rat’s ass about my stupid bargain buys. My apologies. The main idea? No more distractions: I’m bringing out my A game. 😉
find a nice belt and cinch it at the waist. a belt at waist level betty boop style makes tenty dresses look much better without the need to tailor it. anyway, most dresses that are flowy will look like that without a belt. even if it were a chanel. i wear plenty of tenty stuff cuz its cool in the tropical heat (when not in shanghai). having a belt at hand is useful when you want to look less kiddy/maternity.