Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Here's a look at everything that I received for Christmas....  (everything purchased was previously budgeted for - and, all purchases were made with Cash Money).  See Black Friday & MTMMO

All of my Christmas Gifts revolved around Sewing - well, this is SEW ReInvented Audrey!  Really, one thing led to another:

1. New Sewing Machine (And, yes - I love it!): Brother CE8080PRW (purchased on Black Friday, but it was a roll back special at Wal-Mart)
2. 9 New to Me (Out of Print) Vogue Patterns (Black Friday - great deal)
3. New Look 6130 - There are so many reviews of this shirt on PR, I really wanted this pattern
4. FABRIC! and Thread from Fabric.com (Black Friday)
5. Pinking Shears - how did I ever live without these?  My projects are starting to look as nice on the inside as they do on the outside.  So winning!

I still have $25 in the Christmas budget, and I'm trying to decide on what to get.  In retrospect this is so funny, I would spend $25 without blinking.... Now, I've been trying to decide since Black Friday.  There are several sewing related books on my Amazon wish list.  Or, there are some dress maker shears.... Or, the possibilities are endless.

 
Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Black Friday & MTMMO

My Total Money Makeover Update:

In case you were concerned, all of my Black Friday transactions were apart of my planned spending.  I know that I love to shop the best deals.  (There are 2 Wal-Marts within 5 miles of my house - so, that's not a problem.  Although, I have a list of stores that I avoid.)  I also know the majority of them happen on and/or around Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday.

I actually made a plan back in July for November spending....
Who is this girl?  *Sew ReInvented Audrey*
And, what has she done with Audrey?  LOL! 

*I knew that I wanted to buy either a sewing machine or a serger - budgeted amount $150.00 (this was based on getting the "it" that was on sale)
*I knew that a new sewing machine would lead to new patterns & new fabric / supplies - budgeted amount $100.00 (this was based on going to Joann's or Hancock's for patterns on sale and placing an order on Fabric.com)
*I knew that there were some other miscellaneous things that I would want (or, convince myself that I need) - budgeted amount $100.00

Total Planned Spending - $350.00

So, how did I do:

*New Sewing Machine - $135
*New Patterns (9 in total) - $23
*New Fabric & Notions - $46
*Miscellaneous Items (cake platter, DVDs & Rubbermaid storage) from Wal-Mart - $40
*Mommie's Christmas & B-day (1/3) present - $107

Total Actual Spending - $351.00
**To make the math easy, I rounded up to whole dollars. My total was $348.76.

I'm sew excited! 

It feels good to make a plan, and be able to do everything you wanted to do within that plan.  All this time, who knew?  Although, when I make my plan next year.  Ha-ha!  *I'm already planning to plan for next year.*  I'll be sure to include a budget for Mommie's b-day & Christmas.  This year, she wanted an electronic - and, of course, I found a great deal on Black Friday. 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

One Year Challenge

I'm thinking of joining Good-bye Valentino's One Year Challenge. 

Since, I've been sewing - I have naturally stopped buying RTW.  I'm much more conscious of the quality and the price.  It's hard spending my money on something that I could make (and, I'm a beginner).  OMG!

I think the biggest part of the challenge would be that I would really need to consistently sew.  Right now, I sew when the mood strikes.  But since I won't be able to run to Old Navy to buy a new t-shirt, I'll really need to make a sewing plan that I can stick to and work towards making garments that make sense for my lifestyle.  Right now, I've been making things that are fun.  Things that I want, but haven't been able to find the right fit (like, pants & skirts).  And, I will have to get over my fear of making a FBA --> this is my reality.

I think the best thing about this decision is that it would line up with my financial goals and plans.  Although, I spend money on fabric, patterns and notions.  The number of projects that I'm able to complete doesn't compare with buying the same amount of stuff RTW.

** If you aren't familiar with sewing terms, here's a mini - glossary:
RTW - Ready to Wear
OMG - Oh My Gosh
FBA - Full Bust Adjustment

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Summer Challenge

I know - all after the fact! 
Of course, I’m a 100% in or out type of person, so I totally jumped in.

For the Summer Challenge, I committed to saving towards Baby Step 1 and to start Baby Step 2 between July 9^th and September 3^rd.  Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out.  I actually hit my goal and now I've surpassed it.  

At the beginning of the challenge, I wasn't certain that I could do it.  I mean, when I have no choice, but to get it done.  I get it done.  But, when I'm the one making the choice - well, I haven't always made the best decisions.  But, this is about ReInventing Audrey....

And, now I know what I’m capable of for other challenges as they come up. 

I’m still fine tuning my spending plan (okay, it’s a “budget”) to suit my life.  Even though, it always seem so hard… I think that starting is the hardest part.

Now, I’m re-evaluating decisions and choices that I make.  I need to be wise and “live like no one else now, so I can live like no one else later.”

ReInvented Audrey

Dave Ramsey - My Total Money Makeover

This is not your typical Audrey.
I’m telling you, so you already know it’s the truth.

I heard about Dave Ramsey back in 2010 when his book My Total Money Makeover – made the top 10 list at my local Publix (grocery store).  I eventually purchased the book AND read it.  But, that’s all.

I will say that it made me think.  And, wonder – would it be possible for me to do all of these radical things?  Amazingly, the answer is YES.  In June, I joined the MYMMO (My Total Money Makeover) Website – and, I’ve started the journey to Financial Peace.  I don’t have all of the answers, but I know in making a few changes suggested in the book over the last 2 years – that, I have seen a difference in my finances.  I haven’t switched jobs.  I don’t make significantly more money.  BUT, I’ve seen a difference.

I wanted to get 2 or 3 financial plans (I hate the “b” word – budget) under my belt before I started talking about my progress, etc.  Since, I already know how I can be…

I’m trying to make a change in my life for the better. 

I feel like this shift in my finances will: 1) lead me to financial peace; and 2) prove to be another ReInvention of Audrey….

I’m hopeful…

And, optimistic.

But, mostly –

I’m tired of debt

Especially, Sallie Mae

And, I want to have choices.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey