How I Spent My Thanksgiving Staycation
Posted on November 30, 2008 3 Comments
After a long week off work, tomorrow I’m back to the grind. The time off has been restful, but I realized that I spent much more time “catching up” with friends and family (I think I attended a party every other day) than I did at my own apartment. Which is probably a good thing. Being here just makes me want to spend money to fix things that probably don’t need it.
Take today, for instance: I woke up and thought to myself, “I really need to clean the bathroom.” But when I got in the bathroom to clean it, I thought, “I really need a new cabinet to help me organize my ever-growing collection of hair and skin products (where do they all come from?). Also, I need new rollers for my hair. And I should definitely stop at Ulta and pick up some of that plumping lip gloss Angie was talking about last night.”
And so it goes. In my living room as I’m vaccuming, “I could use a tall bookshelf from Ikea. Maybe I should go to Ikea today.” While blogging, “I SO need a new computer. It takes this one eight times to start up,” (it does), and “Why am I still using my broken digital camera?”
When I’m here, nothing seems good enough and all I want is new stuff.
But when I’m out with friends and family, enjoying their company, my apartment’s imperfections are the farthest thing from my mind. And really, on a regular weekday, I’m here, what, two or three of my waking hours?
Having said all that, I’m wondering what I really did spend at home on this “staycation.” Is it really cheaper to spend time outside of my apartment, or should I just make some small improvements here, like bookcases, shelving and a computer?
A quick look at my debit card reveals I spent the following on my staycation:
…
I took a quick overnight trip to Peoria for my friend’s 30th birthday party:
$34.00 Amtrak ticket
$109.00 Birthday present (that will be split with a friend..but still, yikes!)
$10.00 Train food (Wine and cheese)
$6.00 Dinner (Fast food)
$10.00 Breakfast (Eggs, bacon, toast, taters, yumminess)
Back in town, I took my cat to the vet yet again due to her diabetes and behavioral problems:
$78.25
Which led to a trip to target for some kitty supplies, where I ended up buying some stuff for me too (pajamas for the winter, on sale!, a season of “Always Sunny!,” on sale!)
$118.45 on miscellaneous stuff and cat supplies
Around this time I also managed to pay all my monthly bills, and make a monthly transfer to my savings account.
$1,200 to savings
$450 to bills/loans
And I made my quarterly trip to get my hair done and… this is a total splurge and I also got my nails done which I do once per year around the holidays… total spa day.
Nails (w/ tip) at Macy’s: $25
Hair (w/tip for stylist and shampoo girl): $215 for shampoo, cut, dye, highlights and style
Margaritas and dinner with my friend after: $23.16
Then, it was Thanksgiving, and thankfully I didn’t spend anything over the next few days… until B and I decided to have an expensive holiday dinner and pub crawl involving several high-priced martinis at Hemingway’s Bistro.
B picked up dinner
$55 for martinis
B also picked up drinks at bar #3
Yes, that was pricey, but I can’t tell you the last time we went on a date, given our schedules. The night ended with me challenging B to a 1-mile race, and instead we both passed out on our couches watching episodes of “Arrested Development.” B woke up the next morning in his running shoes.
Yesterday, my friends and I held a game night to save money, so I only spent about $10 on dinner and had a fabuloso time.
…
Looking at the above, I don’t think I saved any money by staying in. But I did manage to get a bunch of health appointments (mine and the cat’s) out of the way, and spent time with with my friends (an overnight in Peoria, plus a spa day and a girls’ games night), my boyfriend (date night) and my family (Turkey day gatherings).
It may not have been expense-free, in fact, I splurged more than a typical week, but doesn’t that week sound much better than setting up a computer or installing shelving into a bathroom? It does to me.
Now I’m off to go complete a few final errands before I start working again tonight… turns out I really do need that lip gloss from Ulta.
Category: Life
Tags: Spending
Comments
3 Responses to “How I Spent My Thanksgiving Staycation”
Leave a Reply
December 1st, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
I still can’t digest the fact that you have spent 215 dollars on your hair. I am having problems convincing myself to get Japanese Straightening done for the past year. Anyways, I think if it makes you happy, that’s all worth it.
I find myself always saving money when I keep myself at home.
December 2nd, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
I know, it’s crazy; it’s a sick obsession. But I don’t go to a high-priced salon; the cost is pretty typical for Chicago. I tried a cheaper alternative a few years ago and my hair looked awful. Plus, I only go there 3-4 times per year so that’s how I manage it. Obviously it would be the first thing cut out if I lost my job or got sick or had a change in finances.
December 4th, 2008 @ 10:11 pm
Wow! You go out to eat like I do. I love the whole dining experience and I always have a glass of wine. It’s one of my indulgences!