April's Buyers Archive And A Look Back On The Last Year

Would you believe it's been a year since I did my very first Buyer's Archive post and it's all thanks to Elise's blog which started the idea.  I feel like I should have a party and cake to celebrate.

Curious as to how much I had spent in a year I added up all my purchase and came up with the grand total of $505.87.  I have no idea if that's a lot of money or not.  Looking back on what I brought I think I did pretty well... maybe?

During the year that was I brought:

5 cardigans
5 camisoles
5 skirts
5 pairs of socks 
5 bottles of nail polish...

...5 obviously seems to be a thing for me..., plus

1 pair of pants
1 jumper
1 short sleeve top
1 pair of PJs
1 nightie
3 pairs of shoes
1 vanity case set
1 suitcase
1 handbag
2 bangles
1 compact mirror 
3 tubes of body lotion
and 2 bottles of perfume.

A few of the items were one-off things, such as the suitcase, vanity set etc. so these are items that I probably won't be buying again for a few years at least.  The rest of the stuff I definitely needed... or at least about 90% of them... okay maybe more like 80%.  Truthfully I probably didn't need to buy the perfume or compact mirror or even the socks and nail polish.  Then again it was fun doing so, so I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it.

It'll be interesting to see how I go this next year.  Can I spend less or will I have a complete blow out and end up buying all the things?

As for last April... well of the 3 cardigans I sold the blue one (for some reason it made my skin itch which is weird because the others which were the exactly the same brand were perfectly fine), hardly wear the brownish/pinkish one (I'm probably going to donate this to charity as it really just isn't me) and have worn the apricot one heaps.  It's pretty much become a standard in my wardrobe so I'm going to be a little sad when it finally falls apart.  

The skirt got a lot of wear initially but lately it's be stuck in the back of my wardrobe being all neglected.  I'm hoping I'll wear in more when summer comes back around.  And finally the compact mirror has a permanent place in my handbag.  I don't actually use it that much but it's nice to know it's there if and when I ever need it.

Now for this month's April purchases.

Black Skirt with checkered panels - $8 from TradeMe

My entire wardrobe is pretty lacking (surprise, surprise I know considering the $500 odd dollars I spent in the last 12 months) so I've been actively searching for items to add.  This black skirt was a super great find for me as it fits perfectly, is nice and stretchy (great for those times when you want to be comfortable and have eaten way too much) and it looks really fab with the black and white checkered panels on the front and back.

I'm hoping this will get plenty of wear this winter as it should look brilliant with tights and my black loafers.

Grey pleated skirt - $10 from Factorie

I found this skirt on the sales racket and couldn't believe the price.  Even better it looks great on and will also go fab with tights and loafers.

Mocha jumper - $29 from Cotton On

I dithered over this jumper for the last for weeks as I couldn't quite decide if it was me or not and also the $39 price tag kind of made me reluctant to fork out quite so much money.  Luckily my mind was made up for me when it was suddenly reduced by 25% on sale.  I'm thinking it should go pretty well with either of the skirts I just brought or my trusty black knee-length skirt which I have worn for years.  Either way I'm hoping it will be a good addition to my winter wardrobe.

Coral/Dark Peach top - $15 from Cotton On

And another sale bargain because how could I resist.   The colour is so me and it's so super soft that I may never take it off.  I'm already praying for some super cold weather so I can wear this.

Total spend for the month $60.00

May's Plans and April's Outcomes

It never rains it pours - at least in terms of all my book requests turning up all at once.  So as you can imagine this month's plans are pretty much taken care of.  As for last month's plans.... well I managed to read all the books on my list, watched both movies and made a good start on the knitting so yay me.

1.     Dark Crimes by Michael Hambling
        I've been seriously getting into detective crime novels so I'm super pleased to find a 
        new series to get stuck into.
2.     Gone Without A Trace by Mary Torjussen 
        A thriller along the lines of Gone Girl and Girl On The Train.
3.     My Sister by Michelle Adams
        And yet another thriller.  Because yes they are my thing.

4.     Defender by G X Todd 
        I really like the sound of this one which has been described as a cross between 
        Stephen King and Neil Gaiman.
5.     Relics by Tim Lebbon
        I've enjoyed the author's previous books Coldbrook and The Silence so I'm looking 
        forward to reading this one.
6.     The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams  
        I'm not a big fantasy reader mostly because things like wizards and dragons etc. just 
        really don't do it for me.  This one though sounds more Joe Abercrombie fantasy with 
        bad ass chicks and battles.

7.     More Of Me by Kathryn Evans
        A YA about a girl who unintentionally clones herself every year.
8.     Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty
        Another book about clones, this is more sci-fi and more murderery.
9.     Letters To The Lost by Brigid Kemmerer 
        One of those YA's that can be utterly heart wrenching.

10.   Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon 
         I'm on a YA roll.
11.   Nemesis by Brendan Reichs
         This YA sounds totally dark which is exactly my kind of thing.  A story of a girl who 
         keeps getting murdered over and over again. 
12.   The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson 
         A geek girl YA who loves Doctor Who.

13.   It's Not Me, It's You by Stephanie Strohm  
         Yep another YA.
14.   The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J Anderson Coats
         I don't often read children's books but this one sounds a bit like Anne of Green Gables 
         so of course I am totally there.
15.   Unexpectedly Hers by Jamie Beck
        A romance book about an erotic fiction writer. 

16.   About Last Night by Catherine Alliott
         A chick lit book by one of my favourite authors.
17.   Puzzle by Rachael Featherstone
         And another chick lit
18.   Honeymoon Suite by Wendy Holden
         And yet another chick lit.

19.  Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid
        What can I say, I love a good romance.
20.   How To Make A French Family by Samantha Verant
         Finally something nonfiction to throw into the mix.
21.   Bloom by Estee Lalonde
         I have absolutely no idea why I choice this one. 
22.   Line Of Duty Season Four
        This show is seriously addictive.  As I write this I've already watched 4 episodes back to 
        back and I can't wait to see how it ends.
23.   Bosch Season Three
        Somehow I missed the news that this had screened recently so I can definitely see a 
        weekend marathon is on the cards.
24.  Death In Paradise
       A lighter crime show with awesome Caribbean music.  

25.   Write More
         Still on the list.
26.   Knitting
         So not only did I choose the wool and the pattern but I have actually began knitting and 
         so far this latest project is going well.  And it's not a scarf or a blanket.  So go me for 
         being adventurous.
27.   Lose Weight and Get Fit
         Due to a few minor but annoying medical issues I'm having to adjust my eating.  No 
         more caffeine or spicy food or too fatty foods for me which hopefully will have the side 
         benefit of helping with this goal.

Places I'd Love To Visit

My wish list of places I want to visit is pretty long... like really really long.  The curse of reading way too many travel books and watching TV shows with exotic locations. 

There are however a handful of places that are at the top of my ever-growing must-visit list.  So in no particular order here are current top faves.
 
Guadeloupe

You'll probably thinking why someone who hates the heat wants to go here of all places.  An island in the Caribbean.  Where it is hot all the time - even in the winter.

What can I say, except that I just love the name.  Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe. It sounds like some kind of war cry.  The island though looks incredibly beautiful and laid back.  Just the sort of place to relax and unwind.  Which is totally what my Other Half and I plan I doing when we finally go on our long trip travelling all over the world.

I totally blame the TV series Death In Paradise for this pick.

Iceland

From heat to cool Iceland is the definitely my kind of place.  Even better Icelanders are heavily into books and reading.

Can it get any more perfect?

Croatia

Croatia is filled with historic towns and villages - all perfect for walking around - so it's no surprise that it's on my list.

I mean just look at the picture below.  Is that not just the perfect town for exploring?  Shetland Islands

There's just something about the barrenness and remoteness of the Shetland Islands that appeal to me.  It also has some amazing Viking sites and puffins.  Puffins I tell you.  That alone is reason enough for me to visit.  Hopefully there are no Wicker Man festivities going on when I visit.


Mexico 
Seriously how could you not want to go to Mexico.  There are ancient temples that you can climb, wonderful food to taste and it's one of the cheapest places to visit.
Japan

The only place on the list that I've already been too.  My visit to Japan was so brilliant that I just have to go back and see more.  Next time around I'm hoping to go in the Cherry Blossom season - along with probably a million other people.  But that's okay because the Japanese people are super lovely and polite and Japan itself is one of the safest countries to visit.

South Korea

Beauty products.  I know right?  It's a weird reason to want to visit a country but ever since I discovered the weird and wonderful world of Korean beauty products I've just wanted to visit this country. 

This will probably be the only time in my travelling life that I'll come back with a suitcase laden with beauty goodies.

Sounds like a perfect reason to go on holiday if you ask me

November' 2016 and March 2017 Buyer's Archive

First up... November 2016.

I mentioned some months ago that my summer wardrobe was seriously lacking.  You know things are bad when you have less clothes than your Other Half.  So of course some spending was necessary...

Pink Glitter Cardigan - $19.99 from Glassons

Yes yet another cardigan.  Every time I think I won't buy any more I come across one that I just have to have.  And since this is pink AND glittery there was just no way that I could resist.
Pale Pink Camisole - $6.99 from Glassons

You can never have too many camisoles.  At least that's my story and I'm sticky to it.  It also goes really well with the cardigan above.

Nude Pink Sandals - $20 from Novo Shoes

Desperately needing some summer shoes I was super pleased to come across these pretties.  Even better they were on special, they're also super comfy to wear, pink (of course) and they have daises on them.  Could they be any more awesome.

Total Spend for the month: $46.98

After November's little blow out I ended up doing no spending for the next 3 months.  3 months!!!  I'm kind of amazed at that.

Of course then my most favourite summer skirt died a sad and lonely death (aka ripped beyond repair) which reduced my summer wardrobe to just one skirt and a handful of tops some shopping was needed.

March 2017

Navy Blue Skirt - $5 from Hospice Shop

I've been wanting a navy skirt for ages so when I saw this I just knew it was for me.  So I was very relieved that it fits.  It's also lovely and swirly, is the perfect length and is 2 layers with a silky underskirt and a beautiful top layer that has tiny little squared holes punctured over it.  I've already worn this a couple of times and have had heaps of complements.

Aqua Blue Camisole - $2 from Hospice Shop

Yes camisoles and me go hand-in-hand.  Same as cardigans and all things pink.  For a change this isn't pink but a pretty aqua/turquoisey blue colour.  Trust me it looks a lot prettier than in the photo.

Floral A-Line Skirt - $5 from Hospice Shop

I had my doubts about this skirt.  I was worried that it would look too Grandmaish but I've now fallen in love with it.  Like the navy blue skirt it's perfect in every way in terms of length and fit.  

In fact I'm so in love with the style I'm now on the hunt for other skirts like this. A-Line midi skirts are now so my thing and I want them in all the pretty patterns I can find.
 
Total spend for the month: $12

April's Plans... And What The Hell Happened to February And March

I know.  I know.  I have been a truly terrible blogger.  Let's just say that the brain was having a holiday due to having way too much work stuff to think about.  Any coherent thoughts were pretty much smothered.  Now though the fog is clearing and I feel like I can actually string two words together without it coming out like too much of a disaster.

Work place woes really do suck.

So what have I been up too?  Well there's been reading.... and reading.... and reading.  O and Gilmore Girls Marathony.  All 7 seasons plus the reunion movies.    Life goal complete.

As for this month...

Well books as always make an appearance

1.     The making of Outlander 
        As an Outlander fan this was an oobvious choice as my go to pick for the month.
2.    The  Gilmore Girls Companion
        Ditto for this one.  I'm hoping for lots of colour photos and interviews and quirky bits and
        pieces.
 3.    Bleaker House by Nell Stevens 
        As someone who contemplates trying to do more writing this one caught my eye.  
        Though moving to a remote island sounds just a bit extreme.

Knitting is very much on my mind at the moment.  It's been awhile since I've knitted something and I'm very much feeling the urge.  This time out I'll like to try my hand at something other than blankets and scarves, if only to spare my friends the not-so-wanted gift of yet another scarf by me every time they see me.  So I'm really hoping that these 3 books will provide some inspiration.
4.     Still by Kim Hargreaves 
5.     Mini Skein Knits 
6.     Cozy Knits by Tanis Gray 

7.     Mummy's Little Angel by J W Lawson
       As always I have to have at least one thriller in my To Be Read pile.  The cover 
        certainly  caught my attention so I'm hoping it's suitable dark and shocking.
8.     The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer
        I've been meaning to read this for absolutely ages but somehow kept putting it off.  Bad 
        Twilight flashbacks perhaps.  All I can say is there better not be any sparkly creepy 
        stalkery vampires or love story in it. 
9.     New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan
        Ah chick lit my comfort read.  I adore Sarah Morgan's books so I'm pretty confident that I 
        will love this one too.  It's always nice to have authors you can rely on.

10.   Moana
         I know right.  How could I have missed seeing this movie when it came out.  I blame it 
         on school holidays and the thought of way too many kids.  Now though it is on DVD so 
         I have absolutely no excuse to not watch it.  This Easter's holiday viewing.
11.   Beauty and the Beast
         And another probable Easter holiday viewing.  I love the original so I'm curious to see 
         how this live remake goes.
12.   The Handmaid's Tale
         You just knew I had to put something dark and bleak in my viewing wish list.  What can 
         I say, I have a type and this certainly looks like it's exactly my type of thing.  Can't wait.

13.    Write More    
          I know.  I wonder why I keep putting this on here too.  Still in a few months I may have 
          exactly the time I need to do more of this.
 14.    Knitting
          There are plans I tell you.... and wool.  So this one is totally going to happen. 
15.    Lose Weight and Get Fit
          Blame work for making this go up in a fiery ball of flames.  I stress eat.  And stress 
          eating is all I have been doing for the past few months.  I am now making an 
          effort.  The walking is back on track and all things chocolately have been pretty much 
          banned from the house so we will see how this goes.
16.    Redundancy
          Yep it's the big one.  And it pretty much tells you how well all the work related stress 
          went.  And yet as weird as it's going to be I'm also kind of looking forward to this one.  
          Work is no longer the happy place it once was so leaving feels right.  Time for 
          something new and maybe even a little me time.