I don't think I was a shopaholic, but I definitely was unaware of where my money was being spent before I started tracking everything.

I still like to have some consumerism in my life - maybe one too many lipsticks :P - but my spending is definitely more planned, and it makes me feel like I am in more control.

This is awesome!

I love getting to know bloggers. I, too, have tried to become a vegetarian. I think my longest stint was about 5 years, then I succumbed... Animals taste good. I just try to have them in moderation.

I was so relieved to read this, WH.

My BF and I are about to embark on a LDR journey once again, but instead of 6 weeks apart, it may be a few months apart at a time. He's got a full tuition scholarship to Harvard Business School or INSEAD which I am very proud of him, but I have been really dreading the LDR part. BF and I have done LDR before, but it was for work, and he would be able to fly back every few weeks, which made it not so bad. But now that we have to do it for so long -- it's scary.

After reading your article, it made me feel better and reading all those comments, made me feel even less alone. Yes, it will be difficult, but I think that he is worth it and I think that our relationship is worth it. I guess I will be getting very familiar with the airports soon... :)

I had no idea how much wedding dresses cost until I started talking to my friends getting married, then I started watching "Say Yes to the Dress." The price per wear is crazy, and I loathe how the "Say Yes to the Dress" always make $1,500 or $2,000 budgets seem "so low" or are "budget friendly" dresses.

Unfortunately, girls don't usually wear suits to their weddings, because if we did, we'd be paying the same as a guy, and getting as much cost per wear out of it. I got custom made suit in Hong Kong last fall, and it "only" cost me $600.

But everyone has their own priorities, so if wearing a $50, or $500, or $5,000 or even $50,000 dress is what makes them happy, then that's really none of my business.

I"m also uber jealous of CB's and my BF's perfect skin.

I also used to suffer from acne growing up (grade 6 to grade 10) until I took Accutane, which finally made it go away. But that stuff is really tough on your body, and I would not recommend it if other things are working for you. I also remember when my little cousin would ask me why I had all those spots on my face, or when my mom's friends would visit - take one look at me, and told me to stop eating french fries, chocolate and soy sauce.

Right now, I still see a dermatologist every few months when my acne is under control. I use a gentle cleanser (SpectroJel), Differen Gel, Serum, and black mud moisterizer at night. Then in the morning, an AHA toner, moisterizer, sunscreen. I've stopped going to get facials because they were too expensive and also, my skin didn't need them. I like to do DIY masks, like honey with sour cream (LOVE IT!), or cucumber masks.

I probably spend about $435 - $500/year on skin products/skin care alone. This doesn't include make-up, of course....

SpectroJel ($20), Black Mud Lotion 2x($55), Day moisturizer ($30), Serum 2x($38), Differen Gel 2x($24 - after insurance), Neo Strate 3x($18 - after insurance), Dermatologist 4x($18 - after insurance), sunscreen $25.

I was planning to write the GMAT and never got around to it. I think that this prep course is just the kick I need! :) Thanks for hosting!

When I first read this post, I thought that if BF and I were to get in a fight about money - this can very well be us!

I make and bring my lunch everyday to work. Even if I am in a bind, I bring a can of tuna, can opener and some sliced bread for lunch. But BF likes to go out for lunches and it's usually not uber expensive, but $5 here and $9 there, adds up. Our finances are completely separate right now, so it's not a problem. But like you, I like to shop sometimes, make-up, clothes, moisturizers.... :), and of course, BF buys a pair of jeans, some underwear and he's set for the year.

I really liked that Gap peacoat you tweeted last night(?), my vote is for that one! ;)

I'm heading to Boston this weekend and am so excited to check out all the American stores! Loft, Ann Taylor, here I come!

I really like this colour on you! Now that I am starting to experiment with different lipsticks, I now know what beauty bloggers are talking about when they say a lipstick formula is "drying". I've experimented with a few drugstore brands and even though I like the Revlon Blushing Nude colour, I find that after an hour or so, it gets dry, as well. :(

Would you say that higher end lipsticks in general have a better formulation in terms of being less dry and more pigmented?

I really love this look. It's smokey but not too over the top, I'd love to try something like this out.

Would there be similar colours you'd recommend for this using the Sephora moonbaked shadow palette? I have a very limited stash.

My recent post Inspired by: Should I buy Chanel?