I don't want a yellow coat!

This is the £100 coat that is flying off the peg at Zara.. it's the coat we all want this Spring apparently. Am I the only person not taken with this coat? I have almost bought a yellow leather jacket whilst in a leather emporium in Spain, but I think it's different when on holiday and also it was leather.. I'm not sure what the fuss is about with this one, but then I'm not a dedicated follow of fashion. 

In fact my latest challenge for myself is not to shop. I don't really need anything and my hubby has issued the challenge to me to see if  'We live like no one will' so that we can 'Live like no one can' These are big words I know, however he is a man with a dream which includes building our own house so we need to curb our spending. So I'm going to see how much I can not buy. I'm not overly indulgent - long gone are days of impulse buys. I've even made a point of sticking to the tips I read in a book by money man Alvin Hall years ago, that if you want something you must leave it at least 24 hours and if the desire and need is still there.. you can purchase. 9/10 times it's gone. 

How do you manage your finances? Has the recent budget made you think more about saving? Do you have a spreadsheet or are you guilty of hording your receipts in the hope of some accountability? It's not easy is it. But this year is the year I've decided to be completely on track with my pennies and no longer be scared of checking my bank balance.  

Tum Tape? No thanks, I'll stick to Spanx!!

It's with some disbelief that I share with you a new invention called 'Tum Tape'! Meet Karen from Essex who was off on a night out and so desperate to hide her muffin top she got heavy duty adhesive tape from her drawer and selotaped her stomach.. and now has investors for her invention.

Now I'm all for entrepreneurs, and new inventions, but would you? Really? Maybe just find something a little more flattering in your wardrobe to wear. Having just come back from holiday there was a moment whilst my dutiful husband was sorting out our washing into lights and darks and he held up a pair of black 'big' pants to me saying 'These aren't mine' to which i had to whisk them out of his hands as he sniggered away.. but i'd prefer that then him having to help me peel the tape off at the end of a night!.

What next I wonder cling film for your face to keep your skin looking young...

Supermarket chic

What are you're views on supermarket clothes? Cause I LOVE them. I started years ago with George at Asda, I used to do a late night talk show on Heart in Nottingham, and finished at 1am. My best mate, who is in the Police, used to meet me after work if she was doing a night shift and we'd go shopping in the early hours, as it was 24 hours! Then I discovered Florence and Fred at Tesco and now Gok is in Sainsbury's, and I've got some brilliant bargains from him! Last summer I bought a gorgeous colourful 50's style dress from Gok's first range which I wore for my engagement party and everyone couldn't believe it was from Sainsbury's and only cost £40.

I like to call my slight obesssion 'Supermarket chic', the trick is to hold back from what I also call 'bargain tourrets'. This is when someone compliments an item I've bought for a cheap price, I can't help but tell them it was a supermarket purchase and how much it cost. Admit it you've done it.

So yesterday I needed to buy a few items on route to the gym and remembered the big Asda in Hatfield, and as i walked in I was met by a massive point of sale for Skyfall, it was like Daniel Craig was welcoming me into the George bit.. so I obliged and got these two for a total cost of £20.  

I always get compliments on the stuff I get, so in these difficult times, if you need a little something for your wardrobe don't overlook those clothing aisles.  N x