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I think I say this every single month, but honestly, how is it already November?! October just flew by and was an incredibly busy month, hence why this is a little late! Being busy is always good for my wallet, as it means less free time for me to spend shopping. I believe my purchases (or lack there of) this month really reflects that as well. Without further ado, onto what I’ve been buying, reading, and using up recently!
What I Bought // October Shopping Budget
Stitch Fix: I kept this cute plaid shirt that I’ve since worn a ton to work. It works great under a leather jacket for a night out, and it’s super simple to pop on for a day at the office.
Target: I bought a ton of pieces from the Adam Lippes for Target collection, however the shoes were the stand out for me. I kept these plaid heels (now on clearance for $28), which I wore to our friend’s Miami wedding and they were perfection. My feet were a little tired, but I lasted through the entire night of standing and dancing without a problem.
Uniqlo: I received a credit via Obviously Social to purchase a few items from Uniqlo. I decided on this poncho (styled here), a button up corduroy skirt, and a denim skirt that was on super sale.
Mr. Rebates: I’ve talked about rebate programs before in this budget-friendly shopping destinations post, however I’m not sure that I’ve mentioned Mr. Rebates anywhere else. If a particular store doesn’t have great cash back at eBates, I always check out Mr. Rebates too! This month, I got my first “paycheck” from them in awhile for $29. Every little bit counts, and it nearly paid for this month’s shoe purchase!
What I Read // Favorite Books in October
The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes – ★★★★ – Not exactly what I was expecting, but I quite enjoyed this book! It’s the story of a high powered magazine editor who finds her career in jeopardy after being away due to breast cancer treatment. She returns to find her former assistant has taken over the magazine, which is now nothing more than an app.
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari – ★★★★ – Another book that turned out to not what I was expecting! This was a really interesting look at the way romantic relationships have changed over the years, and of course it was full of humorous anecdotes and quips.
32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter – ★★★★ – I struggled with how to rate this one because I enjoyed it so much. I had no idea what to expect, but the storyline sounded interesting. The main character, Davie, has a Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles obsession, and expects her life to have an ending just like it. Not quite the case when she’s fallen in love with the most popular boy in school who doesn’t even know she exists. From abuse to bullying, Davie doesn’t have it easy and this coming of age story is raw yet touching.
What I Used Up // October Empties
Favorites from this month’s empties:
Seven Salon Style Cream
Yes to Cucumbers Makeup Remover Towelettes
Simple Radiance Makeup Removing Wipes
Hask Coconut & Monoi Oil Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Juice Organics Brightening Shampoo & Conditioner
Eva NYC Dry Shampoo
Curel Anti-Itch Body Wash
Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream
Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion+
Pur~lisse Soy Face Cleanser
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Classic Ivory
ELF Makeup Remover Pen
Clinique Take the Day Off Eye Remover
Tom’s Simply White Toothpaste
What have you been loving this month? Any great books or shopping finds? I’d love to hear about them in the comments! :)
I really need to get Modern Romance. I keep hearing great reviews of it.
It’s really good, I hope you get to read it soon! :)
I read “Modern Romance” too and loved it! What was even better is that I listened to the audio version, and hearing Aziz Ansari read it himself made it all the better!
I also listened to the audio version and completely agree! It’s always better when the author reads it :)
I love Aziz’s standup, so I’m sure I’d love this book!
Definitely – highly recommend you give it a read, Martha!
I loved Aziz’s book! Used audible to listen to it and he’s just the best to listen to. I was also surprised by it and didn’t really think it would be anything except for a comedic look at modern dating. But it was actually pretty insightful!
I love that everyone’s comments are about Aziz’s book haha :)
It was insightful! Definitely a pleasant surprise.
Haha, I know right? Apparently Aziz is a popular topic. ;)
hmmm you make modern romance sound intriguing. it definitely doesn’t sound like my kind of book but tons of people are recommending it. adding the other two to my list!
love love love those plaid heels!
I think you’d like it! It’s definitely different than I expected, funny but also about an interesting topic. Thanks girl!
I love reading your month-end posts! I’m reading #GirlBoss right now via Overdrive and absolutely love it. Aziz Ansari is on my upcoming ‘must-read’ list, as well! Love the Uniqlo items – I’m excited to check them out. Happy November :)
I loved #GIRLBOSS! I also listened to it via Overdrive and loved hearing Sophia read through it. I think you’ll love Aziz’s book too!
I just started a reading challenge and wanted to use Aziz Ansari’s new book so badly, but I ended up not being able to use it! I was so bummed because I heard so many wonderful things about it! 32 Candles also sounds like a great read, especially since I love Sixteen Candles!
32 Candles is good, but definitely a lot different than the Sixteen Candles story. I think it & Aziz’s book are both excellent – hope you’re able to fit them onto your reading list soon, Ashley!
I love what you kept this month! And Modern Romance was such a great book. I love how smart Ansari is. My South Carolina hero. Haha
Thanks Sarah! It was great, and you’re right, very intelligently written! :)