Or if things are particularly dire and we've been extremely reckless with our finances, stretches of time with no shopping.
With summer on the horizon, the temptation to splurge becomes all the more overwhelming. As the temperature rises so do the number of impromptu outdoor lunches with the girls. If dining out isn't your vice, perhaps you’ve booked a holiday abroad and before you go on holiday you need to buy "holiday things" Finally for those that don't venture abroad, we choose to expand our "summer wardrobe" as a substitute.
Summer has more tempting ways of depleting our incomes than any other season. Unless you're a woman who can exercise fiscal prudence and say "no" to yourself, the chances are this summer you'll give in to the temptation to spend. Here at The Tip we wondered if there was some way of indulging in the so called frivolous things that bring us great joy, without severely damaging our bank balances and waist lines? Of course there is! Here are 4 ways of indulging this summer without the guilt or damage to your purse.
Drink low calorie cocktails
Despite their light taste, most cocktails are heavy on the calories. A long island ice tea is a treat but can contain up to a whopping 780 calories. This type of calorie intake per is enough to put you off cocktails forever. Let's be honest though, it'd take a lot to put us off cocktails forever. However there is an alternative; low calories cocktails! Yes they exist this isn't a joke.
Our brand of the moment is X-Centrique Fusion Liqueur (known as X-Rated Fusion in the U.S). This liqueur features a blend of premium French vodka and oranges. A drink that's complimentary to a variety of recipes and at only 96 calories per serving, it's full of all the delight but none of the guilt. X-Centrique can be drunk alone or as a cocktail. Sounds like our kind of drink!
www.facebook.com/xratedfusion Twitter @XRatedFusion
Shop at charity shops
Despite the fact they’re full of incredible fashion gems being sold at a fraction of their actual value, charity/thrift shops don’t get the attention they deserve. We elevate the high street and designer shops forgetting that we can get the same clothes without slipping into our overdraft. By shopping at thrift stores you’re doing your bank account a favour and embracing the ethical and environmentally friendly option.
Our charity shop of choice is Oxfam. Never a let down, its boutiques are rammed full of enviable one-off pieces with flair practically woven into them.
Follow their Twitter account @OxfamFashion for updates and log on to their website to find your nearest local shop.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/boutiques Twitter @Oxfamfashion
Go Glamping
It’s a bit late in the day to try and purchase festival tickets so glamping (glamorous camping) is a great way of having a festival like experience without having to endure bands you don’t like. The need to economise has meant many of us have forfeited on holidays over the past few years, however glamping is a great way for a recessionista to recharge.
For all your glamping needs check:
Find a deal online
Whatever your desire, there’s a way to meet it cut price. EBay is a great way of sourcing everything from makeup to vintage Prada (make sure you check your sellers history). Sites like Top Table will cater for all of your culinary needs, ensuring you and your friends can dine out at great restaurants for a reasonable price. There are a plethora of websites dedicated to leisure at a discount. Remember, there's no shame enjoy things at a lower price. It's actually the smarter thing to do in the short and long term.
Our brand of the moment is Groupon. Offering discounts on everything from Pilates, to fish pedicures to cut price meals for two, it is slightly addictive.
