30 Favorite Budget Friendly Must Haves

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You know I don't love the 'B' word...shhhh...don't say it. You know ahem...budget.😬😬 But I have been living on a cash flow plan, a cooler way to say 'budget' without saying it. Basically, since 2011, when we went totally BROKE, we have created a plan for our money and stuck to it every month since then.

Have we been perfect? No.

Have we been consistent? Absolutely YES.

We have sat down every single month, together and assigned every dollar we earned to a job.

In the beginning it was to pay our living expenses and pay off debt. So, in order to do that my "act like I am Richie Rich" lifestyle had to go. No more $300 dresses, name brands, or fancy makeup.

And yes, these were all my TV news days...I had to look put together but had to figure out how to do it on the cheap...cheap chic is what I did and to this day, debt free, I still shop like this. Most months our "department store budget" is less than what I would spend on a work dress. I got really good at finding "dupes" or "knockoffs" of the pricey, name brand, designer stuff.

Here is one tip: always go with solids, they never look cheap and always flatter. Cheap fabric is always forgiving if it is a solid, darker color.

Okay, now, on to the list...here are 30 of my FAVE everyday things under $30 (most are way under $30 because that is how I roll). Food, fitness, daily tools, beauty and everything in between.

Enjoy!! Happy Shopping and Happy Frugal Living.

I am here to show you it is POSSIBLE.

FASHION AND BEAUTY

All of my favorites in hair, nails and clothes!

1. JOY CHASER COLLECTION

Joy Chaser Collection-all the reminders on all the swag to CHASE YOUR JOY.

2. YOU DO YOU COLLECTION

You Do You Collection-living your best life means YOU doing You and everyone needs THAT on a wine tumbler.

3. SHINY LEGGINGS

Shiny Leggings-These rival 2 VERY expensive brands we all know and cherish but cost 1/4 of the cost. They are dreamy.

4.SASSY SNEAKERS

Leopard Sneaks- EVERYONE who sees these loves these, especially the price tag.  These rock. They are inspired by a the Golden Goose leather sneakers. They run a tad big, FYI. And they are few dollars over $30 but as close to it as you can get for an inspired look of the $500 shoes! So, let's embrace that!

5. BEST AFFORDABLE GYM SHOES

Adidas Cloud Foam-I love a cute pair of CrossFit shoes but they never look cute on me and they are PRICEY. So, these are light weight, comfy, cheap-ish and go from gym to at home office or lunch run like that. Also, disclaimer, some of the other colors are over $30 but still worth the $40 ish price. These are a scosh over $30 but again...I am not mad about it...LOL.

6. JELLY INSPIRED DESIGNER SANDALS

Studded Jelly Sandals-a nude pair of sandals is a WIN in my book. They always make your legs look long. I have eyed these forevs but would never spend that kind of money on the designer ones sooooo another similar, more affordable look for the win.

7. GUCCI INSPIRED BACKPACK

Gucci Dupe-can you tell I love a designer look? This is the best mini Mom bag, ev-ah. It's got a Gucci feel with the color scheme and studs but it's a backpack purse...yes, they are back and we are here for it.

8. BEST AT HOME BLOW OUT

Blow Dryer Brush-where was this when I was in TV and trying to blow dry my hair at 2:30am?? It's seriously the greatest and easiest way to blow out your hair with minimal tools. My Mother In Law is the Queen because she introduced me to it.

9. BEST SHAMPOO EVER

Fave Shampoo-my hair goddess Victoria turned me on to this. I don't like washing my hair so this goes a long way. Under $30 but lasts forever. Pea size amount. Your hair will thank you a month into using it.

10. BEST CONDITIONER EVER

Fave Conditioner-if you buy the shampoo you best be buying the conditioner. Again, your hair will thank you.

11. BEST DRY SHAMPOO EVER

Best Dry Shampoo-I may have a favorite shampoo but you know that on the 6 day stretch of no washing, this is what keeps my hair feeling fresh and less greasy. I have tried them all and this one always sits at the top of the list of "YASSS Queen!"

12. BEST CONCEALER EVER

Concealer-I believe coffee and concealer was a special gift from the Lord for morning TV people and Moms. This is how I found this...because I needed spackle to cover my tired eyes. IT.IS.MY.FAVE. I would bring it with me on a deserted island.

13. BEST EYE SHADOW PALETTE EVER

Eye Color Palette-I used to spend at least $60 plus on one of these but when we were cutting back, expensive makeup had to go. This one is my fave for day to day. I mix many of the colors but the shades are just neutral enough to work on all.

14. BEST BB CREAM EVER

BB Cream-has been a fave of mine since TV days and even in high def, early morning hours, this one rivals all the fancy ones.

15. BEST FACE HIGHLIGHTER EVER

Face Highlighter-because we all want that dewy glow like the celebs, it's why highlighter gives me life everyday. This one is my go to.

16. BEST FALSE LASHES EVER

Fave Lashes-can't stop, won't stop. I LOVE me some glue on lashes. YAAAAS. These are my fave.

17. BEST LASH GLUE EVER

Lash Glue-this is my go to. You gotta make sure those lashes last ALL day.

18. BEST MASCARA EVER

Best Mascara-life line here. I will die wearing this mascara.

19. BEST MASCARA PRIMER EVER

Mascara Primer-don't ask, just buy. You NEED this. A primer is a must to making it look like you have long lashes. Yes, I use this even with my false lashes. I always add a swipe of this and mascara BEFORE I apply lashes. Trust me, it works.

20. BEST NAILS EVER

Impress Nails-I love pretty nails but stopped spending the money on getting them done during our get out of debt days and never went back. THESE ARE GOLD. Friends, get them. They are like the new version of Lee Press On's but they last forever. 9 days is my timeline for them. They come in every color imaginable. Make sure to trim them if you like shorter nails. That's what I do.

HEALTHY LIFE STUFF

Now onto my faves for your mind and body!

21. FAVE COLLAGEN

Collagen Peptides-I add this to my coffee or shakes or batters of baked goods etc. Hello happy hair, skin and nails.

22. FAVE RECIPE COLLECTION

Recipe Tin with 12 Weeks of Slow Cooker Recipes-THIS IS SOLID GOLD. Not only does it look good on your counter, the recipes are simple, healthy and fast. That is my JAM. To fit the under $30 bill, make sure to order the PDF version only...it's a downloadable printable for $14.95...but the recipe tin addition and filing system is totally worth the extra spend, FYI.

23. FAVE WAY TO PLAN MY MEALS

Freeze Easy Meal Planner-if slow cooker isn't your thing but prep is THIS will help you plan your entire week or month to make those busy soccer nights or long work days less stressful knowing you have din ready to go.

24. FAVE HOME PLANNER AKA LIFE PLANNER

Home Planner 2020-so much of my overwhelm comes from things piling up. Small action steps every day help. This planner is my life and I can't wait for the new year because this will be my guide towards combating overwhelm by staying organized. Same as the recipe tin...the actual physical planner is $45 but WELL worth it considering it will be your life line for ONE ENTIRE YEAR. However, if you want to save money and keep this well under $30 then you must get the downloadable PDF which will run at $14.95, so it is TOTALLY budget friendly, Sis.

25. FAVE WATER BOTTLE

Big A%S Water Bottle-everyone makes fun of it but everyone secretly wants it and eventually gets it. How do you drink all the water and feel better? Get yourself one of these...all the motivation while you hydrate.

26. FAVE DAILY JOURNAL

The You Do You Journal-by far one of the best tools I have added to my life. Gratitude is a practice. We must choose it everyday. Intention is the way towards accomplishments. We must choose it everyday. Biased? Yes. This is my fave journal.

27. MUST READ BOOK FOR YOUR HEART

Everybody Always-by far one of the BEST books I have ever read. You just need this in your life. Love is the way. Bob Goff shows us how.

28. MUST READ BOOK FOR YOUR MIND

New Again:Healing Through Perspective-one of the most beautiful stories of how a young mother and wife walked a journey towards NEW AGAIN. She's a dear friend and her story is powerful. A must for all to read.

29. MUST READ BOOK FOR YOUR SOUL

The Best Yes-another life changing must reads for my fellow people pleasing friends. You will be so deeply moved by this one.

30. MUST READ BOOK TO START EACH DAY

My Fave Daily Devotional-this along with my journal has become a powerful way to start the day.

Final Thoughts

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Well there you have it - the 30 things I cannot live without that also don't break the budget. Also, some of the links above are affiliate links. If you were to buy something from any of the links above, it won't cost you anything more, but I may get a commission for referring you. I hope that is okay and just wanted to be fully transparent with you.

Thanks so much for being here!

-Andrea

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10 Comments

  1. Debra Boyer on December 10, 2019 at 10:58 pm

    You’re “crazy” girl!!! Love it though !!



    • Andrea Robinson on December 16, 2019 at 11:22 am

      LOL! Crazy is fun and good, right?? 🙂



  2. Sheila Emmons on December 11, 2019 at 7:20 am

    Good Morning Andrea!This is far the most awesomest & motivational message I’ve read besides His word. This regime is very helpful especially being a stay home mom with 3 younger children. I hear you on many levels. Brand names, pricey items are just the same as what you can buy at your local shopping center. To live within your budget and still be content is the Best feeling. Planning, preparing and staying on budget plus healthy living is also a plus. I can relate to many great points you’ve mentioned. Thank You for the simple reminders of basic & helpful living. This does shine light to how one little change can make a huge difference. I know just by reading this, I need to make a bit of improvements within myself for the better. This message does motivate me on many levels. Something you have to put forth the effort to make a simple situation better. Thanks again Andrea, you’re the Best!♥️Have a Fantastic & Joyous Day & God Bless…



    • Andrea Robinson on December 16, 2019 at 11:22 am

      Your message made my day. Thank you for being YOU and sharing your loving and encouraging heart with me. It is a blessing in this world that is often dim and dark. God bless you sister! xoxo!



  3. Charlotte Orm on December 11, 2019 at 9:28 am

    I absolutely love ❤️ the Impress nails. Been getting them every now and then for special occasions. I even have some Christmasy ones from last year that I never opened. I think I’ll have to put them on soon. Thank you for all of your tips, they really help.



    • Andrea Robinson on December 16, 2019 at 11:21 am

      Wonderful! Aren’t they so fun and easy?!



  4. JoAnn Hermon on December 11, 2019 at 11:38 am

    I am a snow bird from IN and looked forward to waking up with you every morning when we returned each fall. Now I miss seeing your smile and hearing your positive comments. I was delighted to see this on Facebook today. Please sign me up for any further posts/blogs you may be posting



    • Andrea Robinson on December 16, 2019 at 11:20 am

      Oh Wonderful!!! I am so happy to hear from you. Would you like me to add you to our newsletter?



  5. Marion Westrich on December 11, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    Loved all the tops Andrea!!!!



    • Andrea Robinson on December 16, 2019 at 11:20 am

      I am so glad you loved them! xoxo