Rathmines Library

Dublin's Library Diva took a visit to the newly renovated Rathmines Library today.
The rather grand carnegie building boasts a music and audition centre, a study and reference
floor, public computers, self-service machines and wheelchair access.  The spacious library has comfortable reading areas and a good selection of books, dvds and cd's.
  This re-opening comes hot on the heels of the re-opening of stillorgan library, proving that the maintenance and up-keepof public libraries is still a priority in recession library.  New to public libraries?  Drop in and check out the books, dvd's, cd's and computer games which are available for renting free of charge.  To find out what your local library has to offer, check out the following links:
www.dlrcoco.ie/library
http://www.dublincitylibraries.ie/
http://www.southdublinlibraries.ie/
www.fingal.ie/library

100 euro a week - Day 4

Day 4 was not such a good day budget wise.  It is really tough to stick to such meagre means and
not turn into a recluse!  When you have to think twice about going for a cup of coffee with a friend,
you know things are tight.  As one reader pointed out, some people on the dole have to live on this
amount every week which made me stop and think.

Dress from the cancer society in Rathmines- 8 euro. A bit of an extravagance i admit, but
the dress is awesome and i couldn't leave it behind me! Its 80's Madonna crossed with granny
wallpaper, i love it!

Coffee and a cupcake with a friend - 4.65 euro.

Groceries- 6.45 euro

Total spend for the day: 19.10 euro
Total spend this week so far: 63.31
Total amount left for the week: 36.69

Verdict: I think I will manage to make my 100 euro a week challenge, but to be honest,
36.69 euro is not a lot to have for an entire weekend...

100 euro a week - Day 3

Not such a bad day budget wise today- remembered to bring my lunch and managed to blag a
student cinema ticket to see 'The Guard'.  FYI, wasn't very impressed by the wesht of Ireland, but everyone else seems to like it, so what do i know.

Bus Fare to work: 1.85
Bus fare to town : 2.30
Student ticket to cinema: 6.20

Total spend: 10.35

Verdict: Good recessionary day at last- Hurrah!

100 Euro a week challenge - Day 2

This isn't going to be easy, you kind of forget all the little things you need to buy on a daily basis.
Steps i took in meeting my target include bringing lunches into work and shopping in aldi.  Unfortunately,
im a bit of a health nut and good quality wholesome food is relatively expensive.

Bus to work: 1.85
Chemist:        9.51
Groceries:     11.40

Total spend:  22.76.

Verdict:  Very Bad!  Its a pity i have to eat!  will have to scrimp a lot to make up for today, and im
going to the cinema tomorrow evening.  I have and uphill battle to make the 100 euro a week limit.

Dublin Library Diva Challenge

Is it possible to live on a budget in Dublin?  Library Diva thinks not, as a friend once wittily put it
the 'Door tax' in Dublin is double that of the rest of the country.  High rents, transport costs and higher cost
of goods make Dublin one of the priciest places in the world to live.  In a fit of brokedom and madness,
Dublin library diva has decided to live for three weeks on 100 euro a week.  Will it be possible to stick
to this comparatively meagre amount and still have fun in the capital....

Day 1
Went to the gym this morning at a cost - 6euro
Yogurt and Fruit - 1.40 euro
Bus to and from work - 3.70 euro

Total spend for the day - 11.10 euro.

Verdict:  Not a great start to the challenge- will have to do better!

Shopping on a shoestring

Library Diva is in need of a shopping fix, but after 2 months of gigs, festivals and weekends away
funds are slow.  Is it possible to get jeans, tops, dresses and 2 pairs for shoes and socks for under
200 euro?

Shopping List
Jeans
Leggings
Tops for work
Dress
Flip Flops
Shoes for work

Budget:
200 euro

Itinerary

Irish Cancer Society: Located in Rathmines, this charity shop is a gem for bags and dresses.
Today i picked up a brand new Urban Outfitters tunic for 8 euro and a summer sweater for 3 euro.
Total spend 11 euro.  Number of items 2.

Enable Ireland: Camden street branch.  Today I picked up a green river island short sleeved
sweater for 6.95 euro.
Total spend: 6.95 euro. Number of items: 1.

Irish Cancer Society:  Known for its eye-catching window displays, this Georges street shop is
always buzzing with activity.  Vogue favourite NYD's tummy tuck jeans cost 6 euro.
Total spend: 6 euro.  Number of Items: 1.

Oxfam:  A large vintage section and close proximity to boutiques and high street shops
ensures a large quantity of high quality goods to peruse.  A brand new Vera Moda
black cocktail dress was bought for 15 euro. 
Total spend 15 euro.  Number of Items: 1.

H&M: 1 pair of black leggings was purchased to pair with my new tunic.
Total spend: 6.95 euro.  Number of items: 1.

So far, so good, have managed to acquire jeans, tunics, tops and a cocktail dress for

So far so good, I have managed to acquire jeans, jumpers, tunic, dress, leggings for 46 euro.
Score Mor! However, i still need to buy 2 pairs of shoes and having size 9 foot means that I
often have to pay over 100 euro for one pair of shoes.  This means that i avoid buying shoes
until the soles are falling out of them!
Luckily for me Cinderella shoes, a specialised large shoe boutique are having an end of season sale. woohoo!

Cinderella Shoes: 1 pair of flip flops was purchased for 20 euro and a pair of court shoes
was bought for 30 euro.
Brilliant! I have everything on my shopping list for under 100 euro! This means i have
only spent half my budget. Yippee, for being such a good girl, i definitely deserve a treat, so

i bought a pair of fantastically sexy red high heels for 70 euro :)

Verdict: Its definitely possible to dress stylishly on a budget.  However, to thrift shop you need
to have the time and the energy to rifle through rails of ill fitting, out of fashion clothes to get
that perfect piece.