It may be too late....

Please excuse me for being low-key lately. Give me a break...it's the holidays.Which is what I'm here to talk about....

I've been on here preaching on how to save money, when in reality, I'm over here digging into my savings account and avoiding my credit card balance when I log onto Chase to see how much money I don't have in my checking account. I'm sure I can go ahead and speak for many of us here by saying the holidays are a tough time financially.

It's the season to give, and I am a giver, so there is no way that I'm looking to just stop giving gifts. You may receive less gifts or I might sit down and be like, "Hey. You're broke, I'm broke. Let's set a gift-giving budget." That way we have an understanding of the value of the gift you will be receiving, and you don't feel terrible when this person is getting you a $200 purse, and you baked them cookies. Some of you may feel there is nothing wrong about that, but if you're like me, you feel TERRIBLE and it just eats you alive that you couldn't do more for this person you love.

Now, I've got it bad (and in turn, so do those people close to me). Here is my calendar of events:
Dec 25: Christmas 

    Dec 29: Nathan's Birthday

          Dec 31st: NYE (aka spend a lot of money to get drunk in a nice dress, which you will ruin)
                Jan 1st: My birthday/New Years

Its exhausting. 

So here is what I did to save money this holiday season:

• Each person receives three gifts from me (plus little pitzly stocking stuffers.)
• 1) something they need 2) something they want 3) something they weren't expecting
• I've made DIY presents for my parents birthdays, and it turned out great. This time, I also made DIY presents for Christmas. I will not be telling who they are for or what they are at this time. How-to blog later, simply cause I want to show more people how GREAT the gifts turned out. I'm quite proud.
• Try buying experiences for someone rather than a physical gift. A memory will last longer. Well...hopefully.
• After you spent all this friggin' money on the actual gifts you still have to wrap it. You might as well tack on an additional $6 dollars to what that gift is worth since it takes that much to make it pretty. Wrapping paper, bags, and all that crap is so expensive..and we just disregard it. throw it away. crumple it up. please! come on! save that bag I paid $10 for it!!. Not sure when I became so cynical about this...Oh wait...yes I do. I don't work at Hallmark anymore so I can't make my presents look like they came out of Martha Stewart Living for only 50% of the price!!Although I'm not going to spend all that money, I still have the gift of making my presents look B-E-A-UUUTIFUL. Yes, this is a skill, and by some of the gifts I've seen and received....not everyone has it.
• I used to go to Hallmark, now I go to Target. They have pretty cute stuff. I bought a big roll of wrapping paper for $2.50. Still some left too!
• Forget bows. Seriously, I went to buy bows and a bag of like 7 bows was $5.00. Um, No. Buy ribbon!! I bought a huge spool of green,white,and red ribbon for $2.00 and it will last me through this and next year. You just need to learn how to be frickin' creative and tie that bad boy up! Just think...Christian Grey would love a present that is TIED UP.                             M-o-t-i-v-a-t-i-o-n.



I told you: Beautiful.

• Wait till about half way through December to buy bags if you need to. I went early to buy some bags at Target and ending up spending $3 because that's the cheapest bag they offered. Went back two weeks later....$1 bags magically appeared! It's because they bring out all the cheap ones after you purchased their expensive ones. They know.
• I made DIY Gift Tags. I'm not going to pay $5 on stickers, when I already have a TON from scrapbooking. Okay, so unless you have a grandma-ish hobby, as I do, I would just buy gift tags. Otherwise, make them! Cut a square out of scrapbooking paper, put a sticker on it!    Voila! 

Top Picutre: ...Made him enough space to right big...he writes tiny...wtf?
Bottom: go ahead...laugh. Its a tradition in my family to right silly names.

I'm sure there are many other secrets out there that I have yet to uncover. And yes, I do realize that by the time you read this, you've already wrapped all the presents. Here's to hoping you still have one left to wrap!

Happy Wrapping!

Potato Pancakes (aka "Forget About That Diet")

If you don't know already, today is the sixth night of Hanukkah. No,I am not Jewish, but I'm in love with someone who is <3

I've always had an interest in learning more about this holiday, as I've always been intrigued about other religions. Ironically, I'm not very religious myself, which is why I think I allow myself to have an open mind to truly learn about the religions of others.

I picked up some candles for the menorah awhile back, and now each night of Hanukkah, we've been lighting them and saying prayers (well he has been saying the prayers, I just light the candles.) I'm not here to give a religious lesson on what things mean, although these traditions are very interesting, so I suggest reading up on it...or ask me :) On the first day of Hanukkah, Nathan went out and bought some Gelt (aka chocolate coins). Can't go wrong with chocolate!

So on the fifth night, I wanted to do something special for Hanukkah so I decided to make Latkes (aka Potato Pancakes). It's a favorite traditional Hanukkah meal. What I got out of my little research is that eating potato pancakes and other fried foods cooked in oil symbolizes the miracle of the oil burning for eight nights (hope you did your research or you might be lost).

If you are Jewish or not, you MUST make these. DELICIOUS!! Make them anytime of year you want, I don't care, just make them! Talk about disgustingly fried but perfect comfort food....

By the way, for being a gentile,my Latkes turned out pretty damn well  ; )

Potato Latke Recipe
What you need:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 egg
• 1t salt
• 4 T flour
• black pepper,to taste
• vegetable oil for frying

First, grate the potatoes and onion; put them in a large mixing bowl. Be sure to drain any excess liquid.

In a second bowl, put your egg,salt, and pepper; beat the mixture. Add the egg mixture to your potatoes and onions. Mix. Add in your flour to create a thick mixture. If you find that its still too runny, add more flour. 

This was at the end of our mix when I said "Wait!! I should be blogging this.It's cheap and easy!"

Next, heat about 1/4 inch oil in a skillet over medium heat.Take 1/4 cup scoops of your potato pancake mix, put it in the oil, and flatten it to create the perfect sized latke! Fry each side until golden brown.

 Once fully golden, place them on a paper towel to get the excess oil off! 

Serve your potato pancakes with traditional sides of sour cream and/or applesauce. I take them both!

How easyyyyyy was that?! barely any ingredients...and half of them you already have in your kitchen! Makes me budget-happy :)

L'Chaim!

Big n' Fancy

Well, I'm going to have to go against what I said in one of my previous posts; I'm going on a diet. Or atleast start watching the calories I take in. This does not mean I will refuse Christmas cookies. That's not possible for me. No self control. Feel free to send them my way.

Why am I doing this?
Because we are goin' all big and fancy for NYE at the Palmer House. I'd like to be all fancy for NYE, but not big. I figured while I have a few weeks until I stuff my face with food and alcohol, I should stick to healthier foods. I'll also be doing  my normal workout routine, just in case a cookie (or 5) just accidentally make it into my mouth.

Making a meal plan and tracking calories is a tedious task. I don't want to count them myself, and I can't make decisions on what I want to eat for dinner.

"What should we eat for dinner babe?"
"I don't care, whatever you want."
"Should we just order Thai?"
"No. I'm on a diet."
"Okay, Pizza?"
"I said...I'm on a diet!!"
"Then I guess it isn't whatever I want, huh?"

Sound familiar ladies?

What we need to do is find someone who will plan our meals, track our calories taken in (and burned!) for us...and for free! No Weight Watchers or expensive Insanity Work Out and Meal Program needed!

I've been using SparkPeople since I actually started caring about my weight. SparkPeople lets you set your own goals. You enter your starting weight, your goal weight, and when you would like to lose it by. From there, it comes up with a meal plan (including how many calories you should be taking in a day) as well as how many calories you should be burning a week (it also has suggestions for work outs if you aren't sure where to start.) Every week you can track how much you lost and it will make a fun, fancy graph for you that shows your progress! If you need motivation, there are blogs from other users. There is a whole section on the website right now about how to survive this calorie-overload season we call the holidays. Sometimes, it even suggests to indulge a little :)

I really suggest using SparkPeople. It's free. It does what you want it to. All you need to do is really dig deep to find that motivation to continue to input in your information everyday and to weigh yourself weekly. It will adjust your meal plan accordingly, which will help you in your progress.

Not Just a Pretty Face

I like to think that the first thing people look at, or the place that they stare at when I'm communicating with them...is my face. Although this may not always be the case, I always make sure that my face is presentable.

This does not mean I'm going to deck myself out in make-up to look 'pretty', but I'm going to take care of my skin. I'm going to treat it well, love it, and rub fantastic face products all over it to keep it clean, new, and moisturized.

Now before I had to stop spoiling myself *sigh*, I was an Estee Lauder Addict. I mean once you find a facial routine that works, you HAVE to stick with it. You stop using a product for one day and *BAM*, its zit city. My routine is simple, but the products were expensive. I'd wash my face with Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser (even sounds fancy...) for $20.00. I would then use a toner, Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion (why on Earth they call it a lotion when its a liquid, is beyond me) for $21.50. Finally I'd moisturize my face with Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-tanning Lotion for Face (yes, it did moisturize) for $25.00. 

Obviously I needed to stop using those products, but it was hard. I didn't want my skin to react badly simply because I wanted to save money. So I started switching one thing at a time...

First: Face Wash

Now I use: Olay Total Effects: 7 in One (Never too early to start anti-aging!) for $9.00
Second: Moisturizer

Side Note: I actually tried to stop using moisturizer. BAD IDEA. My face looked worse than it did when I was 14. I actually went into Macy's to buy my toner, and the lady at the counter asked me if I use moisturizer. I said I stopped because I'm on a budget. She gave me free samples. Kind of insulting..but generous act. That right there shows you that moisturizer is so important for a healthy complexion, even if you have an oily skin type..so do I!
Now I use: Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer for about $8

I can honestly tell you that there is not a third change....
I haven't stopped using the Estee Lauder Toner, I'm sorry, 'Lotion'. I just haven't been able to find anything similar for a lower price. So I can't sacrifice everything...but I saved myself a lot of money so far. Also, I'm open for suggestions if you have any!

So what have we learned today, class?
1) you can find facial care that works without going to a department store (my twinnie will hate me for that. She works for Clinque. Don't get me wrong I do love their Dramatically Different Moisturizer...but I don't love the price.) As I've said before, go to Ulta for your beauty needs. Its the same price as grocery/drug stores, and you get rewards :)
2) Find yourself a damn routine. and NEVER stop using a moisturizer.

Don't just be a pretty face, be a money-conscious shopper <3 

Gynecologists and Hairdressers

I hope I'm not wrong to assume that hygiene is a top priority for you. Yes, we all have our 'I don't feel like showering days', but other than the 'you and your sweatpants have a hot date with the couch' days, we generally like to be clean. Right? Right.

Spoiled Alert!
When I was living back home, the only shampoo and conditioner I would use was something from the salon. I was taught that drugstore brands were not good for your hair (which, there are some which are not, eh-hem, Pantene). Having this thought in my head, I continued to want to buy these products when I was in college because, come on, what girl would want her hair to look bad?! I was also spoiled with body washes. The fact that I had a connection with a Bath and Body Works manager did not help. The thought of using a body wash other than BBW? EW!

...and then I started living on my own. The money that I was normally using to buy my expensive shower products was now going towards food for not only myself, but my boyfriend to eat. As I said earlier, I pay for the groceries...and I don't think he would appreciate if I spent all my money on salon products. I had to give them up, and this was hard. But I did it! I'm using drugstore brands. I'm picky, but I found some products that I actually love.

Shampoo & Conditioner
I used to use: Redken Blonde Glam, Big Sexy Hair
Why?: Because every since I can remember I've been going to salons to get my hair done. I'm not talking about Hair Clips. I'm talking about boutique salons where you pay $150 to $200 for a haircut/color. I learned expensive hair = must use expensive products.

Now, I use: Tresemme Color Protection, Herbal Essence Color Me Happy

Why?: Because I need something to protect that $150 haircut/color. That is one thing I'm not willing to sacrifice on (I just don't get it done as often). Here is how I see it: There are two people in life that when you find a good one, you stick with them; your gynecologist and your hairdresser. 

Body Wash/Soap
I used to use: Bath and Body Works Body Wash
Why?: I had the hook-up. and they smell soooooo gooood. I would get a new scent each season...

Now, I use: Hotel Soap (no joke)
Why?: (Props to my father, who started this one) Its free. My dad travels a lot and literally has a stock pile, so we were given some. So, it may not smell like Warm Vanilla Sugar, but it does the job its supposed to do. Sometimes really nice hotels even give out Aveda soaps (now those smell good!)
Secret: When I have a coupon, sometimes I still treat myself to a BBW Body Wash :)

Other money saving tricks: 

• buy men's razors. I swear they do a better job, last longer, and are cheaper (because men don't care if their razor is purple one week, and pink the next, or that it's scented. Yes, I said scented. I once bought razors that were 'tropical' scented. If you're seriously smelling your razor, please find help.)
• If you live with your man, use his shaving cream. Believe it or not, it works on a woman just the same. Hmm..who would have thought?! Afraid of smelling like a man? By aloe infused Barbasol. Smells fresh, its cheap, and it prevents razor burn! YES!
• Go shop at Ulta!! This was my happy place when I wanted to buy new shampoo and other hair products...and it still is!! Although Ulta has all these higher priced salon products, they still sell Herbal Essences, etc. I could get it at Jewel, but it is about the same price (sometimes less) and honestly carrying an Ulta bag makes me happier than a ugly brown Jewel bag. You also get rewards ($$ off) for your purchases if you  have a Ulta Club Card. 

If you haven't noticed yet, I'm kind of a girly-girl when it comes to beauty products/hair care, so this won't be the last of my budget-beauty product suggestions. 

Booty Work

We are a month away from when our New Years Resolutions are put into work....

And I'm sure on NYE, girls throughout the nation are going to be squeezing into their barely-there dresses with their boobies poppin' out, looking in the mirror, pinching some part of their body saying "Oh my God, I'm getting like so fat. I really need to like, start eating better or like working out or something, yaaa? That is so going to be my New Years Resolution!!! *Yells to friend* "Can you grab me a beerrrrr?? It's time to get like totally wastedddd. We are so getting McDonalds afterward..."

Admit it, at least once in your life, you were that girl. But hopefullyyyy we are past that now and you truly are interested in being healthy/getting in shape. But why wait for New Years Day to start? Just think, start now and that skimpy NYE outfit of yours will slide on so much easier! So start now! Start a month early and get in the gym/outside before everyone else joins in a month. Then you can laugh at them and be all whispering to your girlfriend, "I've never seen that person here before. I bet it's their New Years Resolution...we probably won't see them after Week 2."

There is one dilemma about working out: it can get friggin' expensive! You pay crazy amounts to use a gym facility, when you probably only use a quarter of the machines that they offer. You DO NOT need those machines! You do not need to hand over your paycheck just to look good. 

Since May 2012, I've lost 15 lbs, and noticed an incredible difference in the way my body is simply shaped and toned. I didn't pay a dime. Now, I'm no fitness expert here but I do know what worked for me. As you can see by my last post, I don't eat that healthy. I enjoy food way to much to just stop indulging in what I love (Although If I did have one suggestions, cut back on the alcohol. Packs on the pounds, wastes money, and no one likes a girl who gets wastedddddd every weekend anyways.)

So here is what I did:
Cardio + Strength Training. Simple.

Cardio
I'm lucky enough to have a small gym facility in my building. Not much too it; just a few ellipticals,  bikes, and treadmills. I built up my endurance. I started running for one minute, walking for two, and just building upon that each day. Now, I run for atleast 30 mins every other day. If you don't have a facility like this, don't pay money at a gym...go run outside!! 

And if the weather isn't nice, and all else fails...DANCE. Seriously. Turn on that song that gets your body rockin', and spend maybe 15 minutes just going at it. I don't care if you think you can't dance! Move around, shake something! You're burning calories, and that is what's important. If you need some inspirational music to get groovin', this song is always the sure thing for me:

Booty Work by T-Pain. O Yes.

Strength Training

You can simply use your own body weight to tone and gain muscle. For example, leg lifts are KILLER on your lower abs! No weights needed. Check out the image below. I based all my workouts around these suggestions. I'd pick a few a day, 3 reps, 20x15x25 for each move.

It's really is easy to find something that works for you without paying a gym membership. When a move says to use dumbbells, grab two bottles of water! You shouldn't have to pay to change your body. Check out my 'I Workout' board to see what workouts I've actually tried and loved, and ones I'm still looking forward to trying.

Remember: stick to it. You won't see results right away, but you will start to feel better. You will start to just feel healthier, and you will continue to make healthier decisions. 

Good luck and get started NOW!

The Whole Enchilada

One of the hardest things about living on your own, at least for me, is cooking. Even living back home, the only thing I knew how to make were cookies, spaghetti, grilled cheese, soup, and potatoes  Oh, and I also knew how to brown meat. Although all these things are delicious, I need some variety in my life. Ya know...spice things up a bit. Which is why I've been all experimental up in the kitchen (and by experimental I mean following someone else's recipe word for word). I am not, and will never be, Martha Stewart in the kitchen.

So not only am I learning how to cook new things...but I'm doing it on a budget. This is no easy task. I've been hunting down recipes which are a) EASY and b) inexpensive, with not very many ingredients (or ingredients I know I can store, and use over and over again). I normally find all my recipes on Pinterest, and 'pin' them to my 'Yum' board. Unless it's a fall or winter/holiday food, then those go on their own board. What can I say, I'm verrryy seasonal :)

So far I've been pretty successful. This is not just success by my standards but the boys' taste buds approve too. He comes from a family of really good cooks, so I'll admit, I'm a bit intimidated!

Last night I attempted a very very veryyy simple enchilada dish. It's only four ingredients! YAY!
All you need is:

• Tortillas (the big ones!)
• Shredded Cheese (Mexican Style)
• Corn (in the freezer section)
• Chicken Boobies (or whatever part you prefer..maybe your a thigh guy. Whatever makes you happy)

I normally do all my shopping at Jewel because I'm a Preferred Card Member and its only about 1/4 mile away from the apartment (which in the city..is a HUGE bonus!) Sometimes we will partake in an occasional 'Costco Run' to stock up on chicken, ground beef, O.J, milk..and bacon. Not my favorite thing in the world as I find Costco extremely overwhelming. Anyways, I probably spent no more than $6.00 on this meal! Winner!

To start, cook your chicken boobs and corn (Embarrassing secret: I still have to ask Nathan if the chicken looks done.). Pre-heat your oven for 350. After, lay out your tortillas and fill them with a handful of shredded chicken, tablespoon-ish of corn, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Make as many of these wraps as you want, or however many fit in your baking dish (In my case, it was only two....I'm slacking on the nice big casserole dish). When you are laying them down in the dish, remember: seam side down!! After your dish is full, put as much shredded cheese as you please over the top. Stick em in , let em bake for about 25 to 30 mins (although I found for only those two, I only needed to bake for 15 mins).

 Serve warm. I personally added a little sour cream on my plate for dipping. nom nom nom.

Enjoy!

What am I even talking about?!

Growing up as an only child, I can't say that I was extremely spoiled. I say that I was blessed and comfortable. The only things I truly remember paying for were personal items, gifts, and gas for my car. Of course, my parents were wonderful and would surprise me with things (aka mom comes back from the mall with a new shirt, or the gas tank was 'magically' full one day). Alright, some of you may say Yes, this girl was extremely spoiled,  but in the small town I grew up in, I can name at least 20 people who had things just handed to them. They had no job, yet somehow they could still afford to drive around in their expensive car (that was bought for them), and go shopping every weekend (with their parents CC). And guess what? These same kids...are still living there now, going nowhere in this world.

I decided to take a different path in my life. Two and a half years ago, I transferred to Roosevelt University  where I truly experienced city living. Even at this time I still wasn't paying rent and my school loans were deferred. My money just went to groceries, clothes, savings....anddd for spending at the bars. When I graduated in May, I had the choice to go back home like every other kid in my high school, but I was determined to be that city girl (while keeping the country girl at heart.) Although I have two jobs, I would never be able to live this dream by myself. I'm lucky enough to be living with my boyfriend who has helped me out tremendously. I can't thank him enough. We sat down before finding an apartment, and made a budget for myself, and determined how much rent I was able to pay. Although its not much, I pitch in for rent and I pay for the groceries. The rest of my money goes to student loans and my CTA card. I can't remember the last time I even went out and bought a new shirt 'just because'. I don't have the money to do that.

So.... what am I writing about?

I used to be the girl that would by a new Victoria's Secret bra every month. Now I only go there because I have a Free Panty Coupon. Coming home with two handfuls of shopping bags would make me the happiest girl in the world. Now, being able to bring home two handfuls of grocery bags makes me happy. I've gone from using high-end salon hair care/make-up...to drugstore brands. I've sacrificed a few of the luxurious things, but I couldn't be happier than I am right now in my life. It's all because I'm doing this on my own (with some support), and using the money I worked for.

Here is where you will find my stories on how I'm living on my own with a small budget. This is where I'll show how I save money (and where!), how to have fun when cash is limited, and to still look/feel good without spending department store prices. I'm sure I'll also end up sharing the struggles...I mean success stories, of learning to survive on my own (eh hem... cooking, cleaning, working). It's all these little stories about growing up.

Basically, it will be my everyday adventures with a few tips, tricks, and laughs hidden in between the lines.