Charming, huh?

There are certain things women can not resist.

Sometimes their shiny or rustic. Silver or Gold. Classy or edgy...

..but accessories will always catch a woman's eye. The saying is "Diamonds are a girl's best friend."

Well unless we're all independent women buying our own diamonds and buying our rings, we're probably going to have to downgrade from diamonds to rhinestones.

I love being able to buy new accessories to make or re-make an outfit that was already worn.

But they can get expensive, and shopping for accessories can be a frustrating adventure when everything is misplaced, earrings are missing their backs, and you can't find a simple long gold necklace because they all have an owl on them (hint hint..Forever 21...)

I used to love shopping for accessories at Forever 21, until I found Charming Charlie, which is a plethora of accessories of all kinds for a great price.

For those prone to OCD behaviors like myself, you'll appreciate and obsess over the fact that every single thing is organized by ROYGBIV.

You need a navy blue bubble necklace? No more searching through all the necklaces at the store. You just find the blue section. Ah, simplicity. It's the little things.

If you love accessories but are limited to a low price range, change your style everyday, or can never wear the same earrings twice, check out Charming Charlie.

A few of my accessories from Charming Charlie. The coral bracelet still has the tag on. I went shopping Saturday, which is what prompted me to tell you about this wonderful store!

Coffee Coffee Coffee

I, as well as many other twenty-something women, love coffee. Love isn't even the right word.

Addicted. That's better.

But of course, it's expensive. Well, if you like froofy coffee drinks it's expensive.

Skinny White Chocolate Mocha Latte. Can't get that for less than $2.00.

Once in awhile I'll go to Dunkin Donuts, but that's only because the boyfriend is with me, cause Starbucks isn't his thing.

So how is that I get to drink 2+ froofy tasting coffees a day?

Costco-size coffee bags + Flavored Creamer = froofy coffee (especially if you put a lot of creamer in!)

So when I see girls who post pictures of their Starbucks cups on Facebook and Instagram, and then later bitch about not having money, I shake my head. Maybe if you stop spending $4.75 on coffee everyday, you wouldn't have a problem. I know, it's hard to quit, its like crack, but you can still splurge maybe once a week when you go on a coffee date with your bestie.

In honor of St.Patty's day (a re-occurring blog theme this week!), I've been using this creamer. Ah, the day I first saw this in the store..I jumped for joy. Now I can have my Bailey's coffee before work, without feeling like a lush (aka it doesn't have alcohol in it)

Saucey

It's honestly quite weird that I'm actually going to spend time recommending this product....
...nothing particularly exciting, but if you're a carboholic like me, and LOVE pasta, you must try this sauce.

It tastes like an expensive product, and something homemade. But in reality, I spent no more than $1.95 at Jewel.

My Go-To Pasta Sauce:

Essential Everyday Traditional Pasta Sauce

I can't even tell you why it's so good or describe to you the incredible flavor. It's just one of those things that makes you go "MMM..who made this?" and you wish it was you.

I stumbled upon this sauce by how I usually choose my products ; by the price. I'm a cheap-o and rarely buy brand-name goods anymore. Although Prego is still reasonable, Essential Everyday is cheaper (and tastier!). They make other amazing products as well -- pretty much every product they offer in the grocery store, they have an Essential Everyday option. Half of my cart at Jewel is filled with these products; from Almond Milk to plastic sandwich baggies.

Bonus: they always come with recipes on the back!

Clearly, you need to go check this out if I'm that excited and have dedicated time to writing about a cheap ass pasta sauce. 

Valentine's Day - Lesson 1

It's about a week away from everyone's favorite Hallmark holiday; Valentine's Day. Regardless of the history of the day, it's turned out to be a 'buy all the mushy-gushy stuff you can to prove that you love your significant other' and the person that usually does all the buying is the man in the relationship. I'm not saying this is right, or that I don't show my man some love on V- Day, but its the truth. You know it. Get over it.

Now, this post may be pointless, as I'm not sure many men actually read this blog, but I do hope to make some ladies chuckle. Maybe, just maybe, your man with stumble upon this post and realize it honestly does not take much to please a women on this holiday. He doesn't need to break the bank. Yes, some guys will order two dozen roses, and have them waiting at your dinner table where he will spend $50 on a Filet the size of three fingers. Some guys will buy a $100, life-size teddy bear that will collect dust in your closet. Yes, some guys will propose to their love on this day, but that's a one time thing, and don't expect him to exceed that V-Day gift the next year. These are the exceptions to the rule. Women are easily amused, and just seeing you put in some effort is what she is looking for. She just wants you to acknowledge her, not necessarily the holiday. Let her know you care, appreciate, and love her.

Need some inspiration, men? [Ladies, take notes, start dropping hints.]

Buy a Card
Good: Hallmark actually makes cards that are .99. Wish her a happy V-Day.
Great: Take the time to actually find a card that truly says what you feel. There are people out there, hopeless romantics, whose job it is to write exactly what you are feeling but can't say. They do the work for you, you sign it. Boom.
Above and Beyond: Buy a card, and write your own message. Something personal, romantic. I know, scary right? Grow some balls and show us how you really feel or you will never have the chance to.

Go Old School...Make a Mix Tape
Good: Make her a C.D/playlist with generic love songs that she will still listen to all the time.
Great: Actually make her a personal C.D/playlist with songs that either a) remind you of her b) how you feel about her c) songs that mark milestones in your relationship (ex. a song that played when you just met, first dance, songs you like to get down to...ha, oh ya.)
Above and Beyond: You sing? You play an instrument? You know what to do. Unless you're bad. Please spare us the heartbreak.

Dinner
Good: Take her out. Doesn't even have to be for dinner. Could be brunch..or just drinks. Spend a little money, nothing cray.
Great: Make her dinner at home. Make it like a scene from a movie. Not that hard. Light a candle, set the table. Actually clean your place....
Above and Beyond: It's hard to go above and beyond without breaking the bank for this category. But I would suggest, if you met at a bar, or your first date was at a specific restaurant, take her there. Re-create those beginning moments.

Sweets & Treats
Good: Chocolate.
Great: Wine
Above and Beyond: Wine AND Chocolate. Heaven.

Flowers
Good:  A single rose.
Great:  A single stem or bouquet of her favorite flower
Above and Beyond: Have her favorite flower waiting someplace special (the dinner table, when you open the door, when you come home, on the bed...)

Just Take Care of Her
Sometimes a woman just likes to be catered to. Maybe she's been working a lot ; give her a massage. She's stressed; let her beat the shit out of you in Call of Duty. She's feeling down;Tell her you love her. Sometimes words are the only gift she needs. She's sick; Make her tea, pop in a movie, snuggle in bed, and let her pass out in your arms. << personal experience. it was lovely. Just what you need when you're under the weather.

..and when all else fails.

Buy Lingerie
Can't really fail at this. Go to Vicki's. Flirt with the sales associate. Tell her that your girlfriend has  about the same size boobs as her. Have her pick something out. Watch your girl squirm and giggle that you actually 'picked out a pair of panties' (besides who doesn't love a new pair of underwear!?) and later...watch her in them. It's a win-win. But you're going to pay for it. Those panties aren't cheap, my dear.

In the end, it's not about how much you spend. It's about you two as a couple. He should be able to pick something out that expresses his love/care for you, or fits your relationship. If he's a simple man, not so good with words, a single rose may be what you receive. But that's him. Simple, still beautiful. You need to know and understand that the fact that he actually acknowledged you, and in turn, celebrating this 'holiday', is a big deal. There are PLENTY of 'men'..eh hem...boys...who refuse to participate in any sort of festivities because

• "I don't believe in that holiday"
• What he really means: I'm cold. I don't do the whole love thing. Run. Leave now.
• "Why should I have to do something for her, when she won't do anything for me?"
• Uh, I'm sorry, but we put up with a lot of your manly gross habits and crap. We do a lot. And whose to say that if you actually were to do something for us, then we won't reciprocate the favor?
• "I don't have money" 
• Invalid excuse. I just told you what to do. Geez, you only have to spend like $2.00 on a card...
• "I don't know what to get her"
• If it's chocolate or made of grapes or sparkles or smells sweet or romantic or soft.... you're in the clear.

If you both have come to an agreement that you both will not be participating in this holiday, that's great! I just hope you are being honest with yourself, and that you aren't deep down inside hoping for a surprise.

Men, Good Luck. May you truly put some heart into this.

Ladies, I hope you are shown all the love you deserve.

<3

Out of the Box

Before reading further, I don't mean to offend anyone with my descriptions or my opinions.

I can thank my boyfriend for breaking me out of my box. The 'spoiled' box. The 'only child' box. The 'suburban girl' box. He has opened my eyes to a new adventure: re-sale shops.

When I was little, living in the burbs, I remember my mom taking all our clothes that we didn't want or didn't like to a re-sale shop. We would get money back after they sold. Our shop that we went to carried clothes and home decor. It smelled old and I never saw anyone in there. But I also perceived it as this was a place people went who were poor. I mean obviously they had to be in some sort of trouble..they were buying old, used clothes (and lets face it, some of my mom's sweaters she was getting rid of...pure 80's. Shoulder pads and all). These people were needy to me, and our family was not 'needy'.

As I got older, we simply stopped going to the re-sale shop. I'm assuming mostly because I wasn't growing as fast, and clothes lasted longer. But now I had clothes that were 'out of style' or that I didn't like anymore. I  wanted to sell them somewhere, get money back, so I could buy new clothes. I started going to Plato's Closet. At that age, Hollister & Abercrombie brands were the 'it' thing, so they took most of my clothes back. Each Plato's was right next to a mall, so after I got maybe $50 back, I'd go to the mall to buy new clothes. If you've never been in a Plato's, here is my description. They are usually in a strip mall or a run-down building. Walls and counters are some sort of cheery bright color. Metal racks hold all the clothes which are categorized by lengths of the sleeves, bottoms, and dresses/skirts, and labeled with paper signs made with Word Art. Accessories were hung from a supporting pole near the check-out line. Fitting rooms were small, and the doors were micro, allowing shoppers to see your head bobbing around and your ass hanging out as you try on clothes. A fuzzy B96 would play through the speakers. There were rarely just benches you could sit on. It smelled...funky. It was normally teen clothing so maybe it was that 'teen spirit'. Selling your clothes at Plato's is a hassle as a lot of people are there also trying to sell, which means you are always forced to wait. They tell you 15 minutes as they go through your clothes, and you are forced to walk around and 'browse'. If you have ever gone shopping with me, you know that I'm a 'toucher' (noun: a person that while shopping for clothes must feel the texture of each items he/she passes). When I go to Plato's, I do.not.touch. I would get the heebie jeebies just thinking about touching things that have been on other people. You don't know who those people are. You don't know where they kept these clothes. They could have had them in piles on their bedroom floor and weren't washed before they were brought in here (or the 7 times it was worn before that). So I mosey around with a sour look on my face, disgusted at the thought of people who bought from here. Sometimes the cashier would 'forget' to call your name, and after 20 minutes of 'looking' around, you finally go ask if they are done, and say 'Oh yeah, we have been for awhile.' Uh, I'm sorry, but you better be giving me more than $7 for those jeans since you made me suffer in this place.

Yes, you may think I'm a spoiled brat. I'm not saying any different. But this was the mind-set I was in. I knew no better. I wasn't exposed to anyone (or that I was truly aware of) who had to buy from re-sale shops. I'm sure I went to school with a few people whose families shopped their. But my friends never had to do that. Their parents bought them stuff (as did mine, till I got a job).

After graduation, I set a budget for myself. On this budget, I would mostly be living paycheck to paycheck, something I was never used to. When I was in college, if I needed a cute outfit that weekend, I was going to buy that outfit. But now, it's a different story. There had been several times where Nathan and I were going out to dinner or to a bar, and I would stand in front of our closet, and I would pout. I have nothing to wear. Nathan help me, I can't find anything. No, I wore that last weekend. No, this person has seen that shirt before. No that doesn't say 'going out' does it? One time, and I'm sure it was when I was PMSing, I had a breakdown. Sob sob.I haven't been able to buy any new clothes for myself. Sob Sob. I have no money. Sob Sob. I have nothing to wear. I can't remember exactly, but I'm sure this is why the subject was brought up...re-sale shops.

Nathan said that he used to go to Crossroads Trading Company up in Lincoln Park. That his cousin used to go there (I THINK that's the story) and he described it as a higher end re-sale shop. They only bought and sold popular and designer brands. Only popular trends. Only gently used clothing. And when I'm talking designer, they have Louboutin's behind the counter *gasp*. Sure, they have Forever 21 and H&M, but they also have Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, AKIRA, Juicy Couture..many many more. It took some convincing for me to go in their the first time. But I have faith in Nathan, and I knew he wouldn't take me somewhere gross. It's hard getting used to shopping at a re-sale shop. Things aren't as organized (its worse than shopping at a disorganized Forever 21), you see something you like, its not your size, and its not like they have it in the back. On my first time going there, I found a few things I liked (even tried them on! I got over the fear of someone else wearing them!) and I purchased them. For about half the price I would in a regular store. I felt good about my purchase, and I didn't feel 'poor'. I think it helps that I knew some of my co-workers had shopped here and that these Chicago stores and trends really make it seem 'cool' to shop re-sale. Now I go and sell my clothes there, and I 'trade' (I give them my clothes, they give me a value, and I purchase clothes in their store worth that value). If they don't happen to buy some of my clothes, there is a Plato's right down the street (no, I still don't shop there. but I've learned to look like I am browsing).
I went today and sold a lot of winter clothes, and got three new pieces that I'm very excited about.

As I said early, I don't mean to offend anyone. I'm a spoiled suburban girl who had a stereotypical view on what re-sale shops should be. For the poor and the un-trendy. But with the help of my boyfriend and Chicago's view on 'thrifting' , I now view re-sale shops as trendy, clean, and cool. I never thought I would buy someone's used clothing. ever. But here I am, shedding my spoiled, only child, suburban ways..and loving it :)

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!

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 

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!

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.