I'm learning the VERY hard way a couple of things..
GET CAR INSURANCE: seems like a "duh" but I kinda thought I'd slip through the cracks and save myself some money. However, when some lady slammed into my little Toyota from behind, I saw my financial life flash before my eyes and all I could do was thank the Lord that it was her fault and not mine! Seriously, I accept this as a merciful warning sign and WILL be getting car insurance even though it will probably be a lot because I have more tickets than.. you could shake a stick at? Not sure why you would need to shake a stick at my tickets but still- if you wanted to you couldn't anyway.
Lesson #2..
PAY TRAFFIC TICKETS: Also, a "duh". But, when you are broke, one or two hundred for a speeding ticket on top of monthly bills is- well, there's just no room. Well, let me tell you.. make room! make it a priority. Because that ticket could easily double or triple in the amount as well as totally screw up your world by suspending your license and then charging you an outrageous reinstatement fee when you do get that ticket paid. So, just pay it the day after you are cited. Pay it before your rent even. Trust me, Uncle Sam is way more ruthless than your landlord.
So, there you have it. How to save money by spending money. Isn't that how the world works anyway??
Peace out my frugal friends..
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
VEGAS
Ok, first, a confession: I have never been to Vegas.
If you are a similar poor soul, here's a deal from Southwest that may be able to change that for you. I don't know if I can jump on this opportunity personally but if you're needing a break, this could be your ticket! I hear its the place to be.. And I hear it's the place to be broke! Free drinks as long as you are playing? yes thank you! Even if you are slowly sticking pennies into the cheapest game you can find.. :)
Honestly, I think Southwest likes to pretend they have super awesome deals coming out their ears but you really have to see past the frantic ACT NOW OR YOU WILL NEVER REALIZE YOUR DREAMS! banners and think about what they are actually offering.. Because "just $179 each way!" is NOT a good deal even if it only lasts for the next 30 seconds. However, I think this Vegas thing seems pretty legit.. Would love to hear if anyone tries it out! And would love to see the pictures :)
If you are a similar poor soul, here's a deal from Southwest that may be able to change that for you. I don't know if I can jump on this opportunity personally but if you're needing a break, this could be your ticket! I hear its the place to be.. And I hear it's the place to be broke! Free drinks as long as you are playing? yes thank you! Even if you are slowly sticking pennies into the cheapest game you can find.. :)
Honestly, I think Southwest likes to pretend they have super awesome deals coming out their ears but you really have to see past the frantic ACT NOW OR YOU WILL NEVER REALIZE YOUR DREAMS! banners and think about what they are actually offering.. Because "just $179 each way!" is NOT a good deal even if it only lasts for the next 30 seconds. However, I think this Vegas thing seems pretty legit.. Would love to hear if anyone tries it out! And would love to see the pictures :)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Good News
Minimal make-up is awesome. That's good news for those of us whose wallets and make-up bags seems to stay under-stocked.
Just make sure and spend a couple bucks on a good moisturizer with sunscreen!
Or go super cheap and use what I use (yes, you can use it on your face, but you have to add a sunscreen)
Just make sure and spend a couple bucks on a good moisturizer with sunscreen!
Or go super cheap and use what I use (yes, you can use it on your face, but you have to add a sunscreen)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Get Out of Town
I am planning a trip to see my bff who just moved to NY. It WILL be a cheap trip. I want to spend $400. Here's the plan:
1: I'll be staying with a friend, of course, so no hotel cost.
2: Priceline.com. If you can be flexible, choose the "name your own price" feature and you can get some great deals. I got a round trip ticket for $175. The beats the very best deal I found searching all the other sites by 30 bucks. Significant enough for me!
3: I'm only gonna go for 4 days so I'm not missing too much work and not spending too much money there.
4: Buy some groceries when I get there. Only one meal out per day.
5: Research ahead of time some free things to do and plan one splurge. I think a reasonably priced Broadway show will be my one thing I spend money on. The rest of the time I will just enjoy being at the amazing city and hanging with my friend.
1: I'll be staying with a friend, of course, so no hotel cost.
2: Priceline.com. If you can be flexible, choose the "name your own price" feature and you can get some great deals. I got a round trip ticket for $175. The beats the very best deal I found searching all the other sites by 30 bucks. Significant enough for me!
3: I'm only gonna go for 4 days so I'm not missing too much work and not spending too much money there.
4: Buy some groceries when I get there. Only one meal out per day.
5: Research ahead of time some free things to do and plan one splurge. I think a reasonably priced Broadway show will be my one thing I spend money on. The rest of the time I will just enjoy being at the amazing city and hanging with my friend.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Article for September Newsletter
For work, I had to write a few articles for a design newsletter. Here is my article for the September Issue, entitled: Updating Your Home For Fall
UPDATING YOUR HOME FOR FALL
BY: KATIE BANDAS, INTERIOR DESIGN/ART CONSULTANT, JL DESIGN
The first crisp day of Autumn sends a chill of excitement up my spine, and my car seems to instinctively direct itself to the nearest department store. It’s time to decorate for fall! Everything from bath towels to door mats is splattered with reds, oranges and golds, and covered with leaves and pumpkins. So how do you tastefully update your home for the new season without buying out the entire holiday section of your local department store?
Decorating for fall is about echoing the beauty that is portrayed on the canvas of the outdoors, and relishing in the warmth of the indoors. The right colors and textures, plus a few tricks, will flood your home with that beauty and warmth.
Start by looking into your space and scanning for fall colors- brown, red, orange, gold- that may already be present. Hone in on a chestnut piece of wood furniture, for example, a gold hue to your tile, or maybe you have a burnt orange accent wall. Focus on these colors and use them as a palate for bringing in any new pieces. You want to trade out the least expensive items in your home that will make the largest impact. Some of the best items to replace are throw blankets and pillows, floral arrangements, and decorative accessories. Opt for solids and mature florals and patterns over cartoony prints.
When you consider texture, again look to the outdoors. I love a heavy faux fur throw blanket juxtaposed with a spindly vase that mimics the impending bareness of the trees. Select accessories that take you places. A barn wood picture frame recalls a ski lodge in Colorado; a natural woven rug is a hayride with the family.
Once the cool, light and airy has been replaced with the deep, rich and warm, I like to add a spritz of cinnamon air spray as a final touch. Easy, small, yet mindful changes can dramatically brighten your home and infuse your living space with the cozy familiarity of the approaching season.
UPDATING YOUR HOME FOR FALL
BY: KATIE BANDAS, INTERIOR DESIGN/ART CONSULTANT, JL DESIGN
The first crisp day of Autumn sends a chill of excitement up my spine, and my car seems to instinctively direct itself to the nearest department store. It’s time to decorate for fall! Everything from bath towels to door mats is splattered with reds, oranges and golds, and covered with leaves and pumpkins. So how do you tastefully update your home for the new season without buying out the entire holiday section of your local department store?
Decorating for fall is about echoing the beauty that is portrayed on the canvas of the outdoors, and relishing in the warmth of the indoors. The right colors and textures, plus a few tricks, will flood your home with that beauty and warmth.
Start by looking into your space and scanning for fall colors- brown, red, orange, gold- that may already be present. Hone in on a chestnut piece of wood furniture, for example, a gold hue to your tile, or maybe you have a burnt orange accent wall. Focus on these colors and use them as a palate for bringing in any new pieces. You want to trade out the least expensive items in your home that will make the largest impact. Some of the best items to replace are throw blankets and pillows, floral arrangements, and decorative accessories. Opt for solids and mature florals and patterns over cartoony prints.
When you consider texture, again look to the outdoors. I love a heavy faux fur throw blanket juxtaposed with a spindly vase that mimics the impending bareness of the trees. Select accessories that take you places. A barn wood picture frame recalls a ski lodge in Colorado; a natural woven rug is a hayride with the family.
Once the cool, light and airy has been replaced with the deep, rich and warm, I like to add a spritz of cinnamon air spray as a final touch. Easy, small, yet mindful changes can dramatically brighten your home and infuse your living space with the cozy familiarity of the approaching season.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Idea #1
One man's trash.....
I found this chair by a dumpster, painted it white with some leftover paint from another project, and covered the seat easily with a scrap of fabric that I already had.
Total Cost: $0.00
*Recovering chairs like this is really simple. You can usually just flip it over, unscrew the seat from the chair, and cover the existing fabric with a new one with a staple gun. Staple the corners first, tighly, then the middles, and then work from there back to the corners to avoid ripples or folds.
**Inspiration for the color and fabric choice came from some images from the late Dominomag.com (RIP):
I found this chair by a dumpster, painted it white with some leftover paint from another project, and covered the seat easily with a scrap of fabric that I already had.
Total Cost: $0.00
*Recovering chairs like this is really simple. You can usually just flip it over, unscrew the seat from the chair, and cover the existing fabric with a new one with a staple gun. Staple the corners first, tighly, then the middles, and then work from there back to the corners to avoid ripples or folds.
**Inspiration for the color and fabric choice came from some images from the late Dominomag.com (RIP):
The Agenda
:Home ~ DIY projects, cheap finds, cool stores, and creative ideas to make your one bedroom shit-hole a home.
:Dress ~ Good deal finds, budget friendly stores, thrifting, and affirmation that yes, it's ok to shop at Goodwill.
:Travel ~ More deals, more ideas, money-savers, and a motto that you fake it til you make it baby.
:Etc. ~ Anything that helps us po' folk live it up, because we really don't have time to wait for our winning numbers.
:Dress ~ Good deal finds, budget friendly stores, thrifting, and affirmation that yes, it's ok to shop at Goodwill.
:Travel ~ More deals, more ideas, money-savers, and a motto that you fake it til you make it baby.
:Etc. ~ Anything that helps us po' folk live it up, because we really don't have time to wait for our winning numbers.
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