Colored Denim

How much am I in love with the colored denim trend?? So much.  I'm pretty sure I tried on a different pair of colored skinny jeans each time I went to Target for the last few months and was disappointed as many times because they fit funky.  It was as if they didn't get looser through the the thighs, no matter what size I tried on.

Thankfully, H&M was there to come to my trendy rescue.  I didn't even bother trying on Express', as cute and colorful as they were, because I couldn't justify their prices on something so trendy.  Even though February is over and new clothes are allowed, I'm still trying to be frugal.  H&M delivered on spring trends for me as I found a dotted peplum top, a pastel dress, and my green jeans for around $50. Can't beat that!  I want to go back immediately, though, because we just missed the Marni collection for H&M and some of those pieces look adorable.

What I'm Wearing:

Striped Tee: American Eagle

Scarf: a little shop off Dam Square in Amsterdam (2006)

Green Skinny Jeans: H&M

Studded Flats: American Eagle

One think I was surprised to love about these jeans is the rise.  For so many years I've been a low-slung, hiphugger girl which made me a little skeptical of how high on the hips these jeans sit.  In fact, I almost didn't try them on.  I'm so glad I did!  I found the slightly higher rise to be quite slimming, even though I paired the pants with horizontal stripes.  Reason #2 for going back to H&M immediately: more high-waisted skinny jeans!  Between jeans like this and my New Year's resolution of working out, I may beat the love handles in 2012!

The Opposite of A Spree: An Experiment

One of my resolutions this year, as it is every year, is to pay down my debt.  I realize that my student loan debt is going to take more than 12 months to payoff, unfortunately. The petty debt, though, the debt thats most likely to hurt my credit? I want that out of here.  I increased my all my payments, even some to the student loans, as of the first of this year. I've been proud of myself for committing and having the end in sight.

The hitch is that I may be a little overcommitted.  I don't want to be putting so much of my cash toward debt that I'm using credit and getting back into debt with everyday purchases.  Finding a balance is tough and I don't want to cut back on my payments if I don't have to, so I've made the following resolution:

Aside from bills, gas, groceries (which will come from Aldi and only Aldi), and a Valentine's gift for The Writer (my one and only splurge, he deserves it) I will not spend any money in the month of February.

No clothes, not even the clearance racks. No shoes, unless I use my DSW gift cards. No nail polish. No lunches out.  No candy. No yummy bottled green tea. Nothing that I've been wasting money on in the past will be bought this month.  Ugh. I already feel tortured.

While February will probably be more severe than is always necessary, I want to see how much I can save.  I want to see exactly how much I spend that I don't need to.  I have a budget that gets stuck to pretty closely, but I have a feeling that the little on-the-go purchases amount to more than I expect.  In fact, if I add up all my little purchases that could've been avoided by remembering to bring enough food or my water bottle to work and my few splurges from my girl's day earlier this month, I could've saved almost $200!! Unbelievable!

I'm so doing this!  Hopefully, I will even help myself on my diet and exercise resolution, since delicious takeout macaroni and cheese and General Tso's will be far from reach for 28+ days.

Style and the Unemployed

Yesterday, I had the unique experience of attending a job fair.  I'm actively looking for my new job and/or career, so going to a place that held over 40 perspective employers seemed like a good idea. Apparently it seemed like a good idea to thousands of other people, as well. I kid you not...thousands.  The line to get in wrapped around the building.  The people at the front of the line had gotten there over two hours ahead of time.

Once inside, I had no choice but to wander through the masses.  It was an eye opening experience.  I know that Ohio is certainly not the fashion capital of the country, but this was a whole new level of awful.  Here are these countless human beings who are trying to improve their lives by getting a better job, who have shown up to meet potential future bosses wearing jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes, one-shoulder jumpsuits, shorts, and loads of bling.  It was almost tragic.  Had they never been told to "dress for the job you want"?

I understand that times are tough and not everyone can go out an buy a new suit.  I can't.  However, if I were an employer looking to fill any type of professional position and an applicant showed up to an interview looking ready for yard work, I wouldn't be interested in hiring them.  If they showed up in an awful, yet clean and professional, outfit, we could talk.  It wouldn't be so much about the end product, but if I could see they put effort into looking the part, it would speak volumes for how they would fare as an employee.

Professional attire isn't about fashion. *gasp!* It can be. Perhaps it should be, but that is not necessarily my angle on this post.  Dressing professionally on a small to non-existant budget is about resourcefulness.  For me, being stylish, fashionable and resourceful go hand in hand.  So, maybe it is about fashion?  As a girl on a budget who wants to look her best, I have to put thought into every piece I purchase.  A casual tank top is suddenly office acceptable when tucked into a pencil skirt with a blazer or cardigan on top.

Don't have basic professional wardrobe items?  I'm guessing a lot of these people didn't.  How you make it to adulthood without them, I don't know, but there is still hope.  Get them.  Don't use not having them as an excuse.  Go to the Goodwill stores in the area until you find what you need.  Still too expensive? No problem.  Talk to your friends.  Does Friend A have a black skirt she's not using? Borrow it. Too big? Pin it. Does Friend B have a button down shirt or a blazer? Yes? Borrow it. No? Ask if their kid has one. Seriously.  Especially for average to small sized women, the boy's clothing racks are a great place to grab an unexpected bargain.  If the sleeves are too short, cuff them and rock the 3/4 sleeve look. Find some unobtrusive shoes and you've got an outfit fit for an interview.  It's resourceful.

Maybe, just maybe, resourcefulness can turn into style, and goodness knows, what the world needs now is style...or love, sweet love.

Day 29: Something You Hope to Change About Yourself, and Why?

My confidence and optimism have been lagging lately.  I have to ask myself, "Why?" Why have I let myself get depressed? I've let my circumstances get me down, which is almost inevitable when you're in a position like mine. By "my position", I mean surviving on four part-time incomes, none of which have the right combination of being fulfilling and profitable, all the while searching for my true passion and direction in life.

I would very much appreciate a change in circumstances.   I know circumstances aren't something about me that I can change, but I'd like if they'd change, nonetheless.  Why? I want to start making headway on my goals.  A simple list of my goals includes: eradicating my unsecured debt, moving out of the Midwest, and becoming financially secure and responsible.  I'm being responsible as much as I can, really. I'm saving towards my trip to NYC this summer and eliminating "want" purchases and skimping on "need" purchases.  Still, the income just isn't there to make extra payments on my credit cards and student loans like I'd like to, much less save towards moving.  My employment situation(s) must change in order for many of my goals to be met. It's just that simple.  I know money isn't everything and my passion may not turn out to be a high paying one, but money and the lack thereof is holding me back at this point in life.

I took a break from writing this post, during which I got a phone call.  This phone call led to another phone call, which led to a job interview, which may lead to the change in circumstances that I need. My heart is all a-flutter.  I don't want to say too much, but I'm excited.  It may not be my dream job, but it is pointed in that direction much more than any other full-time job I've interviewed for, and that is hopeful.

Could this be my break?

DIY: Moving Part 1: Before the Big Day

During my move last weekend, I found myself saying, "Where did I put the ______," "Ugh, I still have to do ______," and, "Do I really need to take this with me?"  I can't imagine that I'm the only one that this happens to, either.  Moving is stressful, so I made a list of tips to make it easier.

Pre-move To-Do List

1. Make a Paper Trail.  Get at least two file folder, one for your old place and one for the new.  The file folder for the new apartment should contain any preliminary lease agreements, new utility contracts, change of address receipts, and confirmation numbers and receipts for new cable and internet hookups.  As you get closer to moving, you'll add to this folder. Save any receipts for moving related expenses (packing tape, UHaul rental, etc).  If you're relocating for work, these may be tax deductible.  If you're renting, make sure you do a thorough walk-through of the new place and write down anything that's less than perfect.  Make a copy for your files and turn one in to your management company.  You don't want to lose your security over something you didn't do.  In the file for your old place, keep receipts for returned cable equipment, utility disconnects, and receipts for professional cleaning services that your lease stipulates (we had to have the carpets professionally cleaned), so that you can prove you took the necessary steps to moving out.  Keep all your paperwork (organized) and you should be able to settle any dispute that might arise.


2. Clean House! If it's still in the box from the last time you moved, haven't worn it in a year, or you just don't like it or use it, get rid of it! There's no use packing up things that you'll never unpack.  You've heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? Donate unneeded and unwanted clothes to Goodwill.  Check out Habitat for Humanity's website for Restore locations and donate furniture and household items there. Keep any receipts from donations - they're tax deductible (see #1).
Read your new lease or homeowners association agreement carefully to see if there are any prohibited items.  My new apartment is on the third floor, and my new lease stipulates that only first floor apartments are allowed to have motorized workout equipment.  I was able to sell my treadmill on Craigslist before the move.  Not only did I score some extra cash for moving expenses, but I saved myself the trouble of lugging a treadmill up three flights of stairs only to have to move it out again.  I also got rid of a mini-grill that wasn't allowed because my patio has PVC soffits that could melt.

3. Point A to Point B. Moving costs money.  It's sad but true.  Perhaps the expense of moving is a main contributor to the stress of moving.  Before you move, make a budget.  Plan for truck rentals, cleaning supplies, boxes, tape, meals for you and whoever is helping you, light bulbs, box cutters, tools, to name a few.  This way, you'll know how much you should start setting aside, so that you don't find yourself sitting in a sea of boxes in your new home, flat broke, because there are things you will need to buy for your new place, too.
A note about moving trucks: UHaul is the cheapest.  They charge a flat rate per day based on the size of the truck, about $.99 per mile driven, and require you to return the truck with a full tank of gas.  Use GoogleMaps or another mapping site to plan out the shortest route from the UHaul pickup location to your old home, from there to your new home, and back to a UHaul drop off.  Not only will you have a set of directions that you can copy for anyone who's helping you, it will help you avoid a costly wander around your new, and probably unfamiliar, neighborhood.  It can also help you find the gas station closest to where you're going to be turning the truck in, so that you avoid the charge for a less-than-full gas tank (it's bad).

4. Necessary Items. Pack a Moving Box and Moving Suitcase.  In the suitcase, pack enough close to get you through the move, plus a few.  You will probably not have a fully stocked kitchen immediately upon arrival and your new base camp and will need to eat out, if for no other reason than to get away from the clutter.  You won't want to go to dinner sweaty and in your moving outfit.  Also, pack toiletries that you use daily, like face wash, travel-sized shampoo and conditioner, and makeup.  Include any daily prescriptions, such as birth control or blood pressure meds, and basic things like ibuprofen and PeptoBismol.  The suitcase should have towels, your shower curtain and rings, and hair dryer.  These are things that you will need and don't want to dig through a million boxes to find.  Make sure you pack nail clippers and a nail file...you will break at least one nail during your move, I promise.
In the box: Both of your moving files (#1), cell phone chargers, address book (trust me), tools, first aid kit, toilet paper, hand soap, plastic cups and cutlery, paper plates, and paper towels.  The goal of the suitcase an box is that you will be able to eat a meal, use the bathroom, take a shower, and have a clean change of clothes without completely unpacking. Make sure you have a few pens and a notebook to make shopping lists and to write down anything important.  You'll be tired and don't want to forget anything.  Keep an envelope of coupons for local home improvement stores and eateries, including pizza places.  Having a pizza delivered on moving day is probably the easiest way to eat.  That pizza guy that shows up at your new place with a hot, discounted meal is going to be the dreamiest guy you know for about 30 seconds. Note: You will probably be sweaty and disheveled so he probably won't want you to hug him. Resist the urge.

5. Parking. I know it sounds like a no brainer, but you want to know where the best place for the moving truck to park for ease of unloading.  Know if your new apartment building has assigned parking, and if so, how many and which spots are yours.  Ask if your new municipality allows parking on the streets and, if so, is overnight parking allowed?  The last thing you want during a move is to have a vehicle ticketed, or worse, towed.

Penny Pinching Princess

I'm sitting here at my desk at work trying to plan out this summer.  With The Writer being in NYC for ten weeks starting in June, I want to make sure I can visit him as much as possible.  I also want to make sure I can work as much as possible before I drop him off, yet still have plenty of time to spend with him.  I plan on maximizing on his absence by working a ton while he's gone, too.  I hope to take a full two to two-and-a-half weeks off over the summer to visit him and my family in New Jersey.

With my work being cut back in the last month, money's gotten tight.  I've consolidated my credit cards and plan to save every bit possible.  Not only do I want to be able to take time off over the summer, but I'm aiming to pay down at least 75% of my credit card debt by next April.  It's going to be tough.  With the plan I'm on, if I pay their minimum amount, I'll pay off the cards in a little under four years.  It would've taken me the better part of 30 years if I'd kept paying only the minimum payments on the individual cards.  Still, four years is a long time. I have other goals that I want to move forward with at the end of next April, and I don't want these payments hanging over my head.

I bought what I'm determined will be my last pair of shoes for the summer last night.  They were a practical buy, I'm telling myself.  I'm glad I got the rest of my spring/summer clothes buying done before I knew my work was being cut. I bought enough to get me through the season, including a new pair of running shoes that were badly needed.  I'm sure there are other things that could use replacing, but I am determined to not buy anything, and I mean anything, unless it's really needed.  I won't buy new clothes unless I start a new job that demands clothing options that I don't already own.  I won't buy any new body care until I've used up every drop of what I already have, which is a lot.  My makeup and other things should last me a while, especially once it's summer.  My skin is always happier with a little sun, making foundation less necessary.

This new deal with myself means that I will have to live with Maybelline mascara instead of Diorshow.  I will have my girlfriends over for potluck dinners instead of eating dinners out.  My Netflix account will be suspended indefinitely.  If the roommate will agree, cable may disappear altogether.  Lightbulbs in the new apartment will immediately be replaced with energy efficient bulbs.  I will do a yoga DVD at home instead of going to classes.  The Starbucks card will not be reloaded.  I may allow myself to splurge every once in a while, because I believe that experiences are worth more than money in the long run.  I may miss the occasional $3 latte, but I would definitely  miss the long talks with my friends that are had while drinking that latte.  The compromise: switch to plain coffee with a flavor shot and some soy milk (it's cheaper) and meet my friends anyway.  I will buy cheaper face wash, but buy my expensive moisturizer, instead of buying the expensive cleanser AND moisturizer.  In $30 years, I will rather have spent the money on the moisturizer than actually look my age.  Clothes and shoes can be bought in the future when I'm established financially, but repairing aged skin will be more costly than serums or moisturizers, if not impossible.

I want my blog to be a lifestyle blog, encompassing all of my interests and explorations.  Being smart about my money is something that I am long overdue in learning, so it may become a frequent topic.  It's better than whining about being poor, that's for sure.

Ready?

Set.

GO!