I think #4 is a really key concept for most people since they keep thinking their lives will be better after they reach X amount of dollars. There's plenty of fun stuff to do for free and enjoying the relationships you share with others will always be free.
I second the vote on the sandwich! My dad is an ultra-sandwich maker and has taught me that there is almost nothing that can't be placed between two slices of bread. Also, we like open-face sandwiches, because you can get more filling and be creative with your toasting.
Thanks! That dress idea sounds incredibly cool - does this designer have a web site, by any chance?
I looked at local designers when it came to wedding dresses, but I noticed that the trend in dresses right now is Mad Men-style tea-length vintage. It's really a cute style, but it does not work with my build. I always assumed that I wouldn't wear white or cream, either, but the only dress I found that really did it for me is cream-colored. And here I had thought I would get married in an electric-green sari. :)
My splurge is outdoor equipment (camping, climbing, outdoorwear). Walking into some of those stores is like being in a candy isle. To reduce the amount I spend, I am planning on taking an inventory and unless something is really really worn out, doesn't fit at all or there is a huge upgrade, I won't buy something new or similar. Also opting for store clothing brands, like REI's, instead of the name brand.
I actually saw a tip yesterday from a designer in Jakarta (Dian Pelangi) who dies the legs of the jeans that she sells in her boutiques. She said that if you have a pair of jeans that you are tired of or that seem outdated, you can make them fun again by dipping them from the knee down in bright colors (some photos of her fashion show, which include the jeans, can be found here: http://www.mtviggy.com/slideshow/jakarta-fashion-week-dian-pelangi).
Mind you, this is a more exotic or rock-n-roll aesthetic, so it's not for everyone. But I love bright colors and might just try it out.
Congratulations Andrea! I have another tip for the dress, if nothing off the rack or on discount works. I had mine custom made by a local dressmaker who specialized in taking apart (ugly) vintage dresses and re-designing them as something new. I had a lovely custom dress for a couple hundred dollars. Depending on the design, the cost could be less or more.
I have to say my biggest splurge is books. It's hard for me to go into a bookstore without buying one. Since we're now trying to watch our budget, I'll try to find new titles I'm interested in and see if they're at my library. It's hard, but it's also difficult to see how much I've spent on new books over the years.
Food in general, whether it's produce which has gone up in price, snack food, eating out a little too often, or vending machine junk food, food is probably my worst splurge.
great inspiration...just worte my list last night...I'm on step two of not looking at it today...I will let you know how things go tommorrow. Thank You
Because I am a diabetic, I have to avoid eating lots of carbs, even right before a workout, because my body never uses them right and then I feel sluggish.
There is a protein bar that I buy at my local QFC called "Balance Carb Well" - it's pretty heavy, and I can only eat half of one at a time, but it does offer a decent amount of protein with minimal carbs. I also love peanut butter by itself, and I have carb-free protein shakes that are good to sip throughout my workouts. Since I do more slow movement (rock climbing) rather than hardcore cardio, I can usually get by without too many carbs.
Shoes for two toddlers. I always buy them Stride Rites, I consider myself frugal for all other aspects of my life except this one. I have tried to purchase cheaper brands from Target and such but they just don't wear the same.
Thanks for the comment, Rachel. I appreciate what you're saying.
I think we're all different. When I looked into my fridge before I wrote the post, I found all these ingredients without going to the store. I think it depends on how much you cook and they type of foods you like to eat. That will probably determine what you have on hand most of the time.
I always get itchy with the desire to clean this time of year, and we're still in the throes of (a typically mild) Seattle winter, and this is a great list, thanks! I'm actually really bad at cleaning because I get distracted by all that I have to do.
Something to consider that might spur readers on, if you need help getting in the mood to really clean out your attic/garage/house - donations to Goodwill and other charities drop immediately after Christmas, so now is the time to embrace minimalism and get rid of stuff you don't need, like, or use through some donations to your favorite second-hand seller. Of course, you can also sell it on eBay or Craigslist if you are organized (I am not).
OK, here's something that won't sustain you, but will keep you warm:
6 oz of hot black tea, preferably Earl Gray
3 oz gin
simple syrup to taste
lemon to taste
sprig of rosemary (or stew dried rosemary in the tea, then remove)
This will warm you to your toesies. I personally increase the gin a bit more as the night goes on.
Oooh, thanks for the extra tips! I didn't feel like I could talk about the dress, since I did blow some money on that. :) And I TOTALLY forgot to mention the day of the week! I have to get that in there - thank you!
I watched that TED Talk and I really identified with her struggle to be more vulnerable. Oddly enough I've found it much easier to do online through my blog. It's the first step.
Books! I'm a historian so I can justify the expense, sometimes. But I also try to mitigate the pain by shopping at Goodwill and visiting the library on a weekly basis.
Christina, My wife and I also got married on a Friday it nearly cut the bill in half!
Here is some more useful ways to save: 40 Ways To Save On Almost Anything
http://www.curiousread.com/2010/08/40-ways-to-save-on-almost-anything.html
I think #4 is a really key concept for most people since they keep thinking their lives will be better after they reach X amount of dollars. There's plenty of fun stuff to do for free and enjoying the relationships you share with others will always be free.
Oh, yes! Curry is an awesome way to make use of odds and ends. It's like the new casserole. Well, I guess curry isn't technically "new", but still.
I second the vote on the sandwich! My dad is an ultra-sandwich maker and has taught me that there is almost nothing that can't be placed between two slices of bread. Also, we like open-face sandwiches, because you can get more filling and be creative with your toasting.
Amazing point! Except that arugula is a vegetable.
Thanks! That dress idea sounds incredibly cool - does this designer have a web site, by any chance?
I looked at local designers when it came to wedding dresses, but I noticed that the trend in dresses right now is Mad Men-style tea-length vintage. It's really a cute style, but it does not work with my build. I always assumed that I wouldn't wear white or cream, either, but the only dress I found that really did it for me is cream-colored. And here I had thought I would get married in an electric-green sari. :)
My splurge is outdoor equipment (camping, climbing, outdoorwear). Walking into some of those stores is like being in a candy isle. To reduce the amount I spend, I am planning on taking an inventory and unless something is really really worn out, doesn't fit at all or there is a huge upgrade, I won't buy something new or similar. Also opting for store clothing brands, like REI's, instead of the name brand.
Don't forget about www.ShopDealMonster.com! Awesome deal a day site with coupon codes.
I actually saw a tip yesterday from a designer in Jakarta (Dian Pelangi) who dies the legs of the jeans that she sells in her boutiques. She said that if you have a pair of jeans that you are tired of or that seem outdated, you can make them fun again by dipping them from the knee down in bright colors (some photos of her fashion show, which include the jeans, can be found here: http://www.mtviggy.com/slideshow/jakarta-fashion-week-dian-pelangi).
Mind you, this is a more exotic or rock-n-roll aesthetic, so it's not for everyone. But I love bright colors and might just try it out.
Congratulations Andrea! I have another tip for the dress, if nothing off the rack or on discount works. I had mine custom made by a local dressmaker who specialized in taking apart (ugly) vintage dresses and re-designing them as something new. I had a lovely custom dress for a couple hundred dollars. Depending on the design, the cost could be less or more.
I have to say my biggest splurge is books. It's hard for me to go into a bookstore without buying one. Since we're now trying to watch our budget, I'll try to find new titles I'm interested in and see if they're at my library. It's hard, but it's also difficult to see how much I've spent on new books over the years.
Not a single vegetable. Amazing.
Food in general, whether it's produce which has gone up in price, snack food, eating out a little too often, or vending machine junk food, food is probably my worst splurge.
great inspiration...just worte my list last night...I'm on step two of not looking at it today...I will let you know how things go tommorrow. Thank You
Because I am a diabetic, I have to avoid eating lots of carbs, even right before a workout, because my body never uses them right and then I feel sluggish.
There is a protein bar that I buy at my local QFC called "Balance Carb Well" - it's pretty heavy, and I can only eat half of one at a time, but it does offer a decent amount of protein with minimal carbs. I also love peanut butter by itself, and I have carb-free protein shakes that are good to sip throughout my workouts. Since I do more slow movement (rock climbing) rather than hardcore cardio, I can usually get by without too many carbs.
Shoes for two toddlers. I always buy them Stride Rites, I consider myself frugal for all other aspects of my life except this one. I have tried to purchase cheaper brands from Target and such but they just don't wear the same.
That sounds amazing, Andrea! I think that will pair nicely with breakfast or lunch.
Perfume oils are my splurge. I'm addicted.
Thanks for the comment, Rachel. I appreciate what you're saying.
I think we're all different. When I looked into my fridge before I wrote the post, I found all these ingredients without going to the store. I think it depends on how much you cook and they type of foods you like to eat. That will probably determine what you have on hand most of the time.
Hope you're staying warm!
I always get itchy with the desire to clean this time of year, and we're still in the throes of (a typically mild) Seattle winter, and this is a great list, thanks! I'm actually really bad at cleaning because I get distracted by all that I have to do.
Something to consider that might spur readers on, if you need help getting in the mood to really clean out your attic/garage/house - donations to Goodwill and other charities drop immediately after Christmas, so now is the time to embrace minimalism and get rid of stuff you don't need, like, or use through some donations to your favorite second-hand seller. Of course, you can also sell it on eBay or Craigslist if you are organized (I am not).
OK, here's something that won't sustain you, but will keep you warm:
6 oz of hot black tea, preferably Earl Gray
3 oz gin
simple syrup to taste
lemon to taste
sprig of rosemary (or stew dried rosemary in the tea, then remove)
This will warm you to your toesies. I personally increase the gin a bit more as the night goes on.
Spa visits. It's not so much a splurge as a medical necessity, but I always make sure to leave room in the budget for a weekly massage.
Oooh, thanks for the extra tips! I didn't feel like I could talk about the dress, since I did blow some money on that. :) And I TOTALLY forgot to mention the day of the week! I have to get that in there - thank you!
I watched that TED Talk and I really identified with her struggle to be more vulnerable. Oddly enough I've found it much easier to do online through my blog. It's the first step.
Books! I'm a historian so I can justify the expense, sometimes. But I also try to mitigate the pain by shopping at Goodwill and visiting the library on a weekly basis.