Sweet Dreams July 24, 2008

I have not been sleeping well for the last couple weeks. I attribute my lack of sleep to heightened levels of anxiety and the strange nocturnal behavior of both my cat and neighbor. I did a little research on good sleep habits. I learned that the key to getting a better night’s rest is to turn your bed into a place of relaxation. Here are my fav budget products that ensure I have sweet dreams.

1. Jersey sheets - I love jersey sheets, they are so soft and really inexpensive. It feels like you are sleeping on a high quality, well worn vintage t-shirt.
2. Ear plugs - A definite must-have.  I have no idea what my neighbor actually does for living - although I have many theories. The noises that come from the other side of the wall are not normal apartment noises like music or talking.  The most common noises I hear are a wooshing sound like opening a garbage bag and a clink clink noise like dropping utensils into a metal sink.  The weird part of it is that it goes on constantly until 3:00am. What the heck is he doing over there!?!?!?!
3. Fan - This is the most amazing fan and totally worth the price.  I like my room to be really cold while I am sleeping. It makes me feel really cozy under my down comforter.  The fan noise also drowns out the clink, clink, whoosh, whoosh from next door.
4. Foot Lotion - Don’t judge! It’s just part of my routine.  I know this foot cream isn’t exactly budget friendly, but my mom bought to bribe her way out of an awkward social situation.    
5. A Good Book & Tea - Essential for the final count down before bed.  I try and stay away from reading anything scary before bed.  

Sexy Single Girl Lounge Wear - The House Dress July 23, 2008

Old Navy Chemise $11.99-$20.00

In college, my lounge/study wear consisted of various pairs of sweat pants and tanks. Four years after graduation, I still wear my beloved white cotton sweat pants when lounging around the house. The have so many holes and stains that every time I wear them at my parents’ house, my mom puts her best effort into repairing them and pleading with me to throw them away.

A few months ago my friend Krista extended me a much needed introduction to the concept of a house dress. A house dress is a dress that is short and light weight, but a little more substantial than lingerie. It’s the perfect outfit for warm summer nights in. While it’s not something that you would wear outside of the house, you can definitely wear it during movie night with your closest girlfriends.

The house dress is basically the sexy single girl version of ratty sweatpants and a tank. Just because its more sophisticated, doesn’t mean it has to be more expensive. Old Navy has some really cute ones for under $20.

It’s Finally Time To Get A New Handbag July 21, 2008

I am in the market for a new handbag.  Here are my top two so far.  Any suggestions on inexpensive but quality handbags? 

Urban Outfitters $68.00

Urban Outfitters $58.00

Long Weekend July 18, 2008

Hi guys, I am out of town for a long weekend.  I’ll have a new post on Monday.

My Fav Things To Do Around LA On Budget July 17, 2008

Summer time is always really busy for me - weddings, holidays, birthdays, and random events always seem to pre-occupy my time. One of my favorite things about living in LA, is that there are always tons of interesting things to do. Here is a quick list of my favorites.

1. Cinespia 
2. Jazz Friday Nights at LACMA
3. Late Night off the 405
4. Fairfax Flea market
5. Getty Museum
6. W Hotel movie night
7. Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

Pasadena Flea Market Finds July 16, 2008

Entry Fee - $7.00

Homemade Salsa - $4.00

Vintage Leather Belt - $7.00

The Rose Bowl Flea Market has been on my list of things to do ever since I moved to LA.  This past weekend, I finally went and it was totally worth the hype.  I found a really cute vintage leather belt and some amazing homemade salsa.

I was disappointed that I only had two great finds. But I an over-heated and under-caffeinated attention span is not ideal for rummaging through vintage clothes and nick-knacks. Even though we decided to head home early, we still had a great time and found some great stuff. I would definitely go back!

Tasty Budget Dinner: Under $10 and 20 Minutes July 15, 2008

Trader Joes Salmon Burgers - $4.99

Non-fat Yogurt - $0.79

Lemon Juice - $0.99

Lettuce - $1.99

Mustard

Pam

Dill

EVOO

Balsamic Vinegar

I love this dinner because I can make it after work without being up all night. It is really simple - making it the perfect dinner for non-cooks and cooks alike.

1. Spray a skillet with Pam and cook patties on medium high heat until cooked through.
2. For yogurt sauce, combine yogurt, lemon juice and dill to taste in small bowl.
3. For salad dressing, combine 2 tablespoons EVOO, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon mustard in small cup.
4. Once patties have cooked. Pour yogurt sauce over patties and toss lettuce with mustard dressing.

My Budget Home Decor Inspiration July 14, 2008

I would not have had the courage to move into a studio apartment if it wasn’t for my friend Charlene. She moved into a studio a few months before me. Her apartment showed me that studios can be as functional and cute as one-bedrooms.

Charlene decorated it herself on a tight budget and taught me some really interesting ways to craft/remake things into home decor. I will definitely include these ideas in upcoming posts. Until then, take a look at some pics of her apartment for inspiration!

My Fav Bloggers July 11, 2008

The Budget Babe tagged me for a 2008 Premio Award, which means now it is my turn to pass it on to my favorite bloggers. Here some of my favorite blogs that I think you will love.

Cupcakes and Cashmere - This blog is well written and smart. I’m amazed at the things she and I have in common.

Because I’m Addicted - Ger always knows about all the fabulous things going on around LaLa Land.

ChicShopper - As an employee of PriceGrabber.com you might think that I feel obligated to link to this blog. No way! I read this blog for Z’s insight into the fashion world that she pairs with reasonably priced products.

Fashion Addict Girl - Always has great insight on the latest campaigns and trends in high fashion.

The rules for passing on the award:
1) When received, you may post the premio to your blog.
2) Link to the blogger you received it from.
3) Give it to 7 blogs (I just did my 4 absolute favorites)
4)… link to them
5)…and leave bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.

GO International By Target July 9, 2008

I have to say that I am kinda on the fence about the GO International summer line. It has some really cute pieces, but some of it is really ugly. I would die before I would ever wore the ruffle nightmare to the left. I love the shorts and blazer on the model in the middle, but I would never wear them together with that hat. I also really like the black skirt on the right paired with the floral shirt.

This collection does offer some great pieces at very affordable pieces, just be careful how you pair them.