Budget Weekend Style Update May 30, 2008

H&M Shorts – $34.99

American Apparel T-shirt – $18.00

Necklaces – Flea Market $5.00, Gift from Grandma – Free

F21 Cocktail Ring – $4.99

I know it’s kinda late in the week for a style update from Memorial Day Weekend, but I thought I would give an update anyway.

I have finally overcome my fear of high waisted shorts. I thought this simple take on summer’s safari and high waist trends was perfect for a day of shopping and lunch with a girlfriend in Santa Monica. While I probably could have added more accessories, I like the simplicity of this outfit.

Personally, I think that women look most beautiful in simple outfits like jeans and a t-shirt. While I love fashion and accessories, some times it feels good to just get back to basics.

She’s Crafty – Vintage Wallpaper Covered Canvas May 29, 2008

Target Wallpaper – $49.00/roll

Michael’s Art Canvas (50% off coupon) – $27.00

I am finally putting the finishing touches on the design of my apartment. There is a blank wall next to my bed that has driving me crazy for a couple months. All of the art I found to cover this space was priced around $300, which is more than I am willing to spend. Inspired by the current vintage wallpaper trend, I decided to create my own art.

First, I purchased vintage inspired wallpaper at Target.com ($49.00/roll) and a canvis from Michael’s craft store ($27.00 with 50% off coupon). I cut the wallpaper into pieces that would cover the canvas. I took the first piece of wall paper, wrapped the canvis like a present and secured it with tape. Then I placed the 2nd piece of wallpaper on the canvis to line up perfectly with the pattern of the first piece. I wrapped the 2nd piece around the canvis like a present and secured it with tape. It took a couple tries, but I eventually got everything lined up. Once I was satisfied with my results, I reinforced the tape with hot glue.

I am really excited because I think it turned out really cute and it only cost about $77.00. Now I just need to find someone to help me hang it.

Money Saving Tip – Investing Your Savings May 28, 2008

I am embarrassed to admit that I finally just started investing my savings last week. I’ve had my personal savings sitting in a savings account for way too long. Personal Finance For Dummies makes some suggestions on reliable firms and Fidelity is at the top of their list – so I decided to check them out.

Maybe I am behind the times, but I opted to make an appointment because I wanted to see/talk to a live human being. I went into my appointment thinking that the CFP would think of my small investment as a waste of her time, but I was totally wrong. My CFP was really helpful, personable and answered all my questions (even the ones about investing in the current economy). She did not make me feel like my investment was too small.

She helped me develop an investment plan that meet my financial goals and risk level. I was also able to open a high-yield savings for my emergency fund. It might sound silly, but one of my favorite things about Fidelity is that I am able to access all my investments in one online statement (even my Fidelity 401K).

Rough Morning But A Good Day To Be A Renter May 27, 2008

My internet went down this weekend. I woke up this morning and my kitchen ceiling was filled with water and leaking onto my fridge. Needless to say, I spent the morning working on that and not today’s post.

The bright side – this did not ruin my weekend and I DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE I RENT!!!!

Budget Lip Gloss May 23, 2008

Bath & Body Works CO Bigelow- $7.50

Lipstick and most lip glosses dry out my lips. I was really excited when I found this lip gloss at Bath & Body works. It has a great minty taste and comes in various tints. Also, they just launched new citris flavors for summer.

TV Wine Review – Zarafe Sauvignon Blanc May 22, 2008

Zarafe Sauvignon Blanc – $4.99

I drink “TV wine” (under $6.00) after a long day at work, while watching episodes of Law & Order. My TV wine of choice is usually Two Buck Chuck. But now that I am 26, I’m trying to be more classy in my TV wine selection.

On a recent trip to Trader Joes, I picked up a bottle of this 2005 Zarafe Sauvignon Blanc. In all honesty, the main reason I choose this wine was because I thought the label was cute (giraffes are my favorite animal). I guess some times you can judge a wine by the label because I was pleasantly with its flavor and quality. This South African born wine is very light and fruity with undertones of grapefruit. It would pair well with summer salads, light fishes, mild cheeses, light pasta, and chicken.

Was I in the sun too long or are jumpers kinda cute? May 20, 2008

Urban Outfitters Lux Floral Jumper – $68.00
American Apparel – $38.00

This weekend the Z, Ger, Deb, Mich and I went to the Swimming With Sharks party at the Standard downtown. Needless to say, the hipsters were out in droves – American Apparel, neon shorts, wayfarers, one-piece bathing suits and jumpers were everywhere. At one point a guy (who was clearly not from LA) asked me to tell him about the 80s party that was going on…LOL. I had to explain that this is hipster style and not a costume party.

Six hours in the sun and 4 mojitos later, I found myself thinking that jumpers are kinda cute. It normally takes me a couple seasons to embrace styles that I think are kinda “out there.” But I am really considering taking the plunge and getting a jumper. Maybe I will take it out for a test run to the beach or (more likely) in the privacy of my own apartment.

Summer Trend Update – White Out May 20, 2008

White Nail Polish – $3.50
White Wayfarers – Vintage
White Flower Ring – Gift

Memorial day is almost here and you know what that means – summer will offically begin soon. Here are a few of my fav budget white accessories for summer months: white nail polish (can you handle it?), white wayfarers, and a white flower ring.

Saving Money Tip: Start Thinking About Your Financial Goals May 19, 2008

Personal Finance for Dummies begins by asking you about your short-term and long-term financial goals. It might sound very basic, but this question really made me stop and think. Before reading this book, I was a typical twenty-something spending my paychecks and not thinking about where I financially wanted to be when I turned 30. I realized if I didn’t start paying attention, I probably would not be buying real estate or doing any extensive travel.

I decided on a short-term financial goal of a European vacation next summer and a long-term goal of buying a condo. One of the most interesting arguments in the book was that only things that appreciate in value should be financed, like education or real estate. Things that depreciate in value should be paid entirely in cash, like cars and vacations. While I think that the concept is correct, I think it would be really hard to buy a car in cash and save for a condo. But considering my other goals…it will be a long time before I even start thinking about a new car.

If you haven’t started thinking about your long and short term financial goals – now is the time to start. If you are unsure of what you want, start saving approximately 10% of your paycheck. You can at least start an emergency fund and will be on your way when you decide what your goals are.

Budget Download Sites? May 16, 2008

I really need to update my ipod, does anyone have any good budget download sites?

Nothing that will get me arrested for piracy. I already had my brush with the law this year by running a stop light ($425 in fines!!!!)

Have a great weekend!