Saving

Since moving on my own, I have found it a necessity to save as much money as possible. Although many may consider it a hassle to cut coupons, bargain shop, and read money saving books, I sometimes find it exciting (lame I know). The BF bought a book on how to be rich by the age of thirty. Since he took some interest in this type of literature, I sometimes surf the net and read articles on related topics. Although I am not sure if we will be rich by the age of thirty, I still think it's necessary to save money as much as possible. I found an interesting article on Yahoo that discusses a few items we shouldn't waste money on. I have found that I am guilty at some, but I was surprised it was only a few. Here is what the article suggests what you shouldn't spend your money on:

1. Air fresheners- it says that they do more harm then anything. They release harmful chemicals into home, so it's better to skip them. It says to open windows and allow the fresh air to clear the odor. I personally think that candles work wonders. You can find great smelling candles at a variety of stores for an affordable price. The best thing about candles is that they last for awhile and always make a room look so elegant!

2. Bottled water- this is what I am guilty of. I find it much easier to grab bottled water rather than go to find a clean water bottle, fill it up with both ice and water, and most of the time we don't even have ice made haha. I just wait for the 24 packs of water to go on sale. I also did buy a cute pink water bottle (at the dollar store) that i do fill up when I am not going to be gone for too long. I feel that both of these work well.

3. Dryer sheets- I just started buying these, so I had no idea that they really are not necessary. This is another item that the article suggestions that causes more harm than anything to us. Instead, the article suggests to find an essential oil and a piece of cloth and spray the oil on the cloth and use that for a fragrance on clothes. I'd rather just not do anything and hope that my laundry detergent is doing its job.

4. DVDs and books- This I am not really guilty of. The article suggests to use the library as much as possible. It also says to use the Internet as much as possible to download music and other sources of entertainment. I find that switching books with people that already have them, or going to the half price book store work as well. This way, you don't have to worry about due dates and what not. However, the library is def. always a handy tool. Also, there are many places that sell used DVDs. I recently have bought a few of my favorite movies (newer releases too) for under ten dollars at these particular store. I was very happy!

5. Trash bags- This is something I do as well. The aricle suggests just to use trashbags when necessary because there is no real way to get rid of them completely. Instead, using bags that you get at the store also can be used as the same purpose. This is what I do for smaller trash cans, but the kitchen trash can, I don't think I can do without one. I do use the garbage despossal as much as possible though. This elminates trash, which in the long run eliminates bags.

6. Wrapping paper- I found this one to be a little difficult. They suggest using children's art, newspapers, paper bags, etc. instead of wrapping paper. I think that I have found a better solution. Call me cheap if you want, but whenever I receive a gift bag (a deccent looking one) I keep it and they always come in handy.

These things are what the article suggests that people can do to save money. I have added some of my own thoughts that I think are benefical as well. I hope this helps, and if it does, I hope I at least enouraged you to find fun in saving money!

Long time

It's been way too long since I've wrote in here. Nothing too exciting has occurred. Still subbing almost every day, while working two other part-time jobs. I did get our town house completely finished...it's decorated and I even have pictures on the wall! If I get bored this weekend, I will post pictures of the finished product. I have Sunday off and so does Nick...I have been looking for a day when we both have the entire day off...it hasn't happened for a while. So, since he works most of the weekend, I am sure I will have time to get some necessary blogging done!

Also, I finally finished the first book in the Twilight series...totally amazing. I have started the second book already...now, I just need some time to read it. I am really hoping to take a vacation this summer....it's been too long. N said maybe this August, which I would be SO happy about! I'll keep you posted and def. will be blogging this weekend!

Weekend Recap

I have not wrote in here for awhile, but since I got called at 6:30 this morning to sub and was left with an interesting video to show the students, I have a few minutes to express some thoughts. This weekend I actually had one and a half days of to relax. I subbed Friday, but Friday night...nothing! The boyfriend and I decided to have a date night. He took me to Benihanas in Greentree. Although I grew up in PGH, I have never gone there before. It was VERY good and I highly recommend going there if you have not already. It is very filling, however it is a bit expensive. We decided to go there since we won't be seeing each other much nor will we have much time to go out on the weekends. It's a great place to celebrate a special occasion. However, Nick was a little choked up by the cost of the meal, but he got over it lol!



Saturday I worked all day, but afterwards met up with some friends at BWW to watch the UNC game. Although I am not a UNC fan, the BF is, so I decided to be supportive. It was pretty painful watching the final four knowning that my team (Pitt) was not in it. They def. deserved to be in there, but once again they choked when it really mattered! Sunday consisted of family day. It's nice having a BF that enjoys spending time with your family as much as you do. It was the first time I got to go home in about two weeks, so it was nice to see and spend time with my family! I wish every weekend could be as eventful and relaxing as this one was. This week is going to be hectic and I am not going to have much down town....is it Friday yet?!