budgets and buzz kills

Budgets are something I've thought about a lot. I've never be too successful with them, yet I know exactly how to create a good one. Make sense? No, it doesn't. 

With Sam and I's recent job changes, we've been forced to implement pretty strict changes in our spending. Those changes could also be classified as "buzz kills." After a few weeks of monitoring (and cutting back), we've realized how things add up and determined what's worth it and what's not. 

So, in the spirit of budgets, I've come up with a list of what's worth skipping these days to save some cash (and ultimately pay our bills...): 

(1) Dining out. I'm trying to live by the new rule that if we can make it at home, it's most certainly not something we should spend money on right now. We've successfully eaten at home about 90 percent of the time in the last couple months, which is exponentially higher than it ever was in the past. Now that I've brought my lunch nearly every day since starting my new job, I've found that I've built a good habit and don't crave dining out as often as I used to. Baby steps!

(2) Snacks on snacks on snacks. Honestly, snacks are so expensive. We used to keep a lot of random things on hand - granola bars, several types of chips, crackers, hummus, etc. - and, often times, some of it would go bad before it got completely eaten. But now, I've avoided the snack section at Sam's Club and simplified to having fewer options on hand that I know we'll eat.

(3) Soda and Starbucks drinks. Partly because of yoga and partly because I feel guilty spending money, I've cut back a lot on drinking anything other than milk and water. Do I really need a Mountain Dew? Do I really need that delicious iced green tea lemonade? Unfortunately, the answer is no. That's not to say I don't treat myself here and there, but I tend to go for the free option (a can of soda at work) instead of the $4 option at Starbucks.

(4) Shopping and impulse buys. It might be on sale, and it might be ridiculously cheap, but I must walk away. No more random shopping sprees for this girl. It kills me a little inside, but what I make at my second job is what I have to spend on my fun-stuff. So, it's all dictated by what those checks amount to and what's left after my monthly yoga membership. It's working out so far... and, dare I say, I don't seem to be missing it TOO badly.

(5) Miscellaneous Services. No more threading my eyebrows regularly. No more car washes. No more manicures or pedicures every month. You get the picture. If I can do it myself, I should.

Wow. Just writing that out was a buzz kill. It's been a house of "no" lately, but it's also been a positive thing. It's good to be cutting off habits that in the long-term would be damaging to our wallets. I also think I'm appreciating things much more. When I do get to buy something while shopping, it's a treat. When we do grab dinner out, it's a treat. It's good.

Just another challenge I've signed up for - except it will last much longer than 30 days.

taming the beast: my favorite curly hair products

As spring approaches and humidty beings to rise, I am reminding how difficult it can be to manage my hair. I've learned over the years to embrace the curls and let the fro go, but it took some time. My guess is that I've tried hundreds of products at some point hoping I'd discover the perfect one for my hair and its makeup. Trust me, each strand seems to have a mind of its own.

In addition to dealing with frizzy, dry and extra curly hair day to day, I've also been working on ways to help my hair grow faster while staying healthy at the same time. (Note: Not getting your hair cut by a pro for a few years is certainly not the answer!) Last year, I finally found the perfect hairdresser who not only knew what she was doing with this "mess," but also introduced me to a few fine products to help me manage my locks. 

1. Moroccan Oil (appx. $45 for large bottle): In place of Moroccan Oil, I've tried a few drug-store brands. However, they don't even come close to measuring up to the Moroccan Oil brand. From the second  I put the drug store products in my hair I could tell they were absorbing, which defeats the purpose of the product all together. Pay up. It lasts several months and is so worth it.

2. Aquage Defining Gel (appx. $27 for large bottle): Previously I used a wide range of mousse products. Prior to this gel, I'd use at least three cans a month less-than-par results. Switching to this gel helps me keep the control and use less product - a win/win for my wallet and the health of my hair. A bonus is that it doesn't make your hair crunchy.

3. Moroccan Oil Curling Creme (appx. $30 for large bottle): I use this curling creme when I need really long-lasting results - think things like a night out, all-day work event, etc. It helps define curls and  hold them in place. I've also noticed my hair dry longer in length when I use it because it helps weigh them down a bit (but not flatten!). 

4. Tresemme Extra Firm Holding Spray (appx. $4 for XL bottle): Hairspray is something that can be drug-store quality. I've used Tresemme for years and never switched. It doesn't leave residue in my hair, and it does its job day in and day out. Can't beat it.

I'm all about saving money and doing this on a dime, but trust me, products 1 through 3 are worth the splurge. Each bottle usually lasts several months, too, because I don't need to use more than a few pumps to get the hold my hair needs.  Prior to these, I'd spend just as much or more because I used three-times as much product as I do now.

You don't have to have curly hair like mine to use these. The Oil helps with hair growth and keeping hair shiny and strong, while the gel is a great alternative for beach hair.