Spending Freeze Outcome

At the beginning of the month, I mentioned that I would be on a spending freeze for September. Let's see how I did, shall we? 

Date of Infraction: 9/7
Amount: $95.50
What It Was: 2 4-pack movie tickets
Where: Goldstar
What Had Happened Was... I've bought these tickets in the past, and they are good for any movie, any time, any day, at any AMC theater, and they never expire. And you don't need to have 4 people in one movie outing; they send you 4 (or in my case 8) separate tickets, so it doesn't matter how many people are in your party. I already know there are two movies coming out that Blue and I want to see, so that's 4 tickets right there. But since they never expire, I figured why not buy more? Because you're on a spending freeze Dani....duh.  Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time...

Date of Infraction: 9/8
Amount: $5
What It Was: Books!
Where: Shoprite (of all places)
What Had Happened Was... I went in for milk, and found a huge book sales. They had paperbacks for $1, hardcovers for $2, and so many books that have been on my TBR list. And one of my childhood favorites, Maniac Magee, which I knew I had to get. Obviously I could borrow most of these from my library, but it has ridiculous hours so I haven't been able to get there in months. I could buy them individually ooooor... fill a bag with as many as I could fit for $5. Boom.

Date of Infraction: 9/9 (3 days in a row! Stop!)
Amount: $172
What It Was: Stevie Nicks and The Pretenders tickets
Where: Ticketmaster
What Had Happened Was... Blue wants to go, which is rare. The last time she insisted on going to a concert it was her all-time favorite Bruce Springsteen, so I knew we were going if we got tickets. But on the day of the presale she was in meetings and couldn't get the tickets, so I did.

Grand Total: $272.50

And then... NOTHING! I mean, I had to re-up my supply of meds when I got sick, but I'm not counting that. There were a few DD days, but those were paid for using a gift card, so that also doesn't count. I was supposed to go apple picking/wine tasting, but I got sick, so I saved there for sure, and another night I was supposed to go to a happy hour, but friends cancelled. So while the total may be high, I still think I did pretty good considering that at least I didn't buy clothes or accessories. I've always said that if I'm going to spend, I'd rather spend on experiences, and while I spent a whopping $5 on books, I'd say I stuck to that pretty well this month! 

Do you prefer to spend on physical things or experiences? 

The Cure to the Sickies

I wish I could tell you how awesome my weekend was, but it wasn't. I was sick. I had grand plans to Fall Out in my plaid and boots and go apple picking and wine tasting with friends that I had to cancel because I was too tired to move. I knew the smart thing to do was to stay home and try to recover rather than push myself to continue with my plans and probably infect my friends which just isn't very nice. The only saving grace was that I started getting sick on Thursday, I gave myself the option to only work a half day on Friday, and I had the weekend to lay low and try to recover.

I wish I could tell you that I wasn't being an a-hole to poor Blue who informed me that everyone else was apple picking, but that would be a lie (sorry Blue). She was happy we didn't go because it was a madhouse in the orchards with all the crowds. I was a brat suffering from FOMO (which I've recently concluded is a real thing) and I was pissed that it was such a beautiful fall day and I was stuck inside. I didn't want to read because my eyes were heavy and my brain was fuzzy from all the Dayquil I was taking. I couldn't even nap because I was so congested that I could barely breathe. So instead we watched The Gift (which isn't even on my Fall Film Challenge list) followed by a binge on Veep. (Have you guys watched Veep? This was my first time and I love it!)

So like I said, I started getting sick on Thursday. My sicknesses always start with a sore throat. I really like this Chloraseptic Max throat spray with coating. It numbs the pain for several hours, meaning I can eat and drink like a normal person for at least a little while. And the nozzle is great because I can actually reach the back of my throat where the pain is instead of numbing my entire mouth.

I also needed to restock my tissue supply, so I got these Puffs Plus Lotion with the scent of Vicks. I'm usually a Kleenex girl, but I didn't understand the point of "Cool Touch" and I liked that these had lotion. No need to look like Rudolph just because I have a cold. These things are no joke. That eucalyptus smell  alone almost cleared me up completely.

The land of "They" says you should never mix drugs and booze. While I mostly agree, I also wouldn't turn my nose up at my great aunts' cure for illness: alcohol. One of them suggested tequila shots. I tried that a few years ago with no success. An older coworker swears by blackberry brandy. Something about the antioxidants released from the blackberries and the alcohol killing germs helping to knock out the cold. I think I also tried this a few years ago, and I think it worked, but alas, I didn't have any brandy laying around my apartment. Instead I turned to an old standby: the hot toddy. Not only does it taste better, but it's warm, soothing, and helps you fall asleep. Basically it's tea with bourbon, honey, and lemon. Here's a recipe in case you're really interested. 

This post is in no way sponsored, I just wanted to share a few of my favorite sickie cures. 

Have any cures I should try? 

Sh*t Blue Said Vol. 5

via G-chat, at work...
Blue: If I were 011 [from Stranger Things], my nose would be bleeding like a fountain and metal objects would be hurling at many heads right now.
That is all.


Blue: I think I'm out on Bloodline. Too depressing. If I wanted to hear about sibling drama, murders, and betrayals I'd just look back on a family photo album.


Walking in the rain...
Blue: All these people wallowing in the romaine-
Me: Lettuce try that again.
Blue: And then she killed me slowly... With her words.

After a trip to the dentist...
Today is going all wrong! I'm supposed to be lying around in pain bitching like a baby and instead I'm washing bedding, clearing my bathroom vanity, and cleaning the air vents for the oven.

The next day...
Blue: I am totally stoned btw. I took a Vicodin here [at work].
Me: You did WHAT now?????
Blue: Well that's what they are for, I didn't think it would be that bad. Its only the first 30 minutes that it's bad.
Me: Cheese and rice.
Blue: MMM CHEESE...

Me: We're going to be on cleaning duty starting Thursday. For the move.
Blue: In the office? Wow, that crept up fast.
Me: We're finding paperwork from 1995.
Blue: Is it fitche?!
Me: Huh?
Blue: Microfitche? Wow, I'm old. Like, real old.


Me: I don't know if we can go to that event on Friday.
Blue: Why not?
Me: Because OITNB comes out that day.
Blue: Oh yeah, definitely cancelling that. Priorities.


Sharing new beauty products with her...
Blue: What's this for?
Me: To clear your sinuses. Here I'll put it on you.
Blue: Oh yeah, because you know everything about oils... OMG AHHH WTF?! It smells awful! Like turpentine. UGH am I gonna grow a tree from my face now? I mean, it is tea tree oil...

Blue: What's this for?
Me: Destressing. Apply it to your pressure points.
Blue: UGH. It smells like old pee.
(For the record, it was lavender.)


Colleague: Your hair is so dark! Did you do something?
Blue: Rough week, so I hit the bottle. 

One-liner of the month: That awkward moment when you become a Catholic with "the Chanukah Song" stuck in your head... on a bus... in August.

You can find other Shit Blue Said here: Vol. 1,  Vol. 2, Vol.3, Vol. 4.  

Things I Learned This Week (Vol. 3)

- "See something, say something" is no longer just a memorable slogan. 
Last weekend my mom wanted to go to the beach one last time, so we hopped on a train and headed down the shore to Pt. Pleasant Beach. Upon exiting the train, we were met with several cops telling us to turn around, go back on the next train, the boardwalk and the town were closed. "You can try to enter, but you'll get about a block before you see more cops and police barricades telling you the same thing." Of course my mom  is not one to just listen to what she's told, so she pressed the cops (who were not sharing any information about why everything was suddenly closed down) before we decided to just have lunch at the diner across form the train station. It was there that we heard the news- a bomb, that was connected to at least two others,  had detonated two towns over along the route of the Seaside Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K. As a result, the towns of Seaside Park, Pt. Pleasant Beach and Belmar had been evacuated and all cars and people were being rerouted. We had our lunch and headed back to my apartment. As the news was released, police were saying that because of others who saw and said something, they were able to prepare and start evacuating people so that there were no injuries in this occurrence and the subsequent ones. 

- Danger is hitting waaay too close to home. 
Later that night after my mom returned home, there was news of another pipe bomb in the Chelsea area of NYC. My mom texted me, "So the explosion was in a dumpster outside the building for the blind that we delivered food to this morning- I delivered to a  different building." (She volunteers at a church that prepares and delivers food to those in need every Saturday morning.) 

On Sunday night, another bomb was found near a train station 30 min away from me. 3 bombs all somewhere in the vicinity of where I was in the NJ/NYC area? This just added to my already growing anxiety, especially since I take the train every single day. Suddenly it was Monday morning and Blue was warning me to stay away from garbage cans and keep my eyes and ears open while commuting to work. 

- Carry an external battery on longer road trips.
The cops were tight-lipped about the entire situation. The only way I was able to get the facts minute by minute as they were released was through my phone. I received an external battery for my phone last year, and was lucky to have had it charged it and brought it with me on this trip because my phone was losing juice rapidly. If you're going on a road trip or concert/event where there may not be charging stations readily available, I highly suggest bringing an external battery. You just never know when it may become necessary, and it's always better to be prepared! 

This post became much heavier than I had intended. I guess what I'm trying to say is just to be aware of your surroundings, be prepared, and trust your instincts. Don't be afraid to say something if something doesn't seem right to you because in most cases, if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. 

What are some things you learned recently?

Linking up with Mattie and Lexi for Weekly Lessons!

Fall Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

Go Camping- Check! It rained the entire time, but it was great seeing everyone again!

Go to the beach at least 3 times- Check! Blate-versary, once with Mom and twice with Blue. 

Attend at least 3 concerts- Check! Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer/Panic! At the Disco and the Go Go's! 

Visit the Highline- Fail. Rescheduled to Fall 

See an outdoor movie- Check! Saw Pitch Perfect in NYC overlooking the river. 

Attend the Meadowlands State Fair- Check! I watched the hypnotist show and tried a deep fried PB&J covered in powdered sugar (it was delicious). 

Visit a new winery- Check! Went to Brooks Hollow Winery in Warren, NJ. They gave us like 10  tastings! 

Visit somewhere new// go on a road trip- Check! The winery was somewhere new AND a 2 hr road trip! 

Binge on OITNB - Check! Completed in two days actually. The penultimate was CRAY.

Start (and finish) at least one craft or DIY- Fail

Attend a Phillies game- Check! Phillies lost to the Mets at Citi Field. Womp. 

Attend at least one food festival- Fail. I didn't actually want to do this anymore because we went to two last year and you stand on line forever and barely get any food. It just wasn't worth it. 

Go to the Central Park  or Bronx Zoo- Fail. Rescheduled to Fall 

Watch fireworks- Check! 

Go to the Renaissance Faire (it's tradition!)- Scheduled (it's going on until 10/2), so Check!

I also started a new job, celebrated Blue's bday in AC, had many drinks with many friends over many nights, met Blue's cousins and my friend's baby, did a couples Paint Night- so many fun times and new memories made. Here are some pics of all the things... 

Fall Bucket List

drink allthepumpkinales

craft something 

put up fall decor
go to the Central Park or Bronx Zoo
check out the Highline

attend another concert- tickets purchased!

dress up and host our annual Halloween party

attend an Oktoberfest event

complete the Fall Film Challenge (6/25 so far!)

attend a football game//tailgate//or throw a Football themed party

visit a new city

go pumpkin and/or apple picking

attend a fall festival or winery

enjoy a PSL or 5

bake Oreo pumpkin cheesecakes~ an annual tradition!

What are some things you hope to do this fall? 

Things I Learned This Week (Vol. 2)

- I'm more willing to stay up for others, but not myself
Last week, I attempted to stay up late to do my hair, but people kept calling me. By 10pm I literally had half of my hair straightened, and half wavy/curly, but I was just too damn tired and didn't care. I thought, "I'll just put it up tomorrow" and went to bed. Two days later, after Blue was having a particularly stressful couple of days, I decided to make her cupcakes. I was up until at least 11:30 but it didn't bother me, and I was so excited to surprise her with them.

- Using different websites for hotels will give you different outcomes
This was actually learned a few weeks ago when trying to get a last minute hotel room down the shore. When I checked hotels.com (my normal go-to for these things, especially with the free nights offer), it said the hotel I wanted was sold out. When I called the hotel, they said there were rooms, but gave me a ridiculously high price. In frustration, I then tried a website I hadn't used in a while, booking.com and boom- found the hotel with rooms at a discounted rate. I think it's because hotels offer blocks of rooms to different sites, but who knows? I was just happy I found it.

- Working weekends new norm

In my old position, working nights and/or weekends wasn't even an option because it was customer based, and our "customers" left work at 5, end of story. Lately I've found myself working at least a few nights and weekends regularly, but I (mostly) don't mind it. I actually feel a little more prepared for the week when I do so. Apparently others find this new sched to be completely cray.

Another comment was "Dude. It's Football Sunday."

- I'm uncomfortable driving other people's cars
When I tell people I don't have a car, their immediate question is "Why? Do you have a license?" Yes, I do, and yes, I've had cars and driven them for miles and miles in the past, but I just don't see the point of having one right now. My commute is shorter by train, and there's no parking (or pay-only parking) at my job. I've driven Blue's car, but only by necessity (like when we drove from NJ to Kentucky by way of Ohio and back), and on the highway after getting used to it, I was fine. Over the weekend, Blue was sick, and I offered to go get her meds/soup/etc. But when it came down to it, I was just not comfortable driving with traffic on a Saturday afternoon. And I felt bad about it, but at least I said something instead of potentially getting into an accident because of nerves.

- Hard work pays off

One thing I really like about this job is that hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Everyone likes feeling appreciated, am I right? I thought my new Bosslady was just really nice, but apparently that's the culture in this department, as I arrived on Monday morning to find these deeeeeeelicious chocolate espresso beans waiting for me on my desk with a note attached. How sweet is that?! 

What are some things you learned recently?

Linking up with Mattie and Lexi for Weekly Lessons!

Things I Learned This Week

- I don't like cold brew coffee.
This lovely local coffee-shop was offering free samples this morning, so as I made my way to work I stopped and tried their cold brew. Now, I've never liked black coffee, but he said to try it black first anyway. I don't just dislike it, I hate it. Waaaay too strong. It was a little better with milk, but I can't see myself buying it anytime soon. I'm glad I got to try it for free though. 

- "Rules" without consequences seem more like suggestions.
I've mentioned that I work at a college before. I may or may not have mentioned that I smoke (please save the speeches- I know it's bad). Last week an email went out stating that "as a provisionary measure until a formal policy is established, beginning September 1, 2016, smoking will be prohibited within 25 feet of all buildings..." They also installed cameras in the one area that was an established smoking area, and took out the ashtray. 

However, I work in IT, so I know that the camera isn't actually plugged in anywhere. And then I asked one of the cops what happens if we smoke in that area anyway, and he said that they weren't instructed to do anything. So basically, there's no penalty, so why should I move? 

- I work more efficiently from home.
In my old position, I never had to work from home. However I'm noticing now that I work much more efficiently at home. It may be due to my current work environment- my cube neighbor recently quit, so he doesn't do work anymore and talks all the time, but he's actually pretty interesting. So I guess not having someone talk in my ear all day and distracting me with miscellaneous trivia makes me work better. 

- Double birthday parties, coupled with a poor excuse to invite your old friends over, suck.
Last weekend one of Blue's friends from college invited us over for a Labor Day BBQ. She lives in West Bumblefuck, an hour and a half away. We went because it's the one time every year when we get to see this particular friend, and it's kind of a mini-reunion. However she has three kids, and every year she mixes this mini-reunion with a double birthday party because two of the kids are like a week apart. There were like 30 kids running around, a bounce house, cotton candy machine, pinatas, etc. and it's not like the parents (who invited us) could even hang out because they had to run the party. I understand that they wanted to throw a bday party for their kids, but maybe plan to have the mini-reunion part on a  different day/weekend so we can actually spend time with you and catch up. 

- Ask and you shall receive.
I've mentioned in passing that I somehow broke the majority of my dishes, so when our friend said she was moving and getting rid of stuff, she offered her dishware to me first. Now I have a full set of almost new dishes! Yay! 

- Saying no is (still) okay.
Last Friday we were invited to a bar to celebrate a friend's birthday, however we're going to the same bar with the same people this week, and on Fridays, it takes a lot to even want to go out. I usually just want to go home and take off my pants. So we politely declined and stayed in watching Married At First Sight and eating a White Castle Crave Case and it was glorious. 

What are some things you learned recently?

Linking up with Mattie and Lexi for Weekly Lessons!

Fall Film Challenge 2016- The List

I'm pretty sure I've been meaning to take part in this challenge for the past two years, and even started making lists, but never actually posted and/or followed through. However this year is going to be different- see, I'm posting my list! Step one complete! 

Movie About Adolescence: Better Off Dead

Movie About a Character’s Rebirth or Rite of Passage: Burnt

Movie About a Comic Book Character: Watchmen

Movie Shot or Set in Washington, DC: St. Elmo's Fire

Movie Set in an Academic Environment: Dead Poet's Society

Movie About Failure: A Streetcar Named Desire

Movie About a Man vs. God or Gods: Stargate

Movie About a Man vs. Himself: Seeking a Friend For The End Of The World

Movie About an Invention or Ingenious Individual: Joy

Movie Set in a Jail or Prison: Cool Hand Luke

Movie About a Dog: Max

Movie About Loss: Steel Magnolias

Movie About Man vs. Man: The Way, Way Back

Movie About Man vs. Nature: Into the Wild

Movie That Has a Monster or Monstrous Individual: Miss Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children

Movie Shot or Set in Pennsylvania: Flashdance

Movie About a Character’s Quest of Some Kind: Hugo

Movie About a Character that Goes from Rags to Riches: Limitless

Movie About Man vs. Society: A Time To Kill

Movie Originally Released in the 1930’s: It Happened One Night

Movie About Undesirable Individuals or Elements: The Wolf of Wall Street

Movie About a Voyage or Return: Away We Go

Movie About Wizards or Witchcraft: Labyrinth

Movie Originally Released in the 1960’s: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Movie About a Yearning or Obsession: The Girl on the Train

The challenge starts September 1st / concludes midnight November 30th.

**Bonus round: 25 movies you haven't watched before based off of books.**

Are you joining the challenge? 

Currently: September

Reading: *Sigh* Another month of no reading for me. I really need to get back into this habit. Maybe I'll try again this weekend. 

Listening to: Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer. Because some guys in the back of my office play music daily, and today appears to be Jersey themed. 

Watching: Finished Stranger Things- LOVED it! Currently Married At First Sight, Grey's Anatomy (S8), and starting the Fall Film Challenge that Jenn is hosting! 

Decorating: My work space,... slowly. I just would like to put up some more prints or pics.

Hearting: Date nights/days lately. Two weekends ago we did a day trip to a winery with another couple, last weekend we went to a baseball game, and last night we did a Paint Night at Pinot's Palette. This is why I love summer. We get out more and do lots of fun stuff! 

Pinning:

I didn't do this, but what a fun idea for the next Summer Olympics!
(via) 

Creating a well/fully stocked bar is on my 101 List
(via)

Elle Sees shares how to refresh makeup without reapplying

Because Fall is coming... Ratings of 11 Pumpkin beers

This 100% vegan Gunas bag. The back says
"When a girl is fiercely vegan, she's simply fabulous!"

Anticipating: A long weekend of mostly no plans besides a BBQ on Saturday. I've gone out every night this week and while it was fun, I'm ready for a break!

Trying: A new Sunday night routine, in which I make Blue wear face masks with me while we wind down. So far, it's going splendidly! 

Wishing: That I could go to this Gilmore Girls Fan Festival, but it's just soooo dang expensive! Tickets are $175, and that doesn't include lodging or real food. 

Hoping:To be successful in my spending freeze for September. I mentioned yesterday that I've been spending way too much and need to reign it in for at least one month and get back on track. 

To-Do Listing: A purge. Now that things have settled down a little bit at work, and I've ordered another Thred Up bag, I'm hoping to do a full closet cleanout again. In fact, I've already started taking some pics *gasp*! 

What's new/currently with you? 

Linking up with Kristen and Gretch!