Add It To My List

To Buy: Fight The Power pin ($10- junk-o.com)
I've never been a big pin person, but I would be if there were more like this. There's also a "Fake News" one available, and coming soon "Resist" and "Nevertheless, She Persisted."

To Download: WTForecast? app
My new favorite weather app. Effective and funny on the daily. If you're not cool with all the colorful language, you can change the setting to less or none. Available for free in 20+ languages (including ig-pay atin-lay)!

For Your Furry Friend: KONG Cat Hugga Wubba, Cat Toy ($3.09- Amazon)

Kristen previously recommended this, and I am seconding her recommendation. I got this for Keebler's birthday and he is OBSESSED. Best $3 I've ever spent. Also pictured: cat wine. He was less thrilled with the Moscato and has yet to try the Pinot Meow, but my friend's felines loved it. Also available for dogs. 

To Watch: The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)  4/26
Obviously, I can't watch this until I've read the book (which I just got fo free Amazon Prime Reading- woot!). And I know nothing about the story at all, but it's received great reviews and has Alexis Bledel and Joseph Fiennes, so I'll be all in. Have you watched this yet?

First Dates (NBC) 4/7
Brought to the U.S. by Ellen DeGeneres with narration by Drew Barrymore comes First Dates, a reality series where you get set up on a blind dinner date and figure out if you want to meet up again or not. I've only watched the first two episodes so far, and I'm loving it. People be cray, man.

Married at First Sight (Lifetime) 4/20
Finally! After FYI/A&E dropped the show, I thought all hope for a return was lost. However Lifetime picked it back up- huzzah! I love getting a glimpse at people's lives/relationships (why I love blogging too!). Have you been watching this one? See where the past couples are now!

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (HBO) 4/22
Another one that I've put on hold until I read the book, which has been on my TBR list since 2012. So maybe it didn't' get the best reviews, but I'm interested in the story and there's Oprah.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) 5/19

To Eat/Find: Cookie Dough Eateries
I had no idea this was even a thing until I saw it on Miranda's post. A place where all they sell is raw cookie dough. Now yes, I know I can make my own, but obviously I have to try theirs as well. SO MANY FLAVORS AND OPTIONS! I found one in NYC, but apparently they exist in Fl too.

What are you recommending this month? 

Shit Blue Said

Blue: I'm having a very klutzy day.
Me: What happened?
Blue: I knocked over an entire bag of dry cat food. The kitchen was covered. It was a fucking mess and I wasn't caffeinated enough to handle it.

Watching Superbad...
Me: Is that baby Emma Stone?
Blue: Yeah, pebble.

Blue: [Our friend] Mark got a new car, he picks it up today. He got a Subaru.
So I told him he was such a lesbian.
He agreed and said he needed Birkenstocks and an Indigo Girls CD.

During a Senakot ^ commercial...
Me: Damn can't you just ease us into that shit?
Also Me: No, that's why you use Senakot.
Blue: Literally shit Dani said

Battle of the berries...
Blue: Ben and Jerry's stole my idea. They're making Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms and Cocoa Krispie ice cream.
Cocoa krispies and fruity pebbles are like the same
Me: No they're not. 1. one is chocolate and 2. Fruity pebbles are fruit shaped
Blue: No, fruity pebbles are like flakes.
Goes to google... see, they're flakes
Me: No, there's a banana there's an orange and that's a berry
Blue: No they're flat!
Me: You're a berry... a wild berry
Blue: You're a dingle-berry

Regarding baby sprinkles...
Me: Sprinkles are stupid
Blue: Yeah stop milking your friends
Me: Seriously I'm not a cow
Blue: But that's for an udder conversation


Blue: FedEx and UPS are actually going to merge.
Me: Really?
Blue: Yeah they're gonna called Fed Up.
Me: D'oh.
Blue: Funny how the word gullible isn't in the dictionary.


Stuck in traffic:
Blue: You're blocking my tacos. It's a tac-block
Later... 
I got excited and got more tacos than I wanted. Give me one of everything! $17 of the shits is what I got.

Blue: Ideas and concepts mean different things to different people. For example, " clean eating" to me means simply using a plate that didn't come out of the sink or draining rack.

In text...

You can find other Shit Blue Said here: Vol. 1,  Vol. 2, Vol.3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5

7 Budget Tips

Do you remember how you got into blogging? I started with personal finance (or "pf") blogs. When I graduated college, I left with mountains of debt, crappy credit, and basically no real sense of how to handle money when I got my first job. Obviously I knew I had to pay my bills on time, but I had no clue how to budget the rest. So I found personal finance blogs, and read stories of how others got out of their debt- and became inspired and gathered tips that I could use to start to manage my finances. Here are a few that helped the most, and ones I return to time and time again. 

1. First, figure out where your money is going by actively tracking your spending. When I started attempting to take control of my finances, I did this for three months to get a total sense of where I was spending. Now when I need a financial "tune up" I'll do it for a month. It can be an eye-opening (and occasionally cringe-worthy) experience, but knowledge is power and once you know where you may be going overboard, you can start taking steps to correct it. 

2. Pay Yourself First! This was one of my biggest mistakes- not saving. I figured there was no room for savings- I was wrong. There's always room, and it really is a must. I started by establishing a set amount for an emergency fund. After that, I became really bad at saving again, until I started automating my savings. The thing is, if I don't see it, I can't spend it. It goes right from my paycheck to my savings account. So yeah... #3...

3. Automate savings and bills. This saves time and unnecessary worry because you won't be wondering if there was a bill you forgot to pay, and saves money because you won't have late fees. 

4. Shop at home before you go grocery shopping. Before you write your grocery list, dive into the freezer, pantry or wherever you hide the things you bring home from the grocery or drugstore. It’s surprising how many of us duplicate purchases without realizing it, and there is some satisfaction to be had from actually using up those frozen or canned goods before buying more. (For more on how I save on groceries, click here.)

5. Define YOUR Wants vs. Needs. This may not sound like a budgeting tip, but it is. For instance, some people love to stay home and have all the comforts that that affords them, one of them being cable. I hardly ever watch TV, so cutting my cable was a no brainer. Some people may need their Starbucks or DD fix every morning; I like bringing my coffee from home and drinking it during my commute. Figure out what's a must for you and what isn't, and cut out the excess. (Here are some other things I won't pay for.) 

6. Delete all those pesky sales emails! Unsubscribe! I just started using Unroll.Me and it's wonderful. See a list of all your subscriptions and instantly un-enroll. 

7. Budget in the fun stuff for less. My local movie theater has 1/2 price movies every Tuesday, and I bring my treats from the Dollar Store. I use Groupon and Living Social (with Ebates) for local deals. BYOB is my friend. 

What are some of your budget tips? 

Show Us Your Books: March

Time for another round of Show Us Your Books! I didn't read much this month because I was struggling through On The Road (which I eventually just put down for something I was actually interested in). I also recently start my first Jonathan Tropper book, Currently reading: This Is Where I Leave You), and it already seems like he's going to be a favorite author of mine! I just love the way he's telling the story- and his wit and imagery are outstanding! Anyway, here are my recent reads. 

Falling- Jane Green: 4 Stars

Read if you like Jane Green and/or romance novels in general

Netgalley

Wow. I honestly did not expect to like this story as much as I did. I thought I had it all figured out a third of the way through, and was so shocked towards the end! I loved the organic chemistry between Emma and Dominic, and how realistic Jesse's character was. I could relate to the strained relationship between Emma and her mother as well. Though Emma practically ran away from home and her family, they were there for her when she needed them most, and finally understood her relationship with Dominic. By the end of the story, I was crying happy tears for those who finally found "home."

Payback and a Bottle of Merlot- Bria Marche: 1 Star

Read this if... just kidding, don't read this!
Amazon Kindle Free

I picked this up for a book challenge where the topic was read something with an alcoholic beverage in the title, and because it sounded like a quick, easy and cute story. It was not quick nor easy. It dragged. It would have been a DNF if it weren't for that challenge (which I didn't finish anyway, but that's besides the point). I felt nothing for any of the characters, the plot was beyond unrealistic- more like fantasy- and it seems like it was written for and by a high school girl, but ya know, with a lot of Merlot. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- Sherman Alexie: 4 Stars

Read if you like raw, quick YA

own

This might be the first time I ever finished a book in one sitting. Touching and poignant but realistically told from a young man's POV. It includes some heavy topics (alcoholism, racism, violence, bullying, death, poverty), but was told with just enough humor and emotion. It' somewhat sad, but also hopeful. I also really enjoyed the comics throughout. I totally understand why everyone loves this book. 

What have you been reading lately? 
Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

What's New With Me: March

Usually I combine my "Currently" posts as "What's New With Me," but since I haven't really shared much lately, I'm going to recap what I was up to last month, via pics. The first one is actually from the last weekend in February. Blue got us tickets to see The Blue Man Group, but first we stopped at McSorley's Old Ale House, which is the oldest bar in NYC. Perhaps you've seen it in the opening of SNL?! Anyway, it's a grungy old bar with sawdust on the floor, and they only serve 2 beers- Light (McSorley’s Cream Stock Ale) and Dark (McSorley’s Famous Lager), and it's $5 for 2. It's fairly small and only picnic tables, and there were two guys behind the bar- one steaming glasses, and one slinging beer, non-stop. They also had food (bologna sandwich, anyone?!), but we didn't have any.

Then we headed to the show. Have you guys seen it before? I was always curious because they don't show much in the commercials, and no one would tell me what it was like. Basically, it's 3 guys in blue, and the show is like half comedy (but no words) and half music. And it's interactive. Oh, and they made us wear those paper ninja-esque headbands.

The following weekend was the Big Brew Festival with Blue and Michael. 4 hours of 200+ craft beer samples?! Yes please. We crapped out after about 3 hours. And for the record, no, we did not plan to match lol.

The following week, I had a snow day! This may be my favorite part of working at a school. I actually got two days off from work because the trains weren't running properly the next day either so I requested to work from home. I was totally going to blog about my day off, but it was Show Us Your Books day, so basically all I did was read those blog posts, read my book, eat junk food and drink lots of coffee.

Being that St. Patty's Day fell on a Friday, a bunch of us took off from work to celebrate early. We started with corned beef and cabbage at a friend's house before hitting the bars. I called for a group pic early in the day because I knew I'd forget later! 

Michael and a few of her friends even joined us for a few rounds at our last stop, where there was more corned beef and cabbage and bagpipes, which I forgot to snap a picture of. Oops. 

She sitting. I'm on my tippy toes and she's still almost the same height
#shortgirlproblems

On the very last day of the month, Blue and I finally made it to my favorite local BYOB restaurant. Mind you, we'd been trying to go since our anniversary in January, but it seems others have heard the rave reviews on our favorite hole-in-the-wall, so now we have to make reservations. Only took nearly 4 months to learn that lesson! One of my favorite things about this place is that they don't rush you. I'm a slow eater, and the place is small, so this is a big deal for me. They also have the best chicken parm I've ever put in my mouth, and I've tried a LOT of chicken parm as it is my favorite meal. 

#noms

That about sums of my month! Lots of time spent with good friends eating good food. What's new with you lately? Linking up with Kristen and Gretch! 

Currently: April

Reading: This Is Where I Leave You- Jonathan Tropper

Listening to: John Mayer because I'm going to see him tonight AND I'M SO EXCITED! (He admitted that this one is about Katy Perry... awwww.)

Watching: The Walking Dead finale (anyone else? discuss?). I finally watched Manchester by the Sea. It was depressing, but not a tear-jerker. Also watching this Emo Trump video that Michael shared with me recently:

Eating: Lots of personal pizzas and junk food. Don't judge me.

Accomplishing: Sending out all the books! I love Paperback Swap (and clearing some space on my bookshelf)!

Buying: This foxy fleece throw blanket that has been on my wish list for about 2 years and just came back in stock. AND at $40 less! It arrived and it's soooooo soft and woobie. 

Loving: snail mail! I don't even remember the last time I received mail that wasn't bills or junk.

Needing: to re-do my nails. I found the CND Vinylux Weekly Polish that Steph recommended at TJ Maxx, and it actually DID keep my nails from chipping for 7 days! Woot! 

Practicing: Patience, particularly at work. They've physically moved me around so much lately that I don't know where I'm supposed to be or what exactly I'm supposed to be doing 3/4 of the time. I was feeling pretty shitty about this, but after a long convo with a good friend the other day, she reminded me that it's actually a good thing because it means I CAN wear a lot of different hats, and that I'm adaptable. Not to mention I've learned even more, and added to my transferable skill set. And I've learned (again) that sometimes you just need a different perspective. 

Pinning: 

This Marmot Montreal down coat
Available for 70% off at BackCountry

I love MJ and I love the double strap trend.
And how perfect is the neutral color of spring/summer?
Available at Macy's 

How pretty is this copper hammered bar tool set?
And I just so happen to have a gift card for William Sonoma...

I'm always pinning recipes, and this one calls for Swedish meatballs which I just bought a bag of #cheating
Swedish meatball pasta bake

This commitment-free tanning lotion that washes off with soap and water
Available at Sephora

What's currently going on in your world?

Linking up with Anne and Jess. 

March Purchases

After my minimal January spending followed by a February spending freeze, I went a little crazy in March. What had happened was Brad's Deals, the Kohl's Under $10 clearance sale, and rediscovering Groupon Goods. The first price is the listed price, the second is what I actually paid for it. 

Kohl's:

Women's Isotoner Performance Tech Gloves $34 // $17.00

10 ft LED snowman lights (similar)  $25 // $10

20x30" Poinsettia Rug (similar) $30 //  $6

XL Wine Glasses (4) $24 // $9.60

foladable canvas water bottle (3) $24 // $9.60

Ralphie/A Christmas Story Goblet(s)  (2) $30 // $9

Sonoma V Neck Tees (5) $18 // $5.39 ea

Bell and Curfew "True Gent" mug and shoe shine kit $24// $7.20

I discovered last season that I really don't have much any Christmas decor besides 2 little nutcracker statues that sit under my fake Christmas tree, so I got these cute string lights and welcome mat. The mat stay right inside my door as a place to put snowy boots and not muck up my hardwood floors with salty white streaks (which happened this year, despite the minimal snow we got). I never seem to have long sleeve tees, so I bought a bunch to layer. The rest of stuff is (are?) Christmas/birthday/anytime presents. 

Groupon Goods:

Sterling silver leverback Swarvoski crystal earrings $89 // $10

Mystic "Huggie" hoop earrings with Swavorski crystals $35 // $10

Mophie Juicepack case/charger for iPhone 6S $129 // $40

credit card holder iPhone 6 case $35 //$10

Sterling silver heart initial charm anklet $60// $5

large 15x15"framed print $112 // $18

The only jewelry I switch out regularly are earrings and at $10, the price was right. I already gave Blue the card holder case since hers just broke (good timing Dani). Juicepack case is for my work phone, since I can't be worried about that a dead phone if I'm running around. Framed print not pictured because it's a collage print and I haven't picked out the pictures I want to use yet. 

Other:

Target faux leather storage bench $80 // $65.40 - I'm still on the fence about this purchase. The thing is, I've been wanting one of these benches for a long time, but I don't really need it. 

Sears outdoor loveseat $160 // $126.69 - this is getting returned. I have 4 outdoor chairs, and I don't need this. What I need is some (cheaper) cushions for the chairs I already have. Plus even though this is listed as "outdoor," I would feel like it would get ruined if I actually left it outside all season. 

Total Spent: $253.75 (not including loveseat)
Total Saved: $543.25

Overall, I'm really happy with all of my purchases. Plus, I've already knocked out the majority of my Christmas shopping. I will note that when I buy Christmas gifts early, I do have specific people in mind. No running around in December searching for the perfect present and blowing the budget this year! Woot! 

Do you buy Christmas presents year-round or are you a last minute shopper? 

Linking up with Franish for Budgetting Bloggers.