With the holiday season comes some extra dough for cash-strapped students. What does that mean? After a late night discussion and an urgent phone call to Reid, we were finally able to transform our apartment from dentist-office white to a more colorful decor.
Note: If you are our landlords reading this... err, we're really sorry we painted our apartment. You don't have to give us our deposit back...
The R & E Times
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Couponing Update!
It's been a couple of months since I last updated about my couponing/food stocking/attempts at money saving.
I'll be honest, it's not all fun and games. There are times when I want to just walk into a grocery store and buy whatever I want regardless of cost like the good ole' days. And I've had my fair share of snippy clerks who have tried to convince me that policies/coupons work a certain way when I know they don't. I'm pretty sure I even cried once after a bad trip to CVS.
BUT, I really have enjoyed myself for the most part and gotten some sa-weet deals. Richard and I have more or less stuck to a budget of $100/month on food and all household items(makeup, toiletries, laundry detergent, home fragrance, you name it) combined. This is down from $300-400 a month from September. I still have yet to get the point of many of the blogs I follow, who have the same budget for 4-6 people. But it's a good start!
Here a few things I've learned through my journey thus far:
1. Take a break when you need to: If you haven't already heard my looonnng explanations of Extra Care Bucks at CVS, I'll tell you now that it is one of my fav money-saving stores. But, just like anything else, you can get burnt out following the sales. I was feeling this way in early December, so I decided to take a couple of weeks off. I'm sure I missed a few deals by doing this, but when I went back in on Saturday, I had a renewed excitement. I guess I would say don't let it get to a point where you feel like you are doing a "chore." Just stay at home for a couple of weeks and let your enthusiasm build!
2. Don't spend money on things you don't need/won't eat: During one of my trips to Harris Teeter I had a coupon that matched a great BOGO sale on HT eggs. Of COURSE I bought them for a very reduced price. But then what happened? Oh, they sat in our fridge for a month or so, and we ended up throwing most of them away (as you can see, we aren't on an egg-friendly diet). So, in the end, paying money for ANYTHING you won't use isn't a good deal. That being said, I now get tons of things for FREE at CVS (notice, I said "don't spend money on things you won't use," not "don't buy things you won't use") . They make great presents for those who will use them, and we are planning on donating lots of stuff (we seriously have about 30 tubes of toothpaste I got for free in our stockpile!) to our ward and homeless shelters.
3. Don't expect everything to go perfectly: When I first started couponing, I would get very flustered and frustrated when things didn't go perfectly at the store. The most common problem is that the store will be out of the thing you want to get (after all, I'm not the only one couponing in my neck of the woods). I think I am now getting better and shifting my attitude to be more flexible to last-minute changes.
4. All deals are not good deals: Case in point: Recently, I had a good coupon that matched a BOGO sale at the grocery store. After commending myself for getting the product like 70% off, I looked at the store brand and it was still cheaper! Granted, this doesn't happen very often. But just because something is on a good sale does not mean it's still the best use of your buck.
Okay, well that's about all my insights for now. I've learned a lot about budgeting and such the past few months and would happy to chat more about it to anyone! The best thing I can say is make a goal for your family budget and STICK TO IT. If that means cutting out some luxuries, then so be it. It's all worth it in the end!
I'll be honest, it's not all fun and games. There are times when I want to just walk into a grocery store and buy whatever I want regardless of cost like the good ole' days. And I've had my fair share of snippy clerks who have tried to convince me that policies/coupons work a certain way when I know they don't. I'm pretty sure I even cried once after a bad trip to CVS.
BUT, I really have enjoyed myself for the most part and gotten some sa-weet deals. Richard and I have more or less stuck to a budget of $100/month on food and all household items(makeup, toiletries, laundry detergent, home fragrance, you name it) combined. This is down from $300-400 a month from September. I still have yet to get the point of many of the blogs I follow, who have the same budget for 4-6 people. But it's a good start!
Here a few things I've learned through my journey thus far:
1. Take a break when you need to: If you haven't already heard my looonnng explanations of Extra Care Bucks at CVS, I'll tell you now that it is one of my fav money-saving stores. But, just like anything else, you can get burnt out following the sales. I was feeling this way in early December, so I decided to take a couple of weeks off. I'm sure I missed a few deals by doing this, but when I went back in on Saturday, I had a renewed excitement. I guess I would say don't let it get to a point where you feel like you are doing a "chore." Just stay at home for a couple of weeks and let your enthusiasm build!
2. Don't spend money on things you don't need/won't eat: During one of my trips to Harris Teeter I had a coupon that matched a great BOGO sale on HT eggs. Of COURSE I bought them for a very reduced price. But then what happened? Oh, they sat in our fridge for a month or so, and we ended up throwing most of them away (as you can see, we aren't on an egg-friendly diet). So, in the end, paying money for ANYTHING you won't use isn't a good deal. That being said, I now get tons of things for FREE at CVS (notice, I said "don't spend money on things you won't use," not "don't buy things you won't use") . They make great presents for those who will use them, and we are planning on donating lots of stuff (we seriously have about 30 tubes of toothpaste I got for free in our stockpile!) to our ward and homeless shelters.
3. Don't expect everything to go perfectly: When I first started couponing, I would get very flustered and frustrated when things didn't go perfectly at the store. The most common problem is that the store will be out of the thing you want to get (after all, I'm not the only one couponing in my neck of the woods). I think I am now getting better and shifting my attitude to be more flexible to last-minute changes.
4. All deals are not good deals: Case in point: Recently, I had a good coupon that matched a BOGO sale at the grocery store. After commending myself for getting the product like 70% off, I looked at the store brand and it was still cheaper! Granted, this doesn't happen very often. But just because something is on a good sale does not mean it's still the best use of your buck.
Okay, well that's about all my insights for now. I've learned a lot about budgeting and such the past few months and would happy to chat more about it to anyone! The best thing I can say is make a goal for your family budget and STICK TO IT. If that means cutting out some luxuries, then so be it. It's all worth it in the end!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Reflections of Christ
I love the Christmas season. Even though we don't have a Christmas tree, snow or decorations, I have been on a Christmas music only diet while in the car.
The best thing that got me in the Christmas mood was going to the Reflections of Christ exhibit (twice!) at the LDS Visitor's Center by the DC Temple. The photos are taken to reflect different parts of Christ's life, and they are absolutely stunning in person. It is a traveling exhition, so if it makes its way near your hometown, I highly recommend going. I think it's gonig to Australia next? (Carma, you just missed it!)
My favorite one -- at the moment -- is the first picture of all of the angels announcing Christ's birth. I was thinking of putting that picture up in a baby room some day (not an announcement). I love looking at their expressions. Also, one of the angels is the splitting image of my friend's roommate Ann.
The best thing that got me in the Christmas mood was going to the Reflections of Christ exhibit (twice!) at the LDS Visitor's Center by the DC Temple. The photos are taken to reflect different parts of Christ's life, and they are absolutely stunning in person. It is a traveling exhition, so if it makes its way near your hometown, I highly recommend going. I think it's gonig to Australia next? (Carma, you just missed it!)
My favorite one -- at the moment -- is the first picture of all of the angels announcing Christ's birth. I was thinking of putting that picture up in a baby room some day (not an announcement). I love looking at their expressions. Also, one of the angels is the splitting image of my friend's roommate Ann.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sophia Tries to Kill Emily on Several Occasions, Fails
Richard must really love me for still letting me drive our BMW, Sophia. The following things have happened in the 6 months that I have been driving the car: (1) It got broken into and our GPS stolen off the streets of Harlem
(2) The transmission overheated in Middle of Nowhere, New Jersey
(3) I got a ticket for HOV-exit (yes, still bitter)
(4) I got a flat tire on Monday. During rush hour. On the GW Parkway. With no shoulder. Also, our spare tire was flat and the car had to be towed.
(5) Yesterday, on the way home, a car hit me pretty hard from behind while I was waiting to turn right.
Anyway. I vote that I never drive again! Unfortuantely, I have to drive the whole month of December because Richard is staying at the law school every day until about 10 p.m.
I hope I live to see 2009!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Caribou Barbie Sighting!
After a fun and exciting trip to Utah for Thanksgiving (including much shopping and chatting, but unfortunately, few pictures), Richard and I set out for the airport on Sunday morning. I was secretly (ok, not so secretly) excited for this plane ride because we were upgraded to first class since we bought our tickets under Richard's dad's account who is a gold... platinum?... member of Delta.
As we were sitting down, I heard the unmistakable sound of "You betcha" coming from behind me. My ears perked and I twirled around. It's Tina Fey! TINA FEY IS SITTI---no, wait. IT'S SARAH PALIN!
I had to immediately confirm with Richard to make sure I wasn't being fooled by a look-alike. But he also confirmed that it was, in fact, Mrs. Governor herself. I immediately decided that I would talk to her while deboarding, so I spent the next 3 hours trying to figure out exactly what to say. I still remember the time I saw Bronco waiting for an elevator by himself at the Cougareat and didn't say anything to him. Regret fills my heart to this day, and I wasn't going to miss out on another opportunity!
But, here's the problem: I don't especially like Sarah Palin. I voted for Obama, and in all honestly, I have made fun of her on several occasions. Can I call you Joe? Shout out to my third-graders! etc.
In the end, I decided to hold my breath and not talk to her. Although, I should note that my decision didn't stop me from looking back to her seat to examine her adorable outfit and watch her drool a little on her travel pillow as she slept. Richard would like me to add here that I embarrassed him by "talking loudly" (I was whispering) and "staring" (a quick peek here and there).
Unfortunately for her, the guy sitting behind me decided he WOULD talk to her. Approximately 3 seconds after she woke up, he began quizzing her on... state fairs. Yes, state fairs. Which one was her favorite? Had she ever been to the Utah State Fair? What was her favorite snack at fairs? I mean, really. Clearly, she was one of his heroes and he had one chance to talk to her about international politics, education reform or homeland security. And he chose state fairs as the topic of conversation.
It was obvious that she didn't want to talk to this guy, but he really couldn't take a hint. It was good for us, though, because she was distracted enough by this idiotic conversation so that Richard could snap this photo.
Three cheers for first class!
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