budget schmudget

Yes i know it has been a while since I last wrote wrote but due to the fact I just got my wisdom teeth pulled yesterday, i can't sleep! So im here this early morning finally getting to write. I think for myself, the phrase for this summer is "creativity on a budget". Since this is the first summer I am living in our new house and had a blank canvas for my new room, I've been completely obsessed with the craft store Michaels. Not only do they have 40% coupons every week but it has also sparked my inner creativity! Also, since I am now in a sorority and super excited to live in our house, getting to decorate our room with axo stuff is exciting! And I have been making gifts for my little already (haha I know, a little too excited since there are still many months until I actually know who my little sis is). Many many projects are awaiting me before summer ends, I think I have found my inner niche for hobbies. But of course Michaels is a pretty pricey store as with all of the other more important things I have to pay for before summer ends. With working 2 jobs this summer, it is still tough to pay for a lot of things. Before I continue on with these expressive crafts, I of course got to pay the essential stuff, you know like PAYING MYSELF BACK from all the money I spend my freshman year!, sorority dues, pointe shoes, etc. So I think it is safe to say ...I am a broke child who likes to make creative things.
Well at least one thing that I have definitely learned this summer is to be more financially conscious. Such as keeping track of how much I am making and how much im spending by keeping all receipts. What I thought might be helpful to all you bloggers are these saving tips I have collected from other people, websites, and things that I thought helped me a lot! So here are some money saving strategies!

Keep all receipts so you know how much you are spending! And organize them too, well for me in categories of food, going out with friends, things you had to pay for work(which is tax deductable! and can be the same for you :)), and all my crafts. I currently keep it in a little coupon expanding folder that i got from Michaels for $1!

Which comes to the next advice. COUPONS! Yes I know I feel like an old lady already. I always thought coupons were so silly especially when you see parents pulling a whole stack them of them at the grocery store. But wow do they really save! It's great finding them in the actual store and also can find them on some websites.

Ways to save on clothes:

• Since I moved, went to college, and grew a little ;), I have a lot of clothes that I dont wear anymore. And of course I find it very exciting to make things especially clothes. I've been keeping all the clothes I know I can make something with. If you have a favourite shirt that doesnt fit anymore, make it fit! add things to it or cut it. or jeans that are highwaters, make them into shorts. P.S no one will have it!
• Take care of your clothes. Dryclean and Hand-wash when it says it too. Hah who am i kidding- you can be the judge on a fabric on the way it needs to be washed. I usually just dont put it in the dryer when it says hand-wash. And don't let your floor double as a closet. Your favorite items will last a lot longer if you take care of them, and you won't have to replace them after a few months.
• It won't always work, but sometimes all you have to do is ask nicely for a discount to get one. Next time you hit up your favorite store, try to get on the checkout line with an employee your recognize behind the register. As they're ringing you up, ask if it's possible to get a discount on your purchase.
• Hit the stores on a weekday to make sure you get a good selection. Thursdays are ideal — you'll likely be able to take advantage of weekend sales while still having a big selection to choose from.
• Ask if the object of your fashion lust is going on sale soon. The salesgirl might clue you in that a sale is coming up, or might even ring up the sale price right then and there.
• If you have the self-control, wait to grab it until six to eight weeks after an item hits the stores. It will probably go on sale
• Get the best deals by stocking up on seasonal clothing right as the season is ending. Scour sale racks for short sleeves in November, sweaters in April, and bikinis in September.

With Friends:

• I know this is hard because everyone else is buying the same thing blah blah. But I think hanging out with friends especially because its summer and your home is very important and you shouldn't opt out all the time
• food- get an appetizer for your main meal or share something! Plus it will be much appreciated by your body
• events- find free events! Where I live there are so many places to go and to do that are free especially in the city! You just have to find them, look it up online! Or what I have been doing a lot is having themed parties with your friends such as a fiesta. You can all cook together, have them bring a mexican dish or just have chips and salsa and watch Dirty Dancing Havana Nights!

Entertaining (summer parties)

• Potluck! have everyone bring there favourite dish
• Create a festive vibe by asking people to bring their ipods/fav music -its a great conversations starter and then by the end of the night you might end up with some great new songs on your own playlist
• Decor: The easiest way to create a feeling of luxury is with candles. Start collecting candles when you see them on sale, place them on the table in varying heights and colors. Candles can be used over and over so they are a great investment.
• Drinks: BYOB. Hah just kidding but no really ask people if they can bring things. My favourite thing to do now actually is make summer mixed drinks such as margarita's, mojito's, and if it's a themed party, make a drink off of that!

Traveling:

• Best way to remember a trip is TAKE LOTS OF PICS! A fun photo of you in front of a monument can be framed once you get back home and will last a lifetime
• If you also concentrate on buying from smaller local shops or rural communities, you'll end up with souvenirs that are authentic and budget friendly.

A couple things I am currently obsessed with that save money or is free
-Yard sales
- Exchanging clothes with friends
- just make it yourself
-having parties at your house. It's easier to get people bringing stuff and a lot funner if they do

Hope this is all helpful in anyway! Summer is great, pretty much have no care feeling wherever I go, as long as im with great company and having fun! But of course we are getting older and have to actually worry about money so why not have fun, do what makes you happy, and be financially great!