I'm participating in my own little project called My Year Without. Each month, I go without something different.  

January was texting and driving.   I actually did pretty good!! I refrained from even checking my phone at a stop light.   It made me realize how dangerous it really is to be distracted by a phone when driving.     

February was cursing but that didn't work out to well.  I never curse around situations where it's not appropriate anyways so I'm not really worried about it.  Behind closed doors I can express myself however I wish. 

March was spending.  I didn't but things I didn't need and this was actually a huge success.  Aside from groceries and paying bills, I was able to restrict my spending and I even paid off my 2nd to last credit card!  

April was candy.  I did it!  Okay, well I had cheated once.. well 4 times actually all on Easter but they were tiny pieces of candy and other than that I really did do it! 

So May is going to be fast food.  Not only is it gross and so bad for my body but I hope that me being able to give it upf or a month helps other people decide to give it up for good!



What can you live without this month? 

Outfit of the Day: Sunshine + Floral

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Yay, it's time for floral print!   And I love floral print because I can match small pops of color in it with other pieces in my outfit.

This blouse is so comfy and I love the bright color. It's the Sunshine Chiffon Blouse from The Girl That Loves.   Yellow is such a nice vibrant color and I love how it brings out my skin tone and makes my green eyes pop!

I decided to leave it unbottoned because it was much more airy and comfortable.   I matched it with the yellow pop of color in the floral print on my skinny jeans!

 

So What I Wore:

Blouse - Sunshine Chiffon Blouse from The Girl That Loves; Shoes - Just Fab; Jeans - Romwe; Cami - Express.

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Why Organic is Worth It

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Organic products are all the buzz lately and for good reason. Organic ingredients and products are much better for our bodies than some of the things we put in them already. At  Cascadian Farm  they are proud to offer organic products! 

I got to try out some of the Cascadian Farm products and I love them. Their Graham Crunch cereal is my new favorite.   It tastes so good and is a great snack which isn't overpowering with sugar and sweetness.   Their Pea Protein Bars are a perfect pre workout snack after work.  They are filling and really give me the protein I need in my diet.

So why is organic worth it?   Well this should explain more! 

I hope that helped explain things a little more! I highly recommend checking out some of the amazing products from Cascadian Farm!

Everyone Needs A Fab Habitat + a Giveaway!

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I love love love home decor especially when it's earth friendly and versatile.  Fab Habitat is a company that gives you just that...earth friendly versatile decor.   Their global and eco conscious line adds value to the American home while enriching the lives of the artisans that create them. 

Fab Habitat is serious about reducing the carbon footprint on the environment.  Despite the challenges, they stay committed to producing and delivering their products in the most environmentally-friendly manners.   And their logo is a representation of the guiding principles of fair trade and responsiblity for the environment.

The blue and ash colors represent water, sky, and earth - showing concern and respect for everything around us.  The circular shape of the logo symbolized their endeavor to source products from around the globe.  This supports local artisans and provides a market for indigenous skills. 

The leaves on the tree branch are symbolic of Fab Habitat's support for fair trade and partnership for environmentally friendly products.  

I received the Venice Rug, an Earth Friendly Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Fab Habitat.   This is from their world collection of Fab Rugs.  The rugs are woven from straws made up of recycled plastic.  The straws are tightly woven together to offer strength, softness, and beauty.  And the colors are UV stabilized to prevent any possibility of fading or deterioration from exposure to the sun.  And no need to worry about mildew because since it's plastic the moisture will have no effect on the mat.

This rug is washable - just shake or hose it off.  It's also reversible which is something I really like about it.  I love that it's versatile for indoor and outdoor use.  This makes it easy to set up for company outside on the patio or to keep inside to accent my home. 

I also love that it's so lightweight and portable. The carrying case it comes in is fantastic and a great way to store the rug and keep it clean when not in use. Oh, and I love that the case if made of eco-friendly jute!  This is also a great idea for camping trips!

So do you want to win a 4x6 rug in the same pattern as mine? Well head on over to the Fab Habitat Facebook Page and enter!  
 
All you have to do is like their page, and the giveaway post!  Good luck!

Outfit of the Day: Lacey Leather Leopard

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Leopard, leather, and lace...these are a few of my favorite things!! 

So What I Wore: 
Boots - Impo Shoes; Pants - Butler Stash; Top  - ChicWish; Jacket - Bebe.

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And linked up at http://tuckerup.blogspot.com/2014/01/wiww-grey-black-link-up.html

5 Ways to Handle Your Expenses Being Greater Than Your Income

After I posted my Guide to Being on a Budget, a lot of people asked how to stop living paycheck to paycheck. So I did a post about that which you can find here.

Still the most common question I continue to get was “What if my income isn’t enough to cover my monthly expenses?”

That’s a great question and a very common problem. In fact, I used to be that way as well and I can tell you the ways I changed it. It is certainly possible for most people as long as you stay dedicated and disciplined. Remember, it’s worth it!

So here are 5 methods I used. I hope these help answer that question. 

1. Cash Envelope System

You won’t spend more than what you planned to if you plan for everything.

I can’t stress enough how crucial an envelope system is. Not only does it help you see where your money goes but when you set it up, you need to write down what type of expenses you generally have. Since most people don’t even think of random things like a car emergency, or a random doctor’s appointment (copay + medicine cost), it can sometimes throw off your month and you end up spending more than you plan for. Even if I don’t have a car expense one month, I still put money aside from my paycheck, so that if I have one the next month there’s already money there. For instance my muffler rusted out on my car this month and guess what, I didn’t even flinch because I had more than enough o cover it in my envelope system under the car category.

Think of it as a mini savings fund. It technically is a savings fund, so when I think of how much money is in my savings I always remind myself there’s even more if I include my car fund, pet emergency fund etc. Refer to my link on my envelope system to set up your own! I even have a stress free Christmas because I put money aside all year, as detailed here.

2. Cut Costs Everywhere + In Every Way

I did a post about 10 things I splurge on and 10 things I save on and I can’t tell you how much it makes a difference with my finances. Try shopping at the dollar store for cleaning supplies or buying generic brands as often as possible. Cut coupons and follow sales so that you can get double savings when you match coupons up with existing deals.

And remember every little thing adds up, even your $5 lunch at work. I pack my lunch, I make my own coffee at home, I buy my own drinks and bring them in, and I drive a car that’s paid off. Even though it’s nice to get a new car, I’d rather save the money each month than have another car payment.

Your routine bills deserve extra attention, as well. It might not be easy to cut all of your utility bills, but take a look at the subscriptions you can cut, as well as which you can switch for a better deal, such as by looking at cable TV providers in your area. Even if it’s just a little bit saved, that can make a significant difference over time.

3. Make Extra Money Each Month

I did a post about the 10 weird ways I save money and as silly as it sounds, every dollar adds up. I get paid to take online surveys (all of my sites I use are legit and I’ve done them for well over 5 years!) and in turn I get paypal cash, gift cards for stores and eating out, Itunes, Amazon, etc. I make $50 -$100 a month from that and while some people think it’s not enough or may not be worth it… that’s a month of gas for me!

I also sell things on ebay. It may take some time but once you start doing it you get more comfortable with using ebay and you’ll be very pleased with the income you make!

4. Buy and Accumulate Less Stuff

I embraced minimalism in many aspects of my life and it’s amazing how free I feel financially. I don’t spend money on DVDs and books because I cut back on my collection. I use Apple TV to rent, and I own a Kindle so I don’t have to accumulate physical copies of books. It also has me conditioned to stop and think before I purchase anything. Just because something looks amazing on the shelf, I ask myself to I really need that? It’s just going to take up space and I have enough home décor as it is for now. 

5. Live Well Below Your Means

I don’t get manicures and pedicures. Instead, I do them myself. I ask for gift certificates for them as a gift however so I still get to enjoy them. I go to a very affordable hair salon and I take care of my hair in between cuts so I can stretch every last dollar I have. 

Instead of going to the gym, I workout at home to DVDs. I moved back home with my parents which isn’t so glamorous but it saves me money right now.

I wash my hair every other day which saves on shampoo and conditioner costs and I only do one load of laundry a week.
Another thing I never do anymore is rush to the store to buy an outfit for a night out. I use what I own already, and I create new outfits by mixing and matching. I also thrift shop if I absolutely must go out.

I truly hope some of these methods can answer your questions but if you still have some, please leave them in a comment below!

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Style Your Phone + A Giveaway

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When accessorizing a look it's important to remember that your cell phone is almost always with you so why not style that as well!   And with Junkboxx there are so many covers and cases to choose from!

Junkboxx is a small online movile phone accessory boutique and it specializeds in fun and fashionable cases and accessories.  Why be boring when you can be different and stylish and make the most of your fashionista self!

No matter what you like, there's plenty of cases to choose from, whether it's a conversation starter or a pretty pattern.  There are even video game themed cases!

There are new styles offered daily!  

And if you use the code ASKAWAY you can get 15% off your order!

 

And one winner will get a $50 gift certificate to Junkboxx to get the case of their choice!


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No More Sorting Colors in Laundry + A Giveaway

The Purex brand provided me witha  sample of Purex No Sort for Colors detergent in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

One of the most time consuming aspects of doing laundry is the process of sorting through your colors and washing them in separate loads.  Not only is it annoying but you usually have to do multiple loads of laundry and if you don't sort carefully you can ruin your clothes!  

Purex understands your frustrations because they just released a new product called Purex No Sort Detergent for Colors.  Not only can you prevent color bleeding but you can also forget about sorting laundry so much.  This detergent has a dye transfer inhibitor to stop color bleeding accidents.  

aI love how great this detergent works.  It's not a miracle worker though, so in order to use it properly you have to make sure you wash strongly colored fabrics or new pieces of clothing (dark wash jeans!) separately at least 5 times before doing a mixed color load with Purex.  

 

Still,  I was able to wash my white camisoles with my colored blouses and my jeans and I had not a single issue.  Purex has a new Anti-Color-Transfer Technology that traps loose dyes in the wash instead of letting them settle into other fabrics.  My clothes came out bright and clean!

 

And did you know that Purex has a $1,000 Sweepstakes and a year supply of detergent!?  You can enter here.

And I have my own giveaway for one lucky winner.  They'll get a coupon for a free bottle of detergent! 




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Outfit of the Day: Leather Business

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This is my fav business look with a hint of faux leather.   It's got a sexy edge but isn't too showy.   

So What I Wore:
Pants - Zara; Shoes - Just Fab; Shirt - Body Central; Blazer - Urban Philosophy. dfasd

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