Mixed Goodies

Here is a grab bag assortment of links from fashion to greeting cards.

• silkfruits - jewelry with a twist
• Steve Madden Triumphh - slouchy heels perfect for updating jeans
• Mike & Chris Kelvin Jacket - an unusual take on the classic leather jacket
• Swaptree - online trading for books, cds, dvds...
• My Paper Cuts - somewhat risque, printable greeting cards, but great when you need to say, " 've wasted enuff lipstick on you".

Stephanie Meyer

Stephani Meyer is my new favorite author.  While I did not make it through my reading list this summer, I did read the entire Twilight Series as well as Meyer's new book The Host, and I am hooked.  Even though I am not sure if I am going to like the Twilight movie, I will definitely go see it and hopefully will be pleasantly surprised.  (The last book to movie I saw was Eragon, and I still have not recovered from just how bad and unlike the book it was.)   I can't wait till Midnight Sun is released!

In Search of the Illusive Dollar

Lately, I have been obsessing over money matters - probably because I do not have a job.  Finding a job in Michigan is like striking gold in Wisconsin.  So, I have put my creative thinking cap on and have discovered the wonderful world of resale.

• Plato's Closet - resale your lightly worn, junior-sized clothing that is no more than 2 years old. 
• Red Swan - if your diamond collection is weighing you down, sell your jewelry to Red Swan.  Then make commission when you help your friends unload their gems.
• Yoogi's Closet - unload your Prada bag or scour the site for great deals on designer items.
• Gazelle - exchange your old cellphone, ipod, or laptop for the almighty dollar.

A Savings Plan

While cleaning my room this weekend, I came across a note I had written about how to save money.  I have no idea wear I copied it from, but I thought I would post what I had written.

• Invest $500 a year
• Take 80% of pay for 3 months and divide it into envelopes

1. Long Term Savings
2. Short Term Savings
3. Rent
4. Clothing Allowance
5. Food
6. Cable Bills
7. Partying

• Save or invest 20% of paycheck
• Pay off student loans slowly
• Stop Renting
• Pay off credit cards

Leave a comment if you know where these tips are from.

Money & Me

When it comes to me and money, we never stay together long.  There are fights, followed by gifts, and then the inevitable breakup.  However,  I am determined to make this relationship last.  I have thought long and hard about the struggles that tear us apart and have come up with a few guidelines that I think will keep us together.

1. No scrimping on the salon. - Nothing sends me into depression like a bad hair cut or dye job, especially when it is done at Le Salon el Cheapo.  From now on, I will go to my favorite salon, but to save on costs, I will go every 2-3 months.
2. Follow the one-in-one-out rule. - Nothing ruins a relationship like a crowd.  Now, if I buy something (say tennis shoes, a new bag, or a private jet), I will donate, toss, or destroy the items I am replacing.         
   
3. Only buy quality. - The secret of every successful relationship is quality.  Forever 21, Wet Seal, H&M, and anything polyester, acrylic, or fleece can never be considered quality no matter the price one has paid for it.
4. Buy natural. - A poly-blend suit will only get me so far up the corporate latter.  Wear natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool.  Nosh on fresh ingredients instead of that canned salmon which contains enough salt to season a lifetime of Thanksgivings. 
5. Save up for what truly matters. - Another pair of black heels should never take precedence over a trip to Tahiti.  Too often, I splurge on impulse buys and then have no money to hang out with friends or to plan a vacation.  

Things to do

Life is very confusing - there is so much to do, but where do you start?  With a laundry list of accomplishments I haven't fulfilled yet, I continue to add to the list.  So, I now find myself putting together another list which will hopefully motivate me to accomplish something on my first list.

• Learn about cars - Every Girl's Guide to Basic Car Care
• Cook dinner - Glamour's The Only 20 Things You'll Ever Need to Cook
• Learn to dance like Britney
• Get Rich
• Get Organized - Unclutter
• Practice piano - 8 notes
• Make a movie - The Filmlot

Shop for a Cause

Do something good with the money you make this summer and support a cause.

• World Wildlife Foundation
• Starter Kit For Change
• Toms Shoes
• Heifer International
• Ricky Martin Foundation