It Ain't Tricking If You Got It....

It's Top 2 Tuesday.

It just so happens that today's topic is about money. I think that ties in perfectly considering that my blog was created in order to highlight my life of frugality.  In terms of money, I've learned that:

1. You should never buy full price items.  More often than not, if it doesn't have a sale sticker, red line, coupon, discount, or promotion of some type, it's better that I leave it right where it is. Some people, on the other hand, just have to have the newest item-as soon as it hits the racks.  And to those I say, do whatever floats your boat honey. I personally prefer to wait until things get marked down or I at least try to plan my shopping around the coupons or promotional codes that I receive. I mean seriously, why buy that brand new blazer out of NY & Co for $60 bucks when you can wait a month or so-until they mark it down to $7.99.  Sure it may be out of season and the sizes may be picked through but your pockets will be a lot heavier if you wait. Or you can even hit the thrift store. I give props to those gals who are frivolous with their money, the name brand shopper! I guess it ain't tricking if you got it though. But guess what, our closet looks the same and I spent less on my whole closet than you did on one item. I like to shop for less. I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty and shameless!!

2. Create a budget for yourself. You can do this monthly, weekly, or even daily. Last year I would often wonder how I always ended up scraping the barrel at the end of every two weeks. That's because I didn't set any limits for myself.  Because I shop frequently, I prefer a weekly budget. In my budget I include my monthly bills versus my income and I also include other expenses like gas, food, and even shopping. Yes, I give myself a shopping budget. You can find budget worksheets and templates here and here. 

Unfortunately, I cannot post my Color Brigade fit of the week at this time because I'm posting from work and all of my pics are stored on my home computer BUUUTTT as sooon as I step foot in my house I will update the post. You can participate with Kileen over at Cute and Little.

Cardigan-was in the garage sale pile/Belt-Thrifted/Gingham Shortie-AE/Jeans-AE

Brown Pumps-Thrifted

Thanks for reading.

Mama...Just Killed a Man

You know what I hate!?  I hate when people test my patience! People who are inconsiderate and have not one ounce of time management skills. They think that when they walk in the room, everything is supposed to stop. They think that people should stop their day to wait on them or for them. Ugghhh!!!  One of the two things that I learned from my mother is:

1. Time is of the essence.  You should not only value your time but the time of everyone else as well. Don't waste people's time with pointless drama. Be on time. Do productive things in your spare time.  Make every minute count. Live today like it's your last day. I know we have all heard these statements time and time again but people still take it for granted.

Also....

2. Treat others how you would like to be treated.  You will encounter some people, no, lemme rephrase that...you will encounter tons of people who will stab you in the back, take your kindness for weakness, and those who will beat your heart up and leave it at the front door.  But mama taught me to treat them good anyway.  When people spit in your face and try to tear your foundation to shreds-turn the other cheek. Although it may make you seethe with anger, kill them with kindness, smile bigger than you've ever smiled before and watch what happens. Be very mindful of how you treat people because you never know when you may need them.

Enough of my ranting!!! I am ONE outfit away from finishing my 30 for 30 challenge.  Hallelujah, it's a miracle! I didn't think that I would make it through.  If you happen to be a participant, lemme know what you think about the challenge-good or bad. I will share my thoughts about it later on in the week. Until thenn here are my 28 and 29:

Jean Jacket-Vintage Levis (Thrifted)/Breton Stripes-Old Navy/Khakis-Old Navy/Hat-AE

And #29 will serve as my Color Brigade fit for the week.

NY & Co. Flow...

Trying to decide whether this fit looks better with or without the blazer...Hmm?

Thanks for reading!

All Around the World...Do You Hear Me??

Got my blazer on...I feel like I need to be handling some business somewhere. Everybody Everywear is showing off how the lovely ladies around the world styled their classic blazer today.  Of course this ensemble is doing a double duty as my Color Brigade outfit as well so go over here to check it out.

Blazer-NY & Co/Blouse-Thrifted/Slacks-NY &Co

The detailed print is awesome....

In other Tuesday news, The Undomestic Momma has featured a discussion on 'The Top 2 Things You've Learned About Blogging' over here.

 So of course I have to add my two cents.  I'm still pretty new to the game but so far I've learned that:

1. You should keep your content fresh and up to date. There's nothing I hate more than visiting a blog that I  follow and seeing that they haven't updated in who knows when.  Helloooo in there....there's a reason why I'm following you, but oh don't worry, you can get 'unfollowed' just the same!

2. You have to be involved.  As with anything, being actively involved is the only way people are going to notice you.  You can't just create a blog and then sit and twiddle your thumbs hoping that someone will miraculously think to visit you.  Join and link up with blog events that interest you.  Also don't expect your visitors to be consistent if you don't return the favor!

Well, seeing as how I'm posting this before I go to work, I'm kinda in a rush so short, simple, and to the point works for me today. Don't forget to visit me tomorrow for 'Word On the Street Wednesday' to discuss your favorite movie, book or event of the week. I'll see ya there. Thanks for reading!

Hey...Oh Let's Do It!!

Ahh...tis the season for a new day.  It's a new month, a new week, and I got a new attitude!  All that, PLUS it's the very first day of the 30 for 30 challenge. This is the very first wardrobe challenge that I've participated in and I'm hoping that I didn't bite off more than I can chew!! Got my camera back in working order so I can now disclose the final item that I had picked out for the challenge.  Just so happened this little mama was in the wash when I was taking photos so I missed her! Anyways, this is the lost one-the grey cardigan pictured below. So since it's already out of the closet, pressed, and ready to wear, I will start my challenge off with it! I feel like I'm gonna get a lot of wear out of this NY & Co. number over the next 30 days and for a whopping 8 bucks it was well worth it!

This whole outfit, with the exception of the black blazer is NY & Co. and will serve as my Color Brigade fit for the week as well.  I love these pieces and decided to add them for this challenge because they are so versatile and can be worn with almost everything in my closet! LOVES 'EM!!! Now for my favorite part of this post...drumroll please....Top 2 Tuesday.  This week begins the start of the 'Top 2 Tuesday Series' and the first topic is 'Things You've Learned About Friendship'. I only happen to have a handful of really close friends, however they are soooo dear to me so this topic is one that I could talk about for days! In particular, I've learned that...

1. Friendship should be valued. Everyone is not your friend and should not automatically be given the title of being so. Most people you meet in your life are mere acquaintances...nothing more, nothing less! So many times I've heard the term 'best friend' that I've almost forgotten what it means myself. A best friend means soo much more than knowing a person for a number of years or being a person that you hang out and party with on the weekends.

2. Just like flowers, friendships need to be watered in order to grow. When you meet someone they don't instantly become your friend-that takes time-it's the experiences, tribulations, tears shed in heartfelt conversation, disclosure of confidential information without questioning the loyalty of the other person. Friendship, just like love, should be unconditional.

As I said before I could go on for days about this subject but I'm gonna leave it be for now. Go on over to The Undomestic Momma to leave your two cents. And also visit Kileen to participate in the Color Brigade! Lastly, tomorrow is 'Word on the Street Wednesday'. Come on over and lemme know about your favorite movie, book, or event of the week.  Have a great Tuesday. See ya tomorrow for 2/30!

Thanks for reading!

I Got Stripes Around My Shoulders...



My Breton Stripes and Thrifty Necklace made with a refashioned silver chain and random keys I found laying around the house!!

What a terrific Tuesday (that was all the way sarcastic)!!! Since the start of the year, I've been consciously trying to live a healthier lifestyle by maintaining my workout ritual and of course by eating better.  So today's Top 2 Tuesday fits right in with my new year's vows!  We are discussing healthy recipes and snack ideas.  My top 2 are as follows:



Pretzels

 a low calorie snack for those who stay on the go!

AND



Pasta Salad

 ...this post totally reminded me that I have to make pasta  salad tonight!  This meal is also low in calories and very wholesome too!  You can add chicken or shrimp to it and throw in some extra spicery to give it a little kick! Also add all the veggies that your heart desires-this makes for a very colorful and festive presentation.  Speaking of color, my Color Brigade outfit is serving a double duty today.  While adding a little color into my outfit I decided that I should find some Breton Stripes to participate in the party over at Everybody, Everywear.  Cheers to navys and greys, greens and whites, baby blues and thrifty accessories, tussled hair and breton stripes!!!

Have a lovely day my friends and don't forget to join me tomorrow for 'Word on the Street Wednesday' where you can gossip about your favorite movie, book, concert, etc. that has been on your agenda recently.  Thanks for reading!!

They Say Time Flies....Mine is First Class!

Happy Tuesday friends!!! Welcome back from the long weekend! Although it was much needed, I got absolutely NOTHING done...my closet still looks like a tornado hit it and I have yet to organize my things for tax season.  Whew...time sure does know how to fly!!  Nevertheless, I'm going to continue on with life and slowly but surely work towards my goal of organizing my things.  Today is TOP 2 TUESDAY, a feature hosted by my blogger girlfriend over at The Undomestic Momma.  The subject for this week is: 'Top 2 Outfits you're loving for the Spring'. Ohhh man, the possibilities are endless.  I could go on forever about the things I love for spring-it reminds me of this yin yang sign I have tattooed on my hand-its a complete balance of greatness!  It's not overly warm, so you can get away with gorgeous linen pants, yet it's not too cold so you can still wear cutesy dresses and tanks and add layers to them if it gets breezy.  While it was hard to choose, I picked THIS:

Madewell's Spring 2011 Lookbook

(I am a sucker for pairing menswear items with feminine pieces!!!)
and I also chose THIS:

London Fashion Week Top 10 Looks 

(Even though I don't wear many skirts, I love the look of flowy skirts with subtle detailing and bright colors.)

On to my Color Brigade for the week; I know the pictures are hella old but I don't want my outfit pics to be a total waste, so here goes nothing:

I love, love, love these leopard capri's because they are so versatile! Whoever knew that Walmart would become my one-stop shop!? I could've soooo done without the leopard bag though; maybe a black one would've been better but hey practice makes perfect!

 Thanks for reading!!