Tag: budget

Monthly Faves

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This whole monthly favorites things goes way over my head…why? Because doing a monthly favorites means that I have to follow a schedule…and homegirl doesn’t follow roads, she makes them. There.

However, my friends like when I do these…and I have to say, I like them too. Why? Because I get to publicly shame myself about the amount of money I spent these past months…along with showing you all the super adorable things that I purchased. Let’s just say, I’ve had better days.

  1. Fleece Lined Leggings: Got these betches from Francesca’s and I couldn’t be happier. We all know that leggings are sometimes not every girl’s best friend…but these act like a cozy boyfriend snuggling you. Not only do they live up to their name, but they are thick! THICK! Leggings that aren’t thin and revealing. Anyway, it’s a good buy if you’re looking for a new pair. If you’re not, consider it…because they’re awesome.
  2. iPhone 6 with Kate Spade Phone Case:  Mostly had to get this because of the whole growing up thing, but I will tell you…what a good purchase. Say what you will about apple products, but there’s something wonderful about a new iPhone. It’s like starting over. Anyway, this phone is more important to me because I bought it, and it’s a symbol of beginning my grown up life. The Kate Spade case? Just a personal touch. It’s pretty and I love it. It’s called the Trapping Dots in navy. Anyway, it’s pretty durable…except that most of these fashion cases are mostly just for show. They aren’t for protection.
  3. Lilly Pulitzer Skipper Printed Popover: Color: Brewster Blue Reel Me In: Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. It’s a cross between a casual work-out top and a cozy snuggle shirt. My vote? I’m into it…and you should be too. I’ve been wearing it non-stop and probably needs to get washed, but I don’t care.  Plus, they come in a bunch of cute patterns and there is even one in a full zip!  This was def. my big frivolous purchase for the month, and I’m okay with it. Don’t judge me. I can feel you judging.
  4. Patagonia Women’s Lightweight Synchilla® Snap-T® Fleece Pullover: I caved, sorry to say. But I keep seeing all these people super warm in PA and I just couldn’t stand it anymore. Yea, this pull-over is everything and more. Is it just me, or do North Face jackets let you suffer while the cold air runs right through the jacket? Just me? I don’t think so. Anyway, they’re having a crazy sale right now, and I’m super jealous that it’s cheaper now than when I bought it…so I’m annoyed.
  5. vineyard vines Patchwork Wallet: Literally the cutest canvas wallet I’ve ever seen. Not only is the quality phenomenal, but the pattern is a classic. I know that my patchwork pattern isn’t being shown anymore, but there are some super cute wallets that are just as wonderful as mine that are available now. Get going and get one, because there is free shipping over $125.00! Add something on and get some free shipping!

Anyway, I can’t believe myself with my money situation…but it’s getting better. Nothing is perfect, and we all deserve a little treat!

Guest List Etiquette

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First Thing’s First

The first thing on the list is getting a handle on how big you actually want your wedding to be. It’s all a numbers game. If you want a big wedding, and you have the budget, go ahead! Make it a 300 plus wedding. If you want to be more selective, it’s your prerogative!

Narrow down who is important to you and who you don’t want to be there. Talk about the different “tiers” in your family. Direct family, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins, and their children are all on different tiers. If you are having complications, jot down your family layout and your fiancé’s family layout. Label each tier. Then, make a cut off after a certain tier, and invite everyone before the cut off. It may sound cut throat, but it’s necessary for your sanity.

Honestly, guest lists are different for everyone. No person can sit you down and say, “Okay, this is who should be invited…and this is who isn’t.” Families in this world couldn’t be more different. Each situation is specific to the family. One bride may be close with her first and second cousins, while your fiancé has not spoken to his second cousins in a long time. Therefore, your fiancé will make his tier list shorter.

Children or No Children?

Specify if you want children, or just the ones (if any) in your wedding party. This is the exception to the tier rule. For some brides, children are not invited under 18, unless they have a relationship with the bride or groom. Some brides may think that is rude to request…but weddings are more of an adult activity. Most children are not going to remember the wedding, so leave them home. For children in the wedding party, leave the reception plan up to the parents.

Although children are cute and sweet, brides may not want someone to steal their thunder…and that’s okay. The wedding day is a day that is celebrating the bride and groom. Not a newborn baby and his or her newest development of being able to walk. It isn’t a selfish wish.

What Friends Make The List?

Make sure to invite friends that are spoken to on the regular and any friend who you want there. The rule is generally that an invitation can be sent if you have spoken to the person in the last year- six months. Make sure to take a long hard look of who has actually taken the time out to talk to you and be your friend. After the news breaks over social media, be prepared for a storm of “friends” congratulating you…hoping to get invited. Don’t fall for it, and make sure to keep your head on straight when sending out invites.

Coworkers can be chosen at the bride or groom’s discretion. A big rule: you must hang out with the coworker outside of work to invite them. People can be very different at work and out at a bar. Be sure you know how they are around alcohol, and around strangers. Make sure they will be able to mesh. If you don’t feel comfortable: don’t invite them.

Who Gets Dates?

The age old question: Is there a plus one invite? Our answer: not unless you are in a very serious relationship. Why? Do you think any bride or groom wants to see their friend throw themselves at a random date all night while celebrating a couple’s actual love? In many cases, single friends will be happy that you do not put them through the awkward process of having to ask a person to come with them.

**In other cases, guests will use their plus ones to invite a person that was initially left off of your guest list on purpose.

If you are asked why a plus one wasn’t given, explain that only people in relationships received a plus one. Tell your guest that there will be plenty of people in that age group without a date.

How To Sell On Ebay

Don’t try to sell anything that you don’t own…because that causes problems that homegirl can’t help you with.

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Need some cash? I know I do. Well, we all I know I need cash…but hush. Ebay is a great way to make some extra money by selling what you have and cleaning out your room in the process. Many people have great luck when selling online in auctions or using the “buy it now” option. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you get some extra cash before the weekend!

To get started, you must determine what you are going to sell, and make sure that it is clean and ready to ship at a moment’s notice. Yes, that means don’t think about selling that purse when you still have your wallet and crap in it! Also, don’t try to sell anything that you don’t own…because that causes problems that homegirl can’t help you with. Sorry.

To sell like a champ, follow these 5 simple steps!

  1.    Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes
  2.    Take Great Pictures
  3.    Write a Killer Description
  4.    Price It Right
  5.    Be Agreeable

Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes

It is easy to just think like a seller, with money on your mind. However, think about how you shop when you are looking for something. What kind of keywords do you use? What kinds of pictures catch your eyes? Lastly, what kind of posts do you stray away from? It can be a very slippery slope after coming off sketchy to a potential buyer. Make sure to be patient and clear when dealing with clients, and you’ll be sure to sell your items with no issues!

Take Great Pictures

People are visual. What is the first thing that you look for when trying to buy an item online? The pictures! Make sure that your pictures are clear and your items are displayed honestly: without hiding any flaws. (This will make for a bad review later) Make sure to take pictures of your item from each angle and use a lot of light.

Write a Killer Description

Be sure to define your item with plenty of descriptive words. Make suggestions about how to use your item to try to sell it. Be a salesperson. Use words like, “Fantastic” or “New” and “Updated” to spruce up your item listing. Be sure to tag and use keywords correctly. Ebay is an online “marketplace” in which sellers and buyers come freely to bid and barter on items they want!

Price It Right

By using a total like $13.99, a person is most likely going to associate the total of the item to be $13 instead of $14 plus tax and shipping. It is a trick that many stores use during sales and blowouts to move merchandise. Many consumers will associate the price with the lower number to justify the purchase. Try listing your item under the regular sale price by $5. This way, you are giving a great deal for your item. It may not be in the best condition, or be outdated by a couple of models. Give your buyer a break and be realistic with your prices!

Be Agreeable

If a buyer asks for a lower price, don’t disagree just yet! Compromise by lowering the price and asking if there is a way if he or she is able to pay for shipping. If the buyer is demanding lower prices and you don’t want to budge, don’t. But, don’t be rude in the process. If your item arrives broken, or isn’t what they wanted, take caution with voiding out returns. Without returns, many consumers will believe that there is a reason that you don’t want to take your item back. It is also important to have an open line of communication. Answer each question from the consumer with openness and honesty. If there is a problem with your item, describe it and be upfront. If you were in the buyer’s shoes, you may want some of these answers, too! It is important to keep the lines of communication open in order to have repeat customers.

New Phone, New Rules

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This past week, I dove into a one of a kind adventure: I voluntarily was taken off of my parent’s phone plan. *boo! hiss!*

Yes, yes I know. It’s a different type of adventure, one of growth. It’s super scary, but very overdue. After all, I am engaged and 24 years old. Eek. What the heck. Now, I am on a plan with my fiancé and he’s expecting me to actually pay my part.

I’m going into this with a pretty positive attitude; this gives me a chance to show myself and everyone around me that I am able to control my spending when it really comes down to it. In case you’re like me, and you are just starting out paying your own bills… I’ve decided to share a trick with you.

Rip it off like a band aid. Submit that full payment and don’t look back. I know, girl. It’s going to be ridiculous, and you’re going to eat fruit for a week…but how worth is it at the end? Very. Not only will you show yourself that you are able to stand on your own two feet…but your parents will be pretty impressed, too.

Anyway, I’m going to go cry in my last season Lucky boots and window shop Kate Spade’s new arrivals. Sue me.

xoxo- Kate