juice & snacks

Even before the engagement, I had been thinking about ways that I could save money this year. I still wanted to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, but just eliminate unnecessary spending so I would know where and how my money was being spent. Now that we have a wedding and honeymoon coming up, I am much more accountable for my cost-saving decisions.

There are a few major changes I have made:

1) Going out to eat less.

There were times that I would go out to eat up to four times a week spending on average $12 and up. Sometimes it would be to go out to meet with friends or to get away from the office, but for the most part it was because I had been too lazy to prepare something ahead of time to eat. This year I’ve decided to cut back and limit my eating out to only once a week. Of course if there is a special occasion I will make an exception, but for the most part I’ve stuck to it. Not only is it saving me money, but it also has gotten me to eat healthier, more well balanced meals. I thought it was funny the other day, one of my co-workers came in to the kitchen and said, “Wow, that’s a pretty healthy lunch you’re having. Is there a reason why you’re eating so healthy?” It’s funny because as I was buying the things for my lunch, I wasn’t conciously thinking about how healthly it would be. I just picked things that I liked.  The truth is I enjoy healthy food. I like eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other things that are good for me because I like the taste. I certainly don’t eat healthy food all the time, but if I’m going to prepare a meal more often than not it’s going to tend towards the healthy side. Another added benefit of cutting back on going out to eat at lunch it’s increased frequency that I go to the gym. We are lucky to have a gym downstairs so it’s easy for me to head down there for an hour or so to workout before I eat. It’s a great way to break up my day and it helps to ensure that I get my workout in.

2) No shoppping!

I thought this was going to be a tough one, but it’s been relatively easy to keep. I’ve realized there are not a whole lot of things other than food that are necessities. To be fair, I’ve bought some things I’ve needed for running and for the wedding, but I’ve really tried to keep it to the basics. It’s been such a simple change, but has definitely made a difference.

3) Holding off on a straight perm

Ever since I lived in Japan and discovered the wonder that is a thermal straight perm, I have been hooked. I used to spend 45 minutes blow-drying my hair straight so even though it’s expensive it is worth every penny for me. While I know that I would not be able to stop getting them, I am trying to decrease the frequency. Before I would get them about once every five months, but I’m trying to extend that out as long as I can. I am doing this by taking better care of myself by washing it with shampoo less often and rinsing and conditioning in between. This has made my hair much softer, making the parts of my hair that has grown out less apparent. I am also keeping my hair long so the weight will also help it lie down straight.

Of course there are some things that I have decided are too important to me that I simply cannot eliminate.

1) Monthly pedicures

I stretch my pedis out to a month, but this is one luxury I cannot give up especially because I have found a clean, affordable and good place. I can get a spa pedicure with flower designs in a massage chair with tip for less than what you would pay for just a basic pedi at a lot of places. As odd as it sounds,  my toes have been my pride and joy for a long time so this is one thing I just cannot give up.

2) Netflix

I’ve cut back on the number I get at a time, but I cannot give up my Netflix. With movie prices being ridiculous and my preference to watch a movie cuddled up under a blanket, this is something I cannot give up, at least not yet.

Emerald Across the Bay 12K

3) Race entries

Since running has become one of my hobbies, it only makes sense that I have to invest a little bit in it. While the costs for simply going out for a run are minimal, entering races can add up. I justify the cost because it helps give me motivation to get through the training since I am very much a goal oriented person. I figure it’s a small price to pay for better health and a fun hobby.