52. The Horrendous Blogger

Greetings readers!

This post is properly titled as The Horrendous Blogger, for I am just that. I'm not entirely sure if it's laziness (which it probably is), or forgetfulness (ditto on that). I won't even state this time, "I promise I'll be better," or the "Let's try routines," for I clearly do not stick to them and frankly, both of those are just plain excuses.

Life Update due to Slacker Blogger.

A quick run-down of what's been going on lately:

• Since my last post, or better yet, since December 24th, when I decided to change my life (in a small part at least), I've dropped 15 pounds! Woohoo! Probably shouldn't be all excited, since I'm sitting here having 2 slices of cold pizza for a quick lunch haha. :) *Side note: I prefer my pizza to be cold lol.*
• I'm still at the same job, still as a contract, and still being highly underpaid for a new role that came into play as of January 1st. I've been interviewing, but alas, no new job yet. 
• One of my very good friends recently became single, so naturally the first thing you do is book an All-Inclusive Vacation to Cancun with 4 of your girlfriends. August 5th, I'm ready for you!! :)
• Fun adventures lately: Worked on a yacht for a day; Went for a dingy ride around Newport Harbor with my best-friend; Saw The Impractical Jokers live in Staten Island, NY (first time to Staten Island, too!); went down to the Cape for the first time in like 10 years; and just frequent visits to Newport. 

So that's life in a nut shell! 

Monthly Budgeting? Oof!

With the current role, as I previously noted, I am highly underpaid. Plus, life in Boston is very much above my means. It's time to start budgeting more appropriately. One of my favorite bloggers, J from J's Everyday Fashion, always sets a monthly budget. My blogroll as of late, is getting a bit out of control. I always find new bloggers, due to guest postings, or Pinterest. From every new blog, comes a new article of clothing, or a fabulous accessory that I just long and die to have. J's Budgets seem like something I need to do. Here are steps and tricks:

1. Your budget is based off of 2-8% of your yearly take-home income. 
2. Once you have an idea in mind, then factor in your family- since I'm single, I don't need to worry about budgeting for a husband and/or kids.
3. Factor in your job. If you work in a certain environment, you may need certain attire. My work is business-casual. 
4. Factor in your financial goals. Are you trying to buy a house? Right now, for me that is, that isn't a concern. Renting is fine for the time being.
5. Factor in your values. Some people want to save for traveling, or for charities. I have a LOVE for travel, so this is definitely something I'll need to take into consider!
6. Shopping Habits. What a hard thing to answer! You have to factor in whether you shop all year long (in which case a monthly budget is decided), or if you only shop at selective times. Since I clearly shop constantly, a monthly budget will be best for me!
7. Once you have your ideas in mind, create a wishlist for that month. Items you may be eyeing. It will help you stay on target! This will be crucial for me, since I find myself often buying less statement/ simple/ every-day items, and more pieces that are fun, vibrant and unique. It's all said and good, but you need those statement items, too!
8. If you have a monthly budget of $200, but only spend $150, carry that $50 over and use it at another time! Perhaps on that vacation you've been dying to plan. ;)
9. Lastly, "Return overages. Let's face it, sometimes our eyes are bigger than our wallets. No biggie. Whenever this happens to me, I go through my purchases that month and pick a few things to return. If I really, really love them, then I take them out of next month's budget, or I simply go back and buy them next month." I obviously need to do this more often haha.

With that said, July's wishlist!

Based off of J's tips, I can spend roughly $200 a month: a.k.a. $2,400 for the year. As previously noted, I LOVE a lot of the items that bloggers are featuring in their daily posts. I save whatever ones I'm lusting after in folders on my browser: one for Accessories/Other (everything except Clothes), and then one for Clothes. Every couple of weeks, I weed through the items and figure out if I'm (a) still loving it enough to purchase it, (b) if the item is still in stock, or (c) if the item is on sale. By keeping everything all in one place, it really helps me weed out just an item I want "in the now," or an item that I can actually see myself purchasing. (Thankfully you don't see how long it takes to create a post, for I just did 2.5 hours worth of weeding through things I didn't want. It wasn't completely 2.5 hours for I was multitasking with other things, but close to it!)

1. Anastacia Dress - $40
I am loving this Black and White Striped Dress. I'm trying to focus more on statement pieces and I feel as though this could definitely be it. It's something I can wear in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. In the Spring and Summer with Flats, and in the Fall with Boots. One of my favorite Bloggers, Robyn from Cleverly, Yours is actually the one featured in this photo!

2. J Crew Factory Earrings -  $14.50 (on sale)
These earrings, normally $32.50, are on sale for $14.50. Woohoo! If you look at Robyn's earrings in the Anastacia dress, they're very similar to these. These earrings will be very versatile. Plus, I have a beautiful coral summer dress and these little beauties will complement it perfectly!

3. Nude Bow Sandals - $30
A couple of years ago my friend got the most darling pair of bow sandals from V. Secret and I could not hide my jealousy. With my upcoming trip to Cancun, I'm thinking these will need to be in the suitcase!

4. & 5. Bowed Ballet Flats - $18 each ($36 total, originally $42 each!)
I currently own a similar pair of black ballet flats from Urban Outfitters and I wear them constantly! Urban Outfitters had a tan pair too, but I opted to only buy the black. I don't think I'm going to buy both of these pairs, but definitely the tan.

Total Budget Used: $102.50 
(Assuming I don't buy the black lace flats).

Happy Holidays, all!