Friend Friday: New Year, New Blog, New You.

here

Truth be told it's been a hell of a year. In the last 12 months I've changed careers, got enagaged, and made this blog bigger then I ever could have imagined when I was first starting out. I never thought I would say this but my blog has become a big part of who I am. In turn, I think it deserves some resolutions of it's own.

This week's FBFF questions are all about "blog-olutions" for 2011.

1. What's the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?

I've been giving a lot of thought to this question over my week long hiatus. I've been working on developing a brand around my blog. I would like more structure to my posting and a little less randomness. My vow for 2011 is to give my blog an identity, rather than the multiple personalities it has now.

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?
Basically an extention of the question above, but I've learned that my blog is lacking a theme. Yes, it is all about fashion, shopping, and money but how I do I tie all of these things together in my posts?

3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?
Yes!
1. Connections: Let's just say I am awful at staying in touch, in real life and in blog world. In 2011 I want to make sure that I am taking the time to connect with the people that share their thoughts with me. It's always hard with work and school and developng my own posts but that's not an excuse for not being more active in the community.

2. Monetization: I would like to monetize my blog if possible, but I don't think that will happen until I can develop my brand, and of course, be more active in the blog community.

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on?
Techincally, we've already collaborated once, but I would love to keep working with Alyson. As to what we would collaborate on, I have no idea!

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?
When I first started my blog I would really put myself out there. I'd spend hours wandering from blog to blog and if I found ones that I really enjoyed I would send an e-mail. I also left a lot of comments in those days. I would like to get back to a point where I have more time to comment on other blogs.

I would also like to incorporate more bloggers onto my own site, but again, I need to develop my brand and my readership more before I can do that.

Now, head over to Katy's blog Modly Chic to see how her and others from the FBFF group answered these questions!

I'm Back, Kinda.

here

Well then. I just wanted to pop in and apologize for my unannounced blogging hiatus. It wasn't exactly planned but has been much needed. I can't even explain how refreshing it was  to be "unplugged" (with the exception of occasional check-ins on the blackberry) for the last couple days.
I'll be back in full force on Friday with my first ever FFBF Friend Friday post. Between work, school, and blogging I don't have the time to comment on blogs like I used to. So I joined FFBF as a way to try and reconnect with both my readers and the community.

In the meantime, how was your holiday? SSF and I spent ours in Michigan with the friends and family we see only once a year.

Why My Mom Had it Right

Words I never thought I'd say.

Every single year since I can remember my Mom (and Dad) have had a Christmas spending limit of $100 per child (there's three of us). As a kid, I didn't know that $100 wasn't much relative to what my friend's parents were spending, all I knew was that I had lots of presents under the tree. As I grew older and things became more important, I used to resent my mom for only spending $100, instead of appreciating I had received anything at all. Up until a few years ago I carried this resentment with me. I didn't exactly subscribe to the "it's the thought that counts" school of thought. (Another reason for my overwhelming debt?).

Anyway, the last few years of living well below my means to pay off my debt has taught me a lot about Christmas.

- It truly is the thought that counts. Case in point: My oldest sister. In the past I've given her expensive gifts, namely, a Kate Spade Diaper bag. However, I had never seen her so excited about a gift until this year when I showed her the necklace I had bought her. A simple silver chain, with a simple silver pendant that has all three of her children's names engraved in it. (We celebrated the holiday early). Cost of the bag: $200+, Cost of the necklace: $42

- The holiday's aren't about gifts, they are about family and friends. SSF and I moved to Maryland for jobs but left a lot of friends and family behind both in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Each year we make our rounds to visit all the friends and family we can. If I had to pick a Christmas filled with many presents or the time we share with our friends and family, I would choose the latter.

- Finally, the holiday is not an excuse to go into debt. My mom had it right all along. She spends what she can afford, to avoid paying the bill come January. Why would you want to start a new year with a pile of debt anyway? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of a fresh start?

Now for the fun part, old Christmas pictures.








One day I'll share with you guy's the collection of dresses i was subject to wear on all the christian high holidays (Christmas, Easter etc)

Fashion Gives Back

Alyson had a great idea on Friday and I am so excited she asked me to be apart of it.

Her idea was to (and I quote)  "take time to remember that we are so incredibly fortunate to have loved ones and to also remember to spread that love to others"

As the holiday's have become increasingly about consumption in recent years it's easy to forget about those groups that don't have shiny new shoes or earrings to offer in exchange for our dollars.  That's why as a group, myself and some other bloggers, decided to make today an official "Give Back" day.

What does that mean?

It means whatever your cause, whether it is the local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or AIDS relief in Africa give what you can. You don't have to have all the money in the world to make a difference. Instead of buying that new sequin top or super skinny jeans, take the money you would have spent and put it towards your favorite charity. That's how easy giving is.

My Cause

This year in lieu of exchanging gifts, SSF and I have decided to make a small donation to Last Chance Animal Rescue Inc. .

As you probably already know, SSF and I, are crazy cat people. We have three little fuzzbuckets that were all adopted. Dolce and Gabanna (the boys) were adopted through an organization in Michigan and Chloe through Last Chance.

Last Chance is a no-kill shelter whose mission is to "minimize the euthanasia of homeless pets through both adoption and providing low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter for both dogs and cats." Last Chance not only rescues animals from the streets, but also other shelters in the Baltimore/DC area that put down animals after a certain length of time.

I chose Last Chance because being able to provide a loving home for 3 cats of my own makes me wish I could provide one for all the abandoned animals in the world(except for anything scaly, ick). It's hurts my heart when I see strays anywhere, even on vacation. It makes me angry when I hear my neighbor's cat howling because they've left him outside, in the cold, again.  Even more importantly, Last Chance works locally in Baltimore, a city that in recent years has become synonymous with animal cruelty.

It doesn't take much to make a difference.

According to Last Chance $5 will pay for the first round of vaccinations for a kitten.

$10 will provide two cats with testing for feline diseases.

$25 will cover the round of shots needed by a cat before they can be adopted.

Or it could be as easy as volunteering your time.

Not sure where to give? If you are an animal lover check out Last Chance, or a local (no-kill)animal shelter. You can often make a donation in time, supplies, or plain old cash. If your not, check out the some of the other lovely ladies involved and see how they are supporting their charities of choice (there are a few other animal lovers in the bunch).

Paige of Barefoot & Vintage gave to Casa Pacifica

Indiana of Adored Austin gave to Music for the City

Merl of Clyde's Rebirth gave to a few local shelters where she has received her famous cats, Clyde and Mo.

Nickie of Wild As A Mink gave to Barc Shelter. 

Lisa of Archives gave to Dire Straights Animal Companion Rescue

Alyson of Alyson is Neat gave to Invisible Children 

Robyn of Twitch Vintage gave to All Children's Hospital Pediatric Research

This is one purchase were buyer's remorse need not apply.

On a somewhat similar note, if you are a cat hater watch this video.

You cannot hate cats after this.

Whats Yours is Mine

shirt (mine): Gap; shirt (his): j.crew pants c/o: Lands End Canvas; shoes: Aldo; hat (ssf's): Under Armour

"What's yours is mine, what's mine is mine"

That's the rule around this household. It works out pretty nicely for me, especially since for the last couple weeks I've been having a moment with SSF's side of the closet (as demonstrated here and here). Usually it's just the shirts, but today I added the hat for good measure, and because it was cold outside. Lord knows a heavy jacket doesn't really go with this outfit.

  Yeah, I do realize I look silly wearing my SSF's hat and jacket inside. I had SSF chauffeur me over to Borders today so I could pick up my very first bridal magazines (eeeeee!) so this is how I looked to most people. I didn't want you to miss that experience.  Before that I was in my pj's until 3 writing papers.

On another note: These Lands' End Canvas riding pants (here) I'm wearing are amazing, and currently on sale for $34.99 making them totally worth it. If you are looking for a good time, that doesn't not come with a side of "wtf happened last night".. buy now. 

First Thoughts

I have a little confession, although I've been told many a time to enjoy being engaged, I can't help but look around for wedding inspiration. I'm not the girl that has had her ideal wedding planned since birth so now the prospect of planning one has my head spinning (and it's only been 4 days, 4 amazing days.)

I've spent a lot of time these last 4 days on a wedding blog, Style Me Pretty (thanks Nancy). It's completely addicting and enthralling to look through the pictures of so many real, amazing, weddings.

Looking through so many pictures can be overwhelming and confusing, so I've started bookmarking some of my favorites, only the ones that really speak to me or what SSF and I are as a couple. Here are some of my favorites.

all pictures from style me pretty

I just want to soak in as much inspiration as possible for the next couple months before it comes time to start making so tough choices.

In the meantime, if you have an advice, thoughts, ideas, sources of inspiration... lay them on me. I need all the help I can get.

Weekly Money Check-up

the oatmeal.com

I wanted to do a post other than a money check-up today but to be completely honest, my brain is mush right now. It's the end of the semester... had a final on Monday (which was not pretty) and three papers due on Sunday at midnight. Sheesh, don't these teachers realize I have a full-time job (and I work too!).

I am hoping things will quiet down enough that I can start getting some outfit posts back up but until then, here's my money check-up for the week (courtesy of My Pretty Pennies)

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on gas, believe it or not. SSF(?) and I drove up to Philly to celebrate an early Christmas with my family and with some of my best friends from high school. We had a blast, but within 2 days I had to fill up both my car (for work) and his car since it's the one we took up there. With gas prices at $3.09/ gallon for regular it was not a cheap task.

$66.00

2. Today I feel awesome about my money.

I have been saying it for the past couple weeks, but I feel good. I have a solid game plan to payoff the rest of my credit card debt, I stayed under budget on my Christmas shopping, and  I haven't made any impulse purchases in almost a month.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was spent time with friends and family in Philly. It required some cash outflow for gas. But once we were there it wasn't about spending money. For the most part we just sat around drinking and talking. It was awesome.

4. I will consider this week a success if I finally get my Christmas cards in the mail .

5. My favorite holiday treat is eggnog, the non-alcoholic kind. I don't know what it is about eggnog, but I love it. I haven't had it in awhile though because SSF doesn't like it, and there is no way I would quart just for me to drink!

p.s. How are we feeling about SSF? Rachel suggested it, and I kind of like it. What do you think?

And in case you have no idea why I am changing SSBF's name, check this out.

absofreakinglutely

Yesterday, I said I really wanted this ring.

Leave it to SSBF to go and get me this one instead...

(cue: jumping up and down and screaming)

It's all still a little surreal since I wasn't expecting anything like this for at least another year but I couldn't be happier.

The dialogue went a little something like this:

SSBF: "Babycake, will you marry me?

Grace: "Are you serious? Are you effing serious? Oh my god. Yes."

 I didn't even see it coming! SSBF had been quietly stashing money in his own accout for over a year to save for this! There is only one problem...  what the heck am I going to call SSBF now? SSFH (Super-saving future husband)? It just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Oh, and then there is all those other questions like when, where, who, how much, and chicken or beef?

consolidating

About a month ago I got a balance transfer offer in the mail from my bank. You know one of those letters that normally say " transfer your balance and get low low interest for the first however many months, while we quietly charge you a transfer fee equal to 3% of the amount transferred blah blah blah." Yeah, one of those ones. This one was different though. This one said the magic little words I've been waiting for "No Balance Transfer Fees". Yesssss.

I swiftly took advantage of this offer. I transferred $3000 of my $4600 remaining balance to my bank credit card with an ultra low interest rate. Over the next 3 months as I pay off my full balance I will save about $200 in interest. It doesn't sound like much, but if my payoff timeline had been longer, say 9 months, I could have saved much much more. I was also the victim of unfortunate timing (or possibly a perfect timing if you are my credit card company). The balance transfer payment was coincidentally applied just one day after my November statement had arrived. I see you Bloomingdale's.

Anyway, if you have some high-interest debt you are looking to consolidate through means of a balance transfer or lower interest loan here are some things you might want to consider:

Are their fees involved?

Check the fine print of any offer that is transferring a balance from one credit card to another. The fee is often either a static amount or a % of the amount you are transferring. Also, when you call to speak to someone, always double-check. You can't be too sure.

Are the fees worth paying?

Sometimes they are. If you are paying 24.5% interest and can transfer your balance to a 0% card, it might be worth it. Do the math first before you assume before counting the offer out.

What is the rate after the intro rate expires?

If you can't pay-off the debt before the rate expires, at least make sure the rate you will be paying afterwards in lower then what you are paying now. Although, I highly recommend trying to pay off the debt before the intro rate expires.

What's the time-line?

If you choose to go the route of a low-interest personal loan to consolidate credit card debt consider the length of time you are spreading it out over. If you think you can pay you debt off in 3 years, don't spread your payment out longer then that for the lower monthly premium. The longer you pay, the more interest you pay.

This concludes my 3 post series on interest, promise.

PS. want this ring.

The Interest Monster Stole my Louboutins

After writing the sentence “For the first time in at least 3 years the interest on my card was under $100” yesterday the gears really started grinding. At one point the balance on my card rose as high as $9,500. Nine THOUSAND five hundred dollars. That's twice my current balance! Which means over the course of 3 years I paid anywhere from $3600-$7200 in interest alone.

If I had been able to save that same amount per month over the same period of time, even earning the paltry 1.1% I would have had $3676-$7420 in the bank today. Just think what I could have done with the money (besides saving it, cause that’s just not that much fun)

I could:

• Of put more money down on the house
• Remodel the kitchen, or complete any of the open-ended projects we have around the house.

• Have one heck of an emergency fund going.
• Take a vacation with SSBF (that doesn't involve mooching off the rents)

Or since we are talking about me here I could buy:

• 2 (or 3) pairs of Louboutins.

• An entire Elizabeth and James wardrobe (love Elizabeth & James)

• A classic Burberry Trench

• Whatever I wanted from the J.Crew catalogue

• A gigantic Chloe Satchel.

You get my point right? Paying interest sucks. Don’t let it happen to you.

Little Wins

Little wins, small victories, milestones, accomplishments, whatever you want to call them are the foundation of successfully acheiving long-term goals.

For me, little wins have played a big role in successfully paying down my debt over the last few years. It was the excitement of paying off a small balance, that kept me on track, even when all I really wanted to do was shop. It was the pride on SSBF's face when I celebrated one less outstanding balance that kept me motivated.

But, it's been awhile since I've felt that excitement. I've been slowly chipping away at my last credit balance for what seems like a lifetime with not much else but a (slowly) dwindling balance to show for it. Last night I finally got to feel the rush of accomplishment once again.

My little win?

For the first time in at least 3 years the interest on my card was under $100.



Have you had any little wins lately?

Do-Over

top-c/o Lands' End Canvas, skirt-Goodwill, boots-Aldo, tights-F21

After reading my own post on Monday I thought there was a little too much negative, and not enough positive going on. As a believer in Karma, this was not doing much for it. Truth is, I love the items I picked from Lands' End Canvas, courtesy of Lands' End Canvas and Lucky. So much so that I decided to wear the chambray tunic again yesterday. It's so comfortable and versatile I'm quite sure I could live in it. It's one of the best quality chambray's I've seen for the price point (just $39.50). You can't beat that.

There is also a good chance I will wear the pants again very soon, as in today. maybe.

I've noticed some of the other Alpha's have posted their looks too, check out how Le Quintrelle and Pretty Shiny Sparkly styled a nordic sweater.

And if you are wondering, yes that is a Christmas Moose on the back of our front door. Jealous?

 

Bright Idea

If you need a payment plan for a $100 quilt. Don't buy it!
Don't ask why I caught this segment on QVC (ahem, SSBF) but seriously?

Challenge Accepted

chambray shirt& riding pants c/o Lands End Canvas striped shirt-Gap; boots-DSW snood; J.Crew

Last Tuesday the girls at Lucky challenged the Alpha Shoppers to pick out a few items from Lands End Canvas and style them up on our personal blogs. Naturally I accepted said challenge. Over the last couple weeks I've been feeling bored with my own clothes resulting in the recent raid of SSBF's closest (much to his chagrin). Not to mention, I've been intrigued by Lands End's Canvas collection ever since I started getting their catalogues awhile ago. The items I chose were the Stretch Riding Pants and the Popover Chambray shirt.

I could tell you about how much I love these pieces and what great quality they are (both true) but instead let's talk about whether I would have bought them if my own hard-earned cash had been on the line. Working for an apparel company has made me much more aware of the concept of perceived quality which directly correlates with the price of an item. Lately, before I buy anything I've been asking myself one question: Is it worth it? 

In the case of Lands End Canvas, the results are mixed. The shirt I would probably buy, IF (that's a big if) I had seen it in person. The pants? no way. The shirt to me almost seems under-priced at $39.50 for the quality. It's a heavier chambray that can be layered without feeling bulky. Competitors like J.Crew or Gap would easily have this type of shirt priced at $20 higher. However, its almost impossible to gauge weight online, so I would have most likely passed it by. As far as the pants go I would have clicked, admired, and kept on browsing, possibly even looked for a similar pair at a cheaper price elsewhere.

(editors note: I've worn these pants three times and washed them once and they've held up amazingly. They are also super comfortable and versatile. I still stand by my original assessment though, and would not have bothered at the $59.50 price.  )

Another consideration:
If you are ordering online you always, always, always have to consider shipping. In the case of Lands End Canvas I would probably balk at buying anything with a standard shipping rate of $12.95. Granted, my items arrived with what seemed to be lightening speed (3 days) it didn't justify the hefty fee. I could have waited a few extra days for a lower shipping cost.

So what do you think, based on pictures alone, are these items worth their price tags? Do you ask yourself any questions before deciding to buy? What about Lands End Canvas, have you seen their shop? Have you bought anything? Any thoughts on the line?

ps. I'm now finally on Twitter!

Editors Note: I received my handwritten thank you note from Lands End Canvas last night. You can't get personal service like that now-a-days. I love it.

Sherpa Boots- Yes Please

boots-c/o Timberland, shirt-J.Crew (Mens), jean leggings & scarf- Old Navy

So literally over the course of Wednesday the temperatures dropped about 30 degrees. Wednesday morning when I left for work it was 60 degrees, and by the time I left it was in the 40's and dropping. Welcome to Maryland. The drop in temperature was pretty exciting though because I finally had an opportunity to wear these boots that were sent to me courtesy of Lucky Magazine and Timberland.

Remember Timberland? They were at the forefront of the work boot trend in the late 90's early 2000's? A trend that claimed victims (one of them being me?) Remember? Well these are not those boots. These boot's from Timberland's Earthkeepers Collection have both form and function. Not only are they warm and waterproof but they are partially constructed from recycled materials making them more green then any other shoes I own. I'm actually looking forward to a little snow so I can really put these things to work.

I've really taken a liking to SSBF's clothes lately. It been the easiest and cheapest way ever to take a break from some of my own well worn favorites. His clothes seem add just the right amount of slouch to any pair of jean leggings.

Oh yeah, and it's Friday. Woo! Who's got big plans I can vicariously through as I stay home and write papers?

Holiday Budget and Crossbody Bags

How has your Holiday shopping been going?

I'm happy to say that I'm just about done with mine and have surprisingly stayed within my budget of $500.

Here is the breakdown so far:



Even more surprising is the fact that I've only spent $40 on myself. I think that is an all-time low.
You may have also noticed that I've yet to buy anything for SSBF. This year SSBF and I have decided to forgo giving gifts to each other. Instead, after the holiday we are going to make a donation to the Last Chance Animal Rescue of Maryland. We've never done anything like this but I am really excited about it. Everytime we go into Petsmart I want to adopt every last cat I see. Since that is not socially acceptable I thought we could do the next best thing.

 On another note, I am totally 100% head over heels in love with crossbody bags, specifically this one.  

fossil

Weekly Money Check-up and More Sequins

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on SSBF's car insurance... $514 for his last installment. Not so much because I needed to, but because I like getting the cash back on my credit card.

2. Today I feel in control of my money. We've had a lot of unexpected expenses come up lately between my surgery and our cat getting sick but that seems to have calmed down. I've also been experimenting with some budgeting software called YNAB 3 (You need a budget) and it is kind of amazing.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was spent time with my family. Did some Black Friday shopping (minus the shopping), and decorated.

4. I will consider this week a success if I can finish two of the three papers I have due at the end of the semester for one of my classes.

 

5. My favorite holiday song is Jackson 5, Up on the Housetop. I'm also pretty partial to anything from the Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas Album. When I was little my parents had the record and I used to play it all the time around Christmas.

questions via My Pretty Pennies

images via pinterest

Featured!: Jewelmint Blog

July 2011

Guest Post: "The New Professional"

July 2011

Guest Post on "This is the Life"

May 2011

Interview with Shen Dove Style

April 2011

Interview with Her Catwalk.com

April 2011

Guest Post: Blonde Bedhead

January 2011

Interview with Smashion

December 2010

Guest Post: 260 Days No Repeats

October 2010

Lucky Magazine: September Issue (pg. 25)

September 2010

Glamour.com Slaves to Fashion Blog

July 2010

Beauty and the Budget

May 2010

Runway Daily

April 2010

Glamour.com Slaves to Fashion Blog

March 2010