life : stay on budget

Spotted Owl Fabric, Alexander Henry : Sweet Dots Fabric, Yuwa

Hi Everyone -

I hope you all had a nice weekend! It was pretty cold here, but it didn't keep us inside for too long. On Saturday, we went to Soho with a gift certificate I had and wandered around down there. On Sunday, I thought I was going to see Slumdog Millionaire, but ended up in Last Chance Harvey. Scott said I agreed to see it, but I think there was a 'failure to communicate' (listen) on my part. The movie was very sweet and is basically about never being too old for love. Apparently, Scott loves Emma Thompson and he got weepy during the movie THREE times. That alone made it worth seeing because he gets so embarrassed. I think it's cute.

There were many financial temptations this weekend and online (this new collaboration is irresistible). I'm doing pretty well staying on my $99 a month budget, which applies mainly to credit card purchases and impulsive buys. Necessities like socks (3 for $18), cookies, etc. are not included ;). I've already learned a few things that are helping -

1. Rainy Day Fund. Every two weeks we each get a cash 'allowance' and Scott saves some of mine for me. I only dip into this when the item I want is really indulgent and I have to bring in my heavy artillery during an intense negotiation - I NEED that little camera, this one is TOO big to lug around all of the time.
   
2. Gift Certificates. I forgot about the one I had for Purl Patchwork ($45, spent half), which made it all the better. Kind of like found money.
   
3. Sales. Everything seems to be on sale or reduced with a coupon. I'm usually not very good about getting things on sale, but I was so lucky to find a pair of Tretorn sneakers for half price ($27)! I've only wanted them my entire life. They would look great with this jolly car.
4. Bailouts. A little help from a 'friend' who likes to buy you stuff goes a long way. In this case, straight to the florist ($18). And, don't put said 'friend' on the same kind of budget, at least in relation to things for you.

I'm sure I'll learn enough to write a book and will keep you posted. All I know is that January seems like it has been the longest month of my life! It probably has to do with the winter. Sure, that's it ;). Have a good week!

xo, Cindy

finance : time for a pep rally

Dear Wall Street:

Please put the Bear into hibernation, bring out the Bull, and give us a Rally today. You can do it! Here's a lovely song called Details in the Fabric from Jason Mraz and James Morrison to keep you calm.

xo, Cindy

[Note: I think the stress is getting to me along with a cold. On two occasions, I posted and unposted things that were supposed to be scheduled. I'm sorry if you noticed and it's making you crazy when they're not here. Also, good for the Market today - I suddenly feel so powerful ;)!]

Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons

finance : wall street

Betty Davis said it best in the movie All About Eve, "Buckle your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy ride." But, she wasn't talking about what might happen on Wall Street today with the recent financial troubles of Lehman Brothers (bankruptcy), Merrill Lynch (acquisition under pressure by Bank of New York), and AIG (bridge loans & asset sales). Don't forget that it's long-term gains when you invest in the market and we'll try to do the same.

We have a lot of empathy for the thousands of people who are likely to lose their jobs, which is a crisis as significant as most natural disasters. It might be worse because it could be considered to be self-inflicted in many respects.

xo, Cindy & Scott
Photo Credit : Conceptualist