Chit Chat: Reining In My Spending On Food and Eating Out

With trying to dedicate more money to my student loan bills each month and saving up for a couple fun trips on the horizon I am in total watching my budget mode right now. Over the last few weeks I have really been paying attention to where all of my money goes. After keeping a close eye on my spending I was shocked at just how big of a chunk of my budget went to paying for food.

Picking up lunch several days a week, frequently going out to dinner with family and friends, grabbing my typical fat free latte each morning on my way to the office really adds up during the course of a month. One thing that really put this spending into perspective for me was looking at how many hours per month I have to work to support these habits. Dining out has become a huge money drain for me. To make it worse most of the time I don’t even like eating out. So now I am making a big effort to eat most my meals at home (or food I have packed from home) and to make the occasion times I eat out count by forgoing my regularly purchased subpar salads and delivery pizza for meals out that I really enjoy.

Another thing I have learned is I have horrible habits when it comes to grocery shopping. I spend a lot of money on fresh fruits and veggies and good quality cheeses and I have no problem with that because these are some of my favorite foods and I eat them every day. What alarmed me though was when I cleaned my kitchen cabinets and refrigerator out last week and I had to throw away 3 trash bags of expired food. Who does that? I felt horrible about all of that wasted food and money.

I never make meal plans, I go to the grocery store several times a week but only purchase enough food for a couple meals, and I never keep stock of what is actually in my kitchen. When cleaning out my kitchen I realized I had 6 bottles of orange extract. That is crazy. I only have one recipe that I have ever used orange extract in.

Right now I am immediately cutting my trips to the grocery store to once per week. I am creating a meal plan at the beginning of each week. Plus I am going to focus on creating as many meals as possible in the upcoming weeks from items that I already have in my kitchen. By taking these steps and tracking my spending on food I hope to save myself from going over my monthly budget and save a little more to spend on upcoming vacations.

Are there any areas of your budget you should try to get in shape this year?

image via: 1, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

8 Tips For Sticking To Your Budget While Maintaining Your Social Life

We are entering the time of the year were socializing is even more on my radar. As a girl who is making a huge effort to watch my spending socializing can sometimes be hard to do. I have realized that unless I implement some rules and budget tricks into my lifestyle spending time with friends and family can become costly. Although it presents a challenge I am determined to maintain a social life (after all being social is important for a healthy life) but not let it drain my budget.

Here are my tips for balancing a healthy social life with my bank account:

TIP ONE // Include a "fun fund" in your budget. In order to stick to a budget you need to actually have a budget that you have planned out. I like to include a "fun fund" that allows for the occasional splurge like dinner at a really great restaurant or tickets to a concert or play.

TIP TWO // Prioritize what is important to spend on. While I allow for the occasional splurge in tip one, I always to remember to look at the big picture and save for the things that are most important to me. An example would be a great trip.

TIP THREE // Be honest with your friends. Let your friends know that you have a budget and that you have to watch your spending. You will likely be surprised by how many of your friends are in the same position as you.

TIP FOUR // Suggest a less expensive alternative. If your friends are making plans that are out of your budget but you don't want to miss out suggest alternative plans. An example is if your friends are suggesting a pricey restaurant suggest a cheaper alternative or suggest that you meet for coffee instead of dinner.

TIP FIVE // Establish a practice of low cost get-togethers. Find an activity that you and your friends enjoy that is inexpensive to take part in. A few of my favorite suggestions are: take turns hosting potluck dinners, rent movies or have Netflix marathons together, enjoy the outdoors by having a picnic or organizing a sports activity, or take turns hosting game nights which I did during one of my favorite recent weekends. Also, recently me, Jessica and a few friends created a book club that meets monthly and is a fun, low cost way to spend an afternoon with friends.

TIP SIX // Volunteer. You can either do this with a group of friends or solo. You will meet many new fascinating people while keeping busy and helping out.

TIP SEVEN // Pay attention to what is going on in your community. Many cities (even my tiny hometown) have free events going on on a regular basis. This can be a great way to be exposed to new things. Also look for local bargains at places like Restaurant.com, Living Social, and Groupon.

TIP EIGHT // Accept that sometimes you have to opt out. It will sometimes be impossible to fit every get-together or event into your budget and you need to be okay with that.

via: 2005 Dior image photographed by Nick Knight obtained from here original source here

Stylish for Less: Black Under $50

Floppy Felt Hat $28 - Cutout Dress $39.95 - Faux Fur Vest $39.95 great layering piece - Stone Necklace $34.95 - Lace Bra $45 so feminine - Steve Madden Sunglasses $38 - Linen Scarf $28 - Black Jacket $39.99 LOVE this
I feel like Fall weather has been here for a few weeks now and that Winter weather will be here before I know it. Last week I mentioned that I had been looking through my wardrobe to determine if I needed to buy any pieces for Fall. I associate darker colors and earthy colors with Fall. Black is one color that is missing in my closet, so this week's #stylishforless post is all about black items under $50. I guess I have let this color slide in my closet because I don't really think of it as a color to wear very often in Spring or Summer. During those months I am more about pastels and brights. I would absolutely love to add this black jacket and this black dress. They would be great for Fall or Winter either one. What are your thoughts?

Stylish For Less: Under $30

I have a little over a week left in my shopping ban which has went surprisingly well. I am really convinced now that I will be more motivated than ever to stick to a budget when shopping. The items below are all $30 or under making them great finds for anyone trying to watch their spending. This necklace is high on my current wish list. It is hard for me to resist anything with that much sparkle. I also think this skirt and this handbag look way more expensive than their under $30 price tags. Make sure you snatch this Kate Spade ring that is on sale up fast before it is out of stock.

Colored Tee / Bikini Top / Bikini Bottom / Burnout Skirt / Chain Edge Belt / Handbag / Tassel Key Chain / Scallop Pave Ring / Earrings / iPhone Case / Necklace / Deborah Lippmann - Flowers In Her Hair / Snood / Glasses / Rose Skirt / Ivory Top / Flats
via: 1

Stylish for Less: Statement Pieces

This past Christmas I received what I would call my first statement necklace from my sister and I absolutely love it. It is beautiful and I love wearing it with dressy outfits and with jeans. Since then I have purchased several other statement necklaces, but that one still remains my favorite. I have always loved necklaces but in the past I only bought longer, daintier necklaces. Now, I realize that I should have hopped on the statement necklace train a long time ago! I love the intricate details of a statement necklace and they really change a top or dress that has a boring neckline.
Statement necklaces are not the only statement pieces that you should have at your disposal. You need different types of state accessories. So in this #stylishforless post I have gathered a collection of statement pieces that are all under $45 each.

Flower Statement Necklace $42 - Triangle Statement Necklace $35 - Star and Glass Statement Necklace $42.49 - Charlotte Russe Gemstone Earrings $6 - Turquoise Gold Cuff $28.95 - Charlotte Russe Movie Star Statement Earrings $6 - Long Metal Spike Bracelet $37.95 - Black Crystal and Spike Bracelet $44.95 - Hexagon Sunglasses $22.04 - Floral Sunglasses $5.99



Source1 - Source2

She Works Hard for the Money

You definitely don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Just like any other girl the latest designer looks sometimes make me a little starry eyed but working long, often stressful days makes me a very conscious shopper. I like splurging occasionally on presents for myself but I usually I want to get a lot of bang for my buck. And pulling together a great budget friendly look makes me super happy.

Casual Friday

Work for Less by sunnydaysandstarrynights featuring Forever21 dresses

This look would be prefect for casual Friday or for a busy weekend running errands. Shirt dresses are a classic piece and and be useful in a number of situations so every girl should look for the right one to add to their closet. Comfy flats are a must and I love that this pair is two toned. I paired this look with the red scarf and red earrings for a pop of color and to also add some interest while still being office appropriate.

Shirt Dress $23 - forever21.com
T-Bar Shoes $50 - topshop.com
Nihan Bag $50 - monsoon.co.uk
Rose Studs $6.25 - missselfridge.com
Scarf $16 - modcloth.com

High Power Meeting

Work for Less 2 by sunnydaysandstarrynights featuring Miss Selfridge tops

This is for when you need to look your best at work. This look has a lot of style and sophistication. I added the ring to give the outfit a little more of my own personality. Point toe pumps are great. They make your legs look very long and slim.

Blazer $34 - spiegel.com
Military pencil skirt $31 - debenhams.com
Heels $26 - buckle.com
Pear Studs $8.42 - asos.com
Quilted Handbag $23 - janenorman.co.uk
Cream Ruffle Blouse $44 - missselfridge.com
Ring $4.80 - forever21.com

Out with Coworkers

Work for Less 3 by sunnydaysandstarrynights featuring Old Navy bags

The caridgan and round toe pumps make this look great for the office. But the accessories I've added bring some fun to the look and make it a little whimsical. Isn't the bicycle pendenant adorable? As you head out with colleagues after work you can lose the caridgan.

Caridgan $25 - aeropostale.com
Dress $31 - delias.com
Pumps $22 - amiclubwear.com
Necklace $4.80 - canada.forever21.com
Flower Studs $6.25 - monsoon.co.uk
Fairytale Brooch Set $19 - monsoon.co.uk
Faux Leather Tote $23 - oldnavy.gap.com

On the Go

Work for Less 4 by sunnydaysandstarrynights featuring Rocket Dog shoes

Sometimes having a great pair of pants for work is very important. When work has you running around everywhere it is important to be comfortable. If I'm constantly on the go pants and comfortable flats are a must. While this look is comfy the belted cardigan and wide leg trousers make it look very pulled together. Add a couple simple stylish accessories and you're ready to head to work. I've added a clutch to keep inside your handbag for you to keep bare necessities in for when it would be inconvenient to be carrying around a lot of items.

Cardigan $18 - kmart.com
Tank $18 - madewell.com
Trousers $44 - dorothyperkins.com
Envelop Brooch $9.38 - monsoon.co.uk
Hobo Bag $23 - oldnavy.gap.com
Faux Snake Skin Clutch $31 - debenhams.com
Betsey Johnson Earrings $45 - nordstrom.com
Flats $25 - lorisshoes.com

If you have an go to pieces for work or have any tips for dressing on a budget I would love to hear them.

♥ Sunny