Leftover Makeover

Today's is a quick post, as I am busy running errands and session planning!

How many of you sit and stare at leftovers in the fridge, wondering why you'd want to eat the same thing for the fourth day in a row? Well you probably don't want that much repetition, and I can totally relate! When I first moved out to go to school, I would make things that were a big bang for my buck. However, that usually meant eating it for a week straight! Casseroles, lasagna, soups and stews. However, why not give your leftovers a makeover? Give them a new life and make them into something else. For example, the first attempt at this in my first or second year of university was chili. I added some cheese and lasagna noodles and turned it into a Mexican style lasagna! Or what about that giant container of cooked rice or quinoa? Stir fried rice and veggies for all! Really, let your imagination do the work. Open your fridge and pantry and try to repurpose that drab looking container of leftovers.

Any suggestions on what you've repurposed out of your fridge?!

Happy Saving!
- C

Pinterest :)

Well I'm sure you knew this post was coming sooner or later! Yes, this addiction to an online pin board is not only a way to waste your entire day off or cause you to go to sleep way later than you'd planned, but it also can help you save money.

There are so many great ideas on Pinterest of ways you an up cycle old treasures into new treats, lots of DIY projects and concepts, and even recipes to help you cut down on that always growing grocery bill. If you haven't already succumb to Pinterest, I highly suggest you check it out. It is all things lovely, especially if it saves a little here and there.

Happy Saving!
- C

Four Magic Words

Like any 26 year old newlywed, I was bummed to get a financial planning book for Christmas. WRONG! I got a little giddy about it, in fact! With trying to do all we can to save and be as smart as we can about our hard earned dollars, I was very excited to have another tool to help us out.

Within the first few chapters, I'm reading one concept over and over that I have been hearing a lot from others providing us with their advice and suggestions. A few months back, actually when I started the blog, I received an email from a great-uncle. It was the words in the email that really seemed to hit me. The message, summed up, said to never be afraid or embarrassed to say that you can't afford it. Be proud that you're saving, and it will get you further in the long run. Now, reading this book, he talks about the four magic words, "I can't afford it". The author describes how the phrase can become liberating, and I truly feel that it has done that for us. We don't feel like we have to do everything, and it makes us really think about what it is we need to spend our money on. One day, we will be able to afford more than we can now, but not without those sacrifices!

Living within your means is something that we have been taught by many of those around us. Never try to keep up with the Joneses. It will just get you in trouble. Take what you have and really appreciate how you've earned it. Step back and look at your world. Compared to a very very high percentage of the world, we do live in luxury. Don't forget to be grateful for what you have. By living within your means, learn to gain a new respect for your life, and watch your savings and your happiness grow.

Happy Saving!
- C

P.S. I'm reading The Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton. He is hilarious and it is a great read so far; I am really enjoying it. Thanks Louie!

Play Trade-sies

In trying to find alternative, read cheaper, ways to decorate that the fancy decorating stores will offer, I was given an offer by a good friend that was too good to be true.  She had a bunch of old decor from her house that she was no longer using and just wanted someone to take it off her hands.  Score!  She gave me a bunch of little pieces that I am totally going to use to help in the decorating of the house, and best yet, she didn't want any money for them!  In exchange, I watched her kids for about half an hour so that she could run some errands, but otherwise they were friendly donations.  My favorite kind!

There are swap and buy pages and a websites such as Kijiji that people will try to get rid of their old treasures to those looking for 'new-to-them' items.  However, what a neat idea to switch up with your friends.  Why not switch a piece with someone else to add a new twist to your decor.  Maybe even just for one season and then swap it back at a later date.  There will be an extra sense of ownership and care that will be attached to that item, as you want to return it in the same condition you received it in.  I haven't done this before, but maybe it might be a cool idea to try?! Thoughts?

Happy Saving!
- C

p.s. I will post pictures when I have assembled the new decor in the house

Phone a Friend

Financial decisions regarding maintenance of "the big things" in your life can make or break your bank. Things like who to help/hire for work around the house, what plumber to call when $h*t may literally hit the fan, or what mechanic you should take your precious ride to are all ones that a few phone calls may save you a few bucks. Use your phone a friend lifeline! Ask your friends either who they would recommend or who they would advise you steer clear away from. Word of mouth is the best advertisement and referral for companies those who do an outstanding job. A few years ago my sister in law had asked her boss who they take their vehicles to for maintenance work. They named one guy and said they'd never trust anyone else! Needless to say, we've been using this mechanic ever since. Just this morning I had to take my car in for some mechanical issues. In 10 minutes, he hooks it up, scopes out the issue(s), fills you in, and doesn't charge you for checking it all out! He lets you know the whole situation and doesn't try to sell you on unnecessary treatment for things. He's straight up, which is awesome. He doesn't charge, which isn't making money immediately, but anyone who has ever asked, I have highly recommended and even given his phone number to because he is so good! So the referrals send more clients to him, paying it forward for his good deeds.

So pick up the phone, call a friend or two in your area, and don't be scared to ask! People usually want to pass on the info about services, whether they were good or bad. Either way, it'll help save you a few more pennies!

Happy Saving!
- C

Work the System!

So I love love love Lush cosmetics. They make all natural, handmade soaps, bath treats, as well as skin and haircare products. But like all great things, they come at a cost. And it is sometimes tough to justify the price that comes with this specific brand's lovely goodies. This company is an international one, and I'd heard that you can order from "other countries". You know when you're on a website, you select which country you are from?! Well, all of their country's sites will ship internationally. So, abandoning the visits to their stores, I decided to order from one of the international sites and pay for the shipping. Why? Because even with the shipping and conversion to CAD $, it was cheaper!!! Even better, I had asked a few other friends who love the Lush just like me if they needed any of theirs favorites. So then we split the shipping three ways, making it even cheaper again :)

Now the one downfall here is that you obviously have to wait for your product to arrive, which when shipping internationally, takes a little longer. However, the closest store to me is over 2 hours away by car so I can't freely get it anyways! If you plan ahead and don't wait until you're completely out of a product, then you can save and still get the same great products!

Has anyone else found a cheaper solution to their faves by ordering internationally with another company?

Happy Saving!
- C

Hello Netflix, Goodbye Cable...for now!

Well, we cut the cord! We cancelled our cable and re-signed up for Netflix. We decided we could sacrifice cable for a few months to put a little more cash back into our pockets. It turns out we'll be saving $100 a month by canceling it! And with our busy schedules, now we can devote more to being productive with our work and getting other more important things done, with each other and around the house. It seems like a big sacrifice, and it is, but for now, we would rather be putting money towards paying down the credit card and our other payments, as well as into savings, then be couch potatoes. So, we're going to try it out.

In other news, anyone have any Netflix Canada suggestions?! I'd really like to watch Modern Family, but it doesn't seem to be on here yet :(.

Happy Saving!
- C

Price is As Marked!

So the hubby and I went out to find some decor for our house. We had a leftover gift card for Pier 1, as well as $40 for monthly house expenditures. Well we found an adorable tall vase and played around with it for about 15 minutes finding exactly what we wanted. We fell in love with the piece and headed to the register. The sale tag on the large vase (like 4' tall!) said $37.99. Yet, it rang through the till at $54.99, saying it was on sale from $70.00. We pointed out to them that the other vase the same as this was also marked at the $37.99. They said "well, it rings through at $54.99". I was ready to just say forget about it when my hubby said "well if that's what both tags say, then that's what we should pay for it". They said, "you're right, we'll over ride the system". Yippie!! So, I guess the moral of this escapade it to stand your ground. If the sticker isn't for something else, it's double tagged, or you just claim you got an un-tagged item under a sale sign, then they should honour it. At least question them, heck it save us almost $20! So I decided to share our gorgeous find below in the photo :)

Happy Saving!
- C

DIY Decor

In keeping with the savings plan, we hosted a New Year's Eve party last night, and stayed in to save a few bucks. We invited some great close friend, and everyone made a few food items. All in all it was a really great night!

I just wanted to show off my DIY Decor, in which I used a little leftover tissue paper with a little new stuff (dollar store), some purchased balloons (also from the dollar store, obviously!), and some items from around the house. A little inspiration and I came up with the items below :).

Hope 2013 brings everyone good health, happiness, and excellent savings!

Happy Saving!
- C