24 January 2014

Budget: 20 December - 20 January

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People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.
Zig Ziglar


I totally forgot to post the last payperiod update, so this is a superpost.

I went way overbudget the last couple of months. *cringe* More money, more problems, indeed.



Recap of 20 December payperiod:

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Well the good news is, I paid off Dentist 1 and part of my Medical CC. 
The bad news is, I went WAY overbudget by being impulsive and lazy during my petsitting stay 
(that wasn't a very good week for me, mentally) 
You live and you learn.




Recap of 5 January payperiod:


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Baseboard heaters = money suckers. Snuggle up buttercup, because those suckers are not getting cranked anymore. I bought a heater to keep me and the kitty meow cozy.

It was also pointed out to me that the formula I was using for the "difference" section was incorrect, so I changed that to reflect ACTUAL (minus) BUDGETED to show how much I was over or under budget (thanks for pointing that out, Nancy).

Food was overbudget due to me deciding to do this detox. I was nodding off at work after 9 hours of sleep and 6 cups of coffee. I had played with my sleep and exercise schedules and finally concluded it had to be my diet. So I found a detox online and I had to buy all these groceries. Then I realized the detox was not the right one for me. I finished it, but still had a ton of food left over. Which isn't terrible, considering it was all vegetables and fruit and I've been able to spread it throughout the month.

Corduroy was having issues in his Fecal Fort (catbox). That was solved by a bigger box. I plan on getting him one of those cabinets, so I just hope it fits.

I totally forgot to account for prorated charges in the internet department. I adjusted for next month's budget.

Hot dog, this is an exciting two months!!! With the snowball minimum payment process, I paid off yet another creditor and be free of that debt. Since I got my holiday pay with this check, I applied (most of) that toward my last non-student loan debt. WHOOHOO!!!!!!




20 January payperiod:

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Notice something different? Like lower rent.....?

I bit the bullet and decided to get a roommate. I can't deny the math any more. As much as I love living on my own, having a roommate will exponentially open doors to me being debt free, which, in turn, will allow me access to fulfilling my dreams. Debt freedom date: Spring 2015

He moves in at the beginning of February. I'm finally getting around to paying my pet deposit, since he has a dog.

Tax season is upon us! I'm super excited to file my taxes, because I know I'm getting at least some money back from student loan interest. I know I'm getting a stipend for my health insurance, but that will be placed in a special account and only used for that, since it completely covers my premium for a year. Thanks Obamacare :o)



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20 January 2014

Cute commuter crap

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There's a constant controversy between commuters and cyclists. I respect both, since we're both on two wheels and going somewhere.

I am not a cyclist. I don't ride for races or long distance touring (yet).

Some people are confused when I wear (gasp) regular clothes -- even dresses and skirts -- on my bike instead of the blinding highlighter colors and padded pants.

What else would I wear?

One of my favorite blogs, Bikeyface, is a bike commuter blog and hits this laughable question bang on the nose:


{http://bikeyface.com}
{http://bikeyface.com}


One of the biggest conundrums of commuting is finding necessary things like reflectors or lights that don't cost and arm and a leg and don't make me look like I'm going to race the Tour de France, especially as a woman.

I have a whole Amazon Wish List full of fun reflectors and lights, so I'm sharing with you some of my favorites I've added and/or bought.

(This post is completely unsponsored and just my opinion on these products.)



FunFlector Reflectors: Tags & Stickers

I am so in love with these tags. They're cute enough to be a backpack zipper pull or hang on your bag, but they're also effective.


Available on www.funflector.com and www.amazon.com

Funflector also has stickers and slap bracelets. While I probably won't wear the slap bracelets on anything but a night run, I definitely want to add the stickers to my helmet.



Available on www.amazon.com



PoCampo Reflective Bird Pin

How discreet is this??

Reflective Bird Pin | Po Campo

{photo credit}

Available on www.pocampo.com

Whimsical pin by day, reflective pin by night. This little guy does a double duty.



PoCampo Reflective Bandana

I use bandanas to cover my face when it gets too cold to breathe outside. This is be perfect for commuters like me, or who don't wear helmets, but also wants some added visibility.

Reflective Bandana | Po Campo

Available on www.pocampo.com



OneTwoThreeSpeed Reflective Helmet Bows


Pink Reflective Bike Helmet Bow by onetwothreespeed on Etsy, $18.00Red Reflective Bike Helmet BowBlue Reflective Bike Helmet Bow

Sensing a theme here with double duty??  I'm absolutely in love with these. They look like a simple bow on your helmet but at night they reflect just as well as those ugly hi-viz vests. Plus, you can buy multiple and attach it to your back rack, bag, or front basket.  And they spice up an otherwise bulky, ugly, boring commuter helmet.

Available on www.etsy.com



LeBands Reflective Nonslip Headband

reflective non slip headband great for running, walking, biking at night .picture shows it reflecting

Okay, I admit, I love this more for running (I usually wear my helmet), but it was too cute to not share for those who do not wear helmets.

Available on www.etsy.com


Bookman Light Set







These are all the rage in The Netherlands, where there are more bicycles than people (and cars). They're fun little bandy lights available in multiple colors that are easy to take on or off your bicycle and come in sets of two (one front white light, one rear red lgiht). You can even stack them to get 360 visibility. Apparently they're really bright (I haven't bought any.......yet) but I'd put them more in the "be seen" category.

Available on www.amazon.com

Nite Ize SpotLit and PetLit Lights



There are two products here, one for dogs (cheaper) and one for humans. I see no reason why the dog light can't be used if you don't own a dog. These, much like the FunFlector reflectors, can be put on your bag or a rack for added visibility. They're very small (about the size of a housekey), but even a small light is better than nothing.

Available on www.amazon.com


Nite Ize SpokeLit Lights



I have these in red on my bike. They work pretty well for being seen, since they move with your spokes and get driver's attention, but the battery can die quickly (20 hours of steady, 24 in flashing). I'd recommend buying batteries for these in bulk and to always make sure they are turned off when you're done riding. They are fun to have on the bike, and add a rare side visibility that most lights don't offer.

Available on www.amazon.com


Petzl E91 Tekkina Headlamp




I know this is supposed to be a list of things that don't make you look like a commuter, but I've found that a headlamp really helps with riding at night or in winter. I wear my headlamp in conjunction with my (ugly, but effective) Planet Bike front light  and also when I run. The nice thing about these headlamps is that they're colorful (and therefore, less "cyclist" looking) and they help you see things from the sides like that annoying dog that always chases you.

Available on www.amazon.com



What are your favorite reflectors or lights? Do you think there is such a thing as "too much"?

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