If the budget must shrink.. so must my ass!

Dilemma...

Need to cut expenses. Have nasty chronic craving for new clothing.

Solution...

Gym membership goes on hold and my ass gets (vigorous) outdoor exercise daily.

Commitment...
Loose 10 pounds before the weather changes (late October).

Here is the plan. I'm going to put my $40/month gym membership on hold. I'm filing the $40 under "furlough casualty" and I'm going to start getting my exercise outdoors on a regular basis.


I'm hoping all of this will give me a chance to have some fun outside, build my confidence, and add to my ready-to wear collection, aka a pair of slim fit Seven Jeans from the back of my closet!!!!

Even better... I'll look super seksi!

Challenge starts today!!!

It Just Takes Two.. Jobs

At the beginning of next month, diva will make 10% of her cold hard cash dissappear! Well... not really. Let's just say, the union is doing their part to help the state dig its way out of massive debt.

Here are my choices...
1. Take one on the chin and reduce expenses (boo!)
2. Take one on the chin and strike back with additional income (yea!)

Okay.. how can I earn some money on two random days a month that won't take too much energy, additional education, flexible hours, and no paper hat.

DAY TRADING?

Finding Furlough Friendly Fun(ds)

I know, its been forever since I posted... but I'm back. Let's just say I fell off the wagon for a short while.

I have new reason to commit myself to this blog.. besides my three lovely loyal readers. My savings account is looking pretty sad and my checking account will now be replenished 10% less every month thanks to the CA budget crisis.

So... now that I have 2 unpaid holidays per month I have a lot more free time to think about how I won't be spending any money! Keep checking back for updates!!

First topic coming up soon!

Deal of the Week(end)!

Hello my friends... per the recommendation of my trusty companion - Recessionista will now include a Deal of the Week!

This weekend - I recommend you get out of bed early before the crowds show up and take the elevator straight up to The Brass Plum section of Nordstroms. Yes - even the mature crowd will find a ton of trendy-classy-chic accessories, trusty basics, and spring wardrobe splashes.

Check out the pic - I'll be adding a pair of flats, tights, and a cardigan to wear this skirt through the rest of the chilly days. As summer approaches, remove the tights and exchage the cardigan for a lightweight blouse or t-shirt.

P.S. Order online and receive free shipping! Bonus points for not having to park at the mall and be tempted by all of the other goodies.

Its Official: Morrocco is the Vibe of the Season, hello harem pants

I first caught a glimpse of the trend when browsing the runway shows on the web. Then they popped up in a couple of magazines. And now - Anthropologie has freed the pants on to the masses!

The new generation of harem pants may be just the fresh twist of spring we've all been waiting for. Try them in simple fabrics like cotton or silk and neutral colors. Accessorize with a chunky belt, fitted tank, and your favorite gladiators! Avoid any see through fabrics, giant holes cut out, or those too oversized for your frame.

Unlike a lot of other trends, this pant will compliment all sizes and shapes. The lightweight fabric and easy fit is perfect for the transition from early to spring to early summer. I cannot wait to see how this trend evolves into ready-to-wear fashion.

Want to be the first to wear the pants but save a little dough at the same time? Check out Victorias Secret. Spend more at Anthropologie. Wait for the season to really kick off and you'll be able to find in most stores - but the prices won't really fall until the end of next year.

Considering this look may be a passing trend - recessionista is nervous to invest too much moolah from the "wardobe staples I would be naked without" budget - but there is certainly a litle spark.

If you are in love with the look and know you will wear them for a few seasons, invest in a good pair. They can take you from work to a classy dinner to a frolic on the beach in no time. Check out Bergdorf Goodman.

Its the Maintenance that is expensive!

Everyone knows that girls why girls wear make up and perfume - without it we're ugly and we smell bad. These days, going to the salon/spa is just as expensive as taking my car in for body work - without insurance!

I don't know about you - but I'm brilliant at justifying a trip to the salon...Sure -I can talk myself into it in no time. And after one or two free glasses of wine - I'm buying products and calling a cab too! Naughty recessionista!

The list of reasons for an expensive salon visit are countless, but I can think of one reason why I should skip the spa - I need to conserve the cashflow. In the mean time try one of these suggestions, your savings account will thank you with a bountiful balance. Now isn't that big number a sight for sore eyes?

To save a little cash and still look, smell, and feel simply fabulous - try these tips.

#1 - Take an hour to go to your local beauty supply store and stock up on a couple of high-end items. Find out if they have a stamp card - if they do - use it! It will save you up to $10! The trick to saving money is to spend wisely. Choose high quality - a little bit goes a long way. Purchase something that is tried and true.

Check out JC Penney - they have salon products (usually on sale) and they offer a good price on shampoo/conditioner combo packs.


#2 - Search the internet for tips on using items from your pantry for pampering. Browse the books at borders on beauty and jot down a few tips. I use raw sugar to exfoliate my face, coffee grounds to exfoliate my body, and buttermilk to moisturize my hair (I've heard of using mayo in your hair but that just sounds icky to me). Not someone who stocks her fridge too often? Towel dry you hair and coat it in conditioner.

Looking for a little R&R ? About once every week or two - I disappear into the ether. I give my boyfriend/roomie a kiss and tell him to have at the Xbox. Then I log into netflix and choose something I want to watch, put on a face mask, drink a little red wine, soak my feet, and relax.

Another tip, maintain based on seasonal requirements. I live in southern california about 100 steps from the pacific ocean - but in the winter and fall, I skip the bikini wax and use my boyfriend's trimmer instead. I shave my legs about once or twice a week. I let my hair color stay a bit darker. I use baby powder instead of deoderant (except on gym days). And I only get one or two pedicures between November and March.

What are some of your beauty savings tricks?

Indulgence is Addicting

A steaming cup of coffee in a posh white paper cup, a pretty gourmet salad with the words "poppyseed" or "strawberry" on the label, and popping in for a mani/pedi with a girlfriend or just me, myself and I on a Sunday morning.. as indulgent and delicious as these creature comforts can be - they are a major drag on your checking account.

If you must indulge - indulge deeply.

Purchase a stainless steel coffee maker or french press - something a little bit more fancy than your average Mr. Coffee. It doesn't have to be a high end coffee maker, just something a little bit different. If you love to browse, peruse Marshalls or Crate and Barrel Outlet for good deals. Wait for a holiday weekend and hit Macy's! They usually have a coupon at the register. There are even pretty tea kettles around these days.

Buy delicious coffee - in bulk! Costco sells Starbucks cofffee these days

And finally - spend a good few bucks on a nice traveler cup. One that you feel compliments most of your clothes and also is easy on the eyes and sparks up conversation.

Put all of that together and you'll be brewing your own in no time - and probably feeling a bit more glamourous too!