Favorite New Site: Mint.com

I’m a bit of a financial geek. I spent two years doing bookkeeping in Quickbooks for clients, and since then, I’ve always wanted to know exactly where my money goes. I don’t claim to be the best saver, but I figured if I could see where my money was going, it would help me keep track of my income vs spending.  I recently discovered mint.com, and let me just say- OUCH! Where does my money go? Now I know.. food!

How do I spend more in food than rent? Than health insurance? Than SHOPPING?

As depressing as it is to finally see where all my money goes, I feel like I can finally gain control over my expenses. I’ve spent the last week analyzing pie graphs and constantly reloading my bank account, as if I expect money to mysteriously appear. And I realize now, that I should be forbidden to going into any coffee shops (sigh.. and it’s almost latte season!).

I would definitely recommend this site. All you need to know are your banking and credit card logins. I know, it sounds sketchy, but from what I’ve read, it’s completely safe. I can even keep track of my student loans, set up budgets, and lots of other nerdy cool things.   I <3 you, Mint!

Fall Resolutions

I’ve never been a big fan of New Years Resolutions. Whenever I make a resolution, I am somehow guaranteed not to do it.  Maybe the new year just doesn’t inspire me. Or  it could be that I’m usually extremely hungover on January 1st and really, is that the best way to start a new year?  That’s why, this year, I’m making fall resolutions!

I’ve always thought of fall as a time of change. It often means moving, either to a new apartment or back to school, and with school came new books, supplies, and the excitement/nervousness of new classes and experiences. I’m really just a big nerd, but I loved it.

Now, in the real world, fall is still my favorite time of year. But it doesn’t mean as much change as it used to. I’m sticking around my same apartment, and I’m in the same job I’ve had all summer (unless something exciting happens.. *crosses fingers*).  So, here’s my list of ‘fall resolutions’:

1. Take up running. I just bought the new Nike + Sportsband, and I have a $10 a month membership at Planet Fitness. There’s no reason for me to become the runner I’ve always wanted to be. I’m putting myself on a lame ‘walk to run’ training program, and it’s my fall resolution to stay dedicated to it.
2. Learn a new skill. I either want to freshen up on my Spanish so that I can get to a point of fluency, or I want to do something random/silly and learn how to play the guitar. Maybe both.
3. Change up the hair. I have a slight fear of going to get my hair cut, after a past bad experience (layers do not mean chopping my hair into ’steps’), but I’d like to take my lightened, long summer hair and get something that feels fall-like. I’m thinking, darker and sleeker.  Just a few inches off, but still something to make me feel brand-new. (Suggestions are welcome!)
4. Read more books. I remember when I was in college, I wished I had time to leisurely read whatever I wanted to, but only had time for textbooks. Now I have all the time in the world, but still flip the tv on when I get home. Less tv, more books.

That’s it for now, but I’m thinking it’s a good start!

Fall Must Have: Transitional Sweater

One of the best things about fall? Shopping, of course! It’s the best time of year to freshen up one’s wardrobe with the newest boots, sweaters, etc. I’m currently lusting over Anthropologie’s ‘Gentle Current Cardigan’.  A perfect transitional sweater, to take me from the hot humid Boston summer, to a cool, crisp New England autumn. It’s more then I usually spend on one piece, so I’ll be looking to see if I can find anything similar for a bit less. But, if I can’t find anything.. it may have to be a splurge.

For those struggling to keep up with fall’s newest trends, I found this guide from CollegeFashion.net to be very useful. Even though I’m no longer a college gal, this guide has some great pieces, and shows you how to put it all together to make one amazing outfit. Definitely check it out! The photo below is College Fashion’s ‘5 Cute Daytime Tops for Under $50′.

Can’t wait to see more from this website (especially more cold-weather pieces.. oh, Boston.) Thanks, CF!

Dog Fights of the Miniature Kind

Today I witnessed a dog fight. Between two Yorkies. Yep, one of the smallest cuddliest breeds out there, and they had their teeth bared, all growling and snarling.

Just two weekends ago, my dogs (ok, ok.. parents’ dogs), got in a fight as well. Both are Westies.  One is about 12 years old, weighing in at 10lbs, and she was the one who started it. The second Westie is just 2 years old, and is a 25 lb monster of a terrier. I swear she’s not a real terrier. Anyways, my poor older Westie, even though she started it, got a bite on her head and ended up having it stapled to help it heal. Aww. I’m now ready to dive on them to keep them apart from each other if it ever happens again.

Is this common? Do doggie (adopted) siblings resent each other? I googled ‘my dogs want to kill each other’ but that didn’t get me anywhere. Do they need puppy therapy?

The biter/ giant Westie, hiding under a chair. Ah, a dog’s life.

Cape Cod Photo Post!

I’ve been MIA from blogging lately. My weeks have been consistent of work, work, work, work, work, then… Friday Night departure to the Cape! Then it’s back into zombie-mode Monday morning (work work work!).  I’m thinking I need some fun after-work things to do to help break up the week. But for now, here are some photos of my mini-vacations!

hehe.. ending with a picture of my pale boyfriends’ feet. Sorry boo.

Hope you enjoy the photos! A little bit of Cape Cod for everyone.