Coachella: The Outfits

Life doesn't usually go as planned and neither do my outfits. Before heading out to Coachella, I did some major outfit planning to avoid over packing (which I still did :-x lol).

Here are the outfits I had planned on wearing:

Day 1

top: hurley save water tank
bathing suit: pacsun
bottoms: romeo and juliet couture

Day 2

top: urban outfitters (the holes actually run down the middle of your back)
bathing suit: pacsun
bottoms: forever 21
sunglasses: gap

Day 3

top: old
bathing suit: target
bottoms: thrifted from crossroads in pasadena
sunglasses: gap

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And here are the actual outfits:


Day 1

top: chloe k
bathing suit: kirra from pacsun
bottoms: aqua luxe from bloomingdales

Day 2

top: hurley save water tank
bathing suit: pacsun
bottoms: forever 21

Day 3

top: h&m divided tank
bathing suit: pacsun
bottoms: thrifted from crossroads in pasadena

My favorite outfit was the 2nd outfit I wore. It was definitely the most comfortable. I love the lace detailing on the shorts and the shirt was just sheer enough so you could see the animal print peaking through. Loved it! Also helped that some girl said I looked hot ;) lol.

Coachella: The Music

When I was in high school I took piano as an elective. Our teacher made us do this experiment as part of his research for his masters degree (maybe? don't remember). He made us to listen to a song and write down what we thought and felt. He said just to jot down things as fast as we could while the song played. His theory was that music affects our mood and thoughts. If you read my About Me section, you would know that I'm all for movies or TV shows with great music. When The OC first came out, one of the major things that made me love that show so much was that they always played great music. This past weekend at Coachella I discovered some new tracks that I fell in love and here's a few I'd like to share with ya'lls.


Tegan and Sara
(sorry I realize I can't embed the videos but the songs are worth a trip over to YouTube!)

Now I'm All Messed Up



I Was A Fool
 
-love the piano


Goodbye, Goodbye
-love the chorus

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Wild Belle
(if you like santigold, you'll definitely like this)

Keep You

Another Girl

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Phoenix

Chloroform (sorry the quality isn't good but this was the only video I could find that was decent)


My old roommate from pharmacy school and I used to find the greatest joy in discovering new (to us) music so hopefully you enjoyed those tunes. My Coachella blog post should be up soon. Sorting through all the footage and pictures right now. We shall talk again soon!

Debt Free by 33: Extreme Couponing

I usually buy my drugstore beauty products at CVS/pharmacy since I get a ton of coupons and I have my employee discount. Their prices are definitely pricier than say Target but the coupons make up for it. Here's how to make the most bang for your buck.

1. Join their Beauty Club. For every $50 you spend in beauty products, you get a $5 coupon. Now I don't really buy much stuff from CVS and I was still able to get the whopping $15 coupon so it's definitely worth it. 
2. Make sure you check the weekly ad and buy at the right time. There are a lot of things you can buy where you can get ExtraBucks. Wait for those times to buy those specific items. Another thing I like are the Buy 1 Get 1 50% off. Don't buy things when they are not on sale. That's just asking to pay an arm and a leg.
3. Always go to the coupon center and print out your coupons before you shop. A lot of times there are random coupons that have been picked out just for you! 
4. Pay attention to the expiration dates. There are usually different expiration dates for each type of coupon depending on whether it's a store coupon, manufacturer's coupon or just ExtraBucks you've earned. Easiest way to lose out is to let those expiration dates come and go. Especially when you earn ExtraBucks, don't let those go to waste! You wouldn't throw money in the trash now would you?

Now let's look at how I made a killing last week. I had the following coupons:

• $3 extrabucks for buying Almay products (coupon I got for buying a $5.99 eyeliner)
• $4 off cosmetics purchase of $12 or more (coupon I got from the coupon center)
• $1 off any Maybelline Face Product (coupon I got from the coupon center)
• $15 Beauty Club ExtraBucks Rewards (coupon I got for spending apparently $150 in Beauty products?? O_O)
• $5 off $30 purchase (coupon that was emailed to me)

Products I bought:

• Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara in Black 1063 (Bonus 2 pack) - $4.79 (on sale; $6 off all Physicians Formula products $6.49 and up)
• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 025 Sweetheart Valentine and 045 Romantic - $9.99, $4.99 (BOGO 50% off Revlon products)
• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters in 050 Berry Smoothie and 053 Sorbet (New) - $8.49, 4.24 (BOGO 50% off Revlon products)
• Maybelline Baby Lips Limited Edition Lip Balms in Coral Crush and Twinkle - $8.49 (regular price)
• CVS Hand Sanitizer - $1.99
• Ice Breakers Spearmint Mints - $2.49
• Nice and Clean Wipes - $1.19
• 2 packs of CVS brand tissues - $0.99

Total that I should have paid: $47.65

Total that I actually paid before taxes: $19.65 (including my employee discount it dropped to $16.31)

I saved: $28.00 (w/ my discount I saved $31.34)

That's mostly how I'm able to buy (and accumulate) my beauty products! Hope this helps you stay not only money savvy but also beauty savvy!

Debt Free by 33: Fun Money

When it comes to saving money, I've always been the type to eliminate all the fun out of life to save those few extra dollars. However, I've recently come to the conclusion that although that works for some people, that just doesn't work for me. I remember awhile back reading an article about some dude that paid off all his school loans in a few years after graduation by not going out, not buying drinks, etc etc. I was rather motivated to try that route but when you worked as hard as I did to get through all this schooling and you're finally making good money, it's really hard to give up the little things that keep you going. This is why it's important to budget out some fun money every month for nice things to keep you sane.

For instance, one of my biggest "luxuries" (at least it is to me lol) is to get Starbucks every day. I only get it on the days I work (4-5 days a week depending on my mood) but it makes me happy and I don't feel like I'm depriving myself. The worst feeling is when you feel bitter towards yourself for putting every cent you earn towards that loan. You earned your money! Live a little! So I budget $71 ($3.55 x 5 days per week x 4 weeks in a month) every month towards my Starbucks fund. And it's actually a little less since I get a free drink for every 12 drinks with my gold card. Some people might be thinking that it's $71 that could be going towards my loan but that $71 per month is keeping me sane at work! And let me just say my sanity is worth every penny! lol.

So whatever that little luxury might be, budget so that you can splurge on yourself; because you're worth it!

March 2013: Month in Review Part 2

Mar. 15-17th: It was my weekend to work. Worked a half day on Friday and went to have Korean BBQ with friends afterwards. Saturday after work we went to Tony's grandmother's house to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. They had the coolest chips shaped like four leaf clovers!

We also had some cupcakes from this place that was on cupcake wars but I'm not sure what the name of the place was.

Had work the next day so didn't really do much afterwards.

Mar. 18th: Worked.

Mar. 19th: All the pharmacists at my store including myself had our performance evaluations today. I thought it would be super nerve-racking but it actually turned out good! I guess I really didn't have much to be nervous about since I hadn't been at the store very long anyways. I learned a lot and actually felt really motivated to do something. There's so much stuff that needs to get done though and I constantly have to remind myself... Rome did not get built overnight!

Mar. 20th: Had the day off and made it really productive! Read about it here.


Mar. 21st-22nd: Worked and then did a little tanning after work. It's been super nice here and even though it feels cold inside the house, it's super nice outside. I really wanted to make use of the triple points for Nordstroms but I totally forgot what I wanted to buy (until afterwards when it was already too late!). On Friday after work we went to Panda Machi in Alpine to meet with friends and just hang out at their restaurant. We ended up seeing a lot of people we hadn't seen in a long time.


Mar. 23rd-24th: We've been trying to be more active this year so since we didn't have much going on this weekend, we decided to go hiking. We took the easier route per my request 'cause I'm way out of shape. I was seriously panting and we weren't even going that fast.

the view from the top (probably what i would say with regards to work if i was actually #likeaboss lol)

quickie picture before the hike down

had to take a picture of this for pearl lol

After a long day of hiking, we went to the Phil's BBQ in Santee for Joe's going away party which ended at Analog downtown. There was a small line to get in but it's probably short compared to the one that's apparently near Sea World. I've never been to that one since the man does not believe in waiting in line for food.

After Phil's we headed downtown to Analog. Now let me just say I'm over my clubbing phase but once in a while, the moon and stars align and I get the urge to bust a move to the unce unce unce. This was one of those nights.

bottle service at analog

canoodling

Twas a crazy night! On Sunday, we had lunch with Tony's family at Siam Nara (think Noodle World in the SGV with more Thai stuff... so maybe more like Thai Paradise). I was still super tired from the night before so I took a nap and then we headed over to Tony's uncle's house for dinner.


Mar. 25th-26th: Worked and got our Coachella tickets!

Mar. 27th: Had the day off except this one wasn't quite as productive as last Wednesday. I went to Fashion Valley since I wanted to do some shopping for the man. I ended up finding a bunch of deals for myself! Gahh! If you like to shop at Macy's make sure you have Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings off lol. They always have $10 of $25 before 1pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays if you subscribe to their emails. I got this cute mint bandeau and an ox blood dress for $20. It was on sale plus I could use the coupon. Then I went to J. Crew and got 3 shirts for work. As with life in general I have shirts that I like to wear for work and I feel like I keep wearing the same shirts over and over again. Most of the shirts I own for work are either black, white or grey so I decided to add some patterns and colors to my work outfits. They are pretty great quality so I'm expecting these shirts to last awhile and they were on clearance too :).

The next couple of days, I wanted to do some spring cleaning for my closet. I tend to let things pile up :/. Here's the before and after. Can you tell I like to let things pile up? lol

Mar. 28th: Had work in the morning and then headed out to Eureka! to get some "gourmet burgers".

jalapeno egg burger

fig marmalade burger

Mar. 29th: Lunch at Jake's with Tony's family

view from out seats

hula pie per a friend's recommendation. so good!

Mar. 30th: Dinner at Urge

chicken and waffles. waffles were the softest things!! so yumes!

Mar. 31st: Easter Sunday

easter outfit of the day

happy easter!

fin.

Beauty Haul!

It's quarterly ExtraBucks printing time and a great week for a Beauty Haul!

Face:

• Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Light to Medium ($14.49)
• 6 skin perfecting Benefits: Refreshes, Brightens, Evens Tone, Hydrates, Smoothes, Protects
• Revlon Photoready Foundation in 005 Natural Beige ($14.99, spend $15 on Revlon products, get $7 ExtraBucks)
• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in 825 Buff Beige ($8.99, BOGO 50% off Covergirl Products)
• Milani Baked Blush in Coralina ($9.79)

Hair:

• Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Volumizing Root Boost Nourishing Shampoo ($4.99)
• Panteen Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions Volume Silicone Free Shampoo (2 for $6)
• Panteen Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Shampoo (2 fot $6)
• Vidal Sassoon Pro Series VS Volume Shampoo Boost and Lift ($4.99)

Nails:

• Seche Vite - dry fast top coat ($9.99 not on sale)

Eyes:

• Almay Intense i-color Eye Liner in Black Pearl ($5.99 on sale with $3.00 ExtraBucks Rewards)
• Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast in 825 Very Black ($11.99, BOGO 50% off Covergirl Products)

Lips:

• Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade (new), Sugar Frosting, and Wild Watermelon (new) ($8.49 ea, spend $15 on Revlon products, get $7 ExtraBucks)

I had a few coupons, in combinations with all the ExtraBucks, the entire purchase came out to be $54.26. I'll be super stocked up for a long time!

The other two items I got were from TJMaxx. The blue item is the Pure Moroccan Argan Oil Moisturizing Body Lotion in Fig Apricot. Smells soooo good! Love the smell of apricots. The other item was the Yes to Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask. I'm actually using it right now. I didn't think it was going to be a clay mask which I have plenty of. I thought it was going to be more of the moisturizing masks but oh well. 

Debt Free By 33: The Breakdown

With the tax season in full effect, finances are definitely on the top of the list in terms of priority. Keeping my finances in check has always been one of my top priorities but this year, I really want to tackle the debt head on. I was really inspired by this article (link). In a nutshell, this couple was able to pay off $157k in 3 years which is pretty darn crazy. Not really sure if I'll be able to do it by the time I'm 33 but it has a nice ring to it ;).

Since this year has started, I have already completed one of my goals of paying off one of my loans completely. This was of course the smallest of 3 loans (the loan I had from undergrad). I pretty much wiped out my savings to do so (not including my emergency fund) but it felt absolutely amazing to be just be completely dunzo with something and best part is that I can now use the money that I had been using to pay of the undergrad loan towards my other two loans!

I'm going to start blogging a little more about my finances and hopefully these posts will help some of you out. It definitely keeps me in check to blog about my finances so it might be helpful to start a financial diary so to speak. So here's how my financials have looked for the past couple of years and what it looks like today. You may remember a different version from here. My goal is to eliminate $200,000 of debt before I reach 33. It's definitely a huge goal but the only one reaping the benefits will be me lol.

(click on the image for a larger picture)

Right now, I'm currently on the 25 year plan to pay off my loans. Here's the monthly breakdown of what goes where. 

If you owe as much money as I do, it's very important to know how much money is going towards the principal vs. the interest. This is because in order to pay down your debt faster, you want more of the money you're contributing to go towards the principal. For each payment you make, the amount of money going towards the principal should be increasing and the amount applied to the interest decreasing. It's almost like climbing a mountain. The top of the mountain would be when you reach the point where you start paying more money towards the principal vs. interest. So, in order to reduce the time I have left on my loan, let's say in half so 12.5 yrs instead of 25, I would basically double the amount that's being applied to the principal. Therefore, if I start paying approx $173 and $130 extra per month to each one of those loans respectively I could finish paying off the loans in 12.5 yrs instead of 25 yrs.

It's also important to note that it is crucial to do this as soon as possible as your interest can also accumulate more interest and who likes paying back money you didn't actually borrow?! Definitely not me and as you can see, I'm mostly paying back money I didn't borrow :/. But I guess that's the price of education these days...

Welps, here's to the start of this great feat! Wish me luck and check back for more financial tips! I've made a  new tab up top for all my financial posts. Enjoy!