Thursday, July 30, 2009

All Done!


Well I am finished taking all 4 of the Wilton Cake Decoration Classes offered at Michaels.

I am sad to be done. I managed to make it to all 16 classes and definitely learned a lot of new things. A few people have mentioned that I should go into business for myself and make cakes. I really do not think that is something that I would want to make a career out of. I enjoy making them and would not oppose to making them for events and for some extra cash. However I will not be doing this full time.

I did really like the extra course I took in Cookie making. That is something I could see myself doing more often.

Unfortunately my last cake was kind of boring. We had to do a 1 tier cake with some 'fantasy flowers' on top. The picture posted is the flowers that I made on the cake. I will be making a cake this coming month for a friends Birthday, so stay around to see that one!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I have an itch...

And it is not for a baby!
It is the house owning itch. I have been looking at various websites for homes, and scanning the Sunday paper. I know that we are not exactly ready to own our first home... However I have a huge ITCH!!
It seems like we would be better off owning a condo. That is fine with me. I loved living in my mom's condo. I saw a regular home that I loved (online) last night. The price is right for the house that it is. We could do the morgage, but the other expenses that come with a home, is what is killing us right now.
I am just going to keep on saving. We would like to stay on Long Island. That is tough for a first time home buyer. The market isn't bad for now, but it is expensive compared to the rest of the country.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Savings

A few friends and I were talking about saving money and cutting down on spending. I do a few things to cut back on my spending and thought it might be a good idea to share them here.

1. Utilize a Change Jar- I have always had one. I do not offer up change at stores. I let them give me back coin change instead. When they do I put it in my change jar. Along with the coin, if I have bills larger than a dollar bill and only 1 or 2 dollar bills in my wallet, they go in there too.

2. Starbucks Gold Card- I know this seems like a waste when you think of how much Starbucks can be. However I am a Starbucks addict. LOL. I bought the Gold Card, which gives you 10% off every purchase in store. I have save A LOT by using that card every day. (And no I will not give up Starbucks to save money, it is my vice)

3. Coupons- I get the paper every Sunday morning from Starbucks (while I use my 10% off). At my local Starbucks they have a small wire basket for people to throw parts of the paper they do not want in. I take the coupons that are there! LOL

3. Lunch- During the work week, I bring my lunch from home at least 3 days a week. Usually I am able to do this 4 days a week. It saves money and I use left overs and save money on my Lunches. I do go out once a week to have a cheap lunch.

4. Dinners Home- My husband and I have been cooking at home a lot. We make different meals and accept things that my mom makes and sends over. Mom sent me home with a full Chicken Cutlet dinner a few nights ago! No cooking for me, although it was a home cooked meal!

5. Self Mani/Pedi- I have worn acrylic nails for YEARS. I have stopped wearing them a few months ago and save myself $60+ a month. I am doing my own weekly pedicures. I used to love getting my nails done and may start again in the fall or what not, however it is a great savings not to have them done.

6. Gift Cards- I love receiving Gift Cards as presents for myself. I do not mind one bit to get them. When I do not have money to spend but need/want something I will pull out one of them. All of my family and friends know that I love them and don't mind one bit to get them!

7. Credit Cards- I have 2 and they both have NO balance right now. I try to keep it under $100 each. I like to pay them off after I use them. I will not open other cards. I think it is a way of keeping my spending in check.

8. Re-usable Bags- Ok I know that this is a stretch, however it does save. When doing my grocery shopping, I bring my own bags. It saves $.10 a bag used. Why not? It is better for the environment too!

9. Ebay / Garage Sales- I have done both of these things multiple times in order to get some extra money in my pocket. I sell what I can, then donate other items that can not be sold or maybe to bulky or too much for shipping.

10. Library- I am in 2 book clubs, so I go to the library to find the book instead of purchasing it. I also do this with music for my iPod. I really enjoy going there. I go to book stores to read new magazines, instead of buying them sometimes.

Basically it is about finding out what you can do with out, or willing to do with out.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Wilton Fondant and Gumpaste

This is my latest cake in my Wilton Classes. I am currently taking their last class (course 4) Fondant and Gumpaste.
I am super happy with the way that this cake turned out and impressed that I have learned so much through these courses. I would suggest them to anyone who really would like to learn about the cakes and how to make all these different styles.
I would like to learn more on how to make figures and other objects, not just flowers. However Wilton Classes at Michaels only go so far.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Neglect

I have been a bad car owner! My Papa would be disappointed with me!
I had a crack in my windshield for almost 3 weeks now. I have been too lazy to take care of it. By 'take care of it', I mean call my Insurance company and make a claim. LOL. Well I did it today. I am also having my windshield wipers replaced. 1 is so bad that it is flapping the rubber piece in the wind as I drive. My car also needs an oil change and it's breaks checked.
I am not sure why I have been neglecting my car. I love my car! However I have not made the time to get these things done. I am going to get the oil change as soon as possible too. No reason to neglect my car.. it has been good to me for almost 4 years!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Kelly for Tarina Tarantino


My jaw dropped open when I saw this picture. This is Kelly Osbourne (daughter of Ozzy). Whom in the past could be considered a walking disaster.

She looks FANTASTIC, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL!!! This is an ad for Tarina Tarantino's jewelry collection based on the Wizard of Oz. I have admired Tarina's pieces for about 8 months now. I passed up on a piece a few months back and now I am kicking myself. LOL

Congrats to Kelly for looking stunning in this campaign!
There are a few locations that sell this line of Jewelry including Metro Park at Smithaven Mall. I am looking forward to going to Soho soon so I can visit her boutique there.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

July Goals

1. Fresh Flower Fridays (saw this on TamStyles Blog and loved it!)
2. Gym (Enough Said)
3. Ebay and / or donate more items that are sitting around the house
4. Use the Internet less when home and weekends
5. Don't Spend any money one day a week (worked good last month)
6. Continue bringing lunch to work and cook at home 3 days a week
7. Read 4 books. (2 personal choices and 2 Book club)