September 2012 recap

Probably not going to have time to talk about September for the week anyways. So far life in the East is not bad. Used to the things going on. So far grades are not TOO bad. I got A's and B's hopefully no C's. It's a big improvement from undergrad SMH.

Well got to keep it up for another week! Then I will relax and have some fun hopefully. Well lets talk about money.

Currently I have categorized my spending and my goal is hopefully stick to it and save somewhere? I will try harder to get to where I need to be!

$1000 monthly breakdown

Food (Groceries) $100

Clothing- $90

Dining- $40

House -$25

Toiletries $35

Etc $30 

Gas $50 

Rent $550

Utilities $80

Others

Etc other 

school

car

Food- I spend like $20+ on groceries a week. Probably less if I stop buying snacks and focus on veggies and fruits. Meat I should stop buying until I finish the food!

Clothing It's so sad that I love shopping but I'm trying not to do so much online shopping

Dining To be honest I don't eat out but in case I guess? Well more $ saved

House - Honestly I don't think I will buy much house things for awhile.

Toiletries It's crazy expensive some things are! I hope I rarely use it. I got contacts and sigh... $! Maybe wear glasses until I can get it for free

Etc Random stuff that I have not clue where to put probably random things

Gas  I hopefully get gas once a month and not have to spend so much.

Rent Given. Sigh

Utilities Bill are crazy high. It's not easy with a big house and 4 people but I'll try and see... Water is about $20 and electricity so far is about $45 avg. I suspect winter will be double. I also need to get a heater... sigh. I'm pretty sure I underestimated but we will see! 

others- Things that shouln't be added to my budget becasue it's inevitiable and not avoidable.

Etc other - Stuff that is probably rare and one time. Like flight ticket

school- Any school related shouldn't be in budget. 

car- given sigh. 336.42

So how did I do???

Food (Groceries) - $231.12

- Very over but I did buy lots of canned goods/tv dinners, snacks. I think if I stick to less stuff I can keep within $100. Save some money first then buy snacks. Got to keep track of coupons and stuff too!

Clothing- $66.58

- In budget. Yay. but I know my $35 slim socks were a splurge. I really bought $30. I didn't add the shoes.... shoot. That's like $30.. still in budget!

Dining- $8.37

I have no life. 

House -$25

Really ridiculous cost

Toiletries $42.02

Can't believe the stuff I need

Etc $30.48 

Really random things

Gas $43

Got a $7 gift card... We'll see but gas isn't too bad

Rent $550

EW

Utilities $65.58

Double EW

Total- $1053.41

This month -53.41

So I'm overall over. I need to spend less here and there in Oct. I probably need to get some medicine and thermometer. I haven't been feeling too well. I want some running shoes. Trying to find cheap ones but it's hard!  I will be eating out with one of my best friend next week so probably spend some money. I do have a few free weekends so it could get costly. Hopefully things work out!

Others

Etc other $350 for plane ticket

school- 557.69

car- $366.42

total  $2327.52

Stressed?

In about 12 hours I take one of the most stupid test I've heard of. A professor who picks the most minor and stupid information in a 200+ word text taught in a month.... FML. 56 questions and even knowing the basics won't help. Or so I've heard. I don't know if I should stress or just be happy to not fail too bad. I don't mind failing this test but I want to do well. I like what I'm doing and want to do better. I hope what I'm doing will get me somewhere. I don't want to just "pass" I want to ACE everything. It's a difficult journey so far and I been getting a bit homesick. I do enjoy the family I met and hung out with.

I hope my life here will continue to get better and I make more friends and find something great here. I hope my choice was the right one.


On the other hand, I cannot cannot wait till Nov. I really hope things will only get better and that I won't be disappointed in my grade tomorrow.

I do have confidence I'll do well and make it!

I'm excited for a home cooked meal tomorrow :) yay for Full Moon festival early dinner!




Random insert

Awhile back I went to Morimotos to waste money enjoy some high class iron chef Japanese cuisine. I been here 2 months and all I want is sushi. I'm tempted to buy some Japanese rice and cook that for dinner. I love the chewy texture of short grain rice (?) I might have been Japanese or something but I do love Chinese food. Ahhh the dilemma. Well It was a costly dinner but the food did not disappoint. The lychee martini was pretty strong and I wished I asked for  more lychee. We got the omakase and sushi platter plus an extra dessert. My most memorable was the toro. IT WAS DIVINE. The sashimi were all very fresh... flown from Japan. Sushi was delicious as well. I loved how intricate the food was put out. The chocolate dessert was yummy but I was not like other chocolate desserts that made me swoon. I would definitely drop by when I make bank.  The restaurant was very modern and the bathroom was nice. I love nice bathrooms haha. Suppose to be the best around and I would give it 4/5 just because I would rather save $$ and eat more. I think I can get regular sashimi/rolls at other places and would taste delicious too as long as it's fresh. I do have to give it to Morimoto for having fish that's not freezing cold/water but fresh and not fishy. Not many places have their fish that way. They usually have it around in the fridge and won't taste the same. It might not be as fancy but to me Japanese is all about simple. I did love what I ate but being a cheap Asian, I'll go elsewhere.

brain dead

Honestly, these past few weeks went by so fast and crazy! I feel so behind in my classes despite the studying. HOW CAN ANYONE HAVE ENERGY TO STUDY AFTER GOING TO WORK?! Classes from 8-4:30 most days,  then hours of studying... I really have no life! I am going strong but I still need a break! I'm heading to Staten Island for some family time. :) Even though I have a hard test coming up. But I think I deserve some fun after 2 test.

Sadly my my destressor is retail threapy. If I feel stressed, I rely on online shopping. It's definitely not a good habit but I'm excited to see packages and wear new things. I'm going to be positve and hope for the best.

Gotta get these 4 years done and make $!

On the plus side of east coast, I got to eat more seafood and not go broke!

$3 mussels! super easy and yummy!

 $5 lobster. I don't get why people pay so much to steam it sometimes...



Oh and my loves~ 

 Is it sad that I named them as well? My cute baby arpakasso.

Well I wonder what's going on outside of school... haha. Without Facebook I seriously wouldn't know about the iPhone5. I don't think it's worth the upgrade for me. The iOS6 upgrade had most of the stuff 5 was promoting. Except faster speed and longer screen. I kind of dislike the longer screen b/c it will stick out of my pockets more and can get stolen. But that's just me. It's kind of interesting that 10 years ago smaller was better. I personally prefer smaller phones.

It's long day tomorrow. Despite it being Saturday. FML, FML

Money talk

Been antisocial and no life for a month or so. Sometimes a bit lonely here being independent and hard to meet people but otherwise it's okay. I do have some lovely company.

No I don't have them all but I did buy two from Japan and bf bought me 2 in SF and much bigger size. I may be old but I love anything cute! I don't think that will change. My poor kids will have such a childish mom! I don't have any pictures lying around. Obsession with alpaca stuff animals is not healthy for my wallet either. But they are so hard to resist. They are Arpakasso or Alpacasso that are from crane machines in Japan. I always found alpaca funny animals and they are so soft!

Anyways the main topic is Money and lets see what I said...

Rent- $550

Bills $50?

Groceries $100?

Gas 50?

Dining $50?

Clothing (Shoes/Accessories/etc) $100?

Toiletries/Makeup $25

Save/spend $75? (+100++)

That didn't happen. My defense is that I needed to buy things to settle down and obviously and that cost lots of money. 

Let's review Month 1- August spending

Rent- $550

Utilities- $50.69

Groceries- $203.04

Gas- 0

Dining- $13

Clothing - $92.27

Toiletries/Makeup- $86.71

Miscellaneous $764.07

House- $181.90

Car payment- TBA

School- $21.95

Total- $1,963.63

Yah I am totally over budget. Lets break it down a bit. So Rent is set. Utilities was high because I have one roommate that had to turn on AC when the house is empty and not that hot. UGH! I will do the same in winter though. I know utilities will fluctuate so I'm not that worried and expected it to go over.

Groceries... My defense is that I bought enough protein to last me for months. My weekly groceries now consist of just fresh produces, milk, breakfast and some sandwich goodies. I even stocked up on snacks for at lest few months. Obviously my next month grocery budget is already over... but I am just stocking up so I don't have to buy so much later when I'm too busy. I shop pretty thrifty I think and I will try to buy cheaper things from now on. My goal is under $20 a week. 

Gas- Didn't drive that much but buying things for the place did eat up some gas. Good thing car is pretty gas friendly

Dining- Went out with roommates and end up spending money. Ordered cheap though. We try to opt happy hours and get the most out of our money. It's hard to eat out alone anyways. Except cafeteria but I can live off sandwiches.

Clothing- I stayed in budget! OMG. well I did went a bit crazy buying shoes this month. I'm still searching for gym shoes but might just wait till I go home to get it. I don't have time to work out. I did get a Yoga mat. Hopefully during a break I can do a workout video... Pretty glad I didn't succumb to online shopping that much.. I am still on the lookout for shorts.

Toiletries/makeup- I had to re buy lots of liquid items and sanitary stuff so it end up adding up. I think I'm set for at least half a year so it will even out.

Miscellaneous- These were kind of random house items, supplies and furniture. Stayed pretty in budget buying major things like a bed. I could have settle for a used bed but I didn't really want to deal with someone's bed. GROSS. It's a shame I have to give it up in 4 years.

House- It's suppose to be mostly household items like cleaning supplies and paper napkin stuff but I threw in some furniture and bedding so it's a bit messy. Spending a lot more than I imagined.

Car- So my parents bought me a new car and it of course cost money. Luckily interest is cheap so we can pay it off slowly. I am sad that there is some scratches already. One I did and one I have no clue where it came from. I don't love owning a car because it's a lot of responsibility. Just means more money my parents will have to put up with. Sigh

School- I already spent $500+ in Sept. and over $1000 in Oct. on stupid supplies/equipment. I hate it. fml

Overall. I think by Oct my budget will come into play. I am more conscious now about spending money and hopefully it will work out.

Back to studying... life of a student fml

It's been awhile

I should be meticulously studying the endless notes I have and prepare for classes every day but it's only been a week so far and I feel like I can slack just a little. Started this new path of mine and I think I made a good choice to start at a place where I know no one and step out of my comfort zone. At times I do feel a bit lonely and wondered if moving 3,000 miles was the right choice. The extra money spent... is the experience worth it? I haven't found anyone I click with but I am doing fine. I don't feel too lonely becasue I am very determine to succeed in my profession. Having friends isn't a priority even though it would be nice. I do miss home and bf and friends but my new life just doesn't have the time.

I do still slack off here and there but I am definitely working hard to get things done and not fall behind. I am quite shocked that I don't feel too alone, worried, depressed or homesick. Guess my mental state is working pretty well.

HAHA. As for spending.... I think I max out any quota I envisioned. The amount of money I spent is probably more than I even have. I did save all my receipts and made mental notes to spend later. The bills do add up... Sigh. Which is another reason I must succeed. Money does not grow on trees so work hard on your studies...

So far I do like the college I'm attending and the location makes it pretty easy to just study. People are friendly and I think it will get better. If not I have family all around that I can't wait to bond with.

I think my decision may not have been the best choice but will get to where I want. I can feel it

Lacoste... super sale?!

Lately I been on a super shopping spree. it's kind of sad looking at the bills and the packing is exponentially increasing. I went to H&M recently and their leftover sale items was actually pretty nice after a few hours of going through it with my friends. We all bought a bit too much. Our excuse? We need work clothes. I am really starting to dread sale season. Or maybe being stuck at the mall for a long period of time... then again internet sales are even deadly.

BUT one sale that I cannot believe is Lacoste. I saw it coincidentally on fb/slickdeals and it was a $50 off lacoste.com . I quickly picked out a polo to test my luck and to my surprise, it was $3.25 after tax. I tried to get bf to buy something and debated if I should placed more orders and risk it being cancel. Sadly, it was gone in a hour or so and couldn't buy more.

I know it is real since it's from the official website, even if it's not real, the price isn't bad for fake either lol. I am quite happy  the one I bought was the right size and long. I seen tiny Lacoste polos and are unwearable for my long waist.

I am thinking over and over about the purchase I made recently. I cannot turn it away :( My poor wallet. I think I spent about $200 again. I must ban any more shopping for the next few months. I hope sale season stops soon >.<



Damage today $3.25
Total damage $544 (I round up/down all the time)

Spring Cleaning

Well technically it is summer. I been packing for school and realize how much lovely clothes I have and should wear more often. I think I will only buy things I love and will last a long time in my wardrobe. I realize how much money I spent and feel a bit guilty. I already cleaned my closet numerous times but it seems that it's endless.

On the other hand, I did more shopping. fml. I honestly cannot justify anything I buy anymore. I don't really need it. Guess it's just an addiction.

I returned this light blazer. It was super cute but was $60+ dollars?! Bought it for free shipping so I returned it. I did like the open back but think it's a bit too "yeah" for work nevertheless.

 Got this at Nordstrom Rack. It was $11 +tax. I love floral so I was drawn to it. and think it will be super cute to pair with lots of work outfits! (at lest that's what I tell myself)

 I wanted a shell with a bow tie thing cuz I think it's very mature but cute! Good for work. You can take the ribbon off as well. It's a bit big even as a small but I plan to sew it in a bit or wear it with a skirt and tuck it in that way.
It was about $17 by Calvin Klein.

 My Zara order. I am pretty sure I'm going to return all the items since small is apparently too small for me. Damn Europeans. I do fit Small but I'm scared it will shrink so I reordered mediums to see if I like it better. I reordered it in coral.  $10. Return for now

 The tank top was super nice quality.... and small-ish. $8. Reordered it in M to see. I love the color and quality makes it work friendly. I was debating if I wanted to buy more. Sigh. Return

I am sadly returning these. They are super nice but so small! $20 so I was already hesitating. I thought I bought the black/gold one but I guess it didn't work out. Return

 I love teal and wanted a oversize blazer so I had to buy it. It was $25 but I quickly signed up for the 20% coupon thanks to my iphone on H&M website so it was $20 +tax. Mad happy with it but I know it's cheap material but I been lusting over for a black blazer.... yeah I will never be satisfy.

This was an order on www.flirtcatalog.com It was private sale and like 85% off. I think this was $7-8 and the material is super thin and I think I need a belt to make me look skinner. Well I did buy it for clubbing nights or something so as long as it looks nice for a night or two it should be fine.

This was the other dress I bought. I think this was $8-9 and the order I had to pay $5 shipping with the above dress. I LOVE this dress! I regret not buying the purple one as well. It is a little pokey because of the bling. It's much better quality and lined.

On the other note. My bf bought me an early bday present. Beside Recchiuti chocolate, I got the lovely Tous wallet! It came with a note books and Tous chocolate. So fancy. I love the teddy design and pink lining. My bf is really bad with presents so I'm so happy he tried so hard this time around!

One of my fav chocolate~ Recchiuti! So hard to savor the box and not just kill it all. My fav is the fleur de sel one. LOVE

I have bought lots of shoes recently.... next post. 

I am in need of diet. I been nonstop eating out and mostly unhealthy. I am hoping I did not gain weight. I been convincing myself that I will starve in the east coast. Probably won't happen but I am truly too lazy to exercise.

Damage today: $66

Total: $541

Damn in less than 3 months I spent so much! fml. Starting next month I will start a budgeting plan. I will keep track of all spending and come up with a decent budget so I don't feel too guilty about my tuition and parents paying for most of it. But for now my parents decided $1000 plus the credit card if it isn't enough so I plan to spend wisely and not touch credit card unless I need to. Probably transfer most of it to myself to get some points built up. I wanted to get a new credit card to get some $ back, a dollar is a dollar but too many options out there.

Rent- $550

Bills $50?

Groceries $100?

Gas 50?

Dining $50?

Clothing (Shoes/Accessories/etc) $100?

Toiletries/Makeup $25

Save/spend $75? (+100++)

I am not sure of bills... Internet between 4 people, probably $10 and electric will probably run $200 average so I guess $25+ but I add a bit more for now and see... 

Back in dorm days, I spent about $30+ a week on dinner food for like 5-6 days for 2-3 people, lunch was like $10-20 a week for 2 people for sandwich or ramen and stuff. I estimate about $100 for myself. If I'm super cheap. Hopefully. Gotta not be lazy and make food but I need to study a lot fml.

I don't think I'll drive since I plan to walk to class since it's so close  and I know I'm underestimating the cost of gas and driving. But at most I'll drive to is groceries and rare trips to NY or NJ maybe...... I will see how this will last. I do have roomies so maybe freeload a bit on rides to similar destination. 

Dining. I am positive I will be lazy and order out and I know $50 is probably not enough since I want to see and eat around the east coast and the experience requires $. I love good food but I might go splurge on cooking for myself... not like that will happen either. Cross fingers!

Ah shopping. Honestly, I doubt I'll spend $100 a month. Unless the mall is godly close. I don't recall much shopping area which might be a good thing but I online shop a lot which is bad. I am obsessed with good deals fml. But $100 seems decent, but with Christmas sales and stuff I'm scared for my wallet.

Toiletries/Makeup are probably once in a blue moon. I do have a decent amount of makeup and skin care that I plan to bring over and hopefully finish the products! I also have godly amounts. But I know some things I'll need to stock up when there and will probably cost $50 but that's it for like at least a year lol so maybe I'll save that $25.

 

Ah savings. I have so much stuff I want. (since $100 for shopping is not enough fml but I will manage) I really want to take the opportunity to travel when I'm in the east coast. I lust going to Europe and 6 hr flight makes it so tempting. I am pretty thrifty so I think somehow I'll save enough. I know my parents will pay for some too but I want to be earning my trip (sorta) and not rely on my parents who work so hard for me already. I estimate about $200 save a month (yah impossible but we'll see) for 4 years will get me $9600. Enough for a few trips even. I know I should use the $ to fly home but I know my family will cover that for me. My mom's boss said she'll deposit $100 in my account every month but I don't know if she's joking. I am trying to get a job at school as well like the library for like 5 hrs a week that's about $200! Anything is better than nothing. I'm super stingy so I hope things work out but with the stress level of professional school... I think I'll splurge a lot. Sigh but if things go as planned I should save $500 a month, $6000 a year should be enough for Europe lol.

And... the spending part. I know there will be emergency situations and possibly school related stuff. Equipment will be costly!

Debt. Well we can't live in a nice world where tuition is free? It's about 30k a year and my spendings of $12k a year equals 42k (Add in like $1000 for books, equipment and stuff= 43k/yr) so that's $172k for 4 years!!! Plus interest probably $200k. It is pretty much a house.... maybe condo actually not really. Gotta think if it's worth trying to get that 6 digit salary. Which is ideal but the recession really sucks! My parents are getting a loan for me so I'm so thankful my debt won't be about $250k instead. I hope I get the $8k subsidized loan a year and that's $32k. my parents can hold off getting the loan for. I really hope to secure a decent job like 80-90k++++  when I'm done. I do want to do a 5th year but I really don't know.... Hate my unknown future. Hope something good will happen thanks to politics. Staying positive!

Well for the last weekends of July, I'm pretty booked out. Date with my girls, bf bday all weekend long, then Napa on 28th, family dinner 29th and a week to pack. fml. I am in need of $ and diet and I feel bad bf is spending a lot for our last dates for awhile... I will try harder and party even harder