Give Me Back My Five Bucks

I feel a little disconnected from my blog because I haven’t been able to sit down and write anything since I got here on Wednesday. But here I am sitting in my hotel room, waiting for a FedEx package. I love how I had a package sent to me via overnight delivery on Tuesday. It’s now Friday, and it’s still not here yet. Last night after work, I went out for dinner with 5 other co-workers. We went to Emiril’s restaurant, NOLA. It was quite expensive – wouldn’t have gone to it on my own, that’s for sure. We ordered … Continue reading →

A reader asked me how I’m doing with my 2011 Lunch Challenge. For those who are new to the blog, one of my goals for 2011 was to challenge myself not to buy lunch, snacks or coffee tea lattes during the work week for the entire year. The only exception is for work-related purposes (which almost never happens, and even then I can write the expense off), or if I’m on a business trip and will get reimbursed for the cost. I challenged myself to this for 3 different reasons: To save money. BF and I are trying to save … Continue reading →

Monday 7th $38.43 groceries $43.77 gas Tuesday 8th $17.90 dinner $15.25 movie & snacks Wednesday 9th $20 gift for field hockey coach Thursday 10th No Spend Day! Friday 11th $107.40 web hosting Saturday 12th No Spend Day! Sunday 13th + $275 freelance/side income $13.43 groceries $61.77 3-month prescription $66.00 hair cut TOTAL: $108.95 This wasn’t exactly a great week, money-wise. At my dinner/movie date on Tuesday (we ended up seeing Black Swan!) I miscalculated how much tip I owed, and ended up tipping way too much. My bill should have came to $15. Then, because I was unprepared, I ended up … Continue reading →

Last month when I met with my editor, I expressed my nervousness with speaking in public. I have turned down TV interviews with CBC, CTV News and Canada AM, because of this fear. My editor said that over the years, he has gained a lot of experience and can now confidently speak in front of any kind of audience – and I believe him! I watched a recent television interview he did, and he was absolutely calm, cool and collected. He suggested I join a local Toastmasters club. I’ve always thought of joining one, but it actually makes me nervous … Continue reading →

I recently received a comment in the about me section of this blog. I thought I’d reply to it here: I’ve read your blog and although you are full of ideas. I think you are going overboard with your frugality. Is it really worth sacrificing your lifestyle so save a bit more? You know, we only live once. From the your ideas and your writing, you seem like a decently smart person so I’m sure wealth will eventually come to you. Why not spend your efforts on something more constructive like making more money? This is why I always stress … Continue reading →