This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't know many people who aren't trying to save more money. Whether it's getting ready for Christmas, the back to school season, trying to pay off debt or any number of other reasons... we all have those goals that have us pinching our pennies.

Many times when we talk about saving money we cover the big stuff. Stop eating out, do things to reduce your electric bill, only drink coffee at home... the list could go on, but what happens when it seems like you've already done all the major things and there's nothing really left that could make a major change.

The truth is, even when you've eliminated all of the big ways you're wasting money, there are still ways money can slip through the cracks, simply because you don't realize what you could be saving. These are simple, everyday ways you could be losing money & what to do about it.

Go meatless - While you can go without a lot of things in life, food isn't one of them. So often the grocery budget is the hardest to get under control. BUT going meatless for dinner even just one day a week can do wonders for your overall budget. It's such a small thing, but can really make a difference in your everyday budget.

Cut down on gas - Gas is such an important part of our every day lives. A big part of me misses the public transportation methods from when I lived in the Philippines. Riding with other people in jeeps was so fun, and we never had to pay for gas. Public transport isn't as much of a thing in Texas. Instead of jeeps to share we're all driving cars and spending lots of money on gas.

There are some ways to save on gas though, carpooling is the obvious choice to cut down on gas, it's not always a do-able choice. The other big thing that you can do is stop speeding. Driving slower gives you better gas mileage, so it will actually save you money to keep the law. *wink*

Save on makeup -  It amazes me how pricey makeup can be, it seems like it's not always doable to go out and buy a replacement for something that ran out, especially if it's a particularly budget-tight month. This month, I found out that Dollar General has it's own line of beauty products AND they carry many national brands too. I grabbed lipstick, blush, mascara and some new nail polish for just over $5! Find these products and more at Dollar General

I love that Dollar General makes it affordable for you to stock up on what you need! You can Discover beauty products, tips and more in the Dollar General Beauty Zone and stop overspending on them other places! 

Stop waste - Another big way lots of people lose money (myself included...we're working on it) is with paper goods. While you're at Dollar General, pick up some extra hand towels for your kitchen and even some small, soft ones for your face for makeup removal. Instead of spending money on massive packages of paper towels and cotton balls, simply use your new DG towels instead and throw them in with the laundry. You'll be amazed at how much this simple change will save you over the course of a month and even a year! 

If you think about it, I bet you can find small, everyday ways you're losing money instead of saving it! Once you find them, make sure you direct that extra "income" to your savings fund, instead of spending it on something extra! It's the best way to save! 

Stop with the bulk - My friend Kate (from Nourishing Little Souls) shared a theory with me that if you buy in bulk you're actually spending more money because you take it for granted that you have a lot of that product and you use more of it. It only took me a few minutes of thinking about it to realize how right she was! No more bulk shopping for me, unless I know I can ration myself. 

Keep the shower off - Okay, it's possible that I'm the only one that does this...but maybe not. You know how it goes, you turn on the shower so it can get warm, and then you get distracted. You brush your teeth, you go to the bathroom, you floss you do 100 different things in the bathroom while the shower water is running and the hot water heater is working to keep it warm. Stop it! It doesn't take that long to get the water hot, so don't turn the water on until you are ready to get in the shower. Yeah, it's a small amount but if it's every day and every member of your family, it's actually a pretty big loss! 

Are there little ways your family is losing money everyday? Sare your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to check out the DG beauty products this week when you're at the store. I was majorly impressed! 

Fall Fashion: Currently Craving

You guys. It's officially fall in Chicago. It isn't getting above 60 today, and I couldn't be happier.

Other than pumpkin spice (yes I'm basic, according to Buzzfeed) there is nothing I get more excited about for fall than fall fashion. Now that I live in a place where the seasons actually change, I am a firm believer in investing in outerwear that is as warm as it is chic. 

The above is a dream list; what I would purchase if I had unlimited funds. 

jacket / hat / lipstick / cuff / vegan leather leggings / booties

 Because that is not the case, mama shops the bargains. 

Below are the links to the pieces I plan to purchase that are still on trend, and on budget.

jacket / hat / lipstick / cuff / vegan leather leggings / booties

I'm loving the jewel tones coming out this season- emerald and burgundy... garnet if you went to FSU. 

Happy fall shopping!

Getting Touristy on Navy Pier

I am on a roll with this summer bucket list thing lately. 

Below is the original. Although I didn't finish it off, I think I can roll a couple over into fall. Yes? 

Yes.

1. do an outdoor zumba class in millenium park
2. save up for the DSLR camera I've been wanting, so each moment I capture is just a little clearer :)
3. take a photo class
4. go kayaking on the chicago river
5. go on a spontaneous weekend trip- camping? Maybe combine with the next?
6. do at least 3 festivals outside: music, food, drink
7. get my fitness routine down
8. go to a cubs game
9. have a crazy night on a rooftop
10. learn how to craft my own cocktails, preferably with my constantly stocked bar cart
11. go on a hot air balloon ride
12. build a sand couch
13. visit my best friend in northern michigan, an annual trip I look forward to each year 

>>does it count if she came here?
14. have my FL girlies visit again, maybe the summers will convince some of them to move here :)
15. volunteer
16. keep this thing up to date. I think the most impt. part of blogging is not only doing it genuinely, but consistently.

Another item that should have been on here is to go on the Ferris Wheel of Navy Pier. 

I love the water and I love Ferris Wheels, so how this didn't make the cut, I'm not sure. 

My gal Chelsea and I bought Groupons a while back to go on a boat tour, and we decided to make a day of it. The weather could not have been better. Mid 70s, and not a cloud in the sky.

We obviously started with brunch, at D4.

We got to the tour a little early, so to the bar we went for drinks and a FireBall shot, obviously. 

Then off on the tour we went!

We both agreed with the imminent fall weather, we should take advantage of the pier. 

Originally we had plans for only the Ferris Wheel.

...but when we saw the swings... we had to. Literally those are the epitome of my childhood. I am obsessed. I can't.

If only these summer nights would last just a little longer. It's in the 40s this week.

Here's to fall fashion, pumpkin spice and burgundy lipstick.

#LollaLivin'

So, I went my first music festival. ever.

After moving to Chicago, it was like the infamous L word, that warranted a gasp when I mentioned I'd never been (and didn't know much about it.) It was is a magical concert I had to go to if I've never been.

I know this post is a month overdue- my life is overdue. Get over it.

Lollapalooza. 

There was so much happening. From the seriously life changing decisions of whether to see Kings of Leon or Calvin Harris, to should I just buy this wine by the glass, or by the water bottle (I'll explain later.)

I loved Lolla, because there were bands I like a lot, but never would've thought to see them in concert- and now would jump at the chance. And.. there was also the opportunity to go stage hopping, from one side of Grant Park to the other - and see two completely different, yet equally huge artists in one place- back to back. From big acts to small, there was something for everyone. There were also way too many teenagers on drugs.

I'm the kind of gal who would rather be drinking on an uncrowded beach than waiting in a line of people at Disney to get on a ride (unless that ride is "It's a Small World"- then all bets are off.) 

So, you'd think when it comes to something like Lolla, it would just not be my gig. Well, I am surprised I actually had a pretty epic time, for a few reasons:

>> I was able to buy wine by the bottle (you can see it pictured in the pic. below)

>> I got to see Betty Who - if you do not know who she is, I suggest you get your act together.

>> I was with some pretty amazing people.

>> I had a dance party in the rain / mud with said amazing people.

>> I got to dress like a flower child for 3 days.

I'll let the pictures take it from here...

>>shenanigans



>>pre-gaming



>>the gals



>>and again



>>almost again

>>lolla lights

>>a little rain didn't hurt anyone



>> my boo, Betty Who




>>wet hair don't care. or do i?



>>tom's fav. face of lolla



>>we spent almost as much time here as the shows



>>beer garden.



>>that bottle of wine i was talking about.

>>the picture doesn't do this sky justice.

Another item crossed off the summer bucket list. Music Fest, check!

Oh Happy (Birth) Day: Part 2

So. It's come to my attention that my friends think I'm an alcoholic based on the gifts I received this year.

I'm not offended. 

 In all seriousness, I never expect a thing- fortunately for me, I've got people who disregard my expectations.

>>it took me a month to open this present. I couldn't bring myself to. It's too cute<<