A Penny Saved...

...is a penny earned!

Or a dollar, for that matter.

Many times, I catch myself grabbing that extra box of something delicious, a soda, or a treat for me and my husband. We'd go get ice cream, see a movie, or go out to dinner without much thought.

My husband came up with the perfect remedy for our silly spending: An allowance!

Now, I know that sounds really silly, but it honestly works! We allow ourselves one dollar a day. Once we've saved enough dollars, we can combine our savings and go to dinner, get ice cream, etc.

These are cute, huh?

credit: The Posh Shoppe on Etsy

Mentally, this has proven to be the best money saving trick. I am not tempted to "bored shop" at all. (Unfortunately, this wasn't uncommon in my single days... Yikes!)

Unless it's a bill or necessary groceries, we don't spend it. I definitely notice a difference in our spending habits. Being aware is honestly the best trick of the trade in saving.

I've come to find out that my husband is WAY better at it than I am! I've promptly spent most of my savings of the last week or so we've been doing this. Whether it's a Costco hotdog or a snack while I'm out. Oops...

To justify it, I haven't spend nearly as much as I would have if we weren't doing this!

I never grew up with an allowance, so this was new to me. It seems kind of juvenile, but it totally works! I don't pick up anything extra because I know I want to go out to dinner SOMETIME this year! ;)

We track it mentally, but eventually I'll make a cute little chart that we can cash out on! :)

Here's an interesting article on saving a few bucks a day: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/saving-5-dollar-a-day-change-your-life.html

As time goes on, I'll be sure to keep you posted on what we cash out on!

My Dirty Little Secret

That got your attention, didn't it? Mwahah!

Just kidding. It's not exactly a dirty "secret" per se, but it's definitely not something I love about myself!

The first step the recovery is admitting it, right? Right!

I love soda. Yum. It is delicious. Not saying that this is a justification, but I love diet soda. Sugary soda makes me wanna run around in a million circles and then crash. Not to mention the effects on my stomach! Yikes!

Lately, I noticed I was drinking at least one of these bad boys every single day.

:(

Not only is this very unhealthy, but it isn't cheap either! These are about $1.50-$1.79 at any gas station or grocery store. Unfortunately, I found them at the dollar store. Saving money, right?!

Bad, bad, bad!

The other day, after finishing one of these bottles, I decided that this would be my last! At least, for now.

Every time I've tried to lose weight, this is one of the very first things I get rid of. I can honestly say that by eating right, watching how much you're eating, and eliminating naughty things like soda, I lose weight so fast.

This isn't supposed to make you feel bad about losing weight! I definitely have to do more than those few things to lose the weight I want to. 

As I tried on wedding dresses last year, I decided that losing weight was definitely a priority. Not just to look good, but to feel good about myself! I am not extremely vain, but I think everyone feels a little bit better if they are their target weight. I tried on a dress and it was beautiful! And then the shop girl told me I should try on a size smaller. SERIOUSLY?! I did it anyway. I looked even better! The next day, I tried the dress on again. I couldn't breathe. No lie. That's when I definitely decided I needed to lose a few pounds.

I carry all of my weight in my tummy. My wedding dress, of course, hugged my tummy. Tight!

In just a few months, I lost 15 pounds! My secret? Pay attention!

Being naturally small, I ate whatever the heck I wanted! I didn't stop when I was full. It was just too delicious! I've been up and down in weight, but never unhealthy. 

Once I hit puberty, I never noticed weight gain. I was very athletic (Was! Oops...) and was playing soccer for hours and hours every week. Weight gain was never ever a problem.

Once college hit, those dreaded "Freshman Fifteen" decided it was my time to fill out! Sorry if this is TMI, but I filled out in good places, too. Yay!

I noticed the few extra pounds and watched what I ate. The cycle continued, though. I'd get comfortable and gain a few more pounds. Once I got married, I didn't exactly "let my self go", but I wasn't nearly as aware! 

My husband and I are going on our honeymoon this weekend, and being in a bathing suit around hundreds of people is intimidating! It is not a good day when you notice the cellulite cottage cheese on your bum. 

Just today while I was out running errands, I was so tempted to get a Dr. Pepper! I was near the drive thru of McDonald's... A large Diet Coke is only a dollar! Thankfully I resisted the temptation and drove  past! 

I love sweets! I try not to buy them, but sometimes those Reese's Easter Eggs are too hard to resist!

A friend of mine started walking every morning and invited me to join her. It was wonderful! We got up at 8 and walked until 9. It's still fairly cool in the morning here in Utah, so it was the perfect weather! We plan to do this every morning at 8 Monday thru Friday. This is way more reliable than going to the gym! It so much easier not to go if you don't have anyone making you go!

I feel so much better all day after I exercise! "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."

Does anyone love Jim Gaffigan? He's a very clean, hilarious comedian. One of my favorites!

Annnnnnnd we're back! I highly recommend Jim! He makes my husband laugh so hard, it's hilarious!

***Update! I haven't had soda in quite some time now! I actually feel so much healthier without it. Do any of you have a secret love like I did? Share!

Jen