No Buy Challenge: Phase I

This year I am going to save at least $2,000. I would like to save $5,000, but I got to start somewhere right?!?! I am starting a No-Buy Challenge. Yes, that is right, I will not be buying anything but the necessities for the next 60 days starting January 15th and lasting until March 15th. There are a couple of rules to this challenge, and they are as follows:

• No purchases other than food(from the grocery store only), gas, and monthly bills (i.e. rent, credit cards, utilities, ect).

• You are allowed two free passes--no more than $50 each.

• You are allowed to by the bare necessities. For example, you need to brush your teeth, so get some toothpaste. You are able to buy anything that runs completely out, so shampoo of the same kind or in the same amount that you paid for the product you are replacing. Why? Well, I have natural hair and there ain't no telling how conditioner that I will need. So, I will replace whatever that I have with something comparable or that costs the same amount of whatever it is that I ran out of. No NEW PRODUCTS!

• Try to use cash as much as possible. So, if you normally spend $40 a week on gas, then take out $80 when you get paid and put that amount in an envelope. Got some left over, save it for when you need have one of those weeks when you do a little bit extra running around.

To track how much you save, this is what you have to do. Take the amount of your checking account before you get your next check. Lets say it's $500. On March 15th, see how much money you have left in your account after you paid your bills.

This is just the first phase--there will be more to come! I am thinking about doing a no-buy clothing challenge in the summertime.

Want to join this challenge? Just leave a comment below and let me know that you're with me!

Budgeting 101: October 2012

Starting October, 1, 2012, I will be starting a debt diet. My goal is to try to save $5000 in a year. I will be using some of the things that I have learned from several books, websites, tv shows, and just common sense.

There is no need to argue, people just don't understand...

Have you ever tried to express something to someone that just isn't on the same level as you? Last week while on my blissful, week-long vacation, I experimented with my natural hair. I went out brought some new conditioner, "Yes to Carrots", which was great. Also got some Shea Moisture Curl Smoothie stuff and was ready to go. With my twists out and YouTube at my beacon call, I embarked on my first natural hair style. Oh wait, first I did a bentonite clay mask treatment, which helped clarify the care and help with the detangling.

Alright, after washing, my hair wasn't exactly what I expected. I am assuming that due to my bi-weekly wash and presses caused some severe heat damage to my tresses. Having transitioned for over a year and wearing twists for three months, I thought that I would have more 'virgin' hair on my head. Instead, there were massive amounts of straight hair--everywhere. I pressed on. I decided that after looking at a couple of YouTube videos that I was going to attempt a twist and curl. Basically, twisting my hair then curling it around a rod. Simple, right?

After letting my hair air dry for 24hrs.+, the results were, well, lack luster. I had to do something with the crazy naps and curls that I had going on. The relaxed ends curled really well, but the roots were nappy with no definition. So being the creative being that I am, I attempted several things but was unsuccessful. Finally, I thought about the one thing that will save a bad hair day---a hat! I never wear hats, but I was borderline desperate. I found the grey beanie that I brought from Forever 21 and gathered the back of my hair into a twist and put it on. I left the bangs out in the front, kind of a free spirited look, with two sideburn tendrils. No too bad.

Now when I went to get my hair done on Thursday, I wore my hair like this. My hair dresser was like 'Oh you trying something new...you wanted to wear an afro...did you want to see how it would look natural?' Umh, yeah what's wrong with that? The way that she questioned me about the style just made me feel like we must not be on the same page hair wise and uncomfortable. She later went on to ask me what I did to it? What did I do to it? It was like I had an alien sitting on my hair. Now, although it was frizzy at the top, one can clearly see that it was a set of some kind...the ends of the curls were defined. I sent a picture, the one here to my friends and they saw absolutely nothing wrong with it, but then again, who knows. She later went on after she got done with it, to attempt to schedule me for normal wash and press in two weeks. I told her that I would have to get back to her. She casually stated that she had other clients and may not have the regular slot open. I said, Ok, I will be in touch.

If you are still reading this, you may be wondering what are you really talking about. First, taking a step out and attempting do something with my natural hair was BIG! (see 360 in 365 page) My friends were supportive and encouraging, but not so much from my hair dresser.  Also, here in Southwestern PA, natural hair isn't as accepted as some places, like Philly. I wasn't arguing with my hair dresser about anything, but I feel like she just doesn't understand my hair journey and what I am trying to accomplish. I also think that she is looking out for herself; having a steady client shelling out $40 every other week adds up. I am trying to get away from the heat and constant manipulation of my hair which means less money for her.  I just want to get it to a point where its completely natural. Perhaps, I should have been more up front with her and state that I was going back to protective styling and not getting my hair done as much. Especially since in 2012, I am attempting to be more a budget and save. There is no need to argue, people just don't understand...