1. DIY Layer Chain Necklace

I can definitely whip this one up in 15 minutes. The instructions are clear and there are photos, too!

2. How to Wear Clogs (On a Budget)

Rachel Bilson shows us how to wear the emerging fashion staple: clogs. If you are on a budget, get  yours at Endless.

3. Spring Must-Haves for Under $50

Courtesy of College Fashion, you’ll know where to buy items inspired by all the loveliness shown on the runway. From clear accessories to nude shoes, these are perfect for any student’s budget.

4. Spring Trench Coat for Under $50

Looking forward to wearing cute and stylish trench coats this spring? Why don’t you update your wardrobe with these affordable lovelies?

5. Swap Old Jeans for a New One

And get a discount on the new jeans! Great way to save the environment and give you more closet space, right? Only at Gap.

Top Image by: College Fashion

Nearly everyone I know has resolved to spend smarter this year and step one is to create and stick to a smart budget plan. It can seem daunting, and you might be fearful of finding out just how much of your income is spent on shoes and handbags, but no worries! Planning a budget is easy, and there are so many great ways to make it smart!

1. Write down ALL expenses

Photo Credit: JennKstep

Just like a food diary, make a budget diary! Okay, so you know you’re going to write down your mortgage or rent, utilities, cell phone, cable, credit card payments, car payment, insurance, groceries, and petrol, but that’s not all! You also need to account for your other expenses, like haircuts, manicures, pedicures, oil changes, meals out, date nights, NetFlix, gym membership — everything. Look at your bank book and notice what recurring expenses you have that you might have forgotten. Write them all down!

2. Over-estimate expenses

Photo Credit: ansik

When you’re making your budget plan, be sure to over-estimate a little on your expenses. For example, if your car payment is $234 a month, estimate it at $250, so there’s a little wiggle room, and so the math is easier. If you over-estimate your known expenses a little, then you’ll have a small built-in cushion in case an unexpected expense arises (say, a sale at Macy’s!).

3. Under-estimate income

Photo Credit: Unhindered by Talent

While you’re at it, under-estimate your income a little bit, too. If you typically bring home $587 a week, round it down to $550. Again, this will give you a very small but handy cushion in case you need it. If you don’t use it, put it into your savings account, because you may need it later. While you may not notice the missing $37 each week, you’ll notice the extra $1900 that you saved at the end of the year!

Not sure how you’re going to pay for that new pair of Dior shoes, or that Prada bag you’ve been wanting? It’s time to start saving! By following these seven simple tips, you ought to be able to save a little more than $8,000 — enough for a few new pairs of shoes, or maybe a trip! Right on! Here are those seven ways to grow your saving account… and start saving today!

1. Bank wisely

Photo Credit: nikkinoguer

Savings per year: $600.00
Now that you’ve decide to start saving, my first bit of advice to help ensure your success is to open a dedicated savings account at a bank you don’t already use. Many banks offer an incentive to open a new account, too, like matching your initial deposit, or just giving you $50 outright. Bonus! Also, decline the offer of a debit card, so that if you want to take money out, you’ll have to actually visit a branch… which will make it a lot more difficult to take money out, which would defeat the whole purpose, right? Here’s another way to save money by banking a little differently. When you make a purchase, round up to the nearest dollar when you deduct it from your bank-book. For instance, if you spend $22.68 at the gas station, round that up to either $23.00 or even $25 in your bank-book. It will make the math easier, and you’ll also be saving those little pennies, nickels, and dimes with each transaction!

2. Kill your land line

Photo Credit: splorp

Savings per year: $480.00
By now, most of us have cell phones and cable internet connections at home. Why, then, do some of us still pay upwards of $40 or more every month for a land-line telephone service? Unless you need your landline for something in particular, like TIVO or some home security systems, you can discontinue and disconnect your service. Not only will you be saving that money every month, you’ll also be free of those annoying telemarketers at dinner-time!

Did you know that there is a way for you to eat healthy and save a lot of moolah on your food expenses? With the recession problems that we have been facing, we could all use the savings that we can get from eating healthy yet inexpensive food items.

So instead of spending your hard-earned bucks for gas to travel to and from the restaurant when dining out – not to mention the bill for mostly unhealthy restaurant food – here’s a list of the cheapest healthy foods that you can serve on your very own kitchen.

1. Eggs

Whether you are looking for something to serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner, eggs are cheap and extremely versatile. They’re also a great protein source which helps stave off eye problems as you get old.

2. Potatoes

Dirt-cheap potatoes have a negative image when cooked in oil-rich fries or fattening chips. But when they are incorporated in healthy recipes like potato salad – they’re really healthy, versatile and inexpensive.

3. Bananas

Bananas can be eaten as is, or they can be combined with your favorite breakfast cereals. Aside from being really affordable, bananas are rich in potassium and fiber – giving you the daily dose of nutrients from fruits that you need to stay healthy.

4. Whole Grain Pasta

This is another staple food item for all the cheapskates out there (j/k). There’s a whole lotta dishes that you can do with whole grain pasta, they’re a great protein and vitamin B-source – and they’re really tasty, too!

5. Beets

Aside from having a unique taste and color, beets are power-packed with iron, folate and antioxidants.

Yey! So I’ll add these really healthy food items to my grocery list to save a few extra bucks – to buy that really fab bag which I saw online! Lol…

Urban Outfitters always has a sale section, but it’s currently brimming with hundreds of clothes, accessories and home goods for your spending pleasure. What I love about Urban Outfitters online is that you can view all items on one page, so you don’t have to scroll through pages upon pages.

I want this Elie Gingham Top, on sale for $25 (originally $38). Gingham is a great summer trend and this v-neck top would be cute with some grey skinny jeans!

Be sure to dedicate a good chunk of time to browse the sale, as there’s lots to see!

Just a friendly reminder it’s daylight savings and it’s time to Spring forward! Or rather, set your clocks an hour forward. While you’re at it, be on the look out for one of my favorite designers, Derek Lam’s new sunnies this Spring. Let the sunshine in!

Source

We’re only a few weeks away from the new daylight-savings time which will begin on Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m. There’s been a lot of talk of how this affects any scheduled appointments by an hour if you don’t update your mobile phone and computer software. To prevent any problems or missed appointments, check out how you can update  your gear with the available downloadable updates issued for operating systems and mobiles.

• Windows XP
• Windows Mobile
• Microsoft Outlook
• Mac OS X Tiger 10.4 
• Blackberry
• Palm OS: Nothing out yet
• Lotus Notes

Has anyone else come across any other software updates? To find out more about these changes, check out these other posts:

Artlebedev’s Studio is taking preliminary orders for this ceramic jar “Superbitus“. It’s made in form of a black nuke. White marker is supplied as part of the kit – so you could draw the savings goal on the jar. After it’s full – drop the bomb! Then, pick up the money and buy what you’ve planned along with new “Superbitus”.

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