Fabulous Financials

What it do blogger fam?

I haven’t been in the mood for blogging this week.  I guess it’s because my BabyGirl is back home and we spend all evening just talking and reconnecting.  For the past few nights, I haven’t gone to bed until after midnight because I’ve tried to give her my undivided attention until she goes to bed.  Then I’m left with a laundry list of things to do before I can turn in.

Also, with school back in session, we haven’t re-adjusted to our regular routine yet.  We’ve both been getting up late and rushing off to work/school in the morning.  I forgot that she had to be picked up by 6pm on Wednesday night, so she had to bum a ride.  Oops!  I was still in summer work mode, gotta leave on time now.  I also forgot to tell her good luck on her job interview yesterday.  *smh*  Geez, a summer off and I forgot how to be a responsible mom. LOL  But no worries, I’ll get it together soon.

Until then, here’s some interesting reading for ya:

Top 10 Best Stores for Fashion on a Budget @ College Fashion

I just discovered this blog last week and many of the articles are very good quality.  Even if you’re not part of the intended target audience, college students, it’s still worth a look-see.  As for the top 10 best stores for fashion on a budget, I agree with the selection.  However, my #1 would have been Ross Dress for Less.  Me love Ross!

If You Want to be Wealthy, You Need to Know This @ Millionaire Mommy Next Door

As usual with Millionaire Mommy, this article is a gem.  The tips are practical, and if you really want to be wealthy, you can begin doing them TODAY.

Four Habits of Financially Peaceful People @ All Financial Matters

I think this article pairs well with the one above.  More practical solutions to get on track financially and bring harmony to your financial life.  Personal finance is not complex.  It’s only as hard as you make it.  Emulate these habits and you may find financial peace as well.

5 Most Common Obstacles That Keep You From Reaching Your Goals @ Dumb Little Man

Some people just get in their own way.  If you are one of them, this article is a must read.  If any of these things apply to you - STOP. NOW!  Most of you already know how goal oriented I am, but I’ll admit, I’ve suffered from some of these obstacles before.  It isn’t easy to do, but I had to work really hard to manage them because obtaining my goals is a wonderful feeling.

Attention Ladies, Saving Money Tops the List of Frugal Male Turn Ons @ Frugal Dad

Now it’s very possible that ‘frugal’ dad is a little biased, but who am I to say - he’s a man so he should know what turns men on.  Y’all better check it out.  If this article doesn’t make you laugh (or at least give you something to think about), I’m sure the next one will.

Listen Up Females, This Man is Talking @ Washington Post

A gentleman by the name of Dante Moore has written a book for the ladies, titled “The Re-Education of the Female”  Hmm…interesting…read the article and tell me your thoughts.

Have a great weekend.

Single Ma out!

During one of our many conversations this weekend, BabyGirl was excited to hear that I will honor the promises I’ve made over the last 3 years.  Most important to her are 1) driver’s license, 2) dating, and 3) hanging out with friends on the weekend past dark.

I gave her a few minutes to glow in the aftermath of FINALLY being 16, then I had to burst her little bubble because freedom doesn’t go without rules.  I kindly explained that 1) she will only drive my car during daytime hours, 2) all dates must be approved by introduced to mom, and 3) weekend outings will have a curfew that varies with the company and the destination.

And last but not least…

I also had to remind her that she is now responsible for earning an income to cover all non-necessities.  I will take care of food, shelter, medical, personal toiletries, school related expenses, and other ‘important’ ish.  I will no longer buy anything that isn’t a need - i.e. name brand clothes, shoes, jewelry, dining out, cell phone, etc.  So you know what that means?  Ya girl needs to get a j-o-b!

Although she’s 16 and doesn’t need a work permit anymore, due to school activities, working hours are still limited to weekends only (unless school is not in session).  My previous rules will not change - GRADES. COME. FIRST.  She agreed and was ready to hit the ground running.  So I took her to the mall to get a few job applications.  After one hour, we met back at the car and she had 5 job applications from her most preferred retailers.  Interesting enough, they were ALL hiring.  Isn’t she lucky?  After dinner, she completed them all - 5 hard copies, 1 online - and I took her back to the mall yesterday to return them.

She already has an interview scheduled for Thursday.  Thank gawd!

With her champagne taste and beer water money, I sure hope she finds a job soon.

Gosh, I miss her soooo much. *sigh*

I opened her bedroom door for the first time all summer and a flood attacked my eyes. Then I vacuumed and dusted her room, re-made her bed, fluffed her pillows, and took a nap on her bed.

When I woke up, I did an inventory of her school supplies.

Then drove to Target and bought her some paper, notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, bras, underwear, socks, and personal toiletries. Then drove to Giant and bought all her favorite foods and snacks.

Total damage: $165.42

I put everything neatly away, either in the kitchen or in her room.

Then I laid out all of her souvenirs from my summer trips: Read more »

A “Hello Kitty” themed pool party.

Mom and Dad present, surprisingly cordial for the sake of their daughter.

Chris Brown (and Rhianna), live in concert.

Six screaming star struck teenage girls.

Flights that arrive on time.

Coming home to a spotless apartment, cleaned by someone else.

Afternoon naps.

Mondays off.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend.

No longer a child, not quite an adult…

This is your FIRST birthday that we’ve been apart, so trust me when I say, it’s killing me softly because I love you and miss you sooooo much. But I hope you have a FABULOUS birthday with your grandma, aunts and cousins. I know you’re surrounded by love and I’m sure they will make this milestone more special for you than I could ever dream. I just wish I was there.

But guess what? I’m going to hit the highway in the wee hours of the morning and I’ll be there before you wake up. I promise! I have the whole weekend planned and we’re going to have the best time…EVER. Oh yea, and I have a surprise for you too. No, it does NOT involve you getting a nose ring! LOL! But it’s a surprise that I know you’ll love.

See you soon. *hugs and kisses*

Happy “Sweet 16″ Baby

Mommy loves you!