Fabulous Financials

The fifth and final step to maintain Fabulous Financials is to live fabulously.

Owning “stuff” eventually loses its appeal, so my definition of “living fabulously” is experiencing new things and creating memories with loved ones that will last forever.  For example, over the course of my lifetime, I want to visit every state in the U.S.  Within the next year, I plan to explore Europe (specifically Paris and London).  In the immediate future, I want to go skiing and/or ice skating for my birthday in December.  Last year, I became a wine connoisseur amateur but I’m still learning.  And I love the mommy/daughter days I spend with BabyGirl every month.  Whatever I decide to do, I can afford to do it without hesitation or remorse.

Living fabulously also involves taking care of YOU.  On the inside - good food (and wine lol), regular exercise, and a personal connection to your higher being.  On the outside - your appearance, hair, nails, and skin should have a place on your priority list.  When you look good (inside and out), you feel good.  And when you feel good, it’s easy to live fabulously.

I know all of these things cost money, but this step is the ultimate reward.  So if you’ve mastered steps 1 through 4, you’ve earned your right to live the fabulous life!

Are you living a fabulous life?  If not, what’s holding you back?

I think birthdays are VERY important because it’s YOUR personal holiday.  The one day that’s all about YOU.  So I’m a firm believer that those who love you should recognize and honor your special day.  Not necessarily with elaborate gifts and parties, those are nice, but unique and thoughtful effort goes a long way.

As you know, someone very special to me celebrated a birthday in October.  Using a combination of your ideas in this post, here’s how I crafted a week of birthday surprises for less than $100.

MONDAY thru FRIDAY

I went to Hallmark and purchased a box of “Thinking of You” greeting cards that were blank on the inside.  The front of the cards had various images of things that bring you comfort or make you smile (e.g. sunset, sunrise, ocean and sand with footprints, sidewalk with large raindrops after a storm, etc).  I also purchased a bag of glittering confetti for visual interest.

For everyday of the week, I prepared a handwritten message to let him know how much he means to me and why.  I sealed each card with a Hallmark gold crown seal (to let him know how much I care! LOL!) and stopped by his office on Monday morning.  I was prepared to alter my morning routine and make that trek everyday, but one of my old staff members offered to do the special deliveries for me.  It was someone I trusted and it worked out perfect.  You see, my special someone is a creature of habit because he arrives every morning at 8:45 on the dot.  Too easy.  So every morning, he had a new card from me sitting on his keyboard with little blue and gold (his favorite colors) confetti lightly sprinkled on top of the card and around his desk.  And every morning, at approximately 9:15, I received a  phone call.

Total Cost:

Cards: $5.99 for box of 10

Confetti: $2.99 for 1 small package

SATURDAY

Taking advantage of this hidden gem, I copped two FREE tickets to the Shakespeare Theater Company in DC.  We dressed up in our Sunday best and went to see the most romantic story of all times - Romeo and Juliet.  I know this is cheesy, but neither of us had been to this theater in DC so it was more about the experience than the play itself.  But lo and behold, we both enjoyed the show and was fascinated by the all male cast.  Romeo and Juliet did a whole lotta kissin…so umm…yea. *side eye*

Taking advantage of this other hidden gem, I purchased a $25 gift certificate to Shula’s Steakhouse for $2.00 (you could also purchase a $10 gift cert for $0.80).  Premium Black Angus Beef and NFL football - a perfect combination for a hungry man.  Although he’d been there before, I had not, so it was just as much a treat for me as it was for him.  The food and drinks were divine, the service was a little slow (but we weren’t in a rush), and the prices were…umm…pricey. *shrug*  If you’ve never been there before, I’d say it gives Ruth’s Chris a little competition.

Total Cost:

Theater: Free

Dinner (w/ gift certificate): ~$65

Sunday

On Sunday, we opted to say in and make it a Blockbuster night - or should I say a Netflix night.  I purposely added his movie requests to the top of my queue and they promptly arrived on Wednesday.  I prepared a lasagna and salad for dinner (BabyGirl’s special request) and an upside down pineapple cake for dessert (his special request - had to call my mom for help *shhhh*).  By 9pm, half the cake was gone and only enough lasagna for BabyGirl to take for lunch on Monday.  By the looks of things, I’d say dinner was a success.

Total Cost:

Movies: Unrelated cost

Dinner: Unrelated cost

Grand Finale

On his birthday, I had one more card for him.  This one was personally delivered when I knew he’d be in the office.  I also embarrassed him with an arrangement of blue and gold helium balloons and a birthday cake with candles. LOL!  Everyone in the office came over to sing happy birthday, and to both of our surprise, they already had plans to take him out for lunch.  I was invited, but didn’t have time to attend.  I’m sure lots of fun was had by all.  When they left for lunch, I sat down to write the final message in his birthday card - a message with specific instructions that, I later learned, had him sitting on the edge of his seat for the rest of the day. LOL!  Unfortunately, I didn’t received a follow up phone call this time, but the instructions were followed to a “T”.

Total Cost:

Balloons: $6

Birthday Card: $4.99

Birthday Cake: $14.99

Evening Plans: the look on his face was worth a million dollars!

I know you were wondering if I stayed within my $100 budget.  But umm, it depends on what you count as “birthday” expenses.  Some things, I consider an investment. LOL!

As busy moms, we often put the needs of others before our own. When money is tight, we neglect ourselves even more. Add in a little stress due to the current economy and you’ve got a bad combination.  So take a little time (and money) to do something nice for YOU.  Check out my article at Work It, Mom!, 5 Small Luxuries You Can Afford during an economic crisis.

Rate the article, feel free to comment, or come back here and let me know what you think.

Thanks to everyone who shared their ideas about small luxuries!

The last 30 days can be classified as THE most stressful days I’ve had on the CSS in a long time.  I’ve never worked so many hours, had to oversee so many projects, appease so many people, witness so many adult-temper tantrums, and play mediator to resolve so many conflicts in such a short period of time.  Money, deadlines, and emotions don’t mix - EVER.  The entire experience was physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.  Thank goodness yesterday was the end of it all!  So guess what I’m doing today?

Playing Hooky and Going to the Spa!!

Yep, I’m staying home from work today and I’m going to spend the entire day rejuvenating my mind, body, and spirit.  And guess what else?  One of my girlfriends has, yet again, agreed to go along with one of my crazy, last minute requests. Ha!  On my way home from work last night, the idea came to mind and I knew exactly who to call.  It didn’t take much convincing either:

Single Ma: Hello, may I speak to Fab Friend.

FF Daughter: She’s sleep.

SM: Umm, it’s kinda important.  Can you wake her up?

FF Daughter: Who’s this?!?

SM: This is SM, can you wake her up please? [preparing to be cursed out by FF]

FF: [groggy] Hello…

SM: Hey Girl!  Wake up, I have something important to ask you.

FF: I’m up.  You just leaving work?

SM: Yea, can you believe it!  Let’s play hooky tomorrow and go to the spa.

FF: Ok.

SM: Girl, did you hear me?  I’m for real!  Let’s go to the spa.

FF: Dammit, I said ok.  Which one?

SM: [pause] Oh…umm…[didn't think it would be THAT easy, I was prepared to persuade her but I hadn't thought it through to consider where]

SM: Umm, any spa.  It doesn’t matter to me.  We can do the Ritz, EA Red Door, or Jolie’s.  Either one works for me.  I just can’t go to work tomorrow.  I’m exhausted!

FF: Ok, what time do you want to go?

SM: I’ll call to make reservations in the morning and let you know around 8:30.

FF: Ok.

SM: FF, are you awake!?!  Are you really going to play hooky with me tomorrow?

FF: [shouting so I would be sure that she was awake] Girl, I told you I was up…shyt! LOL  I already didn’t want to go to work anyway.  Now I have a reason. LOL!  But I’m tired so I’m going back to sleep.  Call me in the morning to let me know what time you want to meet and where.

Bye. [click]

SM: [laughing and shaking my head]

Reservations have been made, timing has been confirmed, and we’re going to be Ladies of Leisure today.  Ha!  It’s good to have friends who are down for whatever - especially friends with comparable finances so money isn’t an issue.

A few weeks ago, I promised that I would do no shopping for the rest of this year and I’ve been true to my word.  Some of you have witnessed my temptation but can also attest to my resistance of the shopping bug.  But it doesn’t mean I haven’t spent any money.  To be honest, September is turning out to be another FUN, yet EXPENSIVE month.

I have THREE girlfriends who have birthdays this month and we kicked off the festivities with:

BRUNCH: $81

Two of us had brunch at a new spot in DC called Co Co Sala (reviewed here), which is a chocolate lover’s dream.  The ambiance, food and service were divine.  We ordered the three course prix fix with extra sides and the fiery passion mimosas.  Mmm mmm good!  On the pricey side but worth the occassional splurge.

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT: $65

I have another girlfriend who is a spoiled brat and demanded an ENTIRE WEEKEND celebration.  WTF!!  Because I love her so much, I obliged…somewhat. We kicked off Friday with a Girl’s Night Out of food, drinks, and dancing at Eden’s Lounge.

The drinks were strong and the music was LIVE.  Wine, long island ice teas, mai tais, and cosmopolitans were flowing.  Lots of music from the 80s and 90s with a little current day hip hop (if that’s what you want to call it) thrown in for good measure.  Just the way I like it.  But let me tell ya - after several hours with four other women in their late twenties and early thirties, I’ve resigned to accept the fact that I’m getting old.  Mind you, I’m still in my early thirties too, but just call me Sophia from the Golden Girls! LOL!  By 2am, I was sleepy and everyone else was still pumped with energy.  For the next hour, I was begging them…take me home, I’m old, shyt! LOL!

Around 5am, I finally crawled into bed.  The next morning, my shoulders, knees and thighs felt like I just had reconstructive sugery.  Man, I’ve never hurt so bad!! LOL!  My friends had to check on me because they thought I needed a visit to the emergency room. Ha!

THE SPA: $0

I attempted to unwind and regroup on Saturday morning by going solo for a facial.  Being the price conscious person that I am, I decided to try out this Esthetic Institute that offered discounted spa services performed by students.  Hmm…let’s just say, a $30 facial isn’t worth FIFTY CENTS if you feel UNcomfortable the minute you walk through the door.

Dusty cabinets trying to push products?

Carpets with an original color you can’t quite make out?

Students with dingy lab coats and greasy looking hair?

I’m 10 minutes early but you can’t begin because I have to wait for another customer who is already 5 minutes late??  Say that again??????

Oh, because the rooms have shared massage beds and the instructor needs to observe two students at once.  WTF?

Despite my gut instinct, I was still willing to give it a try - until - I was handed a robe and escorted to the bathroom to change.  A horrific smell met me at the door and my eyes did not deceive me.  I wanted to hightail my arse right up out of there with the quick-ness - but - I politely handed the robe back to the instructor and said…

“I’m sorry, I change my mind.  This isn’t for me.”

To which she responded “ok, thanks for visiting!”

There was no, may I ask why?  Can we make you more comfortable?  Did we do anything wrong?  Nada!  As I walked out the door, I realized that I did the best thing and made a mental note to NEVER return.

Listen here patna, if your facility isn’t clean, I’ll be damned if you’re going to touch my face!!  Ewwwww, just ewww!! *stomach turning*

MOTHER-DAUGHTER DAY: $57

After that experience, I was determined to find another way to relax.  No Saturday birthday festivities for me.  While the other ladies attended the MJB/RT concert, I decided to honor a promise to my BabyGirl that we’d have a mother/daughter day at least once a month.

We visited Madame Tussauds wax museum, the MLK memorial library, and ate an early dinner at Fuddruckers.  Strolling the streets of DC on a sunny, breezy, Saturday afternoon without a specific destination, a specific time to be there, or a care in the world was therapy for my mental and physical state.  To add icing to the cake, BabyGirl said she had a good time.  Perrrfect.

DINNER AND A MOVIE: Free Movie Tix + $35

On Sunday, the birthday festivities continued.  First, three of us hit up the movie theater to see The Women.  It was an “ok” chic flick, but not the type of movie you’d rush out to see.  It reminded me of a watered down Sex and the City - without the sex - or the city.  Yep, that’s it.  Nothing else to say.  Moving on…

We met up with another girlfriend and headed to dinner at the waterfront Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse.  The birthday girl was the only one who had not eaten at a Japanese restaurant before, so this was quite the experience for her.  When we were seated at the grill with two couples, we were a little apprehensive because we didn’t want to disturb their romantic evening with our shenanigans.  But they actually turned out to be cool people.  And lawd, was one lady talkative!  I wanted to say, GIRL HUSH!!  But you can tell when you meet someone who doesn’t get out much. LOL!

The food was delish, the conversation was light, and the laughs were plentiful.  One dude was so sharp with his crisp suit and top hat, my girlfriend told him he was “casket ready” - I’m dying laughing writing this - and he said “thanks beautiful” like it was a compliment. ROFL!  But the most memorable event of the night involved the grill fire and Ms. Mouth Almighty’s fake hair.  My other girlfriend told the cook,  [Dollar Bill voice] “You know you done fugged up, right?”  OMG!  I think I swallowed a piece of chicken whole! LMAO!!  I still wonder if he did that on purpose just to make her STFU! LOL!

Overall, it was a good night, a great weekend, and we had a ball.  Well worth the money spent.

Now back to the real world…

The CSS grind is driving me to drinking…in the AM! LOL!