DAY SIX

This day was my birthday.

And in true birthday fashion, I did not spend too much!

I made an appointment over lunch to get my eyebrows waxed. I absolutely HATE plucking them myself and would much rather have hot wax applied and ripped off than having each little hair pulled out individually . . . and it also is a "service" so paying someone to do it for me puts some money in their pockets and helps support them. SEE!!! Services!!! I wasn't able to tell if she used reusable cloth or throw-away paper to do the waxing (my eyes were closed!) but that would be a good way to SAVE resources. Of course, I have no idea if the used wax with hair stuck on it would be washable, but it's worth the thought! I also don't know exactly what the "wax" was comprised of . . . different places I have gone to have used different substances--some using "wax substitutes."

Salons are such a weird area . . . you are paying for a service, but for a lot of those services products are used that might not necessarily be so good for the environment. And there are SO many natural beauty techniques and ingredients for products! Might be worth looking into "green" salons.

Then, I was hungry and again did not have any quick fixes so I went to HyVee and bought a bag of Flat Earth chips . . . overpriced, but sooo good. And "natural." I dipped them in leftover ranch dressing I had from the day before's lunch. And I got a candybar . . . I needed my sweets!!!

I left work early and took a nap on my couch with the door open . . . I am not going to turn my AC on at my apartment AT ALL. I only have a few more weeks there, so I think I can pull it off--though I do love being COMFORTABLE.

Then, I drove (necessary evil when you live 25 miles away) to DSM for birthday dinner. I am glad that 2.5 years ago and made such a responsible choice in buying my car based on its mileage!!! I can't even imagine how much money I've saved on gas . . .

Dinner was good (bought for me) and we sure did eat all the chips that Mexican restaraunts automatically put on the table! I was so full from the chips/salsa/queso/margarita that I only had ONE BITE of my dinner, but I brought it home so I have lunch today! (Will be discussed tomorrow). But of course--STYROFOAM.

Total Expenses: $19 ($16 for brow wax)

DAY THREE: BALLS OUT

Yesterday morning started off with a trip to Walgreens. I had photos to print-off and pick-up for Emily's bachelorette party gift, and I also picked up colored index cards and stickers for the project. The stickers were only fifty cents, or else I wouldn't have bought them! I did buy a cheese danish for breakfast, though. BOO URNS. The stuff I got for the gift was pretty inexpensive, then I went ahead and got $20 cash back for spending money for the night.

I headed over to Karen's for the party. The gift went over very well! Karen made a lot of appetizers, so I stuffed myself on them so I would spend less on dinner. I was very responsible at dinner. There was guacamole and salsa for the table to share, and a bunch of us shared pitchers of margaritas and sagria. I ordered a cheap tamale appetizer for my meal and it was really good. My total bill was $12, which included a 20% gratuity, but I added another $1 anyways . . . tipping is an area where I will not scrimp, as it directly benefits the server and is what they LIVE ON!!! And if I spend more than I plan on, it's better for that money to be spent on SERVICES rather than GOODS that I don't necessarily need. I can live with that.

I used my cash at the first bar and probably bought more than I should have, but it was a special occassion and I wanted to make sure I was "giving back" since others had paid for my drinks at dinner. I spent $3 on the jukebox just to hear "Sandstorm" by Darude (you can pay extra and have your song play immediately), but that was because of a joke with Emily so I HAD to do it.

At the next bar, I spent the rest of my cash on a photobooth picture, but again--totally necessary given the situation! Just wish the photobooth was cheaper . . . but memories are PRICELESS. Then I used my debit card to buy drinks for me and Anna, but the total with tip was under $15 (not bad, considering I got a vodka red bull and a "standby drink"). And I had them run my card instead of keeping it open so I wouldn't spend anymore.

Total Expenses: About $45 . . . not bad at all for a gift, dinner, AND drinks at two bars. Well done.