'Cause I'm On Display, On Display, On Display

    It's no secret that I love all the Real Housewives. I love watching other people's lives unfold and a lifestyle that I could only dream of. The one thing that I find hilarious is that there are now 3 housewives who have recorded singles.

    This housewife phenomenon all began when Kim from Atlanta recorded "Don't Be Tardy for the Party" This was one of the dumbest songs I have ever heard. I just loved it when NeNe sang her version of it. The single was a huge hit amongst a certain demographic, but not mine.

    Then the beloved Countess Luann from NYC came out with her first single "Money Can't Buy You Class" Well you're so right. The Countess is loaded and has no class because she is just rude and throws her title around. Let's see if she ever remarries because if she does she has to lose the title. Womp womp. The Countess recently came out with her second hit, "Chic, C'es La Vie" I'm pretty sure the Countess is the one singing but Jill is the star of the video. It's a great laugh.

    With all this said, there is now one housewife who actually has talent and that's Melissa from New Jersey. She's been signing her whole life and one day her Joe told her this should be her career. When I saw that episode I was like o boy here we go again and I was extremely skeptical until her single, "On Display" was released. All the lyrics were taken from poems that Melissa has written so it is heartfelt and has meaning. Now I know this is not going to be the next big hit but it is extremely catchy and I give her props for actually being able to sing and not have it mixed like the others. 

    Confession, bought the single on iTunes today and keep playing it on repeat. #sorryimnotsorry 

    Now I'm just waiting for Teresa to have a single so she can "one up" her sister-in-law. #getoverit

In the meantime go listen!

XO Katie

Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake

It is no secret...

My name is Katie

and I have an obsession with cupcakes

Living in the Burg there are no real bakeries but when I came to school my world was changed when I was introduced to the world of cupcakes. I blame my obsession on Leemaw. One day, the day the infamous KFC double down was released, Leemaw and I piled into her bug to go to Tyson's Corner. At Tyson's, Leemaw asked me if I've ever had a Cake Love cupcake...that answer was no. So I had my first  ever, what I call boutique cupcake. I had red velvet, a go to flavor. My life was changed. Since that day I have been a self-proclaimed cupcake connoisseur. I have had the whole gambit and even had my Little make me a cupcake paddle! By far, my favorite have been Sprinkles. I highly recommend the Vanilla Milk Chocolate or the Praline one, which I got free one day. What I love even more than cupcakes is free cupcakes! I love that there are daily words that you just have to say and a little piece of heaven is given to you for free. I love a good deal...especially on cupcakes. So this morning when Lynn texted me and told me to check my email I knew it was going to be good...A GROUPON FOR A DOZEN CUPCAKES FOR $20!!! Needless to say I lost it...and bought two. Now will I be able to eat 24 cupcakes...maybe...don't challenge me because you know I'll do it. Being realistic I will share my 24 cupcakes so be nice and you may be in luck! I hope that one day if this whole government business doesn't work out that Lynn and I will open Crescent Crown Cupcakery so I can share my love of cupcakes with everyone! In the mean time, keep calm and eat a cupcake.

XO Katie 

Worrying about money. NS. Having money. TSM

While writing this, I'm going to be careful not to sound too preachy or anything like that, because I'm still figuring this out for myself.

Hello, my name is Lynn and I love to shop.  I am NOT financially responsible.  I often spend money without thinking about it.  Sometimes, I even "pre-spend" money that I'm expecting on my next paycheck. Yes, some of my purchases are necessary, but the majority are not.  As I write this post, I have 4 tabs open of things I'm eyeing to buy online.

They say that admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovering.  Well, I'm ready to change and I have a plan.

I'm going to stick to the following financial tips:

1. I will write down every purchase I make: My online banking tracks this for me, but writing down a description like "$31.25 for Lilly planner" helps to make my spending more concrete.

2. I will assess the cost-per-use of my purchases: I think this is an important tip.  A $50 J. Crew cardigan may be a larger up-front investment.  However, I will wear the cardigan 30+ times just this season.  That works out to just $1.66 per use.  As the cost gets closer to $0, the purchase is smarter.

3. I will make shopping lists:  This is a no-brainer.  I love Target and it is so easy to walk out with $100 of stuff when all I needed was shampoo.  I hope that making a list will help me be more responsible.

4. I will stop pre-spending my money: I will stop planning for the money I will have and start focusing on the money I have now.

5. I will stick to my financial goals: Every school year, I pledge to keep a certain amount of money in my savings account.  This year, I will write down that goal and stick to it throughout the semester.

Through all of these, I hope I can see some signs of improvement.  After all, I am becoming a "real" adult #terrifying #wheredidmychildhoodgo

XO Lynn