Fabulous on a Budget!

I'm a girl and I like what most girls like, shopping, drinks with my best friends, obsessing about what humidity does to my hair, and yearning over other women's nice shoes.

But aside from all that I'm a Latina.

And Latina woman were raised to learn how to be fabulous on a budget, from clipping coupons to asking Titi Laura to do your hair instead of paying at a salon full price.

I embrace my girlie girl-ism and my roots. Just because this economy isn't up to par doesn't mean I cant be a fashionista.

Call me a "Recessionista"

Here are a few tips on how to live fabulously without having to spend mucho dinero.

1. Purchase gift cards online from others:

People always need and want money, especially in this economy so they're are looking for anything to sell for some quick cash. One of the items that is ahead of the list is gift cards/ store credit they have. No matter what gift cards equal money. They either got it as a present, won it, or it have left over money from an item they returned that they couldn't get a refund for.

I love Craigslist.com and Ebay.com as I am always checking for deals on these websites. It's a great place to find people selling these gift cards with huge discounts. I recently bought an American Apparel gift card valued at $175 for just $125! That's a definite 30% discount!

Look for these gift cards online on www.Craigslist.com, www.Ebay.com, www.Backpage.com, www.Kijiji.com but always make sure to check the gift card value with the store it comes from before you give them any money for it.

2. Go back to school:

I don't know any female that doesn't like to indulge in an occasional massage, pedicure, or facial.

Since we are on a budget, we shouldn't have to go to an expensive spa since many massage and beauty schools offer the same services for half the price.

You can find many great schools through www.Yelp.com. They also have reviews where you can compare and contrast to make a better choice.

3. Happy Hour at Tu Casa:

My girls and I love to meet up for Happy Hour after a stressful day of appointments, errands, childcare, & work. Its always a great way to catch up and relieve stress but all those drinks even at a discounted price can really put a dent in your cartera.

Invite your girls over to your place and if it goes well you can take turns for the next "Happy Hour" amongst your friends so your not always hosting it. You can buy a bottle at the liquor store and make it fun by looking online for recipes. You can all get loose for only $10 bucks each. Plus, you can control your own music and don't have to deal with interruptions from other people.

4. Thrifty Fashion:

I love going to thrift stores and buying books at .25 cents a pop instead of paying $10 and up for a paperback and thats not the only good thing about a thrift store. If you like shopping (like I do) going through all sorts of clothing to find a funky outfit is actually pretty fun plus you'll own an outfit that no one else has. I always find the craziest accessories which is stuff from the 70's, & 80's that people donate.

Sometimes the coolest stuff out there was owned by someone else. Look for cool stuff in flea markets, garage/ yard sales that are usually listed on Craigslist. Also, Ebay & Freecycle.com have some cool stuff at next to nothing prices. My favorite thrift store that I just discovered is Unique. They have many stores throughout the tri-state area and they can be easily googled for more information.

5. Someone else's basura (trash) can be your tesoro (treasure):

This is an oldie but a goodie and it also applies to your ex. (haha)

But it is true how your "crap" may be another ladies new item and vice versa.

Set up a clothing swap with friends. Invite everyone to bring clothes they don't use, want, or need anymore and you'll be surprised to see how many items you want that others would have merely thrown away or donated. I scored a couple of dresses from girlfriends that didn't fit right on them but looked great on me! It's also a perfect excuse to catch up with friends without having to spend the money.

Happy fabulous-ness!

<3

Sweets