A Diva's Dream: Rags to Riches

This being my first month with a budget, I wanted to share how ti was going. So far I am just about half way through February, but my budget thinks otherwise. 

I have done well on gas. Filled up ($40.00) on the 1st and then not again until the 10th! Probably will only need one more tank for the month. Bringing me to $120 in gas, and I budgeted $150. As mentioned in my previous post, I will be driving home to get my sister for the weekend. This shouldn't make me go over budget, but right up to it. 

Dining out is going to be my biggest struggle. It is a completely social thing for me. Although the other day I did have a friend over and we made stir fry! We split the cost, so it only ended up costing me $8. I also had some left over the next day for lunch! I also had some friends from out of town and we stayed in and made dinner! 

My health/beauty section is also pretty much maxed out, but due to doctors orders I had go to buy vitamins that cost me $60. These will last me 3 months so it averages out $20 a month. aanndd... I might have taken a trip to the spa.. but I did have a gift card! Mostly only cost me a tip!


I am really impressed that I am tracking everything I spend! Although I now realize how much I spend and it's a little bit scary! I have worked very hard to keep it down though. We will see if I make it to the end of the month. 

Did anyone else have trouble when they first started budgeting? Share!

So my dining out budget is twice that of groceries. I know, I know, you are all saying thats crazy!! BUT, I do work in a restaurant which I receive 50% off my meals. Also having to work 6 days a week, it is also quite convinent. While having lunch with my dad the other day we were discussing why this is so high. 

Well, if I were to go buy all the ingredients for a certain dish I would like to make, It would generally cost me around $15, depending on what I make. Yes, I would have left overs for a second, third, or maybe even forth meal, but I am not usually home to eat them and they just go bad. So if I order something at work, and eat there, or take it home, I can have that same meal, if not better for about half that price. Also depending on what I order it can be a lot cheaper. 
So this can cut back on food costs for me, and the convince of not actually having to cook for my self! Lets face it.. anyone who knows me, knows I DON'T cook.

For example, a friend and I shared fajitas the other night, even added extra chicken ( we were hungry! ), and for everything it was only $6 each! That included, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, wraps, onions, peppers, and chicken. I would say thats a good deal for $6 each. Bonus: We didn't have to cook OR clean up! Thats my favorite part! 

So yes my 'dining out' budget is high, but I get better food then I would buy at the grocery store, and for cheaper! For me, it just makes cents! (pun intended, hehe)