the gym.

Now that I'm paying more attention to where my money goes, I've realized that the $30 a month I spend for my gym membership could be better spent in other areas of my life/budget. I can justify my membership 100 different ways, but canceling it is something I'm slowly beginning to consider. Until I decide what I'm going to do, I'm trying to cut costs in other ways. For now, I'm parking on the street. Because not only is my membership $30-ish a month, it's $2 to park every time I go. If I get there early enough, I can usually find street parking... if that's not reason enough to get out of bed early, I don't know what is. So, now that I've given up my $6 smoothies and $2 parking, I'm saving myself $8 every time I go to the gym. Yikes!

Here's where I park for free.

getting my groupon.

Groupon seems to be everywhere-- You sign up and they send you daily deals on local businesses, via email, Facebook or Twitter. I've heard a couple stories about it on NPR. I'm hearing people talk about it when I'm out-and-about. My friends love it. I decided to give it a whirl. I'm just worried that I'm behind the curve. Is Groupon a thing of the past? Is there something more hip, that I'm missing out on? Is it like I'm signing up for myspace while the rest of the world is on facebook....?

I'm two days in and I have yet to experience the the wonder that is Groupon. So far, I can get a $99 "Red Carpet Chemical Peel," in Beverly Hills or I can save 51% on Dance Classes in Hollywood. Given my current financial situation, I'm not really in a position to spend money, just so I can save it. I did just realize however, that I can answer some questions about myself and they'll make sure I see the deals most relevant to me!! Better take some time to do that.

We'll see how it goes. If nothing else, I can use it as a way to explore new, fun and cheap things to do in LA. That could be fun!!

If you refer friends, you get $10 Groupon bucks... that's pretty cool. Tell them Erin sent you.

baby steps.

The plan is to keep track of every penny that goes in or out and to pinch pennies wherever possible--no more lunches out, no more $6 smoothies. The few extra cents that I save when opting for the sale item, can mean a nice bottle of wine at the end of the month. I’m still trying to justify the gym membership, but at some point that might have to go too.

Although clothes-shopping is strictly forbidden (for now), I’d like to find comfort in knowing that a girl can still be stylish without having to max out her credit card. I’m excited to spend more time in Thrift Stores and Flea Markets, sprinkling my wardrobe and home with unique and interesting items. I'm hopeful that spending some time at these places will be a great opportunity to explore my city and the people in it. Who knows, I might just find some inspiration.

Before I get overwhelmed with inspiration however, I’ve got to focus. Baby steps.