I May Not Be Skinny, But I Do Love Donuts

One of the worst things we do is criticize ourselves.

We see the people around us and automatically compare. Judging ourselves because our clothes are from Walmart, our hair isn't beautifully long and shiny, and our make up just always has to smudge.
I can honestly say that I do this to myself so much. As I have sobbed in Walmart with my arms clutching make up (which I have no idea how to even put on, Let's be honest) and my sweet husband trying to comfort me and explain that I don't need make up to look pretty, and that beautiful girl that I saw isn't someone I should compare myself to because... well guys..... we are all different! There is not a single person you can compare yourself to, because there is no duplicate of you, and you know.. I think that's pretty dang cool!

 Maybe I can't be cute and petite and have perfect make up and hair, because I am tall, and work in a fast paced job where my hair is up and my "make up" consists of chap stick and sunblock. That is who I am. I work at an animal rescue, where you're having a fantastic day if you get home and you're not covered in pee and bite marks. I have seen too many girls feel bad about their clothes or their look. I know it may be hard to see know ladies, but you guys are all amazing. Everyone is unique, and different. How boring would it be if we all looked exactly the same? We wouldn't be able to express ourselves and be DIFFERENT!

Look in the mirror. Who do you see? 

Don't Underestimate the Power of the Budget

BUDGETING! The one word I hate hearing. It is the hardest thing for me to do, I LOVE food, and eating out, and tacos... bring on the tacos... however as a couple just starting out, and trying to afford things, it is a necessity. So the first thing I am going to say from experience, get an emergency fund going as soon as possible. Minimum $1,000. We learned that the hard way from when dear sweet Agnes decided to take a little trip to the emergency puppy hospital.

SO sad.

 Next, make sure you have money set aside for dates. Saving money is boring and you need something fun to do sometimes. Our most recent experience with budgeting and money was trying to buy a car. We had our budget for monthly payments worked out, but we all know how things NEVER go as planned. We had everything worked out with our dealer and suddenly money started to double, the numbers were not matching up. To say I started panicking was an understatement. They tried to pressure us, which made us both want to leave that much more. When you are making a huge purchase decision you need your head on straight. They set you up real nice with a seat overlooking the perfect car you picked out and they shove papers in your hand and try to rush you. BIG PURCHASES SHOULD NEVER BE RUSHED. Go home and think about it, once you get out of that situation you will be so relieved that you didn't do something stupid.


The way we worked out our monthly budget goes as follows

• WHAT WE MAKE MONTHLY: xxx
• PAYMENTS THAT NEED TO BE MADE: rent, car payments, phone bills
• MONEY TO LIVE: gas, groceries, fun (a small amount of course)  

The rest should be broken up into savings and emergency fund. (you WILL need it someday, trust me)

Once you get a good grasp on this whole budgeting thing, start paying off debt, saving for a vacation or large purchase.

It really SUCKS saving up, but you will feel so much better when you aren't looking into an empty fridge and pantry, with your card balance showing the lovely $0.00. We HAVE been there, take my advice :)

 **Learn to budget.**

The Reason for Sharing

Some might ask, why are you blogging? Sometimes I even ask myself that. Who would want to read it? Well I am writing to those people who LIVE, anyone can read it, it caters to everyone. In this blog I will be writing about everything, from budgeting, to cooking yummy dinners and treats,  to dating your spouse. How to refuse to give up.

This blog is not only for young married people. Its for everyone. Although we are on a younger side of things, we have still been through a lot. From having an emergency vet bill (Thanks Agnes), and all of our money wiped out with one swipe of our card, to moving to a completely new and hot town with no family for a job. Life can be tough. But we are in this together. I hope you will stay with me through this journey called life.

 Hopefully, you will learn something along the way. I know I will.