Maintaining Normality

nor·mal·i·ty

nôrˈmalədē/

noun

noun: normalcy

1. the condition of being normal; the state of being usual, typical, or expected.
2. 
   

Saving all of our money has definitely not been easy.

It's actually been pretty difficult, because we are so used to living our life however we want- eating out 3-4 times per week, spending Friday nights out with friends (spending money), and spending my few days off going crazy and splurging hardcore.

We've been well-behaved, though.

Since we have started this saving money thing we have been eating out 0-1 times per week. We only do it because we need to maintain normality.

And when we do it eat out, we make sure it's either at my work (I get an employee discount, and the food is amazing) or we make sure we have a coupon (my birthday helped a lot with this).

P.S. This means no alcohol with dinner on these nights. Because it's a waste of money.

When we hangout with friends we are doing things that are FREE - movie night, game night, free events, etc.

And, lucky for us, we bought events really far in in advance- so we have some things that come up that seem free since we paid for them 6+ months ago.

For example, we spent our Friday night in Orlando seeing Orlando City Lions play their last friendly match before their season starts. We bought our season tickets about 8 months ago- so it seems completely free, not to mention this will take up most of Jordan's weekends until we leave for our trip. AND, we will be selling the tickets for the dates we are gone. It will seem like extra cash in our pocket!

My point is this, even when you are on a budget you need to maintain normality. 

It's no different than a "diet." If you focus too much on the things you can't have, instead of the things you can have- you're bound to fall off the bandwagon, and fall.

Even if I do have a day of weakness where I didn't plan well and need to buy my lunch out- I make a wise decision, and I try not to get discouraged.

Instead, I just make sure to somehow make up that few dollars through one of my nifty extra cash sites.

If you missed that post you can see it here (:

We need to continue living our normal lives, but making slight changes to better ourselves.

We have decided to continue budgeting tightly until my student loans are paid off, and we are at least 50% done paying off Jordan's car.

We now know that we CAN budget, and we CAN watch our spending, and even still be happy!

If you're in need of any saving tips please let me know. I have an entire excel sheet laid out through March (right before our trip) tracking all of our checks and balances so that I could estimate how much money we would save before the trip!

Xoxo,

     B <3

How to Make Extra Cash

I'm sure you've all been on Facebook before and noticed all of the sponsored posts by bloggers/authors advertising ways to make extra cash.

Well, as it turns out, some of them work really, really great!

Jordan and I have really been trying to earn as much extra cash as we can for our trip.

I've decided to pull a list together of how we've been earning extra cash.

And trust me when I say this -- IT IS EASY.

It definitely takes some time, though.

1. Ebay/OfferUp/Facebook Yard Sales.

We have gone through our closet, our spare rooms, and all of our extra stuff that we have lying around, and we have found so many items (new and used) that we will never use. We have been selling our own stuff that doesn't mean much. We usually donate (regularly) to a wonderful local thrift store. However, for this short period of time we have been selling our stuff that we don't need- and we've made about $200 off of the stuff! Not to mention we finally sold our wrecked motorcycle for $400. It's almost Spring time anyway, might as well clean out your closets and benefit a bit!

2. Cash Rewards.

This is an application that is definitely available for iPhones and Android Phones. I know this, because we have tried with both of the phone. This is probably my favorite way to earn cash! You literally spin a "cash wheel" which you get coins for. It is 100% FREE (my favorite), and you can either cash out using gift cards OR you can get cash for a percentage! Together, Jordan and I have already earned $26.42 as of today. However, if you decide for the cash option you can't pull the cash until you reach $50.00 which is really acceptable. We love this application! You can invite friends and earn extra cash if you have an Android phone. This application makes money on advertisements. Note: 600 coins = $1.00. So it definitely takes some serious time to earn the larger amounts of money- but it's super easy and takes little to zero effort. Easy, easy money! Click here to join me (: 

3. Swagbucks!

Jordan isn't really participating in this way of earning extra cash, but I am well on my way to earning some decent money. This site has an application which can be used on all devices I believe. You earn cash by watching videos, answering surveys, and shopping. Additionally, there is a daily poll which earns you a penny for each day that you answer a question. Hint: We play videos on our computer while it is muted in the background, while we do whatever we really want to do. This way we are earning the cash but not really being sucked into watching the videos- yet still earning money. So far I have made $17.38 using two different accounts (one is used much more frequently than the other). The only catch is that with you can only get giftcards, no actual cash. But hey, I'm good with that.

Interested in this? Here is the link: Click Here

4. Shopkick.

I know that a few of you received an invitation to join Shopkick from me. It probably looked like a scam- but really, it isn't. Using Shopkick you can get cash for walking into stores and scanning advertised items. Just for opening your application each day you will receive 1-3 Shopkick points! With Shopkick 500 points = $2.00 in rewards With this application, you again, have to use your points for gift cards- but that's okay, because we all need to visit Walmart at least occasionally. So far, Jordan and I together have 3,073 points ($12.29). Granted, we can't use this as frequently as the other applications since you need to be in the store. However, I still think it is definitely worth it!

Interested? Phone Application Only. Here is the link: Click Here

5. Applications.

Walmart has an application and you can use Savings Catcher to scan you receipt and get any cash back (I have earned $2.97). You use this cash back to receive a Walmart gift card- easy and free!
Target has Cartwheel, it's a place that offers coupons and deals for items in the store. You can't earn true cash from this, however, if you love Target, you need this application in your life! I'm sure there are many other applications and sites that are helpful. Feel free to share any extra knowledge with me- I'd love to continue checking out additional options. Besides, I am looking for extra ways to earn money. Especially if they can be done from home, or on a regular basis with good earning results.

Thank you all for reading- I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any questions!

::Budgeting::

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

For those of you who know me on a personal level, this probably won't be too shocking to you. But to those of you know either don't know me at all, or know me from afar, you may be more surprised.

I'VE NEVER BEEN ON A BUDGET BEFORE.

Like never.

I began working when I was 14 and I spent the money to go a trip to Hawaii. By the time I was 17 my goal was to buy a car, so I just saved enough to get a car. But since then, I haven't needed to budget.

Which is totally great. And totally regrettable.

You should see my closet. I don't mean this in a bragging manner - I'm out of control.

Last year I threw away 60 pair of underwear that were older, etc. I still have an entire drawer full. I have literally never ran out, and probably wouldn't for months.

I own at least 40 pairs of shoes. I have 20+ pairs of jeans (I LIVE IN FLORIDA), and nearly 40 pairs of shorts. Not to mention the purses, ohhhhh the purses. 

It's completely out of control.

I've always felt that I should be able to buy what I want when I want, and that's always been that. And so, that's how I've lived. Don't worry, my hubby is guilty too.

Each year we spend all of our available time off of work in Ohio, visiting family for the holidays. We usually take a couple of weekend trips to the beach, but beyond that we don't really do real vacations. We live in "paradise" and haven't needed to buy anything crazy (other than household things like a recent hot water heater). 

But now, since we've decided to officially go on this trip we are budgeting. No, we really are.

The word still makes me feel uncomfortable. We've been doing this for about 40 days now.

And successfully so, I must say. 

However, I wish I could go back in time and start this from the beginning. Because, believe it or not, I'm really enjoying the organization behind the budgeting. I have set up a beautiful excel sheet that is extremely specific to our life, and I update it every single day. Not to mention, we would be able to go on many more adventures/trips.

Not to mention I have found so many easy ways of making extra cash to help save. 

No worries, I will be letting you all in on our secrets in my next post. I'll start calculating everything now to let you know exactly how much extra cash we have made in the past 40 days!

WINNER

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe Campaign, or who purchased Scentsy from me.

We are appreciative from the bottom of our hearts!

Our campaign is still live- and we plan on keeping it up until the middle of March. 

Click here to be directed to that page.

Congratulations to Lauren Konopinski!

Again, thank you to everyone who participated in the event!

Passport

So excited that I went to get my Passport today!!

It only took about 9 days to get an appointment at first available in the latest time possible, & the lady was super nice (which is super rare with post office personnel).

She also gave me wonderful tips on places that are "must sees" as she previously lived in Europe for 2 years before coming to the United States.

My passport should be in within the month, yay!!!

If anyone has any tips on the things that we must see or do during my trip, please share them with me! We are still trying to figure everything out, and can use all the help we can get!

The countries we definitely want to see include: Italy, Spain, France, and Germany!

A sneak peek of my Passport photo (I randomly have to keep a copy?)

P.S. Don't forget that the last day to place a Scentsy order to be put in the drawing for a free warmer is tomorrow!! Order is going in first thing Sunday morning. Use the party name "Last Winter Party"

http://brittanygraham.scentsy.us

GIVEAWAY!

Hey guys!

Thanks so much for visiting my page.

It's time for a GIVEAWAY!

However, it's also kind of a fundraiser for our European Trip in April (:

Needless to say, there will definitely be more giveaways coming up in the near future.

This giveaway isn't as "free" as my usual giveaways, as it is definitely more like a fundraiser.

But I promise there will be a free giveaway in the near future.

There are different ways of entering this giveaway, though (:

Giveaway ends: 01/29/16

How to enter:

1. You must share this direct post link, or share the post linked to Facebook

Then there are 2 ways of getting in on this event:

2. You can either place a Scentsy order through myself, or through my website using the "Last Winter Party" Party. You can access the website here: http://brittanygraham.scentsy.us 

Feel free to message me and order through Facebook.

(If you livenear Tampa, I can order for you so that you will receive free shipping).

OR

3. You can make a $5 donation (or more, of course) through our Go Fund Me page. You can access this website here: https://www.gofundme.com/EuroTrip16

**If you have already donated, you will automatically be placed into the drawing**

THE PRIZE:

A brand new Angora Deluxe Scentsy Warmer, still in the box!

Along with it will be 1 Scentsy bar ($35 value)

P.S. If a male wins, I will find a more appropriate prize if requested (even though warmers are pretty gender friendly)

Happy Hump Day, friends!

As always, thanks for visiting.

"Cancer Saved My Life"

I have been lucky enough to be placed at an amazing Oncology center as part of my "enrichment" rotation through my school's coordinated dietary program.

Today marks 2 weeks at the facility, with 10 actual days on campus.

I began staff relief at their site yesterday, on my 9th day at the facility- this just means I am 100% on my own, unless I have questions or request help from someone.

I was so worried going into this part of my rotation that I would be surrounded by hurt, fear, and extreme illness that I was very worried.

However, my experience has been quite the opposite.

This facility has inspired me so much. I have already met the most wonderful, cheerful, positive people. It's incredible, and still- so heartbreaking.

Every single person at this hospital either has cancer, or has previously fought cancer.

Many of them are still fighting.

Quickly, I just wanted to share a story of a patient with you: This is of a story of a man that I met today. A man that will forever stick with me in life.

Before seeing patients I look into their medical chart and learn everything I can in about 10 minutes. I focus on their past and present, as it is all relevant when it comes to nutrition.

With this man particularly, I noticed that he had lost 67 pounds, which was about 27% of his body weight in 8 months. 27%. This is a Dietitian's nightmare.

However, before I freaked out, I wanted to meet this guy.

I enter the room to a man smiling ear-to-ear only 1 day after a massive surgery. And yet, he smiled. He has not eaten in 4 days now, they are not progressing his diet, and they are worried that something did not go right- and still, smiles.

I couldn't help but feel a little confused, yet reassured by his mannerisms post major body issues.

As we speak he explains that he had intentionally lost the weight, though more quickly than he ever anticipated. The patient told me that as soon as he found out he had cancer, he immediately put away the sugars, dropped breads, and picked up the fruits and vegetables.

And then, he adds, "You know what... cancer saved my life."

I'm most positive my jaw literally dropped. 

I have felt pretty sick all week, and I have honestly complained about it at  least 5 times each day, because I feel like crap, feel like I look like crap, and I'm stressed the hell out about life.

Then today, I meet this man. A man who has been fighting cancer (3 different types throughout his entire body for a couple of years) and he manages to find a way to be "thankful" to have cancer.

So you know? Who cares that I don't feel well? Nobody here feels well either. 

WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE.

Also, where do I find more people like this?
 (Not sick people, genuinely thankful, kind, positive people)

This patient explained that he was not feeling well for a long while, and that when he finally went to an oncologist to be checked based on symptoms they had found his blood-pressure to be critically high. The doctors told him he was lucky he hadn't already had a heart attack, stroke... or die. 

He immediately changed his life around to become a healthier person. He made promises to his family, he told me, and he had to keep them.

I am confident in saying that those who are faced with cancer are some of the strongest individuals I will ever have the pleasure of meeting.

My closing statement is this: "Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day"

Even on our worst days, others have it worse.

Let's all try to inspire one another to become better humans.

Let us learn from each other.

Happiness is Not A Destination

When you were 14 years old and someone asked you where you'd be in 10 year, what would you have said?

If you ask your parents, they will probably have the answer for you.

For me- my answer was always "successful." Still to this day, that's my answer. I'm always so unsure of where life might take me that I never felt comfortable enough to be any more specific than that. Besides, who wants to set limits for themselves?

With the help of the internet and social media market, we have so many resources and opportunities at our finger-tips. Again, for every situation there is an exception (we can't ALL be Dietitians *wink wink*). However, if we really want to accomplish something in life we will find a way to make it happen.

I'll be 23 next month, and as young as I may be considered, I feel like I haven't done enough. There hasn't been enough spontaneous adventures, not enough time playing hookie, not enough time being a teenager, let alone a young adult.

I've spent almost every moment of my life since I was 14 years old, building and building and building. 

There's this ridiculous viscous cycle I find myself running no matter where I am in life, or what I am doing.

"Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life."

And yet here I am: Blogging, Going to School, Supervised Practice Rotations, Scentsy, Bartending, Distracting, Procrastinating, Worrying, Hiding, Vacation. And it begins all over again.

I'm not a good blogger because I can't consistently stay happy with my life long enough to continue having the time/patience/happiness to continue doing so.

I'm in no way clinically depressed, or in need of any help (I mean, I could use some help... but it would be with catching up on a lot of shit).

I'm just in need of a permanent yes.

I am so ready to stop using up all of my positive energy so quickly, only to find myself on the bottom half of the cycle yet again. Sure, it's short-term and I resume to my normal self. 

The stress of figuring out what the hell I want to be when I grow up is finally here. And still, I HAVE NO IDEA.

When I began school, of course I didn't know. But each year I'd say- "Oh, I don't know, but I'm sure I'll figure it out." Here I am, 1.5 months from finishing school and I'm still clueless. But also anxious. Anxious in a way that I'm excited to start the moving on process, not in the give me a prescription drug way (usually). 

Anyway, I'm writing this because this is kind of where I'm at in life (on the upper, beautiful side, of the vicious cycle). I'm guessing there are others out there, too. Just like me. Falling in circles over, and over again.

Know that you're not alone. Know that happiness is a way of life. If there is something eating you whole, get rid of it today. Start making changes now. Do what makes you happy, what will make your life happy. 

For me -- I'm getting the hell out of dodge for a little bit (that's the plan, at least). And then, I'm going to find a career that I love, and will killllllllllll because I'll be so good.

My goal is this: One more destination to create some happiness, then onto better things. Step 2. Creating a happy way of life. 

Europe from April 5 - May 5 

I could use some help, though. We are looking for any friends/family/kind strangers to donate $5 to our trip. I am only currently working 6 paid shifts a month due to my high-demanding school/supervised practice schedule. If you can, I thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart.

The only thing better than retail therapy is wanderlust therapy.

https://www.gofundme.com/eurotrip16

New Year, Same Ol' Me

New Year, Same 'Ol Me

Happy Belated New Year to my dearest friends, family, and internet searchers. 

I don't think it is to early to know that things haven't changed with me much, even though it has been quite awhile since I've written anything non-medically related down on a computer or paper.

Welcome to the new year.

The year where you can either create a new you, or just stick with the old you- guessing that one was working pretty well before the last digit of a 4-number date changed.

Anyway, I'm clearly still the same. I planned on starting my blog back this year.

Successful? Yes.

Late? Always.

Fashionably? Yours to determine.

BUT I'M HERE.

I am so here.

You have no idea.

SO many things to update you all on. So many fun stories to tell. So many disgusting stories to tell. And even still, many sad.

I'm keeping it a goal of mine to write one blog a week.

They will (should) contain more entertaining and useful information than this blog. This is just a head's up blog, because I AM BACK! 

For real this time.

I think.

Here's a quick summary of the past 7 months I've been gone.

Pinning Ceremony. Special Olympics. Vomiting. Student Nutrition Services. Cancer. Las Vegas. Ohio. Rehabilitation Center. Ohio. New Year. Married Men. Oncology. EUROPE (sneak peek link).

More to come -- soon!

 gofund.me/EuroTrip16