{Simplify Sunday} Getting Rid of Stuff

Published on March 23, 2014March 23, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments

I am one of those people who gets excited about buying new cleaning products and cute storage containers every time the season changes. I get a game plan going and I get to work in hopes of creating a refreshed space that is “magazine ready”. I get so hyped shopping for cleaning supplies and new knickknacks, that I bite off more than can be finished in one weekend. This folks, is mistake number one since most projects like this take longer than two days. This year, I am taking another approach to spring cleaning. Since the start of the year, I have made conscious decisions to simplify my life… including finances, schedule, and home. I have realized that with two dogs and two humans in one space, the magazine ready look that I was once able to keep up might take a little more creativity than before. Before styling my home, I must first simplify.

Getting Rid of Stuff

Boy oh boy is it easy to accumulate things. Being stuck in the house during the ice storm in January gave me the opportunity to take stock of my stuff and I could not believe just how full my space was. Instead of first going out and spending money on storage solutions, I decided to get rid of 100 things like I did two years ago. This has led me to adopt a one thing in/one thing out policy so I can truthfully assess my inventory of accumulated belongings to decide if I need or even still want certain items. If I decide to keep something, I am challenging myself to use it! The nice dishes and linen napkins… USE IT! The beautiful LBD that the Mr. got me for Christmas… WEAR IT! That gourmet cooking mix that is sitting in the pantry…EAT IT! Not only is my plan to get rid of stuff going to help me in my attempt to keep a neat and organize home, but it will encourage me to make ordinary experiences even more fabulous because I am using the good china, wearing the Herve dress, and eating the gourmet food without even spending a dime. On this Simplicity Sunday, I will be taking a laundry bin worth of clothes to the local consignment store. I will try to make a little money from them, but whatever they don’t take will then go to the Goodwill or a shelter. Either way. they will not come back into my house!

What “Stuff” Do You Need to Get Rid of?

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{Business Cents} Is Thinking Like A Woman Not Enough to Become A Boss?

Published on March 20, 2014March 20, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

I like the quote “Act like a Lady, Think like a Boss”, but after admittedly over thinking it, it might not be as empowering as I once believed. Perhaps, the shift in my thought process came after the quote was expanded to say, “look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, & work like a boss”. First off, I’m not a girl, rather a grown woman climbing the corporate ladder and this quote, in my opinion, perpetuates two very poignant paradigms that have been instilled in our culture. The first, that thinking like a man yields better professional results and the second; thinking like a woman is inferior. Is thinking like a woman not enough to become a boss? Is this part of the reason gender and pay inequality is still very present in the workplace? Better yet, are we losing the “corporate game” because we are playing “like a girl”?

Join SMC next Wednesday as we begin our “Like a Girl” series as I take on topics of Women, Business, & Money explored through studies, career experts, and personal experiences. My goal is to redefine the standard of measurement while shedding light on some awesome women who are kicking ass and taking names in their careers!

Your Thoughts…?

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{Wise Words} Everyday Things Matter!

Published on March 13, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason1 Comment

I really love this quote by author Gretchen Rubin. I first heard it while reading her book, The Happiness Project, which is an account of the year she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. What are you doing every to be better?

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{Wise Words} She Is Clothed in Strength & Dignity…

Published on March 11, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

{Woman to Watch} Jen Ramos of Made By Girl

Published on March 11, 2014April 5, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments

Meet Jen Ramos!

On of my favorite things to do on Sundays is kick back and read other people’s blogs. A few years ago, I came across the online shop and blog Made By Girl, by Jen Ramos, which features all things pretty from paper goods to typographical posters! I had an instant connection to her style aesthetic and immediately started blogger crushing on Ramos. She then upped the ante, when she launched her new site, Cocoa & Hearts, where she sells gorgeous original paintings. Since following her on social media, I feel like I have gotten to know her precious and oh so fab dog Darla, her family, and get a more behind the scenes of the woman behind the brand. As a blogger and a woman in business, it is important to make a splash and let your presence be known. She is always polished, personable, and positive and that’s why she is our latest Woman to Watch!

images via MadeByGirl

Let’s Be Social!

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{Simplicity Saturday} 3 Fabulous Hair Trends That Save You Time & Money

Published on March 8, 2014March 26, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

I’m not sure when I started doing this, but the word “simplicity” has become my weekend mantra. It’s something about saying, Simplicity Saturday or Simplicity Sunday, that helps me welcome the weekend and feel relaxed and empowered to do ANYTHING…even if that means actively doing nothing. I have been so busy lately, that I have not made time for what I consider “basic upkeep” (i.e. getting my hair done). Whenever I find little pockets of time it is too late to make a hair appointment. So what is a girl to do? Try new hairstyles at home, that’s what! Below are a few of my favorite protective styles that look fabulous on all hair types, that saver time, and most importantly… simple!

Check them out!

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For the sake of “keeping it simple” I think I will be rocking style #4. Stay tuned to my instagram to see how my hair turns out 🙂

Which Style Do You Like Best?

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This morning has proved to be on of those rare occasions where I am awake before the doggies and the Mr. I thought to myself, this would be the perfect time to blog! I was preparing for a cool {Beauty Cents} post, when I realized I completely forgot about my 52 Week Money Challenge on yesterday. This week I am planning on crossing off number 27 (which I will do right after I post this) which puts me at a total of $269.00 of extra money. If you are doing the challenge, comment below on your progress. If you have yet to start, I encourage you to do so. This doesn’t have to be just a New Year’s challenge, but rather a yearly challenge. Your year starts when you start, so today is as good of day as any!

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Happy Saving!

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Happy 3rd Birthday She Makes Cents!

Published on March 1, 2014March 12, 2014 by Danielle YB Vason2 Comments

If you are going to rise, you might as well shine”.

She Makes Cents celebrates the three-year mark. TODAY..wow time goes by fast! Thanks to all of my fabulous followers for joining me on my journey to becoming financially free. I have enjoyed your comments and have been touched by your stories along the way. Your comments, emails, tweets and pins, are what make me feel like deciding to share make journey with the world was well worth it. Thank you for visiting and cheers to another year of working toward financial freedom, encouraging female financial literacy, and inspiring ways to use “cents” to live a fab life!

Pop | Clink | Fizz

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{Week 9 Update} 52 Week Challenge

Published on February 28, 2014April 4, 2014 by Danielle YB VasonLeave a comment

Hello Lovelies! It is Friday, which means it is time to contribute to your 52 Week Savings. Since restarting my Bingo Style version of the official money challenge back in January, I have saved a total of $242.00 that have been applied toward my credit card principal. I seriously cannot stress just how easy this process is. I revealed early last year that my credit card balance was up to $5300.00 and paying a little over the minimum + the 52 Bingo Style, I have gotten my balance down to $1899.00. August 1st, my goal date for a zero balance, is right around the corner and things are starting to really pick up!

Do you want a copy of my Bingo Style Money Sheet? Email Me!

Happy Saving!

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