Crisis Management

hiya!

So, last Wednesday, as I was going through the employee handbook and orientation materials for my new part-time job at Caribu Coffee... my purse was stolen.

Everything was inside it, including my social security card because I needed to prove my employment status and what not. My phone, AMEX, Discover Card, Chase debit card, license and house keys were in it. Not to mention the mini lotions, sun screens, mints and lip glosses I have grown to love (and rely on).

This blog entry will be about how to handle this crisis and be prepared for it as well.

Okay... for the preparedness side of things. Memorize at least 3 close family members and friends numbers. This will help you out much more than you know. Make sure a close friend has a copy of your keys as well as your landlords number. (this close friend should be one of the numbers you have memorized)

At home have one file, unmarked with all your credit card and bank account numbers and customer service numbers. Give them a call and they'll know what to do. It also isn't a bad idea to give this info to a parent or very trusted friend. That way you can cancel things ASAP and not have to wait until you get home.

Second, call the police. Usually 311 is the non-emergency number. Report everything and describe it with as much detail as possible. This will help you record the full value of things that were lost. Ask for a copy of the report and make sure you've got a number to contact the station if you need to.

If you've got renters insurance you may be able to make a claim. (This is where recording everything is important). The way renters insurance works is that you have to estimate the cost to replace everything new. So the phone that you lost might have only cost you $50 but if you don't have an upgrade or incentive available from your wireless carrier... it could cost you $150!

Finally... get over it. It is just stuff! You'll be able to replace the credit cards, trinkets and most likely pictures (they're all digital now anyways). And... you'll never leave your purse on the back corner of your chair again!

Coming up next... quick (and cheap) tricks for cooking FAB food at home!

For now, be save (hang on to those purses) and have a good rest of the week!

Loves!!

Decorate a Bathroom on a Budget (and with style!)

Hello!

My Aunt Gini requested some tips for bathroom decorating... here's what I "know" (have stolen from Home Depot, HDTV and MTV Cribs)

Biggest No No... those towel things that lay around the foot of the toilet and the seat covers. You're just shouting out that you have no clue it is 2009... or that it isn't 1987 anymore.

Next biggest No No... any color that isn't neutral. Painting can be a hassle, especially in small and often oddly shaped spaces like bathrooms. If you can get a color that you like that is neutral, you'll only have to paint once and can change the accessories if you need an update.

Also, with paint colors, stick with "warm" tones of whatever neutral you choose. It honestly will make you look better as you put your make up on. And on that note... NO florescent lighting! It washes you out and you'll put on way too much make-up and look foolish.

Biggest trends - and things I really like
- Large floor and wall tiles, (12 in x 12 in) again in neutral colors
- Track lighting (depending on size of bathroom... and it can be done without a contractor!)
- Glass tile mosaics (1 in x 1 in)

As far as finding the colors you like... grab Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and/or Restoration Hardware Catalogs and rip out the things you like. Even if they aren't for bathrooms. Then once you've compiled, sort through once or twice and eliminate things and rank the others. This will help you with your color scheme and will also help you discover your style if you don't know what it is yet!

Okay, now for the budget part. The most expensive things to replace are faucets and lighting so if you are on a budget or are happy with your current hardware just leave it! Measure the size of the bathroom so you do not waste paint. Also, the best type of paint to use is one that is "glossy" because it resists moisture (and bathrooms are moist places).

Then if you are handy, or crafty try a DIY project! I wouldn't recommend major renovations, or any tiling in the tub or shower, but around the mirror is a fun way to update. Visit Home Depot and have them help explain the details to you.

Another quick, and cheap, way to update or change your bathroom is to get a new shower curtain (if you don't have doors). Another is to have a couple sets of coordinating towels, then every couple of weeks switch one color scheme with the other so you get some variety (which is the spice of life, right)

I am a fan of putting little picture frames on the bathroom counter (instead of tooth brushes, which should be put in the medicine cabinet to keep them clean). These pictures shouldn't be of your pet, or favorite family member. They should be still life style, so flowers, fruits or objects. If you're able I LOVE cutting out make-up products from magazines and putting them in a frame. Another favorite of mine is buying mini calendars (and now is the best time... the 2009 ones are on clearance) and framing them. You can get a calendar of whatever you fancy, it is a great way to personalize.

Then get thrifty with your purchases... drive out to the rather ritzy areas around you and see if they're having Rummage Sales. They've probably got good stuff! Or check craigslist.com but always make sure to take a buddy if you pick something up... and request pictures! Safety First!

Alrighty it is time for me to make some dinner... tonight is grilled chicken with vegetables and a balsalmic reduction. Sounds so fancy right? I'll share the "recipe" tomorrow.

Loves - e*ricks

I'm back!

Hello Loyal Blog Readers... (hi Mom)

So, I've been very negligent over the last year in blogging. But to summarize, I worked for a year in California, really enjoyed my time out there, missed my family and friends in the Midwest so I quit my job and moved to Chicago.

Now I'm a stay-at-home girlfriend. I've decided to refocus the blog on surviving in the city without a job but still doing it all! The posts will revolve around job searching, saving money and still living a fab life.

I'm still hammering out the details but I'm thinking of doing a new recipe a week that will be good for two or more meals, finding free activities and staying sane without a 9 to 5 job.

Can't wait to get it started! See you soon - e*ricks