Easy little tips to save money !

You want to save for your summer vacation ? For the next school year ? For a new piece of clothe ?
Whatever your reason to start saving money, here is tips that can help you to start.

1. Make a budget 

First you have to look at your budget. How much money you need to pay your things, to eat, for gaz , for activities etc. Once you know where your money is supposed to go, you can start savings.

2. Analyse for a month all the money you spent 

For a whole month, analyse every penny that go out of your pocket. Keep all your receipts and at the end, look at what you spent. How much money did you spent that was not a necessity.

3. Start cooking and make your own coffee.

A 2 dollars here and there for coffee it's easy to spent and at the end of the month you will easily spent at least 20 $ (or more) on coffee, chocolate bar, soda etc.  This money can be saved. Yes sometimes it's good to treat yourself but on occasion only.  Same things for fast food, start packing your lunch and stop eating in fastfood.

4. Keep your dollar bills and your change  in a Jar

For a couple month, we kept all our change and dollar bills in a jar. Everytime, we have some change we kept it. One day we decided to change them at the bank and we had more than 150 $ dollars in little change!

5. Learn to do it yourself !

Your haircolor, your dog grooming, your nails, your painting job at home etc... We all have access to internet and on you tube, you can find any tutorial you need. There is no way you can't do it yourself. Learn to do small things that is going to save you money. Make some research on how to do it and try! Sometimes it will turn up as a fail (my dog first haircut by me was the proof) but you will be better with practice !

6. Sell your stuff that you don't use

For example you buy a book because you couldn't wait for it to be available at the library, once you read it, sell it. You will not have the same amount of money but it's better than to let the dust get on it.
Your old clothes, old shoes, home decor, toys etc... everything can be sell and there is a public for everything. You can sell on "sell or Trade " of your locality on facebook group, ebay, amazon, kijiji etc.

If you are running after happiness, it's time to stop!

We all know that one facebook friend that have the perfect life. Perfect home, perfect lifestyle, perfect job, perfect husband, perfect kids.... And as an human being it is prove that we are all attract by that kind of life.

Why  ? Because we were raised to be. Marketing make us thing that we NEED certain type of products to be happy. We all have our own idea of success but most of the time it is associate with money and stuff.
Someone once told me, if you are really happy in life, do you really need to show it on social media? That makes sense... The grass look always greener on your neighboor side...
Why are we obsessed to show on social media our happiness & our cool lifestyle?

Let's do something :
I want you to remember your own memories and note it. Take a step back to think about these moments

-The happiest moment that you had with your parents ?
-The happiest memory with your boyfriend / husband ?
-The best memory of your whole life?
-The best moment that you feel that everything was right and perfect?

Now, tell me if it was associate with money or material?

I bet the best memory you had with your parents was NOT when they bought the new egyptian carpet for 1000 $.

The best memory with your husband was probably NOT the moment that the two of you bought a new car.
The happiest moment of your life was NOT the perfect big TV you bought....

So why material and money would make us happy? Because we think this way.
If we stop and look around, we will found beauty and happinest in simple thing :

Play chest with your child, reading a book, walking hand in hand with your boyfriend, watching the stars at night,  listening to your favorite artist while you are cooking... This is simple, this is happiness.

Yes it is an inside job, yes it is something you have in yourself.  Because you may compare everything you have and everything you are to someone else, it won't make you happy. This is not how you are gonna feel happiness.

Maybe you need to change some things, maybe you need to look inside yourself what you want & really need. But I guarantee you that is not in money & materials that you are gonna find it.

You want to find happiness?  Stop, breathe and look around. I bet it is just in front of you and you miss it!


And you, what make you happy ?

Change your glasses for less than 40 $!

I have to wear glasses since i'm 12 years old & before I discover that you can buy them online, I used to wear the same pair for a very long time due to their cost. (Those are sooo expensive)

A few years ago I discover the website : www.zennioptical.com a super website with really low price glasses (from 6,99 to 40 $) with a good quality. They have a lot of differents styles & models and the shipping is fast (usually around 2 weeks) I order a lot from them & it is a good website to use. 

BUT! Recently I order from Firmoo ! www.firmoo.com .. AND WOW! I was amazed by the quality of the frame but also the quality of the glasses. Plus, they give you an amazing quality case to put them on. The shipping was fast (a week!) & I am more than satisfied!

More than that..... My Boyfriend order a pair too. They are truly amazing but they don't fit on him like he expected. Guess what ? Just an email at the company and BOOM they are sending a new pair for free! 

Their moto is to have a 100 % satisfied customer. Their service is fast & really good. 

I didn't have to argue to have my money back or to exchange them, they just say don't worry we will send you another pair for free.

The more beautiful on that site is that you can find coupon to have better discount. They have BOGO sale, 15 % off, free shipping etc. You can always find something. 

We use the bogo sale and we have 2 beautifuls  pair of glasses for 61 $ (shipping and antireflective include)

Zenni is a good website if you want to try but Firmoo is way more quality & the design are super modern!

If you want to take a look at their IG :

@zennioptical 

@firmoo

You can also use the # : #firmoo #firmoooptical and you will see a lot of pictures that will help you choose the one that fit you!

You have another site to suggest ? You love Firmoo too ? Comment below ! 

Unplug yourself !

One of the part of the Hygge and Minimalist Lifestyle that I really like it's to unplug ourself from social media & technology to learn how to live in the moment.

It is super hard those days to do it! It's just part of our routine to do it.
For me, the social medias are a good way to stay in touch with my family & friends that live so far away from me.

The other day the storm in the south was so intense we lose TV & Internet and we almost hyperventilate. No joke, we we're like... boring! Because we are not used to live without it, live like we used to do before.

But I learn throught experience and years that social medias need to be use in the good way.
I will say something that can't be read everywhere... the stalking on social media.

You know, that ex you broke up with a couple years ago that you go take a look at his page sometimes ... The girl your guy used to date, and you  taking a look at her instagram and compare yourself.
The test of : what kind of tattoo you should have? what haircolor is your perfect match ? what Simpson's caracter are you?.....

You know what I am talking about...that time waste. I used to have a routine with social media everynight I was taking a look at my facebook before I go to bed and every morning when I wake up... Why ? What would I miss ? Hum... Nothing. That Jessie is Lisa, that my aunt should have a butterfly tattoo and that the girl I went to kindergarten with, got a new boyfriend.

Yes, this is the kind of infos we are looking at everyday and they are more than useless.
When I was a teenager we didn't have all that (thank god!) and I spent my free time, making my homework, hanging out with my friends  & family and Reading.
So why now that I am an adult and more responsabilities ( so less free time) will I spend that precious time on social medias?

Yes this technology have some good, publishing that blog, having new clients, making friends, staying in touch with our people and this is how we should use it.

I am not proposing to live a life without that (it's not realistic) but to set some goals to unplug sometimes.

• Making a movie night with the cellphone in a basket in the center of the table so nobody touch it.
• Going eat out with your love one and no cell phone
• No cell before going to bed, a good book, a magazine or just enjoying each other
• A saturday outside with your family without any cellphone!

You understand the idea.. just unplug it sometimes and appreciate the real life, the real moment, the real sunset, the real funny move of your kid (or dog) and make memory in your head, like we used to do!

And you, do you unplug sometimes?

How to start a more minimalist closet !

I plead guilty , a year ago, I own wayyyy to much clothes in my closet.

When I move to the states, the only space I had to carry my clothes was my trunk. I needed to make choice. A lot of them was not smart at all but I still reduce almost half of my closet.

After reading books & articles about minimalist, I did another round of choosing the clothes I need & get rid of the rest. (I donate the clothes to  the salvation army)

You are tempted to ask me : Why will I have a more minimalist closet?

Here is the reasons why :

• It is wayyyy more easier to chose your clothes in the morning. 
• You save money. Why ? Because you actually used your clothes and buy only what you need.
• You have more space for other things.
• You used your clothes!
• It's good for the earth.
• You own quality clothes instead of quantity.

Now that I got you curious about this here how to start:

• Look at every pieces of clothes you own. Analyse them. Are they fitting together ? Do you still wear them ? Are they fit your style and personnality? Do they make you look at your best? If the answer is no : Donate!

• Get rid of the clothes you haven't wear for at least a year, or the one they don't fit anymore. If you lose weight, you will want new clothes.

• Find the color that match with your skin tone, your hair & eyes. The cold colors fit you better ? That's mean you don't need that bright yellow shirt that you haven't wear in a decade.

• Find your own style. What is comfortable? What make you feel pretty? What is the message you want to send to the world ? What is still trendy and in good condition?

• Now divide your clothes by seasons : Fall & winter clothes together and spring and summer together. Only keep in the closet the clothes for the actual season and put the other in a plastic container in the attic.

• Ok, Now you know where you are going. You meditate on your style, on the type of clothes you like and you got rid of the one who didn't fit with you anymore. The principe of having a minimalist closet it's that every piece that you own fit together. The best way to get there it's by having classic & monochrome clothes. Not boring clothes, but clothes the same shade that will fit with every pants. Go wild & colorful with the accessories (necklaces, shoes, earings, belt...etc) But remember, you don't need 1 million necklace. Just one or two that fit with everything & that you truly love.

• We have so much clothes we never used, this is what minimalist is about. If you own just a few pieces in your closet you are going to wear them and used them until they are not good anymore. Own less, save money & live better.

Time to shop ? 

• Now you need new clothes because you actually used the one you have. Time to shop smart. Prefer quality to quantity. Pay a little more for one nice pull  that will last years and still be the same shape after washing it, instead of buying 3 cheap quality shirts that is gonna be waste in few months.

• Keep in mind that you know your style now, no need to buy that neon leggings that are super trendy but will be ugly in 3 weeks. 

You think classic fashion is boring ? Think about iconic women like Jacky Kennedy, Olivia Pope (ok I know she's not real) Claire in House of cards.. etc.

Classy never look old and boring ! 

What is your minimalist closet tips ? Follow me on IG : ve_allthelittlethings !

And keep following me for more minimalist closet tips!

Bored & Broke ? Here is some free activities to enjoy your weekend!

Don’t have much budget for the next weekend? Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to stay at home! Those day almost everything has a price and finding fun activities can be really hard and you are tempted to stay at home.

When you start a minimalist lifestyle you want to live better and make the best of life. Life offers a ton of activities for free with kids or just adults, here is some my favorite one. Have fun!

1. Walking & Hiking

This is by far my favorite one. You can do it by yourself or with your family and there is a ton of places, national parks, city park etc. where you can walk for free. No need to be full equip to start, a good pair of shoes, water and comfortable clothes and there you go!

2. Organize a picnic

On a beautiful sunny day, find a quiet place that you like and go for a picnic. With kids? Find a park where they can play so adults can read, talk and enjoying good times too. Alone ? Bring a book and your favorite playlist. Packed some fresh veggies, panini, sparkling water, hummus & crackers, and desserts and enjoy the fresh air.

3. Visit Friends & Family

We always say we don’t have enough time to visit our people. When you have a time out wondering what to do. Visit your people! Especially the older one, they will be so happy to have they will be so happy to have some company!

4.  Play game !

Invent a treasure hunt, play Uno, monopoly or your own invented game. It seem so simple & boring but my boyfriend and I love to play domino.

5. Find an hobby & Learn something new

You love to write? Start a blog or a book . You like to read ? Go to the library and borrow books. Today with internet, pinterest and you tube it is possible to learn almost everything. Learn a new languages on fun & free website, liste a you tube video on how to be a better human being. Get inspired by what other people do.

6. Borrow stuffs

If you are a reader, go to library to rent books, movies, documentary and some have music too. If you have in your circle a movie passionate, borrow some movies & TV show instead of renting them.

7. Volunteer

You love animals ? People at animal shelter are always looking for people to walk the dogs or play with them. You can also volunteer at church, with kids, in a shelter… Possibilities are multiple depends on what you like and are comfortable about. To know more about volunteering, you can contact your town.

Have other ideas ? Share them with me !

The hygge lifestyle

When I was in Canada my mom ask me what I want for my birthday, She won't be there and want to make sure I bring something back with me for that special day. 

Because French is my first language , when I really want to relax, I want to read a french book. Here in Mississippi they are hard to find so a book was the perfect gift idea!

We were at the bookstore , looking for everything & nothing at the same time. Then I found a book call : The little Book of Hygge. I was super interested by the pictures and the quality of this book. So this was my choice! 

I didn't expect to found a true calling in that book & lifetstyle and I want to share it with you!

First Hygge is pronounce Hou-ga (my boyfriend is tired of hearing me singing houga houga everytime I found something related to it!) 

It is a super lifestyle that came from the danish people, prove to be the happiest people on earth. I learn a super lifestyle that related with everything I already love : the slow life. 

It is not super new, I mean, It remind me a lot of lifestyle that already exist : call it hominess, comfort life, the good life,slow life, dolce farniente.... this is the principe of the Hygge. Living in the moment, in total comfort with all the simple stuff. 

Here is some concrete things to make you understand the hygge :

• Reading a book, coffee in one hand, candlelight all around you in a bed full of pillow : This is the ultimate hygge! 
• Cooking a long mijote while you take a sip of wine with really close friends, this is hygge.
• Well wrap in your favorite blanket, with wool homemade socks, your favorite pull watching TV for hours, this is hygge.
• Spending less money and more quality time with your closest squad: this is hygge.
• Stay home playing chess and drinking warm tea or coffee, this is hygge.

This is simple, it's all about the lighting, the atmosphere,the ambiance, the slow life style, taking time, collecting moments, enjoying the now and creating a lifestyle without stress. 

You want to learn more here is the great, so pretty book that it inspire me : 

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Hygge-Danish-Secrets/dp/0062658808

This is not the last post I will do about that subject, be sure!

What is the hygge thing in your life ? It speak to you?

5 tips to buy a plane ticket for less!

Living in the states, I have to come back home to see my family . Canada is 27 hours of car from where I live so the plane ticket is the best option. But they are expensive! A month ago when I bought my plane ticket, I ask everyone that I knew if they have tips to have the best ticket for less.

Here is the tips that I got !

•  Last minute deal? That is a myth! If you want to have the best deal on a plane ticket you must buy it at least six weeks before the day you want to leave.  I did it, I try to buy it last minutes and instead of  paying 411 $ I paid 553 $ ! 

• Buy on week day! Friday and on the weekend the price of the ticket are higher. The best day to buy is thuesday.

• Shop your ticket! You have a lot of website that offer all the prices possible. Some of them have the best deal, clearance, discount with code etc... You can set alarm on a flight that you want and follow the price by email. Website like KAYAK, FLIGHTHUB and CHEAPOAIR are a real deal!

• Be flexible ! If you are flexible for the date of departure, you can find cheaper ticket. Also if you are flexible for the airport and ready to drive a little longer, it could be cheaper. (Be sure tho that you are not that far and the gas worth the money save!)

• The last one is a little weird but true. Many plane company want to full the plane. The result is that sometimes they sold more tickets that the space they have on the plane. On my flight back, I was surprise to learn that they sold 4 tickets more than the space and everyone who hasn't reserve their seat (including me) were subject to take another flight for a compensation of 400 $ USD.  I had to take a connection for another flight and had only 45 minutes between the two, but otherwise I would have say yes!  A lot of time we wait between 2 flights or if we are not in the rush to head to the final destination, this is a real big saving!

Of course, everyone know that going on a trip at thanksgiving, christmas, springbreak and pretty much every holidays is a lot more expensive than regular ticket. Hope this will be helpful!

And you , what is your best tips to save? 

The benefits of nature

I’m not the only one who feel that nature awaken my soul.  There is something so peaceful at looking a pretty landscape, smelling the sea, feeling the wind on our skin. I am always amazed by how it change my mood, transform my health to spend some time outside just enjoying being there.

Wonder why ? Here is some facts for you that will convince you to open the door and get lost in nature.

• Reduce your stress!
• Wake you up
• Boost your immune system
• Reduce Blood pressure, heart rate & Muscle tension
• Reduce anger, fear & anxiety
• Help fight Depression & help have better mood.
• Make you feel like a kid again

This is really amazing how it can affect positively your life. Just a little time outside per day reduce considerably the stress and the bad effects of being in front of a screen all day.

Scientifics said that we are instinctively programmed to find trees, greens, plants and survive in nature. This is why, we always feel like home where we are outside. Our basics instincts feel complete. How cool is that?

Nature is also the perfect place for meditation, while you just contemplate the beauty of god creation, you can also have deep thoughts about your life. Ask questions and you will have an answer.

Next time you are outside, think of all the good things you are doing to your body.

Love,

Vé

5 easy steps to start a more minimalist lifestyle!

I’m not the only one who discover that she get over budget after the holidays. It is not the first time that I have been interested in that minimalist and simple lifestyle but it seem too much for me to really commit to it.

Six months ago, when I move from Canada to the United States, I need to pack my stuff to make them fit in my car. Considering that my precious dog was taking the passenger seat, everything need to fit into the trunk and the back seat. So I had to make life choices. I had to pick my favorites clothes, my favorites home decor, books, kitchen stuff and everything.

When I arrived here I notice that I made really poor choices for almost everything. My clothes were not appropriate for my new climate, I left my coffee machine for cookie stamps….(yes really) and by hairdryer for a ton of jewelery & nail polish.

After six months, I realised how much money I spent to buy things that I really need and clothes and shoes that is really useful insted of cute.

I’m now working from home so I don’t need a whole office wardrobe. I am living in the country so rain boots are more useful than highheels that hurt my feets. Nail polish? Haha a real joke.

I always use the same one anyway! So why are we so attached to superficial things ?

The answer is simple, we do think we need them to be happy. This is what marketing want us to believe.

My own example : the nail polish? If I ever ran out of my favorite one (which I doubt by the way) i’ll buy a new one.

My high heels? If I ever really need shoe like that for an event, I just have to borrow them to someone. You see where I am going.

We have to redefined our priority and our way to see material stuff. What makes me happy in life have nothing to do with a statuette in ceramic. Society, marketing, facebook and all social media make us think that to be happy we have to reach a certain standard of material. This is so wrong. Why ? Because happiness is free.

So in case you want to start a more minimalist lifestyle here is my first 5 easy steps.

1. Time to declutter your house!

When I first visit New york city, I bought Fridg magnet : I love new york, a statue of liberty in ceramic, a yellow cab in plastic...all stuffs that get dust in my closet and that I never really used. So the first thing to do is to identify all the things you don’t need anymore and get rid of them. A tip : if you haven’t use a thing for more than a year, you don’t need it!

Make 3 piles : To give, to sell and Trash.

Sell all the things you don’t need or want anymore and that you can have money for it. Use facebook site, app like let go, ebay ...etc. Take all the money that you make for it and keep it to pay your debt! You will see that the things that you don’t want anymore worth more that you think. 

2. Make a good inventory of your closet

Now that your house is clean make a really good inventory of your wardrobe. Classify your clothes by seasons and put in the attic your clothes that is not in the current season. This way, your wardrobe will be simple and you will know and see what you have. You will also use your clothes. You will probably realise you already have more than you need. You don’t need short in winter time, so no need to keep them in your wardrobe in that period. It took much space and make you lose time when you dress in the morning.

3. Need to buy something?

You need to buy something new ? Think. Do I really need it? Can I borrow it ? Can I make it? Can I buy it used?

With these simples questions you will realise if it’s a need or a desire. If you can live without it and if you can save a couple bucks by buy it used. It’s not about stopping wanting to buy things, it’s more making better choice, buy more quality that will last longer and used the things you already own.

Simple but this is what minimalism is about.

4. Look what you can cut off.

It’s not about cutting everything in your life all at once, it’s to simplify your life. What’s in it need to be cut off ?

Reduce expenses :For example, you have HBO and you pay for it every month and watch a movie once in a while ; You don’t really need it.

You buy a coffee every morning on your way to work ; try to make it at home at least half of the week.

You pay a lot of money on your hair or your nails ; learn to do it yourself.

Reduce stress and toxic : You realize that one of your friend is always negative and complaint a lot and make you feel anxious ; Try to reduce the contact with that toxic person for a while.

Work or school stress you ; Learn how to meditate, deal with your stress with simple tricks that work for you.

Reduce wasting time for quality time :

You really like to workout and you have the feeling you don’t have time for it in you busy schedule ? Take a close look at your habit ; you may waste a lot of time on social media, in front of the TV on tv show you don’t really like.

You can reduce the time you waste complaining, laying on the couch, scrolling your facebook etc to spend quality time doing the things you really like and make you feel alive.

Think about what is the thing you want to change, what is your goal, write it down and make a plan!

5. Be happy with what you have and learn to find happiness in free stuffs.

Walking with my dog , drinking the first sip of a warm coffee, writing in my journal, planning in my agenda, spending time in the nature with the people I love make me happy. All those things are free. For you it might be something else but if you really look at all those little things that you do that make you feel better, you have something. Write it down and even create a routine with it will help you be more mindfulness and you will learn to be happy with things that doesn’t cost a penny.

Another thing, is to be happy with the stuff you already have. Yes in this life someone will always have something prettier, better, more expensive than you. So what? Is it a sign of happiness? No. Be happy and content with what you already have, this is the way to be happy with a simple life. Material is not a sign of success or a sign that you will be happy. Happiness is an inside job and it can be create by yourself. After all, it all start with the choice that you made and the effort that you put in it.

That is my first easy steps to start having a more simple life. Do you have any tips you want to share ? Is this article speak to you? Leave a comment!