Scenic Route, Here I Come!

I was the fortunate recipient of a 1989 Nissan Maxima when I turned 16 (in 2000) and a 1999 Honda Accord when I graduated from college (in 2006).  A few months ago, however, after pouring I-don't-even-want-to-know-how-much money into maintaining the Honda just so that it wouldn't break down (which it did a few times near the end - each time in moving traffic!), I took the plunge and purchased my first car. 

If you're in the market for a used Infiniti, Lexus, BMW or the like, I would definitely check in with James at Axiom Auto Group where I purchased my car - a 2007 pearly-white Infiniti G35 Journey Edition! He's in a bit of an obscure location off 101 but has a beautiful collection which he buys at auction. Most importantly, he's got THE BEST prices I could find around for these cars. Check out his current inventory here.

Initially, my dad, with whom I consult on practically every major "investment," had a few reservations when I announced I'd "found my car!" at a "used car place." Me, too, actually. It just seemed too good 

to be true. It only had something like 34,000 miles on it, a clean Car 

Fax, was diligently maintained according to service records, and remains under factory warranty until December 2010. Not only did it come with everything I was looking for - quick acceleration, leather seats, bluetooth, a 6-cd changer (in my last car the tape deck didn't even work!) African rosewood instead of a metal finish, keyless everything - but the best part? Shrek and I have our own keys which the car is programmed to recognize. Shrek is about 6'3 and I'm 5'6. When Shrek walks up to the driver's side of the car with his key in his pocket, the car automatically adjusts everything - mirrors, seat, temps - to his settings. Same thing when I walk up to the driver's side after Shrek's been driving.  

From what I gathered, James' selling point is simply to retail his cars for just about the lowest he's willing to part with them. It saves time and haggling over the final cost, which I appreciate. He does accept trade-ins and gave me what I thought was fair (per KBB) for my Honda. It also happened to be a great deal more than what Steven's Creek Infiniti was willing to give me, and their cars were priced a good $5000 above James'... for the same vehicles! I'm incredibly happy with this purchase, especially considering that I managed to close this deal just before CA's state sales tax and vehicle registration increased. 

James at Axiom Auto Group helped to make my first car-buying experience very pleasant and I am only happy to send business his way. 

Rockin' My New Rock & Republics

I'd been lusting after these ever since I tried on a pair at Artizia in Valley Fair but couldn't bring myself to pay retail - a whopping $260! Soo glad I waited: found a perfect fit for $110 at Nordstrom Rack. There NOW.

And, indeed, I got the pink.

(I also justified this buy with the, "I saved so much when I purchased my $12 Forever 21 skinny jeans that I wear ALL THE TIME that this makes it like I got each for $60!" excuse. :P )

Hello, I'm a Mac.

Revisiting a post from last October 2008 just because it's one of my best buys ever. I can honestly say I am still loving my purchase! It's definitely holding its own in terms of power and performance. It rarely gets a break -- I use it daily at work and at home and can't remember the last time I shut it down. Is that bad? Well, I haven't experienced lagging or a problem yet, so I guess it's alright. Although, I think it's almost time to go in and collect my free battery, but just because it's "free." (Mentioned below.)

new laptop!

...and it glows! :D

after weeks of research (seriously, this was the 4th weekend in a row i'd visited best buy and the apple store specifically to look at laptops) i finally made a purchase--and i love it! as you can see, it's not the new macbook which i was lusting after. instead, i "settled" for the "old" 15.4" macbook pro. experts aka sales promised me that as long as i wasn't a gamer (i'm not) or did serious design imaging (i don't), i wouldn't notice a difference.

this is such a dramatic upgrade from my just 4 year old fujitsu, it's amaaaazing! right now i have safari, iphoto, itunes and ical all running as i transfer all of my music and photos files over while update my calendars with alerts and it's not lagging at all. i never could've done this with my old comp!

i think i made a smart move, too, by getting my new laptop financed through best buy instead of buying it from an apple store. best buy has a no interest for 18 months, same as cash card that i put the total on. that means instead of just paying it off in like, 2 payments + interest, i can leave money in my savings account to earn interest (and not have to starve myself in order to pay for it--ha!) while making monthly payments of about $100 interest free. quite reasonable!

i also got a good 3-year warranty that includes any accidents and parts (i guess batteries for this baby run $250!?) so the warranty practically pays for itself when i--and i will--go in to pick up a second battery in a year.

thank you, shrek, for being so patient and understanding today as i play with my new toy. :)

The Savvy Spender

Well, here I am, a recent college grad (three years out is still considered recent, yes?) making it on my own in what is arguably one of the most expensive areas of the country in which to live! The exclamation point is to underscore my excitement in "making ends meet" and having fun while doing it. Especially in this economy. Also, because it's not always easy when you're (okay, I am) easily distracted by a penchant for good eats, good times, and good... clothes!?! It is due to this discord that I decided to take my blog in a fun new direction.

They say write about what you love, so I'm choosing to share my awesome finds as I am constantly on the hunt for quality, service, and fun at affordable costs. This could range from an oil change to a great pair of ($12!) jeans to my favorite local eats and beaches. Yes, I will probably revisit old posts once in awhile (just because I still love my $12 jeans!) and, yes, this will primarily pertain to the Bay Area as this is where I currently reside. However, I am no stranger to trying new things and traveling, so sit tight!

Albeit, I am still working on curbing my shopping habit with each trip to the local Goodwill Donation Station, I do consider myself a savvy spender. (I'm 25 and I've got some savings and Roth IRAs to back that statement up.) Visit often to read about my noteworthy discoveries and to chime in on your faves, too!