I used to go to Starbucks a lot. Not because I'm that much of a coffee drinker but more because it's a great place to hang out to catch up with friends. Or, when alone, to collect my thoughts or read a good book.

Today, I went to a store to buy something I needed and found out it's still closed for about another 30 minutes. I eyed a Starbucks beside it so I decided I might as well stay until the store opens. As I ordered my frapuccino and peppermint brownie, I realized it's been a while since I last stepped on a Starbucks alone just to pass the time. I was so guilty for spending money considering I wasn't at all hungry anyway. And the worst part is that I didn't enjoy it as much because I was thinking of what I should have bought with the money instead. I realized that maybe, just like with addiction, my "impulsive" spending got me a bit scared that I might fall back to my spending ways.

My high school friend and I had coffee yesterday and I really enjoyed chatting with her about life, work, family, etc. But one thing I love and appreciate about our friendship is how we have remained great friends all the years and how honest we can be with our financial lives.

We have been similar with a lot of things but we're totally different in just two things - she's a born salesman, I'm not. I'm creative, she's not. Anyway, she mentioned that she just started a buy and sell business selling novelty items. So far, it's been doing well although it's still break-even at the moment, but she said that it seems promising considering the overhead expenses isn't so big anyway. And then she remembered that there was a time when I got into chocolate and candy molding which I gave away to friends and friends' kids. It gave her an idea that maybe I can do a few pieces, package it as creatively as I can and she'll introduce it to her buyers. We've always talked about someday venturing into business and maybe this is the first step towards that goal.

I know it isn't much but I would welcome the extra income that I can put into paying off my debts. Tiny baby steps.... =)

I've never been into Halloween that much which serves me well since I don't have to spend too much on costumes, parties, decorations and stuff. But I must admit that I love everything about Christmas. I believe that it really is the most wonderful time of the year - season of giving and sharing. The downside is that it costs money to keep Christmas festive.

I'm thinking of making Christmas cookies and other goodies to give out to friends, which hopefully I can finally do since I'm not that much of a baker. No new Christmas decorations this year as well as I will just be reusing everything.

What I don't want though is to have all the Christmas spirit and still be haunted by the expenses left until the year after.