how to plan...

a budget, as a u.s. american (female) living in europe:

1. substitute the make-up category with skin care products. it's all about preserving natural beauty, not covering it up. gurrrrrrlll, show-off that pretty skin of yours!

2. come to terms with the fact that a great deal of your budget will go to coffee and pastries. it's ok, you'll walk it off! coffee shops are the hub of communities, so dive in!

3. if you won't have a vehicle, go ahead and start a "new pants fund"...between the food with fewer preservatives and self-powered transportation (walking), you're going to change size.

4. sometimes you are going to need to go to the movies. honestly, it will make you feel connected with home in some way. and it's nice to hear some English, laugh a little, and relax.

5. plan to cut back on eating out, for multiple reasons. firstly, eating out over here will cost more, so it's better to save it for special times. secondly, your money will go much farther by stocking up at the grocery store and preparing homemade meals. besides, cooking will become a stress-reliever, promise!

6. purchase some earplugs...in case you, like me, end up living below a married couple ;)

7. bring along or buy a pair of hard-soled shoes; it will be the best investment you make here! hard-bottomed shoes you make the rocky world go round!

8. put some money aside to see things. it is easy to spend money on everyday purchases and clothes, but far more worthwhile to put some aside for special outings: concerts, vacations, museums, etc.

9. get a webcam or vonage phone! it makes a world of difference to be able to contact those you love.

10. try to cut back on the unnecessary purchases...europe is a great place to simplify the things in our lives, to appreciate making a lot out of a little, and to place our treasures in things that last: community, relationships, quality time, etc.