Day 3... Cheap Fun in the Sun!

After last night's Subway dinner "splurge" (I know, I know, $15 isn't much of a splurge) I was a little concerned that I'd blow my final bucks all in one sitting today. My big plan was to sleep the day away, thereby preventing any spending of the cashola.

Alas, 24+ hours of sleep was not to be had. The sun was shining, beckoning me to play outdoors! I had heard about a free art festival here in Thousand Oaks called ArtWalk, so my brother and I hopped on our bikes and made our way down to check it out. I knew I wouldn't be buying anything (you can't get much art for $6!), however, I wanted to support a friend, John Manley, who was displaying his ceramics there. His stuff was so impressive - I'm always in awe when I discover how talented my childhood friends are. I've always heard the phrase "starving artist"... Well, several ArtWalk patrons purchased his ceramics while we were visiting! (Check it out here: http://www.manleysclayworks.com)



John and Mark at ArtWalk 2010

After browsing through aisles of currently-unattainable artwork and pedaling through town, my brother thought a stop at Chuy's was a good idea. He owes me about 1 million rounds of beer, so when he offered to buy, I didn't decline. We happily strolled in and happily discovered it was happy hour. Mark got us a half pitcher of Coors Light for a mere $5. I usually pay about that much for a pint! Such a deal! We munched on the free chips & salsa while sipping our cerveza, did a little people watching (Chuy's rarely disappoints in that department)and watched the extra-inning Dodger game.

All of this bike riding prove to me that I am TRAGICALLY out of shape. One hill and I was worked! I need to fit in more walking and bike riding this summer. Bonus: Less visits to the gas station if I do!

I managed to get through the day with spending nada! Goooo me! Final tally: I still have $6 to play with.

Day 1... This is Gonna be a Challenge!

About 2 weeks ago, my wonderful boss planned a final work outing for June 4th- breakfast at Roxy's Deli. Any other day, this would be fine, but not on day 1 of Summer of Cheap! I was bumming out about it a little bit; I wanted to go but I didn't want to splurge on day 1! Roxy's is not well known for it's amazing breakfast deals. I guess 'The Secret' was on my side because the day after I was told about the breakfast, my newspaper arrived with a fancy, glossy ad from Roxy's. They have a really great breakfast special - 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, and bacon or sausage for only $1.99. $1.99! Problem solved! With tip, breakfast cost me $4.

I was asked to meet up at the Alamo for a 20th high school reunion planning meeting later. I figure, it was planned for happy hour, I can afford a HH beer, right? You know how those HH beers add up though, right? I arrived and ordered my Bud Light... And consumed it vewy, vewy sowwy. I couldn't resist when the waitress asked who was up for another round. So again, that beer went down in record slow time. Responsible, don't-want-to-drive-after-drinking Amy switched to water after that. When all was said and done, one of my amigos covered the bill. I was not anticipating that - but I definitely appreciate it!

So, day 1: $4 spent, $21 left. (You thought I was gonna spend it all in 1 day, didn't ya?!)