Thursday

Although the day is almost over, I just wanted to take a moment to breathe. To think about just how fast the days fly by. My list of things to do either gets done or forgotten and then added to the new list. I saw my first tree starting to change today..its leaves were turning a pale red.

My sewing table is covered with library books,fabric and other random things. Tonight I'll clean it off and make room for sewing this weekend. We received 2 dear knitted caps, from Zach's aunt in the mail. Pictures to come.

Tomorrow maybe Hazel and I will take a road trip to Adam's. A wonderful market the next county over. They sell the baby muesli she enjoys so much along with some wonderful organic & local produce and local frozen goods. The trip is well worth the drive when we survey the treats we find.





Trying to live in a more simple way and on a budget. It isn't easy. Our first child- only child has so much. Clothing-new,used, hand-me-downs. Toys- new, used, hand-me-downs. It isn't easy keeping things at bay. I can be easily swayed by magazines and friends- and nostalgia thinking something might be needed when it isn't always necessary. But I think it is an always evolving process. Just as I need to allow myself a little break now & again, I need to do the same for our babe and her father. We are aware and trying and that is half the battle.

Beautify Your Budget

Since Zach brings home to bacon (soy of course), I try to manage all of our bill payment/savings etc.on the home front. I've talked about the envelope method,explained by simplemom and we were doing a really good job with it. Then, well it kinda fell by the wayside.



Fast forward to these gorgeous, eco-friendly,genius envelopes- by Heather over at Beauty That Moves . They are Cash Budget Pouches, you can order your own set for Groceries,Baby Needs,Shoes- you get the idea. The fabrics are very simple and sweet and each has a hand-stamped label.



How about that for a gorgeous, motivational push? They are the perfect size for keeping your cash in a stylish, durable,organized manner. Plus, I've used the real envelopes and well I feel awkward and obvious- these are super cute! You can also read Heather's own description of the system at Simple,Green,Frugal Co-op.



This is such a great idea- please show this lovely shop some love while getting your finances in order- before the holiday rush!
xo

Making an Adjustment

Making an Adjustment, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

I knew the day would come when I had to make some adjustments due to my current state, but I just wasn't sure when. Thursday was the day! Due to the short cord on my sewing machine+ my growing stomach + some back aches= moving my sewing machine to a smaller, easier spot. So this is where I'll be zigzagging till Hazel arrives and maybe well after! The window & natural light is a nice little plus.

Yesterday, I was able to accomplish a lot, which made up for my lack of productivity for the beginning of the week! I've started created a home management journal of sorts, with our budget, birthdays,Zach's TV schedule (for work),menu planning and other fun things.

This article is inspiring Zach and I to give once a month or even, once every 2 weeks shopping a try. This website, Get Rich Slowly is one of my new favorites. Plus, I signed Zach up, so now we both get the post and he can read it too, rather than me just pushing it on him.

Today will be the first day we start our true envelope system for groceries, gas and other little items. I'm excited to try it and really make it work. I've made sure to have an envelope for thrifting. What with the annual Pearl River Methodist Church rummage sale coming up next weekend- I'm super excited to go. I'd also like to hit a few local thrifting haunts today- we'll see how that goes.

We received so many beautiful baby clothes from the shower and hand-me-downs, so we need mostly 18months & up. I'm always on the look out for cuteness, wherever I can find it.

I've taken down the *End of Summer* section in our Etsy shop and replaced it with *Holiday Hobo* a section to house all Halloweenie-Holiday-solstice-Christmas items.There are still plenty of Sale items, they're just back in their rightful spots. The shop is also brimming with new
Coffee cuffs just in time for cider-sweater weather!

Have a great Friday!
xo