Dollars and (Smart) Sense

Hello friends, and welcome back to another week here at Life's Little Lessons. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you lovelies for all the sweet comments all the time and the fabulous support you give me and my writing. I was nervous about going on vacation this weekend, because of the lack of funds we have (I feel awkward admitting that), but my beautiful parents were so sweet and did so much to make this final vacation of the summer, before back-to-school and full-time-job status, happen. We had a great time and I cannot wait to share!

 

Just a sneak peek photo from the trip!

Looking back, I feel silly now. There are so many things I open up about on my blog and so many strong friendships that come with disclosure, and yet, I was too embarrassed and reserved to talk about my fears on here. Blogging today helps me feel like I got it off my chest and it's not a secret anymore: Our little family isn't perfect! We don't have excess money and we can't always afford the things we want the most, but with faith and hard work, God keeps us going. Talking about money is very difficult... it's a status symbol, a reflection of our lifestyle choices, a sign of our work ethic. But it's tough out there. Finding a job is not always easy and, honestly, I'm not sure everybody is meant to work. Some people are supposed to be stay-at-home moms and housewives. A single-income family is nothing to be ashamed of. I do feel lucky that we have jobs to keep our heads above water financially, but I will never expect to live in excess. And that's okay. We live a simple life and we save what we can and spend when we feel we're able. We don't usually let it determine our future and I feel a bit sheepish that this past month, I was letting it consume me.

Most of you dolls who follow my blog identify with me so well because we have so much in common. A lot of us are young ladies: some married, some not; some working part-time, others full-time; and yet rarely do I see many of you raving about an expensive new purchase, an extravagant vacation, or a fancy new gift. Instead, I see creative, smart women who are learning to recycle old things and make them new again, making their own home goods and meals, and finding smart ways to make a buck or two off of their own craftiness and abilities. Blogging has opened my eyes up to the types of girls I thought were becoming obsolete: the DIY girls, the crafting ladies, the thrift store shoppers. And I've gotta say, IT ROCKS!

My most recent blog-inspired project: A DIY baby shower gift! I made a quilt, instead of buying it: saves money and is so much more personal. :)

My hat is off to you ladies who love to save! Keep all of your fabulous posts coming, because here is one girl who is truly inspired and motivated by them. You all remind me that you don't need lots of money to be happy! Pay your debts first and the rest can be stretched further than you could imagine!

Keep on living right,