Happy 2017!!!! 17 is my lucky number, so I just know this is going to be an amazing year!!! Emmy was born at 11:17 on 1/17/7, and Sawyer and I share 8/9 as a birthday, and 8+9=17; so many signs pointing to 17 being my number, right? It’s going to be a great year! But here’s the thing with a new year, and goals and aspirations. It’s just lovely to sit and dream-up all the plans for a better you, a better life. When you get down to it though, you really have to DO something about it. 2017 isn’t going to be great because it’s my lucky number; it’s going to be great because I am going to make it that way. The past month or so, I’ve really been digging deep, reflecting on my life and looking forward to the future and where I would like my life to go. Of course, I’ve come up with lots of goals to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle, be a better parent, but my major goal this year, and my guiding light is this mantra for 2017: Spend Less, Do More.
(I should add, I had NO idea there was a book out there by this title when I came up with this plan, so it’s in no way affiliated and I have never read that book.)
Brace yourselves…. this is a long winded post! Grab your coffee, put up your feet.
I am not and have never been good with money. There. I said it… So this year, I plan to take more control of budgeting, which is absolutely NO fun to talk about. Rather than discus actual budgetary plans, I want to talk about how I came to this decision, and what it means for this blog; because after all, that’s truly all you need to know and what will ultimately affect you as my reader. I don’t plan on just cutting my own costs and that being that. You come to this blog, most likely, because you want to know how you can create a personal, comfortable, and stylish home with DIY projects, thrifty finds, and a tight budget. You don’t come here to see a home that’s well put together but completely unattainable financially. (And if you do, you might be in the wrong place!) I want to take you along on my journey of spending less and promote it as an approachable, real, and happy lifestyle.
Now’s where things are going to get a little uncomfortable for us. So many times as bloggers and instagrammers, we spend money to show you products and style a beautiful home. I’ve heard of so many who have actually purchased things just to style them in their homes and then return them the very next day. I have never done that, and it does not sit well with me at all. And lately, I just feel so tired of the commercialism that blogging has become….. buy this, buy that, and your home will look like mine and you’ll be happy! And do you know what happens…. someone might buy something and yes, they might love it, but it is not going to make them happy. Happiness doesn’t come from things or from money; a feeling of contentment with one’s home doesn’t come from a new pillow, or a set of curtains. True happiness with self and home comes from a feeling within. And when I am ready to pass on one day in the very distant future , I don’t want to look back on my life and say, “I set up a lovely home, but I didn’t truly live.” Because when I am on that death bed, it won’t be the things I’ve purchased or had that will count. The things that will matter are the memories I’ve created, and the love I gave.
With those feelings and thoughts in mind, I am moving forward still as a home/DIY/lifestyle blog. I have always tried to be selective when working with companies and will continue to do so, making sure that they fit my style and philosophy. I enjoy supporting artists and independently owned companies; I love shopping at thrift shops, and independently owned vintage shops. I still plan to promote and support those doers, hustlers, and makers, and those unique products that are special in some way. After all, I have been one of those makers and hustlers, and I know the work and time that goes into it. However, when restyling a space for a season, I plan to (EEK I am scared to even say this, because I’ve become an addict!) stop shopping Amazon, Target, and other larger retailers. I am not canceling my Amazon prime membership though because I love to shop there for birthday gifts for the kids and their friends as well as household needs and kids’ needs like shoes, concert attire, etc.. But when it comes to the frivolous extras, I am not going to buy pillows just because they are a great deal and will look great on my sofa this season. Instead I am going to try to use what I have to style a space, and potentially DIY much more than I have in the past year.* Don’t worry…. spending less doesn’t mean things won’t change around here! (I’ve got some changes lined up that I’ll be sharing soon… things that are either on a tight budget, or support these companies.) Spending less means spending less money on things we don’t need and that don’t enhance our relationships.
Now we get to the fun part…. DO MORE!
More DIY and craftiness happening…. Last year was so busy at work, and when I finally sold the store in October, I didn’t have the desire to DIY much. I just wanted to breathe and be, and spend time with my family. The kids head back to school tomorrow and I am ready to start tackling some projects. I don’t ever make any house goals, so I can’t tell you what those projects might be…. But I’ve got so many that need to be done! I miss creating in my own home like I have in past years. I’ve got an empty space in Emmy’s old room that needs a purpose, so that’s definitely on my to do list this year, quite possibly as part of the One Room Challenge.
Emmy’s new room as part of 2016’s Fall ORC
I’m also hoping to share more furniture projects with you this year. Without a shop or place to sell anymore, the need isn’t there, but I’ll drum some up for you. I read the answers you provided in the survey, and I know you miss it! I truly enjoy creating new looks for pieces when I am not rushing just to get something done for the shop!
How to create the Restoration Hardware look for less
And I might be crazy, but I am considering repainting my kitchen cabinets… who knows!
More community involvement: I loved decorating a tree for a local shelter and hope to keep working with local bloggers to do more DIY/design activities for good causes.
More family activities and outings: We’ve actually done a great job of this since I sold the store, and we plan to continue heading to new places and getting out more as a family. This summer we’re planning a road trip to see Mt. Rushmore, visit Chicago, and see some other fun places along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post… I know it was wordy! And thank you for kicking off the new year with me. I just know that 2017 is going to be full of happiness, wellness, DIY, and great adventure. Cheers to all of it and then some, my friends!
*Now, here’s the big gray area that’s uncomfortable…. I do still plan on using affiliate links for the products that are in my home. Often you want to know where I found something, and that’s a service I can provide in giving you the links to find it or something similar. And to be 100% honest, blogging is my only job at the moment and I do need to make money in order to keep it running and keep doing projects. These changes just mean I will be bringing less new items into the home that don’t suit a need. I appreciate your support and understanding!
