Fall is here! And it arrived right on time this year which is absurdly abnormal. So I'm making a list of my seasonal to do's to start on this weekend since it caught me a little off guard by coming on time! If you're interested in some money savers or new ideas for this time of year, read my to do list below:
1. Go through the kids fall/winter clothing to see if anything still fits and then off to the consignment shop to refurbish their wardrobe.
~ This is something I've been doing for years! If you are looking for a way to save money on your children's ever changing wardrobe, check out your local consignment stores or second hand kids clothing places like Once Upon A Child. Most of these stores will take your gently used, non-stained, outgrown or out of season clothing and give you a store credit towards any clothing or other items in their store, or if you prefer they will give you cash. They'll even take gently used toys or strollers that your child has outgrown. It's a Win-Win!
2. Fall 'Spring' Cleaning.
~ Okay, my husband would tell you that cleaning is a weak point for me. There's just something about it that sets my ADD on hypermode and I can't seem to gather my senses to do it all at once. But just like with Spring cleaning, in the Fall it's nice to have everything perfectly presentable for the upcoming holidays, so things like baseboards, corners, ceilings, curtains and so on could use a little extra attention to perk up the house. Now if I could just get it all done quickly. Here's where I need the maid to come in and help me out! (I wish!)
3. Spice things up in the house.
~ Yes, it's time to find my fall colored/scented candles, change the flowers, pull out the Autumn wreath and scarecrows. A few years ago I even started making my own potpouri! I took the orange peels from children's fruit snacks, some cinnamon sticks left over from Christmas the year before, a couple of cloves, tap water, a large sauce pot and Voila! ... Instant homemade potpourri boiling on the back burner of my stove while I finish up the laundry. I also like to start some baking when it starts cooling off outside, like my infamous Amish cookies so I can enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or cocoa. Ahhhh, delightful!
Well, that's the short list anyway! If only it was as pretty here as in NC where I grew up or AR where I was blessed to live a few years ago. I miss all the rich reds, oranges and golds of the trees. Hope you all enjoy the arriving fall as much as I am!
1. Go through the kids fall/winter clothing to see if anything still fits and then off to the consignment shop to refurbish their wardrobe.
~ This is something I've been doing for years! If you are looking for a way to save money on your children's ever changing wardrobe, check out your local consignment stores or second hand kids clothing places like Once Upon A Child. Most of these stores will take your gently used, non-stained, outgrown or out of season clothing and give you a store credit towards any clothing or other items in their store, or if you prefer they will give you cash. They'll even take gently used toys or strollers that your child has outgrown. It's a Win-Win!2. Fall 'Spring' Cleaning.
~ Okay, my husband would tell you that cleaning is a weak point for me. There's just something about it that sets my ADD on hypermode and I can't seem to gather my senses to do it all at once. But just like with Spring cleaning, in the Fall it's nice to have everything perfectly presentable for the upcoming holidays, so things like baseboards, corners, ceilings, curtains and so on could use a little extra attention to perk up the house. Now if I could just get it all done quickly. Here's where I need the maid to come in and help me out! (I wish!)3. Spice things up in the house.
~ Yes, it's time to find my fall colored/scented candles, change the flowers, pull out the Autumn wreath and scarecrows. A few years ago I even started making my own potpouri! I took the orange peels from children's fruit snacks, some cinnamon sticks left over from Christmas the year before, a couple of cloves, tap water, a large sauce pot and Voila! ... Instant homemade potpourri boiling on the back burner of my stove while I finish up the laundry. I also like to start some baking when it starts cooling off outside, like my infamous Amish cookies so I can enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or cocoa. Ahhhh, delightful!Well, that's the short list anyway! If only it was as pretty here as in NC where I grew up or AR where I was blessed to live a few years ago. I miss all the rich reds, oranges and golds of the trees. Hope you all enjoy the arriving fall as much as I am!
I've been thinking. Yes, I know that sounds a little dangerous, but really, I've been thinking about a few of the things that I love most in this world. And although chocolate, books and my favorite blanket may be difficult for me to imagine living without, I can gulp and shiver and acknowledge that I can manage, somehow, without those things. They are more of a luxury than a necessity. They are indulgences that give me warm fuzzies, but they aren't essential for my daily living. So what is it that really matters? What is truly valuable? What is it that I cannot live without?
A few years ago, I was going through some personal trials. I was missing my mom after her passing and learning the responsibilities of being an adult with my own family. I was a role model as a worship leader but felt like a failure in some personal choices I had made. I was thankful for God's grace but I was worried about my husband and my children. I wished I could be more like my mom and yet wise enough to learn from her mistakes. I wanted more for my life, more for my family, more for my children's future than I was capable of giving them myself. I was overwhelmed and felt inadequate and incomplete.
With all of this turmoil swirling in my mind, I was on the platform at church leading worship with my husband and we began singing "
I've realized that there are many things that I CAN live without in my life. I don't have to have the fanciest car or home, I don't have to have the latest style of fashion on my back or on my feet. My essentials, my staples, my necessities are my family, my dear friends and my Savior. So I encourage you today to take stock, do some inventory and determine those things that are life to you.