Snack

 A beautiful snack in a bit of beautiful light.

An orange in a wax paper bag taped with my favorite washi tape, and a sunny Apricot granola bar that tastes *exactly* like that pre-packaged super-sweet oatmeal I ate as a kid. *note that these are NOT certified gluten-free, but neither myself nor my friend have issues with them. I just wanted to make people aware!

It's snack time at work!

 

 I thought I'd share a quick "spiritual snack", too; a miniature devotion:

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

Luke 1:38

I am the Lord's servant. But if I can't hear what he is saying---nay, if I don't LISTEN to what He is saying--how can I say, "May it be as you have said, for I am your servant"? It is so easy for us sometimes to put our hands over our ears and say, "La-la-la-la-la, I can't hear you!"

I cup my ear to the door, I fervently search the Word, I petition and lay in anxious wait for answers. 

May my ears be listening--may my heart be hearing. May it be to me as You have said, and as You are saying. 

Yes, Lord, I am your servant. 

xo

Natalie

Week Four: Do Without

Week Four's challenge is to "Do Without!" 

I was going to make a picture with all of the things I'm wanting to spend money on right now--and then I thought, How cruel, Natalie, to make them drool over the things you want, too! 

So none of that. I'll just tell you, there are plenty of things I want. But do I REALLY need to spend $7.99 at the drugstore for that exact same Revlon lip gloss that Emma Stone was wearing at the Oscars? 

Um, probably not. 

And J.Crew adorable Spring catalogue items? Drool. But no. 

Polka-dot scarf my best friend just sent me the link to?

Gonna say no.

{as if this girl needs more scarves}

The small things add up. 

So practice thrift, practice self-control, practice good stewardship--do you really need that $2 candy bar at the gas station?

{when did candy bars get so expensive? seriously, $1.69, people?}

And besides, $2 can probably give clean water to a child in Africa for a day. 

{No, seriously, check it: Blood:Water is proposing a challenge for Lent to only drink water, and to give all of the money you save towards clean water in Uganda. You don't have to join their mission, but think about saving your fancy-drink money and donating to a charity you love. Remember to make giving part of your budget! And if you find a charity your really love and believe in, it also fulfills your values & goals. I particularly love to help families access clean water.} 

Draper Girl

Oh my, do I love a good hat! 

A girl hop on a train to anywhere with a good hat. 

{midnight train goin' anyyyyyyyyywheeeeerrrrrrreeeeeeee}

Ahem. Pardon the complete digression. But these photos were taken at a train station. And then I just got carried away. Bachelor night seems to make me feel a little over-dramatic. 

And then the sun came out for a hot minute before it started snowing lightly. The wind was blowing something fierce, so I had to hold on to my hat for dear life. 

When I saw that this particular hat was a "Draper" hat, I just had to get it for the Mad Men reference. Apart from its particular cute-ness.

But goodness if there isn't a bit of romance in that, don't you think? 

Train stations, vintage hats, wind, Draper...

A bit of romance, if I do say so myself. 

{See what I mean about Bachelor nights making me overly dramatic?}

Style Secrets

Hat: Vintage

Sunnies: Local store

Ring: H&M

Blouse: Thrifted

Jacket: F21

Pencil capris: Gap, thrifted

Heels: Thrifted

Friday Morning Musings

It's a quiet Friday morning here--my favorite kind. I awoke late, and turned on my pretty little reading lamp. Stumbled to the kitchen, arranged a cup of tea, a buttered piece of toast, and some strawberry yogurt. Brought the meal back to the bedroom, fighting the urge to snuggle back in bed with it, and instead hunted down some museums and recipes and such online. With just the light in the corner from my little bedside lamp, it feels rather wonderfully old-fashioned in here; as though I were going to sit in the corner with my quill and write a letter, or a great American novel. Instead, I click-clack away on my laptop, creating a blog post. And now, I shall return to my bed with my second cup of tea and my book! Wake me upon lunch time should I snooze ;-)

(I am currently reading The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which I have been completely enamored with since I saw the HBO series a year or two ago. I have since bought the DVDs and the books, and turned many people into fans of the series. It is only too bad it seems to be on an interminable hiatus :-( I HIGHLY recommend it! Go get it now. It is so soothing, and beautiful, truly being filmed in Botswana. Let me know if you want more details!)

Week Three: Make it Do

The Week 3 Challenge is to: Make it Do! 

Above is a photograph of my little laundry station. The green laundry bin is cracking in all sorts of places, but I am making it do! The towels are the older ones--grungy, ratty, and bleached-stained-- you know the kind I mean. And the old bathroom rug is the same. I keep these in my rotation to get more use out of them drying my thrift store finds and hand-washables. I lay the old bath mat down to catch all of the major drips, and then wring things out in the towels before hanging them on an old-fashioned wooden drying rack. It's rather a fun process, and I enjoy it very much on a sunny Saturday morning!

Photo and Art Print by Christy on Etsy

Making do also means mending--a forgotten art! I don't do a whole lot of mending myself, I'll admit. I have a giant old basket full of mending I need to tackle, so I am preaching to myself this week! 

But I love to re-use "make do" with worn out things! When my very favorite winter socks got nasty holes in the toes, I cut the toes off and did a quick zig-zag stitch around the bottom, and now I have the cutest legwarmers! Love it. 

And then there's this bag, which was once (and still is) a very beloved Longchamp handbag, well-used, and looking a bit worse for it. There are decent-sized holes in all 4 corners. I tried to mend it, really, I did, but it was tough work since the material is a thick neoprene and the holes are oddly shaped. So! I thought, "OH, it's perfect for a new lunch bag! Nothing small can fall out of my lunch bag!"

{focus is totally off in this picture, sorry}

Ahem. SPRINKLES, friends. SPRINKLES will fall out of my lunch bag everywhere, probably forever. I had a container of sprinkle-covered chocolates that accidentally opened, and there is a veritable trail of sprinkles in my car, office, and house. I kid you not. 

What do you/are you planning to "make do" with this week or "mend"? I'd love to hear your suggestions for my giant mending pile! If I make some progress, I'll be sure to share. 

Wednesday Work to Weekend

Ahh, halfway through the week, my friends!! We can do it!! 

A bright floral outfit and some awesome boots oughtta help, don't you think?

And when it's time to rock the weekend look, chill it out with some softer tones and flat boots. I switched black (more dressy and professional) accessories for camel/brown tones, and threw my hair up. Perfect for some antiquing!

Work Outfit

Earrings: F21

Blouse/Tunic: Tucker for Target

Skinnies: F21

Belt: Thrifted

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Boots: Payless

Weekend Changes

Belt: Thrifted

Boots: Walmart

Happy Endings OR Breakups, Bangs, and Bacon

I'm feeling great! I might get bangs!

~ABC's Happy Endings

Welp. Here are a few ways to have "Happy endings" even after...not-so-happy ones. Like breakups. But I'm sure you've figured that out, you little detectives you. And my not-so-subtle hints {oops}.

Anywhoo, all is well and tonight, I have a happy ending. Happy, like:

Break-Up Remedy Sundae 

(aka "My Husband Will Crazy-Love Me Someday for Making Chocolate-Covered-Bacon Sundaes" imho}

And dancing to this song:

Because this song allows for some amazing dancing. {despite the kinda weirdo video, sorry about that}

And besides, I might be feelin' a little hot to trot with my new haircut...

yep, it's truly me. promise.

So I'd say that makes for a few happy endings tonight. 

Sweet dreams!
xo

Advanced Budgeting: Values and Goals

Two of my very best friends in the whole world (who are super good with numbers; I call them S&S Financial Advisors!) have introduced me to the concept of values and goals relating to budgeting. 

*Values are the underlying principles you want to live by, and, therefore, spend your money by. 

*Goals are specific, measurable steps you would like to take with your money.

Budgeting can be rather black and white. What comes in, what goes out, blah blah blah. But when you introduce the concepts of values and goals, a budget suddenly comes alive! You can see how it works into your whole life picture. You can see how you can use it, mold it, and shape it to align with your values and goals. 

A budget of $75 a week for groceries? Well, that's boring, and doesn't add anything to your life other than a number. But if you add the value that you want to buy as many locally grown vegetables each week, well, look at that! You've just added value to your life picture. Now, you can sew up a cute tote bag in 20 minutes, and enjoy your Saturday mornings at the farmer's market. You're killing a few birds with one stone--a fun sewing project, supporting farmers, eating healthy food, and entertainment for a Saturday morning! One of my favorite things to do!

An example of a goal would be, say, for instance, that last winter you really got the doldrums. Just like, really, really, got cabin fever/the blues/the mean reds and/or a stomach flu. All things that made you desperate to escape, but it wasn't in the cards (and by that I mean, the budget). So start saving! Set a specific, measurable goal: I want to save $800 for a winter vacation next January. That means you have 10 months to save, so you need to shave off (or earn an extra) $80/month to achieve this goal. 

Here's my suggestion: Come up with THREE values that guide your money decisions, and three GOALS you'd like to see happen in the immediate, near future, and distant future. I'll share mine in the weekly recap, and you can share yours, too! I have just been loving reading your comments and suggestions. 

Etc.

My Valentine's Day turned out to be one of my favorites yet! How was yours? Gosh, I'm one loved-on and spoiled girl! Chocolates, flowers, and an impromptu dance party--might have been one of my favorite Valentine's Days yet, and nary a boyfriend in sight! <3

I hardly slept at all last night. And then I woke up before my alarm. Kind of a bummer, but I used to be SUCH a morning person, so this was actually a nice surprise. I enjoy a little space to the morning before the day really gets going. I like to sit in my bed, warm and cozy with my down comforter pulled up tight, and I ponder the day, and send a few prayers up. Then I slip into my favorite slippers and make a mug of tea, pick a song for the day (if one hasn't been in my head already, as it usually is!), and then it's into the day!

I found the link for the little Owl image I used on my Valentines. Find it here!

Lately, I'm loving happy little love ditties:

"Falling for You (Piano Version" by Sean Fournier (an oldie but goodie)

That's all for now!

Red & Pink & Lovey Dovey

Gosh, I do love an excuse to wear red and pink and heart-shaped things. 

And to celebrate love in all of its capacities, all its foibles, full of hope and enduring power... tenuous heartstrings, pulling to and fro.

Gosh, I'm such a romantic it's not even funny.

Totally struck by Cupid's arrows. 

heart clutch + cupid arrow + red lipstick

Style Secrets

Shirt: NY&Co

Rose earrings: ?

Heart Wooden Necklace: Store in FL

Sunnies: Local store

Leopard-print Barette: ?

Heart bracelet: Gift

Red bead/Silk bracelet: Art fair

Capris: Gap, thrifted

Heels: Thrifted

Clutch: Aldo

{I just couldn't resist one more silly picture!}

 But lest you think I'm just another one of those girls with a hot date and a mushy love story, let me say: I'm not. I don't have a date at all. I don't have a love story (yet). My heart? Well, it will be hidden in God, tonight, as I relish the love HE puts in my life, that HE showers me with. It amazes me. God has overfilled my cup with love, and for that, I am entirely grateful. It is absolutely worth celebrating. I was never one to be down on a day of celebrating love. {but if you do need a broken-heart sad-song, I'd recommend this one, neverminding the video, just the song}

So tonight I'll spend some time communing with God. Yes, I'll probably watch a sappy romantic movie and drown my sorrows in some chocolate. But reading my Bible makes my soul and heart sing. It makes me want to be a better woman, a better friend, sister, daughter. It fills me with hope.

"Set your heart on things above..." 

Col. 3:1

Indeed, I will set my heart on things above. 

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Phil. 4:8

Valentines

I made some Valentines.

I'm planning to hand them out like Bachelor roses. 

"Will you accept this valentine?"

I mean, really, who could say no?!

{hehe}

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I've been working on these super fun Valentines all week, like a school girl, making sure the boys get the mushiest ones, and the girls get the "Best Friends 4 Ever" ones.

Actually, mine all say, "I think you're a hoot!" Hehe. But I did carefully hand write names like in school :-)

Cute, quirky, love-struck owls downloadable free online but I canNOT find the link anymore (please leave it in the comments if you find it!!)

Arrow idea from Carolyn at Homework

Week Two: Wear it Out

The challenge for Week 2 of Frugal February is to "Wear it Out!" 

The way I see it, there are two arms of "Wearing it Out":

 1.) Preventative care, or taking care of your things so that they last as long as possible

2.) Actually wearing things out, and not getting a new one until it is completely worn out. 

As far as Preventative Care goes, it really does save you money to take the time to properly care for your possessions. Above, I'm shining up my leather boots. This not only restores shine, but it erases scratches and makes my boots look brand new. Even better? These bottles sell for $3.49 and up at the drugstore, and I picked mine up at the Dollar Store!

Other Ideas: 

~We all know I'm a fan of finding a good COBBLER! See this post for more info

(Those boots are so almost dead again. Wearing them OUT!). Cobblers have helped me add extra holes to belts, repair heels, fix broken purses, and add new tread.

~I'm all about the "band-aid" solution sometimes, to get extra wear out of something. Weigh the costs of spending a little now vs. how long that 'little' will make it last vs. the costs of a new item.

~Find a good handyman, or better yet, become one!

~Take care of your CAR! Oil changes, oil filters, clean windshields, secure gas caps, clean undercarriages--all of these small details will help your car wear much better in the long haul, and will save you expensive repairs. 

~Pills on your sweater? Don't despair! Grab a sweater stone or shaver. 

~Spend some money on your "investment" pieces for your wardrobe. They will wear much better and last much longer...spend your money where you spend your day. If you work all week, invest in quality work clothes such as a gorgeous pencil skirt, suit, and silk blouses (see my magazine article for detailed ideas!). If you are home with the kids, then invest in quality jeans and beautiful (washable!) sweaters.

I don't want to get into "repurposing" items too much here, since I'll be talking about that next week for "Make it Do." But I've got a few more ideas up my sleeve I'll share this week! What are YOUR ideas? You'v e been sharing some GREAT tips in the comments! Keep 'em coming :-)

Weekly Progress

Weekly Progress Check-in!

1.) Went to thrift store. Left empty-handed! Woo-hoo!
2.) Used the last of my slightly-stale Rice Krispies and overly-ripe bananas for breakfast, instead of getting something on my way to work (though I desperately wanted to!!)
3.) Used up one shampoo bottle!

You?

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Week One: Use it Up

The challenge for Week One of Frugal February is to "Use it Up!"

I don't like the ends of things. Not of jobs or days or relationships or trips. Or bottles of hairspray, toothpaste, lotion, or handsoap. 

So I ditch. I ditch before they're really through, and move on early.
Leaving me with (all other things aside), lots and lots of nearly-empty bottles. 

Sigh. 

So! My goal is to use up the half-empty bottles. There's lots of money in them there bottles! 

Another great idea to "use up"? Food-- I know I sure waste a lot of food by not planning ahead and using things on time. So I'll try to manage that, as well.

What are you going to USE UP instead of buying new, to save some buckaroos?

Fave New Sweater

This sweater. I've been seeing similar versions all over the internet, so when my local thrift store had half off all sweaters, THIS had to come home with me. For $3! It's like a big old blanket from the comfy couch in front of the fire at the log cabin....in sweater form. And besides, I'm always looking for an excuse to wear my colored jeans to work, hehe.

Style Secrets

Coat: J.Crew splurge

Scarf: Hand-me-over

Shirt: Gap

Sweater: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Jeans: F21

Boots: Thrifted

Psst..if you're wanting a sweater like mine, I noticed F21 has a few similar ones!

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Budgeting 101

{word heavy post tonight, sorry!}

Sooooo...what IS a budget? Some people have been budgeting since they got their first tooth fairy quarters. And some people have this vague notion of what the word means, but no real foundation.

A budget is a "GPS" for your money. It tells you what, where, and how you can use your money, should use your money, what to do if you want to "detour" for a bit and do something else with your money...It takes stock of your income, your outflow, and what's left at the end of the month.

Getting started is easy! Print out your monthly statements for any and all debit/credit cards, and gather up receipts, your checkbook, and a calculator. Write down any cash transactions you remember from the past month. Then, make a spreadsheet.

*On one side, list all Income you get each month.

*On the other, list all of your "non-negotiable" expenses, or your Fixed Expenses. Write down everything! Do you have to pay for laundry? Parking at your job?

*Below that, list your Discretionary Spending. This includes everything else, such as: Netflix, lattes, gym memberships, haircuts, entertainment, eating out, gifts, etc.

Go through your statements, receipts, and check payments, and make sure you put ALL the numbers into this spreadsheet, adding as you go . Don't forget to include any tithing and giving. Find your car insurance bills, and divide that by 12 to get how much you pay each month (if you don't pay it monthly). Same with health insurance or renter's insurance (which you have if you are renting your living space, right?!). Now you should have a pretty good idea of what you have spent for the past month. Then, look at your "ending balance" in your bank account statement. How's that lookin?

There are a ton of good tools online to help you with this. I especially love LearnVest's online Money Center and Financial Bootcamps (these are amazing and free!). You can also try Mint. Scour Crown Financial Ministries website (and books!) for some great, Christ-centered strategies. I'm sure there are iPhone apps, too, if you're cool like that.

Are you shocked at all? I always seem to spend too much at the grocery store and thrift store.  But don't stress yet!

So when you have the numbers, this is where we going gets tough. Take a critical eye to them. Do you notice that you spend a lot of money by not returning your Redbox movies on time (those extra day charges should be on your credit card statement)? Or by paying for magazine subscriptions you never read? Turns out I had an online store that was charging me $10 a month just to keep it online, and I hardly EVER logged in or tried to sell anything! Oops.

Assignment:


If you don't have a budget, follow the suggestions above and MAKE ONE. Get a cup of coffee, clear off the kitchen table, and just get to work on it. I promise, once you do it the first time, it gets easier.


Then, try this: I like to keep one copy of the budget exactly as it was when the numbers went in. Then start another one and begin fiddling with the numbers. Slash all of those "Oops" categories immediately. Cancel memberships. Stop listing things on eBay if they aren't selling and are just racking up fees for you. That's the initial clean-up. 

Now....sleep on those numbers. Pray over them!!!!!!!!!! Ask for wisdom about which areas are suffering most from either too much attention or too much neglect. That's enough of my words and numbers for tonight :-)

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Frugal February

As Good Girls, we are called to be stewards of our finances in a way that is God-honoring. Without Him, we truly have nothing. It is not ours, but by His grace and mercy. It is another area of our lives where, with joy and thanksgiving, we can lay it down at the altar, and honor God. I think that is so exciting! And when we are obedient to God, without fail, He blesses us.

I'd love to invite you to trek with me deeper into the heart of God, as I explore stewardship and frugality as part of "Good Girl Style". I'm talking nitty-gritty budgeting strategies and rubber-hits-road confessions. It's gonna be real.

This is my second year of what I call, "Frugal February." It's something I made up for myself, after realizing that I NEEDED to take a bit more care with my finances. Being a single twenty-something is difficult, especially in these economic times, so budgeting is essential for me. I also recently finished a "Financial Fitness" class, and heard a sermon on finances, that gave me extra incentive to be fiscally responsible (and a few more tips to pass along this month!).

Frugal February comes at the perfect time of year. My budget is definitely looking a little bit overstretched (oh who am I kidding, I haven't looked at my budget since Christmas. And I may have been overindulging a bit in those January sales. Oops). It gives us a bit of time to reflect and dust off those budgets for the rest of the coming year.

 I am actually very, very excited about Frugal February and I really do hope you'll join me! 

Our Motto for the Month

The Game Plan

First, a "Budgeting 101" post, coming right up!
THEN

Week 1: Choose one thing to "use up"

Week 2: Find one thing to "mend"

Week 3: Find one thing to "make do" with instead of replacing or upgrading

Week 4: "Do without" one thing

PLUS

Each week has a specific challenge, or extra tips & tricks from my budget girl arsenal
+++++

I am so excited to get started! I really, really need this, and I hope you do, too.

If you're going to join me, grab a button below and then link up!

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If you want to join in on the fun, put your link here, and we'll track progress together!

Let's get started, girls!

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