Lets face it, times are tight. Are our homes really where we should be spending the money that we could be saving? I don't think right now is the best time for that (beyond what we have already done).
My heart aches to remodel our master bathroom, I wish upon a star that I could get that ottoman and matching pillows for my family room, and maybe one day I can redecorate the kids rooms :) I also have REALLY badly wanted a new dresser for our bedroom, maybe add some chair rail, amazing photos and a bookcase. I have to add that I would LOVE to get a new, stylish chair to replace my nerdy office one I am sitting on right now (that someone gave us 4 years ago). Not to mention reflooring the whole downstairs with Engineered hardwood..... in my dreams....
The reality is, we need to be saving.
My husband is still driving the '87 Toyota pick-up he drove to High School. I think it's his time for a nice little "renovation". It is his turn to buy his "dream truck" (the dream truck in our budget). My dresser can wait, my ottoman with matching pillows and my master bathroom will definitely have to wait until the housing market picks up again and I can see a reason to spruce things up with the hope of a nice return.
My husband gave me my dream kitchen so I will give him his dream truck.
So, for now, my posts will be far and few between. But that is OK. Because when I do get a chance to redecorate something it will be so worth the wait :)
I feel your pain! We are actually having to buy a new vehicle right now. I can't stand car shopping and I don't like car payments at all but it is something that we have to do. When will I get those wood floors? I dunno but having a safe, drivable vehicle for both of us and some money in the bank "just in case" is a much better plan. This won't last forever but it is a bump we must get over. :) BTW, after Christmas I am tackling my stair railings! Great job on yours. :)
ReplyDeleteBeing laid off 2 times within an 18 month period, I completely understand about tough times! Also, being sucked into the ARM during the sub-prime lending days is kicking my booty. These are times that I have never faced before and it's a bit scary to wonder what's in store. I have to trust that He has a plan & will take care of us.
ReplyDeleteLike you, even with a super tight budget, I wanted to makeover my master bedroom. I have seen gorgeous makeovers for 1,000s of dollars & wanted to show others that you could makeover a room for $500. This may have been my FAVORITE project yet! Check it out if you can... http://minearespectacular.blogspot.com/2009/04/master-makeover.html
Can't wait to see your projects once you get started up again! BTW - I LOVE the honesty in your blog!
I was so happy to do that for my husband last year...seems he is always giving everything to the family and never getting anything in return but a round of golf every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteHe's always liked pick up trucks and had a small one before - I urged him to get one and he finally did. Funny guy still says though if we need to get rid of his truck and get him a piece of junk to drive to work so we can pay the bills...he'd be happy to do it.
I'm totally feeling ya! My goal is still work on updating our house but I do not want to buy any furniture that won't last and be worth the ticket price. When I can buy a piece of wonderfully made furniture off Craigslist for half or a third (or more) of the price of some fake wood piece, I'm all for it and am so happy. I look for those types that can fixed up instead of wasting money on furniture that might not last a few years.
ReplyDeleteI understand too well needing to spend money on necessary expenses and having to wait on wanted things. My guy & I just rented a house, our first house together, and I want desperately to landscape the yard and to add to the decor too (we moved to TX with $ only for a small trailer, so I was forced to leave 2/3 of my stuff behind...).
ReplyDeleteI am sure there are things you could post about in the meantime. No one wants you to stop posting, I'm sure. :)
I haven't had a chance to look at your blog for quite awhile and am just now getting to it. I think it's great that you are cutting back. Welcome to the world of the rest of us who don't have the time or all of the money/know-how to make our houses look like those ridiculous, fake magazine homes.
ReplyDeleteAwww, tear, and I JUST found your blog!
ReplyDeleteI feel ya though. Just bought our dream house... that needs WAY too much work.
And just found out my hubby may be out of job soon. Grrrr.
Sooo, things will have to wait.
Anonymous- you CRACK me up!!! I am laughing. Well, honestly, the houses in the magazines probably never look like they do in the magazines. A stylist comes in and styles them. I guess I have just taken my energies elsewhere, to a hobby that MAKES money instead of TAKES my money... PHOTOGRAPHY!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my photography blog
http://mikaelmonsonphotography.blogspot.com/
I WILL be posting in the spring though, I have kids rooms to redo! SO EXCITED!!!
I sure enjoyed looking at your blog. I feel really inspired now. Sometimes I get discouraged by how many things our home could use and how much money and work in all takes - but you've shown me that it really can be done, one step at a time. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment Johstoneaux family! It is true though, I am still OVERWHELMED at times! Just keeping up with the wear and tear of a house is enough, let alone updating!!!
ReplyDeleteBut it is true, one project at a time... my next one is coming up in the new year... my MASTER BATH!! SO STOKED!!!!
Please all my readers be patient with me.. I WILL BE BACK~!
It is a hard balance, saving vs. spending, but from someone who is a little further down the path (AGE wise at least!) I will tell you every bit of saving pays off and makes things get better with each year. Plus, I think when there is not as much money available for decorating it forces one to get really creative. All the best! Janell
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that I love your blog and hope that you continue to post - even if it's not about decorating. I know that everything will work out for you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
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