These Fleeting Moments: Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without

I've been trying hard as of late to live this very saying instead of always buying what I want, despite any actual need. Not only when it comes to buying, I'm also trying to make the most of what I have. It always out of necessity that my habits change, and once again unemployment is kicking me in my butt telling me to do what I already should have been doing.

I've been a saver and a budgeter since I started working and it is because of this I have money in an emergency fund as well as for our future wedding. But I know I can do better with my saving by not allowing myself to have such a casual attitude about my stuff. Not only do I need to appreciate what I have, but I also need to really use it up before I think about buying something to replace it.

What to consider when I'm looking to buy something:

-Can I replace it with something I already have?

-Do I really need it?

-Is my life going to be changed because I have this?

-How will this get me closer to my family, bf, and most importantly, God?

-Will this help me build my skills and abilities or is it just something pretty and unnecessary?

-Will I use this frequently enough to necessitate buying it rather than borrowing?

Here are a few things I've done recently to try and live this saying:

-fixing knitted booties/slippers my aunt made for me that had worn out on the bottom, adding anti-slip fabric to make them last longer

-fixing multiple sweaters that had holes or were pilling

-passing up comfortable accent pillows for the couches, curtains for the master, rugs for the living room and master bedroom, leather recliner for the office, matching washcloths for the bathroom (that was just from this afternoon!)

-borrowing a roasting pan instead of buying a new one when we had friends over this weekend

-using fabric scraps to make three new baby blankets

Bf and I had a discussion about decorating the house and he made a funny observation. Throw pillows, decorative curtains, throw rugs, etc. are all things that men do not understand or find necessary in any way. Women, however, do find them necessary as a way to make the house feel like a home and welcoming to others.

So I guess as much as I talk (and think) about redecorating, I really do want to be a blessing in our relationship and follow God's plan for us. Having a perfectly decorated home and using up any free money (rather than saving for a rainy day), does not make sense to me anymore. We will live within our means and raise our children to have an appreciation for what they have. But this starts with us, and I certainly do need to apply this to myself when working with our finances on a daily basis. Grocery shopping, picking up household items from Target, spending time (and plenty of money) on crafting- all daily choices that I need to apply the above questions to my daily choices.

Another point to consider, does everything have to be perfect? Do I need to have the perfect drapes up in the master or do the blinds that are already up block out the light? Do I need to have the most perfect holiday place settings or can I use the same napkins/ placemats/ tablecloths that I used for another holiday? Do I need to have the perfect outfit or make the perfect dinner or have a perfectly clean house? Why isn't good enough, good enough? By spending more time making things perfect, what does it take away from my life or relationships? If I spent 20 minutes rather than 2 hours cleaning the house, wouldn't I have more time to spend in the Word? Wouldn't I have more time making something for someone I love? Wouldn't it allow me time to volunteer and find ways to use my skills to find another job or just add value to my life?

To copy The Thrifty Wife, the following are my weekly goals, divided up into four categories.

Family/Girlfriend Goals

1. Meet up with Dad for coffee

2. Start thinking about a really good present for bf's birthday

Personal/Spiritual

3. Listen to Sunday's sermon

4. Start reading Preparing to Be a Help Meet

5. Go on a walk twice this week, starting Wednesday

Home Management

6. Help bf install the new closet in the master

7. Try a few of those 60 second cleaning tips

8. Menu plan for March, include freezer meals