A Month of Contentment

Hi friends! We have experienced an entire month into 2018 & that means I have completed one month of my contentment challenge! Hooray! My hubs didn't think I could do it - well, well Look who was right?! This mama! (As per usual!) 😉

Participating in this contentment challenge was for multiple reasons. To regain some financial security after the holiday season, to learn to be content with the things I already have and to live a more simplified life. And I can't say that just after a month of no spending that I'm a changed woman. I still have a very strong urge to spend when I go into the stores. It is SO hard.

We buy Liams diapers & wipes from Target which makes walking past the dollar spot killer for me. I try to turn my head. Run past. Think good things. It's TOUGH. I told my hubs, Nick, that I was so flustered when checking out, I may need him to start just picking up the diapers and wipes from now on. 😭

And then the adorable spring stuff - guys I'm telling you. This challenge is truly a CHALLENGE. So I avoid going into the stores at all costs. Which is a pro in a way right now with the flu epidemic which hit our home this past month. And this paranoid mama is just saying no to heading out with her little man at all costs until everything dies down and our immune systems are back to 100%!

So how do I avoid the stores? I'm sure y'all have heard of the online store pick up? I am sure you have but have you utilized it?! Guys, this simple & life saving service is so helpful for folks like me and those trying to avoid the flu bug! (I heard Target near me is participating in this service now too, maybe that's how I will get my diapers! 👍) I have less temptation to buy those extras I don't need or for those trying to diet - not grazing the snacks aisle! You just pull your car right up and they bring you your groceries! There are a few stores in the area (unfortunately for me, they don't come to my zip code) have home delivery service for a small fee. But there are SO many options out there for busy mamas, dieting friends ->how's your new years resolutions going?!, buds participating in a contentment challenge (I'm here for support! 👋) or anyone who just wants to avoid going into the stores!

But what about those addicted to the online shopping? How do you stay away from that? That's another toughy for me. Especially when your blogger friends you gather inspiration for your home from have quick, easy and coupon-able links to purchase the newest & cutest home decor. So, in order to be so stubborn and prove my hubs wrong - it has been a little easier to scroll right past those links and not spend. But then there are some that the links and decor stare at me for a few hours. And I can't seem to stop looking at it. Phew. Sometimes there is a close call. 🙊 But I have learned to ask myself a few simple questions/steps that talk me right out of it:

1. Do I have anything in the house remotely similar to this

2. Not sure? Take a look through your decor stash in the basement & guest bedroom.

(^this usually results me in finding something I totally forgot I had to begin with and makes me forget completely what I was looking for to begin with - SQUIRREL!) 😉

3. Can't find anything like it? Is this piece going to be something that would stay out seasonally or all year round? If seasonal, don't waste your money. Invest in quality pieces.

4. Is this piece a classic that you'll love forever? (My heart always says yes, but my head knows probably not!)

5. Come April 1st, if you even remember that you love it, purchase it. (But will I remember? Nope!)

I guess those steps are just all to really ask myself, do I truly need this? And of course, we never NEED it, but it sure is pretty to have right? I do have one piece that on April 1st I am going to purchase absolutely as soon as the store opens. Hear me out on this.

I went to my favorite antique store, Antiques on the Ridge, in No. Ridgeville, OH for my local folks. The 2 owners are mother & daughter and are the sweetest women ever and I LOVE how they decorate their store. Everything they bring in is set up to inspire you for your home. (I'll have to take some pics next time I'm in & share with y'all!) So back to my story - I went in after the new year to pick up a Christmas tree I purchased last year but didn't have no room in my car for. And while I was waiting to get it packed into my tiny Corolla, I had to do a quick browse which then lead me to finding this rug.

This rug was hidden under some tables & had been one I've been googling over on some of my friends spaces. It's a natural fiber, hand woven farmhouse rug. And it was a stellar price for its size - $40. FORTY DOLLARS. I about fell over and had to ask her what is wrong with the rug. Nothing, she just doesn't sell rugs as often. She asked if she should package it up with the tree & I sadly explained to her my contentment challenge and how I wished but right now, it just wasn't possible.

So that's when she told me, "I'll take the tag off until April 1st. If you decide to come back and purchase it, it's yours. If you don't want it no more, I'll just throw the tag back on.". 😮 I almost got down right then and there to kiss her feet but I refrained. 😉

We are in DESPERATE need for a rug under our kitchen table because we can't keep looking at the crumbs Liam throws onto the floor after eating. We would rather them be hidden in a rug. 😉 And I knew this rug would be able to take the beating, hide the crumbs and endure the weather elements since the sliding door to the patio is right next to the table.

So the wait for this rug is worth it because it will be a miracle worker once we get it. For now, we just have to see crumbs and suffer. 😊

So that's how I've been doing on the contentment challenge this past month and how I've been handling it. Each day brings new hurdles and I'm still waiting for the day I wake up and I don't feel a need to spend. But until then, I'll keep locking myself in and thinking of all that I'm saving. 😊 Talk soon buds! XO.