If you know me, you know my Christmas shopping usually starts around September. It may seem way too early, but for me it has worked great with budgeting, spreading spending out, and having a stress free December. I absolutely love Christmas time and want to soak it in and be present for all the precious moments with our son. The last thing I want to do is be stressed out over purchasing gifts and take away from the meaning and reason for the season.

Today I thought I would share how I spread my purchases out and how I keep track of things. I know this is not for everyone, but it may be something to consider if shopping is something stressful each year.

Are you an early shopper or last minute shopper? I would love to know!

1.Make a List

Decide what people your family is purchasing gifts for. Write their names down with the amount you are spending next to their name. This will automatically show you how much money you are allocating towards gifts. If you need to budget, you can easily make a plan. If not, you are just more aware of what you are actually spending on gifts. Under their name write any ideas you have for them or what you are wanting to purchase.

Example (not actual list)

2.Make A Plan

Decide what system words best for you with spreading gifts out. You could purchase a couple each month, one each paycheck, or prioritize based off family needs/circumstances. Our family alternates Thanksgiving and Christmas each year with our parents/siblings. Since we are spending this Christmas with my in-laws, I will bring all of my family’s gifts with us to Thanksgiving so they have it for the holidays. Because I do this on my off years, I always prioritize their gifts first.

3.Keep Track Of Purchases

As you purchase items update your main list so you can see what you have purchased and what you are still needing. For example, if I have an item left to finish someone’s gift I will highlight it. If I am finished with that person I will note that they are done. You can also update the dollar amount to the actual amount spent!

Having your family create Amazon wish lists can be extremely helpful when it comes time to shop. It has made purchasing gifts even more stress free because I already know what our siblings like and would want (as well as prices).

Happy shopping!

Blessings,

Jac

My husband and I are starting to upgrade our home decor and furniture after six years of saying we are going to do it. It has been one of those things we just put off for no real reason. Both of us are not big spenders, so we will literally talk ourselves out of anything or agree that it can wait. We have finally come up with a game plan, and it feels so good to actually be doing it!

Since my husband has to see the “big picture” of a room to understand the vision and overall feel, I decided to create room boards for each space. This has been a game changer with us deciding on what we want. I thought I would share some tips if you are thinking of changing a space or a room.

I would love to know any of your tips!

1.Decide On Overall Style

Before you start purchasing items decide what style or feel you want for the space. My husband and I decided on a lot of mixed materials and textures with neutral colors throughout the main spaces of our home (blacks, browns, creams). We also like some industrial and farm house pieces so it helped talking about what we wanted and what we wanted it to look like.

2. Create A Picture Board

Once you know the style, vibe, or aesthetic you are going for find as many pictures you can of what you are wanting. Try to get as close as possible to the exact pieces of furniture you are wanting so you can get a feel of everything together as a whole as well as know the prices. This is such a game changer seeing everything together!

3.Make Note Of Prices

Once you know what new items you will be purchasing, research the prices for the exact pieces you are wanting. You can write the prices directly on your vision board and cross off as you go to have a visual. If you are changing any furniture (painting/reupolstering) write the prices for those as well. This will give you a total estimate for the space.

4. Prioritize Spending

Once you can see the big picture of a space and know how much the space will be, you can prioritize your spending. Decide what pieces you are purchasing first and come up with a plan together depending on cost and personal finances.

5.Have Fun

My husband and I are taking this time to create a space together and it has been so much fun!

Are you working on any home spaces? I would love to know!

Blessings,

Jac

A couple of months ago I shared some things I do every night to put the house to bed, or to prepare myself for the next day. You can check out that post here: Putting The House To Bed. Today I wanted to share some things I do to start the day on a positive note or “wake up” the day.

I would love to know anything you do the night before or in the morning to make the start of your day as smooth as possible!

1.Get Up Early

I have mentioned before that I typically wake up before the rest of the house. It is something I got used to doing with teaching early English classes and have continued doing even on my non teaching days. I love having a quiet house and time to do what I want to do. It makes such a difference not frantically waking up minutes before you are supposed to do something (ex: wake up the kids, get dressed for work, workout, etc). I look forward to that time and appreciate it so much.

2.Be Intentional With Quiet/Alone Time

I have shared some routines I enjoy doing in the mornings that get me in good mindset and my day started on a positive note. I personally enjoy listening to a faith based training, reading my Bible, and writing in a gratitude journal. This can look different for everyone. Find out what fuels your spirit or gets you mentally ready for the day and integrate that into your quiet time.

IGTV: Morning Routine

3.Organize/Prep Anything Needed 

I mentioned that I try to prep as much as possible the night before, however some things have to be done in the morning. I use the last 10-15 minutes of “me” time to get my son’s breakfast together, make my husbands smoothie, pack up his last minute lunch items, etc. It is so nice not feeling rushed with “to-dos” and being able to complete tasks peacefully and joyfully.

4.Brain Dump

I am a huge believer in writing things down and organizing/prioritizing things to do. I feel like life can get extremely overwhelming if there is no game plan. Making a to do list and then prioritizing what needs to get done that day can help you remained focused and intentional with your time. Pick 3 things a day so it isn’t too much and give yourself grace along the way!

5.Create Joy

We all have different things that make our heart and spirit happy. Do something that starts your day in a place of happiness and joy. Sit and enjoy that cup of coffee of tea. Complete a workout without any interruptions. Take a hot shower. Do simple things that start your day in a positive space to carry over throughout!

What are some things you do to start the day? 

Blessings,

Jac