Happy New Year! I have a really simple goal for 2017 – give our possessions that means something to us or are useful everyday a home. I’d like to think we’re pretty good, somewhat mindful about it, but we could improve. Each time something new enters our house, I find it a home. It makes me more vigilant about what we let in; it isn’t easy to say no to stuff when you know in your heart that the folks giving it to you have good intentions!

Like today, we inherited my husband’s scouting shirts, complete with badges,bandanas, and even the uniform khaki shorts  (circa early 1980’s) from my mother-in-law. How could I say no? A common thread between us is our strong nostalgic sides – you know, my son does scouting now, her son did scouting…..it’s just so darn sweet to think of my husband as a cute cub scout! Once in the door, they were neatly folded and put in our hope chest, which I will gladly pull out whenever our son asks. Maybe he could even utilize some of it down the road. My point is that I thoughtfully gave it a home upon arrival. This is my proactive step for 2017.

I love to shop at places like Target and Savers, where you can really get some good buys (like all my new spring shirts for under $35, secondhand!), however, I am and will continue to apply the mindset of purchasing only what is needed and that I can give a home to. I mean, really how many sale items do we need, just because we rationalize that they were a good deal??

 

I will continue to track and post how this goes, as well as upcoming thoughts on using the  cash envelope concept for spending on groceries, entertainment, etc. This is another goal of mine for the upcoming year.