Let’s talk about saving money, Facebook, soup, toys, and creating a nest…

Hey friends! The weather has took a turn towards cooler air, and I absolutely love it! When we were living in Los Angeles we rarely saw shades of red and yellow on the top half of trees, and so this is partly why I’m realllllly loving that fall is upon us. Our 2-mile round trip walks to the park are a lot more enjoyable, too ;)

A fun list of things I’m currently thinking about…

* I’m not on Facebook too much during the day, but I have made it a habit of “saving” posts in my feed I want to revisit later, especially if there is a video or long post attached. I find I enjoy the content so much more when I can read it during quiet hours.

* Still on the search for a “smokey eye”! I think I may try something fool proof, ha ha. Have you used any liquid/creamy eye shadows? Thinking I’ll mix a couple with a chubby eyeliner stick. The results will probably show up on my Instagram feed, unless I look absolutely terrifying (snort).

* Saturday night, Zack and I spent a little over an hour re-working our budget, AND I AM SO VERY EXCITED! We have tightened up our spending once again, and the amount we’re now able to save each month is so encouraging. A few days ago I wrote a little about how we’re paying off our debt, and it starts with using actual cash (very little debit card use, and NO credit card use), and only purchasing the essentials (no “wants” right now (those are bought once we’re debt-free)). We have been making great progress since the beginning of the year, but not as much as we’d like, considering we have tens of thousands of debt left to pay. So on Saturday night, we found an additional $300/month to throw at our debt, and I’m really encouraged — this additional money will speed up our progress by an entire year, yes!!! Also, this totally reminds me of Dave Ramsey when he says, “sell so much stuff the kids think they’re next”. Yep, that’s our mindset, cut off as much excess as possible so we can be debt-free as quickly as possible!

* Sunday morning, I baked a dozen pumpkin muffins! So delicious, and an easy way to warm up the house. Thanks Ashley for posting the recipe (edited to add, bake your muffins at 350*). With the leftover pumpkin, I’m sure I’ll make myself a few pumpkin spice latte’s at naptime — another recipe from Ashley.

* I mentioned this briefly on Friday :: we are entering another intense season with the kids. Natalie is ready to potty train (she’ll turn 2 the end of October), and Marigold has cut two teeth. I also think Natalie is getting her molars? Oh man, so we’ve reversed back to the sleepless night phase of parenting. And never has my bed felt so comfortable! When we moved back to Michigan, we bought a down comforter and duvet set for our bedroom. And flannel sheets ;) And I tell ya, when I get into bed at night, all cozy in our nest, I feel my stress relax off of my bones. It takes me very little time to fall asleep. I found the down comforter at Marshalls (SUCH a great store!), and it was one of the best “we’re moving back to Michigan where there are four seasons (!!!)” purchases. What I’m getting at is this: a tribe of little kids + a very comfortable, cozy nest = the best type of rest possible! Even if I’m not actually able to sleep, resting my body for at least 8 hours is exactly what I need during this season of life.

* I’m on a soup craze! So far I’ve made pasta e fagioli, broccoli cheddar, chicken pot pie, and lentil soup. Pair this with dinner rolls, fresh from the oven, and we are a happy crew come dinner time! :) Soup is perfect for our family, it often gives us plenty of leftovers, which I freeze for another meal. I make it a priority to make hearty soup recipes so I can strain most of the broth out, that way Max and Natalie can easily feed themselves. Edie is a soup whisperer, and I usually search her blog first :)

* TOYS! THINGS! ALL THE EXTRA STUFF! I suddenly want to clean it all up, pack up all the forgotten toys, replenish our art supplies, focus on building and creative play. How much time do I really spend cleaning up? I can’t even think about it ;) I loved the book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and recently a friend shared this book title with me, The House That Cleans Itself. And now that Marigold is able to turn onto her tummy (she’s as fast as lightening), it is making me really consider what toys are on the floor that she can reach.

YOUR TURN! There’s so much to talk about — what are you cooking? What’s on your mind? What helps you fall asleep fast at night, and how much sleep do you typically get/need? What are you looking forward to this week? xx