Work What You’ve Got
Lately I feel like all I’ve been doing is whining about not having a lot of extra cash, and the cuts we have to make this summer. What I really should be focusing on is all the good things we’ve got! Like my house, my husband, my friends and the fact that we saved so diligently that we can still go on our Europe trip in September.
Thinking on a more positive note also got me to thinking about all of the things that I can do in my house without spending a penny, or at least very few pennies. I’ve got a ton of extra paint in storage the bottom of my pantry, so why not use it? I’m thinking a fun stencil in a closet or two could be fun…
I could finally get around to organizing my craft supplies and closets. Jesse’s man cave is a computer grave yard. 
The guest room houses random knick knacks, sound equipment, lamps and all my gift wrapping supplies. 
And then there’s the coat closet. Yikes. 
Plus, the garage is a disaster again. And of course it doesn’t cost a penny to do yard work. As long as I don’t buy new flowers 😉
So for the summer I’ll be posting a lot about working what I’ve got. It’s not officially a series, but pretty much is. I’m just going to follow my heart and embrace the supplies I have on hand to make me house better. Hopefully I can inspire others to do the same in their houses too. Can’t wait to get inspired and work what I’ve got this weekend and all summer! Who knows, maybe I’ll host a linky party at the end of the summer to celebrate 😉
What are your weekend plans? Any things to do around the house? We’ve got a party and a youth event this weekend too, so it’ll be another busy one!
I’ve been working with what I got all over our house since moving in three months ago. And also working with what my parents have in storage, haha. Hopefully I get to a point where all that stuff I organized and I can see if there is anything we actually need.
We’ve been doing that since moving (and still getting rid of a lot of stuff that no longer makes sense). Is it weird that organizing and purging is relaxing for me?
It’s a good idea! I think all of us could probably focus more on working with what we’ve got.
I should really follow suit. I’ve been over spending and it’s not good!!
Haha, that theme is a near constant for me. This weekend will be yard work for. It’s about time we try to tackle our backyard.
On other blogs I read like Thrifty Decor Chick and Four Generations One Roof they call it “Shopping the House”. I like that term ’cause it makes me feel like I’m shopping and I find things I forgot about, then use them in a new way. I’ll use fabric I already have to re-cover pillows I already have; re-use an old frame, paint it and insert a print from an outdated calendar; or use up some left-over paint for an accent wall or door.
I like the new idea for your unofficial series. Can’t wait to see what you do with the paint.
LOVE THIS! I am one world’s tightest budget (i.e. NO spending) so I look forward to getting some inspirations from this series! 🙂
This is so perfect because I’ve been really slacking on my blog lately due to money too! I need to just suck it up and work with what I’ve got!
What a great unofficial series to start. I am drooling over all that storage space you have 🙂
Such a great idea to use what you already have! That’s the challenge I’ve been giving myself in my kitchen lately!
This is a great idea Ashley! I could definitely work what I have, and maybe even sell some of it also. I love the idea of a link party!
Good luck =)
I hear you! Totally on a budget this summer with a couple of major home improvement projects lined up!
Yay! If someone were to host a linky party, I’d have my soon-to-be kitchen curtains to link up to! (wink wink)
Also, if you want flowers/shrubs, you might check Craigslist occasionally! You can sometimes find people who need to split their perennials/want to get rid of shrubs… for free (we got rid of some shrubs that way)!
This IS such a great idea!! Once we finish all of budgeted expenses I am going to be needing to do exactly this and start getting creative with what we’ve got lying around. I love that our paint is in your pantry, btw! Totally something I would do. 🙂
I love this way of thinking. I am shopping in my own closet now because I can’t afford new and have actually come up with some combos I really like that wouldn’t have dawned on me bofore. I’ve also elimated a lot. It is fun to have fewer clothes but know that I like everything and it fits. Hope this wasn’t to off the subject. 🙂