Our $2,500 Budget Wedding

Our $2,500 Budget Wedding

Hubby and I have been married just over a year now… we got married on July 4, 2014.  We joked that we picked a holiday so neither of us could forget the anniversary… but seriously.  Also – how fun is it to have an extra day off work and fireworks every single anniversary?! Score! From the day we got engaged to the day of the wedding was 2 months and 3 days {yes, we are certifiably insane, thanks}.  We dated for about 4 months before getting engaged… I would not normally suggest that…Read more …
Rules for Dating My Son {Guest Post}

Rules for Dating My Son {Guest Post}

My great friend, mentor and Realtor Libby Zeigler recently searched rules for dating and couldn't find any she liked.  Being the creative momma she is, Libby took it upon herself to write some rules to help young women understand the reason for her spiritually grounded {albeit socially backward} dating philosophy.  I don't have any kids yet, but I love, love, LOVE the heart that shines through in this article.  It is obvious that these parents have put a great amount of love and deep thought into the parameters they have set for their…Read more …
Bargain Hunting at Kohl’s {with Insider Secrets}

Bargain Hunting at Kohl’s {with Insider Secrets}

So, in case you've been living under a rock or haven't visited our blog before, my husband and I are purchasing and renovating our first home. It's super fun... sometimes.  The renovation process can be tough at times though {uh, like when you have to scrape your just stained kitchen cabinets}.  I've found that shopping for decor is a fun way to break up the tough moments - and it's a great way to get design ideas!  As I'm shopping, I'm trying to only buy the things I really LOVE... we're trying to minimize…Read more …
How to Fence in your Yard {a Simple Tutorial}

How to Fence in your Yard {a Simple Tutorial}

You know you love your dogs when.... you spend a sizable amount of money purchasing fencing materials, then spend a ridiculous amount of time building said fence.  I'm excited to share today how to fence in your yard! We finished the fenced in backyard last weekend!  WOOP WOOP!  {Well, practically.  We have one more gate to add to the deck, so that doesn't really even count as fence.} When we talked about our renovation plans, we {I} KNEW we wanted to fence in the backyard, sooner rather than later.  Our two furbabies don't have a…Read more …
Finding God’s Peace in the Midst of Life’s Pain

Finding God’s Peace in the Midst of Life’s Pain

I know they say not to cry over spilled milk, but what about crying over scraped cabinets?  I haven't shared anything faith-based with you guys lately, but God smacked me in the face with a lesson this weekend and I have really felt it on my heart to share!  Have you ever struggled with finding God's peace? I have been refinishing the kitchen cabinets for our new house.  This process has not been a quick one - I started with hours upon hours upon hours of research {ahem, thank you Pinterest}.  I cleaned…Read more …
Target Clearance {Tips to Get the Best Deals}

Target Clearance {Tips to Get the Best Deals}

Normally, I wouldn't be so insistent.  However, you need to listen.  This is important.  Check the bank account, clear out the piggy, go check out Target's clearance section!  Before you go, though, make sure you check out my tips and ideas below!   Tip: Hunt down the deals! The clearance items were not centrally located when I shopped this week {and they typically aren't}.  In some spots, there were end caps or aisles of clearance.  The exciting finds {and often the best deals} were still in their normal location.  The end caps with…Read more …
Our Fridge Deal!

Our Fridge Deal!

When we talked about shopping at Lowe's and Menards last week, I mentioned the incredible deal we got on a brand new fridge!  I can't wait any longer to share our fridge deal with you. My goal for appliances {fridge, microwave, stove & dishwasher} was to spend under $1000.  We're on a fairly tight budget for renovations and didn't want to blow a bunch on fancy appliances.  I knew thought we would be buying used appliances at that price point.  I was ELATED to find a new fridge and microwave in our budget!  {Just for…Read more …
How to Build a Laundry Basket Sorter {an Ana White DIY Project}

How to Build a Laundry Basket Sorter {an Ana White DIY Project}

How to Build a Laundry Basket Sorter {which could also be known as.... home projects take 74 times the amount of time you think they should}. I've oooohed and aaaaahed over Ana White's website for a few years.  She shares highly detailed building plans for any project you can think of - and they're all completely free!  CHA CHING!  Before we got married, Michael built me a bed.  The plan was modified from Ana White and y'all - it.is.gorgeous.  {See the plan here: http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plan-love-farmhouse-bed-now-with-arch.html}  This is the bed the day we put it together…Read more …
Big Box Home Improvement Retailer Comparison

Big Box Home Improvement Retailer Comparison

There are two major big box retailers for home improvement & renovation supplies in our area {South Central Indiana} - Lowe's and Menards. Well, there are sort of three big box stores.  There are Home Depot stores in the area, but we don't typically shop at Home Depot.  They are farther away than either Lowe's or Menards.  Since they are not as convenient, I don't compare their prices or pay attention to their sales. That leaves Menards and Lowe's as the two major shopping choices in our area.  Menards is slightly more convenient…Read more …
It’s Getting Real.

It’s Getting Real.

Y'all. I am so stinkin' thrilled to share some {more} big news with you!  It's getting real... I have been a blogger {off and on} for several years now.  In college, I traveled and kept a blog to update friends and family.  Other times I shared coupons, life stories and random musings.  As Michael and I have progressed through the home buying process, I have relied heavily on other bloggers to guide me along.  Pinterest has been a lifesaver in connecting people with each other - bloggers with readers, newbies with pros, teachers…Read more …