goals Archives - Feathers in Our Nest

Baby Countdown Checklist: Revisited!

January 26, 2012 by Aliesha

our nursery

I know a lot of you were stressed out for me with all I had to do to prepare for Mango’s arrival when I first posted this list. I wanted to let you know that while I’ve added some things to this list, I’ve also checked off quite a bit! Here is the updated version:

Week 34
-pre-wash new diapers (done)
-buy cloth diaper detergent (done)

Week 35
–paint nursery (done… it took a total of 22 man-hours, but it’s done!)
-arrange care for Vera for when I go into labor (done)
-write notes for Vera’s caretaker(s) (done)
-deep-clean our bedroom (since Mango will be in there with us at first) (working on)
-make a new batch of laundry detergent (done)

Week 36
-gather breastfeeding supplies (covers, pads, lanolin, nursing bras, etc.) (done)
-gather post-partum supplies (done)
-get out newborn clothes (done)
-set up nursery (move around furniture, arrange closet, hang curtains, maybe decorate a little, etc.) (done, though there are still a few things we’d like to do in there as time goes on)
-pack hospital bags (mine, Tad’s, baby’s) (done)
-pack Vera’s bag (working on)
-take maternity photos (done)

Week 37
-bake several loaves of whole-wheat bread (also made this recipe too) and freeze (working on; one loaf baked)
-make a few meals for the freeze (done)
-create a freezer inventory list (done)
-stock pantry with staples (rice, oatmeal, canned goods, etc.) (done, though I may have to restock if baby is really “late”)
-set up guest room (my mom will be staying with us after the birth) (done)

Week 38
-write shower thank-you notes
-write and schedule next 2-3 review posts for She {hearts} It (almost done)
-catch up (or get ahead!)

Week 39
-buy any last-minute needs (disposable diapers, wipes, etc.)
-thoroughly clean out fridge
-thoroughly clean both bathrooms
-install car seat in new vehicle (hoping to have a new van by then)
-get a haircut

Week 40
-set up pack ‘n’ play in our bedroom

Week 41
-get a pedicure (it’s my reward if I’m still great with child…ha!)

I’m definitely feeling much better about everything!
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New Year, New You: Series Recap

January 22, 2012 by Aliesha

I hope you enjoyed the New Year, New You series of posts we covered in the first couple of weeks of January! In case you missed any of them, here are all of the topics we talked about.

–set SMART goals
–eat less sugar (with a free printable)
–have more date nights
–read more books
–organize your closets
–read through the Bible
–organize your purse
–use a cash envelope system

Hope your new year is off to a great start!!

New Year, New You: Use a Cash Envelope System

January 12, 2012 by Aliesha

I’ve been using a cash envelope system for our grocery budget for a whole 52 weeks now. It has worked beautifully for our family! Before we started using cash to buy groceries, 1) I was more likely to go over-budget, or 2) sometimes the “grocery money” in the bank account would get used for something else, and then there was no money for groceries come shopping day. We’re both glad we have a better system in place now!

The way the system works for us is that Tad withdraws our weekly grocery budget (as well as our tithe) as soon as he deposits his paycheck each week. Every week I know I have a certain amount to spend, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. I have to live within our means!

Here’s the fun part, though… whatever I don’t spend from that amount each week goes into another envelope. This “grocery surplus fund” allows me to make special purchases (bulk foods, strawberries, stock-ups on sales, etc.) that I ordinarily wouldn’t have the money for on a weekly basis. I consistently come in under budget each week now (by the grace of God, for sure), and I enjoy getting to save those extra few dollars for future grocery purchases.

I know lots of other people use the cash envelope system for all of their budget categories, but for now, this is the one category that really makes sense for our family. Every family is different, though!

I used bank envelopes (the ones they give you your cash back in) all of last year, but I got tired of how drab they looked. I decided to replace them with cute envelopes made from scrapbooking paper!

To make your own…
-unfold a bank envelope carefully
-trace the outline of the envelope on the backside of the scrapbooking paper with a pencil
-cut it out
-score (using a ruler) along the flaps so it’s easier to fold
-fold the flaps in just like the original envelope
-glue the bottom and side flaps
-label/decorate as desired

Do you use a cash envelope system for groceries? What about any other budgeted items? How does it work for your family?
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