Saturday, September 13, 2008

Saving Money and Decking the Halls

So my friend Kacy has inspired me with her thriftiness lately. I have seen this on a few other blogs - playing the Walgreen's game. I decided I had to give it a try. Only I only wanted to buy things we really needed and would use. So yesterday after organizing - I went to Wal-greens and got all the stuff above - $55 regular price for $18 (after coupons and rebates). I'm pretty proud of that. Now Kacy has figured out how to buy things and basically get paid for it. I was a finance major - but I'm not that smart yet. But I'm working on it. This blog gives more tips on this process. I'm all about "saving money, living better". ha!
Since we couldn't go to Magnolia this weekend - I decided to go ahead and join my choir retreat that I had planned to miss. It was a lot of fun. We practiced last night and a lot of today. We were working on Christmas music. Now I have been waiting on fall and it has finally almost got here and I'm already ready for Christmas to come.
Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I love decorating my house. You can see my house last year here. Every year - I seem to get bigger and better with my Christmas decorations. I try to hit after Christmas clearance sales for things for the next year.
This is going to be an unusual year for us because not only will we have to stay home this year but I'm planning to NOT decorate. I just don't see how I can do it at 9 months pregnant. Pretty much everything is in the attic and I don't want to make Scott try to do it. (because I want it done MY way. ha!) And I can't imagine trying to put it all up and get last minute things ready for the baby. But it will be a special, special Christmas for us this year because we will ALMOST have Harper here and it will be our last Christmas just the two of us. I can decorate like crazy the next year.
What about you - do you like to decorate for Christmas????

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh honey, you are totally going to be able to decorate for Christmas 9 months pregnant. You seem to be doing fantastic so far and you aren't even that big yet, so I think you can handle it (God-willing that you don't wind up on bedrest or anything like that, right?). I own and online baby boutique and I was shipping out my packages 2 days before I delivered at 43 weeks, no less! I have faith that you will get those Christmas decorations up and get everything ready for Harper. You are already Super-Mom, so I have faith that you can do it all this year, too!

I have been following your blog for a while now and I think it is just great. I have an 18 month old daugther and she is the light of my life. I know exactly how much fun you are going to have as Harper's mama!

Best wishes to you!
Natalie Stewart Graham
Long Beach, CA

Amanda Ledford said...

I am a Christmas decorating fool! I live to decorate for Christmas! Haha! I have already bought a lot of things for this year that I know I wouldn't be able to find later in the season. I have a 9 ft tree in the living room, a Christmas village, and a lot of little things all over my house! You have got me all excited about fall and decorating...I may just have to go work on my fall wreath now! :)

Kristy said...

I love to decorate for Christmas! Last year we thought we would be in our new house in time for Christmas, but we weren't, so I didn't get to decorate much. (Everything was packed!!) So this year I'll be making up for it! =)

Jennifer said...

Kelly,
I can totally understand where you are coming from! I was pregnant with twins at the holidays last year. Unfortunately, I spent a great deal of December in the hospital as I delivered them early at 32 weeks. However, the Christmas before they were born we had 7 Christmas trees. Each tree had a different theme. We also love our annual ornament and cookie exchange! Wouldn't it be fun to do an ornament exchange with blog friends? Let me know what you think! I loved looking at your decorations from last year. Your house is beautiful! This Christmas, Addelynn and Alexander will be a year old, so keeping them out of the trees and decorations will be interesting! Have a great rest of the weekend!

Jackie said...

I LOVE decorating for Christmas...makes me a little giddy just thinking about it. I was due on Christmas Day 2005, so I understand how you feel...yet, the day after Thanksgiving, there I was, putting up and decorating the Christmas tree by myself. :) I just couldn't help it. But whether you decorate or not, it will be an amazing holiday for your precious family.

Katie said...

Kelly, you're smart! You don't want to worry about putting down Christmas decorations with Harper close to being born. What a special Christmas it will be for you and Scott.

Zach was a Thanksgiving baby, and I will never forget it! My mom was up here cooking for us, and it was heaven. Just Jason, me, and our new baby. I didn't decorate for fall or Christmas last year, so I'm even more excited about decorating this year.

Christy said...

I love to decorate for Christmas! I just try not to think about going through a lot of work and money for only a month and a half. Like you, we are taking a year off from Christmas decorating since we are renting. I'm planning to buy a live potted tree to use for our Christmas tree and then planting it out at the new house.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

Love it, love it, love it!!! Decorating for Christmas is my favorite!

Amy said...

Oh, I how I LOVE decorating for Christmas! Even when our tree is in a pack-n-play to keep it away from the babies! We recently moved from Texas to D.C., and my parents are coming up in early November to celebrate the holidays and see a proper fall. Which means I get to decorate in October. I. CAN'T. WAIT!!!! :)

SLS said...

I love decorating for Christmas too! Last year we had one tree in our family room but this year I plan on putting a small one in the dining room too!
I loved looking at your Christmas decor from last year! You did a really great job! I know this is random, but do by chance remember where you got your entertainment center from? We have been looking for one forever and I really like yours!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Shannon said...

I love decorating for Christmas. Last year I noticed we both have stockings from Ballard. Mine are the polka dot. Have you gotten one for Harper? I'm so worried that they will not have the stockings I ordered when we do have a baby. :) I can just see them discontinuing them right before I find out I'm pregg. Ha! Why do I worry about these things?!!? :)

Melissa Stover said...

i can't figure out how to get things for free either but i do shop at walgreens and do the coupons and rebates. i still think i'm doing it wrong.

i have no choice but to decorate at 9 months pregnant. my kids would be hugely disappointed if we had no tree. however, we will deocrate very early this year and i hope to have all my shopping done early (or online).

pinkmommy said...

The Princess was due the end of January, and I did not decorate for Christmas that year. Otherwise, decorating for Christmas was always fun but has become even more fun since having the Princess. She is already talking about Christmas.

Heather said...

I love decorating for Christmas and I always hit the after-Christmas clearance sales, too!
When I was pregnant with Connor, though, I didn't decorate that year, either. I was only 5 months or so, but I was just so worn out from work and school (I was working on my masters at night) that I just decided not to mess with it. It turned out fine! I was EXTRA excited to see all my stuff the next year!
Praying for you, Scott, and Harper today!

Laura said...

I was only four months pregnant with our daughter Alise when Christmas 2004 rolled around and I didn't feel much like decorating, either. No tree. No Santa stuff. NOthing. All my friends were shocked because I tend to go overboard with Christmas, too.

One day in December, I was having a particuliarly bad day and while I was out running an errand, my man had the college kids at our church come over and put the tree up for me. They left me the sweetest note! I still have it in Alise's baby book!

Jen said...

I love decorating for Christmas! Kelly, both my boys were born in December (11th and 29th) and I still went all out! I just can't have my house not decorated for Christmas. That stocking is so cute!

Lauren said...

Emma Kate was born January 3rd and I decorated more than I ever have the Christmas before she was born. It wasn't bad at all... You could totally do it! I couldn't stand not having decorations out... It just didn't feel like Christmas w/o them!

And way to go on that Walgreens shopping... That's AWESOME!!!

Michelle said...

I love reading your blog. You are probably right about decorating 9 months pregnant, that may not work. HA.
Your house was beautiful last year, and I am sure next year will be even better with little Harper in the picture.
I love you style.

Anonymous said...

I love decorating for Christmas! The years we visit Matt's family in VA, I only decorate a little bit (i.e. a wreath, nativity), but no tree or outside lights. Last year, we hosted Christmas for the first time and we were DECKED out! My mom helped me decorate and here were a few pics: http://inkpots.vox.com/library/post/christmas-decorating-with-my-mompriceless.html

But this year, I am totally with you. Being due January 9th, I am not planning on decorating at all! Maybe the wreath and nativity, but the simpler the better, I think. I'm not going to push myself nor stress myself out by adding that to my plate. So you won't be alone in the toned-down Christmas decorating. :) Next year, the full shabang!

Catherine said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, your christmas stocking, where did you get it. You seem to find the good deals and I enjoy reading about them. Also, were your Kitchen cabinets already in your house when you moved there or did ya'll put them in??? Thanks for sharing, my kitchen needs MAJOR updating, LOL
Geaaux Tigers,
Catherine

Susan said...

Hi Kelly,

Hi Kelly,

I'm de-lurking to say Hi and that I love your blog. And, all the things you have so far for the baby...cute, cute, cute.

Today I purchased a brown track suit with a green shirt to go with it. Given your blog colors, etc. I thought you would be proud. ha :) I LOVE brown and green.

Susan

Anonymous said...

I LOVE Christmas and decorating. I think you are smart to not decorate a whole lot this year. I've had 2 December babies and it is SO hard to get the decorations up with a newborn around.

Michele said...

We didn't decorate this year (since we moved in on Dec 22nd :) ) and I gotta say - it was soooo nice to not have to spend an entire day in January putting it all away :). I think I might just skip it again - or go really light. But hey, if you want some things up, who says you can't dictate decorating from the couch?

Anonymous said...

I see you decided to check out Wal-Greens! We bought a lot of the same things as you!
About decorating: I was born December 21 and my mom did Christmas and had two other small children. She probably about half-killed herself doing it too! Maybe you could just put up a few things this year!

-Mary Avery Wigley

Jill said...

My sis-in-law had my nephew last year (the week before Christmas) so she just made sure all of her shopping and decorating was finished a few weeks before. She had to start early but was able to have a normal Christmas, despite having the baby. She had a really great pregnancy...I was amazed at how she did all she did!

I'll be praying you have more energy than ever! I LOVE Christmas...it's my fave time! I would hate for you not to be able to do any decorating, that's what makes it feel like Christmas. Let hubby help you. :)

Jenna said...

You go girl with your money-saving self! That is awesome!

I am a lover of Christmas decorations as well!! I can't wait for the day when I have my own house and own space to decorate. No corner shall go unturned! :)

And oh my word, you'll be so excited come Christmas - decorations won't matter one bit! All your energy will be used on waiting for that Harper-girl to show her sweet face! Yay!

Meagan said...

I predict you won't be able to keep yourself from decorating... at least a little!! :-)

I am inspired by your shopping skills and savings. I need a lesson!!! :-)

Shannon C said...

Less is more, right! Just do what you feel like doing when the time comes. I was on bedrest my last few months of pregnancy (Dec & Jan). I had to totally turn everything over to my husband. I was very difficult letting go of the control, but we managed.

elliotts said...

I absolutely LOVE decorating my house for the holidays!! This weekend, I got everything out for the fall...not long now until all the green and red come out!

This will be such a special Christmas for you and your family..you will be so anxious for your baby's arrival.

My husband and I are looking forward to our Christmas with our host daughter fromj Norway. It will be wonderful to share with her. She is here with us until June, and we are having a BLAST!!

Take care,
Diane Elliott
Easton, MD

Staci said...

Christmas decorating is one of my all time favorite things to do. Even when it's just me!! I got some new stuff after christmas last year, so I can't wait to use it this year!!

Enjoy your last christmas with just you and Scott!!

Gennae H. said...

I enjoy decorating for Christmas but we haven't the last two years. Two years ago, we moved to Texas right after Christmas and then last year I had a 2 year old and a 10 month old (who were into everything) and we were traveling out of state for the holidays, so I opted out of decorating. While we were out of town last year we had a minor flood in our garage and many of our Christmas decorations (including our trees) were damaged. So, I will be decorating this year but it will be interesting! I think you are smart to take a year off. You could still put up a wreath or something festive and have an easy, stress free clean up!

The Garners said...

This will be a special Christmas! I'm sure H already has a stocking...is it like yours?? The thing about decorating big next year is that Harper will be crawling around getting into EVERYTHING so you might have to put it off another year...or two...or three... :)

Rachel said...

Kelly - I am just as nuts about Christmas decor as you are, maybe worse!! There is a tree in every room in my house!! I need to get on that tour this year!! I love to decorate for Christmas and I would love to show off my hard work =)...

BTW - I had Claire the day after Thanksgiving and I could not imagine not havind decor up...so I did everything way early and it was done before she was born! Maybe you should start early that way you can take your time and and have more energy early on!!

CarolinaGirl said...

My favorite decorations are our Ballard Designs stockings! They are exactly like yours, but we did the stripes and the dots! 3 with dots and 3 with stripes! We even bought the topiar stocking holders. I love them! You look beautiful and I love Harpers room. Check out this website
One of my favorites
www.kookoobearkids.com

Trina said...

You and Kacy need to check out the blog From Wags to Riches. There is a link on my blog, I can't remember the link off the top of my head and I am too lazy to go look it up LOL

Megan L Hutchings said...

I am all about saving money so I will definitely have to read some more of Kacy's blog ;)!

I am absolutely enjoying fall and while I can't wait for Christmas (we will hopefully be in our house), I am trying to cherish fall!

I can't wait to see what kind of adorable stocking Harper will have ;)!

The Walkie Talkie said...

It is an understatement to say that I LOVE decorating for Christmas. This Christmas will also be our first Christmas "at home" (allbeit in Colorado) and it is killing me that I won't be able to use my Christmas Spode dishes. Since we are in transition (living in a rent house out here until our house sales in Arkansas) we didn't want to unpack all the boxes and unfortunately the Spode dishes didn't make the cut. Oh well, it can still be Christmas without all the decorations. My dad is a testament to that. Last Christmas he only had a 3 inch crystal Christmas tree on his mantle and we still managed to celebrate!

The Walkie Talkie said...

P.S. I am totally inspired by your thriftiness. That would blow Benton away if I were to save us money like that (he is a finance man too).

Austin and Ashley Evans said...

I too am obsessed with Christmas!! Infact, we have VERY smiliar Chritmas decorations - I am noticing a lot of Ballard Designs, which is all over our house too - including our stockings (with 2 blank for kiddos!) Loved this post! :)

Unknown said...

Christmas is my favorite holiday to decorate for!

the boyd girls.... said...

Caroline was born Dec 9th... and we had Christmas up! With a little help from my jeff, mom, and sister in law... I wanted to have it up for the sake of pics and it always makes me happy when all my Christmas stuff is up!
On another note, 90210 was also my fav show growing up, and I am already hooked! :) And I am also a Biggest Loser fan!

Jill said...

I had my son Dec. 16th and I was so much into the nesting phase that my house was decorated that year probably the best it's ever been. It was the NEXT year - when he was turning 1 - that was a challenge. I tried my best, but it wasn't like I normally do. And I LOVE decorating for Christmas. It seems like the decorations are up for such a very short time, too (about a month).