Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Christmas on a Budget

We are on a budget. Blah, blah, right? I got a bit carried away with our kitchen dollars, as a result, we've had to take a long hard look at how we spend our money ~ a little less frivolity and a little more discipline was in order.  I'm a bit embarrassed to admit we didn't do this years ago, but we didn't.  I can be a pretty impulsive shopper too.  Hello, pinterest!  We had to make changes and the added structure is good for all of us.  Most of the time.  Christmas is historically a time that I go a bit over board.  This year I'm trying very hard to keep it in check.  Starting with Jimmy and I.  I told him we get $100 for each other, no more. I'm talking Dave Ramsey style, here's your cash, don't you dare touch your credit card.  Spend wisely. I then told him it would make a fun blog post to do "his + hers" wish lists with all items under $100.  I worked on mine...

a. blue + white pottery - one can never have too much, $89 wisteria 
b. new personalized stationary, I'm completely depleted!  I like this style, but with a kelly green monogram, $66 the stationary studio 
c. who doesn't want this book, $34 amazon 
d. I often find myself looking for a wide, dark brown belt when I'm putting an outfit together and then remember I don't have one, $188 anthropologie {oops, need to get this one on sale!!} 
e. classic off white, turtle neck, cable knit sweater, $80 jcrew  
f. I'd LOVE to start a new china collection, especially one that is tied to my Danish heritage, starting with dessert plates, $130 royal copenhagen {may need to scour ebay for better deals...I'm not doing so great with my budget list, am I!} 
g. great farmer's market/pool/grocery store/ go on a picnic bag, $37 rustic rooster 
h. some of her blog recipes are all time favorites, $35 barnes and noble 
i. a perfect finishing touch for our new kitchen, $37 brook farm general store.

Well, I didn't completely succeed, but close.  I waited for Jimmy's list.  And then I got this in my email from my very hilarious husband...

chewbacca fur hoodie, $80 80stees.com

Be careful what you wish for is all I can say! Haha!! Tell me, what's on your list this year? Have you started shopping? 

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21 comments :

  1. AnonymousNovember 14, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    Loved seeing this list..your husbands response is refreshing.. Everytime I go to the rustic rooster..Holly suggested I try them also..I can not find where to look at merchandise..what am I doing wrong. I just clicked on your link and it took me to the bag you like.(which I do too) but it does not have any place to look at anything else..help... ps I just love your blog

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    Replies
    1. TessaNovember 14, 2012 at 5:10 AM

      I hear you. It is best just to call the shop. Alex and her staff are super helpful and can tell you if they carry what you are looking for and will ship nationwide. She often posts new merchandise on her blog too!

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  2. kelly - talk of the houseNovember 14, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    Your husband's wish is tooooooo funny!!
    And yes, I want that book too.

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  3. ShelleyNovember 14, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    Great picks! I love them all! We are budgeting too. Sometimes it gets tough, but so worth it.

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  4. AnonymousNovember 14, 2012 at 7:03 AM

    Thanks so much for your authenticity! I certainly can relate to your post and it feels so comforting to know I'm not alone. We happen to be in a similar spot this year. I will think of you as I work to stay within my budget this Christmas too!
    Angie

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  5. KimNovember 14, 2012 at 8:07 AM

    Hi Tessa! Read your blog all the time and never comment - but I do adore it!! Love all the items on the list - love, love, love!! I so hear you on the budget thing - & I don't even have a fun new kitchen! :0) I hate budgets - total joy killers, if you ask me. Thanks for all the fune ideas - the basket is on my wish list!

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  6. AnonymousNovember 14, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    I had to laugh when I read your post today because I'm in the same spot as you! We recently did a kitchen update that was very similar to yours and spent more money on it than originally anticipated. And so I, too, have been working on coming up with a stricter budget for us. As Angie mentioned (above), it is comforting to know that I'm not alone!!

    Also, I love your husband's Christmas selection!

    Anne

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  7. LindseyNovember 14, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    I think my husband might need that sweatshirt, especially with his Angry Birds Star Wars addiction as of late ;)

    Love the sweater and all the blue and white (of course).

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  8. DinaNovember 14, 2012 at 11:53 AM

    Couldn't agree more, and I'm pretty sure most of us shop throughout the year anyways so what do we REALLY need?! We are having a small Christmas this year too and in talking with my girlfriends, we're all thinking along those same lines!

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  9. DinaNovember 14, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    I'm dying to see your kitchen!

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  10. rustic rooster interiorsNovember 14, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    Great picks... Especially the Barcelona Basket {wink wink}!!!!! Thanks for the shout out! You're rustic rooster's BEST long distant customer EVER!!!
    xoxox, Alexandra

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  11. Lindsay at Life of SplendorNovember 14, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    OOh, I need to do this...we too do not spend very much for Christmas. My mom and husband have been asking me for a list. I need to get on that and what a fun idea for a post!

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  12. Tiffany from HOLIDAYNovember 14, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    Absolutely hysterical. By the way, Stella has been able to do the "chewy" sound since she was little.

    I'm taking a modest approach to Christmas as well, and hoping to do most of my shopping locally, from small mom & pop type businesses. I've done some "window shopping" in advance and it makes me realize it will result in more charming, unique gifts.

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  13. ColleenNovember 14, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    All your picks are fantastic. We have decided to splurge on new sheets (woo hoo! aren't we exciting?) We've been married 15 years and and the really nice sets we bought years ago have bitten the dust. It's the kids I'm having trouble with. I need to set a budget and stick to it when buying for them. Any ideas? Maybe a Chewie hoodie?? :)

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  14. Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs}November 14, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I'd rather spend money on our house than Christmas gifts. Hooray for a kitchen update! Instead of giving each other gifts, my husband and I have started giving away...to those whose needs are greater than anything we have ever known. But truth be told, we still purchase plenty of things throughout the year. I don't buy into the whole "go overboard at Christmas" thing. Last year, I chose a few charitable things in lieu of gifts to my parents and grown up family. It went over really well! Thinking I'll do that again. xoxo!

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  15. AmandaNovember 14, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    Of there was ever a time to go overboard it is Christmas ! But that's no e cues to go crazy I guess, so hard for me. I have such fond childhood memories of amazingly beautiful wrapped gifts and always a small piece of jewelry in my stocking - my Mom made a huge deal out of stockings, Xmas eve pjs and new slippers. I've done the same for my kids. This year I want to do less though and more meaningful/ creative ESP. For the adult family members. Would love for you to do a list for kids and any ideas/ thoughts on something homeade and simple. :)

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  16. the girl is crafteeNovember 16, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    This is refreshing. I buy stuff throughout the year for myself, it kind of seems silly to go overboard just because it's Christmas. I'd rather spend time rather than money these days. Oh, and btw, never buy a belt at Anthro that isn't on sale. If you wait it out, that belt will go WAY down in price. I have a bunch of their wide leather belts and I always get them on clearance.

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  17. JMWNovember 17, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    We're going to try to do the same thing this Christmas...credit cards were paid off this year so we need to keep it to cash only. Love your suggestions and the coat suggestion from your hubby is hilarious!

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  18. ElizabethNovember 20, 2012 at 8:07 AM

    I'm not sure what I'm getting my husband this year and I'm not even sure what to tell him to get me. We usually follow the $100 rule as well. I was thinking the other day I'd like for him to make me a window box for our large picture window out front. Yes, it's winter and i wouldn't be able to fully enjoy it till warm weather, but I'm really wanting that :). Love your list by the way!

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  19. ShellyDecember 7, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    My husband would want that hoodie too. He's a geek and still 10 years old sometimes. Love your picks!

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  20. FranDecember 7, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    Hi Tessa, love your round up. I seriously wouldn't mind everything on your wishlist. I follow Smitten Kitchen's blog too and want that cookbook. I also follow the blog - A dinner love story - she has great pratical recipes for families with kids!

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