Live Well, Spend Zero

For the month of October, Jeffrey and I gave up spending un-necessary money for 31 days. Through our journey we have grown a lot. I have a new thought process when spending and I find myself asking if I really need this item, chances are I don’t. In the middle of the mouth, Jeffrey and I went to Vegas which was SOOOOOO hard for us since we were not spending any money.

Since it was a business trip Jeffrey’s flight was paid for and we bought mine in September. Food, hotel, and entertainment were paid for as well, so we really didn’t need to spend anything (and we didn’t). This was the hardest part of the entire month for me. Vegas has some of the best shopping: Nordstrom, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Michael Kores, Tory Burch…and the list goes on. The temptation was real! Despite my overwhelming want to buy something from these glorious designers, I withheld and remained strong!

Here are the only things we paid for this month:
Bills
Groceries that we needed
Gas
A birthday gift for Jeffrey’s sister

There were many nights I wanted to go out to eat, but we didn’t. Boy did I crave Starbucks, but I managed without. It is amazing how we truly can manage without “things” or “wants”. So, after all of our hard work and determination I am proud to say Jeffrey and I saved …*drum roll please*… a total of $1,800!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!?!? I couldn’t believe it! 

I am so proud of Jeffrey and I! After this month and seeing the results and the change of heart we gained, I will 100% do this challenge again and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Happy saving, I am off to go shopping, get sushi, and Starbucks... with a budget of course! The key is to save, not spend it all the next month. 

What are some budgeting ideas you have?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Fall Goals

I am a sticky note writing, calendar marking, goal oriented kinda gal. If it involves a list or being organized in any way shape or form… Count me in. Since we are not spending money this month, I am SO behind in the Fall trends so I decided to make myself goals. Now that we all realize how crazy type-A I am here is my Fall list of goals to complete before December 1:

This picture is from last year when the Nelson's where all things Fall. 

 Make pumpkin pie

Visit a corn maze and get lost 

Roast pumpkin seeds

Run at least 2-4 times a week outside since it is much cooler

 Make s’mores by the fire

Read a good book outside (I am in need of recommendations)

Walk on the beach

Go to a Fair 

What are some of your Fall goals?

This was taken after we got "lost" in the corn maze last year! 

I just finished reading “The Curious Mystery of the Dog in the Night Time”, I am in need of good young-adult books. What should I read next????

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Falling in Love with Fasion

Since I am sticking to our "Live Well and Spend Zero" challenge, I have been finding myself eyeing Fall trends and fashion more then ever. Here are five items on my, "I Love Fall Fashion" list.

1. Booties. Any color and basically any style. I could never live in a place where it is to hot for booties. I am OBSESSED!

2. Felt floppy hats. They are perfect for those Fall days when you just need a cute hat to make you feel trendy and like you actually washed your hair. This is my current favorite.

3. Cheetah wedges. I am in love with this pair from Sole Society! These are perfect for date nights.

4. Burgundy. This is the "it" color this season! I am finding myself wanting everything in this color. I purchased this cross body in September and I carry it everywhere. It is perfect for a transitioning from day to night and fits everything I need.

5. blanket scarfs. This one is on my list for November!!! IN LOVE.

What items are your "must haves" for Fall?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Friday 5!

Currently...

• Making Pumpkin Smoothies! OMG these are like Fall in a cup and all the ingredients are "all natural"! 
• 1 banana
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup almond milk
• 3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
• mix all of the ingredients in a blender with some ice and enjoy!

• Saving money!!!! We are still on track for our month of living well and spending zero! Jeffrey said we have saved a TON so far... stick around for the results. Hopefully these Starbucks cravings will subside until November.

• Swooning over booties. I am SO obsessed with little Fall booties. You can pair them with shorts, skirts, dresses, or jeans. I have specifically been eyeing this pair and they are 24%off!

• Wanting everything Fall. I am so behind on all trends and traditions related to Fall. I am craving brisk hikes, carving pumpkins, pumpkin spice lattes, making Fall decor, and getting lost in corn mazes. I mean how amazing is this entry way?

• Watching "Dance Mom's". I am so obsessed with this show and I don't care who knows it. Since I hate drama in my real life, I guess this fills the void. I also love watching the dances dreaming that I was half that good. 

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

What I learned in Vegas!

My idea of Vegas was “sin-city”, so I was hesitant when Jeffrey told me he was having a business conference out in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since it was a paid trip and over my Fall break, I felt called to go. Boy was I glad I did. I found Vegas to be the complete opposite of sin-city for me. I can totally see the temptation and ability to sin, but for this steadfast wife, I found Vegas as an eye opener. Coming back from 3 days in Vegas here is what I learned…

• My husband is a sales, marketing, business rock-star, hunk of a man. If you know Jeffrey, he is very reserved and quiet. He is a Georgia tech nerd and loves numbers far too much. I have always believed in my husband, but I had my doubts about him out on business with clients. He blew me away. Jeffrey took the conference by storm (little weather humor for you since he works for a weather company). He was talking, working the crowd, networking, and moving around the events marketing in his sharp business suit. Seriously, I have never been so attracted to my husband. What a blessing to see my man taking charge and in his “element”. Jeffrey, I will never doubt you again!

•   I REALLY enjoy being pampered! From the second I arrived in Vegas, I was pampered and treated like a princess, queen! I was given delicious food (free), any drink I could ever want (free), an amazing 38^th floor room in the cosmopolitan over-looking the Bellagio fountain (free), spa time (complete with Josh Groban) (free), and a 1,000 dollar VIP table at the hottest night-club in Vegas with other conference friends(free). I was in a “what is my life right now” blur! Wow, what an experience.  I can get used to this VIP treatment!

• New friends are the best. While I was not attending the conference, I was able to partake in some of the events and mingle with Jeffrey’s business partners, competitors, and clients. Let me tell you, they are some of the nicest, most amazing people I have ever met. We had a blast talking and enjoying all that Vegas has to offer. They are some of the most genuine people. I am so blessed that Jeffrey has such wonderful people to work with.

• Traveling is my thing, but boy is it good to be home! The saying “there is no place like home” is spot on. After 3 days of zero sleep, I was ready to snuggle up in my own bed with my pillow. If I could, I would travel for a living, but there is something special about sleeping in our own bed after being away. Vegas is nothing like I imagined it would be. I am so glad I was able to visit such a wonderful place. 

What is your favorite thing about traveling? Jeffrey and I are also looking for our next destination, where would you recommend we go? 

Challenge Accepted!

I ran across this challenge on Facebook last month: Thirty-one Days of Living Well and Spending Zero. ZERO, what!?!? Beside the necessities, how do you spend zero for 31 days? As a very competitive soul I presented this to Jeffrey and said, “Let’s do it”. Here we are halfway into the challenge and our savings are tremendous! I am learning so much and we have really been changing the way we think about spending. 

There are so many impulse purchases we make. Why?

Do you really need that Starbucks, or can you simple wait and brew some at home?

Yes, that shirt is cute, but is it something you really need?

Yes we are tired and lazy, but lets go laugh and cook dinner through our tired tears with what we have in the kitchen instead of getting takeout. Some have none! 

We are only half way but I can see myself thinking about our spending naturally and enjoying what we already have. Jeffrey and I are VERY blessed. We have a gorgeous home full of food and clothes, we do not need anymore. This challenge is really teaching me to love what I have and to thank God for all of the blessings he has poured on us. I am excited to see what the second half of no spending brings and how much we will have saved!!!! Stay tuned.

What are some budget ideas you have? I would love any feedback!

Remember to refresh yourself,
Kelsey 

Hoodies, and Bonfires, and Boots Oh My!

Fall to do list!

• Eat caramel apples

• Make an amazing trail mix complete with candy corn, Chex-Mix, nuts, and pretzels

• Watch Hocus-Pocus and relive your childhood.

• Take pictures of the leave changing colors and soak up the Fall air

• Visit a pumpkin patch and have a contest to find the “perfect” pumpkin

• Get lost in a corn maze

• Drink a pumpkin spice latte

• Make pumpkin pancakes, muffins, cookies… add pumpkin to everything

• Make a fire and cook smores

• Wear boots and booties all you want, even if it is in the 90’s

• Be a kid again and dress up, who cares!!!

Fall is my absolute favorite season! What are some of your favorite things to do in the Fall?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey 

Welcome to 2003!

Have you ever needed something so bad, but had no idea you needed it until after the fact? This past weekend I got something I needed more then I would have ever realized. I was in a funk, a day-to-day 9-5 funk. It was a happy funk, but a funk nonetheless. I was in a routine where I would get up, read my devotional, teach, cook dinner…repeat. You get the idea right?!? 

Anyways I needed something to stir me from the inside out, God knew exactly what I needed, a tip home to good ‘ole Jonesboro, Georgia. Not just any trip home, but a reunion, blast from the past, shake your world trip home for a beautiful wedding. I laughed, cried, celebrated, joked about old memories, and made new ones. It’s like we went back in time and everything was exactly the same. Why is this so important you ask? 

I was able to see iconic people who made a HUGE impact on my life that I haven't seen for years. People who had a key role in who I am today.

I was able to remember the life of a man who supported myself and friends through CAST (Clayton Alliance Summer Theater). Leaning on friends and crying through a beautiful song sung by his daughter. The angels where smiling on everyone in the building. What an emotional and beautiful feeling. 

I was able to hug friends I have not seen in years. These friends know the “real” Kelsey, the silly, crazy, care-free, ridiculous Kelsey that I sometimes loose. Well, they found it!

I was able to dance the night away with my family, friends, and people who have shaped me into the person I am today. Boy did I need that! After the wedding we all went to our childhood friends home and had a 2003, rock your world again, slumber party. It was like we never grew up. After our late night of laughter and talking until 3:30 am, we went our separate ways. I do not know about them, but I went away full and happy. My funk had been lifted. 

Sometimes all you need is a good night back home with the people who love you and know you the most to snap you back into “you”. Thank you all for a lifetime of laughter, friendships, and removal of life funks! 

Isn't going home the best? What do you love or miss about home?

Remember to refresh yourself,

Kelsey