Before my husband left a stable job to venture out on his own, we were living a very comfortable life in the middle of our big city.  We didn’t give much thought to eating at fun restaurants or buying new clothes whenever the whim struck.  While we certainly had a budget, it was quite flexible.  [...]

When my husband decided to start his own business, we put our family on a very strict budget.  While we both have always been very thoughtful about how we spend our money, the new budget forced to us become even more creative.  Gone were the days when we could buy something without consulting with the [...]

With two little ones, Christmastime is both special and stressful. While blog-hopping the other day I stumbled upon a post at Dandee Designs about what to give kids for Christmas. The author suggested a somewhat catchy mantra to recite when gift shopping: Want. Need. Wear. Read. Kids get four gifts – something they want, something [...]

As a Homemade Mother, I am obviously very devoted to my children. I take great pride in knowing they are well fed, well read, and kissed before bed. However, it is still important to find special time for my husband. He is my best friend, and we really enjoy spending time together. We are living [...]

I’m feeling overwhelmed. With stuff. With a wedding four years ago…and two babies in two years…and thirty years of LIFE…we now have more than enough stuff. Do I really need all of this? Do I really want most of it?! A couple years ago we lived in corporate housing in New York City while my [...]

My dear friend Kevin recently forwarded a quote on frugality that has really stuck with me: “Common strategies of frugality include the reduction of waste, curbing costly habits, suppressing instant gratification by means of fiscal self-restraint, seeking efficiency, avoiding traps, defying expensive social norms, embracing cost-free options, using barter, and staying well-informed about local circumstances [...]