What Would Joanna Do?

 

Last night we hosted a get together for a few amazing college Young Life leaders to thank them for all they do for our kids. 

 

I was a little worried about our house being fluffed “just right” before the party though (we were having a few families over I hadn’t met before and I was a wee bit nervous…) so I  almost bought a few extra fluffings in the Chip and Joanna section of Target.

 

But then I got to thinking . . . . “hmph. I wonder what Joanna really would do?”

 

I walked out of Target with the $2 napkins (that we really did need) and scooted right on home.

 

I headed outside to clip a little fresh greenery, pulled out every candle I had on hand, went through my blanket scarves to find one that could double as a table runner, and sent my hubby to the Dollar Tree for a roll of brown packing paper (because I didn’t have time to iron a table cloth.)

I pulled out the star I’d gotten from my Hollar box last summer for $3 (that’s really meant to be used for the 4th of July I think?), hunted down my favorite old Santa mugs (from my grandmother), and arranged a few pine cones in some wooden bowls I already had on hand.

 

I’ve had the white pitchers forever, just added some extra greenery and called it good.

 

And do you know what?

Once everyone got here and the house was filled up with folks, no one noticed much of the stuff I worried  about a single big at all.  (I was soooooo glad I’d chosen to pinch my pennies and fluff with things I already had on hand!)

 

Then I remembered what my friend Jen from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam whispered to me in her book “Just Open The Door” ~ that opening up our home and choosing to care more to show *others* off instead of my stuff mattered most of all.

 

We met a few families I hadn’t met before, enjoyed some yummy food, and I was so encouraged by a few conversations I had with some simply precious girls.

 

Now – I’m not gonna lie.

I love beautiful things and tidied up spaces and homey happy spots more than I care to admit, but doing that while sticking to my budget might just be my favorite thing of all.

 

If you’re struggling with wanting one more thing to fluff your home this season . . . maybe an extra centerpiece to make your space just right or an extra wreath to finish off that spot you’ve been waiting to fill….

 

….consider stopping and looking at what you already have right at home (maybe hiding out in your closet or backyard too.) 😊

Remember that what you really want might not be worth sacrificing for what you think you want right now, and choose what really matters most today.

 

Looking for more bargain DIYs and a little encouragement too? 

• When Christmas doesn’t look like the Christmas card
• How to Decorate for Christmas on a $3 Budget
• Dollar Tree Centerpiece
• Dollar Tree Gifts to Give
• Best Cookie Jar Ever
• 33 Deals You Need to Buy at the Dollar Tree (the Christmas edition)
• Dollar Tree Christmas Tree
• Pom Pom Gift Wrap
• Dollar Tree Christmas Tree & Tiny Christmas Home Tour
• $3 Dollar Tree Christmas Wreaths
• $6 Decorating at the Dollar Tree
• Hand Print Christmas Tree Skirt
• 7 Stores You Need to Shop When Decorating at the Dollar Tree
• Cinnamon Ornaments
• 25 Days of Dollar Tree Projects