Updating Your Home on a Shoestring Budget: Is it Really Possible?

Do you love your home? If the answer isn’t yes, then there’s a problem. Your home, whether you own or rent it, should be yours’ and your family’s little retreat. The place that you look forward to coming home to and love spending time in. However, if you’re not keen on your home, then the chances are, this isn’t the case.

Perhaps you hate the layout of the property? Maybe the decor isn’t to your taste? Or, could a lack of storage space be to blame? Whatever the reason, if you dislike your home, then you need to do something to change that. After all, living in a place that doesn’t make you feel happy, can’t be good for you, or your family.

Of course, the number one reason many people choose to live in spaces that they dislike is because of money. You see, a lot of us make the mistake of thinking that we can’t update our homes on a budget. However, that’s not the case. Believe it or not, it’s possible to do up your home on even the smallest of budgets - here’s how:

Go DIY with your update

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Simple Tips for Packing a Carry-On

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Travel can be equal parts taxing and relaxing, though there's no denying that the stress quotient rises as journeys become more complicated. One of the easiest ways to enjoy not just the destination but also the journey, is simplification. And the first step in traveling simply is packing purposefully, whether that means packing more of what you need in your carry-on or forgoing checked bags altogether.

Downsizing to a single carry-on for domestic and international travel isn't just about enjoyment, however. More airlines are charging for all checked luggage, and thanks to vigorous behind the scenes bag checks, more travelers want to keep their valuables close at hand. Sure, a lot of travelers prefer to take a number of shorter trips throughout the year (so packing light is a no-brainer), but it's also entirely possible to travel the world with nothing more than a carry-on bag.

Whether you're going away for the weekend or setting off on an epic round-the-world voyage, here are smart tips for stress-free carry-on packing.

Find a Do-It-All Bag

Cute carry-on bags are a dime a dozen – what's much rarer is a carry-on bag that is comfortable, durable and light. Structured rolling bags may be convenient but soft bags have give, which means if you accidentally over pack you can still stuff them in the overhead compartments.

This weekender by Henri Bendel has a bottom zippered compartment that's the perfect spot for a pair of flats when you're traveling extra light. But for longer trips, try the large weekender from LeSportsac. Just don't forget to check the size and weight requirements of the airline you’ll be flying! Skip this step and your carry-on could end up in the luggage hold.

Pare Down Toiletries to the Bare Essentials

Thanks to TSA restrictions, most of us are used to bringing travel size bottles but if you're feeling adventurous, consider packing only those cosmetics, lotions and cleansers you absolutely can't live without. Plan to stop by a supermarket or drug store for the basics once you arrive, or just use whatever your hotel provides. Don't forget that any and all liquids still need to be packed separately. While you could just use a plastic zipper bag, a clear TSA-compliant AirQuart travel bag will let you fly through security stylishly.
Design a Capsule Wardrobe
Packing an outfit for every day and every night is old school. A modern capsule wardrobe that is based around a dark color like navy or black with a few light accent pieces and accessories can be put together in dozens of ways. Always bring a classic pair of sunglasses (to make napping easier and hide jet-lagged eyes), and a statement watch. Choose tops and bottoms to mix and match, and try to find a pair of shoes that works for everything you plan to do. Surprisingly, Crocs (if you can believe it) makes ballet flats and wedges that are amazingly comfortable for long days of sightseeing and look nothing like gardening shoes.

Lay out Everything You'll Need

Do a packing test run to make sure your carry-on bag will comfortably hold everything you'll need en route or for your entire trip. Don't forget:

·         Your flight documents

·         Wallet, ID and passport

·         Phone, tablet and laptop plus chargers and headphones

·         Clothes (or an extra set of clothing in case your checked bag is lost)

·         Makeup for touch-ups on arrival and other must-have toiletries

·         Medications you might need while traveling

·         A light sweater because it gets chilly in the air!

Pack What You Don't Need First

If your carry-on bag will be the entirety of your luggage, it makes sense to layer your extra clothes on the very bottom. That way, you're not digging through socks and undies to find your allergy medicine and your clothing acts like a cushion to keep fragile things like your laptop safe and sound.

Don't Forget Your One Personal Item

Though a few airlines no longer allow passengers one personal item in addition to the allotted carry-on bag, most still do. What that means is that you can stash everything you'll need on-hand (e.g., tickets, wallet, phone, book, snacks, etc.) in a purse or small backpack and everything else in a weekender that stays in the overhead compartment for the duration of your flight.

Beyond these tips, packing is something every traveler needs to figure out for herself. The guidelines above will help you find your own carry-on packing style, so thoughts of lost luggage never stop you from setting out on that next great adventure!

Managing a Budget for Future Family Fun

You already know that starting out is tough when you first have kids. Learning how to budget for a family takes some time and effort, but it is well worth the reward. Luckily, there are many ways to make additional income in your spare time. While you may be chuckling at the idea of free time, there are plenty of options that can be done from the comfort of your home or after the kids have gone to sleep.

Try Your Hand at Entrepreneurship

Take on a side job as a sales rep or brand ambassador that only takes up 10 to 15 hours of your time per month and brings in a substantial amount of income to your household. Companies such as Amway give you the power to start your own business and be your own boss. There are no scheduling restraints to abide by, allowing you to work as you please.

Some companies recruit brand ambassadors that are only needed intermittently during special events and festivals. Typically being a brand ambassador allows you to bring your family along with you to help out at the company's booth to help entice others to come and learn about them.

Get a Move On

Uber allows anyone with a clean driving record and a car newer than a 2004 model to become a taxi driver. This opens up a new set of working hours that won't butt in to your family time. Uber drivers work whenever they want to, sometimes only working for a couple hours on the weekend to bring in a few extra dollars for a future family vacation.

Put Your Skills to Good Use

If you have a special talent or skill, put it to good use to make some extra cash. For example, if you're a good writer, find freelance websites that are looking for copywriters and copyeditors. If you're crafty, set up a shop on Etsy to sell your goods. If you're the world's greatest baker, cater birthday parties or sell your treats at festivals and farmers markets. There are plenty of ways to monetize your skills in the age of technology; you just have to put in a little effort to find them.

Evaluating Your Need

You may not need to take on another source of income if you're properly managing your money. Take a look at your household income and your monthly expenses to get a better sense of how much expendable income you have to use for vacations, entertainment and so forth. If that amount is not substantial enough to fit your family's desires, consider one of the above options to meet your family's goals.

However, if you're close to your goal, you may be able to cut back on other expenses to save for something you really want. For example, eat at home rather than a restaurant one more day out of the week to save money. You also should consider meal prepping as a way to save on your grocery bill, carpooling to save on gas and repurposing items instead of buying new ones.

Renovations That Aren't Worth the Investment

Luxuries are nice, but unless you plan on remaining in your current residence for more than a few years, you should pick and choose upgrades wisely. Most Realtors and contractors know the best ways to spruce up before putting a home on the market, but what are the absolute worst renovation ideas if want to sell the place you dwell? These are the top renovations that are only nice to have if you don't expect to regain the cost.

Sunrooms or Solariums

These fall into the category of “nice if you already have one,” and potential buyers will ooh and ahh when viewing your home. However, they are cost-prohibitive as an investment. A good-quality custom sunroom can cost as much as $75,000, and you'll likely recover less than half that amount on resale. This is something that should only be added to your home if you're planning on enjoying it yourself.

Almost Interviewed for The TODAY Show, Bringing Confidence in my 40s, Quitting WW Because of Oprah? No Way!

So this happened today, and I'll share my Facebook post (you can find me on FB here!)  ...

ARGH! Had a chance to be interviewed on camera for TODAY show about my Weight Watchers annoyance (they found me through the blog!) ... but they asked last-minute and we were at the nature center and now on to religious ed. #allaboutthekids

while I was doing this ...

Ernie Miller Nature Center

and then I had to rush home to make some sort of thing that resembled dinner before rushing the three youngest kids to religious education class, where I volunteer as the English translator (learning so much more Spanish and loving it) so I can get it half price.

Was I freaked out about the prospect of being on television? Yep. It's not the first time I've had the chance to be on TV. I was actually interviewed in Downtown KC once when I was in my 20s about the decline of Downtown and did I remember how cool it used to be and all that? Yes, I do remember how cool it used to be and I miss the 1950s and 1960s and 1970s charm of it. I just looked at the reporter and spoke. No big.

But lately when I have been asked by ANYONE, including 18-year-old phenom Elijah Wright, I kind of freak out. I feel like my ADD brain is going to start stuttering and won't be able to focus on the question and will look like a full-on doofus.

TODAY was different, though. Get it? It happened today and also it was TODAY, a show I LOVE. Anyway, I'm 45 now and I have fewer craps to give. I'm caring more about what REALLY matters and that does not include me looking like a moron on television. If anything, I like to be the comic relief so why not give it a shot? I'm teaching my kids that the only failure is in not trying.

Also I am realizing that I am not horrible at winging it. Don't tell anyone, but I pretty much wing it every week at co-op so far this school year and it's always awesome! The kids have a great time and I just have a of pages of stuff and a lot of ideas and we just go with it. (doesn't hurt in PE that I have a helper who is actually knowledgeable about sports but surrounding yourself with awesome people never hurts in your journey)

Curious about what made me quit Weight Watchers? Read the post here. This post got a lot of attention, probably because of the inflammatory title. I don't mince words, usually. I used to LOVE them and now I won't go back. I got a FitBit One last week (free through Aron's work ... thank you, FMC!) and it replaces my ActiveLink quite nicely!

Anyway, when I thought maybe I could get away with doing an email interview (hahaha!), here is the response I gave the reporter:

Hi there! I apologize, but I am driving with the kids and won't be able to call anytime soon today. But I would love to weigh in on your piece. Oprah did not have anything to do with my decision. I grew up on Oprah starting in the 80s and always loved her so she didn't factor into my leaving decision at all. What I hated was that they kept changing the plan every single year to keep it fresh. I know a lot of people would like that but I don't understand why they couldn't still somehow offer the old options for older members from years back and then start new options to bring in new members. I think that someone could have figured out a better way to accommodate more people rather than alienating the longtime members. Around the same time their contract with Phillips ended so there went my active link, which is a clip onto your bra fit bit type thing. Please forgive me if any of this doesn't make sense like I said I'm driving.

Yes so basically I was left with no fitness monitor and a brand-new plan that was telling me that I was eating a six point yogurt instead of a three point yogurt and it was just frustrating. I have been off and on the plan since 2005 or 2006 so I feel like I know what I'm talking about as far as knowing the different changes.

I did go to an app called Lose It! but I find that I am not really tracking my food ever. And my phone does a crappy job of tracking my steps. Last week I got a fit bit one free through my husband's work, and I am loving that it is counting my actual steps and even keeps track of sleep.

I don't really see myself going back to Weight Watchers ever because $50 a month is too high for us and I can track certain aspects of my diet in a free app that works just fine. 

Please feel free to write me back for any clarification. If you really need to do some sort of interview over the phone I am happy to do that and we can figure out some sort of time for that! I hope this helped and I'm looking forward to your piece.

Sometimes I am professional and sometimes I dictate crazy emails to reporters like an insane person. Whatever. As long as the point gets across it's all good.

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