Home is Something You Build

Recently, after visiting home Matt and I realized that our little apartment might be smaller than we feel like it is most days. We got back and from living in 1900 square feet for a week, and felt like we were in a cracker box with an energetic 5 month old puppy. Needless to say we have started looking for a more permanent home with a realtor. In that process, I have realized that no matter what space we are in, home is something we build together. In the past five months we have crafted, sanded, repainted, and shopped for all of the things that currently make up our home.

The holiday season truly proved that an apartment can feel like ours. If I can give you one piece of advice in this post when trying to build your home decor buy AFTER the season you are stocking up for. If you ask my husband, he would probably tell you I go a little over board with this. However, when Christmas came around this year we saved a ton of money because I bought everything the year before in day after sales. It was also twice as exciting because I enjoyed shopping and buying high quality decorations that I absolutely LOVED at a steal, and then just as exciting pulling them all out of the totes this year.

Not only did I practice this habit with seasonal decorations, but the entire time we were engaged I shopped sales for picture frames, pillows, furniture, and other home items. Not only did it save money, but when it came time to move in we were not in need for EVERYTHING like most newlywed couples are in their first place.

I am truly excited to introduce this blog to readers, because on a tight teacher income, with student loans, and only 900 square feet to work with we created a space that makes us feel at home. Decorating on a budget can be frustrating at times. It takes a lot of patience and determination to find that one shop on etsy.com that has just what you are looking for, or the 6 hours you spend in thrift stores sorting through other peoples junk. However, at the end of the day when you can enjoy building something you are proud of it all becomes worth it. Some of my posts will feature DIY projects Matt and I have done in the past 6 months, or are currently doing. Some will feature places I like to shop, and key items to include in your decor that I am obsessed with. And finally, just advice as we go through this journey of building a home together. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

-God Bless,

Alex