My Spending Freeze

Wait, what?!  A spending freeze??  #thosepregnancyhormonesaregettingtoher! Yep friends, you heard that right.  From the girl who loves to shop and especially for clothes!  Every year, after the holidays, I scale waaay back from spending money because it seems like we spend so much on Christmas gifts and parties and giving and such. I mentioned a couple times that I haven’t been shopping, but I figured I’d give you a few more details.  And it’s not all about saving money.

My Spending Freeze on Clothing

This spending freeze (on clothes only- I’m not that crazy!) won’t last forever, but it makes sense now that I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy and definitely don’t want to spend any more money on maternity clothing that I’ll likely never wear again.  Even though our baby girl isn’t even here yet, I’ve been secretly wondering if we could have maybe more one??  I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve always wanted lots of kids.  At least 3.  My son has been without a doubt the best thing in my life and I enjoy being his mom more than anything else in the world.  But, I’m turning 41 in just a few weeks, so I feel like we may have missed the boat on that one and we’ll be more than satisfied with the two!! kids we are blessed with.
Even though I am tempted to buy a few more maternity items (some are just really cute and I feel like I could use a couple more tanks or short sleeve shirts, since most of my maternity wardrobe is winter styles and I’m getting even bigger!) and I’m also tempted to take advantage of the sales on non-maternity things I’m seeing now for things I’d like to wear post-pregnancy. BUT, I’m making myself wait until at least a few weeks after the baby is born.  I don’t think my spending freeze is revolutionary, especially given our baby is due soon.  All in all, it will be about two months of not buying any new clothes.  Maybe you do that anyway without even thinking about it and you’re all, “big deal lady!”  I get that. I have a girlfriend in my church group who vowed (and succeeded) in not buying clothes for a whole year! #goodforher 

Can I even do this? Of course, if I remember my goals and the reason I decided to do this in the first place.  Back in college (dang, that was a long time ago), I was in debt about $3,000 on credit cards and vowed not to shop at all until I had paid off that debt.  I went Dave Ramsey style and didn’t even buy a pack of gum until that debt was paid off.  It wasn’t easy (and took a long time) since I was a full-time college student, living in an apartment with a roommate, paying my own way without taking out student loans, and just waitressing/bartending at night.  But, it was a wise lesson learned because I never went into credit card debt again after that.  #tootmyownhorn #proudofthat 

my $pending freeze goals 
1)  Simplify and slow down to enjoy the end of this pregnancy.  I want to focus my attention on my son (and husband- whoops! 😉 as we prepare to become a family of 4.  These precious times of being just the three of us are dwindling, although I know they will be replaced with something that makes us feel even more complete. 
2)  Prepare for baby  We still need some baby things to get ready for her arrival and I’m a planner/organizer, but I’ve felt a little frazzled lately. I think just finally sitting down and taking inventory of what we still need, researching the best items to buy, then actually getting them, and organizing them at home will make me feel much better.  I guess that nesting instinct is kicking in. Oh, and I still need to pack the hospital bag and one for our son in case we need to take him to our neighbor’s house for awhile.  Would love your tips on this! I want to have what we need, but not too much. 
3) Give my body time to adjust at its own pace post-pregnancy without me worrying about what I will fit into and when.  I remember last time being so disappointed going into Target to buy new clothes post-pregnancy and not being able to fit into my smaller sizes.  You guys know how into fitness I am and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ready to be able to wear pants comfortably again, and heels, and cinched waist tops! but I’m actually not that concerned about the shape of my body post-pregnancy.  I trust that it will adjust on its own, especially since I’ve been good about keeping up with exercise (post coming next week on that) and eating healthy and I’ve gained less weight this time.  I say all this now. After I have her and a few weeks go by, let’s see if I feel the same . . . I remember starting to workout, with doctor’s approval, one month after I had my son.  I was sooooo ready to lose the weight.

4) Save Money – a no brainer.

fresh fashion post ideas 
What does this clothing spending freeze mean for my fashion posts? They aren’t going anywhere- I’m still passionate about fashion and style and love creating and sharing those posts with you, so I will continue to do Wardrobe Wednesday and Friday Weekend Steals & Deals, but the items I wear will be Mix & Match style (like you’ve been seeing lately anyway), which actually make me think outside the box and be more creative anyway.  There are some things I have in my closet that you haven’t seen yet, so that will still be new (to you).  
I’ve also been thinking of revamping how I do my fashion posts anyway.  It’s good to reevaluate once in awhile and the last few months I’ve been feeling like it’s time to freshen it up to keep it exciting to you and me both.  I’m not exactly sure what that means yet, and I still want to offer weekly budget fashion ideas (we can all still look great for less), so I’d love your feedback as I make some tweaks and play around with new Style Guides and series ideas.  On that note, if you have any style questions/dilemmas, or want to see more of a certain type of fashion post, I’m all ears!  Fashion over 40, petite style, fashion formulas, hi/low, looks for less, date night chic, stylish mom-on-the-go, and affordable work attire are all areas I have something to offer and I’m excited about exploring some fresh fashion content with you soon!

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keep in touch! 

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

35 Comments

  1. I've always loved your fashion and fitness posts.
    I'd love to see more about your hair. It's so pretty!
    We have 6 kids and I had my last one at age 42. He has been such a blessing in our lives and is adored my his older brothers and sisters:)
    Blessings to you and your family!

    1. Thanks Kathy! I do have a hair tutorial planned, I hope you like it. My hair definitely looks better when it's curled. Good to hear you were also pregnant later in life! We are so excited! 🙂

  2. I would love some help on fashionable yet office-friendly outfits. We are going to FOUR weddings this spring and my husband is in THREE of them, so I am also in desperate need of ideas for outfits to wear to weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and showers.

    1. I'd like to second Bonnie's request! We are attending three weddings this summer as well, my fiance is in one and I'm in another and their are a whole lot of activities to be dressed up for! I'd love to see how you take a dress that may be wedding shower appropriate and change it up so you could wear it to another wedding etc. Thanks for sharing!

  3. So excited for you!

    I wrote this list out for a friend while I was in the hospital 10 weeks ago. We over-packed, and these were the only things I ended up using. (I had an induction.) I am so excited to see posts on your new addition!!

    Hospital

    No purse – husband keeps ID

    Carry on size bag:
    Snacks for hubby during labor and for you during recovery
    Hard candy for you during delivery
    Old socks for delivery
    Trashy magazines
    Camera
    Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm (bare minimum)
    Lanolin
    Your own robe (hospital one was difficult to put on and off for feedings)
    Cash ($20)
    Wear home what you wore there.
    Shower flip flops

    Diaper bag (or not, just put everything in carry on):
    Baby mittens (emery board?)
    Going home outfit
    Blankets for packing around car seat

    Your pillows
    Nursing pillow
    Car seat

    1. Bring an extra set of clothes! I had a very quick labour and never got out of the clothes I arrived in. Hubby had to go home and get me clothes.

    1. That's a hard one with Houston!! I spray a light mist of hairspray on my hair before I start curling it and I think that helps. By the end of the day, I have lost some curl, but I actually like that. It's super curly at first.

  4. This has nothing to do with this post.. But, I was curious what products you use (if any) as far as trying to keep stretch marks away. I'm 8 weeks pregnant and have religiously been rubbing myself down with cocoa butter lotion. I'd basically love to hear your pregnancy routine! 🙂

    1. Hi Sarah! I haven't been doing anything specific – I do use lotion after my shower, but I've always done that whether I'm pregnant or not. I've used cocoa butter several times, but more so because my belly got itchy. I don't know what we can do to prevent stretch marks, but I will look into it!

  5. Once baby girl is home and you have adjusted, I'd love to see more fashion posts using what you already own. Mix and match, like you stated. Many of us do not have the funds to shop weekly for new pieces to wear. And truthfully, how many things does one truly need? I get for fashion bloggers it is their income, but for most it's just not practical nor accessible. And agree, would love to see a hair tutorial and makeup routine. I understand all this could change when she arrives. I know you don't want to go back to where you were, but life with two can bring quite a few changes. For younger moms, letting them know how you are handling those things post pregnancy would be helpful and reassuring.

    1. How much does one truly need? Probably not that much, but I leave that to each individual to decide. I do have a hair tutorial planned, just need to get it photographed! Super easy now that I've got it down- I use a curling wand (and the glove!) those things get hot! I'm really excited/nervous to see how our routines change once baby arrives. I will definitely keep you posted! One day at a time . . .

    1. Listening to Dave Ramsey daily really helped me keep my money goals on track back when I was in college and then after graduation. I STILL listen to him in the car on the way to pick up my son from school everyday!

  6. I like to see home decor/organizing projects using what you already have. Think mix and match for the home 🙂 When I'm organizing stuff I search the house high and low looking for boxes, baskets and even looking at the glass jars in the recycle bin. I've even used clementine crates for storage (I covered them with decorative laminate).
    I always feel good when I can reuse something and it's better for the environment than buying new. And it saves money.

    1. Good idea on mix and match for the home Autumn! I've become OCD in my old age with organizing products and like for everything to be the same type in many situations because it looks more streamlined and cohesive. I could probably do better with reusing things!

  7. I love mix & match wardrobe posts. I would also love to see a hair and makeup post, a work attire post, more organizing posts, even more posts about saving money, how you plan vacations. I would also love to hear about your new routine with two kids. How you keep your house clean and organized with two young kids. As far as hospital bag, the only things I really needed were pajamas and granny panties, toiletries (esp. lip balm and lotion), etc for myself and my husband needed clothes, shower things, snacks and cash. we also took our own pillows, a boppy for breastfeeding (if not breastfeeding, it's really nice to just place under your arm for extra support), lanolin, ipad, camera, magazines and books. For the baby, I only took a going home outfit and of course, the infant seat. You may want to think about taking things to keep James busy. Also, I let my oldest pick out a gift for his baby brother and we gave our oldest a big brother gift (new coloring books, crayons, cling books, sticker books – a two in one gift!). I have two summer babies so I didn't need mittens or things like that. Our hospital provides a lot of the baby necessities (like a nail file, thought I did take my own) and prefers for parents to use their baby gowns and blankets.

    1. Leigh, you've given me lots of things to think about. He haven't taken a real vacation in a long time- but we did go to Colorado for Spring Break last year. I'm definitely interested in seeing if we can plan something once the baby is a little older. If we do, I'll for sure write about it.

      Great idea on the things for James. I did buy him a small gift to give him from baby sister- it's a little Lego set for him to build. He's super into that and it will also give him something to do. I am going to take advantage of what the hospital gives for taking home!

    1. It's hard when we have so many things to do! I totally get that- AND we just want to be comfortable. But, I know I feel better about myself when I make the effort, so I keep trying (most days)!

  8. Agree with the entire idea, I am going to do same thing, asort of shopping ban and if is possible repairing broke things…Yes spending quality time with your son is right, maybe he will be a little bit jealus of newborn but I am sure you and your husband will do a good job together, god bless you!

    1. I'm not sure how he'll be, he's definitely getting more and more independant and needing me less/preferring Dad more. I admit is stings a little, but I'm also proud of him at the same time if that makes sense. Hope you have a great weekend!!

  9. I love your blog and am excited to see what is to come! Would love fashion over 40 ideas and affordable work fashion. I am a mix n match gal since I try to make the very most out of my wardrobe, so I can't wait to see what you have in store. You put everything together so well! Amy 🙂

    1. Thanks so much for your feedback! I definitely want to do some affordable work fashion since I know we all get stuck in work outfit ruts. I actually miss getting dressed up for work sometimes!

  10. Your blog is fabulous and I love reading all your home and fashion posts 🙂
    I just had my second child in Nov and I must say… Packing a bag for yourself AND your first child takes some planning! The general lists on the Internet of what to pack for the hospital are great for ideas, so here are some additional items I was really glad to have:
    1) Button down pajama set- It felt great to be in "cute" pajamas since we had a lot of visitors and tons of pictures. I bought one size up from my normal size and they fit perfectly. I wore a nursing cami or bra underneath and it made feeding really easy.
    2) Nursing pillow- If you plan to nurse, it was nice to have my special nursing pillow rather than trying to use tons of pillows to get a good position for the baby.
    3) 2 outfits for the baby- the hospital onsies were HUGE on both my kids! I was happy to dress them in cute pajamas/footies right away.
    4) Swaddle blankets- My friends raved about the hospital swaddle blankets, but I felt my muslin swaddle blankets were much softer (and cuter!). I brought 2 of these and used one for each day of our hospital stay.
    I think someone mentioned this above, but I found it helpful to pack 2 bags… A small one for when I was in labor (snacks for husband, electronics, toiletries for me, games, etc.) and then a large one that my husband brought up from the car after the baby was born (clothes, baby stuff, etc.).
    Congratulations and good luck!!

    1. Ali, I agree about needing to plan! It's been on my mind that I need to do this and I just haven't gotten to it, but I know I need to now that we're only one month away. I already have #2-#4 on your list, but I still need some pjs for me and nursing cami – I think I have nursing bras- need to double check on their condition. Did you bring makeup? I'm sure there will be lots of pictures too- maybe I'd like to have a little something. I looked absolutely TERRIBLE in ALL my pics with my son and it's a shame to hate those pictures so much. Makes me sad. Thanks for taking the time to write out that list!!

    2. I definitely brought makeup!! I didn't go overboard, but brought some basics so that I looked okay in the hundreds of pics that were taken the entire time by my husband and our visitors! I also brought a blow dryer and "did my hair" so that I looked ok when we left the hospital for home. It's nice to shower and have clean hair after giving birth/spending 2 days in the hospital! It made me feel like a person again 🙂

  11. I love this! I feel like I am in the center of a hurricane and we have 39 days until #2 arrives. I work so much better with a hand written to-do list and every time I sit down I just stare at it…

    I am so EXCITED to see how you style after baby and how you make things work during the transition. I do not think I have seen anyone cover that yet…

    1. Girl, I know how you feel!!! So much of our pregnancies have been parallel this time. It's so different with your second though, right?! I've only now started to buy a few things we need and still need to do so much (or so it feels).

  12. Hi Megan! Love this idea. I am so excited to see your new baby girl:)

    I would love to see more of your healthy meal posts, they have truly inspired and helped me with meal prep for the week. I would also love to see you do posts about fashion for women over 40. And I second the comment on house cleaning/organizing, love that!

    1. I'd really like to incorporate more health/fitness/recipes here too, so I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm glad it's helped you! Thanks for giving me some feedback, it's good to hear what you think!

  13. I'm a fellow recovering lawyer and long-time reader, but I don't think I've ever commented. I maintain a minimalist wardrobe and love looking at all your clothes to pick out just the right pieces to add to my closet. I'd love to see posts on a few key items that can refresh a wardrobe and how to style them. My fall/winter wardrobe is feeling tired, and spring feels so far away!

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