Monday, January 31, 2022

Budgeting and Insourcing....How I'm saving money in 2022..


Insourcing will look a little different in 2022.

Now that it is just Hubster and I at home, our priorities have shifted somewhat. I guess that happens to us all. No longer is it bulk cooking and make-from-scratch, although those things do have their place from time to time.

Really, now, it's about labour saving, and quality of life. Hubster has had health issues over the last twelve months, and I have so many itis-es, that it's hard to keep up sometimes. Nothing life-threatening thank goodness, but certainly enough to see us re-evaluate and reassess.

This year, my goals are:

1. As I do each year, learn a new crafting skill with a view to both selling and gifting. This year, I am concentrating on Resin crafts. Look at these pretty bangles I made, pictured above. Resin and cake sprinkles. That's it. And very well received I might add. Coasters, trinket trays, pendants and earrings will be added to the repertoire as I go along. I think these will be HUGE fun.

2. I'm going to focus on expanding my wardrobe choices (note I said 'choices', NOT the items in the wardrobe), by utilising my extensive collection of accessories. I tend to gravitate to the colourful and quirky these days. Life can't be so serious that we wear our pearls EVERY day, right?


A wardrobe cull has already occurred, turning this....



...into this fab hanging section made by Hubster, for my necklaces...



...and this minimalist hanging space, having kept only the pieces that I genuinely love. It's difficult to photograph, but I have culled my wardrobe by two thirds, and reallocated the remaining space to scarves, bags, and costume jewellery...I really am becoming my Mother, whose costume jewellery and accessories collection filled a tea chest, and was distributed amongst her 3 daughters, and five granddaughters, upon her passing...


I'm quite proud of myself. The wonderful result being, that I can actually SEE what I have, and I'm wearing pieces that haven't seen the light of day in years.


3. I'd like to add some new favourites to my baking lineup. We don't consume a lot of baking, but when the occasion calls for it, I enjoy having a few tried and true selections up my sleeve. Above are Cumquat Syrup Cakes, below is French Almond Cake, Gold Dusted Meringues, and Banana Bread Pillows made in the sandwich maker.




4. I've engineered myself a little niche in upcycling statement necklaces from a well known maker here where I live. Their feature pieces are joyful and fun, but are often let down by their Plain Jane chain. I'm adding colourful beads to their connector chains and making some pocket money on the side.


5. I'm finding that Arthritis and other Itis-es are messing with my embroidery skills, so I'll be dragging out that embroidery sewing machine I purchased several years ago, and acquainting self with it's delights. I think there could be some pocket money in embellishments on hand towels and such, that are also modern and quirky.

6. Hubster and I are mid Retirement Renovation. You know....that one that takes you through to when they carry you off the the Aged Care place? Hopefully thats some decades away, but meanwhile, we don't want to be patching and painting in our 70s and beyond.

This means rearranging and repurposing some pieces that we already have. I've been looking to have a corner like this for years. A re-imagining of the dining room, saw this antique chest of drawers that I restored about thirty years ago, relocated to our entry room. The Ginger jar was a Christmas gift, the bowl, thrifted and already in our collection, the tiny teapot was my Mums, and the print, although not my favourite, reminds Hubster of his water skiing days. Everyones happy.


What has changed for you?

How will you save money and attack insourcing in 2022?

...Mimi...


12 comments:

  1. A lovely post. We've added an air fryer to our kitchen, rearranged things and turfed out a bunch of things from drawers that were just clutter. It's so fresh we keep opening them just to have a look. We're also challenging ourselves to restrict"big grocery shops" from fortnightly to less often - every three or four weeks, and are trying out a few new recipes to add to our regular menu. I haven't spent any money at all at work this year as I make all my lunches and breakfast ahead of time, and intend to keep doing so. Your posts continue to inspire.

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    1. Jodi, its incredible how much 'stuff' finds it's way into drawers that shouldn't even be there. That's a great idea on the big grocery shops. It helps with clearing out assorted odds and ends too. Well done on NOT buying work lunches. That's a huge one! Mimi xxx

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  2. Happy New Year and happy insourcing Mimi. I am trying to buy less this year. I ended 2021 by buying a number of new dresses. I haven't bought day dresses in a number of years and I am enjoying my linen blends in our hot summer. I had a number of resolutions but they fell by the wayside very quickly so I will be starting again in February with just one challenge.

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    1. Suzan, first of all, bravo on investing in YOU! We SO deserve to spoil ourselves sometimes. And really, isn't it just 'maintenance', and NOT 'spoiling'? As for New Years Resolutions...I don't bother any more...lol! One challenge per month sounds perfect. Mimi xxx

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  3. This post is a lovely overview of how our lives evolve.

    I can see this year being mostly about streamlining and simplifying things so that we can really enjoy our retirement rather than being overwhelmed by things to do. That said, we are working on finishing some renovation/upgrade projects which will make life a bit easier for all concerned.

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    1. This is true. Simplifying life is a mammoth task (a bit of a contradiction there I know), but one that pays off in the end. Mimi xxx

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  4. Love the bangles!!! I hope you never end up in a home! Strike that thought right out! For arthritis in hands eat tinned black cherries everyday. Problem solved! Seriously! I think I need to make french almond cake! Looks amazing! xxx

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    1. Lol Annabel! We continually weigh up what would impact both us and the children the least. It all remains to be seen I guess. For now, staying in our own home would be the ideal, but who really knows? Now, I hadn't heard this about the cherries. I'm onto it! You would love that Almond Cake, it's SO simple and SO delicious. Mimi xxx

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  5. Love your necklace hanging arrangements. I am pondering the costume jewellery as it may be time for a cull. I am improving my sewing and fitting skills. Last year it was colour and styling and the reality check of what my lifestyle is and the clothing it needs. Would love a blogpost on the continuation of your style journey.I love my house and garden but we need to ponder a possible relocation closer to kids. We are too far away should we need support. So many things to think about as retirement looms.Barb

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    1. Hi Barb. I hear you. It's a challenging transition on a few levels. I like the idea of ensuring that your clothing resonates with your lifestyle. It's so easy to forget that one. I hear you on the distance from family too. We are so fortunate to live close to ours, but had life panned out differently, we would have ended up fairly isolated, (Hubster had his heart set on living near the ocean but disabled son forced a different decision), and would now be pondering, like you, a return to 'civilisation'. Thankfully, in many ways, now looking back, we stayed put. And for the best. It's really just one step at a time, right? Mimi xxx

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  6. LOVE what you've done with your closet, Mimi. Sorry to hear about your arthritis, that must be frustrating, You've inspired me to get in my closet too! Thank you for sharing sweet friend.

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    1. Hello Beautiful. My closet is now a Thing of Beauty, right? Lol. I'm pleased to have inspired you. Mimi xxx

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx