Purchase on a budget, not on the cheap
Last year I posted about designing a nursery on a budget. I first talked about creating a budget. Little did I know then that our economy was on it’s way to crashing and everyone should be on a budget no matter what their income.
What I’ve come to realize in my own life is value based purchasing has benefited our family more then buying low quality, cheap goods. First of all, when the economy slows down, some manufacturers tend to cut back on quality to insure the bottom line doesn’t bottom out. With our country being in crisis, I want to support small companies who manufacturer in the USA or practice fair trade more then ever! When I purchase foods grown close to home via farmers market, I know what I’m getting and I know it is safe for my family!
Six years ago my first child had severe food allergies mostly to wheat products. This was the beginning of our organic journey. I have researched the safety of products and want the best for my family. I know you do to.
So, how do I continue to buy organic goods for my family? And how do you plan for a non-toxic, healthy, beautiful nursery and life for your newborn? BUDGET! I make a list of what I need and a list of what I want. I have a dollar amount that I can spend each week. This budget includes everything. If my budget is say 200.00 a week for everything (including food, skin care and clothing) not gas… how do I add new organic goodies into my budget? Think about the list. When we purchase in bulk we may buy toilet paper once every 6 weeks; Skin care once every 8 weeks. It’s easy to add $20-$30 dollars into a$ 200.00 budget every week for organic products other then food.
OK do you get a big picture of what a budget for quality, value based purchasing looks like? Now for the fun part; Designing your organic nursery on a budget!
The good news is, you don’t need as much as you think you might for a newborn. Yon can have the best quality and the healthiest items for your little one. Within 9 months you will have everything you NEED for you and your baby (when buying organic what you need is what you want too) FUN!
The First 3 months: You’re pregnant! Yippee! A new momma tends to want to go out and buy everything before the first 5 months are up….wait a bit!
1) Start a savings plan. Put away 50.00 every pay check. If you can’t do 50.00 save 20.00 (save this as a minimum). You won’t miss it!
2) Starbucks will probably be out of the picture. As soon as I became pregnant, before I took the test…coffee or the smell of it made me sick. Now if you have the dream pregnancy and you still want your decaf Latte…try cutting it out or at least cut down.
3) Make your wish list. This is not everything you will buy but it is everything you THINK you need and want..
4) Purchasing the first 3 months. At this time you don’t need any maternity clothes.
All you need is a good prenatal vitamin, Nesting Pillow~ Really!
The Nesting Pillow is not just a nursing pillow. We don’t call it a nursing pillow because it has SO many different uses! You ask, “why do I need a Nesting Pillow right out of the gate?” The Nesting Pillow is designed with organic buckwheat fill. It is wonderful as a sleeping pillow and will help your body adjust to the changes it is going through. You may have headaches from the changing hormones. Using the Nesting Pillow as a neck support will help you wake up free from body aches and pains. As your belly grows, it is a wonderful body pillow. Use it as a lap top support when you are resting with your feet up!
Read what other moms, Dads, caregivers and health care professionals are saying about Blessed Nest http://www.blessednestperch.com/testimonials/
~The Organic Nesting Pillow is $87.00 Shop Blessed Nest.com
~Prenatal vitamins about $30.00 for 3 months (ask your Doctor, Doula or Midwife.) Also, you may want to locate a group for support and suggestions on a healthy pregnancy.
Contact http://www.doula.com/ to find out How a Doula Can Make Your Birth Experience Easier, Healthier, and More Empowering
Total: 122.00 for the first 3 months That’s less the 50.00 a month for the first 3 months! Buying Organic!
Remember….put away at least $40.00-$100.00 a month and when you make another nursery purchase in your 4th Month, you will have anywhere from 120.00-300.00 saved! You will buy using cash. Not buying on credit !
If you simply can’t think of how to put $20.00 every 2 weeks away then cut something out of your life. Leave out the pedicures (you’ll want them later in your pregnancy when you can’t reach your feet)! Eat out less or shut your cable off on your TV and read on-line all about having a green pregnancy and lifestyle!
I will be back to talk about what to purchase in months 4-6 of your pregnancy on your new, organic budget!
Love To the moon and back,
Donna
Blessed Nest.com
**Also, see them on other social networks:
-Facebook: Blessed Nest Inc
-Twitter: Blessednest
Thank you Abbey! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you..promoting Moms in business!