For such a time as this. Cheap and Cheerful.

Everyone is stressed.  Everyone has tightened their budgets.  To me it feels like there is a lot of pressure on us all.  I have always had the theme of feathering our nests.  Making our homes a safe and happy sanctuary from the world and a place to escape stress rather than a place that causes it!

Now happily many things that are just lovely, that brighten spirits and make us feel a little bit more comfy are really easy to do and don't necessarily cost anything at all.  I will share some of mine but these are personal things and you can adapt for yourself and your family.  They might become mini projects or even little surprises you can do for your family and friends.

I love it if my bed side table is set up and has the things I need.  A drink. A book. A reading light.  A flashlight. Anything I might need in the night. Bonus if it looks pretty or has a flower. 💐 

For a child... you know they are going to ask for a drink.  Set up their bed side with their book and book mark,  their own little area with everything they need.  When they settle into bed everything is right there next to them.  I try to help them then teach them to create a little nest of their own.

It is obviously psychological but tea tastes better to me from a bone china cup.  A cup and saucer is just nicer.  So is a crystal glass.  They both come from collecting in thrift stores so they don't cost any extra. But they make my day nicer.  They seem special.  When Grandkids come to stay I let them use special glasses and cups and saucers. THEY think it's special.  My Grand daughters know how to tell crystal from glass.  This is a thrift store skill you teach them young! 😊

On this... use the nice plates.  Set the table.  It costs nothing to set the table and use what you have to make it look nice.  Your meal might be very simple but it will seem so much nicer and sitting at the table and talking to each other without the tv blaring will make your day a lot better too.

A clean and organised car.  Something about this makes me feel somewhat on top of things as I head off somewhere.

Also... an organised handbag with everything you need.  I can reach into my handbag and find... my pen, my notebook, my glasses and so on and I feel kind of like I have it together and not in chaos. (Even if this is a welcome illusions haha!)

My diary/planner... opened and I can see what is on this week,  what is coming up... do I have a gift to wrap?  Are things under control?  I just feel better.  There is a theme here.. I am trying to avoid feelings of panic!

Near the backdoor I keep a couple of baskets.  One has things that I mean to send out the door with some one,  returns etc.  

Another has things to donate/give away.  These two keep things heading in the right direction.

I keep the project I am working on in a basket next to my chair so it is just there to pick up when I sit down.  

Set up a little spot to sit outside.  It might be on the veranda or under a tree.  A place to have a drink, write or ready, enjoy a coffee with a friend.  Getting some sun and fresh air,  listening to the birds... this is a lovely little break.   You can make this even nicer if you have a birdbath of some kind nearby.   Taking A TRAY out to your spot in the sun comes across as a treat for yourself and maybe a guest as well.

If I create a few outfits and hang them on hangers where I can see them... I don't have to try and use my brain early in the morning before heading off to town or church.  This way I am more likely to wear something different or try a new combination.   This also costs nothing but it feels nice to set out feeling put together.

I write a list for tomorrow, the night before.  Again... I don't have to figure it out in the morning... I can just follow the plan.  I made the plan in two parts.... MUST DO and hope to do.    I also enjoy crossing things off my list. That is so satisfying.  But I truly get a lot more done thanks to lists.  This sees things achieved but the knock on effect is I feel good about it.

Plate up left overs so they look appealing and pack lunches in cute containers.  It's not really harder but it seems so nice.  

Have frugal and helpful hobbies.  Being content at home with a project you are just dying to get to work on is wonderful.  I will go like stink to get some sewing time in the afternoon and crochet in the evening.  These are just my happy place/happy mental spaces.   And I produce stuff!  But the contentment factor.... it priceless.  

If you really like your tea or coffee then set up a little station so that it is a joy.  Add some treats as if you are making your drinks at home you are saving a fortune over buying them out and so if some vanilla syrup adds happiness to your life then maybe that little thing is worthwhile.

In summer make up jugs of water, slices of lemon and keep plenty of ice ready.  Iced water that looks pretty is beautiful on the table, costs near nothing and does everyone good.

Bake something.  Look at what you have and cook.   Even if your ingredients are flour and milk you can make something.  Baking makes little into much, makes your house smell beautiful and is like a gift to your family or friends.

Again it is psychological but a cake on a cake stand suddenly seems so special!  

If you possibly can keep a few chickens.  Two or three are often enough.  They are so economical because with a small number three quarters of their diet will be food scraps, weeds and things you once threw away.  They add joy to every day and you get eggs!  

Make your bed comfy.  As comfy as you possibly can.  My mattress + topper + underlay + blankets across my feet + sit up cushions + beautiful pillow + pretty pillowcases + a hot pack!  .... it is a princess and the pea kind of thing but these comforts are pretty much life saving to me.  My bed is the place I retreat to.  A good sleep is the most valuable thing. Whatever you can do to each bed in the house and your own more comfortable is worth doing.  When you have no underlay a wool blanket will also work.  An extra quilt will work too.  Whatever you have, see if it will add comfort to your bed.  Like babies like to be swaddled many children benefit from being tucked in.  I understand it, that feeling of being wrapped.  It's not for everyone but it is something to consider.  And it is also why so many adults sleep better with some weight on their feet... and this is me.  Yet somehow it took me a long time to figure it out!

Become good at least one soup.  I have two main ones and now and then try another but then come back to these... Pumpkin and Chicken soup... like the germ killing, immune boosting chicken soup.  They are both very comforting and nourishing. 

Books.  Between the library and thrift stores always have a book that you love.   

Add .... find a couple of you tube channels that are just your cup of tea. Your people!  And then add ones who are doing things you would like to learn.  You have so much enjoyment and inspiration lined up right there.  

Say no to things that you know you are really going to dread.  And to things that you know are going to decimate your budget. Saying no is free and sometimes saves you a fortune.  EVERYONE wants your time and money.  People are even willing to tell you how to spend them!  It is easy to get sucked into a vortex of unrealistic expectations especially around birthdays and weddings...  It is perfectly ok to wish people love and happiness without wrecking the month over it.

Flowers always do me good.  If there are flowers I can pick I am filling vases!   They just lift my spirits!

When flowers are not plentiful things like pinecones, gum nuts,  reeds,  pretty dried grasses etc all are beautiful free little bits of nature in your home. Autumn leaves, sea shells, drift wood...

Play music that makes you happy.   Nothing tragic... uplifting!

Get out in nature. Walk.  Soak in fresh air and sunshine.

Have a treat.  I like to walk around the garden centre and have a coffee at their outdoor tables and chairs.  

Photos of people I love, out where I see them everyday, also bless me.  So do Bible verses I want to remember always.

Have dreams,  plans and goals.  We must have these! 

Faith.  Faith is free.  The ultimate gift is free.  This would be my number one thing that I could not live without.  Joy that fills your heart.

My Mum... her bliss is her garden,  books,  knitting and a cup of tea.   What are your cheap and cheerful treats that make you feel better every time?  What are things you do daily that make life nicer?  What can we do for others that might make their day be a little bit better?   It really is the little things that count.   This reminds me of feeding the birds the crumbs from your table.  Completely free beauty! xxx