Budgeting For Luxuries

First of all, thank you to Meg for giving me this post idea.  I need an inspiration now and again.

When you are living on a tight budget in order to pay for the necessities it can be hard to envision your family being able to buy a nonessential item or going on a vacation.  We have our strategies that allow us to indulge ourselves from time to time.

You have to add a line item to your budget for a vacation/special purchase account.  We have a credit union account that my DH's gas reimbursement check (from work) is direct deposited into.  We don't see the money at all, it isn't readily available via check or debit card for us to spend on something else.  After a year of saving we usually have enough money for a small vacation.  WE NEVER GO INTO DEBT FOR A VACATION OR LUXURY PURCHASE!

Another idea is to tone down your vacation expectations.  You may not be able to go away from home.  Traveling away from home, with it's hotel and restaurant expenses, can be very expensive.  Do you have a friend or relative that will welcome you as a guest in their home?  You can reciprocate by letting them stay in your home at a later time.  How about a staycation?  That is vacationing in your own home, while visiting local museums, parks and other attractions.

Everyone in my family receives an allowance each week, even Mom and Dad.  The allowance is one of our budget line items.  We are able to spend or save this money as we wish.  All of us save a portion of our allowance to purchase something that we really want.  After saving for several years I was recently able to purchase a laptop for my blogging and writing.

Our vacation/luxury savings are seldom tapped to make an emergency purchase.  This is because we also have a budget line item and savings for emergency repairs and purchases.

If you don't think you have any room in your budget for another savings account I would like you to look closely at your life.  Can you save any money by brown bagging your lunches?  Can your family get along with one car?  Can you put aside the money you save with your coupons?  Get creative.  Even if it is just pennies saved it will accumulate and in a few years you will be able to indulge yourselves.

God bless,
Pam

My Visit To John C. Campbell Folk School (JCC)

I recently spent one week in October at the JCC taking a class in tatting (lace making).  When I arrived at the school, which is on 400 acres, I was thrilled with the old buildings they had saved and the beautiful, natural surroundings.

Cafeteria

Upon checking in I was given a map to my room, which was located at the end of a long gravel driveway in a historic mill.  I shared the room with another lady, Ann, who ended up being the perfect roommate.  The room was simple, but very comfortable.

The Mill Had Four Rooms

My classes were taught by a lovely lady, Marie Roth, that had been coming to JCC for forty years, first as a student, then as a teacher.  She displayed great patience and was a good teacher.  My class of eight had learned the basics of tatting, reading and understanding patterns and how to develop our own projects by the end of the week.

Fiber Arts Building

Each morning started with an optional walk, then morning song.  Imagine starting each day with a half hour concert by excellent bluegrass musicians and singers.  The food at the cafeteria was country cooking and served family style.

Another Classroom and Housing Building

It was a thrill for this Floridian to get to experience Fall.  The air was crisp and the leaves were changing.  I enjoyed walking on the many paths and trails that go throughout the school grounds.

View From One Of The Paths

Since I love American folk art I was excited to discover Mouse Town.  It is located on the side of the wood drying barn.  Apparently, the abundance of field mice inspired the artists at JCC to build a small town for them.  It has now become a custom for each class to add a piece of art to the town.

A Small Section Of The Town With The Mayor On The Bottom Left

Small Items Left For The Mice To Enjoy

I have every intention of attending other classes at JCC.  It is a vacation to refuel the body and feed the soul.  You can order a catalog from their website.

God Bless,
Pam

Heading To The Folkschool

I have decided to treat myself to a visit to the John C. Campbell Folk School.  I will be taking a week long class on tatting, then spend a couple of days with a dear friend.

I Hope To Learn Tatting

I promise to take plenty of pictures (hopefully, of Fall leaves) to share with you.

God bless,
Pam