Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Obsessions + Our Debt Update

I want to start this post off by addressing our debt.  About a year or so ago I wrote a post about our debt and wanting to pay it down.  I had good intentions of writing updates about it monthly but I got lazy and pregnant.  Often on my posts people leave snarky comments about my debt and my shopping, I realize now I should have never brought it up because it is very personal but I want to address it now because I did write about it.   I am proud to say over the past year we have paid off more than half of our debt.  We have two credit cards left to pay off and then we will be debt free (besides our mortgage and one car payment).  It has been a liberating feeling to pay cards off and cut them up.  I now only pay cash or use my debit card, I never use a credit card.  I do still shop which alot of you questioned but I certainly don't buy everything I blog about.  This blog has enabled me to make money and work from home which I am so grateful for, plus I just love writing this blog.  It is my happy place and I hate the negativity some people bring, we all have different spending and shopping habits and can afford different things.  I hope to be debt free in the next 3-4 months, that is my goal.  I am proud of myself and Matt for encouraging me to not use credit cards.  I plan going forward to only use cash to buy non-necessities and not rack up that kind of debt again.   If you are trying to pay off debt I loved the Dave Ramsey book, The Total Money Makeover- very eye opening about not spending what you can't afford.

Ok so there's my update, now on to my wish list!


I am smitten with this adorable top from baby gap.  You better believe Frances Moon is getting it!


I love the LemLem line so much.  This is one of my favorite cover-ups!
 
It is no secret I am a fan of white embroidered tops! 
This one is so pretty, the detail is gorgeous.


This may be weird but I have been loving camo lately.  These look like such cute casual shorts and how comfy do they look?



I love the pattern and style of this tank top so much!!  Until noon today you can get 25% off all Piperlime purchases with code SHOPFAST.



I just found out my favorite Current and Elliot Tee dress now comes in a tank version.  Perfect for Summer and I love the classic black/white stripes combo.


The perfect everyday earrings, so dainty and feminine.


What is not to love about this white dress??  The neon neckline is perfect against the white!

I was kind of over Tory Burch shoes for awhile but I am really digging these leopard flipflops.


West Elm just marked down a bunch of their outdoor stuff.  Use code SWEET to get additional 15% off.  Love these throws and they are down to only $19.99!!  Would make a fabulous gift for someone too. 


Lastly for all my Charleston friends, Pixie Lily, the cutest baby line around is having a sample sale this Saturday!  This is not to missed!

Pixie Lily Sample and Seconds Warehouse Sale
Saturday, June 21st
8:00 am - 12:00
Layette and Toddler
BYOB Bring Your Own Bag
48 Society Street (corner of Anson and Society)
You might remember my little man did a little modeling for them last year:)


29 comments:

Amy Florez {Baby Mama Juice} said...

That Baby Gap top is the cutest thing ever! I "need" that tank dress! I'm becoming a dress hoarder!!!

Natalie said...

Good for you, Nat! That is huge! Glad you updated us. :) Love your obsessions, as always. That Current Elliott tank dress is perfect and looks so comfy!

just ask beth said...

good for you natalie! As a mm to 3 girls it is not easy..we have done it 3x's and we will NEVER have CC debt again! It is pretty obvious to me that you don't buy everything you like, hence the word "obsession". Keep up the good work and your recipes are amazing!!

Sara said...

Way to go on the debt! We love Dave Ramsey also. I'm sorry people leave rude comments. The internet makes it so easy for meanness. Love your finds. Have a great week!!

Holy City Chic | Megan said...

Love those camo shorts! Not going to lie, the elastic waist is what makes them appealing to me. And congrats on the credit cards! That's awesome.

Leslie said...

Congratulations on being close to debt free! I love that baby gap top. It's so adorable!

Unknown said...

That little tassel top is seriously the cutest...and I'm dying for that Hampton dress! It looks so cool and comfy for summer!

Amanda | Kids and Cabernet said...

That beach dress is just beautiful! Congrats on the debt and I can't believe people post about your spending on the blog. Unless they are paying your credit card bills it's none of their business! Sounds like you guys are doing a great job :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the debt, it is a huge accomplishment!! I love that first little Gap top that you posted!


Xo,L
simplylowcountry.com

Pink and Fabulous said...

That is awesome!, way to go girl!

Unknown said...

Once again your honesty and candidness are refeshing. (One of the many reasons I love your blog)
Congrats to you and Matt for paying off so much debt! You inspire me.
Just one word of caution-be careful about using a debit card on line, in restaurants, or stores. If your information is stolen or hacked all of your money can be stolen. With a credit card you have the protection of the credit card company and can put a stop on the card. Withn your debit card all of the monye can be sucked out of your account in a flash. (it's happend to me)
Cash is the way to go-or paypal if ordering online.

natasha {schue love} said...

Good for you on paying down your debt...such a good feeling! I remember when we paid off Ryan's college CC and how good it felt. You feel like a new woman! And that tassel is darling with a capital D!

Hope @ Hope in a Blog said...

Go, girl on the debt! That is something to be proud of! I am dying over the baby gap cuteness....and the camo shorts...holy comfy and cute! xx.

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

That sleeveless tank looks perfect for summer!

mandy mcgregor said...

So happy for you to have a lot of that debt paid down! Such a great accomplishment and I bet you feel so good. Confession: my husband and I listen to Dave Ramsey talk radio on our long road trips to visit family. He is so inspiring and has so much good advice. Love all your obsessions and I need to get those shorts and that that tassel top for my babe. xoxo

Heather said...

Love that you have paid down your debt. That is wonderful!! When I want something my husband always says "Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else." Ha! Sometimes I am not a big fan of Dave Ramsey :) I hate that people waste their time being negative-haters gone hate-you just keep being yourself. Don't worry about other stupid negative people!

Christina said...

congrats, that's awesome news! ugh the negative blog comments are so lame. people need to realize that blogging does not entail every facet of our lives. and that yeah, we get a lot of free stuff. don't let others' jealousy get to you! you know your spending habits and they don't need to. regardless, good job on the accomplishment! you'll be debt free in no time. :) xo

Kelsey | Southern in Love said...

Congrats on reducing so much of your debt so quickly! It feels sooo good to pay off those credit cards. I've been loving listening to Dave Ramsey whenever I'm in the car and he's on. He has such great advice.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate you being so honest and open about your financial situation. If only all of us were lucky enough to not be in some kind of debt! I continue to be working mama to pay of credit cards. It sucks! It certainly should not be viewed as a negative situation, just an experience to learn and grow from.

Desiree said...

bravo for soon to be debt free! we did Ramsey and it changed our lives forever. Debt free going on 5 yrs! that baby tassel top is on my wish list too, too cute :)

Unknown said...

I hardly ever comment on blogs but just wanted to say that getting out of debt is awesome and snarky mean people are stupid. I love your blog and think you sound very genuine and I appreciate that you share some personal things. Who cares what jerks say - you are awesome. And Dave Ramsey is amazing. We are debt free too!

McKenzie Wild said...

Way to go! Blog haters are the worst and I am sad they prevented you from posting updates.

I read your original post and I was looking forward to reading updates along your journey, that so many of your readers can identify with.

Congrats on your success!

Unknown said...

I love your blog and finds! I'm a mama of two little boys (2 and 4 1/2 months old), so your blog helps keep me in the loop on fashion :-) Ignore the rude comments!! Thank you for your recipes too!!!

The Authors said...

Hi Natalie! First of all, I love your blog and I am so inspired by your fashion posts! Thank you for being honest about your debt situation - I have been in a similar situation as I love to shop (especially online) and it is hard to track spending when using credit cards. I just keep telling my husband the solution is to make more money :) Anyway, love your posts and the pictures of Frances Moon!

The Authors said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alexandra Bee Blog said...

I want that Baby Gap top for ME! Way to go on overcoming your debt, as well!

Angie said...

We've all been there with the dept thing. Congrats on taking control! Love your blog and your style. Thanks for keeping it real!

Unknown said...

Love your blog and your honesty. You should be proud of paying down your debt! Changing shopping habits is hard and you should be commended. Keep up the great work and your fun spirit in this space!

All Things Big and Small said...

Love how you are so real. Thanks for sharing about your debt. We love Dave Ramsey also! Every time I want a new car I think of what he says, and it makes me feel a bit better.

And I love that Baby Gap Tassel dress. It is too cute and in my cart!