Forum!

Happy New Year! Happy new month! Happy halfway through January! Life is going so good here. I really am loving the start we are off to in this new year and I'm just so excited for all that is in store. It's been no secret that the last few years have had a lot of unexpected changes and ups and downs but I'm really ready to make some good progress this year towards some goals.

In thinking about these goals and ways to share things in a way that would be helpful and also really encourage community, I decided to add a forum to my site where I can share things easier and in smaller amounts than a whole blog post. There are times when I'd like to post a picture or some smaller tips but I haven't had a great way to do that. Another reason is that one thing I really enjoyed about social media was the community and being able to comment and share things freely with each other. I felt that was missing with blogs. I'm really excited to have the forum so that we can all share and learn from each other and create a great community with like-minded people.

One of my biggest goals this year for us is getting out of debt so I will be doubling down on all the things that goes along with that. Meal planning, planning ahead for special occasions, making memories for less $, budgeting, cash envelopes, practicing contentment, homemaking, etc. Basically all the things we have been doing for a long time but dusting them off and breathing new life into them, trying a few new things and a lot of tried and true things that have served us well.

I've mentioned this before that this last year felt like a "year off" in a way. We kind of floated through this last year with little direction except for what was right in front of us to do. It was balm to our hearts and we pulled back and re-evaluated everything. Now with clear vision and renewed strength, we are ready to push ahead and dream and plan and do again.

I'm excited for all this year has in store and I'm excited to get to know some of you better and to share and learn from each other on the forum. I hope you will join us over there and share your goals and progress this year, too. I will be posting my weekly meal plans over there throughout my pantry challenge - and maybe beyond if you find that helpful. I will be posting our month end spending and budget updates up there as well, so definitely check that out! I can't wait to see you there!