Hiatus

If you have wondered if the Meggs fell off the face of the planet, I can assure you that we're still alive & kicking. Unfortunately, life takes over & fun activities (like blogging) shift to the bottom of the to-do list. I have been frantically jetting around the southeast being an unfabulous auditor & Drew has been working 7 days a week to make a church's sound system top notch. Amidst the chaos of joining the working world (by the way, I have a whole new appreciation for working moms - where do they find the time?!?), we have ventured into a new savings plan. We have always been HUGE Dave Ramsey fans, but we have now made it to Baby Step #2 (look it up - it will change your life). Due to our crazy couponing, diligent budgeting and stellar self-discipline, we will be paying off the balance to one of our student loans next month. To say we're excited is an understatement. We're just one more step closer to living a financially free life. We aren't financially perfect, but we feel we're on track to a sound financial future. For the next few weeks, we hope to share some tips & ideas we have found along the way. Our goal is to share some things we learn in this first 6 months of marriage to hopefully help other newlyweds in setting and reaching goals. Stay tuned to learn a few fun tips from two Tennessee Transplants!

A Family Affair

Since we returned from our lavish honeymoon in Jamaica, we decided we needed a hobby that fits our newlywed budget. So, we have been hitting the pavement. Problem - the TJ Maxx tennis shoes I had were not doing the job. After researching the best running shoes and finding sales online, we hopped in the car for the local sporting goods store. Drew already had these beauties...

so we decided Nike should be a family affair. Drew found these fun shoes [that we're on SALE] and he definitely worked husband magic - they are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

We're loving our afternoon jogs around our complex and proper running gear has made such a difference. Who wouldn't love a hobby that fits in the budget and provides stress relief? Now we just need to train hard so we can run the Country Music Marathon in our fun hometown next year!

Meet Dave

This is our friend Dave. When I say friend, I mean the man Drew insists we listen to on talk radio...all the time. We also attended an event he did in Nashville. And he lives down the street from the family of a Nashville friend. And his studio/Financial Peace Plaza are a mile from our apartment. We know a lot about Dave. He has his critics, but he has been great for us. We are starting our marriage with a clear financial plan. We have goals - both short and long term. We have a written budget. Did I mention we're only 23? Our favorite thing about Dave is his span. His advice is timeless and is applicable at any age. We're not saying we're fanatics who are completely ditching Starbucks, eating-out, and cable; but we do like knowing how our money will be spent and being on the same page for that spending. So now that we have introduced our friend Dave, you know you want to check him out here. Then you can come visit us and we'll drive you by Financial Peace Plaza because we are nerds like that.

Decor dilemma

Drew and I have been extremely blessed with generous wedding showers. So generous that we were gifted a FULL 12 place settings of our Wedgwood White china. Although Drew was excited, he just didn't understand my zeal for the pristine white plates and the dainty tea cups.

I. Am. Obsessed.

BUT, here is the issue. Our newlywed nest will be snug. Snug is the nice way to say that our 1 bedroom-1 bath apartment is small. This leaves my hubby-to-be and me with a decor dilemma. My obsessed self can't stand the thought of leaving this beautiful china packed away at our parents' homes. So, we're exploring inexpensive, newlywed budget-friendly options to display these lovelies.

1st option I found from IKEA. Super cute and fairly affordable. Any opinions? We were a little alarmed about the disclaimer listed on the website about the glass panels shattering with a "knock."

Then I came across this cabinet on Etsy. A little large, but absolutely beautiful...plus it has storage! Drawback: Drew doesn't want our home filled with "old stuff" and this falls in the "old stuff" category. I love the vintage, this-piece-has-a-story feel. Alas, one of many kinks you must weather in marriage.

We would appreciate any suggestions!