It all began with a shower curtain

Those of you who are long time readers of my blog will know I live in a ridiculously tiny house. This decision was (lack of) income based at the time. I honestly feel like the tiny spaces contributed to this becoming a home where I am not terribly comfortable having people gather.  Self created paranoia? probably a good part of it.

After visiting the girlfriend's parents' house last weekend, I am even more aware of how tiny mine is. Theirs is by no means a McMansion. Probably 1300-1500 square feet. But it's well laid out for a house built in the mid 80s.

I can't wave a magic wand and make mine bigger. I could buy lotto tickets til I am blue in the face and I am not going to win :-)

I haven't done any renovations/redecorating since DS was in Grade 7. We did major updating then on things that had been around since the 1950s.  That cost a boatload of  cash and that was some of the first debt I paid off when I started this blog.

So after a day of feeling down and my I am in charge of my life awakening yesterday, I decided to do some little bits.

Off to Walmart I went, which is the least expensive shopping option here in town. I have to say there wasn't a whole lot of colour variety  available. The browns are still in. I chuckled to see that my current 7 year old one and all it's accessories is still there and a good seller. Most of my house has that nutmeg brown that is just a shade or two darker than neutral. It was a big switch from a house of only white walls everywhere.  I found one I liked that added a couple pops of colour in, but let me keep all my accessories and towels etc. There are blues and greens in with this, in case you can't tell from my too dark photo.

I could have chosen new accessories but doing the math, I was nauseated at how quickly it added up.  So one shower curtain and it's cute little rings was all I got for the bathroom.

Exiting that section of the store, I came across the little mats that go in front of doors. I have needed one for inside my front door since before Christmas when the last one died. I spotted one that has so many of my favourite colours in it, and after a good long look, it went into the cart too.

The total for the two items came to about $45 with taxes. I have been tucking a small amount money away each cheque for 'things for the house' and I dipped into that fund to make it happen. I started with $400 and that brings me down to $355

I saw a few others things I would like to get to freshen up things but I need to have a long think before I just start spending money willy nilly. It took me too long to save up that money.

Bringing it home, I was really quite amazed at how those things lifted my spirits. All those TV shows of women who shop for that quick rush every day came flashing into my head and I laughed aloud when hanging up the curtain. DH was confused and I tried to explain it to him, but I don't think he got it.

While I am not likely to become a shop a holic, I can see the draw for pretty things. I have to be satisfied with this for now and plan. It did prompt me to do a ton of cleaning and tidying yesterday though. Lots left to do in a neglected house but it will happen.

I went for another walk last night and we BBQ'd the steak I bought the other day and did a few ribs. DS1 graced us with his presence.  We ended the night with a little fire in the firepit and drove to watch the Canada Day fireworks.

All in all it was a good day, and a MUCH better one than the day before.