You guys… eating out and food has to be its own love language. Please tell me you agree?

Sadly, my love language has had to be lived out less, because money is tighter and tighter. With the increase of taxes, groceries, and gas… it just has become less possible for me to eat out.

Beyond that, many of the people I love dearly own small businesses. It’s their livelihood— and the employees who work there…it’s their own grocery budget and rent payment. I started to ponder ways I could support a love of eating out, staying in budget, and still love on my lovely small business friends.

I wanted to share my findings with you…

1. You will have to say no to somethings, so you can say yes to others.

I’ve had to say no to renting a movie at home, so I could buy popcorn at the local Sherman theatre. I already owned plenty of movies…but nothing could replace the popcorn! Pick what is most valuable.

2. Fill in your weak spot moments with joy! Mornings are rough around our house. As much as I’d love to admit I’m a morning person, if I’m not in bed by 7:30… it will not be a bright and cheery morning. I used to treat myself to a coffee out everyday, but our budget couldn’t take the hit. But y’all…I just couldn’t imagine giving up my pumpkin muffins from Good Grounds. I decided I would make coffee at home— and preorder a large amount of muffins from their store. I’d come home, freeze them, enjoy pumpkin muffins whenever— and still able to stay in budget while supporting local businesses.

3. Don’t say never, just choose to say less.

I decided that I wanted a pumpkin muffin every single morning in November. That was a tall order with four little people who continually ate us out of house and home. My waistline and wallet would surely pay for such a splurge… but common sense still allowed me to achieve a win-win.

Ready?

I cut the large, delicious muffin in half! I could have half for breakfast— and an inexpensive banana to finish fueling my body.

Living and still enjoying your life doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simply wonderful. You can still treat yourself on a budget and support small businesses. Just take a moment to ask how can I simply enjoy today?

Contentment will really prove to be a great, simple gain!

1 Timothy 6:6 (New International Version)

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Simply Blooming Grace understood the need to pinch pennies for our readers, so for all of November the eBook, Blooming Wisdom is only $0.99!