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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

My Thoughts on a New Life and Blogging

May 13, 2019 by Katie Haller

Mommy and me

I have so many thoughts racing through my mind about all the changes happening in my life right now, so I thought I’d sit down and share some of them.  First of all, thank you to everyone for your support with my news about quitting my job and moving back to Michigan.  My husband and I have been faced with a lot of big decisions in the last year and it’s always hard when you are trying to make the best choice for yourself and your family.  I definitely appreciate all your comments and support as we move on to the next step chapter of our lives.

This big change didn’t happen overnight.  It came with a lot of planning and a lot of decision-making.  For the last 3 years, I’ve been trying to balance having a full-time job, being a mom to Jack, a wife to Kevin and then I also have this little hobby of blogging that I love so much.  I’ve tried to handle all of it the best I can, but the truth is, I feel like I’ve only been just treading water to try to stay afloat.  At work, it’s been harder and harder to keep up with the demands of my job, but the hardest part for me is leaving it at work and not bringing the stress home with me.  I come home stressed and tired and I feel like I have little patience for my family.  It’s not the person I want to be.  My husband is always the kind of person who is always able to find a solution when a problem arises. That’s why we decided that the best thing for our family was for me to stay home.

We’ve known that I would be quitting my job for a while, but we weren’t sure when.  I wanted to work a little longer because it never hurts to have an extra income, but then the Grand Rapids base opened up.  I looked into working when we moved, but the jobs in my field pay much less in Michigan than they do out in Nevada, plus it would be the same story there.  So after making this decision months ago, we have had to wait for it all to come together. We needed to wait to find out when the base would open, when we would be moving and how.  Moving is stressful and it’s not cheap.  I’d rather just get it all over with and move now, but we can’t, so I’ve been in this limbo stage for the last 6 months.  Now we are just 2 weeks shy of moving out of our house, shipping all of our belongings to Michigan, and actually moving.

I’m excited about our move, to Michigan and being closer to family and friends, but I’m going to miss so many things about living in Las Vegas.  I’m going to miss my house a lot too!  Our neighborhood is so nice and I just have loved living here so much.  We moved into this house when Jack was 11 months old and so this is the only home he’s ever really known.  Our new house in Michigan is brand new and being built right now.  We are still renting because we want to get to know the area first and find out where we would really like to be, plus we want to make sure this move is long-term.  I’m excited to have a brand new house to live in, but since we are renting we didn’t get to pick out anything in the house and I haven’t even seen the actual house yet.  It will be a surprise when we move in.  I know I’m not going to have a beautiful courtyard, back yard, and pool like I have at this house, but I’m sure it will be nice in its own way.

Light jeans with white blouse and leopard shoes

One thing that I’m really excited about not working, is that I will have more time to put into blogging.  Blogging has been the best thing for me in the last couple of years.  I love writing and having a creative outlet.  I love that I’ve been able to connect with so many other people through it as well.  My goal is not to make a ton of money and have tons of followers.  However, I do enjoy earning a little bit of spending money from it.  It does help add to my shopping budget and the money I spend towards making my blog better, so it never hurts.  I’m hoping to have more time to write.  I’d love to share more beauty posts, mommy life, financial tips, and maybe a recipe post here and there.  And of course lots of affordable fashion!  On social media, I’m hoping to grow Instagram too at least 10k followers.  If you don’t know, 10k is the magic number on Instagram, because it means you get to have the swipe up feature for your followers to easily access your blog and other sites you share.  I feel like it’s unfair that they don’t offer that to everyone, but I guess you just need to work your way up to it.  Instagram has been a really slow process for me when it comes to growing, because it’s a lot of work and very time-consuming, but I’m hoping to have more time for that soon.  I’d also like to use my Facebook page more often.  I love my Facebook following because it’s small and I feel like they are the people actually reading my blog.  I also love Pinterest, so I will continue to pin away with that!  I’m excited about it all!

 I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who have been following me for so many years or if you just found me!  I appreciate all of your support and I hope you continue to stay with me as I go through life and things change.  I started my blog when I was 29, a somewhat newlywed who had just paid off my student loans and I didn’t have much money for spending on shopping.  I just wanted a place where I could show that you could still be stylish and live a happy fulfilling life on a budget.  I’m still on a budget, but my life has changed so much in 6 years.  Thanks for sticking with me and I hope I can continue to inspire you!

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailGifts That Give Back Default ThumbnailMy Birth Story Default ThumbnailA Day in the Life: My Stay-At-Home-Mom Schedule

Filed in: blogging, Family, Living Life, Motherhood • by Katie Haller • 1 Comment

Comments

  1. Mary Leigh @ livewellplaytogether.com

    May 15, 2019 at 12:06 am

    So exciting!! Wishing you all the best! Soak up all these last days in NV!

    Reply

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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thriftywifehappylife

Helping women love what they wear on a budget!
Thrifted fashion + Affordable retailers
👨‍✈️ Wife • Mommy
📍Michigan
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤 I just 🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤

I just realized that I don't think that I have missed a daily outfit post in 2023 yet. That means that I have shared every outfit that I have worn so far this year, which is pretty good! 

I have always loved sharing my real life daily outfits. I always shared my work outfits when I was teaching preschool, but after I stopped working it was harder for me to stay consistent on sharing my daily outfits because I didn't think my SAHM outfits were "instagram worthy". Last year I decided that I should try sharing a round up in a reel to show what I actually wore on a daily basis and it's been so fun ever since! 

So many of you told me that you found me through these reels and that makes me so happy! I hope these outfits help you step up your daily style even if you are only potty training a toddler that day. (Like I am at the moment 🤣) 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits!

#wiw #sahmstyle #momoutfit #momstyle #momfashion #momiform #momootd #momiform #themominfluencers #momstyleblogger #sahmlife #casualstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle #winteroutfits #everydayoutfits
Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an o Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an overnight staycation without the kids. I wanted an outfit that was practical for the cold weather and the afternoon, but also something I could wear out for a nice dinner later on in the evening. This is what I decided on...

✨ I like wearing bodysuits under my clothes in the winter. They help keep me warm and also cover up any skin that might show through when you sit. 

✨ My plum sweater from @gibsonlook transitioned perfectly from day to night. (Use code: THRIFTYWIFE10 for 10% off!)

✨ For pants and shoes I wore @express skinny jeans for day time. They work best with my Chelsea boots. Then for night I wanted to wear my favorite lightwash straight leg jeans (old) with heels. 

✨ Cute outerwear is so important in the winter. You have to layer up when it's cold and you plan on walking around outside. I found my camel wool coat to be warm, especially with my hat and scarf. I also wore thick boot socks to keep my feet and ankles warm! 

Head over to the @shop.ltk app to shop this look! You can either download the free shopping app and follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#ltkstyletip #datenightoutfit #dateday #valentinesdayoutfit #winterdateoutfit #winteroutfits #winterstyle #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits #momoutfitinspo #outfitideasforyou
Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent clos Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent closing clean out. I go through my closet seasonally to get rid of the clothes that aren't getting worn, but at the end of last year I felt like my closet had an overload of clothes and I needed to do a major refresh! 

I ended up parting ways with a lot of clothes, but there were some that I keep every time I do a clean out because they are my favorites and still hold their value in my wardrobe. 

✨Little black dress- I bought in 2011 for my rehearsal dinner. 
✨ Polka- dot blouse from @lclaurenconrad I bought in 2014. 
✨Metallic skirt- I bought this in 2011 to wear for Christmas Eve. 
✨ Chambray button down shirt. I bought it in 2014 at Target and I haven't found a better one to replace it with. 
✨ Thrifted @oldnavy denim jacket. These just get better with wear! 
✨ Gold strappy sandals I bought in 2007 to wear to a fraternity formal in college. They still get worn when I need a fun shoe! 

What is the oldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

#cleaningoutmycloset #closetcleanout #shoppingyourwardrobe #shopyourcloset #wearitloveit #thriftythursday #weartheclothes #styleinspo
As you can see, shopping is challenging with a tod As you can see, shopping is challenging with a toddler, so let me help you shop! I'll take one for the team and bring my 2-year-old in the fitting rooms with me so you don't have to! 😉

Here's what I found at @target this week 👇🏻

✨A New Day High-Rise Slim Straight Leg Ankle Pants- Brown- 2- This is a great dress pant option.  They have elastic in the back so the stretch. They fit TTS.  No petite length available. 
✨Universal Thread Realax fit button-down-shirt- White and Navy striped- Small- Both these color tops are going on my spring wish list! I love the relax fit and the material! They fit TTS! $25
✨Universal Thread High-Rise Slim Straight Fit Jeans- 2/regular- I am loving the fit and style of these jeans! So cute for spring! They fit TTS! $28
✨A New Day Striped Long sleeve T-shirt- Small- This is a great t-shirt.  I love the boxy fit. It comes in other colors. Fits TTS! $12
✨A New Day Blazer- xsmall- This blazer caught my eye. The material is great for spring. It fits TTS. It is currently not available on the website, but I will link it when it becomes available. 
✨A New Day Cami- small- I actually already own this cami! It’s one of my favorite spring tops! Perfect to layer a blazer or cardigan over. 
✨A New Day Slide Sandals- 7 ½- Cute slide sandals for spring! I love the little heel! They fit TTS!
✨A New Day Mule Heels- 7 ½- I love the straps on these heels.  They are very comfortable! Available in multiple colors. 
✨Universal Thread Triple Compartment crossbody purse- Love this crossbody bag! If you are looking to downsize your mom purse this is it! It has 3 compartments and the strap makes it easy to wear. 

Details are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Find the link to it in my bio! 

#targettryon #targetfinds #targetstyle #targetdoesitagain #springstyle #affordablefashion #shoppingideas #wearitloveit #momstyle #michiganblogger #shoppingonabudget
This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagra This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagram friends to bring you some Valentine’s Day outfit ideas! ❤️ We will be sharing outfits all week long so make sure you are following along! I know you will find some great ideas! 👇🏻

Monday- @thriftywifehappylife and @asimplelifeblog 
Tuesday- @getschooledinfashion 
Wednesday- @mrssarahgoodman 
Thursday- @momthechaoscoordinator 
Friday- @corriellington 

Today is my day! I'm sharing 3 Valentine’s Day looks for different occasions! 
Look 1- Wear to volunteer in the classroom party
Look 2- Wear on a date night or girls night out. 
Look 3- Wear to work!

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#valentinesdayoutfit #vdayoutfit #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #styleover35 #momstyle #simpleoutfits #michiganblogger
What I wore as a SAHM this week! This week my out What I wore as a SAHM this week!

This week my outfits are all over the place because that's how our week was. Plus I have a bonus outfit so I thought I would share where I wore these outfits! 

Monday- Home with a sick kid
Tuesday- Home and school pick up
Wednesday- Home for a snow day
Thursday- Home for snow day number 2
Friday- Ran errands aka went to Target 🎯
Saturday afternoon- Dropped off kids with my in-laws and went to Canada 🇨🇦 for a little staycation/date night at @caesarswindsor with my husband. 
Saturday night- Dinner and drinks
Sunday- Picked up kids and preparing for the week ahead. 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits! 

#sahmstyle #sahmoutfit #momoutfits #momootd #wiw #realoutfitgram #whatiwore #momstyle #outfitinspiration #outfitinspo #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #michiganblogger #michiganmoms
I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my s I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my stories and you guys loved it! It's my favorite heart sweatshirt because it's neutral colors so I get to wear it year round, but I especially love wear it around Valentine's Day! 

Here are some ways I've worn it! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨Find it on my Amazon storefront! The link is in my bio! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfinds #heartsweater #valentinesoutfit #valentinesdayoutfit #outfitideas #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits
I found some fun pieces on my latest @amazon order I found some fun pieces on my latest @amazon order! Here's how they look! 

T-shirt hoodie- $21.50- I love this top! It feels like a t-shirt so it's perfect for layering under jackets! 

Flare leggings $24.99- aka yoga pants. These pants take me back to the early 2000's. I am loving them! 

Tunic $24.98- Love this tunic! It's a great length. Perfect for layering under sweaters! 

Matte faux leather leggings- These are the best faux leather legging dupe for the Spanx I have found so far! 

Wide leg trousers- I have loved these pants on everyone else, but they weren't my favorites. I still felt that they are a great pair of trousers! 

Check out my stories for more details! Everything is linked on the @shop.ltk app and also in my Amazon Storefront. You can find both in the link in my bio!! 

#amazonhaul #amazoninfluencer #amazontryon #amazonfashion #amazonfinds #affordablefashion #amazonblogger #momstyle #everydaystyle #momootd #casualstyle #winterstyle #leggings #flareleggings #fauxleatherleggings
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