The "New" Old School

I recently described myself as the new - old school type of mom. Let me explain.

For those of you who are recent followers, I am a 28 year old first time mom. I like to do things like they did in the "good 'ol days" - you know when things weren't so fast paced and we didn't need two incomes. However, I also like some of the conveniences of today's world. For example, I am a HUGE advocate for staying at home and cooking and having a sit down family meal with the television and cell phones off. I like being a home body and spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy hosting events and parties in my home. To me "old school" brings visions of family values and a "back to nature" way of living. I am a stay at home mom... part time.

Here's where the "new" part comes in. I must work part time outside of my home to help make ends meet. To me this is a compromise that I am willing to live with for now. I work two to three days per week as a public school educator and my dad keeps Judah for me. The other days I get to be home with him, giving him my undivided attention. While I would love to be a full time "old school" stay at home mom, this is what works for my family at this time. And, luckily I like what I do outside of the home so it isn't so bad when I have to go to work. I also cloth diaper my baby - sometimes. We use cloth diapers at home and disposable diapers when we're away. This is again, what works for us. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge with others be it about reading at work or saving money on this blog. Blogging is yet another, "new" part of my new- old school character. This "new-fangled" bloggin' business has opened doors to new like minded friends and exciting opportunities for me and my family.

I am a quality over quantity type of girl. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have to have the top of the line in everything I buy. Typically when I purchase home goods or linens I purchase good quality so that it will last, but I still hold out for bargains. I search for the good stuff when it goes on sale, hits the clearance, or at bargain/discount stores like TJMaxx, Home Goods, and Marshall's. However, when buying groceries I typically buy some store brand items - when I know there is little difference between brands.

To me, it is all about making choices. I choose to save my money and make educated purchases. I don't shop often (going to stores gets me into trouble). I only go when I need something with the intention to buy - window shopping is dangerous for me. When I truly need something, I can't use something I already have or it is no longer repairable, I typically buy something that is going to last rather than buy several of a cheaper version. This is why if you visit my home I don't have a lot of knick knacks. I save my money and buy a few large, nice pieces that I will be happy with for a long time, something timeless and classic, not trendy. The same goes with my clothes. I purchase quality - not quantity. But, like home goods, I purchase my clothing on clearance and/or at bargain/discount stores. If, and only if, it is an article of clothing that will be the center of my entire wardrobe I will pay full price. The few times this has happened, I have literally worn it until it had holes beyond repair!

I am full of oxymorons and misnomers. I enjoy cooking from scratch but don't always have time. We typically don't eat a lot of fast food, buy we do occassionally enjoy a frozen pizza. I love blogging, email and all the fun new technology we have at our fingertips, but I simply must send handmade and handwritten invitations and thank you notes. As I mentioned previously, I cloth diaper my son and use disposables. I stay at home and work outside of the home. So, I guess I'm no June Cleaver, but I enjoy the thought of being home and raising my family in an home that takes time to smell the roses in a world that moves at the speed of light.

So, I'm bringing back "old school." I want it to be glamorous to be a stay at home mom on a fixed income. Family values should never go out of style. Our kids need us, not gymnastics, dance class, and kindermusic. It is the time we spend with them that they'll remember - be it during the week or on weekends, not the stuff that we buy them. The same goes for ourselves. I challenge you to re-evaluate how you're living and see if there are things you could live without.

I'll bet there are lots of you out there who are choosing quality of life over quantity of things.

I hope you'll weigh in and let me know how YOU are the "new - old school type of mom." What are some other ways that you are like/unlike your own mother or grandmother?

This article is meant to share MY opinions. This is not a forum for judging or bashing others. Please keep your comments upbeat and positive. Thank you! =)