October has finally arrived, and with it comes the crisp air, golden leaves, and all the cozy fall feels we’ve been waiting for. This month’s newsletter is extra special.

I’m sharing a little peek into our new home and some snapshots of the progress we’ve made, plus a pumpkin butter recipe that will make your tastebuds sing for joy, while your body thanks you for the nourishment. You’ll also find a short devotional to encourage your heart as a mom during this busy season, and for fun, I’ve tucked in a book review that will take you along on a twisty tale of friendship, courage, and purpose. Lastly, grab this oversized sweatshirt to wear with your leggings this fall season, the price is AMAZING! So grab your blanket and a warm mug of tea and let’s soak in all the goodness this season has to offer together.

Honey House Progress

We've been in the Honey House for a month now and I'm still overwhelmed by all the work we have ahead. In previous homes, we've always replaced the flooring and painted before moving in. This time around, we didn't have that option. The last day in our Airbnb was the day we could move into our new home.

The main focus has been the laundry room closet. It's interesting how Virginia homes are designed. They have great living spaces, but the kitchen, master bathroom, and laundry room seem to lack. We've decided to embrace this type of architecture though, and make the best of it.

I can't believe this house has been here for over 20 years, and not one previous owner put cabinets in the laundry area. It was the first thing I said I had to have. Also, counter space was high on my list because... where else am I going to fold laundry?!? It's so exciting to see our vision come to life! It's finished, and so beautiful!

First things first, we decided on a front loading washer and dryer because we wanted a countertop to fold laundry on. We purchased from Lowe's these GE UltraFresh Front Load Washer and Dryer.

Affiliate link here: https://rstyle.me/+6hvjCPDFKQwjpDdh-DObMg​

Can I just tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!!!! I have only purchased the cheapest top loading washers before, but WOW WOW! What a difference these make. I can do so much laundry! I am beyond impressed.

ALSO, we changed out the flooring. The previous flooring was linoleum. As we were shopping Lowe's for this renovation, I happened to just LOVE the linoleum choices. For around $50 we ripped up the old, and put this beautiful flooring in, in about 1 hour.

I now love linoleum! We need to rethink our flooring choices, because I could totally see putting this in the basement one day, as well!

Next, Troy attached and stained a piece of butcher block, purchased from Lowe's, with 2 pre-fab cabinets. You'll see that he attaches a rod in the center, so that I can hang wet clothes to dry.

We chose to not hang the doors, but leave the laundry room exposed, because now it's beautiful, and it's own work of art.

The paint color is the same paint in the dining room, which is called Thai Basil from Benjamin Moore. We bought the paint at... you guessed it, Lowe's.

The total cost for this renovation was under $700.00 (not including the washer and dryer), and we're so happy with the final look and function of this space!

October's newsletter feature is Dime Beauty Perfume!

Affiliate Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-26453083​

20% off Discount Code: AimeeG

I love DIME Beauty perfumes because they let me enjoy beautiful scents without worrying about hidden toxins. After walking through my cancer journey, I’ve become even more intentional about what I put on and in my body, and fragrance was one area I didn’t want to compromise.

Most perfumes are filled with hormone disruptors and harsh chemicals, but DIME uses clean, non-toxic ingredients that align with the lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to build. It feels like a little luxury I can indulge in every day. Their perfume makes the PERFECT gift this holiday season.

Dime Beauty scents smell amazing! My favorites are 7 Summers, Running Late, Core Memory, and their newest Tuesday Date Night???

3-Ingredient Pumpkin Butter

If you've got 5 minutes, then you can make the most delicious pumpkin butter. It can be used to spread on toast, or used as a dip for apples, and so much more!

Save the image and print for your Recipe Keeper. This should be a collection of recipes that your family loves, and can be passed down.

Encouragement after so much tragedy in our nation...

Life is full of uncertainties, and it's easy to get wrapped up in fear. Should I be sending my kids to school, or homeschool them to keep them safe? Will my husband come home safely tonight? What if something bad really happens?

These are all questions that mom's tend to feel when tragedy strikes, but I'm here to tell you we serve a big and mighty God. When you decide to give your thoughts, worries, and life to God and fully surrender to Him, life will change for you. The fear will diminish, and courage will build up. It's an unexplainable feeling. On Instagram I was hit with multiple disrespectful messages, and 1 threat. I blocked the person threatening me, and praised God for being my God. The haters will always hate, but I will respond with boldness and stand firm in truth.

How can we stand for what is true? We must know God's Word, the Bible. So, let's try to memorize key passages of Scripture that we can stand firm in. These truths swirl around in my mind when something disrupts my day. I want to challenge you with this: write down this verse, and tape it in your kitchen. Day by day, as you walk by the index card, you'll begin to memorize what it says. Let's do this each month, and become armed with God's Word.

Are you struggling to read your Bible everyday? This is a favorite daily devotional of mine, that I highly recommend.

Trusting God with Today: https://amzn.to/4mNUCxs​

A book review...

Aimee's Amazon Book List Recommendations: https://amzn.to/46L8GS9​

Summary of the book: The Giver of Stars captures the quiet sweetness of female friendship, courage, and purpose. Set in the Kentucky mountains, it beautifully shows how a group of women find freedom, love, and deep connection through the simple act of delivering books, and changing lives along the way.

Aimee's Review: This book... oh this book. To know it's based on what actually happened during the depression era just makes this story even sweeter. The book follows the life of Alice Van Cleve and her hunger for wanting to feel accepted and valued while experiencing life's unforseen hurdles. Don't we all want to feel that valued?

Her unfortunate beginnings only spearhead her desire to contribute to others, and in turn she receives the sweetest blessings with a beautiful ending.

My goal each day is to read 1 chapter of a book, but just a few chapters in and I couldn't put the book down. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, a twist comes in and throws your expectations down by the wayside. I highly recommend this book! It's the perfect October read, if you're into autumnal books, like me.

The BEST oversized sweatshirt for leggings

Amazon Affliate Link (major budget find!!): https://amzn.to/3IHzqLB​

I'm always looking for a good sweatshirt that covers the bum when I wear leggings. Leggings are not my typical attire for the day, but I do love to throw them on when driving the kids to school in the mornings.

These men's sweatshirts are GOOD!!! I love the half zip, the oversize look, the comfortable material, and of course the price! These come in a variety of colors, but this muted lavendar is beautiful.

I typically wear a women's medium, so I bought the men's large and the fit is perfect!

Thank you so much for your love and support on Homemaker On A Budget. Next month's focus will be on Thankfulness, Black Friday, and my favorite Thanksgiving recipe." See you next month!

For daily updates, stay connected with me on Instagram:

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