This is Part 2 of the Hope Chest Series. If you missed the Hope Chest Series Introduction and/or Part 1: “What’s in My Hope Chest?”, you can read them here and here!
The Need to “Build Up”:
After seeing the pitiful amount of items–and the even more pitiful variety of functions of these items, (since most are for decorating only)–in my hope chest, you see my desperate need to “build up,” or “stock up” on items that can be useful for everyday use. (More along the lines of pillows, quilts, and the like…)
What I Plan to Include in My Hope Chest:
Hopefully I can get most of these things this summer, but if not…that’s cool, too. I actually have not spent more than $10 on all the things in my hope chest because almost everything was given to me. (Yay!) 🙂 If I do end up buying most of these items I have listed below, I will not pay full price for them (unless I have to), haha! (But that’s another subject and another post, which you will find in Part 3: “What Does Having a Hope Chest Mean $$-Wise?”)
Once these items are added, I will try to link them to a post giving the hows, whens, wheres, and whats of that item. 🙂
So this is my list, but remember you can add ANYTHING you want—
Books
:: Family Bible:: I may have to buy this one full-price, since most family Bibles you find at garage sales and such are already marked in.
:: My Favorite Books:: Just to let others borrow and read, and for me to read for the millionth time, too.
:: My Senior Year Book (High School/College):: My high school senior year was so special! I met amazing people, gave up a full-ride scholarship to an Ivy League, moved all the way across the United States (from Texas to the Northwest) in January of that year, and enrolled in a community college (which so many people did NOT expect of me).
:: Baby Memory Books:: I thought I might get five, one for each of my four sisters and my one brother (for their first child). Who knows, though? If I do get married, I may have to use them for my children (or at least some of them)!
:: Recipe Books:: I have not totally made up my mind on this one, as I may just find certain recipes and place them in a book/binder. Books are bulky!
:: My Favorite Devotional Books:: I also may make my own devotional, comprised of all my favorite single devotions, instead of getting just books…
:: Scrapbooks:: This one has 2-parts. The first are my picture scrapbooks. The second is a number of scrapbooks with me making certain homemade products and sewing certain things, like a “picture-how-to” book. When I make my first one, I will show y’all how it turned out and exactly what I mean by this!
Bedroom Items
:: Pillows/Pillow Cases:: I am thinking maybe three pillows and at least ten pillow cases. I am thinking of neutral-colored pillow cases, so they will match anything.
:: Blankets/Sheets/Quilts:: Not sure if I am going to make a homemade quilt–seems kind of difficult! (But I will try.) Once again, neutral-colored blankets/sheets, and I will make these (mostly). Maybe 3-5 sets.
:: Hangers:: These are everywhere, so I should have no problem finding them for cheap (or free)!
Bathroom Items
:: Towels/Wash Cloths:: A couple of fun colors like lime green and blue, but then also neutral-colored ones.
:: Towel Rack:: To hang towels on, just a mini one, nothing major.
:: Baskets:: These are GREAT for organizing things in the bathroom!
:: Soap Dispensers:: Maybe just one or two.
Kitchen Items
:: Silverware:: Regular things, forks, spoons, knives, you know.
:: Dishware:: Again, just the regular, bowls and plates.
:: Measuring Spoons/Cups:: Just a couple sets of these, and stainless steel!
:: Cooking Utensils:: This includes wooden spoons, spatulas, dipping spoon, etc
:: Rags/Oven Mitts/Pot Holders:: I am planning on making these myself, and I really want a red and apple-themed kitchen!
:: Aprons/Table Cloths/Cloth Napkins/Place Setters/Table Runner:: I already have plans to make some of these next week! Again, I’m not really looking to buy these items or make them expensive.
How Does this Tie into “Natural Living?”
Natural living is about living self-sufficiently and friendly for the environment and our bodies. Since most of these items I will be making and/or will aid the process of living naturally (for example, cooking homemade meals or making my own deodorant), I will be either living naturally and/or preparing to live naturally. It’s a win-win situation! How exciting!!
Am I Missing Anything?
If I am missing items that you would deem “essential”, I would LOVE if you would tell me! Or, if you have other items that you have included (like baby items), let me know what they are in the comments section!
NEXT: Part 3: “What Does Having a Hope Chest Mean $$-Wise?“