I am not complaining...but definitely my saving and cutting back skills are being put to the test.
As you may remember, my husband was laid off back in December...found a job two weeks later...that job cut him $5/hour...he found a new job (lower paying that the first) but is now happy and has steady 40 hours per week and no weekends. This is awesome for us!
Now, it is my turn! :-) Just got a 1/2 percent deduct (for my yearly salary...not month) out of one paycheck...we will also have a 10 hour of furlough (unpaid time off where you can't use sick days and such). I am really not complaining...just stating the facts. I am just excited to have a job and pray to keep it for next school year. It is getting frightening. I am cool with these cuts and such...my concern is when they start cutting jobs and the arts. No one has said they are cutting the arts, but if they do...there I go. A bit scary.
Thought I would share! We are still happy and afloat! We cut costs wherever we can. We don't go out (don't really ever do) and buy new cloths or unnecessary foods....just the basics and an occasional treat.
Lately, my "splurge" is buying crafting and art supplies. I guess it isn't a splurge as much as it is an addiction lately. I love Art and Craft Supplies! I guess I see it is as something that is "okay" to buy because pretty much, maybe I could get my money back by selling something I make.
Not the easiest task in the world to sell handmade items...but I do love it when someone buys from me as it makes me feel good that someone wants something I made enough to pay for it!
I have sold some crayons, and a few bracelets. My husband has sold a bunch of custom drawings.
That is my word on this Thursday!
Have a terrific day! Yay...tomorrow is Friday!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
What is a PIF on Etsy anyway?
I have been curious for some time on Etsy what a PIF is. Now I know and have actually participated and will definitely participate again in the future.
P.I.F. Stands for: "Pay It Forward"
Apparently this is a movie titled "Pay It Forward" and it speaks of good will towards others...with random acts of kindness. Someone on Etsy Started "PIFs" by putting items on Etsy for 20 cents but you really don't actually pay it....and you "pay" by promising to do a random act of kindness as your payment to create good will around you, etc...
Now...naturally many may charge shipping or have you to pay the 20 cents and some even have a price. Pretty much it is a large discount. A true PIF is no charge for item and no shipping. Folks can put a price as there is no rule, it is a simple gesture of good will. I have had several PIFs in my shop and I do not charge shipping or a price.
You have to read each description to see the expectations of the seller.
I have received some really cute stuff and useful items such as crochet patterns and such.
I have given away as PIFs bracelets, ACEOs and a keyring I made. Needless to say with no charge at all, they didn't last long. I am happy to receive the positive feedback to build my store on. It feels good to give!
I encourage you to either list a PIF in your Etsy shop (if you have one) or get started shopping on Etsy with a PIF! Keep in mind, you don't want all your purchases to be PIFs; although there is no rules against it...it is simply the idea of moderation and fairness. You don't want to come across rude by buying on PIFs. This is just an etiquette thing.
If I have a PIF in my store....it doesn't matter to me who "purchases" it...just leave me some good ole positive feedback! :-)
P.I.F. Stands for: "Pay It Forward"
Apparently this is a movie titled "Pay It Forward" and it speaks of good will towards others...with random acts of kindness. Someone on Etsy Started "PIFs" by putting items on Etsy for 20 cents but you really don't actually pay it....and you "pay" by promising to do a random act of kindness as your payment to create good will around you, etc...
Now...naturally many may charge shipping or have you to pay the 20 cents and some even have a price. Pretty much it is a large discount. A true PIF is no charge for item and no shipping. Folks can put a price as there is no rule, it is a simple gesture of good will. I have had several PIFs in my shop and I do not charge shipping or a price.
You have to read each description to see the expectations of the seller.
I have received some really cute stuff and useful items such as crochet patterns and such.
I have given away as PIFs bracelets, ACEOs and a keyring I made. Needless to say with no charge at all, they didn't last long. I am happy to receive the positive feedback to build my store on. It feels good to give!
I encourage you to either list a PIF in your Etsy shop (if you have one) or get started shopping on Etsy with a PIF! Keep in mind, you don't want all your purchases to be PIFs; although there is no rules against it...it is simply the idea of moderation and fairness. You don't want to come across rude by buying on PIFs. This is just an etiquette thing.
If I have a PIF in my store....it doesn't matter to me who "purchases" it...just leave me some good ole positive feedback! :-)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What can I do with Cereal Boxes and other Thin Boxes?
I thought this would be a great way to gather ideas for myself, my classroom, and I assume many of you would be interested as well. I know folks that drop by my blog here are looking to save money in creative ways. Now, I also know that these same types of folks are like me in that Recycling and Being Green is a way of life for them (and you do save money by doing so as well).
We can all still be creative with how we recycle instead of the norm.
Sooooo....What I want to do every now and again is open up the "floor" to you guys...give me some ideas of how to use something in a creative way.
Today...I want to know...what are some creative uses for Cereal/Food/Thin Cardboard Boxes?
I will get us started:
We can all still be creative with how we recycle instead of the norm.
Sooooo....What I want to do every now and again is open up the "floor" to you guys...give me some ideas of how to use something in a creative way.
Today...I want to know...what are some creative uses for Cereal/Food/Thin Cardboard Boxes?
I will get us started:
- Bookmarks
- Artist Trading Cards
- Bound with Recycled Backs of Paper = Autograph Books (these are things I have already done in my classroom).
Any other ideas? Share by dropping a line or two in the Comment Jar!
Happy Tuesday!
Getting Older Today! I will simply choose to say Getting a Year Wiser!
Yep!
That is correct...you figured it out...Today is My Birthday! Hey, if I didn't tell you...how would you know? :-)
Anywho....
This is a busy week at work...therefore....it will be another slack week on the blogging. Testing going on...everyone stressed....but in the back of my mind...I am thinking...geez...only a few weeks til I get to hang out with my son at home for five weeks! Exciting! This summer we are going absolutely no where and I am great with that! I loved our trip to Romania last year, but to do that every year would be tough. So this year, we chill at home and save money in this topsy turfy economy. It will be a "staycation." I love that saying...and totally true. Sometimes HOME is the Best Vacation!
Have a great week everyone!
That is correct...you figured it out...Today is My Birthday! Hey, if I didn't tell you...how would you know? :-)
Anywho....
This is a busy week at work...therefore....it will be another slack week on the blogging. Testing going on...everyone stressed....but in the back of my mind...I am thinking...geez...only a few weeks til I get to hang out with my son at home for five weeks! Exciting! This summer we are going absolutely no where and I am great with that! I loved our trip to Romania last year, but to do that every year would be tough. So this year, we chill at home and save money in this topsy turfy economy. It will be a "staycation." I love that saying...and totally true. Sometimes HOME is the Best Vacation!
Have a great week everyone!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My apologies for my absense.
I have somehow taken a break from blogging for about a week now from here. My apologies to my regulars. I should get back on track soon.
It has been a busy past few weeks. The end of the school year is approaching rapidly and it is time to wrap things up and prepare for testing and closing down my room and such. Also, on the homefront...lots of cleaning up and practicing letters, numbers, colors and reading with my son whom will turn 4 years old in July! I just can't believe it! He no longer looks like a baby...but like a cute little boy!
I am working also on an Etsy store for my Mom for her sewing items. I am pretty excited about that. I love Etsy and have found it to be more relaxed, more visibly pleasing to the eye versus another venue I used to sell on.
I will keep you all posted when her store is full functioning as she will be making several items of interest to many. She is great and has 37 years of upholstery sewing experience. I have encouraged her to make items that are fun for her and get away from the upholstery stuff for a while as she is burned out on it...you can imagine. She is excited about the etsy shop and is looking forward to stocking it!
You can bookmark/favorite her store by going to www.sewnanny.etsy.com I am excited about her store title as well! My husband helped me come up with it. Her grandchildren....my son and niece call her Nanny! :-) My son named her when he started talking. :-)
It has been a busy past few weeks. The end of the school year is approaching rapidly and it is time to wrap things up and prepare for testing and closing down my room and such. Also, on the homefront...lots of cleaning up and practicing letters, numbers, colors and reading with my son whom will turn 4 years old in July! I just can't believe it! He no longer looks like a baby...but like a cute little boy!
I am working also on an Etsy store for my Mom for her sewing items. I am pretty excited about that. I love Etsy and have found it to be more relaxed, more visibly pleasing to the eye versus another venue I used to sell on.
I will keep you all posted when her store is full functioning as she will be making several items of interest to many. She is great and has 37 years of upholstery sewing experience. I have encouraged her to make items that are fun for her and get away from the upholstery stuff for a while as she is burned out on it...you can imagine. She is excited about the etsy shop and is looking forward to stocking it!
You can bookmark/favorite her store by going to www.sewnanny.etsy.com I am excited about her store title as well! My husband helped me come up with it. Her grandchildren....my son and niece call her Nanny! :-) My son named her when he started talking. :-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Don't forget Mom this Sunday!
I love Clinique! One of my fav perfumes is Clinique Happy! Such a quiet scent and pleasant! They apparently have a new "custom" bottle for Mom's Day or Other Occasions! Cool idea!
I just checked on this custom bottle and for Mother's Day the order had to be in April 26th to receive on time. That is okay though...great idea for birthdays etc...I just thought it was cool! :-)
While you are shopping for Mom...Why not take advantage of gift with purchase of $21.50!
Fresh Air Fund: From the Email Bag
About The Fresh Air Fund
THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.
(Info...from the site directly...link below can give you more information if this is a cause you are interested in.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like saving money, then you'll probably love Bromoney deals. Bromoney offers great bank deals on things like certificate of deposit rates, savings rates, and checking bonuses for strong banks. The next time you want a bank account, take a look at Bromoney.
THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.
(Info...from the site directly...link below can give you more information if this is a cause you are interested in.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like saving money, then you'll probably love Bromoney deals. Bromoney offers great bank deals on things like certificate of deposit rates, savings rates, and checking bonuses for strong banks. The next time you want a bank account, take a look at Bromoney.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)