Money Matters Monday - extra income

We all could probably use a little extra cash flow.  Here are a few things we are doing around here to save a little and earn a little:

1. Stop eating out!  This is working rather well for us.  While we have not entirely cut it out, we have cut down considerably.  I would say we have saved about $350 this month by not eating out as much as we were doing.  

2.  Sell stuff!  We are in the process of selling an extra sofa and loveseat since we "inherited" a new sectional.  I have more items - clothes, art, knick knacks - that I plan on getting rid of soon.  Cleaning out the clutter seems to clear my mind.  And if I can't sell it, I will donate it and get a receipt from the thrift store for my tax file.  That adds up on your tax refund too.

3.  Tax refund!  If you have gotten your W-2s already, get started on filing those taxes.  I will be working on ours this weekend.  I'm hoping I can get a little back instead of having to pay more.

4.  Hubby got an extra job!  Hubby will start helping some friends at their sports training facility which will generate and extra $1000-$1200 per month.  It might even lead to better opportunities than what he's doing now.

5.  I'm building my business!  I have been a Rodan + Fields Independent Consultant for almost a year now and I have found a new way that works for me to promote my business.  I love the products so it should be fairly easy.  Hopefully I can generate $250-$500 extra a month to begin and build the business.   Check out my websites at www.jennifercharles.myrandf.biz or www.jennifercharles.myrandf.com

And that's about all I'm doing right now.  What do you do to generate a little extra cash flow?

Be blessed! 

Summary Sunday - it's getting better

Well, this week has been better, a little.  Another short work week thanks to a winter weather warning that never showed up.  I like working 5 hour days!  Money is still tight but hubby got paid Friday and we were able to pay the rest of the January bills.  I haven't been paid in 6 weeks (ah, the perks of being a teacher) so this Thursday will be one joyous day!  I am very excited to start my emergency fund and also begin my 2013 savings plan - remember, the one with the 52 weeks of the year?  That means that my newly funded emergency fund will have $110 in it this week!  Yeah!

Basketball season is winding down, finally, but baseball season is about to be in full swing.  I love baseball but the first games of the season are always so cold!  

We are working on some environmental changes to see if the middle child can improve his grades without medication.  Earlier bedtimes, better nutrition, and vitamins.  I am praying this will help so we do not have to seek medicine for ADD.

Mother in law is still in rehab for hip surgery.  After our visit today, I see a long physical and mental recovery time ahead.  On a good note, we were able to bless a family in need with her living room and dining room furniture, dishes, small appliances and more.  The bad part is, MIL didn't recall telling my husband he could do that and she got ill with him for giving away her stuff.  Too late now and the family was truly blessed with things they've never had.

After fighting a cold or sinus congestion since Friday, I am hoping my week will be sickness free and I can start feeling like myself again.  I did not get to make crafts this weekend because I spent most of it asleep on the couch trying to recover from whatever this illness is.

A few more basketball games this week, theatre class for the little one, and baseball practice.  Oh, and hubby is going to start a part time job at a sports training facility!  I love extra money coming in!  I'm hoping we can really tackle some of our debts this year.

I did break down and buy fast food on Friday night after little one's basketball game because I felt so terrible I could not cook the chicken I had thawed.  I did cook it on Saturday and we ate at home again on Sunday.  Although we did not completely cut out fast food this month, we significantly reduced the amount of just running to a restaurant or picking up fast food.  We have 2 freezers full of food, there's no reason to be eating somewhere else.

I haven't done much reading but I will be making a trip to the library sometime this week and I plan to read my Bible more.  One goal at a time!

Art on the Lake is coming up soon and I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to work on some art for that.  I just haven't been very successful the past 2 years so I don't know if it's worth the stress.  More praying to be done on that one.

Have a great week and may God bless you!

Tuesday Tutorial

I love how this art piece turned out!  I had painted the Memphis painting a couple of years ago from a photograph that I had taken.  I've never really painted something like that before so it was a challenge but I'm pretty proud of myself.  However, I painted it on a flat canvas panel so it's been sitting in a crate of paintings ever since I completed it.

This past weekend, I was working on some other crafts and trying to use up things I have lying around (after deciding I do not want to be on Hoarders).  That's when I got this neat idea.

I had a big 16 X 20 canvas that I painted a gloss black.  Actually, the canvas had been painted by my daughter years ago and was less than artistic so I painted over it.  I have to do that every once in a while to my art and hers or we would be up to our ears in paintings (then you would see us on Hoarders).  This gave the big canvas some texture because there were some thick globs of paint that had to be covered with the black.  Then, I centered the Memphis painting on the canvas and glued it in place.  But I didn't stop there!  I had an entire container of gold thumbtacks so I stuck them in the canvas around the original painting, almost like the flashing lights of the Blues Club!  I know my thumbtacks aren't perfectly straight but, hey, it's art!  I love the dimension and layers.  The reason I had not done anything with the canvas before is because I didn't want it in a boring frame.  This is much better.

I think this is now one of my favorite pieces that I have in my house!  And I love the fact that it is a constant reminder of that trip a few years ago with the hubby and kids.  It was their first time in Memphis and it was right after Christmas.  Great memories.  I think I'll start doing more paintings from my travel photos and finding unique ways to display it instead of just painting on a canvas.  Now I just need to recover the chair and repaint the side table that sits near the door where I hung the painting.  Another project for another day.  An artist's work is never done!

Be blessed and go create something!

Money Matters Monday - revisiting the budget

Those of you who read yesterday's summary post know that I fell off the wagon - I went out to eat at a restaurant.  I didn't pay for it but the hubby did so I still count it.  We also ate out again Sunday after church. Again, I didn't pay but hubby's money is my money too.

I did get some birthday money that I am using to renew my passport at the end of the month.  I did go out to eat at a fast food place tonight with my daughter but I used a gift card I was given at Christmas.  I actually have not started my 52 week saving plan but I think I am going to open up an ING Direct savings account and start putting it there.  That way, I can't really touch it but I could get it in a day or two if I really needed it.  That's my plan for our emergency fund.  Why am I choosing an online bank?   Because right now they are offering a deal where they will put $25-50 in the account after 30 days as an incentive to get your business.  I'll take free money!

I have to revisit the budget this weekend and tweak some things.  It's been a long time since payday for me and I've got to make sure I have everything taken care of when the 31st rolls around.  I also need to work on selling some stuff to help pay for my trip to Spain.  I've been trying to promote my fundraiser web page but that is slow.

Short post tonight but it's my birthday so I'm doing what I want!

Be blessed!

Summary Sunday - fell off the wagon

Well, it's time for another Summary post.  Quite a bit to summarize today.

First, last week was hectic so I did not post at all - no money post, no crafty post, nada.  Why was last week so crazy?  Let's see - weather in the 70's early in the week but snowing by Thursday.  Of course, this is Alabama so that sends folks into orbit...well, at least the grocery stores for milk and bread.  (I didn't because we are actually pretty stocked up on plenty of freezer food.)

I think just getting back into the routine of basketball games, school, mother-in-law still having health issues (but she's better now and in rehab) has gotten me all out of sync.  Hubby was sick last week too so that didn't help in the home department.  We acquired new-to-us furniture since MIL is now moving in with sister-in-law and can no longer live alone.  We passed one sectional on to a family who just moved here from another state and could not bring their possessions with them.  We kept another sectional for ourselves and will be selling our sofa and loveseat.  I'll have to ask hubby if I can apply the money to my Spain trip or if we will apply to a debt.  Still more furniture to acquire so I may be redecorating for a while!

All was going well with my No eating out in 2013 plan until my family took me out to eat last night at one of our favorite restaurants.  They keep telling me it doesn't count since I didn't pay for it and it was for my birthday!  I am the only one in the family who has not eaten out so far this year.  We did it again this afternoon when we went to the neighboring big city to visit Nana at the rehabilitation center.  We left right after church so we were all starving.  Still, we have saved quite a bit of money already this month by not eating out as much.  (And I didn't pay for today's meal, either.) 

I did get some crafts made this weekend, which I am very proud of.  One is for my bedroom, which lacks a lot of decorating but this is starting to inspire me!

I love how it turned out and plan to make more crafts using up all my buttons and bling!  I'm thinking crosses and fleur-de-lis!  I still need curtains and more throw pillows in my room.

I also worked on another art piece that's been sitting around for a while.  I don't really know what inspired me but I'll post a tutorial later this week on this one.

I learned a little this weekend, or actually was more inspired, when we had to start cleaning out my MIL's apartment.  She's a bit of a hoarder.  Seriously.  It was a mess and ridiculous how much stuff one person could accumulate.  Well, she's not going to be able to take it with her so there's lots more downsizing to be done there but it got me thinking about my own house and my own habits.  I do tend to stash fabric, buttons, odds and ends, thinking I will make something out of it one day.  I am pretty good about storing it in organized containers and plastic boxes, but still, I wonder if I'm on the same path.  So, I am adding another project to my list of things to do this year and that is to downsize my hobbies and craft supplies.  I don't have as much time to work on it as I'd like and it seems I'm never actually going to be able to quit my day job to that kind of stuff all the time so why do I need it all?  I'd much rather simplify my life and spend time with my family than have all this stuff sitting around.  Also, I don't want my family to have to deal with all that if something should happen to me.  So, let the online selling begin, until it warms up enough to have a yard sale!

I did not finish my manuscript in time to submit to the contest.  I just wasn't comfortable with submitting an incomplete script so I'll just keep working on it and find another contest that I can submit it for.  Or, I'll just self-publish again when the time is right.  Still praying about this one!

I was accepted to present a lesson plan that I created at the National AATSP conference in San Antonio in July.  Not sure if I will accept the invitation and go but I'm honored to have been chosen.

I hope this week will be better than last week.  Today is my last day as a 36 year old so I'm hoping tomorrow will be a good birthday instead of a typical Monday.  Little one starts theatre class in the afternoon tomorrow so that is a new adventure we're looking forward to.  I plan on getting back on track with my blog posts so tomorrow will have a money post and I'll post a tutorial on the Memphis art later this week, too.  I'm reading a book on blogging so I hope to make my blog a little more interesting and visually appealing as I learn some tricks. 

Have a great week and be blessed!

Summary Sunday - it's been a crazy week

Well, this past week has been one of the craziest we've had in a while.  My mother-in-law was hospitalized for a few days, then sent home only to be hospitalized again for a broken hip.  Lots of life-changing events happening on husband's side of the family.

I seem to be the only family member who hasn't eaten out this year.  I'm proud of myself! 

I have been working on my manuscript for the writing contest but with the deadline approaching on Tuesday, I don't think I'm quite ready.  But I may submit it as is and just see what happens.  I can continue to work on it and possibly self publish, or it will be editor ready by April if I should win this contest.  Positive thoughts will yield positive results!

I actually got a little crafting done this weekend but nothing new listed on my website.  I've got to find some time to declutter around here and make a little extra cash to put toward my passport renewal and the trip to Spain this summer.  I'm debating whether or not to have a booth at our annual craft show in April.  I could use the money but the past few years have not been very profitable for the time it takes to create art and sit the booth.  Still praying about that one.

Back to school tomorrow for week 22 of this school year.  Yes, I count down that way.  It is the only way I can make it through.  It seems each year gets harder for me to enjoy my job.  I don't know if it's the excess political garbage and technology that we are expected to incorporate or the lack of respect I get from the students.  If I could just teach my subject matter with small classes, I would be much happier.  But that's not happening any time soon.  I did get some grading done this weekend (today actually) so I'm not completely behind.

My daddy blessed us with lots of chicken again on Friday so I packed it and separated it and blessed others.  Gave some to our neighbor, my bestie, and another good friend.  Have some packed tightly in the freezer to take to church on Wednesday to help feed the homeless next week. 

I need to clip and organize my coupons so I won't make silly mistakes and spend more money than necessary but there's just not enough spare time in my day.  I started laundry today and washed most of the kids' things for practice and games this week but haven't even washed anything of mine. 

This week looks rather busy with basketball games and college night.  I hope I can stick to home cooking and not have to eat out with our busy schedule.  I'll have to find time tomorrow to plan our meals so that doesn't happen.  I guess it's leftovers and hot dogs tomorrow since I forgot to set out something from the freezer.  A quick trip to the store for some chips should make that acceptable to everyone around here!

I've also got to take out my savings of $1 and $2 for the first two weeks of the year.  I'm trying out this savings plan this year, in addition to building up my emergency fund while also saving for that trip to Spain. 

I hope this works!  It's worth a shot.  I like the way it starts out simple to build momentum.  I even thought about working it backwards, so that the smaller amounts are closer to Christmas when spending increases but right now, I need the smaller amounts.  I may just print this and mark off an amount as I save it.  If I have $20 extra then I would go ahead and mark week 20 off the list.  This way I could save big when I have it and when things are tight could choose a smaller amount.  Either way, it will be nice if I can do this all year.  Look at the savings after 52 weeks!  Not bad.  I'm going to try and get the oldest boy to do this too.  He seemed excited when I was telling him about it so maybe he'll try too and we can hold each other accountable.

Well, that's my summary!  Let me know if you are working on any goals!  I'd love to hear your summary and how you are tweaking your plans for this year.

Be blessed!

Pretty display

After all my freezer cooking today, I needed a creative break.  I have been wanting something pretty for my bathroom so I can organize all my stuff.

See, here's the problem - a mess.  And when I plug in my hairdryer or curling iron, everything gets knocked over.  I wanted something to hold it all but didn't really want a tray; I have plenty of those.

I hit the thrift store and scored this nice white plate with gold accent stripes for 50 cents.  I found this ceramic candlestick for $1.00.  Not pretty yet but just wait!

 

I used glossy spray paint to paint the candlestick black and sprinkled a little black glitter on it while it was still wet.  Not really for sparkle but texture.  While that was drying, I used my metallic Sharpies to embellish the dish a little.  I chose swirlies and flowers in silver, gold and copper.  The next step is to glue it together.  I used my heavy duty hot glue gun.  I turned the plate over and placed the candlestick in the center.  I drew around it with a Sharpie so I would know exactly where to place it when I had the hot glue on it.

Now to clean off the bathroom counter and see how it looks in its new home.  I'm loving it and want to make another one, slightly shorter, for all my skin care bottles. 

And there it is!  My little beauty corner.  It's coming together nicely.  I can just see a little trio of these.  I'll have to hit up the thrift store again or see what I've got lying around the house!

Be blessed!