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Frugality

How to Start Selling Your Crafts on Etsy

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Are you a crafter?  Whether you craft your art because you love it, or you do it to gift these crafts to friends and family, you have probably wondered whether or not you could start selling your crafts on a larger scale and making some real money.  Guess what? You can! You can sell on Etsy and believe it or not, learning how to start selling your crafts on Etsy is simple!

Start Selling Your Crafts on Etsy

What is Etsy?

Etsy is an online marketplace for independent creators, crafters, and artists to sell their handmade products. Etsy sellers can sell their handmade artwork, crafts, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, decor pieces, and vintage items.  It is a unique shopping space in an overcrowded online shopping world. This is because unlike the large shopping sites on the web, Etsy’s purpose is to help independent creators and micro-businesses flourish in selling their items.

Why sell on Etsy?

As if those reasons weren’t compelling enough, Etsy is an easy place to begin for those that are thinking about selling their crafts.  Better yet, unlike renting a space at a vendor fair, opening a brick and mortar store, or even starting your own online store, it doesn’t cost a thing to create a store on Etsy!  This doesn’t mean that it will always be the best option for selling your crafts though, so you need to be sure you are aware of the pros and cons before jumping in.

What sells on Etsy?

Many people enjoy selling and buying homemade crafts. Here are a few ideas to get you started

Pros and Cons to Selling on Etsy

To help you make this decision, I have decided to create a short Etsy pros and cons list for you to help you in trying to figure out how to start selling your crafts on Etsy:

PROS

  • Easy to start
  • Free to begin
  • Easy for those that don’t know how to build a website
  • Easy to get a feel for the sales success of your product

CONS

  • You want the customer interaction aspect of selling your product
  • You create large items that are cost prohibitive to ship
  • You want to create a brand (you CAN create a brand even with Etsy, but the strong branding isn’t the same when selling through Etsy)

If you are feeling good about this pros and cons list, then you are probably ready to find out how to start selling your crafts on Etsy. 

Steps to Selling on Etsy

First Step – Choose Your Product

Start Small and Build Slowly!

Now you may already know what you are good at creating; but first and foremost, you need to decide what you are going to sell.  Even if you are great at many things, I highly recommend starting with just one or two items so that you don’t become overwhelmed.

Second Step – Choose Your Shop Name

Memorable, but simple, is key!

Try to come up with a catchy name that will be easy for people to remember the next time they visit Etsy to shop for handmade items. Your shop name is different than your account name, and you can have several different shops under each account (reminder for later when you are ready to expand your creations list).

Third Step – Set up Your Shop

Now you’re ready to get your Etsy shop set up!

Setting up shop

Head to Etsy and click on “Sell on Etsy” and then “Shop Preferences” and from there you will enter your personal information, your shop name and info.  You will then be ready to input your items for sale!

Fourth Step – Listing Your Items

Now it is time to sell on Etsy!!!

Listing your Item on Etsy

  • It is free to create a shop, but it does cost $0.20 to list an item on Etsy, so be prepared for this expense. Additionally, there are more fees once an item sells, this is a percentage fee based on the sales amount.
  • Post great, high quality photos, using natural light (no flash photography). Etsy recommends uploading GIF, JPG, OR PNG files that are at least 570 pixels wide.
  • Create catchy, memorable product names and descriptions that will be easy for shoppers to read.
  • Put the item in the correct categories and use the correct tags.  This will help shoppers find your products.
  • Fill in all required fields and be as descriptive as possible.
  • Prepare your shipping preferences.  The postal office offers free postage scales for use by customers, but you may consider getting your own postage scale to help calculate postage costs.

Once you have gone through the sale process, posting the next item will be much easier!

Etsy has a great app available for sellers so that you can sell from anywhere.  There is also a thorough help section where you can find answers to many questions that you may have when creating your Etsy shop.   

More Tips to Selling on Etsy

Clothing Swap Party

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What is a clothing swap party, and how do you plan one? Did you ever swap clothes with your friends when you were a teenager? Wasn’t it fun? Having something different to wear without even having to ask your parents! Well, your parents don’t buy your clothes anymore and now you’re the one footing the bill. That means that getting new clothes is even more painful than just asking mom and dad. Not to worry though, instead of heading out shopping and spending money, you can have a clothing swap party! All the fun of new clothes, plus you get to have a great time with your friends and you don’t even have to get your wallet out! A clothing swap party is an absolutely awesome way to switch up your wardrobe. 

What is a Clothing Swap Party?

A clothing swap party is just what it sounds like. A group of friends gather to swap out clothes worth one another,  visit and have a great time. With a clothing swap party, you can include whatever you want. Be it outerwear, clothing, shoes and accessories or, if you wish, you can specify what people bring if you want to stick to just clothes or just shoes, etc.  

Everyone will bring their clothing and place them on a table or shelf space dedicated for this party (hopefully you have dedicated spaces for each type of clothing).  One person at a time will go in and pick out the clothing that they take (taking the same number of pieces as they brought with them). By the end of the night everyone will have some new to them clothing that they can mix up their wardrobe with. 

The Benefits of a Clothing Swap – Swap Not Shop

You may be wondering why you should have or participate in a clothing swap. Clothing (this can include dress, business and casual wear, shoes, purses, jewelry and more) swaps can help you change up your wardrobe, get rid of clothing items that are no longer your size or style; but they are also great for saving your budget! No money is exchanged during the clothing swap parties.

How to Plan a Clothing Swap Party

If you are intrigued by the idea of a clothing swap party and you think you would like to host one, here are a few of my favorite tips on how to plan one.

First Pick a Date for Your Party

Let’s start by deciding what date you will be having your party.  Most people get the itch to buy new clothing at the start of a new season, so this is a great time frame to have a clothing swap party!  It’s a great way to keep the shopping bug away! Be sure not to plan it on a holiday or other busy date so you can have as many people arrive as possible. Be sure to consider the availability of your friends; would weekends, evenings or mornings work best?

Prepare an Invite with Party Rules Included

You can make a cute Clothing Swap Party invite and mail them out. But to keep costs down you can send an email, text, or use Facebook events to get the word out about your party!  Be sure to include your party rules in the invitation. Make sure to answer the following questions:

  • What kind of party it is.  If it doesn’t say Clothing Swap Party, you may have a guest show up without any clothes to swap!  
  • What kind of stuff you are swapping.  Are you cool with guests bringing clothes, shoes and accessories?  Let them know that!
  • Can they bring a friend?  The more the merrier, right?!  If you would like to boost your invite list, let your friends know that they can bring one of their friends to the party too!  
  • How many items to bring.  Make sure your guests know how many items they can bring.  I suggest allowing an unlimited amount of clothing to be brought, so that you have more stuff to choose from.  To make it fair though, be sure that each person can only take as many items as they brought with them.

Make Your Guest List Big!

The more people you invite, the more clothing you will have to choose from!  Additionally, it’s best to invite as many people as you can that are various sizes so that everyone is able to find clothing that fits them. Lastly, people are busy and will cancel so having a large list gives you a better opportunity for a good turn-out.

Plan to Play Some Games to Make the Clothing Swap More Fun

Have you ever played a game simply to see who gets to play the game first?  Do this as an icebreaker at your clothing swap party. Even if it is something as simple as drawing straws, picking out pins, putting everyone’s name in a hat, etc.  This is a fun and fair way to determine who will get to choose their clothing swap first.  

Make Your Clothing Swap a Potluck

A party needs food! If you want to keep your costs down, and save some time as well, you can ask guest to bring food to share. Have your guests bring a dish, or a side or a drink; I find having a theme or a sign up list will keep you from having a lot of the same items.

Other Swapping Parties to Consider

  • Decor Swap Party – bring pictures, collectibles, knick knacks and more! Check out Apartment Therapy’s post on throwing a Decor Swap Party.
  • Homeschool Curriculum Swap – if you are a homeschooler you know how expensive curriculum can be. Why not host a book and curriculum swap? See Family Fun Finds for more information.
  • Kids and Teens Clothing Swap
  • Video Game Swap
  • Games, puzzles and books swap
  • Coffee / Tea mugs swap (ok I just came up with that and NOW I MUST DO THIS)

The ideas for swap parties are really only limited to your imagination.

Have you ever attended a clothing swap party?  How did you like it?


30 Cheap Meals to Make at Home

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Cheap meals don’t have to taste, well cheap. You can make delicious, budget-friendly, home cooked meals that you’ll love to eat. I’ve collected 30 of my favorite cheap meal ideas for you; that you can feel good about serving your family.

How can I save money on food?

I think this is a topic many people are wondering about. We want to eat healthy, but inexpensive meals. Check out my article on 15 Ways to Save on Your Grocery Bill to get started. You may also want to consider shopping sale cycles. Never forgetting you can GROW your own food too!

Does eating at home save money?

Absolutely! Preparing your own food and eating at home will save you money every time. This is especially true if you want HEALTHY food! Sure you can eat off a dollar menu but it will cost you in the long run (at the doctor’s office). I am a big believer in cooking from scratch!

Cooking can be a breeze when you find affordable, easy and mouth-watering recipes. These 30 delicious meals can be made without breaking the bank! But cheap meals don’t need to tastes cheap; these recipes are full of rich flavors and spices! I think you’ll find these ideas will have your family wanting seconds for sure!

30 Cheap Meals

One-Pot Creamy Beef Stroganoff– by Pillsbury With only seven ingredients and ready to serve within 30 minutes, this easy to make stroganoff is perfect for families!

Simple Turkey Chili – by All Recipes A classic dinner to start things off! Easy to make and a hit with kids!

Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese – by Taste of Home Nothing is better than southern comfort food! Try this classic recipe in your slow-cooker as a side or as the main entree!

Spinach and Egg Sandwiches – by Food Network Magazine Filled with vitamins and protein, you are sure to enjoy this simple breakfast-for-dinner meal!

Southern Ham & Beans with Cornbread – by ImperfectlyHappy An old family recipe that will fill your bellies and leave you feeling satisfied. Full of flavor!

Biscuits and Gravy – by Love Grows Wild Another classic southern treat! Chow down on biscuits and gravy any time of the day!

The Best Ever Slow-Cooker Pot Roast– by Tasty This pot roast practically cooks itself! Put your six ingredients into your slow-cooker, walk away for just a few hours and you’ll have a dinner you can sink your teeth into! Serve over egg noodles or rice.

Black Bean Soup – by Something New for Dinner Perfect for fall, this soup recipe is easy, healthy and inexpensive!

Chicken Pot Pie – by Spicy Southern Cooking This pot-pie recipe makes a filling meal for friends and family and provides leftovers for days!

Homemade Pizza – by Bon Appetit Better than anything you’ll order for delivery! Your homemade pizza doesn’t have to look pretty, but it will sure taste amazing!

Cilantro-Lime Chicken– by DelishYou won’t be able to get enough of these grilled chicken thighs topped with the iconic combination of cilantro and lime.

Ground Beef Recipes – By ImperfectlyHappy How to make a ton of inexpensive ground beef recipes you’ll truly enjoy.

Giant Slow-Cooker Meatballs – by Budget Bytes These giant slow-cooker meatballs are a great way to switch up from your classic spaghetti recipe. Try it, you won’t be disappointed!

Inside-Out Lasagna – by Eating Well Take your basic lasagna ingredients, skip the layering and baking to make a quick and easy recipe your family will love!

Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas – by My Recipes Simple and affordable way to feed a crowd! With a stack of warm corn tortillas and some simple toppings, everyone can indulge in this flavorful, rich pork recipe!

Burrito Bowl – by Forks Over Knives Enjoy warm or cold, this burrito bowl is a satisfying and delicious no-cook meal!

Taco Sloppy Joes – by Belle of the Kitchen A twist on two classic recipes! Load them up with toppings and you got yourself a crowd pleaser for parties or just for you and your family.

Coconut-Lime-Marinated Vegetable Noodles & Shrimp – by Woman’s Day These island-inspired flavors will make you feel like you are on an exotic getaway!

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – by Tablespoon Your kids will love this casserole based off classic chili cheese dogs. Easy weeknight dinner that you will grownups will love too!

The Best Black Bean Burger – by Tastes Better from Scratch Meatless burgers cut down the grocery cost! These delicious burgers are made simply with black beans, bell pepper, onion, egg, bread crumbs and spices!

Salami and Ham Stromboli – by Life with 4 Boys This recipe is filled with comforting spices and flavor. You no longer need to go to a restaurant to treat yourself to this combination of melted cheese and delicious Italian meats.

Pesto Zucchini Pasta – by Healing and Eating This amazing pesto sauce is perfect on top of zucchini noodles. Simple, but healthy and easy to make!

Easy Chicken Fried Rice – by Iowa Girl Eats Easy to make at home, healthier and way more filling than take out!

Root Beer Pulled-Pork Sandwiches – by Lauren’s Latest Simply the best! The mix of root beer and bbq sauce is one that you will forever love after trying these delicious pulled-pork sandwiches!

Fully Loaded Hasselback Potatoes – by Closet Cooking Bake your potatoes until their nice and crispy, then top with all of the classic baked potato toppings including melted cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream and butter.

Easy Parmesan-Crusted Fish Dinner – by My Food and Family This recipe will soon become a favorite in your household! Healthy, savory and simple fish pairs well with green beans and stuffing.

Chicken Taquitos – by Confessions of a Fit Foodie Healthy, quick and easy meal for the whole family. Use your crock pot or instant pot for the chicken and create taquitos using either your oven or air fryer. Delish!

One Dish Chicken and Rice Bake – by Campsbells This recipe only takes 5 minutes to put together! With three basic ingredients, this recipe is easy to customize and ready to be enjoyed in just one hour.

Pan-Fried Cottage Cheese Patties – by Springs Bargains It may sound odd, but these cottage cheese patties are crispy on the outside and filled with a velevety inside. You and your family are sure to love this $5 meal.

French Lentil Soup – by Simple Bites Perfect way to warm the kids up during fall or winter! This affordable soup is full of flavor and is a favorite for all ages.

I hope these cheap meal ideas show you that eating on a budget can still be delicious! These recipes are easy to make, delicious and most importantly, inexpensive! Next time you meal plan, make sure to include some of these recipes for an affordable trip to the grocery store! Enjoy!

More Cheap Meals – Check Out These Articles!

What to Stock Up on in July

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What to stock up on in July. This is my huge list of everything you’ll want to buy in the month of July. Shopping in July for your pantry, seasonal items, what’s on clearance and so much more. Let’s go shopping!

What to Stock Up on Each Month:

This stock up series or shopping by sale cycles started in November 2018. Make sure you go back and save each of the months so you can be prepared all year long.

What to buy in the month of July - stockpiling and savings.

I will be creating shopping lists for every month of the year until I have them completed. You will always know what to stock up on by each month. I strive to have the most comprehensive list for you!

Make sure to read the tips first, especially if this is your first stockpile / sale cycle shopping month!

What to Stock Up on in July

This What to Stock Up On series is so much more than a guide to groceries. I have included bigger ticket items like appliances, grills and other seasonal sale items as well. Some great deals can only be found once or twice a year.

Shopping Sale Cycles – What You Need to Know!

When it comes to stocking up in July, or really any month, it is understanding a store’s sale cycle. What is a sale cycle? I’m so glad you asked! A sale cycle is how stores generally rotate discounted items by areas of interest in a particular month. Generally the sales are retails-wide, meaning all stores will have similar items on sale. I have taken the time to do the research for you, so you’re prepared each month to shop.

What Does it Mean to Stock Up?

For me, stocking up means to “over-buy” items, that I will use all year long, while they are at the deepest discount. I’d say a supply of 3 months or more would be optimal (if your budget allows). Then you are shopping your pantry / garage / attic when you need said item/s instead of paying top dollar at the store.

How Do I Know if it is a Stock Up Price?

Well this will differ from item to item of course; especially when talking grocery vs big ticket. As a general rule I’m looking to save 50% or more for buying multiples for my stockpile.

How Can I Stockpile Without Going Broke?

No matter how great the deals are you NEVER want to put anything on a credit card; that defeats the purpose of saving money. Look for ways you can cut or reduce spending in other areas (like going out for coffee), so you can make a budget for stockpiling. Even with as little as $10 – $20 a week you can start saving up for these amazing sales.

Does Stocking Up Require Coupons?

Absolutely not! I’ll be honest, I am not a huge fan of coupons anymore (see 5 Reasons I Quit Using Coupons ). I find most of the time I’ll buy products that I don’t really use or need because I have a coupon. However if you happen to have a coupon that deepens the discount on the list, use it!
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The Stock Up in July List

Seasonal Produce on Sale in July

BBQ Items to Stock Up on in July

Watch for even deeper discounts AFTER the 4th of July (in the US that is).

  • Hamburgers
  • Hot Dogs
  • Buns
  • Steaks
  • Ribs
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Relishes
  • Pickles
  • Paper goods like plates, cups and napkins.
  • Charcoal

Other Grocery Items to Stock Up on in July

  • Ice Cream
  • Popsicles
  • Powdered Milk

Stock Up in July on Camping & Beach Items

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Camping Gear
  • Pool Items like towels, flip flops, noodles, etc will start to be discounted to make room for fall items.

School Supplies to Buy in July

Stores are gearing up for everyone going back to school so you’ll see school supply sections starting with deep discounts. I have a whole article on this topic! See: Back To School Sales.

  • Binders / Folders
  • Notebooks
  • Rulers
  • Pens, Pencils, Erasers
  • Glues
  • Staplers and Staples
  • Crayons, Markers and Colored Pencils
  • Loose leaf paper
  • Construction paper
  • Backpacks
  • Lunch Boxes

Consider buying extra to donate to local church that give supplies to kids in need. Also school supplies can make great stocking stuffers, gifts and are wonderful to include in boxes for Operation Christmas Child!

July Sales – Patriotic Items

  • Fireworks (after the 4th of July)
  • American Flag themed items

Amazon Prime Days in July

Every year Amazon has a 2-day sales event, called Amazon Prime Days. In 2019 these are set for July 15th and 16th. This is like a summer version of Black Friday! Check out the Prime Day Guide for more information!

I share deals BOTH DAYS on my Facebook Page.

So there you have it; everything to stock up on in July. I hope you are able to find these great deals in your area. And don’t forget to set a reminder for the Amazon Prime Days (great tip to start shopping for Christmas!).

What will you be shopping for in the month of July?

Free Self-Care Ideas

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Free self-care? Seems pretty basic, but the modern world will tell you that you have to spend a ton of money, go away or at least go to a spa to enjoy the benefits of a little self-care. But I have 7 free and simple ideas for self-care on a budget; and you can start them right now!

I’ve included a few of my favorite quotes on taking care of yourself throughout the article too.

What is self-care?

Self-care is an extremely popular topic right now, as people learn the importance of taking care of themselves in mind, body, and spirit. This is a chance to reduce stress my friends, and we all need that. The first thing you need to know is that “self-care” is very personal and will look different for each person. For many self-care means an expensive trip to the spa or a weekend retreat. But, self-care can be completely free little things that make a big difference. So if you’re on a tight budget or the foo-foo spas aren’t your cup of tea, I have you covered. Here are a few ideas for self-care without spending money.

Free Self-Care Ideas on a Budget

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
– Unknown

Take a Bubble Bath

Most of us have loved bubble baths since our childhood; but we rarely make time for them anymore. But a simple warm bubble bath is practically free and can whisk away your worries for a time. First, make sure the kids and the pets are all busy, or if you can manage it, out of the house. Then draw yourself a bath and add your favorite bubbles for a relaxing time (or as long as the bubble last and the water stays warm). I recommend budgeting for some quality organic bubble bath, if you can. If you don’t have any bubbles, a bit of shampoo will work too. Consider lighting a candle, putting on some relaxing music, or reading a good book (consider a bath tray to hold your books, etc). Another option, if you want to spend a little bit is to add a bath bomb or make your own sugar scrub. If you’re feeling under the weather add some Epsom salts to the bath for a little pick me up.

Take a Walk

Taking a walk is the perfect free self-care; and it is totally free. It might seem a little strange but the mind gets tired of seeing the same scenery all the time the same way you get tired of eating the same thing. Getting a change of scenery, even for as little as 15 minutes can do wonders for your mental fatigue. Taking a walk somewhere new not only gives your brain new stimulus it also gives you the opportunity to get fresh air and, if it’s sunny you’ll get some much-needed vitamin D. All of these will help boost your mood and melt your stress away. I recommend you take that walk in a local park or in the woods, somewhere away from the sounds of the modern world; a walk where you can enjoy the pure nature. Remember, take plenty of water with you, especially in the warmer months.

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Pray, Meditate and Try Yoga with a Youtube Video

You don’t have to go on an expensive retreat or spend a ton on a yoga class to get the amazing stress-relieving benefits of prayer, meditation and yoga. These days you can find it completely free on Youtube. That’s right; you don’t even have to leave your house to give it a try! You may have to do a bit of searching to find the video and creator that best fits your needs and desires, but with thousands of videos available it won’t be hard to find a video that vibes.

“An empty lantern provides no light.
Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”
– Unknown

Invite Your Best Friend Over

When was the last time you sat around the living room with your bestie chatting or contemplating the universe? Brew a pot of coffee, set the tea kettle on or pour a glass of wine, if that’s your thing; enjoy a mug or a glass with your favorite friend. Is your friend not local? How about calling a friend? Set aside some time to give them a call; make sure they have time to chat first. I have found that setting some time aside to catch up with your best friend does amazing things for your heart and mind.

Alternative? If you don’t have a best friend, consider a close family member.

Unplug from Electronics

I love social media but computers, phones, tablets and TV shouldn’t be invading every hour of our day! Even if you can’t step away for hours, for some fresh air; you can step away from the electronics. Turn off your cell phone / tablet, step away from social media, and unplug. You’ll find your stress levels go down and you won’t feel like you’re in such a rush anymore. Plus there won’t be any “keeping up with the Jones’” to do.

Do Some Gardening

Finally, I couldn’t talk about self-care without at least mentioning gardening; a personal favorite! What’s the say? Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes.  With a garden, you get all the benefits of being outdoors plus so much more. Studies have shown that gardening can decrease depression and anxiety, teach mindfulness, while also boosting your mood! It also gets your body moving in new and interesting ways. Even if your garden is just a few pots in your window sill, taking care of your garden means taking care of yourself.

Make a List

One of the ways I self-care is to write a list of blessings. This helps me to focus on all the good things going on in my life, instead of the stresses. You just need a pen a paper (or use a word program on your computer). I like to play some happy music during this time too. Some will go as far as creating a gratitude journal; something to do if you have this mental exercise rewarding. Spending time and energy on the good things in your life help you regain a positive outlook without costing you anything financially. It is definitely worth the time and energy.

Alternatively you can try writing in a journal. Many find the daily practice of journal writing very therapeutic. There are even FREE journaling apps.

Self-care isn’t selfish! Take time out each day for a little free self-care with these ideas. And don’t be afraid to take time away when your budget and schedule allows for it. And, hey, if your budget allows for a weekend trip to the spa…go for it!

And hey, guys, self-care isn’t just for the ladies!

How do you take care of yourself? Leave your homemade self care ideas in the comments.

Love yourself enough to set boundaries.
Your time and energy are precious.
You get to choose how you use it.
You teach people how to treat you by deciding
what you will and won’t accept.”
– Anna Taylor