Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Frugal Mommy...Washing the Washer DIY

Our washer suddenly started having the fall funk...which was making that amazing laundry scent that gently wafts down the hall have a spooky monster mash kinda smell.

After Pinterest and Facebook research, my frugal mommy side decided that buying a "wash for ly washer" just seemed absolutely ridiculous, especially when I had the DIY ingredients right in my spookily decorated kitchen!



Armed with my big ol' jug o' white vinegar and box of baking soda, I marched dutifully into my laundry room (also noting the stalled state if my laundry room update, but more on that later!) prepared for battle.

Easy as one, two, three.

1.) Pour one cup vinegar in washer basin (or bleach dispenser), with a generous dash of baking soda (maybe a quarter cup). Bonus vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser.

2.) Select hot water, lowest water level.

3.) Start the washer, and enjoy the self cleaning of one thing in the house.

Told ya.


posted from Bloggeroid

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Oh Dem Bones! Jamberry Review

Time for myself is one of my most precious commodities, and add to that anything much beyond a shower is just about at the realm of impossibility.

But, with two lil dudes, money is still an issue. Cause diapers, fresh fruit (my boys loooove raspberries, and just about any other fruit they can get their lil hands on!), snacks, and three kinds of milk, money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. Luxuries are just that. Luxuries.

But, once in awhile, I love to paint my nails and polish my toes. However, that in and of itself is a huge task. Either I smudge as I go from picking up lil guy, getting juice/snacks, or breaking up the newest toy battle or I barely even get two painted in five minutes.

After being inundated with invites and being unknowingly included in various parties on Facebook and groups, I became anti-Jamberry. Not only did I become annoyed that everybody seemed to be using our "friend" status to try to sell me something, no one asked if I would be interested. They just assumed.

Fast forward six months...

Lately, I've finally found my I'm not just my mommy stride. Well, some days I do. Which means there are days when my hair actually gets brushed (and sometimes even styled!), a bit of makeup is applied, and even brushing my teeth after each meal...or snack.

I decided it was time. Or, I should day I saw a Jamberry design that I loooooved. An mandala (I yoga for sanity, health, and with my lil dudes!), which led to finally reaching out to a friend who touted the amazing results of Jamberry and was a consultant. A habitual nail biter, which I often witnessed firsthand, she actually had nails (for her, anyway!) even though she ran an at home daycare that looked pretty good even after a few days.

I broke down after seeing the super adorable Halloween offerings and ordered. I had planned to treat myself to a pedicure, so four sheets were about the same. Plus, to be honest, I rarely enjoy a pedicure...too much on my to do list to sit still that long and make small talk.

They arrived..and sat waiting for some action for more than two weeks. I admit, I was intimidated due to my polish with lil dudes experience. But, yesterday, I gave in. Mostly because Halloween is just a few weeks away and didn't want to have wasted them.

And, after a bit of a shaky start due to a bit of caffeine (I drink a cup of half caff once in awhile), I successfully used a hair dryer, scissors, cuticle stick, and nail file to apply six spooky nail designs along with polishing the four extras with a quick drying metallic OPI nail lacquer.

Side note...the nail lacquer already chipped once. Sigh.

Easy, once I figured it out. And insanely adorable. Plus, I felt a bit like me again...which only makes mommy even more ready to take on the day!



Only two days in, but with the endless hand washing, baking, toy fixing, and battery changing, not a problem in sight.

I kinda like you, Jamberry. And Dem Bones.

posted from Bloggeroid

Monday, July 27, 2015

It's OK. Seriously.

It's ok.

You don't have to get everything done. The dishes can wait. The laundry will always be there. Seriously, it is neverending. So, don't worry about getting everything cleaned up, every single day. Because it will still be there.

But the snuggles, the giggles, the tickle wars? Those won't.

This summer, so far, has been a huge battle for my family. Two mortgages, a job that has been an almost seven day a week sometimes twelve hour day for daddy, an almost three thousand dollar assessment for our now empty second mortgage property that was housing my very ill mother-in-law (owner occupies clause that was added after we owned the property), emergency triple bypass surgery for said mother-in-law, plus the general insanity of life has all taken a toll on the condition of our home.

The floors, the dishes, laundry room, toys...it is seriously is just a complete hot mess.

But, I've learned something very important. It doesn't matter.

The giggles, smiles, trips to the zoo, playing with the hose outside...reading books.

That's what matters. Even when I have to hide my phone from my YouTube loving three year old.

So, tomorrow I will try to get to a few things. But for now, it is ok.

Seriously.



posted from Bloggeroid

Friday, July 3, 2015

Frugal Mommy...Homemade Peanut Butter

As soon as I became pregnant, I began to notice (even though I had been label watching before!) the insane amount of "extras" in the foods I was buying for my family. Thus began my quest for healthier versions of the things my family loved.

Which leads me to...peanut butter. I don't know about how the old PB rolls in your house, but over here, whether a PB&J, on a banana, with chocolate (you know you've done it!), or on a spoon solo can all happen at any given moment.

Needless to say, we go through a lot of peanut butter. We switched to the "natural" kind of popular brands, but the palm oil always bothered me. How could I give my boys something that harmed the homes of the animals they loved so? (Yep, the guilt sets in often via monkeys over here.)

After shopping at Whole Foods while away from the family (it was the only grocery store close by), I discovered many amazing things (mostly that I loved Aldi's for their affordable organic and basic grocery merch). Kombucha (which is also, I discovered, available at Target!), and...real, homemade (as much as it could be!) peanut butter.

I admit, I love texture in my food. Which means I love all that grainy goodness in supposed "healthy" foods. I devoured the peanut butter, and couldn't wait to try my hand at it at home.

Easiest thing I've ever done. Seriously.

Aldi's carries plain old unsalted, dry roasted peanuts for $2.19 (plus honey roasted with salt for $2.39), plus organic clover honey (though I had a bit of the regular to finish up this time) and organic coconut oil (which I use for so many things!!).

And that's it, really.



Super simple.

1 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts

1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts

(2 cups total, so if you prefer just one kind, go for it.)

1/2 to 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for smoothness plus it does add a bit of flavor)

1/2 to 1 teaspoon honey, depending on flavor desired. Optional, but I love it!

Salt, if desired. I found that the honey roasted added just enough.

And...just add the peanuts to your food processor. I have a regular old processor, nothing fancy, and I've used it for just about everything. Turn it on until they are crumb like. At this point, you can add a bit of the coconut oil until you get the consistency desired. Add the honey to taste.

Done. That easy.



Of course, you can double the recipe if needed. We went through this fairly quick because the boys loved it so much!

Added bonus? No plastic jar to recycle! I used a glass mason jar from my collection.

I can't wait to try other nut butters, too!

posted from Bloggeroid

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Letting Go

When I made the decision to leave my full time job to raise my boys, I knew things would be challenging. Money would be an issue, but there were choices we were all too ready to make.

But, I knew those challenges would be worth experiencing the moments fellow mother's (and food friends) were missing out on.

I didn't realize there would be other outside factors that would hinder my happiness, or that I would need a hard lesson in what really matters. Or, to know there are battles that no matter how wrong or unfair, you just won't win.

The key is to stay true to yourself, and not allow these situations to change your values.

In a previous blog, I shared a letter that I had written to the homeowners on the street where we were, and have been paying an additional mortgage for seven plus years.

Sadly, the situation has escalated. Because we put my husband's gravely ill mother in the home and chose to not put her name on the deed (exposing us to her medical debts), we now have an assessment against us for $1800 plus an additional $950 in lawyers fees. Our appeal hearing, which is required by Ohio Law, was denied. The details are the saddest example of how neighbors should act towards one another, and are too much to relive in this blog.

I refuse to let them or this situation take one more moment of my happiness.

But, thanks to the assessment, my three year old will miss out on soccer, swimming lessons, an air conditioner and furnace that works, and quite possibly, preschool.

This I will not allow. So, this summer will be filled with trips to the zoo (season passes purchased before this whole debacle), bike riding lessons with mom, nature walks in the beautiful Metro Parks, and library trips with craft time at our local craft store.

Time to get more frugal. Perhaps a garage sale is in order, another eBay binge of our possessions, and some creative DIY projects.

Bring on the summer, full of happiness, giggles, and no regrets.

posted from Bloggeroid

Friday, March 27, 2015

Dear HOA...An Open Letter. And Why We Should Always Help One Another.

Today's post isn't a Happy one. It isn't about the joys of mommyhood, or the cute thing my beautiful, healthy boys did today.

But it is about something happening in my life that is adversely effecting my family, for which I'm so thankful for. The family, not the situation.

This is an open letter that I wrote last week after a sleepless night of worry and seemingly endless anxiety. I addressed it to our homeowners association of of first home that we still currently own and pay a mortgage on in addition to the home our family currently resides in, but I've left off the name for the purposes of this post.

"To be honest, I don't know why I'm writing the letter. I'm pretty certain i won't send it, knowing that it will do no good, trying to appeal to any of you as fellow homeowners, parents, and people living their lives the best we can.

When my husband and I first decided we were going to buy a home rather than rent an apartment, we began looking in (name withheld) and (name withheld)because my future father-in-law owned a (developer's name withheld) home, and we loved the neighborhoods, homes, and the way the land was preserved with mature trees and hills. We used to drive through (name withheld) on date nights, dreaming that one day, we could afford to live in this gorgeous neighborhood.

When we began looking, we found an open house on (name withheld) Lane, one of the streets we drove down on those nights. The power was out, we viewed the house by candlelight. I fell in love, and knew this was home. We scheduled a second showing, and again toured with that candle. I still have that candle.

We moved into our new home, full of hope and excited to make this house our own. We painted, updated, and moved our meager belongings in. We thought we would never have enough possessions to possibly fill in the rooms we now owned.

As the years went by, we enjoyed every moment in our home. Fires in the stone wall fireplace on chilly nights, Christmas with my parents the year before my mom passed, family gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners. Friends over to celebrate and make memories.

Home was a special place for us.  But, after a few years, we knew we were starting to outgrow our first home. When the opportunity to purchase a home literally two streets away, my heart felt this was right. We would still be in our beautiful neighborhood that we had first fallen in love with! And though our new home would need a tremendous amount of work, we just knew our family that now included our golden retriever would fill it with our dreams and make it our own.

When we talked to our loan officer, we all knew we would not have a problem selling our first home, or possibly leasing it. But we had things working against us out of our control.

The real estate market crashed, and suddenly our home wasn't selling with the slow down of buyers. Plus, it had electric heat which had suddenly become a negative because of rising costs.

So, with two mortgages pushing down on our finances, we rented out to someone we knew would love the house like we did, and raise his family there. This helped our situation somewhat.

Regardless of any situation that may or may not have occurred" (note: there was a situation in which our renters felt uncomfortable), "we were told that the as the board was considering not allowing rentals. We were stunned. We had hoped to keep the home as an investment in the neighborhood we so loved and still lived in. In fact, if we moved again, we hope to stay in these tree filled streets.

But, our renters could stay until their lease was up. However, they felt uncomfortable and decided to leave.

We would have two mortgages, hoa fees, and two (name withheld) hoa fees upon the other expenses home ownership comes with. We tried to put the home on the market once again, but we couldn't afford to sell it at the one verbal offer we received. It was actually cheaper to pay two mortgages, and strain our finances.

But, life goes on. We decided to start our family, praying that the house would eventually sell and not putting our plans on hold. Our son was born, and still we were in the same situation. Things began to happen...our air conditioner broke down, tires weren't able to hold air in my Saturn, the furnace no longer working properly, just to name a few.
But, we still have our other home and all the expenses that go along with it. Those thing would have to wait. Then, we had our second son. I thank God every single day that they are healthy, happy boys.

My husband and I have always prided ourselves with keeping up with our responsibilities. We were advised, at one point, just to let the house go into foreclosure. We were appalled, not only because we still lived in the neighborhood and this would drastically affect home values, but because it just wasn't what you were supposed to do. It was a responsibility we had accepted and would somehow fulfill.

For years.

When my mother-in-law lost her husband and her health took a serious turn, we decided to let her stay in our empty home (that, because it has stood empty, had repairs that needed to be made because things had fallen into disrepair being vacant) while we began to prepare to place it once again on the market, and make it easier to take her to her medical treatments.

But, the home has to be owner occupied according to the new by-laws.

We were informed we would have to either move her out, or put her on the title. But, by putting her on the title, the home would be vulnerable to any debts or MEDICAL expenses. So, in the middle of this freezing winter, we have begun to look for a new place for her to move to. The repairs are taking longer due to scheduling issues, and finding a reliable contractor.

At our home, our air conditioner and furnace still are working. Thank goodness we have a furnace for our living area. We have been using space heaters for our bedroom and our son's room, blankets and Styrofoam insulation on the windows to keep the heat in. Fans in the summer help somewhat. Our checking account has been overdrawn multiple times while filling up our gas tanks. Vacations, air shows, even simple date nights have been forsaken to save money. We can't afford a babysitter, even while I was in the hospital having our second soon. Our furniture (as is much of our baby furniture and son's clothing) is almost all second hand, given by friends and family. The strain has been hard to bear.

All because of our once well loved home on (name withheld) Lane, that we have been unable to sell or rent out to help with expenses.

We still love the neighborhood, and care about the value of our homes. We hope to have things settled by this Summer. Of course, this hope has been strung out over a few years.

I write this not to blame you. Yes, I feel an immense amount of resentment. I would be lying if I said I didn't. But, that resentment stems more from the fact that I no longer love that home as I once did. It is tied to far too many things that have broken pieces of my heart.

I honest cannot understand why, as human beings, we can't help one another. How an empty home falling into disrepair and crippling a young family financially and emotionally outweighs perceived loss in property value because of renting out a home, especially considering we own another home a walk away. Obviously, property value is important to us. Any real estate agent would tell you the longer a home stands empty, the lower the property value goes. I only hope that we will be able to get through this this year.

My wish to you is that if you ever go through hardship, your friends and neighbors give you the support and assistance you need. That in your time of need, hearts are open to you and that you are given the hope of a better time that my family wasn't.

I will teach my boys to not lump everyone into one group, and that people deserve respect and hope. That is what you have gifted my family with. To teach them what not to do. For those of you that have not been directly involved in the decision making or coming up with this new by-law after years, I apologize and wish you, along with everyone who owns a home on (name withheld) nothing but happiness.

When all is said and done, as I take my beautiful, healthy, happy boys on a walk in my neighborhood, I will smile when I walk past our street. Because it is the right thing to do."

Just yesterday, my husband and I received a letter stating we were in violation of our bylaws, and that we hadn't told the board our plans to rectify the situation. Which we had. We had informed our board members, by letter, that my mother-in-law would be moving once we had found a place to move her to.

But we were now facing an assessment of $1800 in addition to any further legal fees the board incurred.

I posted a short statement on my Facebook page, to which many expressed their disbelief.

But, a somewhat disturbing thing happened.

A friend contacted me, and told me the exact same situation had happened to her and her family just a few years ago. Exactly.

They had purchased their new home, and we're carrying two mortgages. Unable to sell their home, they rented it out. For less than what they were paying on the mortgage, plus hoa fees. Their association decided to disallow rentals.

They were facing the exact same situation we are in. After three years of barely squeezing by with their young family, filled with financial and emotional stress, and sleepless nights, they made a difficult decision.

They walked away.

It was a decision they came to not easily, and in fact, it was incredibly difficult. This decision would adversely effect their way of life, but they had no other choice. They couldn't afford to sell the house due to the market, and couldn't have renters to help with the cost.

It made me wonder how many other people were in this situation of financial hardship, good people who were responsible, but pushed into a decision they never thought they would have to make. And denied any help or assistance from a board they paid hoa fees to, all in the name of protect the "value" of their homes. Because nothing says value than a vacant house, sitting empty, and foreclosures.










Monday, March 9, 2015

Thing I Never Thought I'd Say...The Day of Corn Starch

Things you never imagine saying:

"Don't pee on your brother!"

"Did you pee on your brother again?"

"Don't play your baby bongos by the front window while you're naked! Your names not Matthew McCaughna-hey!" (I'm spelling it that way because that's the way it was said...as lil guy once again peed on hia big brother.)

All of this occurred right after I spilled corn starch EVERYWHERE while lil man climbed up onto the chair I had been standing on while searching in an upper cabinet. Sigh. And lil guy had a bit of a rash, so I was letting him "dry out" and not be irritated.

What a day...

posted from Bloggeroid

Friday, February 20, 2015

Making The Most Of Mommy Time Quick Tips

Time management took on a whole new meaning with the arrival of baby boy number two. Multi-tasking raised to a magician skill level, combined with a pencil schedule (read, flexible, eraser friendly, and downright throw it out the window) attitude.

That's when I figured out a few tips that make some days (not all, of course...that would just be silly!) feel as though I've accomplished something...or things!

Take advantage of early mornings. My boys wake up early, which means I wake up early. Amazingly enough, I kind of like that at times. I get myself a decaf pot brewing (or if I fell real fancy, I brew a nice cup of Teavana). Then, I get my game plan on. If I can get three things at least of my today list, it is a win. Laundry, dishes, and dinner in the crockpot. Usually, the boys are in the best mood early and play well together, allowing me to have a pretty productive morning. Then, I have the rest of the day to pick up leggos and Cars.

Multitasking is a must. My house is u-shaped. Therefore if I have to go to one side or the other, I try to take something with me or grab the Swiffer to join me on my journey. There's always clothes to be dropped off to the laundry room!

Make a realistic list. There's no way I can get the whole house cleaned, mopped, sparkling and perfect. But, I can get laundry started, the dishwasher emptied, and a fabulous tickle session in. Yep, I put that one on. Not only to check off another item, but to remind me that there are things more important than a clean house.

Finally, put down your phone. Seriously. It is a time sucker. I try to have one day a week that the phone is just a phone, and not a mindless time escape. Then, I actually try (this doesn't always happen, because I do have to do work related "tasks" at times) to only check my phone at a scheduled time. First thing in the morning, nap time, in between daddy coming home and dinner, and before bed.

But, the biggest thing I do for my time management road to a great day? Don't stress if things don't go the way you plan. Big deal. Happiness isn't a clean house, a perfect list checked off item by item...it is those moments that melt your heart.





posted from Bloggeroid

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Mommy Tips...Frugal Snack Time

Another plus side to frugality as a mommy has popped up. I've started to make a few things at home rather than buy them at the store, not only saving money, but I know what is in things plus it turns out to be very environmentally friendly!

Once I had my boys, I started paying more attention to what we were putting in (and on) our bodies. And even before, when I was pregnant. Certain things started going the way of a desolate, deserted road.

No more artificial sweeteners, less processed food (single ingredients, or at least ones that I could pronounce!), no more butter substitutes, as few artificial colors as possible...

In that quest, I discovered how wonderful Pinterest can be for all things DIY (I'm currently researching a pallet project).

Here is one of my favorite recipes that I've added my own twist to. At my house, chewy trail mix granola bars are like gold. For a busy mommy (especially while breastfeeding!), a quick, healthy snack is a must. Plus, my husband takes them to work, or as a on the go snack!

CHEWY TRAIL MIX GRANOLA BARS

1/3 cup honey
1/4 brown sugar
1/4 unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup crisped rice cereal
1/4 flax seeds
1/2 sliced or crushed almonds
Generous dash of coarse sea salt
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 chopped dried cherries
1/2 raisins
1/4 mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
Coconut oil (to "grease" the pan)

1.) Preheat oven to 350.
2.) Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place oats, flax seed, and almonds on, evenly.
3.) Bake for five minutes, stir. Continue baking for five minutes, lightly toasting to a golden brown (not too dark)



4.) In medium bowl, mix cherries, raisins, rice cereal, salt, almond extract, and vanilla extract.



5.) In small heavy sauce pan, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter on medium heat until sugar dissolves.



6.) Pour warm, toasted oat mixture into bowl with cherries, etc. Use the foil to line your baking/brownie pan. Lightly grease with coconut oil.

7.) Carefully pour in warm honey mixture, stirring to ensure everything getsvcoated. Add in almost all chocolate (I like to save some to press into the top as well). Don't worry about the chocolate melting, it will help with the chewy factor!

8.) Spread mixture evenly into lined baking pan. Use a bit of the coconut oil on the back of a spatula and PRESS DOWN EVENLY. The better you press, the better the stay together factor. Press in remaining chocolate.

9.) Refrigerate for two hours. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container for about a week and a half. If they last that long!

I personally love all the bits that fall off...perfect for greek yogurt.

Keep in mind, the possibilities are endless. Use whatever extras you like! I used coconut flax granola, dried berries with white chocolate...the best part is the cost. We would spend eight to ten dollars a week...now we spend that in a month!!

Enjoy!!


posted from Bloggeroid

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Frugal Mommy Tip: Off Season Savings

Frugal doesn't mean cheap. It means your smart. One of my favorite tips for a stay at home mommy to be a money saving, frugal, SMART mommy is to buy off season.

For example, the two weeks after holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, even Valentine's Day are real bargain hunting extravaganzas.

Just last week, as I was checking off the everyday items from my grocery list, I spotted the final markdowns of random Christmas baking novelty mixes. Marshmallow rice crispy tree kits ($4.50 now $.25!!), ugly sweater sugar cookie kits ($3.99 now $.50), ninja gingerbread men cookie kit ($3.99 now $.50), and red velvet cake ball kit ($3.99 now $.50). So, for $4.25, I now have two red velvet cake mixes, two cookie kits, and five bags of rice crispy cereal/marshmallows, plus white chocolate wafers, red and green candy wafers, and two ziplocs full of decorating items.

Red velvet will be perfect for Valentine's Day, especially considering the ugly sweater sugar cookies came with heart sprinkles. And, the rice crispy cereal will become treats, or breakfast and cups of marshmallow filled cups of cocoa!



Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

posted from Bloggeroid

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Stay At Home Mommy Tips (aka frugal doesn't mean cheap)

You know the stories...they tell you how to save money/make money/maybe even plant a money tree as w stay at home mom. The title makes it sound so easy, like snapping your fingers or clicking your heals together. More often than not, the link leads you to another link, which leads to yet another...possibly to buy the amazing ebook that, if you just dish out $9.99 or thereabouts.

Which is a case of Up & Up baby wipes.

Not this mommy.

Three years ago, I left a well paying retail management position for a company that I loved, but more often than not, came home after a ten hour day bawling my eyes out. Once I had my son the mantra I had repeated to myself suddenly made sense.

MAKE THE CHOICE TO BE HAPPY.

I chose to stay home. It hasn't been easy. My husband and I had just purchased our newest house while still owning our first one (yay two mortgages) and had planned major renovations, plus we now had baby boy to supply diapers, wipes, new clothes, etc, to.

Oy.

But, while everything hasn't been perfect, I've learned so much. And, for the most part, I'm happy. (No one is happy all the time. If they tell you they are, they're lying to make themselves feel and look better.)

So, I've decided to help others with their choice, no gimmicks. Easy stuff. Little things, that together, can make bigger things happen.

Here is number one.

The great closet clean our , clutter cutting, make a few pennies time.

You've seen it, either on the blogosphere or even the Today Show. We don't use seventy percent of what is in our closet. And, my closet has had many years of mindless spending to gather useless items.

Most people suggest a keep, donate, and throw away pile. I don't.

Try a keep, donate, and sell pile.

The goal is to make "Stay At Home Mommy" work for you, right? So, yes, donate. These are the things that you've kept that aren't in fabulous condition or so out of style, no one will want them. Most places will take anything, because they either use it (like shelters), sell it (Goodwill), or make something of it to sell (like rags to industrial companies). And try not to forget animal shelters for your old towels, blankets, etc.

Then, take a long hard look. What do you really wear? I have cute tops, skirts, etc, that just sit there. Besides my everyday comfies, jeans, and the usual go to pieces, I have my feel good clothes. Those I wear, but on special occasions and they make me feel fabulous.

Then, there's everything else.

Big job, I know. But, you don't have to do it all at once. In fact, if you have days like I do, that would be impossible, even in jammies and skipping showers!

I use handle bags that I've collected and can't bring myself to pitch or recycle to separate my piles and organize them. Then, the real fun begins.

There's a few different routes you can go to sell your gently used, beautiful dust collectors.

Resale shops. I don't go this way often, only because I can cut out the middle man. But if time is of the essence, resale is easy and fast. Plus, you can check out what they have. The drawback, besides the little bit you leave on the table not selling yourself, is that these places only want the really current and in like new condition things.

Garage sales. Deal hunters will clean you out. For a deal. Plus they are seasonal. But, if you have a house to declutter or friends to co-host, definitely worthwhile. Bonding over money...sounds fun to me!!

Facebook groups. My local community has a sell your stuff group that I joined. You set the price and pick-up (meet at your place or somewhere).

My favorite, though? EBay. You list, take pictures and describe (the more, the better!!) your items, and then just wait. The audience is bigger, and you can ship and list when the little ones are napping or on the weekends. Plus, if you time it, you can ship a few things all at once. Just do your research on pricing (auctions vs did price), really accurate descriptions, and shipping costs. I usually pre-package items and mark what they are so I can easily ship once they sell.



Go forth, cut the clutter, and make a few dollars.

I am.

posted from Bloggeroid