Etsy

I've been selling my handmade products on ebay for about 2 years now, and I found up last a couple of nights ago that they are marking up there prices by a huge amount. One of my best selling items is going to change in cost to list and sell from $1.06 to $1.64. I can't even make up for this in the savings I got on my fabric.

I looked into www.etsy.com and found they have a really nice site for buying and selling handmade products. They have very reasonable selling rates, and your items can remain listed for 4 months. It seems like a really busy place, though I only heard about it several months ago from another blog.

Yes, I know it's a shameless plug to ask you all to go check out etsy, since I just opened up shop there! But please do, there are so many great WAHMs there and great products!

Ten Cent Sharks

The other day I gave my son the calculator to play with while I was working on the computer. He was quite for a while and then announced "Look out, Mom.... SHARKS!" I feigned fright. The he says, "Ten cent sharks." He proclaimed this over and over and announcing; "I see them, Here they come, and I see their fingers!" LOL.

Later he was quite and I asked if they were all gone now. He said yes, and then announced the "two cent sharks"

Where does a 2 1/2 year old get this stuff. Last night he got the calculator down and proceeded to show his daddy the ten cent and two cent sharks!

Non-Stick Cookware, Plastics, etc.

To answer a question from a reader:

There is quite a bit of research on non-stick cookware. When it heats up to a certain temperature.... I believe it's 325*... it starts to put toxic fumes into the air, which can kill a parakeet or other small bird in the vicinity; not to mention what may get into the food.

You should never use plastic in the microwave. Plastic has a chemical in it that mimics an estrogen, which is why they use glass petri dishes. An experiment which tested very high levels of estrogen was later linked to the plastic dish. Heating the plastic just intensifies this. Hot food put into a plastic dish may also be a problem. Imagine what this could be doing to us, especially our men and young boys.

We got rid of most of our plastic dishes a long time ago, and the microwave shortly afterward. Microwaves have hazards of their own. We now use glass storage containers with silicone lids, glass lids would be preferable, but they are hard to stack. We also use canning jars often. Unfortunately we still are subject to plastics in food wrapping, freezer containers, etc.

We're not going to go bonkers over this, or fret much, but most of this was really easy to do. We don't miss the microwave at all. Everything can be heated up in the oven, stove top, or crock pot.

I would love to hear what you know about dinnerware, however without publishing your comment, I don't have access to link to your blog. (or at least I haven't figured out how)

Here is an article about using plastic with food

http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Plasticizers/Out-Of-Diet-PG5nov03.htm

This one is about damage from plastic baby bottles

http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20030331/danger-in-plastic-baby-bottles

Dr. Mercola has lots of info compiled about plastics, cookware, etc.

http://www.mercola.com/

Dave Ramsey and the Emergency Fund

We're still listening to the Dave Ramsey tapes. They are definately worth the while and probably the price, but I inter-library loaned them!

His first step is create the "emergency fund". $1000 to start with and you are supposed to be intense with this to try to get it in the first month. We figured we would get this when the taxes came, however we have been intense in our efforts and have just saved $450. $200 from Hubby's paycheck, $200 from my business and $50 from Hubby putting a cabinet together for someone! We have not yet had to sell anything off to get here, but I have a set of McGuffy Readers that I could sell, and lots of cloth diapers that would help.

Something that Dave was very good at explaining was what an emergency fund is and is not. I love how he sounds when he says in a really deep voice, "Christmas is not an emergency, it comes at the same time every year!". The last 2 years we have had an emergency fund, but have always spent it when we wanted, or thought we needed something; including Christmas presents.

We also never put any effort into paying it back when something was used out of it. The point according to Dave is to put everything else on hold (purchases and extra debt payments) till the emergency fund is put back.

Here's to changing our thinking for the better! To no longer being servants to our lenders! Once we have the emergency fund funded I will post our debts and update as we pay them off.

Blessings,
Stella

Just stopping in to say, "Hi"

I've been really busy. We've changed how we do school. We're making a more concentrated effort to work hard on a little, instead of spending time hurrying through lots of work. I will probably explain more later if it works out like I think it should.

I have been tremendously busy with my home business. I found a way to buy wholesale less expensively on the same quality material I've been using by buying from another manufacturer whose remnants are just the size I need! I've been working hard to purchase a bulk order which will save me tremendously!

We are also listening to Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. He starts out sounding sort of ornery, but I think the effect is to try to get us to understand that debt is bad. I especially like how he asks you to consider the risk before you purchase something on credit. I never thought of this before. We have taken advantage of Same as Cash purchases, knowing that we would always pay them off before the promotional end date, because we knew that interest would be tacked on from day 1 if we didn't. However, we never considered the risk of a payment getting lost in the mail or otherwise delayed. What if Hubby's business made a mistake with the payroll checks? It's never happened before, but what's to say it wouldn't?

We're not going to spend any time worrying about that now, what's done is done. (We've got one to pay off next month-LORD willing!) However, just the idea should stop us from taking part in those "deals" again.

Well, I hope everyone is having a blessed week!
~Stella

Credit Cards, Credit Scores, Debt-Free Living

Thank you Mrs. C for the heads-up on the credit score. I did some research this morning and found that you are partially correct.

Cancelling credit cards can lower your credit score, if....

• the card is long standing say more than 10 years
• there is a balance on the card
• several cards are cancelled all at the same time

We were told by the mortgage company 4 years ago that we had an outstanding credit score. I am actually more concerned about getting another late payment comment on my credit score than having a note saying customer canceled card. We have cancelled cards in the past and apparently it has not hurt us.

Hubby made the decision yesterday that we would indeed be cancelling all credit cards in the near future. We have 3 major credit cards and one store card. Only one of these carries a balance, which was a same as cash deal that will be paid off in February. One of these can be cancelled immediately as it was never actually activated, but was used last year for a balance transfer to "pay off" a same as cash deal. It was paid within a couple of months and never used again. The other card needs to have some monthly bills taken off and transferred to a debit card.

We do not intent to take out any more loans or use credit cards any longer. We are going to put our faith in the Lord with patience and trust when we need something. Thinking back on our credit card use, it was never used for emergencies, but rather for splurges or times when we didn't want to wait to save the money.

I need to do a little more research, but apparently a debit card can be used anywhere a credit card can. For instance, monthly payments for internet use, or for purchasing something on the internet. Many companies are also starting to accept paypal, which is great for me because I always have money in my paypal account from my business.

We will not be without emergency money. The cards will not all be canceled until we have at least $1000 saved, which will be shortly.

If at any time we find we need to borrow money, our payment history on our mortgage should be sufficient. We also have plenty of collateral. We also do not intend to immediately go to a bank if we need money. Hubby's mom has loaned to us in the past, and I'm sure would not hesitate to in the future if a need arose. I also think asking family is harder than going to a bank and borrowing money or getting a credit card, because it is more "personal" and you have to do more "explaining". We also could sell some of the "wants" we have accumulated over the years. We are not without options.

We no longer wish to be servants to our lenders. as Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender". Rather we would rather serve our brothers and sisters in love.

Blessings,

~Stella

Not Happy with the Credit Card Company

We've been working on getting out of debt, and rarely use the credit cards. We had a few things on one for Christmas, including Meg's sewing machine that was $20 less if we put it on the card. We put the sewing machine on just for that reason, even though we had the cash on us.

We don't carry a balance on the card, so no interest. We thought that was responsible use of the card. We paid our bill and forgot about it.

Well, Hubby had a purchase that hadn't been delivered so he decided to check with the credit card to see if the item had been charged. Uh-oh, big balance that shouldn't have been there. Apparently they had not gotten our payment and charged us a late fee $39 and interest. He explained that we paid and gave them the date sent. They said to call back on Monday to see if it came and if there was anything they could do then.

Well, Hubby called back yesterday. The automated voice said they had received our payment. However when he tried to talk to a live person they accused him of fraud. My husband has sinus problems and has lately been called ma'am because of his voice. The lady on the phone was actually yelling at him, that it is a federal offense to impersonate someone and try to use their credit card. Saying, "I can make a quick call and the feds will be at your house in minutes." She said "I'm turning you over to the fraud department right now." He said, "Please!"

ERRR. Well they asked if he was at home and could they call him back. Well that took care of the problem and they apologized. However, when they sent him back to the billing department they were also rude about the late fee. They said he needed to mail it 10-12 days before the due date. But the due date is only 19 days after the end of the billing date and we sent it just a few days after receiving the bill. There is also the option of calling in the payment, or using the Internet but there is a fee for that.

They did refund the $39 late fee but not the interest. When the bill comes we are canceling the card. There is no reason for a man (or anyone) to be treated like that.

A friend of mine is listening to some finance advice and has learned that some credit card companies are purposely delaying sending statements and opening received payments so they can charge late fees and interest to make more money.

I guess there is no responsible use of credit cards. A lesson learned at least for me. I don't know what Hubby will do, he only mentioned canceling this card. We'll see what he says when he thinks on it more.

My children are going to be sad when they wake up

Their last cat is gone, and I can't even let them go outside. She got caught in the truck's fan blade. She is stuck tight and Hubby didn't have time to get her out before going to work. It was so warm out that he didn't even warm up the truck ahead of time, and was on his way to work.

I have to tell them when they wake up.

Gratefulness

We had some problems this weekend with ungratefulness and rudeness. This has been coming on for awhile, and I should have been more diligent to stop the behavior before it happened in public and with our dear friends.

Hubby sat us all down and had a talk with us. Everyone was crying except Little Boy, and even he looked really concerned. He talked about people who barely have the necessities of life, and how we have WAY more than we need. Though we have always had some struggles financially we have an abundance.

I was so proud of Hubby. He was so cool, even though he was angry about the behaviors. He suggested we take some items of need to a homeless shelter, so the children can see how some people are living. He tried to get across to them that WE could be in that same spot. Jobs are not secure. It's unlikely at this point we would end up on the street, as Hubby is able-bodied and we have family that would take us in if necessary. But the point is, it could happen, as it has happened to many across the country.

We also decided it was necessary for the children not to spend so much time unsupervised. Granted they are old enough to do most anything that need be done, and to take care of themselves and youngers, however they are still in training. They still need correction. One in particular just needs constant reminders to smile. The girls will still be needed to babysit once in a while, and will still have some free time to be alone, but it has been cut drastically. Saturday and Sunday they were allowed one hour to play quietly in their room while Daddy, Mommy, and Little Boy took a nap.

I need to remember also to show gratefulness in front the children. Thanking God for all things needs to be done out loud, in front of the children so they can see how it's done. Joy comes from the LORD, from thanksgiving in all He does; for provisions and ailments alike; all are done for our benefit. God has blessed us in so many ways. It is time to rejoice aloud in all things. Praise ye the LORD, Hallelujah!

A Good Mother

I read a blog article that I didn't really like about the perfect wife and mother. I thought I'd share my version of the imperfect mother. Only read if you are imperfect like me and have a sense of humor!

A Good Mother

A good mother would never yell at her children.

A good mother never yell at her children while in a car lot, to unlock the van doors because said mother locked her children and her keys in said van.

A good mother would not expect her 3 year old to remember how to unlock the doors while her mother is yelling at her, even though she’s played with the locks many times before.

A good mother would never yell at her children while holding the phone and accidentally dialing 911.

A good mother would never leave in the middle of a story to answer the door for the police while wondering what the neighbors did now, and why they wanted to ask her about it.

A good mother wouldn’t be totally surprised to find the police are correct when they tell her that she has an open line to 911 and there was yelling.

A good mother wouldn’t still be wondering 8 years later how that happened.

A good mother never laughs and scolds her children at the same time.

A good mother never laughs when her sons first 6 word sentence contains the word d*mmit; said in context.

A good mother doesn’t hide the dead baby rabbit in the woods while the children are sleeping, then tell them the rabbit was ready to go back in the wild.

A good mother doesn’t give in to the children crying that they didn’t get to see it one more time, go back into the woods, and take a picture of herself holding the dead baby rabbit.

A good mother doesn’t let her children carry around a picture of a dead baby rabbit, while her not so dumb children continue to wonder how the baby rabbit, that was fed with a dropper, was suddenly old enough to fend for himself.

A good mother wouldn’t confess several days later because her children wouldn’t stop asking questions.

A good mother never forgets to make lunch.

A good mother never hits her baby’s head on the doorframe while walking through the door way.

A good mother never drops a large baby out of an over full laundry basket because she thought that would be the easiest way to get both up the stairs.

A good mother doesn’t get sidetracked while teaching spelling and trimming strings on her sewing.

A good mother doesn’t give a spelling word like this… “sea gull. Mrs. Smith fed the sea gull a Cheezit with her toes. Cheezit.”

A good mother knows why her kids are laughing. Cheezit is not the spelling word.

A good mother doesn’t eat brownies for breakfast, while telling her children they are having oatmeal for breakfast because it’s good for them.

A good mother doesn’t quickly leave a public restroom without flushing or washing her hands because her child, who is in the stall with her, loudly announces in a shocked voice “MOM, you have hair on your….”

A good mother shouldn’t assume that children won’t suddenly notice things even though you’ve been sharing a bathroom for x number of years.

A good mother never takes a shower while the kids are outside doing the chores, because the neighbors very large puppy will decide to come play with the chickens aka rip them apart, while screaming children have shut themselves in the hen house; leaving poor children to wait for rescue till good mother is done taking her leisurely shower.

A good mother does not take her children outside in the winter without coats and shoes.

A good mother does not try to make the non-ambulatory baby walk while carrying the 2 year old outside in the winter without coats and shoes.

A good mother does not catch the house on fire making it necessary to take the children outside without coats and shoes while getting sidetracked and thinking the baby can walk.

A good mother doesn’t startle the neighbor by yelling, “Call 911. My house is on fire,” causing her neighbor to think she’s kidding, because she just walked across the street from her house; until said neighbor realizes the crazy mom has her children outside in the winter without coats and shoes and is trying to make the baby walk.

A good mother doesn’t start a fire twice in one day by trying to melt candles. A good mother will look back and see if the fire put itself out before taking children outside without coats and shoes and having the neighbor call 911.

A good mother never pretends that she’s perfect when her children know she’s not.

A good mother WILL ALWAYS laugh at her mistakes!


Written and experience by this “good” mother!

By the way, a good police officer, with a tiny fire extinguisher, will have watched Backdraft before asking a frantic mother to go back into a not-so-burning building to show him where the fire is.

And a good secretary would take the message to tell my husband that his house is on fire instead of just handing him the phone that I forgot to hang up. After Hubby tried to get my attention over my sobbing, he finally heard the sirens and decided he better hurry home.

Hope this gave ya'll a good laugh!

~Stella

Odds and Ends

I spent the last half hour reading blogs and so not much time to post, so I'll smash it all in here.

I finished all my must dos yesterday, and cleaned up all the paper work on the computer and cleaned out my desk. A few years back I came across an address book out of an organizer that didn't get used instead of throwing it away I tossed it on the computer. It is a great way to organize favorite websites, passwords and email addresses, etc.

The little bit of organization I have has slowly grown over the last 10 years or so. I am not naturally organized (you should have known me when! Think basement= whole house in 1994) (Thanks for the comment though) I have gleaned little bits of help from everywhere. I started with Side-Tracked Sisters (google it). Found and enjoyed flylady for a year, met Candy at www.keepingthehome.com where I learned to make and use a Home Management Binder. I like the Home Management Binder better than the Flylady Control Journal. Mostly because I know I am not really in control! There are other reasons to. Either system can work though.

Totally unrelated, but we have a critter living in our ceiling. I woke up early one morning, when Hubby was in the bathroom, to the sound of scratching or chewing above my head. I tried to get Hubby's attention, but when I spoke loud enough for him to hear the noise stopped. I think Hubby thought I was crazy or at least it was just ice cracking on the roof. Does ice have ears; I think not!

A couple of nights later, I heard it in the middle of the night. I put my hand on Hubby's face and whispered, "Shhh". He heard it too, and even snuck outside to see if it was sitting on the corner of the roof. Nope its in the ceiling. We have cathedral ceilings, so no attic or access to it. He found a few places outside where he thought it could have gotton in. He plugged the holes and we waited to smell it. No luck he's still there and running around. Hubby finally got a ladder, and guess what? When the house was built they left huge openings under the eaves. New house, huh? So we had to resort to poison until spring when he can stand to be outside long enough to take the eaves down and seal up the house.

Well, Little Boy just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. He usually has a cheerful, "Good morning" for everyone, but not today!

Big day ahead, first day of school for 2008!

See ya!

Continued: To Do List

With a few revisions.

MUSTS DONE

Take inventory for business X
Tab a new notebook for business X
Write down end/beginning of year mileage X
Go through box of bills, receipts under bed X
File above and empty file from 2006 X

LIKE TO Didn't Even get a chance to think about them

Update Little Boy's baby book
Type up papers from Home Management Binder
Redo budget with Hubby