Etsy Sellers: You Have To Get This App!!

     I just installed an application on my Etsy account that is so sweet, I just have to pass it along.  So what is it?  It's a little something called moneybox.me.  This service, which is completely FREE, keeps track of your Etsy sales for you.  It's like a mini bookeeper.  It is even smart enough to take out Etsy fees, and Paypal fees, so you can see exactly how much you are making.
     But wait, there's more!  It will also keep track of your Etsy expenses for you (i.e., supplies, shipping materials, etc.).  This way, your personal dashboard gives you a complete report of what money you are actually making.  This is a great little tool to help with pricing and end of year taxes.  I LOVE this little gadget!  Head over to Moneybox.me to install yours, and get crackin'.  They even have a great little video you can watch so you know how to do it all!

Scrapbook Fun

     Okay, my scrapbooking negligence is pitiful.  My youngest son is one, and I still have no scrapbook pages done for him!  I am just getting around to finishing ones for my oldest who is four.  I need to get with it.  Here is one page that I am pleased with, and sums up a time when my son seemed to be maturing at lightning fast speed.  I love the contrast of black, white and red.  It really makes black and white photos pop.

 

 First page

The letters were cut out on my Cricut machine, using the "Stamped" cartridge.  If I haven't mentioned it before, I have a love affair with my Cricut machine.  It is seriously the best invention to hit crafting since, well, EVER.  I use my machine all the time, and if you don't have one, you are missing out. (I should be a spokesperson for these for real!)  You can find deals on the more basic machines for under $100.  I have the Expression, which cuts bigger shapes and letters (up to 23" high), and it is awesome.  I scored it on Black Friday a few years ago for $200.  Put it on your birthday wish list immediately, or just treat yourself for no reason.  You deserve it!

 Second page

Full spread

 A close-up of some detail

My little man

Scripture Jars: A Tutorial

     These little jars are the perfect gift for a special friend, or just to keep around for yourself!  Each jar is made to hold 30 scriptures of any topic.  That way, you have a month's worth of encouraging words--one for each day!

     I found my jars at Michael's.  They were around $3, and had many options for size and shape.  First, I googled the type of scripture I was looking for.  This proved to be much easier than searching for each passage in the bible.  I would simply type, "Bible verse love," or "Encouragment scripture."  You get the idea.  I then copy and pasted onto a word document, and put the scriptures in various cute fonts.  I formatted my page to be in two columns.  This will save on paper.  I found thrity verses, and printed them on various colored paper.  You can use any color combination.  I chose pinks and purples because they are cute, and people associate these colors with love.

     The last step is cutting the scriptures into little slips of paper, and decorating them.  I used my hot glue gun to adhere cute little buttons and ribbon.  I then topped off the jar with a gingham ribbon, (Who doesn't love gingham?) and made a tag with the jar's theme.

     These jars make awesome gifts for teachers, friends, family and more!  Some other themes you might consider: Grief, Promises of God, Hope, Faith and Encouragement.  The Bible has so much practical advice.  You could make one of these jars for just about anybody!

Steal of the Week: All this for $3.65!

     Here is my deal scored at Walgreens this week, and there's still time for you to get it, too!
**Note: My Wagreens offers a 15% off discount on Tuesdays for military personnel and their families, so my deal may be slightly better than what is available for most people.  The prices listed below are reflecting that discount.  However, this is still a great deal!
 Here's what I scored:

4 Gatorades @ $.59 each                                                      $2.36
6 Bubble Mailers @ $.28 each                                               $1.70
GE Lighbulbs                                                                         $2.54
Clearasil Facial Wash                                                             $2.97
      -$1 manufacturer's coupon
      +$2 Register Reward
2 Right Guard Deodorants                                                      $7.64
      -B1G1 FREE coupon
      -B1G1 FREE sale
Irish Spring Body Wash 2/$6 Sale                                          $2.55 (after discount)
      -$.50 man. coupon
Irish Spring Deodorant 2/$6 sale                                            $2.55 (after discount)
      -$.50 coupon
      +$4 Register Reward when you buy 2
Dial Lotion                                                                             $4.24
      -$1 man. coupon
      +$3 RR
Nabisco Crackers (begged for by my boys!)                           $2.80
1% Milk                                                                                 $3.69


                - $11 Register Rewards from last trip                  
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET (with taxes):                               $12.65   
Register Rewards received:                                                     $9
Total paid:                                                                               $3.65!!

Reminder:  You may be saying to yourself, "But I don't need three mens' deodorants." Stockpile these items, and when you have a substantial amount, take them to a local shelter.  Paying it forward is as rewarding as getting a sweet deal!                                   

Cheap Diapers: How to Work Amazon Mom

     One great way to get cheap items for your kids is by using Amazon Mom.  They offer a service called Subscribe and Save which saves you 30% off the top of all the items you need: formula, wipes, diapers and more!  You will even get FREE shipping!  This is a great way to score some sweet deals on your basics.
    But wait!  There's more!  Amazon regularly puts coupons in Mom-ish magazines, such as Parenting and Baby Talk.  This month's Baby Talk has a $10 off coupon good for anything on coupon mom!  Don't subscribe?  It's easy to sign up for FREE.  Just head over to babytalk.com to sign up, and get these savings, and many other great coupons.  Free issues of the magazine are also available to take in hand at Babies R Us and Burlington Coat Factory.
     Here's one scenario:
          Buy a box of Luvs size 1 diapers (264 count), regularly priced at $35.54.  With Suscribe and Save, pay only $24.88.  Use $10 off coupon to pay only $14.88 with free shipping! That's only 5 cents a diaper delivered to your front door!

     Subscribe and Save is a service that allows you to get repeat orders of the baby products you use the most.  If you do not wish to repeat your order, simply log in to your account, and cancel the service.  It is very easy to do. Note: Don't cancel subscribe and save until your order has shipped.

UPDATE: There is also a $10 off coupon in the March issue of Parenting.  Be the next person to follow this blog, and I will send you a coupon code to save $10 on Amazon Mom!  Just comment with your email below, and follow We Can Do It Girls!

Awesome Website for FREE Templates!

     I just found this fun website called Mirkwood Designs that offers pdf formatted templates for FREE.  You just choose the ones you want, and print them off. How sweet is that?  The templates are for envelopes, cards, boxes, bags, and more.  I was excited to find a template for library card envelopes. What will you be able to use?  Check it out!

What I'm Working On Wednesday

     Our family is currently preparing for an upcoming move to Newport, Rhode Island, but that doesn't mean things will slow down for us to catch our breaths.  Things here are as busy as ever while I am simultaneously finishing up my MOPS group's newsletter, a cookbook compiled by the MOPS ladies, getting our house ready to rent out, and training for a half-marathon that is only a month away now.  Oh, yeah, and being Mommy to my little rug rats.
    That being said, I can always find a little time to be creative.  It is my outlet.  So here's what I'm working on today: a bunch of thank-you notes for the helpers at church who watch our kiddos while we do "official" MOPS business.  I'd rather be busy than bored!  Hope you're enjoying your Wednesday!

 This set of cards will be monogrammed for a customer.

I just received this shipment of envelopes with European flaps.  I heart envelopes!