Trying New Things

Lately, I've been getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things!

I've posted quite a few pictures of my crochet work in a few crochet groups I'm in on Facebook.  I've had several ladies ask me to do video tutorials and post them on YouTube!  I did 2 videos before, but they were mostly for a few Facebook friends that crochet.  So, I'm working on one now.

I discovered silicone wedding bands.  I.  Love.  Them!  So comfortable, they don't pinch when you're using dumbells or kettlebells, and they don't get wear and tear like metal rings.  I recently had my engagement ring resized, and in the process, the band part got flattened and thinnned, although I don't understand why...because I got it a size smaller.  Anyway, they are great!  I tried a Qalo, but it was too big, and really expensive.  I found another brand called RAAZOS on Amazon.  You can get 4 bands for $12!

  
It's a new year, and I can't wait to see what God does for us in 2017! 

How I Make a Little Money on the Side, Being a SAHM

My husband has a great, well-paying job.  I appreciate all that he does to make sure we have enough money for our large family.  Occasionally, I like to get special things, and in order to have extra money for that, I do two things:  I sell my Crochet work, and I sell on eBay.

1.  Selling my Crochet Work

I set up a free website where people can go to look at all the items I have made to get ideas.  I also sell in a local buy, sell, giveaway Facebook group.  I set up a Facebook page where I can interact with my customers, and where people can message me about their order.  Most of my orders are through word-of-mouth from my happy customers.  I would love to sell at a craft fair someday, but right now, it's just not possible.  I use my kids and myself as advertising by making them cool hats and myself nice scarves and hats.  I have been asked for a business card several times just by wearing what I make!  This past Saturday, my friend and I, with my kids, went to a craft fair and I was stopped by a woman asking where my kids got their hats!  I was able to hand her my card, and she was so excited.

2.  Selling on Ebay

My mother-in-law has a successful eBay store for homeschoolers, and she got me started on eBay.  I just sell random things.  Some are brand new that I got at a discount and wish to profit on.  Some are books or other items I have lying around my house that I wish to get rid of.  It is super easy and really fun!  It's great to have a mom who I can run prices by.  She helps me figure out how to sell and what price to set.  You can sell just about anything on eBay!  I just sold a brand new, in the box FitBit Alta for $115, and I paid $65 on Black Friday for it!  After Paypal fees, I made $46 on it!

So, these are the two ways I make a little extra money for myself.  If you're not the crafty sort, eBay is a great way to make some money.  If you are crafty, what a nice thing to make a little money doing something you love! 

What I do for Fun as a Mom of Many

Some people ask me what I like to do for fun as a mom of many kids.  (Like we are some kind of other species, I guess???)  Anyway...Here are my personal responses:

1.  I love to crochet!  I have my own business called, For the Love of Yarn.  It is a fun way to earn extra money while doing something I love.  (My website is HERE)

I learned to crochet when I was 11.  My grandmother was an avid knitter, and had shown me how.  I was not good at it, but I learned about crochet somehow.  One day when my mom and I were at JoAnns, I saw a How to Crochet book and asked my mom if I could get it.  We picked up a hook and some pretty yarn, and went home.  I loved it from the start!  It has only been in the last 2 years that I really blossomed in my crochet prowess.  I learned to read patterns, and I discovered that knowing all of the basic stitches opened up a world of endless possibilities! You can make any shape you want with different stitches;  it's mind blowing!  I love working with my hands, and creating pieces for people to enjoy. 

2.  I love to go to museums.  I love history.  I enjoy looking at old things that once were someone's possessions.  Someone used that item long ago!  It's just incredible to me.  Along those lines are antique shops.  Touching things that meant so much to people who lived sometimes 100s of years ago is just phenomenal! 

3.  I love to read!  I am obsessed with Jane Austen's novels.  I also have a few other favorite authors, such as;  Beverly Lewis, Francine Rivers, Judith Pella, Sarah Mae, Sally Clarkson, Bodie & Brock Thoene...to name a few.  It is so relaxing;  especially when paired with a nice soak in the tub!

So, those are some things I enjoy doing for fun!  What do you like to do?