Blog Updates

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter weekend!  We sure did!  Just a few quick things!

{I wanted a picture next to the flowers - he was mad because the grass was wet.}

First - Have you heard of BlogFrog?  It's an awesome site that allows everyone to connect in communities.  Think facebook ... but in groups.  I started a group called Do It Yourself.  I'd love for you to join!  There is an open forum - start discussions, meet other people, share ideas!  I'd love to start monthly "creative meetings" (a.k.a. live chats) once we get enough members! {Click here or over on the right to join - and of course, it's free!}

 

Second - Blogger of the month party is coming up over at Today's Top 20!  My Vinyl Designer is donating yet another awesome prize!  You should really go check them out because - well - they rock.

ANNND

Third - I'm really trying to evaluate myself as a blogger.  And make sure that as my blog(s) grow that I am keeping them going in the direction that I'd like.  I started blogging so that I could inspire, be inspired and make friends who understood my excitement over things like burlap, printable fabric (ok, just fabric in general) and decorating for such holidays like Talk Like A Pirate Day (oh yes, it's a biggie in our house). 

With that said -- please join me on Twitter, email me, join the Do It Yourself Community, if you live in the Indianapolis area let's do lunch.  We don't need a blog conference to all get together! :) {Although -- I can't wait to go to one!}

Blogging/Etsy Tax Tips

I know it is Monday and it's usually blanket day, but I thought that this was something you would all be interested in!  And if you already filed your taxes this year, keep records for next year!

If you make money blogging or on Etsy you have to (ok.  You really should) claim it on your taxes.  Congrats!  You are a business owner! :) There are lots of deductions you can write off.  I'm not an accountant, so you should talk these over with yours but here are some general things that can help you save some money.

1. Internet related expenses.  Without the internet - there would be no blog right?  Hosting fees, domain name registrations, internet access, blogging software, picture storing, linky party subscriptions are all things that fall into this category.  Don't forget selling fees - Etsy, pay pal, Ebay.  

2. Your equipment. You need a computer right?  Any upgrades (memory and so forth), software (including tax software, picture editing).  And don't forget those cameras, sewing machines, and silhouettes!!

3. Do you tweet from your cell phone?  You can use part of your cell bill as a write off.

4. Any new office furniture?  {My table from the trash would not count here lol}

5. Supplies/Stationary.  Supplies add up quickly.  Fabric, thread, needles, pins, rulers, cutting mats, pens, staples, paint brushes, Stamps.  Keep all of your receipts.  Your accountant can help you go through all of them.  I write notes on mine so I know exactly what project I bought each item for.  If it's something like Mod Podge I just write general.

6. Advertising, Promo and Design.  Do you advertise on other blogs.  Ask for a receipt or print off your pay pal receipt.  Advertising also include promos and giveaways! Did you have someone design your blog.  Print off a receipt! 

7. Travel and Entertainment.  Did you go to a blogging conference?  Conference fees, travel accommodations, and dining expenses can be written off. 

8. Office Space.  Do you blog from home?  Do you have an office?  You can deem that part of your home as your office and write off a small amount of your household bills for rent plus your utilities.

I know.  It's a lot!  Just remember to save your receipts!  Make small notes on them.  I put all of my receipts into a big folder and at the beginning of each new month I sort them and staple each category together.  I also try to keep Etsy/blog stuff away from my personal stuff when I check out somewhere.  For example I was buying tablecloths and towels for an order at Target but I also had milk and a movie.  Just have them ring it up as 2 transactions.  

I also keep a sales order book on my desk.  (You can get them anywhere).  Every time someone orders something or pays for advertising I write it down.  I keep all of the receipts in the book.  I also write how I got paid (pay pal, cash, check).  Keeping them in one place makes it easy to have them ready to go!    

Any tips you have for tax time?

I'm Back....hooray for not being sick!

So while I was laying around, not doing much of anything the past few days (oh my gosh.  Friday -- I woke up, put Josh on the bus went back to sleep until 3:00.  Then back in bed by 10.  I don't think I've EVER slept that much) I was thinking.  This is my craft blog.  I love crafts.  {That's why I've got 2 craft blogs} hehe.

But I also want to talk about mommy stuff.  You know.  So I've decided -- I know - you all have heard it before.  I've started another blog. 

We're The Joneses is going to be strictly craftsy stuff from now on.  {That's why your here right??}  I may not post as much but it will be way cool stuff.  Promise.

But IF you are interested... The Supermom Club.  It's the place to be.  You know where all the cool mom's hang out.  (aka. right now...me)
I will be posting daily over there. 

Mondays - I'm starting a series called Millionaire Mommy.  Goal: Save a million big ones.  I've got to live rich on a little budget. 

Tuesdays - Recipes.  Here at Joneses we've got sweet Saturdays (which has been neglected.  Sorry..) But at Super Mom it's how to sneak veggies in, recipes, meal planning.  Basically - quick, easy, yummy, healthy, cheap.

Wednesday - Make cleaning more effective and quicker.  Organizing tips.  Simplify.

Thursdays - Things that work.  Or don't.  Reviews on products you want to know about.  And giveaways.  Yea for free!

Fridays - Family days.  Fun family activities.  Cool "holidays'' and kid friendly activities.  {And I'll show some love for the hubby's in our lives!}

Saturdays-  All about us!! We're talking about getting healthy {I know I've gained a few lbs...} beauty secrets, cool clothes {no more showering and putting lounge pants back on for me!}.  Basically.  I thought.  I've got a hot hubby (see picture below) He needs a hot wife!! {I can't honestly say how long this picture will be up...until he notices...And makes me take it down.  That...And I'm SO glad I made him buy that hat!} :)

Sunday - sharing day.  Come share what your kids did this week that was soo funny.  What you made for dinner.  What genius solution you came up with so we don't have to dust.  Anything.
I want this to be a blog-unity (made that word up...blog+community.  Get it?)  Not just be writing for someone to read.  But everyone getting to know one another.  Meeting new friends.  Having a good time.

Oh and I wish for world peace too.

But please come join me!! In about 8 hours...I'll have up a new craft for you guys here... and my first post over at SuperMom Club.  {Starting with the first Millionaire Mommy post -- an easy way to save $200!!}

Talk soon!!

Amanda

Tomorrow....

That's my teaser.  :)

I post over at This & That Creative every Tuesday and that's part of my project.  Don't worry I'm going to post it here too.  Because it is awesome. 

And I'm awesome like that. 

hehe.

Check this out!!!

I just got an email from fabric.com.  Until 11/15 you can take an additional 30% off their clearance! 

I love fabric.com.  Free shipping over $35.  Always good deals.  And now this!?  That means you can get a yard of fabric for as little as $1.74!!

Just type CLEAR30 in the coupon code at check out.

I searched through the clearance and I found lots that I'm getting.

Forest Fun Midnight Owls $4.46/yd

Forest Fun Moose Crossing $4.46/yd

Woodland Friends $4.46/yd (Do you see a theme here?) :)

This school fabric by Sevenberry.$1/74/yd

They have Christmas fabric...

This Christmas fabric by Alexander Henry. $2.49/yd

I love the Christmas Minky that they have.  $5.59/yd

I adore the whole 12 Joys of Christmas line.  $2.79/yd

And that's just the quilting fabrics!  They also have apparel, home decor fabrics as well.  I found Minky (hounds tooth - so cute) for as low as $3.50/yd!!!

Go shopping!  {My husband is so excited}

Virus

Sorry It's been awhile!  I've had a virus on my computer -- YUCK.  {Starting flu season I guess..}

Hopefully everything will be back up and normal tomorrow!!

Talk to you later!!

Mark your calendars

Sorry no tutorial today.  I figured everyone knows how to sew a pillowcase :) If you have any questions on anything you can always email me --- werethejones(at)yahoo(dot)com

Joshua's teacher sent home a note that he forgot to send home last Friday.  The kids are supposed to dress up for a Wizard of Oz party - Thursday.  Thanks, man.  Boys + Wizard of Oz = difficult.  {We aren't doing full on costume - 1. He has to sit in it all day. 2. I just spent $65 on a Halloween costume.}  I'm thinking just a t-shirt.  Probably something to do with the flying monkeys.  {I think that's the highlight for him}

Today...I sewed a zipper.  I've avoided doing this for uh...2 years.  As a google taught me how to sew, sewer it intimidated me.  (Really.  Google.  I had to google what a zipper foot looked like. Don't tell.)  But thanks to Skip to My Lou's fabulous tutorial -- I did it! 

{Please...do NOT compare my bag with hers...It's embarrassing.}

It may not be perfect.  I may need to try again.  But woo hoo!  No more velcro-ing everything! :)

Highly recommend that you go check out the tutorial and print off the pattern.  It's quick and easy.  And you can just use scraps!  Add some clear vinyl inside for a make up bag; a pocket for the inside for a credit card (I did), a little wristlet.  This would make a good gift for anyone!  {I was hoping mine would be gift worthy, but maybe the next one!}  I plan on making about 25 of these for Christmas.  {Teachers guess what you are getting?} Either they will go with matching bags, as 2nd little gift or I may throw a gift card in there. 

I also really want to try Noodleheads gathered clutch.   So much to do. 

I wrote out my project list {that needs to be done before Christmas}-- it's 2 pages front and back!  WOAH.  Lots to do...Talk to you tomorrow!!

Thanks

Dear hubby,

Thank you for cleaning up in the office.  I really do appreciate it.  However, I would really love to know where you put my cable to hook up my camera to the computer.  I have pictures I need to share in blog land.  Thanks.

I love you.


So as soon as Andy wakes up (he works 3rd shift...I don't think he would be to happy if I woke him up asking him where my cable is...) I will post pictures. 

I'm sure today's made it Monday will be interesting to a whole 3 people - one of which is not allowed to see it yet (it's a Christmas gift) but it will be here! 

Talk soon!

Welcome!

Welcome to We ARE the Joneses!

My name is Amanda (Smith, not Jones.  Still pretty original though!) I am a twenty-something stay at home mom.  I love baking, organizing, crafting, shopping and, of course, Diet Coke. :) 

This is my little corner of the blog-o-sphere.  I decided to create a blog with all of my passions rolled into one.  I chose the name because my friends now call me Mrs.Jones.  They are constantly giving me a hard time and asking 'how did you do that?' 'when did you find time to do that?' 'what is that?'.  And I don't share secrets, until now!

Monday - Made it Monday -- come see what I've made

Tuesday - Tutorial Tuesday - I'll show you how to make it

Wednesday - Wild Wednesday - come and check it out -- it's a surprise

Thursday - Thrifty Thursday - check out my weekly score or find easy tips to stretch your budget and save money

Friday - Found it Friday - I'll show you my favorite weekly finds from around the web

Saturday - Sweet Saturday - a yummy recipe (just incase you were good all week and stuck to some sort of diet, this is my evil way to ruin it right at the end!) :)
Sunday - Sneak peak Sunday - I'll tell you what's coming up!

So come back and check us out!