I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, crafter, and blogger living in rural New England. As seen in Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Magazine, and more!
| Tutorials, DIY, crafts, parenting tips, recipes, money saving tips, product reviews, local product features, New England living, intentional living, and more! |
Posted in: favorite finds
I'll be having a really fun feature with Allison Cole Jewelry - and a *givewaway* coming to the blog soon! You don't want to miss this one ;)
Can't wait? You can use the coupon code BIRCHLANDING to get 20% off everything at Allison Cole Jewlery
Totally in love with my new black and gold classic rope bracelet!
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I don't know about you, but I'm obsessed with HGTV's Fixer Upper and Joanna Gaines' Industrial Farmhouse Style. Summer has me dreaming about redoing our outdoor spaces so I thought I'd put together a collection of great Amazon finds to bring you some farmhouse inspiration on a budget. | This post contains affiliate links |
Click text for direct link to item on Amazon
| Westinghouse Watts Creek Wall Lantern | Mason Jar Wild Bird Waterer | Coca Cola Bottle Opener |
| Zinc Pitcher | White Porch Rocker |
| Red Enamelware Mug | Rustic Tin Planters |
| English Garden Trowel | Country Church Birdhouse | Rustic Wooden Crates |
| Game of Horseshoes |
| Chicken Wire Jar Lantern | Galvanized Beverage Tub | Trellis Panel |
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I've been selling my hand-etched ornaments and other small crafts locally and from my Etsy shop for a little while now, and I've learned quite a bit during this time. In the beginning I was totally "winging it" and looking back now there are a few things that I really wished I had started right from the get-go. | This post contains affiliate links |
DISCLAIMER: Always consult a local tax and business professional for the best advice for your situation regarding finances and how to legally set up your business.
In the beginning this all started out more as a hobby than anything else, and so I never kept my receipts from supplies bought, postage, etc. I really didn't know how much I was spending vs. how much I was making or if it was really profitable. However, you need to keep track of how much you're spending for these things - this is especially important for taxes (whomp, whomp) since you can write off a lot of your expenses, but only if you have the receipts. You can use a receipt organizer to make it a little easier to file and organize everything for your records.
Knowing how much everything costs for your business (craft supplies, packaging materials, etc) as well as how much you use is important for planning ahead and having enough materials on-hand. In the beginning you can expect a learning curve where you'll run out of padded envelopes or ribbon from time-to-time. But figuring out your demand and flow of goods and materials can help make sure you always have enough supplies on-hand without having too much surplus (also not good).
Keeping a separate bank account really helps keep track of expenses as well as makes sure you're only spending what you're making and not more. Consider opening a new checking/debit account (and possibly a credit card) and use those methods of payment for all business related expenses - buying supplies at the store, shipping items, etc. When Etsy payments are deposited, or checks from wholesale orders, they should go into this checking account. By only using the money you're making to spend on expenses you won't go into debt. Also make sure to set some money aside to pay yearly or quarterly taxes if applicable (your accountant can help you figure that out).
Keeping track of expenses vs. income can be hard and it's easy to forget infrequent or small expenses that can really add up (yearly website hosting, Etsy listing fees, advertising, items sent to bloggers for collabs, etc). You'll definitely want to create or purchase a spreadsheet template to keep close tabs on all of these expenses.
Rather than try to make one myself, several months ago I purchased the Etsy Seller Spreadsheet from Paper + Spark and was really impressed! Janet from Paper + Spark is a Certified Public Accountant, so she really knows her stuff. The Etsy spreadsheet template can input all the data (sales, Etsy selling fees, listing fees, etc) right from Etsy and populates them into the spreadsheet for you so you don't miss anything. There are also sections you can customize so you can put in expenses from website hosting, office supplies, etc or income from local craft shows or wholesale accounts. It can be hard to realize how much Etsy's cut is (they charge a listing fee, a transaction fee, and a percentage of the sale), so seeing just how much their take actually is has helped me adjust my pricing better. Recording all these details was so important to finally see what my bottom line actually is - I really wish I had kept better track of everything right from the beginning!
I had purchased Paper + Spark's original spreadsheet, but Janet's since come out with more detailed spreadsheets as well as “bundles” that include documents to help you with inventory, pricing, and selling on other platforms (Shopify, Square, etc) so you can decide what spreadsheet and package is best for you and your business. And the best part? Paper + Spark’s customer service is AMAZING! Janet will continue to make available the latest version of your purchases each year. That way if Etsy or another platform tweaks anything, you’ll know that your current spreadsheet will be up to date and working properly.
Never underestimate the power of social media! Social Media is the place to see and be seen - make sure you're always posting, commenting, and connecting with other handmade buisnesses, gift shops, bigger brands, and bloggers. Always use hashtags on Instagram, but hide them in your first comment so they don't clutter up your caption. In particular, Instagram is a great place to get exposure - in fact my photos have been reposted by brands like Nuby, Kohl's, and Yankee Magazine and one was even featured in print in Martha Stewart Living Magazine! I was also contacted by Food Network Magazine to be a contributor for one of their articles.
Another great way to gain exposure and a following is to reach out to bloggers for collaborations (collabs). Usually this entails you sending your product to them, free of charge, and they will style and feature your item on their blog and across their social media accounts. You could also team up with them to host a giveaway. Some larger bloggers may also charge you a fee to collab with them, but many bloggers will feature for free if your product fits their aesthetic. This is a great way to get your name and your products out there and increase your following. And don't write-off the power of smaller bloggers either - sometimes the smaller bloggers (aka, micro influencers) have the most active and devoted followings.
DISCLAIMER: Always consult a local tax and business professional for the best advice for your situation regarding finances and how to legally set up your business.
If you're thinking of opening a brand new Etsy shop, please feel free to use my referral link HERE - and we'll both earn some free listings on Etsy :)
- I purchased Paper + Spark's products myself and was so impressed that I chose to become an affiliate. All my opinions are my own and I honestly love her product. As an affiliate, if you purchase anything from her site using my links I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you -
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Amazon is a lifesaver in our house. We live about an hour from the nearest big box store, so whenever we run out of paper towels, cereal, garbage bags, dog food, whatever - Amazon comes to the rescue. We've been Amazon Prime members for years now, which grants us FREE 2-day shipping on most items on Amazon. Right now we also use Amazon Video exclusively for our streaming TV service.
This year Amazon Prime Day is July 12th, which means that Amazon will be having Black Friday-type deals that day but for Prime members only. If you're one of the few people out there that doesn't have Amazon Prime yet, you can click the link below to start your Free 30-Day Trial and take advantage of the savings on Prime Day. Happy Shopping! :)
| Affiliate Link |
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I'm a New Hampshire native, born and raised. I love this state and all the great things it has to offer. I thought I'd share some of our favorites - from the city, mountains, ocean, and countryside, New Hampshire has it all!
- This list will be continually added to, so be sure to check back often for more ideas -
Located in the White Mountains, The Flume is a fairly short loop trail that brings you right through a narrow gorge with a rushing river and several waterfalls. There is a covered bridge, stairs, and deck walkways to help you through the tricky parts with ease.
I confess I'm biased to this place - afterall it's where my husband popped the question and where we got married :) But Castle in the Clouds does offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Lakes Region from the lawn of the Lucknow Estate (aka "The Castle"), where you can also explore the rooms of the mansion during your-self guided tour. There are also miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and a restaurant on site.
Pancakes - do we really have to say more..? But seriously folks, Polly's has amazing pancakes, delicious hearty breakfasts, and great views of the mountains. We recommend making the trip up there in June for the Lupine Festival and checking out the gorgeous fields of lupines in bloom after your hearty breakfast.
Strawberry Banke, a 10-acre historic collection of buildings along the seaside in Portsmouth is rich in history and historic architecture. The buildings on the property span 300 years and costumed guides and artisans fill you in on interesting stories and facts from an era gone by. I especially love seeing all the quirky features of the buildings there.
As "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," Wolfeboro does the Fourth like no one else with the largest parade in the state complete with their traditional Precision Lawn Chair Drill Team, Antique Tractor Brigade, and Presidential hopefuls. Jimmy Fallon and Mitt Romney are frequent attendees of the parade.
The Isles of Shoals is a group of islands off the coast of NH is known for it's rugged coastal beauty and it's historical significance. Guided tours are available through the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. (Taking a tour of the islands is something we haven't done ourselves yet but have been meaning to for years - this year we plan to change that though and finally go!)
There are various places around NH that offer this new trend, one being Full Moon Paddleboard in Wolfeboro. It's a lot of fun and adds a whole other level to your yoga practice. Whether you're a yogi master or just a beginner, you'll have a fun (yet challenging) time.
There are many places throughout the state that offer zip line tours and obstacle courses. We've gone with Alpine Adventures in Lincoln before and highly recommend them - great staff, great views, and a lot of fun.
There are countless mountains and great hiking trails in New Hampshire (this website is a great resource for trail info), but Mount Monadnock is definitely the most popular. After all it's one of the most-hiked mountains in the world, and with good reason - a moderately difficult hike rewards you with great 360-degree views atop it's rocky peak. If you hike Mt. Monadnock we recommend getting there early to beat the crowds, then getting lunch and ice cream at Kimball's in Jaffrey after.
A must-do, the Cog Railway brings you up Mount Washington (the tallest mountain in the Northeast) on the first mountain-climbing train in the world! Make sure to bring extra clothes for the summit since Mt. Washington is also home to some of the world's worst weather.
There are countless campgrounds across the state, with varying degrees of amenities. Two of our personal favorite campgrounds are Fransted Campground in Franconia and Crawford Notch Campground in Hart's Location - both are family friendly, well-kept, and convenient to hiking trails.
There are also many canoe tour companies throughout the state, but we really love Contoocook River Canoe Company in Concord, NH. They offer many choices for rentals, shuttles, and tours of surrounding rivers and lakes. I've done the 9-mile Contoocook River Tour a few times and can't say enough great things about it.
A true NH novelty, Clark's Trading Post is a little theme park tucked away in the White Mountains. It's best known for it's trained black bear act and "The Wolfman," an ornery prospector who chases the train ride to keep visitors away from his mine.
Portsmouth is a gem of a city tucked away along the seacoast - there are countless amazing restaurants to eat at, unique shops to explore, and historic buildings to see. Get into downtown before 11AM to best ensure finding a parking spot in the downtown parking garage, then spend the rest of the day eating and shopping your way through town.
The Fisher Cats is NH's own Minor League baseball team - their beautiful new ballpark is located conveniently in Manchester where affordable tickets ensure everyone can enjoy America's favorite pastime.
Storyland is a wonderful theme park where kids of all ages will find rides and attractions to enjoy. I have so many great memories of going to Storyland with my parents and exploring the different themed areas. Our young daughter really loves Storyland as well and I'm so excited to share the experience with her too.
If you have a Thomas fan in your family, going to A Day Out with Thomas in North Conway is a must. You'll not only be able to meet Thomas, Percy, and Sir Topham Hatt but you'll also be able to go for a ride on the famous trains!
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Well, I finally did it! I ran my first Half Marathon :)
Finally completing a Half has been about seven years overdue. I got stress fractures training for one in 2009 and gave up running long distances for awhile after that. But this time with a great plan by my sister-in-law that focused on interval training over long distance runs I was finally able to accomplish my goal injury-free. I'm very thankful that I was able to do it, along with all the support I got from family and friends, and especially my husband.
Before the start of the race, so nervous!
If any New Englanders are looking for a great Half Marathon to run, I'd highly recommend the Maine Coast Half. It was great, fun race with beautiful ocean views - and you get Shipyard beers at the end ;)
Now that I've done this Half, I'm looking forward to focusing more on the blog and my Etsy shop again - so look for more coming soon from Birch Landing Home!
After the race is done! Ahhhhh...
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Ibotta isn't new, I'd heard a lot about it but was always a bit skeptical... "So I buy groceries and the things I always do and get some money back for it? Really??" Sounds too good to be true, right?
Well that's what I thought at first, until a few friends signed up for the app and converted me. The only "catch" to this program is that in exchange for earning money back on your purchases, you're providing some market research info to Ibotta.. that's it. Pretty good deal, right? | This post contains affiliate links |
Signing up for Ibotta is easy - download the app and create an account (pssst, right now they're offering a $10 bonus for new users!). Then search for the retailer (Walmart, Target, Hannaford, Kohl's, etc) you will be shopping at next and scroll through the available offers. When you see an offer for something you want to buy, click on it and view a short advertisement or answer a basic multiple choice question (i.e. "What's your favorite brand of orange juice? - A, B, C, or D"), once you complete that simple task the offer is now unlocked and is able to be redeemed.
Rebates for validated purchases are automatically deposited into Ibotta, usually within 48 hours. Once you hit a minimum of $20 (which isn't that hard), you can transfer that money to your PayPal account - it's real money.
One of my favorite parts of Ibotta is that they always have some rebates for things you buy every week but will very rarely, if ever, get coupons for. I'm talking about things like dairy products, juice, eggs, fruit, and vegetables - and these rebates are for any brand, even organic!
These "any brand" rebates can vary from week-to-week on what's offered and the exact rebate amount, but the milk, bread, eggs, and a particular type of fruit or vegetable rebates are pretty standard and seem to be offered almost every week. For example right now on Ibotta they have $0.50 back on a gallon of milk, $0.50 on eggs, $0.50 on a package of sliced bread, $0.25 on bananas, and $0.25 on tomatoes. These are items that most people buy every week, and even if you only used Ibotta for these five rebates each week you would save $104 (!) over the course of the year! (I used the current rebate amounts as an example, however keep in mind that some weeks the rebate amount on items like these may vary - but you get the point.)
Another great thing is that you can use Ibotta in conjunction with manufacturer and store coupons, store loyalty programs, sales, etc. For example - the other week I bought Glad trash bags at Walmart; they cost $8.99 - Ibotta had a $2 rebate and then the Walmart Savings Catcher App found the same trash bags cheaper at Shaw's so it credited me the $1.49 difference. So instead of $8.99, the trash bags only cost $5.50 = savings of $3.49 (40%) just on this one item!
So far I've only used Ibotta at the grocery store and Walmart, but you can use it at so many other places too - like restaurants and clothing stores! You can even "star" your favorite stores to save them on the home screen, that way it's fast and easy to look up rebates on the fly when you're in the store.
Whenever you refer a friend to Ibotta you earn $5 in your account (wahoo!) as well as add them to your Team. Ibotta always has ongoing bonuses each month to reward teams to save more - for example, right now if you redeem 10 rebates this month and your Team collectively redeems $15 of rebates, you earn an extra $1 in your account. There are several "Levels" each month, and the more you and your team use Ibotta, the more levels you achieve and the more money in your pocket. This is all easy to accomplish if you invite a lot of friends ;)
I know, I know - you want to know the bottom line. So I've been using Ibotta for almost a month and I currently have $23.75 in my account. $10 of that was my sign-on bonus, so $13.75 was earned in rebates and bonuses. That doesn't seem like a ton, but the grocery store in our town actually doesn't participate with Ibotta (it's an independent grocer), so I can only use it when I make a trip to the big chain stores. Also, because we buy a lot of organic and natural foods, $13.75 is also more than I usually can save with coupons since coupons for those items are few and far between. I've also made a point not to buy anything that I wouldn't normally buy, because I wanted to be realistic and get a sense of what I can earn back for our essential items.
My earnings may not seem like a ton, but it's money in our pocket and it certainly helps! You can also be more proactive so save even more - I have a friend who meal plans around what's available on Ibotta and saves an average of $35+ every month. You also earn a $5 referral for every friend you get to sign up (which I haven't done yet, but certainly will be doing). Overall, I've really enjoyed using Ibotta so far and will definitely continue to use it.
If you'd like to sign up for Ibotta, please use my referral link here or enter in my referral code: jkuddhs
This post was not sponsored and all opinions and experiences are my own. This post does contain my referral link to Ibotta, if you sign up using this link I will earn a small referral bonus (the same one you can earn too for referring others).
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As you probably know already, I love supporting local makers and buisnesses so I thought it was time to make a group board on Pinterest to support New England Made Products. This board will be a collaboration where New England-based crafters and small buisnesses can share their beautiful goods.
If you're interested in joining please give me a follow on Pinterest and send a message requesting to join the group board.
As of right now there's just my items on the board, but I can't wait to get more collaborators and see more beautiful New England-made products on here too!
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