New Blog: Moonlighting Mama

Change is a good thing; it keeps us moving, and can inspire us. I had been thinking for a while that it was about time for a change here at Sugar Plum Delights. When I started this blog, it was mainly about my crafty side-business of the same name. My original goals for the blog were basically to showcase what I was working on for my Etsy shop and craft fairs and so on. But as the years went on, the blog started to evolve, and I was posting more than just crafty things. So, I decided to diversify and start a new blog: Moonlighting Mama.

With this new blog, I intend to talk not only about crafting, but to work in more cooking (see Freezer Cooking Fridays), a little design here and there, home stuff, and maybe even a little financial management. I wanted to broaden my focus and not be tied down to a certain topic, which is how I felt with the this blog.

So, please bear with me as I build this new site; fun things are coming! All of the old contect from right here on Sugar Plum Delights is there, including all of the great recipes and tutorials. More of that is coming too! Please bear with me on the design of the new blog; I'm still working on it.

And lastly, why the name Moonlighting Mama? Well, I have two children and a husband, I work full time outside the home, I have a crafty side business and a Scentsy business to maintain. Most of the work on my other projects happens after the kids go to bed, which is when the moon is up. So, I’m a mama, and I moonlight.

Thanks for reading!

Extra Holiday Cash Part 2: Sell it For Cash on Ebay

Looking to make some extra money for the holidays this year? There are multiple ways to do it, you just have to be a little savvy. This post is the second in my new series on ways to bring in some extra cash, most without dipping into your regular monthly budget. I'm by no means an expert on the matter, but who doesn't want a little extra cash here and there? Stay tuned over the next week or two as I list out more ideas to make your holidays a little less stressful on your wallet.

Part 2: Sell it for Cash on eBay

If you have some old stuff laying around that you're not using anymore, sell it for cash! If you have a lot of kids' clothes that are in good condition, but you don't need them anymore, put them on eBay and make a few bucks. This also goes for adult clothing. People are always looking for a deal, especially on kids' clothes and shoes, and even adult clothing. Brand names usually do better than generic store brand stuff, but you never know. Group like items (shirts, for example) together and sell them as a 'lot'. This time of year people are looking for gently used winter coats and boots and ski apparel. Take a few good pictures, list them, and wait. Of course there are fees associated, but they're minimal.

Household and electronics items are also popular, again, especially the brand names. This was more than a few years ago (my single days!), but one summer I basically supported myself by selling dishes on ebay. I would buy the dishes cheaply (clearance aisles at outlet stores!), then resell them for a profit. You just have to make sure that the brand name you're selling is what people are looking for before you start buying things. You don't want a pile of stuff you can't resell laying around taking up space!

If you don't have anything at home you want to sell, consider checking out yard sales and estate sales. Sometimes people just don't want the hassle of trying to make more than a few dollars on their used expensive items. That's where you come in: buy them out, clean them up, sell them on ebay! Thrift stores are another source, but you have to get there early. Find out when your local thrift store gets their shipments, or when they stock their shelves. Sometimes it's helpful to get know an employee or two. I once found a practically brand new Stephen Joseph child's backpack for $2. These bags retail for at least $20; more if they're personalized.

Again, unique, well cared for items generally do very well. Check your parents' attic or basement for the toys you had when you were a kid. Vintage toys in good condition could bring in more than you might think.

So take a look around! I have a bad habit of buying clothing that's a good deal, and then never wear it. Because of that bad habit, I'm about to start getting of some things myself! Good luck!

Want more ways to earn a little extra cash? Check back next week for tip #3. Don't want to miss any posts? Subscribe via email!

New Series: Making Extra Cash for the Holidays - Swagbucks

Looking to make some extra money for the holidays this year? There are multiple ways to do it, you just have to be a little savvy. This post is the first in my new series on ways to bring in some extra cash, most without dipping into your regular monthly budget. I'm by no means an expert on the matter, but who doesn't want a little extra cash here and there? Stay tuned over the next week or two as I list out ideas to make your holidays a little less stressful on your wallet.

1. Swagbucks - Swagbucks is basically a search engine similar to Google. In fact, your Swagbucks search results are pulled from Google, but you can earn points, or bucks, just for doing searches. It's totally random; just do a Swagbucks search anytime you would use Google, and your bucks will add up quickly. Swagbucks also releases Swag Codes every now and then to add even more bucks to your account. So what do you do with these bucks you're earning? Use them to buy rewards, of course! My favorite reward is the $5 Amazon Gift Card, which you can buy for 450 Swagbucks. If you use the search regularly and keep an eye out for codes, you'll get there in no time. You can also earn bucks from referrals, taking surveys, watching commercials, and even playing games.

I highly recommend downloading the Swagbucks Toolbar for your browser, that way it's right up there at the top of your page any time you want to do a search. There are many rewards available, including gift cards to loads of different retailers and restaurants like Starbucks, Travelocity, Restaurant.com, Alice.com, O'Charley's and Home Depot, as well as electronics, toys, home accessories, and more. Go on, check it out.

I'll be using my Amazon gift cards bought with Swagbucks to buy Christmas presents. Or maybe I'll just save them up to get that iPad I've been wanting. :)


Want more ways to earn a little extra cash? Check back later this week for tip #2. Don't want to miss any posts? Subscribe via email!