Wishing you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Happy 2014!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
New Years resolution
It's New Year's Eve.
A time when people like to reflect on the past year and all that has happened.
The good.
The bad.
The ugly.
It's also a time to look ahead and see all that can happen. That would be the good things.
Some like to make New Year's Resolutions. That's where they decide they are going to change something in their life, for the better. A fresh start for the new year. For some people it's to eat better, exercise more or lose weight.
I don't make New Year's Resolutions. I think it's something that one can do any time of the year. You don't have to wait until January 1st to change something about yourself. You can do that any time of year.
Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
The good.
The bad.
The ugly.
It's also a time to look ahead and see all that can happen. That would be the good things.
Some like to make New Year's Resolutions. That's where they decide they are going to change something in their life, for the better. A fresh start for the new year. For some people it's to eat better, exercise more or lose weight.
I don't make New Year's Resolutions. I think it's something that one can do any time of the year. You don't have to wait until January 1st to change something about yourself. You can do that any time of year.
Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Monday, December 30, 2013
And, how is your day going?
On the days that I work, during lunch, I text RT. I tell him how the day is going for me (if it has been busy, who I'm working with, funny things that happen). I always ask him how his day is going.
Some days he texts me right back. Others, I get the text when I'm heading home for the day.
Today at lunch i texted RT to let him know that it was real slow. I didn't hear back from him.
I imagined RT and the kids having a great time. Sledding (no matter that it was 3F outside) then heading back home for hot chocolate. Talking and laughing about all of the fun they were having.
When I left for the day, I started my car and waited a few minutes for it to warm up. I decided to look at my phone and see if RT ever had the chance during his fun-filled day to text me back.
I was happy to see a text from him. It said,
"The kids are driving me nuts!"
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Easy Homemade Gifts
Only a couple more days until Christmas! Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?
I had my week of homemade gift ideas. Hope that helped someone out there.
For you last minute people, here is a list of homemade items from past blog posts that you can make to gift to others:
Bottle cap necklace
Fun Scrapbooks
Flower Pen
Upcycling empty cans hold pens or a vase for your flower pens
Jingle Bell Bracelet (children's craft)
Homemade Bubbles
Laundry Detergent (powder)
Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade Lotion
Of course, you can take a look at my recipe section and make some cookies or brownies, too!
I had my week of homemade gift ideas. Hope that helped someone out there.
For you last minute people, here is a list of homemade items from past blog posts that you can make to gift to others:
Bottle cap necklace
Fun Scrapbooks
Flower Pen
Upcycling empty cans hold pens or a vase for your flower pens
Jingle Bell Bracelet (children's craft)
Homemade Bubbles
Laundry Detergent (powder)
Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade Lotion
Of course, you can take a look at my recipe section and make some cookies or brownies, too!
Homemade Blank Books
I thought I had a post about these blank books on my blog. If I do, I have yet to find the post!
I have made these blank books before (for myself) and think they would make a great gift for someone. They are very inexpensive to make because you are reusing products that you already have on hand! I'm all for recycling.
This is where I would say, "Take a look at my previous post for more details on the "how to" part." Of course, I can't find the previous post, so, I will have to reinvent the wheel here and give you a step by step process.
You can find these books and "how to" instructions on other blogs. I didn't come up with this idea, but, I do enjoy making them and think they would make a wonderful gift for someone on your list.
Let's get started!
Supplies needed:
cardboard (you can use an empty cereal box or tissue box)
awl or crop-o-dile
pretty paper (or duct tape)
glue
scissors
pencil
ruler
plain paper (for the inside of the book) (I used notebook paper for a couple of books)
embroidery thread and needle
First, cut off the top of your box and cut down one of the sides of the box. There is a side where the box is glued together, that's usually the side I use. At this point, you can cut off one of the side panels.
For a small book, I use a Kleenex box. I measure the size on the side of the box and cut. This way it will fold naturally and I won't have to tape two pieces of card board together. Your book will fold nicely along the lines. Just make sure to measure so both sides are even. This is where a ruler comes in handy.
Now to decorate the book. You can use pretty paper (placed to cover the wording on the card board). You can put paper on both the inside and outside if you want. Pictured below on the left is a book using the paper on the outside, the right side shows using the paper inside the book.
Below is a picture using (pretty) duct tape. I used this on the outside of the book.
Once your book is decorated, it is time to make holes in the crease of the book. I used my crop o dile. An awl will work, too.
Cut your paper that you plan on using for the inside of your notebook down to size. You will then need to make sure that it is folded and has holes where it will be attached into the notebook.
Using your embroidery thread and needle, sew up your book. I started so I left a little of the thread hanging out on the inside back cover of the book. You can also have it tie in the inside middle of the book. (I have seen some where it is tied on the outside of the book). Sew from one hole to the next. I would make sure that you hit each hole two to three times just to make sure that the paper is snug inside the book. Tie the ends together.
These small books are great to throw in your purse or backpack. Make a little smaller and it could fit in a shirt pocket.
I have made these blank books before (for myself) and think they would make a great gift for someone. They are very inexpensive to make because you are reusing products that you already have on hand! I'm all for recycling.
This is where I would say, "Take a look at my previous post for more details on the "how to" part." Of course, I can't find the previous post, so, I will have to reinvent the wheel here and give you a step by step process.
You can find these books and "how to" instructions on other blogs. I didn't come up with this idea, but, I do enjoy making them and think they would make a wonderful gift for someone on your list.
Let's get started!
Supplies needed:
cardboard (you can use an empty cereal box or tissue box)
awl or crop-o-dile
pretty paper (or duct tape)
glue
scissors
pencil
ruler
plain paper (for the inside of the book) (I used notebook paper for a couple of books)
embroidery thread and needle
First, cut off the top of your box and cut down one of the sides of the box. There is a side where the box is glued together, that's usually the side I use. At this point, you can cut off one of the side panels.
For a small book, I use a Kleenex box. I measure the size on the side of the box and cut. This way it will fold naturally and I won't have to tape two pieces of card board together. Your book will fold nicely along the lines. Just make sure to measure so both sides are even. This is where a ruler comes in handy.
Now to decorate the book. You can use pretty paper (placed to cover the wording on the card board). You can put paper on both the inside and outside if you want. Pictured below on the left is a book using the paper on the outside, the right side shows using the paper inside the book.
Once your book is decorated, it is time to make holes in the crease of the book. I used my crop o dile. An awl will work, too.
Cut your paper that you plan on using for the inside of your notebook down to size. You will then need to make sure that it is folded and has holes where it will be attached into the notebook.
yea, owls...guess whooo? this one is for?
And you are done.
These small books are great to throw in your purse or backpack. Make a little smaller and it could fit in a shirt pocket.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Thankful for what I have
The holidays are a crazy time of year. Everyone is busy running around. Buying gifts for the special people on their list. With all of this spending and craziness, it's hard to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Then, along comes someone who, when asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" Answers with, "Nothing. I have everything I need."
I know there are a lot of people that use that answer. This time, the reply came from my thirteen year old. The one with the big heart.
When I asked Alex to give me a Christmas list, he responded, "I'm okay. I already have everything I need."
Then, along comes someone who, when asked, "What do you want for Christmas?" Answers with, "Nothing. I have everything I need."
I know there are a lot of people that use that answer. This time, the reply came from my thirteen year old. The one with the big heart.
When I asked Alex to give me a Christmas list, he responded, "I'm okay. I already have everything I need."
I can't say I was shocked. He's pretty easy going. Doesn't ask for much.
His answer did make me think about Christmas and how it has turned into a shopping season. Ads and sales that try to get people to spend more money on "things." "Things" we don't necessarily need.
For us, Jesus is the reason for the season. One of the greatest gifts ever. The message seems to get lost in all of the sales and shopping.
For us, Jesus is the reason for the season. One of the greatest gifts ever. The message seems to get lost in all of the sales and shopping.
I don't think there is a way to stop the shopping frenzy that goes on for the holidays. People buy gifts and stores want to make money.
I guess it's up to each individual to decide what is important to them.
For me, it's my family and friends.
I guess it's up to each individual to decide what is important to them.
For me, it's my family and friends.
Christmas Spirit
So, RT comes up with this great idea of making cookies and hot chocolate mixes for a bunch of friends and neighbors. What a great way to spread Christmas cheer! He said he would handle it all but needed my help. (Uh oh)
singing loud for all to hear
I spent my day off making cookies and hot chocolate mixes for fifteen families. Many thanks go to my side kick, Bella. She decorated the cookies for me. After making all those cookies, decorating was not on my mind (running away sounded good). Alex made the tags and helped RT wrap the plates. They will be delivered tomorrow.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is
making lots of cookies to share.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Twine Napkin Holders
I thought I would add these twine napkin holders to my week of homemade gifts. An easy, homemade, inexpensive gift.
I purchased these beautiful avocado green shower curtain rings for next to nothing. Yea, I was wondering why they didn't just give them to me. I mean, who has avocado green in their house decor?
I took some twine and hot glue and transformed them into some pretty napkin holders. I had a little help frommy sidekick Bella. She was a little nervous about messing up. I said she will do wonderfully. And, she did.
This isn't a difficult project and it is very inexpensive to make.
Supplies needed:
shower curtain rings
twine (ribbon, washi tape, material)
hot glue
Bella and I used twine.
This is pretty simple.
Cut a good length of twine. Place a small amount of hot glue on the inside and put the end of the twine down and apply a small amount of pressure.
Wind the twine around the ring, adding hot glue to the inside every so often. Make sure the twine is tight, you don't want the avocado green peeking through. When you are done, hot glue the end so it is on the inside of the ring.
If you want, you can embellish the napkin ring by gluing on a button, a leaf or fancy jewel.
This is a project that a child can do (with help). Bella helped me make a few napkin holders. I had to handle the hot glue gun, but, she did a great job with wrapping the twine.
I purchased these beautiful avocado green shower curtain rings for next to nothing. Yea, I was wondering why they didn't just give them to me. I mean, who has avocado green in their house decor?
I took some twine and hot glue and transformed them into some pretty napkin holders. I had a little help from
This isn't a difficult project and it is very inexpensive to make.
Supplies needed:
shower curtain rings
twine (ribbon, washi tape, material)
hot glue
Bella and I used twine.
This is pretty simple.
Cut a good length of twine. Place a small amount of hot glue on the inside and put the end of the twine down and apply a small amount of pressure.
Wind the twine around the ring, adding hot glue to the inside every so often. Make sure the twine is tight, you don't want the avocado green peeking through. When you are done, hot glue the end so it is on the inside of the ring.
If you want, you can embellish the napkin ring by gluing on a button, a leaf or fancy jewel.
This is a project that a child can do (with help). Bella helped me make a few napkin holders. I had to handle the hot glue gun, but, she did a great job with wrapping the twine.
I know we did a good job.
Nick came over to me and said that they were cool.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Homemade Note cards
Today we are making homemade (handmade?) note cards. I'm cheating a little. The cards are already made. They are blank cards with envelopes that you can find at Michael's in the dollar bin.
So, I guess we are done for the day....
Oh, right. We should probably pretty them up.
This is another great gift to make for someone. It's also a great gift that a child can make for someone. (PSSST! Makes a great Secret Santa gift, too!)
I enlisted my favorite side kick, Bella, to help me with this process. She's artsy and would get a kick out of making some cards for someone.
I took a stab at making a couple of cards myself. I used a punch and punched all around the outer edges of the card. I decided to add some red paper underneath it to make it stand out a little.
At this point, I let my sidekick jump in and take this all to another level. I told her there were no limits to what she could do to the card. (scary thought) I told Bella that the cards were to be given as gifts so someone else can use them when they want to send a note (or letter). Bella didn't understand why anyone would want a card that didn't say anything inside it. She said her friends would think it was weird that she didn't write inside the cards. I then had to go into this long explanation about blank cards.
Once that 4 hour conversation about blank cards finished, I let Bella release her inner creative self and do some work on theboring blank cards. I think she did pretty good.
All set and ready to be gifted.
Not to Bella's friends, tho. They will think it's weird.
So, I guess we are done for the day....
Oh, right. We should probably pretty them up.
This is another great gift to make for someone. It's also a great gift that a child can make for someone. (PSSST! Makes a great Secret Santa gift, too!)
I enlisted my favorite side kick, Bella, to help me with this process. She's artsy and would get a kick out of making some cards for someone.
I took a stab at making a couple of cards myself. I used a punch and punched all around the outer edges of the card. I decided to add some red paper underneath it to make it stand out a little.
On the second card, I used the same punch and only punched down one side of the card
At this point, I let my sidekick jump in and take this all to another level. I told her there were no limits to what she could do to the card. (scary thought) I told Bella that the cards were to be given as gifts so someone else can use them when they want to send a note (or letter). Bella didn't understand why anyone would want a card that didn't say anything inside it. She said her friends would think it was weird that she didn't write inside the cards. I then had to go into this long explanation about blank cards.
Once that 4 hour conversation about blank cards finished, I let Bella release her inner creative self and do some work on the
decorative note cards
All set and ready to be gifted.
Not to Bella's friends, tho. They will think it's weird.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Homemade Lotion Bars
I am loving my homemade lotion that I make. The last time I made it I used Cocoa Butter and I think I like it a lot better. It's not as greasy as the Shea butter. It seems to soak in a lot faster. If you want to view the recipe, click HERE.
My problem is when I'm out and about and need to put some lotion on my hands. The cold weather seems to dry my hands out pretty quickly and bringing my big glass jar with me everywhere might prove to be a bit difficult (unless I get a larger purse?). So, I thought why not make a lotion bar so I can bring it with me.
Why am I adding this post this week? Because a lotion bar made of natural ingredients makes a wonderful holiday gift for that someone special. That someone special might just be you, so, make an extra for yourself!
I got this recipe from Crunch Betty. You can visit her website by clicking here. She has some cool things on her site. Look around.
I'm not going to go into all the details with lots of pictures. Crunchy Betty did a great job with pictures and step by step instructions.
Here's the recipe:
Equal parts of: beeswax, shea butter, and sweet almond oil (or any other carrier oil your heart desires)*
15 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)
*I used cocoa butter (because that is what I had on hand and I like how it turned out in my last batch of homemade lotion)
You knew it would be a heart shaped lotion bar, didn't you? What other shape would I make?
I have to say I love them! I don't have a tin to keep my lotion bar in. I have been putting it in a plastic snack bag so it doesn't get all over the inside of my purse.
If you make them, let me know how yours turn out. I would love to hear about it!
My problem is when I'm out and about and need to put some lotion on my hands. The cold weather seems to dry my hands out pretty quickly and bringing my big glass jar with me everywhere might prove to be a bit difficult (unless I get a larger purse?). So, I thought why not make a lotion bar so I can bring it with me.
Why am I adding this post this week? Because a lotion bar made of natural ingredients makes a wonderful holiday gift for that someone special. That someone special might just be you, so, make an extra for yourself!
I got this recipe from Crunch Betty. You can visit her website by clicking here. She has some cool things on her site. Look around.
I'm not going to go into all the details with lots of pictures. Crunchy Betty did a great job with pictures and step by step instructions.
Here's the recipe:
Simple Lotion Bar Recipe
Equal parts of: beeswax, shea butter, and sweet almond oil (or any other carrier oil your heart desires)*
15 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)
*I used cocoa butter (because that is what I had on hand and I like how it turned out in my last batch of homemade lotion)
You knew it would be a heart shaped lotion bar, didn't you? What other shape would I make?
I have to say I love them! I don't have a tin to keep my lotion bar in. I have been putting it in a plastic snack bag so it doesn't get all over the inside of my purse.
If you make them, let me know how yours turn out. I would love to hear about it!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Homemade Hot Chocolate
I know. You see recipes for homemade Hot Chocolate all over the Internet. But, you have to admit, it makes a great gift for someone this time of year (it's about 7 degrees F as I write this post).
I made the mix and had several cups of hot chocolate made so I could take some pictures, but, they all disappeared. I was a little bummed, but, I took it as a good sign when all of the mugs came back empty. :)
Here's a picture of my cup of hot chocolate. (not as exciting as the four mugs I made)
Try making it yourself. It's really easy to make. Here's the recipe:
To use: add 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix in your cup. Pour in hot water and stir.
Seal the rest in an airtight container.
(you can also use warm milk instead of water)
The best thing about gifting Hot Chocolate is making it look festive.
A couple of ideas:
Put the hot chocolate in a bag and put inside a nice mug. Maybe add a small bag of marshmallows.
Put the hot chocolate in a glass jar and tie a pretty ribbon around the jar.
I purchased a package of cone shaped bags and added the hot chocolate. I put some marshmallows on top and tied it off.
Don't forget to add a pretty tag with instructions!
I made the mix and had several cups of hot chocolate made so I could take some pictures, but, they all disappeared. I was a little bummed, but, I took it as a good sign when all of the mugs came back empty. :)
Here's a picture of my cup of hot chocolate. (not as exciting as the four mugs I made)
Try making it yourself. It's really easy to make. Here's the recipe:
Hot Chocolate Mix
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
2 teaspoons of cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
To use: add 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix in your cup. Pour in hot water and stir.
Seal the rest in an airtight container.
(you can also use warm milk instead of water)
The best thing about gifting Hot Chocolate is making it look festive.
A couple of ideas:
Put the hot chocolate in a bag and put inside a nice mug. Maybe add a small bag of marshmallows.
Put the hot chocolate in a glass jar and tie a pretty ribbon around the jar.
I purchased a package of cone shaped bags and added the hot chocolate. I put some marshmallows on top and tied it off.
hot chocolate gift
hot chocolate gift with mug
Don't forget to add a pretty tag with instructions!
Cheers!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Handmade Felt Heart Ornaments
I'm so excited about this week's "Handmade" gift ideas. These gift ideas are especially great for Secret Santa gifts! They are not very expensive to make (you might have most/all of the materials on hand!) Some of these gifts can be made by children. And on some, your child can help you.
Enough talking about it....Let's get started!
I thought I would start out the week with Felt Heart Ornaments. I chose hearts because I like hearts. I guess you can use another shape if you like. I thought this would be an easy gift idea to make for someone on your list. This ornament is also a great idea for a Secret Santa gift.
I don't have pictures for everything I did when making this ornament. I do have step by step instructions on how to make the felt ornament.
Here we go....
Supplies needed:
Paper
pencil
pins (optional)
felt (I used white, off white would look good, too)
buttons (I used red and stayed with the same color)
thread (color of your felt and the color of your buttons)
stuffing (cotton balls will work, too)
scissors
ribbon
Draw a heart. Best done free hand. And, don't try to draw the perfect heart. I know it's hard. I love drawing perfect hearts.
I drew my heart so it was a little longer and thinner.
Cut the heart out and pin to felt and lightly trace onto the felt using the pencil.
Cut hearts out and match up and start sewing on the buttons (mine are sewn on randomly).
Once the buttons are sewn on both hearts, sew the two hearts together (buttons on the outside). Take your ribbon (you don't need much, just enough so you will be able to hang onto a tree...say, 5 inches?) and fold in half and sew (I made sure that mine was sticking out of the middle on top of the heart).
Once the ribbon is attached, you can use your pins to pin the two hearts together to make it easier to sew. Now you can start sewing your hearts together. (I used white thread on my white hearts, feel free to use a different color)
Once you are halfway around, stuff your hearts and finish sewing up your ornament.
Enough talking about it....Let's get started!
I thought I would start out the week with Felt Heart Ornaments. I chose hearts because I like hearts. I guess you can use another shape if you like. I thought this would be an easy gift idea to make for someone on your list. This ornament is also a great idea for a Secret Santa gift.
I don't have pictures for everything I did when making this ornament. I do have step by step instructions on how to make the felt ornament.
Here we go....
Supplies needed:
Paper
pencil
pins (optional)
felt (I used white, off white would look good, too)
buttons (I used red and stayed with the same color)
thread (color of your felt and the color of your buttons)
stuffing (cotton balls will work, too)
scissors
ribbon
Draw a heart. Best done free hand. And, don't try to draw the perfect heart. I know it's hard. I love drawing perfect hearts.
I drew my heart so it was a little longer and thinner.
Cut the heart out and pin to felt and lightly trace onto the felt using the pencil.
Cut hearts out and match up and start sewing on the buttons (mine are sewn on randomly).
Once the buttons are sewn on both hearts, sew the two hearts together (buttons on the outside). Take your ribbon (you don't need much, just enough so you will be able to hang onto a tree...say, 5 inches?) and fold in half and sew (I made sure that mine was sticking out of the middle on top of the heart).
Once the ribbon is attached, you can use your pins to pin the two hearts together to make it easier to sew. Now you can start sewing your hearts together. (I used white thread on my white hearts, feel free to use a different color)
Once you are halfway around, stuff your hearts and finish sewing up your ornament.
felt heart ornament
All ready for the tree!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Sorry for the lack of posts. This job thing just gets in the way of my blogging life.
I have several posts in the works. Next week I am going to attempt handmade holiday gift ideas. I thought this would be the perfect time since we still have a few weeks until Christmas. These are really simple ideas. Time to get your craft on and crank out some gifts.
I have several posts in the works. Next week I am going to attempt handmade holiday gift ideas. I thought this would be the perfect time since we still have a few weeks until Christmas. These are really simple ideas. Time to get your craft on and crank out some gifts.
I have several ideas and am hoping to have enough to fill the week. (wish me luck)
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