Thursday, August 30, 2012

Doily topped gift bags

 
Made from newpapers.  I think anyone would be impressed with this gift wrap.  You could even do this with sturdy wrapping paper or sheet music. 
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Christmas tree made with leftover ribbon

Photo: christmas tree made with leftover ribbon

Pin loops of leftover ribbon to a styrofoam cone to create a Christmas tree for a centerpiece or table decoration.

The White Silk Purse: Laundry Soap

The White Silk Purse: Laundry Soap

Soft scrub

Soft scrub

Makes 2 squeeze bottles (mix in individual bottles!)

1/2 cup baking soda per bottle (1 cup total)
1/2 cup Borax per bottle (1 cup total)
1/2 cup Castile soap per bottle (1 cup total)
15 drops essential oil per bottle (30 total)
Splash or two of water per bottle (get it to the consistency you want)


 
Scrub into tubs, sinks, and toilets—let sit, then rinse

Glass cleaner

Glass cleaner
Makes 2 medium bottles

4 cups hot water
2 tbsp cornstarch (dissolve)
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup vinegar

Shake often to keep mixed.
 

All-purpose cleaner

All-purpose cleaner
Makes 2 medium bottles

Use on all surfaces except maybe granite, wood furniture, and food areas like cutting boards.2 cups hot water
2 tbsp Borax (dissolve)
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup Castile soap
40 drops essential oil

Vampire Pumpkin Halloween Craft

Photo: Make a vampire pumpkin! 
from Martha Stewart.com
http://www.marthastewart.com/852771/fanged-pumpkins
Make a vampire pumpkin!
from Martha Stewart.com
http://www.marthastewart.com/852771/fanged-pumpkins

Your Guide to the Best Laundry Stain Removers

Your Guide to the Best Laundry Stain Removers

Your Guide to the Best Laundry Stain Removers

Your Guide to the Best Laundry Stain Removers

Recycle Baby Food Jars into a Hot Chocolate Snowman

Hot Snowmen: 3 pint size or baby food jars. One for hot chocolate mix, one for mini marshmallows & one for peppermints. Black plastic measuring cup for hat, cut up new dish towel for scarves Cute gift idea.
Thanks Country Crafts

Photo: Hot Snowmen: 3 pint size or baby food jars. One for hot chocolate mix, one for mini marshmallows & one for peppermints. Black plastic measuring cup for hat, cut up new dish towel for scarves Cute gift idea.

CD Sleeve as a Cookie Envelope

This is a really cute way to give a small gift to someone in a very elegant way.  Upcycle a CD envelope into a gift package for a special cookie.  I love this idea for the people I work with, because there are so many and it is a nice way to give a little holiday cheer to everyone.

Photo: CD sleeve as cookie envelope - la semplice bustina porta CD diventa un pacchetto regalo per biscotto http://creativeinspiration.tumblr.com/post/3204456272/sweepmeup-this-is-very-cool-using-a-cd-sleeve

Recycled Soda Bottle Rocket Booster Halloween Costume

This would be so cute for a Halloween costume.  Easy to do with recycles 2 liter bottles.

 
 

From an Old Business Shirt to a Bottle Gift Bag

Photo: old business shirt to a Business gift bottle bag!

What a pretty way to give a gift to a professional type person.  Very elegant.   I think I would just use a button cuff instead of a cufflink.

Upcycle an Old Frame into a Door Wreath

Instead of the normal wreath on the door during the holidays, why not use an old frame and create something totally unique?  Impress your guests before they even enter your home.

Photo: christmas wreath By: themagicofordinarythings

Recycle an egg carton or container into a gift box

Photo: Gift wrapping from egg carton - Pacchetto regalo usando il pacco delle uova
Decorate and egg carton or even one of those "to-go" boxes from a restaurant.  I have used the little styrofoan boxes you get burgers in too for gift boxes.  They will think you are so clever.

Cookie Tins Made from Pringles Cans

Save those Pringles cans!  They are perfect for giving cookies during the holidays.  Just decorate with some pretty paper or gift wrap, add a ribbon and you are set. 


 
 
 

Recycled 2 liter Bottle Penquin Gift Boxes

I think this would make an adorable gift box for gift giving to a special someone.  I can't imagine someone not loving this.


Found on Pinterest
 Photo

 

Popsicle Stick Snowman

You can make these cute snowmen with tongue depressors or popsicle sticks.  A great craft idea to do with the kids.  They would make a really cute gift tag or coasters.  You could even use it as a Christmas card!

Jean Pocket Gift Bags -


 
I have two old pairs of jeans that I think are going to make a come-back as these gift bags (at least a part of them will. 
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Frugal pie baking tips for tough times

Frugal Baking Tips for Pie

Posted by Warren for EverythingPies.com
Hard times are here, but you can still bake pies by stretching the dollar.


Pie Frugality, Vintage style

We are living through some tough times. This great recession has put its toll on families, not just financially but also emotionally. Our pie baking is affected as well.
What we can cook and when we eat is a daily decision for many families. Some make the choice between keeping their home or putting food on the table.

This choice includes if I can bake pies for my family. Is it necessary we have pie today? Can I afford a dessert for my family?

These choices we face as bakers are nothing new. My research of vintage pie recipes in the 18th and 19th century revealed baking frugality was a common topic.

Baking frugal was not a choice but a way of life for many cooks. They found ways to bake pies on a shoestring budget.

Housewives and mothers throughout the country got together to document ideas on how to provide for their family during difficult times. This includes baking pies.

1. Use dry or powdered milk
Use powdered milk when you can. There's no reason to use cow's milk in baking and cooking if you don't have to. You can't taste the difference once it is cooked. Keep some powdered milk made up in your fridge or make some up the night before using it for baking the next day.

Unless you have a family of growing boys, most of our milk ends up expiring and being thrown out. What a waste.

Many do not know this but powdered milk works for baking custard pies and as a substitute for condensed milk. A few minutes of your time will save you money.
This leads well into our next tip.

2. Watch those expiring dates

Bake up those ingredients that are about to expire first. Milk, eggs and butter will last just so long before expiring.

Take an inventory of your refrigerator. When stocking with new items from the store, move it to the back of the refrigerator and place the older opened item in front so they are used up first.

Did you know the average American family waste 125 pounds of food a year and $590 a year? So do not allow your food to expire just to be thrown out.

3. Shop for sales and use discount club stores

Buy butter when is going on sale and freeze it.

Things like flour and sugar are priced much lower at club stores than your local food chain store. Since these have a long shelf life, you can store them in your pantry for quite awhile.

4. Buy things in Bulk

This goes well with Tip #3. Things like sugar, flour, vanilla, chocolate chips and dried milk should be bought in bulk and stock up to save money.

5. Use fruits that are in season

Not only will they be cheaper but the quality will be better. What an excellent way to make a great pie.

6. Glean

Glean your local farms or neighbors fruit trees and berry patches. Please before you pick off the tree ask permission.

Be considerate of the property. Do not drive or step over any water systems for the plants. Farmers complain of pickers who cause damage to their property while picking.

Avoid using ladders to pick. For liability purposes keep both feet on the ground. Use a long pole with a net at the end to reach high hanging fruits.

7. Be frugal with your time and energy

Make enough pie dough for a few pies at the same time and freeze the rest for later. Baking two pies at the same time and freezing the second one, saves you time but also the energy used to heat the oven.

8. Gifts - Give a pie.

Bake a pie for some one and surprise them.

If a neighbor or farmer allows you to glean their tree, why not bake them a pie as a thank you gift. These ones will think of you during hard times and will reward you ten times over.

If they come across excess fruits, vegetables, grapes or nuts, guess who they will think of to give it to. Yes, the pie baker.

Frugal Ideas from Vintage Pie Recipes:

Thickening for pies - Pumpkin Pie from 1877
Custards were a favorate because many owned chickens and cows - Grandma's Pumpkin Pie from 1877

Pie is not just a dessert

Pie is not just a dessert. A pie baking in the oven is therapeutic to the family. It meant hope, unity and happiness. Things are tough but we will be alright.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Baby Powder Recipes



Basic Baby Powder
Ingredients
100% pure cornstarch
Directions:Dust when needed, better for your baby's lungs. You can keep it in it's original container or in a small Glad container.


Lavender Baby Powder
Ingredients
1/2 pound cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil

Directions:
Place cornstarch in a self-sealing plastic bag and add the essential oil drop by drop. Tightly close the bag and shake it to distribute the oil, breaking up any clumps through the bag. Let stand 4-5 days to distribute the essential oil. Use as needed

Budgeting for Baby: Money Advice for New Parents - DailyFinance

Click on the link below to read the story:
Budgeting for Baby: Money Advice for New Parents - DailyFinance

Homemade Baby Oil

Apply a thin layer of baby oil to the infant's feet after bathing. Gently massage the oil up the legs and over the body. Small circular strokes on the abdomen are soothing and stimulate digestion.

Baby Oil for bloating and colic
2 1/2 tbsp. sweet-almond oil
2 tsp. St. John's-wort oil
3 drops ginger essential oil
3 drops Roman-chamomile essential oil
Mix all of the ingredients in a dark bottle with a dropper top, which will help to preserve the oil and prevent bacteria from forming. Shake well before each use. The baby oil will keep for about 6 months.
Basic Baby Oil Recipe

¼ Cup Cooking Grade Almond oil
10-15 drops lavender essential oil

Pour your ingredients right into the bottle you're going to use to dispense the massage oils. Just give a good shake to blend the oils and you're all set. For a different scent, use rose essential oil in place of lavender and orange.

Heavenly Baby Massage Oil
4 ounces of oil (olive, almond, apricot, or sunflower)
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops orange essential oil

Pour your ingredients right into the bottle you're going to use to dispense the massage oils. Just give a good shake to blend the oils and you're all set. For a different scent, use rose essential oil in place of lavender and orange.

Calendula Baby Oil
8 ounces of oil (olive, almond, apricot, or sunflower)
1 ounce calendula flowers

Place the oil and calendula flowers in a crock pot on low temperature for about 4 hours to extract the beneficial properties of the calendula into the oil. Check very carefully that your oil is not getting too hot! Allow the oil to cool and then strain it using cheese cloth or a gauze diaper.

You can add a few drops of essential oils if you like. Try 5-10 drops each of orange and lavender or chamomile. For the ultimate luxury use rose essential oil.

Calendula is healing and soothing to the skin. It is excellent for massaging your babies! Calendula oil is also good for helping prevent the over-growth of yeast in the diaper area.


Easy Homemade Recipes

copyright www.easy-homemade-recipes.com

Homemade Diaper Rash Cream

Making your own diaper rash ointments is easy and not as labor intensive as you might think. Many of the ingredients are common can be found in grocery stores or health food store

Calendula Diaper Rash Ointment
1 lb. coconut oil (I use Nutiva, yellow & green label)
2 good handfuls calendula petals (health food store)
Comfrey leaves (don’t use on a pregnant woman)

Melt the coconut oil in a stainless steel pan. Add the herbs. Cook the herbs on low heat for about 30 minutes; the petals should be crispy, not burnt. Filter the ointment into jars. Allow to harden. Use as needed.

Diaper Rash Cream

1 teaspoon mineral oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch baby powder
2 teaspoons zinc oxide ointment
2 teaspoons triple antibiotic ointment
2 teaspoons Lotramin A/F ointment (optional for yeast infections)


Mix oil and cornstarch powder to a paste. Add ointments and mix well. Place in container with lid. Apply with cotton swab.

Other Natural Remedies

Powdered slippery elm bark makes an excellent dusting powder.

Dust cornstarch right from the box on to sensitive skin areas

Alternate milk of magnesia with Crisco after each diaper change


Add several drops of lavender, calendula or rose essential oil to a spray bottle of distilled water or colloidal silver. You now have a skin-loving, antimicrobial baby-bottom wash that's totally chemical free.

Mix 1 drop of roman chamomile with 1 drop of lavender with some coconut oil (I use Nutiva, yellow & green label) and apply.


There have been many a success story using breast milk applied to the affected area

Try an oatmeal bath. Grind up oatmeal in your coffee grinder for a pleasant soak in the tub. Another way to get the benefits of oatmeal without the mess is to put some regular oatmeal (not baby oatmeal) in a small cotton bag and let it soak in the tub with your baby. Squeeze water through it every so often.

Extra virgin olive oil that has been steeped with fresh calendula. You can apply this oil at diaper changing time to help soothe and heal the rash.


copyright www.easy-homemade-recipes.com

Basic Baby Needs - What Baby Needs in the First Few Weeks - Baby Layette Needs

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Basic Baby Needs - What Baby Needs in the First Few Weeks - Baby Layette Needs