Honey Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal is an amazing natural moisturizer, gentle exfoliant, skin soothing element. To use as a mask combine raw oats that have been pureed into fine dust with olive oil, honey and water to make a paste. Apply to face and reswt under a hot towel for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off and enjoy a baby-soft face.

Ingredients for 1/2 pint jar:
1 cup ground oats
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp honey
~Combine until thick. Use immediately, or withing 5-7 days

Oatmeal Bath

My kids have very dry skin, and this is an inexpensive way to give them the luxury of having an oatmeal bath anytime they want. Great for those with eczema or sunburns too!

Supplies:
Quick cooking oats

Directions:
Place dry oats into a coffee grinder, blender or food processor. Grind until very fine & store in an airtight container. (6 cups of whole oats made 1 quart of oatmeal bath) To use in the bath dissolve 1/4-3/4 cup of ground oats in the bath water. Soak & rinse.

Bird's Nest Charm

These are easy to make and completely adorable --- perfect for mom or grandma :)

Supplies:
Thin jewlers wire
Small beads (birthstone colors??)

Directions:
1. Thread your first bead onto the wire leaving a 2 inch tail.
2. Add any additional beads.
3. Wrap the wire several times around the beads to create a "nest" appearance.
4. Secrure the beads by wraping it around the outside to hold the nest in place. Clip wire and tuck in loose end.
5. Use the 2 inch tail to create a loop at the top of your nest, then clip and hide the end.
6. Wear it on a neacklace, bracelet or keychain.

Kettle Corn

I have been told this is the "best popcorn in the world." Whenever I bring it to a gathering I always get requests for the recipe!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup corn oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup popping corn

Directions:
1. Heat the oil, sugar and popcorn in a large pot on high.
2. Using hot pads hold the lid on while shaking the popcorn frequently. Because of the sugar - it is important to keep shaking it every few seconds or it will burn.
3. When the popping slows down - remove from heat and add salt to taste.
4. Pour into a bowl and allow to cool. It will harden as it cools - toss it gently to loosen. Makes approx. 10 cups of popcorn or enough to fill 2 medium tins.

Family 5 Year Journal

This craft was inspired by a pin I saw recently - jot down a note about your day that year and enjoy looking back to see where you have been and what special things have happened over the years. This journal version is more compact and doesn't have the risk of being scattered across the floor or down the stairs when your kids get a hold of it. (Just keep the pens out of reach)

This would be especially neat for a newly-wed couple or for a new baby. Wish I had started one the year we got married.

 

Example of how it might look over the years...

January 1

2013 - Celebrated the New Year in Time's Square

2014 - Celebrated the New Year with our new baby

2015 - Sarah took her first steps today

2016 - Enjoyed the countdown at a B&B in Aspen

2017 -

(apparently this family I made up has like to travel, haha)

 

Supplies:

Spiral journal

Nice pens

Scrapbook stickers

 

Directions:

1. Decorate the front and inside covers with the stickers. On the inside of mine is our last name and the yeat we were married as "est. 2005"

2. Slowly and carefully write the date for each day of the year, equally spread out on the pages. Mine had 3/page and 7 lines between each date. I messed up several times and had to tear these pages out. If you make a lot of mistakes - count the pages to ensure you will have enough at the end.

3. Include a nice pen and an invitation for the recipient to jot down a note about each day noting the year on each line.



No Sew T-Shirt Ribbon Scarf

Grab an old tshirt and lets get started!

Supplies:
XL cotton tshirt *without hemming up the sides
Scissors

Directions:
1. Cut the tshirt straight across just below the armpits
2. Cut the seam off at the bottom

 3. Stop now and stretch <----> for a thick scarf
4. For a ribbon scarf, keep cutting 1 inch strips then stretch to finish.
5. To wear, gather all the pieces and wrap twice around your neck. You can also make a chain-link with two sets if ribbon then wrap the loop around your neck wearing the chain in the front.

Monogrammed Magnet Board

A perfect place for recipes, notes or pictures!!

Supplies:
Baking sheet
Scrapbook paper
Modge Podge
Acrylic Paint
Ribbon
Circle magnets
Clear flat-bottomed glass stones
(Cricut)

Directions:
1. Paint the baking sheet and allow to dry completely.
2. Trim coordinating scrapbook papers to fit on the top of the baking sheet. Glue the paper to the baking sheet with a layer of Modge Podge.
3. Cut initials and embellishments out using your Cricut. And glue onto the baking sheet.
4. Apply a top coat of Modge Podge.
5. With a hammer and nail, make two holes at the top of the cookie sheet and string through a piece of ribbon to hang.
6. To make coordinating magnets, cut 1 inch circles from scrapbook paper and glue to the flat side of clear stones print facing against the stone using Modge Podge then unto the magnet with hot glue. Hold done firmly for 30 seconds to a minute to ensure hold.

Brown Sugar Facial Scrub

Two ingredients, easy as pie --- works like a charm! Use a Tablespoon of this scrub on your face when you are in the shower a few times a month. The sugar gently exfoliates and the olive oil locks in mositure leaving your face feeling super soft and smooth! (If it dries out before using it all, just add more oil)

Ingredients:
Light Brown Sugar
Olive Oil (the more "virgin" the oil the stronger the smell will be, but any of them will work)
Jars for gifting

Directions:
Pour unpacked brown sugar into jars & slowly add olive oil until the sugar is saturated and no longer absorbs the oil. It will begin to pool on the top of the sugar. Enjoy!

Hand Warmers - Simple Photo Tutorial

These Homemade Hand Warmers are the perfect size for chilly hands to snuggle with. Just pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute then slip them in your coat pockets on your way outside to play in the snow. (They also work as mini-ice packs for kids when you put them in the freezer)

 

Supplies:
1/2 cup to 1 cup long grain rice (not minute rice!!) PER set of 2
1/4 yard of flannel (makes 10 sets)
(sewing machine)

Directions:

1. Fold fabric in half with wrong side facing out. Cut fabric into 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch squares. You will end up with 40 squares. Sew pairs together wrong-side facing out on three of the 4 sides, leaving one side open.

2. Turn them right-side out and fill each warmer with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rice.

 

3. Fold over a 1/4 inch seam and sew together, keeping as close to the edge as you can.

 

 

 4. Trim thread and you are done! :)



DIY Mug

As you probably know homemade gifts are always welcomed and DIY mugs are very popular this year!!! You can find plain white mugs at the dollar store and pack of Sharpies most places office supplies are sold. Grab a big pack full of lots of colors and have fun!! Decorate your mugs then bake at 350 for 30 minutes to make your design permanent. :)

 

Fool's Toffee

This fast and easy toffee is always a hit - one batch makes enough for 6-10 gift tins. :) I purchased tins and holiday liners from the dollar store plus the ingredients for 10 small gifts for less than $20.

 

Ingredients:
1 box Saltines
3 cups butter
3 cups packed brown sugar
3 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 bags chopped nuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a jelly roll pan with tin foil. Place a single layer of crackers on the pan. Meanwhile, boil sugar and butter stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes.

Pour hot caramel over crackers and spread evenly. Bake crackers for 5 minutes. After removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crackers immediately.

Once they have started to melt, spread evenly over crackers and top with nuts. Allow to cool for at least 12 hours for chocolate to set. Once chocolate is firm break into pieces and place into tins.

Magnetic Frames

These magnetic frames are such an easy way to dress up your fridge! Just attach extra strong magnets to the back of frames from the dollar store with a hot glue gun. Then place over you favorite kids drawings, Christmas cards or pictures. You can also use the glass to write notes to your love with a dry erase marker. ;)

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Pair this creamy homemade cocoa mix with chocolate dipped plastic spoons, a plain white mug & a sharpie for a complete DIY gift.

Ingredients:
2 cups sifted Hershey's cocoa powder
2 cups dry milk powder
1 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup powdered coffee creamer (try seasonal favorites like egg nog, pumpkin spice, or peppermint)

Recipe yields 1qt jar. Stir 3 heaping spoonfuls of cocoa mix into hot water or milk. Enjoy topped with whip cream or marshmallows!!

**Use the sharpie to decorate your own mug them bake at 180 degrees for 30 minutes to make it permanent.**

Fingerprint Nativity Cards

These adorable Christmas cards are sure to bring a smile to your loved ones this year! Grab your kiddos and let's get started!!!

Supplies:
8.5x11 white card stock
Ink pads
Fine tip markers

Directions:
1. Cut the card stock pages in half to yield 5.5x8.5 sheets. Fold each of these in half to create your cards.

2. Place a fingerprint for baby Jesus in the center of the page and one for Mary and Joseph on either side. Tilting them slightly towards the manger to give the appearance of bowing. Place three fingerprints to one side of the manger that will become the three wise men, and two on the other side that will become shepherds. Finally, place a fingerprint at the top to make an angel.

3. Draw a open house surrounding Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, a manger beneath baby Jesus and a star above the house.

4. To draw the details on the characters... draw small arcs for closed eyes, crowns on the wise men, and shepherds croaks for the shepherds. Draw wings and a halo on the angel and a small o mouth for a singing mouth.

5. To draw the head coverings for Mary, Joseph & the shepherds - start by drawing a curve from the forehead to the back of the head. Next draw the back of the covering beginning your line at the forehead where you started the curve and following the outline of the head down the 'back'. Finally, draw the front of the covering from the ear-line of the covering downward meeting at the bottom if the back line in one continuous line. (See illustration above) They don't have to look perfect - the imperfections are part of the charm.

6. Finish your cards with a greeting and fingerprint family signature inside!! :)

These go quickly once you have done a few. Line up a bunch of cards side by side and finish one step at a time. Or set up an assembly line with each person assigned a specific element if the cards. Put on some Christmas music and enjoy a special time with your kids creating the adorable JOY offerings.

PS - Just as a heads up....your fingers will probably be stained for a day or two after ;) 

DIY Skinny Jeans

I got the urge to break out my sewing machine this morning & look at what I made!!!!

Time: 30 minutes
Cost: Free!!
Skill Level: Beginner Sewer (with basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine).

Step 1: Grab a pair of boot-cut jeans that fit you at the hips/waist and upper leg.

Step 2: Turn your pants inside-out and put them on. Pin the loose material together close to your calf on both sides starting just above the knee. Take them off and mark them along the pins with a marker.

Step 3: Stitch a loose hem on the line. BEFORE YOU CUT THE EXCESS --- Try the pants on to make sure they fit the way you want them too. (The ankles and calves on mine were too small the first time). Make adjustments if needed and when you are satisfied, sew a secure line or serger. Lastly, trim the excess material from the outside at 1/4 inch.

Freezer Meals: White Chicken Chili

Prep Time: 1 hour or less if you have precooked chicken

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 small onion, diced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups green chili
2 cans great white northern beans, rinsed and drained

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and freeze in a ziplock bag.

To Prepare: Defrost overnight, cook in crockpot 4-6 hours on high, or all day on low. Serve topped with cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and tortilla chips.

More Ideas for Soups from the Freezer:
Black Bean Soup
Minestrone
Chicken Noodle Soup
Taco Soup
Baked Potato Soup
Squash Bisque

Freezer Meals: Breakfast Buritos

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pkg large flour tortillas
1 dozen eggs
1 lb sausage
3 cups frozen diced potato, thawed
2-3 bell peppers (any color)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium yellow onion
16 oz green or red salsa

Directions:
In a large skillet cook eggs and sausage (scrambled). Add diced onions and peppers, cool for an additional 3-5 minutes. Combine with potatoes, salsa and cheese in a large mixing bowl. Spoon 3/4-1 cup into warmed tortillas. Roll up turning in ends to enclose completely. Wrap with parchment paper, then a second time with foil. Freeze individually in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

To prepare: Remove foil from frozen burritos. Microwave for 5-7 minutes on high turning halfway. Or bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Top with additional salsa, cheese and sour cream.

More Freezer Meal Breakfast Ideas:
Waffles
Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet Breads
Muffins
Breakfast Sandwiches
Biscuits & Gravy

Freezer Meals: Baked Macaroni

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
16 oz uncooked macaroni
16 oz sour cream
16 oz cottage cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 cups sliced hot dogs or cocktail wieners (optional)

Directions:
Purée sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese and milk. Combine with macaroni and hot dogs. Freeze until ready to cook.

To prepare: Defrost overnight. Bake for 1-1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees F. Or in the crockpot for 3-4 hours on low.

More Ideas for Pasta:
Lasagna
Baked Pasta
Manicotti
Stuffed Shells
Minestrone
Pesto

Freezer Meals: Chicken Divine

Prep Time: 1 hour or less if you have cooked chicken on hand

Ingredients:
2 cups chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli, lightly cooked and chopped
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayo
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup dried bread crumbs

Directions:
Mix together cream of chicken soup and mayo. Layer ingredients in a freezer safe baking dish as follows: (from bottom) chopped broccoli, shredded chicken, cream mixture, shredded cheese, bread crumbs. Cover with aluminum foul and freeze for up to 2 months.

To use, defrost overnight then bake at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes. Serve over rice.

More Freezer Meal Ideas for Chicken:
White Chicken Chili
Chicken Pot Pie
Taco/Burrito Filling
Enchiladas
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Filling
White Chicken Lasagna
Marinated Chicken Breasts

Freezer Meals: Meatballs

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup dry stuffing mix
2/3 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup diced onion
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and moisture rung out well!

Directions:
Crumble spinach into the beef mixture and combine ingredients well. Using a melon baller make small 1 inch meatballs. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet or other non-stick baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool to room temperature. Freeze in a single layer on a cookie lined with parchment, then store frozen in a ziplock bag for 1-2 months.

To reheat bake frozen meatballs for 30 minutes or in the crockpot with sauce of your choice at least 3-4 hours.

More Beef Freezer Meal Ideas:
Pot Roast*
Shepherds Pie*
Taco Filling
Enchiladas
Burritos
Meatloaf
Sloppy Joes
Chili
Lasagna

*Raw potatoes do not freeze well, make sure they are cooked for several minutes before freezing. Milk should be added to mashed potatoes after thawing to avoid runny potatoes.