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.

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.



Fabric Scraps Pot Holders

As I was pulling dinner out of the oven last week I noticed how worn out my pot holders were...after doing some checking I also learn how easy they are to make!!

Supplies:
Fabric Scraps
Heat resistant batting
18" x 9" piece of regular batting

Directions:
1. Sew together 1-2" strips of fabric until you have two pieces that measure 18" x 9".
2. Place the two pieces right side facing out with the two pieces of batting in between.
3. Quilt the pieces together using a random pattern
4. Cut the piece in half to create two 9x9 inch squares (approx)
5. Sew a strip of binding around each piece starting in the center of one of the sides.

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.

Knit Boot Cuffs

How fabulous are these!! And the best part is ---- no heel to worry about! HOOT! Because they only have to be about 6-8 inches long they are fast to make so grab your needles and some yarn and get knitting! :)


{click on photo for link to pattern}

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. :)

 

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.**

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.

Home Finance Notebook

Having all of your bills and account information in one place is so helpful and is one of the best ways to reduce stress in your home. We have tried using an expanding file in the past but have found that it is bulky and easily becomes disorganized. One solutions is to use a binder to keep everything together!

Using a 1 1/2 - 2 inch binder and a set of dividers organize your bills in one of two ways based on your preference, either by billing company or by date/month. Another helpful tool that I keep in the front of my binder is the {Account Information Spreadsheet}. I use this to keep track of all our family's bills - - - their contact information, as well as our bill informations such as amount and due date for budgeting purposes. The other resource I love is the {Bill Pay Tracker}. This helps me make sure everything gets paid each month and allows me to easily see the payment history for each account.

For more information on creating a family budget and getting out of debt I highly recommend Dave Ramsey and his program "Financial Peace University".

Calendars

Welcome back to another exciting week at Dirt Don't Hurt! This week is all about getting ogranized and I have some awesome tips for you and of course more free printables! :) Enjoy!!!

I have found that calendars can be extremely helpful or equally stressful - - - it is importnat to find a balance that will work for you so that you know what is coming up but don't feel completely overwhelmed. Here are a few free printables for you to download that may help you - {Daily Calendar} {Weekly Calendar} {Monthly Calendar} and {Celebration Calendar}

Homemade Chip & Salsa

I had an extra cup of coffee this morning so you get two homemade recipes instead of just one. :D

Homemade Tortilla Chips
Cut small tortillas (flour or corn) into wedges and place on a greased cookie sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 min or until crispy.

Homemade Salsa
28 oz canned diced tomatoes
1 small yellow onion, peeled
1 clove garlic, peeled
1-2 jalapeños
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp liquid smoke
- - - Roughly chop the onion and place in a blender with the garlic, cilantro and liquid smoke. Slice the jalapeños in half and add one half to the blender. Add the canned tomatoes with juice and pulse till combined. Taste and add additional jalapeño halves until desired heat is reached. Store refrigerated in a 1 quart jar for 1-2 weeks.

Homemade Yogurt (Photo Tutorial)

Today's recipe is one that I am absolutely IN LOVE with and cannot wait to share with you!!! Homemade yogurt tastes delicious, is inexpensive to make, and stays good in the fridge for several weeks. Enjoy!!!

Time: 1 hour active time (not good with kids needing your attention)
Cost: about $1.50/quart or less when milk is on sale ;)

Supplies:
4 glass quart jars with lids
Large heavy bottom stock pot
Candy thermometer
Cooler large enough for jars
Canning funnel (optional)
Mesh strainer or cheese cloth (optional)

Ingredients:
Makes 4 quarts yogurt
1 gallon milk (preferably whole milk)
1 small container PLAIN Greek yogurt
1/2-1 cup sugar (optional)
2-4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Step 1: Sterilize your jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. Pour hot water into the cooler and put the lid on while you prepare the yogurt.

Step 2: In a large stockpot, bring the milk to 185-190 degrees F over med to med-high heat stirring very frequently. Rinse the milk jug and refill with warm-hot water (reserve for later).

Step 3: Fill your sink halfway with cold water. Place the pot of hot milk into the water bath until the temperature reaches 125 degrees F. Stir in yogurt, sugar and vanilla gently until combined.

Step 4: Prepare your jars and fill each leaving 1/4 headspace. I like to strain the milk through the strainer to remove any large pieces, but this is not necessary. Put the lids on the jars.

Step 5: Add water to the cooler from the milk jug you reserve earlier until the temperature is 130 degrees F. Put the jars into the cooler and place the lid on tightly.

Step 6: Let the yogurt incubate in the cooler in a place where the jars won't be disturbed for 8-10 hours.

Step 7: Remove the jars and chill for 12 hours to stop incubation and to thicken.

TIPS:
- - - Lowfat milk will produce thinner yogurt.
- - - Thicken yogurt by increasing incubation time. You may need to add hot water to your cooler.
- - - I make my yogurt after the kids have gone to bed and allow it to incubate overnight. ;)

Homemade Dressings

Did you know that most dressings are super simple to make and most, if not all of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen?! Here are two of our family favorites that have replaced their store-bought companions.

Ranch Dressing
1 1/4cup mayo*
1 1/4 cup sour cream*
1 1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried parley
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
- - - Place all ingredients in a quart sized glass jar and shake well to combine. Add more milk if the dressing is too thick. Refrigerate for several hours for best flavor.
*NOTE: Plain greek yogurt may be substituted for some or all of the mayo and sour cream for a more healthy version. Keep fresh in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Coleslaw Dressing
1 1/2 cup mayo*
1/2 cup white sugar
2-3 Tbsp white vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste
- - - Mix well using a wire whisk before adding to your favorite cabbage blend. Start by adding just half of the dressing then add more as needed after refrigerating the salad. Store any remaining dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week.
*NOTE: Plain greek yogurt may be substituted for some or all of the mayo for a more healthy version.

Homemade Muffin Mix

Prep Time: 10 minutes max
Total Cost: Less than $20 for full recipe (add $10 for gift jars). Approx. $2-$3 each.

Muffin Mix
(Makes 17 cups or 9 dozen muffins)
Five pound bag all-purpose flour

3 ¾ cup white sugar

12 oz Dry Buttermilk Powder

4 ½ Tbsp Baking Powder

1 ½ Tbsp Baking Soda

1 ½ Tbsp Salt

1 ½ Tbsp ground cinnamon

1 ½ tsp ground nutmeg

- - Combine all ingredients well with a whisk and store in a large airtight container. (Recipe adapted from the original posted on grouprecipes.com)

To give as gifts, place 2 3/4 cups mix in quart sized jars and attach baking instructions (below). A muffin cup turned upside-down fits nicely over the lid of the jar, tied with rafia makes a quick & easy finish. :)

To Make Muffins:
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup water
1/2 cup oil
2 3/4 cup muffin mix
1 cup mix-ins (fruit/nuts/baking chips)

- - Combine ingredients until moistened. Scoop into greased muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Here are a few of my favorites:
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bran Muffins
2 cups Muffin Mix
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup Kellogg's Bran Buds
2 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup apple butter (or cinnamon apple sauce)

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 1/2 cup muffin mix
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup water
1/2 cup softened butter

Homemade Brownie Mix

Brownie Mix
(makes 8 cups/4 batches)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups white sugar

- - Combine ingredients with a whisk and store in an airtight container.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
2 cups Brownie Mix
1/2 cup oil*
1-2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter, softened

*NOTE: Oil may be substituted with applesauce or yogurt to reduce fat & calories.

- - Mix together brownie mix, oil, eggs and vanilla until moistened. Pour into a greased 8x8 pan (thick), or 8x13 pan (thin). Drop spoonfuls of softened peanut butter on the brownie batter and swirl in with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.