Hey friends!
I know many of you are wondering where the posts went, and why I haven't been around on this blog much lately, and let me explain.
I got a job writing for www.families.com and that is where all my scrapbooking, adoption and frugal living posts go now. So if you are looking for any of those, hop on over there and vist me at my families.com blog!
I have also been working on getting the ScribblesNScraps website back up and it is undergoing some changes. But it's on it's way and is scheduled to be up and running smoothly by the end of July. The blog that ScribblesNScraps contains will transfer over from this one - the writing blog - since writing has become my means of employment!
In additon, I got my Richmont Direct website back up and running, so if you are interested in any products, check it out.
I will be updating it soon with our new supplements and a brand new printer ink product section we have.
In the meantime, the most current information is found at families.com and I hope to see you there!
Love, Nicole
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Please Visit...
us at OUR NEW HOME!! (Please update your links)
http://www.scribblesnscraps.com/blog/
http://www.scribblesnscraps.com/blog/
Thursday, January 05, 2006
New Topic - Moving
I am in the middle of a possible move and so I figured I'd take this time to show ways to save money in a move.
Moving day is always exceptionally hard on anyone, but often it's the day's leading to it that can be the most trying.
Between all the packing, rentals, and more - it's just too much.
Today we'll start with the basics. First of all, packing supplies. There are usually a required part of moving and they probably cost the most. Ok well other than truck rental and any other misc. equiptment.
Boxes. The number one item you need when packing. First, look around you for wasy to save on boxes. You can ask department stores to save them for you, grocery stores, and any number of other establishments. Their deliveries all arrive in boxes and most of them just pitch them. So be sure to ask around and don't get discouraged by the no's you receive, some companies can just be weird about it. But most won't hesitate to give them to you. Especially if you are hauling them away!
If you can't seem to find anyone who will let you have them (which I still find VERY hard to believe) you have several options. Either you can run to Uhaul and stock up on their boxes or you can try other places. The one benefit of Uhaul is that they will take back any unused boxes and give you your money back! That's a wonderful incentive to buy from them if you're going to buy from anywhere! So there are my two tips to saving money with the boxes.
Packaging Tape. Now this is another item you HAVE to have. There needs to be some way to seal those boxes closed. So here's some tips. First, check the dollar stores. Often they sell the tape, and it's just as good as most other cheap places. If not, and there is no dollar tree or dollar store near you that actually carries packing tape, you CAN use duct tape which is fairly cheap or visit wal-mart. Wal-mart sells big packages of tape for pretty low cost. This can get you through the move with not too much leftover. If you're like me, I have several containers already here anmd they come with lids. So voila - a few cheap ways to package stuff.
Packing Materials. Peanuts, bubble wrap, newspaper - you name it. You can get very low cost packing materials by using your newspapers. Collect the free one's that get thrown on your driveway several times a week. Or pick up some free publications and save them and use them. You can tear up old magazines and other paper items to use as "cusions" inside the boxes. You can also use clothing, towels and other inexpensive ways to save on packing materials.
Rentals. One sure way to spend a lot on moving is rentals. Any kind of rental. Renting a dolly, blankets - anything. It would be more cost effective to use what you have. Not to mention you can get a dolly for around $30 or so at many different places. Depending on how many days you keep the dolly, this can add up to savings if you purchase it rather than renting it (the case with most things you rent!) The same thing goes for trucks. If you do it yourself, you're going to save a lot more money that if you hire a mover. Uhaul is perfect. Yes, it might mean a little more manpower is needed. Round up your friends, buy 'em some beers and get to work! By doing the majority of work yourself, you seriously save thousands of dollars. I can prove it - I've done it way too often!
So this is day 1 of my moving posts. Since I cannot be on everyday like I'd like, I will update as often as I can.
If you have read this far, I thank you. I will resume to regular money saving tips regularly right after this. I will keep putting small ways to save on things as we go.
Moving day is always exceptionally hard on anyone, but often it's the day's leading to it that can be the most trying.
Between all the packing, rentals, and more - it's just too much.
Today we'll start with the basics. First of all, packing supplies. There are usually a required part of moving and they probably cost the most. Ok well other than truck rental and any other misc. equiptment.
Boxes. The number one item you need when packing. First, look around you for wasy to save on boxes. You can ask department stores to save them for you, grocery stores, and any number of other establishments. Their deliveries all arrive in boxes and most of them just pitch them. So be sure to ask around and don't get discouraged by the no's you receive, some companies can just be weird about it. But most won't hesitate to give them to you. Especially if you are hauling them away!
If you can't seem to find anyone who will let you have them (which I still find VERY hard to believe) you have several options. Either you can run to Uhaul and stock up on their boxes or you can try other places. The one benefit of Uhaul is that they will take back any unused boxes and give you your money back! That's a wonderful incentive to buy from them if you're going to buy from anywhere! So there are my two tips to saving money with the boxes.
Packaging Tape. Now this is another item you HAVE to have. There needs to be some way to seal those boxes closed. So here's some tips. First, check the dollar stores. Often they sell the tape, and it's just as good as most other cheap places. If not, and there is no dollar tree or dollar store near you that actually carries packing tape, you CAN use duct tape which is fairly cheap or visit wal-mart. Wal-mart sells big packages of tape for pretty low cost. This can get you through the move with not too much leftover. If you're like me, I have several containers already here anmd they come with lids. So voila - a few cheap ways to package stuff.
Packing Materials. Peanuts, bubble wrap, newspaper - you name it. You can get very low cost packing materials by using your newspapers. Collect the free one's that get thrown on your driveway several times a week. Or pick up some free publications and save them and use them. You can tear up old magazines and other paper items to use as "cusions" inside the boxes. You can also use clothing, towels and other inexpensive ways to save on packing materials.
Rentals. One sure way to spend a lot on moving is rentals. Any kind of rental. Renting a dolly, blankets - anything. It would be more cost effective to use what you have. Not to mention you can get a dolly for around $30 or so at many different places. Depending on how many days you keep the dolly, this can add up to savings if you purchase it rather than renting it (the case with most things you rent!) The same thing goes for trucks. If you do it yourself, you're going to save a lot more money that if you hire a mover. Uhaul is perfect. Yes, it might mean a little more manpower is needed. Round up your friends, buy 'em some beers and get to work! By doing the majority of work yourself, you seriously save thousands of dollars. I can prove it - I've done it way too often!
So this is day 1 of my moving posts. Since I cannot be on everyday like I'd like, I will update as often as I can.
If you have read this far, I thank you. I will resume to regular money saving tips regularly right after this. I will keep putting small ways to save on things as we go.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Pantry Inventory
When something you use is on sale, STOCK UP!
Your first grocery trip on the road to saving money is actually to spend a little more than you are used to. Items that are staples in your pantry should be purchased in large quantity if possible. These include items such as flour, sugar, pasta, dry beans, rice, oatmeal, canned goods, etc. I have a nice little "should have" pantry list I will share.
Now, I have added and pared down multiple lists to come up with this list. If you are not cooking from scratch, some of these items might not be necessary to you, but some I don't have listed might be must have's!
Dry BulkGoods
•Flour(white,wholewheat,and bread)
•Sugar(white,brown and powdered)
•Cornmeal
•Dried beans (kidney,black,split peas,white navy, garbanzo)
•Oatmeal
•Pasta
•Rice
•Soups (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom)
•salt
•baking soda
•baking powder
•Yeast
•Vanilla Extract
•Maple syrup
•shortening
•spices
•dry milk
•dry eggs
•cocoa
•Vinegar
•Olive oil
•Canola oil
•Canned veggies (green beans, corn, tomatoes,tomato sauce,tomato paste)
•Home canned veggies(variety)
•Canned beans
•Canned Fruit(pears, peaches,applesauce,pineapple)
•Canned Meats
•Mac and cheese
•Peanutbutter
•Jellies
•Ketchup, mustard, mayo
•Crackers
•Ramen noodles
•Pasta Noodles
•Popcorn (stick with the kernels, not the "boxed variety") - its cheaper and healthier!
•Pretzels
•Coffee
•Tea
•Raisins
•Nuts (peanuts,walnuts, almonds)
•Grains-barley, wheat
•Cereals
and many, many more!
So these are the items you should try to stock up on as much as possible! There are many more I can add to this list but for now, this is a basic starter set. You have these, and you can whip up meals, even when you think you have nothing to cook!
Your first grocery trip on the road to saving money is actually to spend a little more than you are used to. Items that are staples in your pantry should be purchased in large quantity if possible. These include items such as flour, sugar, pasta, dry beans, rice, oatmeal, canned goods, etc. I have a nice little "should have" pantry list I will share.
Now, I have added and pared down multiple lists to come up with this list. If you are not cooking from scratch, some of these items might not be necessary to you, but some I don't have listed might be must have's!
Dry BulkGoods
•Flour(white,wholewheat,and bread)
•Sugar(white,brown and powdered)
•Cornmeal
•Dried beans (kidney,black,split peas,white navy, garbanzo)
•Oatmeal
•Pasta
•Rice
•Soups (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom)
•salt
•baking soda
•baking powder
•Yeast
•Vanilla Extract
•Maple syrup
•shortening
•spices
•dry milk
•dry eggs
•cocoa
•Vinegar
•Olive oil
•Canola oil
•Canned veggies (green beans, corn, tomatoes,tomato sauce,tomato paste)
•Home canned veggies(variety)
•Canned beans
•Canned Fruit(pears, peaches,applesauce,pineapple)
•Canned Meats
•Mac and cheese
•Peanutbutter
•Jellies
•Ketchup, mustard, mayo
•Crackers
•Ramen noodles
•Pasta Noodles
•Popcorn (stick with the kernels, not the "boxed variety") - its cheaper and healthier!
•Pretzels
•Coffee
•Tea
•Raisins
•Nuts (peanuts,walnuts, almonds)
•Grains-barley, wheat
•Cereals
and many, many more!
So these are the items you should try to stock up on as much as possible! There are many more I can add to this list but for now, this is a basic starter set. You have these, and you can whip up meals, even when you think you have nothing to cook!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Holiday Storage Ideas
Holiday & Christmas Decoration Storage Tips
From Dianne Hadaway,
Your Guide to Single Parents @ About.com
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Tips For Safely Storing Your Ornaments & Holiday Decor
Have you ever been lazy about properly storing your Holiday or Christmas decorations? I admit, I'm guilty of it. I thought I'd just stick them in the garage and handle them later.
Unfortunately, my procrastinating meant disaster for some of my precious and irreplaceable ornaments and decorations. When I finally searched through the boxes I had stuffed things in after the holidays, I found some items were broken, some were sticky, and some I just never found - they're still in a box somewhere that I can't locate.
That was a hard lesson, but it did teach me not to wait when it comes to taking care of these precious and treasured ornaments.
Each year I add new holiday ornaments and decorations to my collection. The kids make new ornaments with their pictures in them and I find new ones in the after Christmas clearance sales. All those ornaments must be stored as efficiently and properly as possible, so now I have a tradition of buying new storage items to contain them safely too. Below are some of the wonderful organizers and containers I found to choose from.
COMPARE PRICES ON THESE STORAGE ITEMS:
Christmas Ornament Storage XL, hunter green storage box divided into 75 compartments
]Clear Plastic Ornament Chest and Wreath Bags
Ornament and Trimming Storage Box from Orvis
Snap N' Stack Ornament Storage Box by Snapware
Gift Wrap Storage Bag - Nice cylindar style inexpensive protection for Holiday Gift Wrap
Gift Wrap Storage Box
Rubbermaid Holiday Wreath Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Frontgate Rolling Canvas Storage Cart, holds holiday wreaths, garlands, and all those oversized decorations
Upscale Frontgate Canvas Covered Holiday Storage Boxes, black-and-tan jacquard pattern, black leather handles
Heavy-duty vinyl gift wrap organizer, from Lillian Vernon or Miles Kimbal
Rubbermaid Holiday Tree Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Proper storage of your ornaments and decorations keeps them in perfect condition year after year. Purchase sturdy storage containers and resolve to store your treasures properly this year!
FIRST: WHAT NOT TO DO!
Don't wrap ornaments or decorations in newspaper, printed tissue or other printed papers. The inks can rub off on the ornaments and ruin them.
Keep glass ornaments away from damp environments, like basements, garages, storage units, or attics. These treasures need to be kept inside to avoid mold or mildew damage.
Avoid using plastic shopping bags for storage as they tend to break down or weaken over time.
CONTAINERS
Compartmentalized ornament boxes are wonderful and can be found at discount department stores or ordered online.
Specially made containers are great, but you can also use sturdy cardboard boxes and inexpensive plastic bins with lids. It's a good idea to save your original ornament boxes whenever possible, especially for breakable items as they are usually packaged to prevent damage.
POSITIVE PACKING TIPS
Save and organize your gift wrapping materials and in a plastic organizer made especially for this purpose. You won't have to buy all new materials next year, and you'll know exactly where your papers and bows are when you need them.
Long rolls of paper can also be stored by tying the rolls together with string or ribbon (don't tape them or use rubber bands that can mark or tear the paper) and lying them flat on a closet shelf. Store gift bags by removing any tissue paper from the bags, fold bags carefully and store the folded bags in your largest gift bag or in a large department store bag. Hang or place the bag so that it won't be crushed or come into contact with moisture.
Sturdy cardboard inserts (like the ones packed inside all those toy packages!) work great for wrapping garlands around to keep them flat and untangled. Layer in paper bags for protection and easy handling next year.
Wrap individual strings of lights around cardboard inserts. Check for broken or burned out lights and replace or mark with a colored twist-tie for replacement next year. Buy replacement bulbs in the after Christmas sales!
You can quickly make a cloth bags to store and protect your lights by cutting the legs from a pair of old, worn out jeans and either sew, glue or use fusable web to seal one end. Place lights inside the bag and secure the open end with a large rubber band and by tying a length of string securely around the end. The bags can then be securely hung up in your storage area on a hook or nail. Store smaller strings of lights (for wreathes, or other decorations) in plastic containers marked to identify what the lights are used for.
Store extension cords with lights so you can locate them next year when you need them. Use acid free tissue paper to wrap loose ornaments and place in shallow, sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic ornament containers.
Important Safe Storage Tips for Holiday Ornaments, Trees, Wreaths, and Decorations
Use acid free tissue paper to wrap loose ornaments and place in shallow, sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic containers.
Many home/school made ornaments have candy (peppermints, etc.) that can deteriorate, get gooey or sticky, attact pests, and are generally not easily stored. If you want to try to keep them, place each in a ziplock baggie to protect other items from direct contact.
Cushion ornaments by using lots of tissue between them. I don't recommend styrofoam peanuts as packing material because they can get wedged into an ornaments tiny openings and cause breakage, and moisture can also cause the material to stick to your ornaments
Avoid overcrowding a box of ornaments or making too many layers.
Use sturdy cardboard boxes to store antique or fragile ornaments rather than airtight plastic containers.
Ornaments with photos, natural materials (pinecones, dog biscuits, macaroni, etc.) should be wrapped in acid free tissue paper and stored in airtight containers to avoid attracting insects. Note that some natural materials may not store well from year to year.
Place small packets of silica gel (available at arts & crafts stores) in storage boxes to avoid mildew.
Wreaths should be wrapped in tissue paper and can be stored in cardboard boxes; avoid stacking wreaths.
Separate out any ornaments or objects in need of minor repairs and set aside for to fix before packing them away.
Store collections or like items together, snow globes, nutcrackers, bells, etc. so that each collection can be easily put together next year.
Label boxes for easy identity next year.
Use a clear plastic shoebox to organize and store extra gift tags, tape, scissors, small ribbons, trims, ornament hangers, cookie cutters and other small miscellaneous holiday items.
Ribbons and bows are best stored in a large plastic box so they won't be crushed or exposed to moisture.
STORAGE ENVIRONMENT
A cool, dry area where the temperature remains fairly steady is preferable for storage of your treasured collectibles.
Avoid storing holiday decorations in laundry rooms, garages, outside storage buildings, basements, or attics that are not temperature regulated.
A high closet shelf or indoor under the stairs storage area where the boxes can remain undisturbed is ideal, especially for fragile items.
COMPARE PRICES ON THESE STORAGE ITEMS:
Christmas Ornament Storage XL, hunter green storage box divided into 75 compartments
]Clear Plastic Ornament Chest and Wreath Bags
Ornament and Trimming Storage Box from Orvis
Snap N' Stack Ornament Storage Box by Snapware
Gift Wrap Storage Bag - Nice cylindar style inexpensive protection for Holiday Gift Wrap
Gift Wrap Storage Box
Rubbermaid Holiday Wreath Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Frontgate Rolling Canvas Storage Cart, holds holiday wreaths, garlands, and all those oversized decorations
Upscale Frontgate Canvas Covered Holiday Storage Boxes, black-and-tan jacquard pattern, black leather handles
Heavy-duty vinyl gift wrap organizer, from Lillian Vernon or Miles Kimbal
Rubbermaid Holiday Tree Storage Bag - 6 Pack
From Dianne Hadaway,
Your Guide to Single Parents @ About.com
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Tips For Safely Storing Your Ornaments & Holiday Decor
Have you ever been lazy about properly storing your Holiday or Christmas decorations? I admit, I'm guilty of it. I thought I'd just stick them in the garage and handle them later.
Unfortunately, my procrastinating meant disaster for some of my precious and irreplaceable ornaments and decorations. When I finally searched through the boxes I had stuffed things in after the holidays, I found some items were broken, some were sticky, and some I just never found - they're still in a box somewhere that I can't locate.
That was a hard lesson, but it did teach me not to wait when it comes to taking care of these precious and treasured ornaments.
Each year I add new holiday ornaments and decorations to my collection. The kids make new ornaments with their pictures in them and I find new ones in the after Christmas clearance sales. All those ornaments must be stored as efficiently and properly as possible, so now I have a tradition of buying new storage items to contain them safely too. Below are some of the wonderful organizers and containers I found to choose from.
COMPARE PRICES ON THESE STORAGE ITEMS:
Christmas Ornament Storage XL, hunter green storage box divided into 75 compartments
]Clear Plastic Ornament Chest and Wreath Bags
Ornament and Trimming Storage Box from Orvis
Snap N' Stack Ornament Storage Box by Snapware
Gift Wrap Storage Bag - Nice cylindar style inexpensive protection for Holiday Gift Wrap
Gift Wrap Storage Box
Rubbermaid Holiday Wreath Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Frontgate Rolling Canvas Storage Cart, holds holiday wreaths, garlands, and all those oversized decorations
Upscale Frontgate Canvas Covered Holiday Storage Boxes, black-and-tan jacquard pattern, black leather handles
Heavy-duty vinyl gift wrap organizer, from Lillian Vernon or Miles Kimbal
Rubbermaid Holiday Tree Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Proper storage of your ornaments and decorations keeps them in perfect condition year after year. Purchase sturdy storage containers and resolve to store your treasures properly this year!
FIRST: WHAT NOT TO DO!
Don't wrap ornaments or decorations in newspaper, printed tissue or other printed papers. The inks can rub off on the ornaments and ruin them.
Keep glass ornaments away from damp environments, like basements, garages, storage units, or attics. These treasures need to be kept inside to avoid mold or mildew damage.
Avoid using plastic shopping bags for storage as they tend to break down or weaken over time.
CONTAINERS
Compartmentalized ornament boxes are wonderful and can be found at discount department stores or ordered online.
Specially made containers are great, but you can also use sturdy cardboard boxes and inexpensive plastic bins with lids. It's a good idea to save your original ornament boxes whenever possible, especially for breakable items as they are usually packaged to prevent damage.
POSITIVE PACKING TIPS
Save and organize your gift wrapping materials and in a plastic organizer made especially for this purpose. You won't have to buy all new materials next year, and you'll know exactly where your papers and bows are when you need them.
Long rolls of paper can also be stored by tying the rolls together with string or ribbon (don't tape them or use rubber bands that can mark or tear the paper) and lying them flat on a closet shelf. Store gift bags by removing any tissue paper from the bags, fold bags carefully and store the folded bags in your largest gift bag or in a large department store bag. Hang or place the bag so that it won't be crushed or come into contact with moisture.
Sturdy cardboard inserts (like the ones packed inside all those toy packages!) work great for wrapping garlands around to keep them flat and untangled. Layer in paper bags for protection and easy handling next year.
Wrap individual strings of lights around cardboard inserts. Check for broken or burned out lights and replace or mark with a colored twist-tie for replacement next year. Buy replacement bulbs in the after Christmas sales!
You can quickly make a cloth bags to store and protect your lights by cutting the legs from a pair of old, worn out jeans and either sew, glue or use fusable web to seal one end. Place lights inside the bag and secure the open end with a large rubber band and by tying a length of string securely around the end. The bags can then be securely hung up in your storage area on a hook or nail. Store smaller strings of lights (for wreathes, or other decorations) in plastic containers marked to identify what the lights are used for.
Store extension cords with lights so you can locate them next year when you need them. Use acid free tissue paper to wrap loose ornaments and place in shallow, sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic ornament containers.
Important Safe Storage Tips for Holiday Ornaments, Trees, Wreaths, and Decorations
Use acid free tissue paper to wrap loose ornaments and place in shallow, sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic containers.
Many home/school made ornaments have candy (peppermints, etc.) that can deteriorate, get gooey or sticky, attact pests, and are generally not easily stored. If you want to try to keep them, place each in a ziplock baggie to protect other items from direct contact.
Cushion ornaments by using lots of tissue between them. I don't recommend styrofoam peanuts as packing material because they can get wedged into an ornaments tiny openings and cause breakage, and moisture can also cause the material to stick to your ornaments
Avoid overcrowding a box of ornaments or making too many layers.
Use sturdy cardboard boxes to store antique or fragile ornaments rather than airtight plastic containers.
Ornaments with photos, natural materials (pinecones, dog biscuits, macaroni, etc.) should be wrapped in acid free tissue paper and stored in airtight containers to avoid attracting insects. Note that some natural materials may not store well from year to year.
Place small packets of silica gel (available at arts & crafts stores) in storage boxes to avoid mildew.
Wreaths should be wrapped in tissue paper and can be stored in cardboard boxes; avoid stacking wreaths.
Separate out any ornaments or objects in need of minor repairs and set aside for to fix before packing them away.
Store collections or like items together, snow globes, nutcrackers, bells, etc. so that each collection can be easily put together next year.
Label boxes for easy identity next year.
Use a clear plastic shoebox to organize and store extra gift tags, tape, scissors, small ribbons, trims, ornament hangers, cookie cutters and other small miscellaneous holiday items.
Ribbons and bows are best stored in a large plastic box so they won't be crushed or exposed to moisture.
STORAGE ENVIRONMENT
A cool, dry area where the temperature remains fairly steady is preferable for storage of your treasured collectibles.
Avoid storing holiday decorations in laundry rooms, garages, outside storage buildings, basements, or attics that are not temperature regulated.
A high closet shelf or indoor under the stairs storage area where the boxes can remain undisturbed is ideal, especially for fragile items.
COMPARE PRICES ON THESE STORAGE ITEMS:
Christmas Ornament Storage XL, hunter green storage box divided into 75 compartments
]Clear Plastic Ornament Chest and Wreath Bags
Ornament and Trimming Storage Box from Orvis
Snap N' Stack Ornament Storage Box by Snapware
Gift Wrap Storage Bag - Nice cylindar style inexpensive protection for Holiday Gift Wrap
Gift Wrap Storage Box
Rubbermaid Holiday Wreath Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Frontgate Rolling Canvas Storage Cart, holds holiday wreaths, garlands, and all those oversized decorations
Upscale Frontgate Canvas Covered Holiday Storage Boxes, black-and-tan jacquard pattern, black leather handles
Heavy-duty vinyl gift wrap organizer, from Lillian Vernon or Miles Kimbal
Rubbermaid Holiday Tree Storage Bag - 6 Pack
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Wonderful Holiday Hostess Gifts
Being in direct sales, I am always hosting a party or a class or providing a workshop for a group. At the holidays it become even more so! Most of the time I am presented with the issue of purchasing something special for the hostess - a thank you for hosting a party with me. However, that can be challenging. Plus as the holiday approaches, money is tight. My direct sales business has wonderful products and does provide most of the items free. But often the host or hostesses have to wait to receive them, so I like to get something extra to give to him/her (yes men are interested in my products too) the night of the party. I have created this list after researching easy gifts, and then shared them with my consultants to see what they thought. The following items are what we chose as perfect hostess gifts for just about anyone.
Small Journal or Notebook
Stylish pen
Bag of Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate (especially good now)
Lotions, Soaps or Bath Gels (great if you sell these)
Candles
Personalized Stationary (use their name or initials)
Small Gift Basket (cheese, meat, crackers)
Coasters
Small Box of Gourment Chocolates
Notecards
Music CD
A Small Plant
Homemade "Gift In a Jar"
Gift Card
Small Knick Knack
Inventory - look through your inventory if you have anything there and choose a gift from that)
The only other suggestion we all came up with, was to constantly be watching for sales, etc. Recently my business started a sale, one of the products is such a good deal I bought 12 of them and they come in sets of 2! So you know I'm going to have 24 of these little bags - but I also have wonderful hostess gifts for this Christmas AND next Christmas! Do the same thing - watch for sales and discounts and use them! Then just find a spot in a closet and stack things. When you are going to a party or lunch or anything you might wish to bring a small gift - voila! Shop from your closet!
Small Journal or Notebook
Stylish pen
Bag of Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate (especially good now)
Lotions, Soaps or Bath Gels (great if you sell these)
Candles
Personalized Stationary (use their name or initials)
Small Gift Basket (cheese, meat, crackers)
Coasters
Small Box of Gourment Chocolates
Notecards
Music CD
A Small Plant
Homemade "Gift In a Jar"
Gift Card
Small Knick Knack
Inventory - look through your inventory if you have anything there and choose a gift from that)
The only other suggestion we all came up with, was to constantly be watching for sales, etc. Recently my business started a sale, one of the products is such a good deal I bought 12 of them and they come in sets of 2! So you know I'm going to have 24 of these little bags - but I also have wonderful hostess gifts for this Christmas AND next Christmas! Do the same thing - watch for sales and discounts and use them! Then just find a spot in a closet and stack things. When you are going to a party or lunch or anything you might wish to bring a small gift - voila! Shop from your closet!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Frugal Stocking Stuffers for Anyone
What was that I forgot?
So the gifts are bought and wrapped and placed beautifully under the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree. Cookies for Santa have been left, and the children are sleeping all snuggled in their bed. Oh No! What about those stockings hung by the Chimney with Care? What do you put in those? Did you forget about that? Often the stockings are the last item we think about, and can sometimes be the hardest to fill. So what do you do when you have NO idea what to put in there? I've provided a few ideas for Stocking Stuffers to help ease your pain. I also would like to suggest that you go stroll through your local dollar store or dollar tree and check out all the fun gadgets and small items they sell to add to your stocking stuffers list. I think that if you use your imagination, you will have NO problem filling those stockings with the best stuffers ever (some are a bit pricier, so just ignore those if they are over your budget)!
Some ideas for Stocking Stuffers
Address book
Arts & Crafts Supplies
Bandaids (colored, characters)
Bath gel
Bath salts
Batteries (especially electronics lovers or gameboy lovers)
Beauty treatments
Bookmark
Books
Bottle Opener
Boxer Shorts (Girls Like These Too and they roll up well)
Bubble bath
Business Card Holder
Calculator
Calendar
Calling Cards
Candles
Candy
Card Games
Cars
CDs
Cell phone accessories
Chapstick
Chocolates
clock
Coasters
Coffee (flavored or specialty)
Cologne
Coloring Books
Cookies
CorkScrew
Cosmetics
Coupons
Crayons
Crossword Puzzles
Date book
Diary
Disposable Camera
Donation to favorite charity
DVDs
Earrings
electric pencil sharpener
electronics
Eyeglass Cleaner
Film
Flashlight
Games (Handheld)
Garden Tools
Gift Cards
Gift certificates
Gloves
Hair Accessories
Hand warmers
Harmonica
Hats
HeadPhones
Hobby goods
Hot chocolate
Ice Scraper
Jar of (favorite item)
Jewelry
Journal
Kaleidoscope
KeyChain
Kitchen Gadgets (egg timer, baster, etc)
Lingerie
LipStick and LipGloss
Lock De-Icer
Lotions
Lottery Tickets
Magazine subscription
Magnets
Maps
Mazes
Mirror
Mittens
Money
Mousepad
Mug
Music (online subscription: iTunes, etc)
Nail file
Nail polish
Napkin Rings
Night Light
Note cards
Notepad
Organizer
Ornaments
Packets of Hot Cocoa or other fun drinks
PaperWeight
Pens
Pefume
Picture frame/photos
Piggy Banks
Photo framed
Pot Pourri
Puzzles
Puzzle/Activity Booklets
Radio (personal size)
Razor
Scarf
Seeds
Shoelaces (Wild, Funky, Specialty)
Sidewalk Chalk
Slippers
Snow Globe
Soaps
Soap Dish
Socks
Stamp Pad with Stamps
Stationery
Stickers
Straws (silly, fun, festive, decorative)
Stuffed Toys
Tea (variety pack)
Tea Cup
Tire Guage
Tools
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Travel Alarm
Trinket Box
Videos
Wallet
Watch
Yo Yo
To get even MORE great ideas, look at November 28th, post. The gift basket contents can be made into stocking stuffers as well!
So the gifts are bought and wrapped and placed beautifully under the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree. Cookies for Santa have been left, and the children are sleeping all snuggled in their bed. Oh No! What about those stockings hung by the Chimney with Care? What do you put in those? Did you forget about that? Often the stockings are the last item we think about, and can sometimes be the hardest to fill. So what do you do when you have NO idea what to put in there? I've provided a few ideas for Stocking Stuffers to help ease your pain. I also would like to suggest that you go stroll through your local dollar store or dollar tree and check out all the fun gadgets and small items they sell to add to your stocking stuffers list. I think that if you use your imagination, you will have NO problem filling those stockings with the best stuffers ever (some are a bit pricier, so just ignore those if they are over your budget)!
Some ideas for Stocking Stuffers
Address book
Arts & Crafts Supplies
Bandaids (colored, characters)
Bath gel
Bath salts
Batteries (especially electronics lovers or gameboy lovers)
Beauty treatments
Bookmark
Books
Bottle Opener
Boxer Shorts (Girls Like These Too and they roll up well)
Bubble bath
Business Card Holder
Calculator
Calendar
Calling Cards
Candles
Candy
Card Games
Cars
CDs
Cell phone accessories
Chapstick
Chocolates
clock
Coasters
Coffee (flavored or specialty)
Cologne
Coloring Books
Cookies
CorkScrew
Cosmetics
Coupons
Crayons
Crossword Puzzles
Date book
Diary
Disposable Camera
Donation to favorite charity
DVDs
Earrings
electric pencil sharpener
electronics
Eyeglass Cleaner
Film
Flashlight
Games (Handheld)
Garden Tools
Gift Cards
Gift certificates
Gloves
Hair Accessories
Hand warmers
Harmonica
Hats
HeadPhones
Hobby goods
Hot chocolate
Ice Scraper
Jar of (favorite item)
Jewelry
Journal
Kaleidoscope
KeyChain
Kitchen Gadgets (egg timer, baster, etc)
Lingerie
LipStick and LipGloss
Lock De-Icer
Lotions
Lottery Tickets
Magazine subscription
Magnets
Maps
Mazes
Mirror
Mittens
Money
Mousepad
Mug
Music (online subscription: iTunes, etc)
Nail file
Nail polish
Napkin Rings
Night Light
Note cards
Notepad
Organizer
Ornaments
Packets of Hot Cocoa or other fun drinks
PaperWeight
Pens
Pefume
Picture frame/photos
Piggy Banks
Photo framed
Pot Pourri
Puzzles
Puzzle/Activity Booklets
Radio (personal size)
Razor
Scarf
Seeds
Shoelaces (Wild, Funky, Specialty)
Sidewalk Chalk
Slippers
Snow Globe
Soaps
Soap Dish
Socks
Stamp Pad with Stamps
Stationery
Stickers
Straws (silly, fun, festive, decorative)
Stuffed Toys
Tea (variety pack)
Tea Cup
Tire Guage
Tools
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Travel Alarm
Trinket Box
Videos
Wallet
Watch
Yo Yo
To get even MORE great ideas, look at November 28th, post. The gift basket contents can be made into stocking stuffers as well!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Christmas Cookies Recipes & Traditions
I thought I would share with you some great Christmas Cookies - well, the recipes that create the Christmas Cookies anyway. (sorry impossible for me to actually SHARE the cookies themselves with you) LOL
First, let me explain about the Christmas Cookies. Every year, we host a "Christmas Cookies Party". And every year, we invite our closest friends (usually that have children) and my kitchen becomes a madhouse for a few hours. It is also required that you actually bring a plate of Christmas cookies to share while we are baking. Why am I telling you this? Because this is probably one of my favorite traditions! And my children just eat it up too (literally I guess) LOL Ok, so Christmas Cookies spark smells and tastes that sometimes are found only at Holiday time at my house. (the good kind of smells people!)
So with everyone gathered at my house and usually crammed into my kitchen (thankfully it's a decent size), we each have our own ingredients and bowls that we've come equipped with. Now, I will admit - the whole process is a little expensive for me, since it's my oven we use. However, you can bake two pans of cookies (sometimes three) at one time, and often more than a dozen little cookies can fit on one pan (just think smaller cookies and kind of scatter them a little).
Ok, so if you're really interested in how we run the whole party, just ask me - otherwise I'm diving into the Recipes for the Christmas Cookies now.
Ok, my favorite first:
Peanut Butter Topped Brownies
For the bars
You will need:
6 squares (6oz) of unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
OR - you can take the easy way out and use a boxed brownie mix to make the process go faster (it's more expensive in the long run however).
Heat your oven to 350°F. This recipe originally called for a 9" square baking pan but we have used a 9"x13" and it just makes a thinner brownie but still equally as moist and delicious. (and you get more) Line your baking pan with tin foil (don't ask just do it!), be sure to leave two sides of it over lapping the two ends (trust me this comes in later). Melt chocolate and butter in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Let cool about 5 minutes. With a whisk or electric mixer, add sugar and vanilla just until blended. Whisk in eggs, 1 at a time, just until blended. Whisk until mixture is velvety. Add flour and whisk until blended, and then stir in optional nuts. Spread entire mixture into pan. Bake 35-45 minutes (if using the 9” square pan or only for about 25-30 minutes for the 9x13” pan). You are looking for the top to crack near the edges and a tester inserted into the middle comes out with moist crumbs. (I usually begin checking mine at about 20 minutes). Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. (takes awhile).
Next, the toppings:
Peanut Butter Cream:
¾ c. regular peanut butter, smooth or crunchy (do not use reduced fat it won’t work right)
1 c. confectioners’ sugar
2 T. unsalted butter, softened
1 t. vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze:
6oz. Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
½ stick (1/4 c.) unsalted butter
1 T. corn syrup
For the butter cream – beat all ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread evenly over brownies. Freeze 1 hour or cover and refrigerate overnight until VERY firm.
When it’s firm, prepare the chocolate glaze. Melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring often. Stir in corn syrup until blended. Let cool until no longer hot but still loose and spreadable. (about 8-10 minutes) Spread glaze over buttercream . Refrigerate about 30 minutes. Lift foil by ends onto a cutting board. Cut into bars, dipping knife into hot water and drying it between cuts (this makes nice clean cuts) Then remove bars from foil, place on a serving plate or on individual serving plates to give out as gifts! (Makes approx 32 bars!)
Ok, the next recipe is interesting – it starts with ONE basic cookie dough recipe that makes TWO delicious cookies. (that don’t taste anything alike!) We double, triple and sometimes quadruple the basic dough recipe and make all kinds of different cookies with it!)
Basic Dough Recipe
2 sticks butter (not spread), softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg plus white of 1 large egg
1 ½ t. vanilla extract
¾ t. baking powder
½ t. salt
2 ¼ c. flour
Beat all ingredients except the flour in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Reduce speed to low, gradually adding flour and beat just until blended. Divide the dough into two equal portions (about 1 ½ cups each – unless you doubled the recipe)
Then proceed onto the cookie making.
For Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies
1 portion of basic cookie dough, at room temperature
½ c. coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, walnuts or pecans
¾ c. coarsely chopped chocolate (I tried ¼ c. dark, milk and bittersweet chocolate – you could use white chocolate but we don’t like that here)
Heat oven to 350° F. Have baking sheets ready. Drop heaping Tbs. 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes until light golden around edges. Cool on baking sheet on wire rack for about 2 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
For Chocolate Cherry Swirls
1 portion of basic cookie dough, at room temperature
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ c. dried cherries, finely chopped (I used maraschino cherries that I had washed with water (so no excess juice) wrapped them in a towel to soak up the rest of the water and then allowed them to air dry about 2 hours or so before I was ready to use them – although they weren’t totally “dry” they were VERY good) – dried cranberries can also work!
½ t. almond or vanilla extract
Divide dough in half and place each half in a bowl. Add cocoa to 1 bowl, cherries and extract to the other bowl. Stir each until added ingredients are well blended. Place each half of dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper. With a rolling pin, roll each into a 9x6” rectangle. Remove top sheets of paper. Invert cherry layer on top of chocolate layer. Freeze for 10 minutes until slightly firm. Remove paper from top and roll up tightly from a long side, pressing together any cracks in chocolate dough as you go. Wrap in waxed paper and freeze 1 ½ hours or until VERY firm. Heat oven to 350° F. Cut log in ¼-inch-thick slices. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until bottoms are light golden. Cool on sheet on wire rack for 2 minutes, then remove to cool completely on wire rack.
You can also make Snicker Doodles with this recipe.
You will need:
1 portion of basic cookie dough, room temperature
2. T. sugar
½ t. cinnamon
¼ t. nutmeg
White of 1 large egg
2 T. sliced almonds
Heat oven to 350° F. Put sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in small bowl. Stir to mix up. In another small bowl, lightly beat egg white with a fork. Shape level Tablespoons of dough into 1 ¼ inch balls. Roll in sugar mixture, then place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls slightly with bottom of a glass, brush tops with egg white and decorate each with 3-4 almond slices. Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are golden. Cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheet then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
I will post more later! (that is if there is a response for them!)
First, let me explain about the Christmas Cookies. Every year, we host a "Christmas Cookies Party". And every year, we invite our closest friends (usually that have children) and my kitchen becomes a madhouse for a few hours. It is also required that you actually bring a plate of Christmas cookies to share while we are baking. Why am I telling you this? Because this is probably one of my favorite traditions! And my children just eat it up too (literally I guess) LOL Ok, so Christmas Cookies spark smells and tastes that sometimes are found only at Holiday time at my house. (the good kind of smells people!)
So with everyone gathered at my house and usually crammed into my kitchen (thankfully it's a decent size), we each have our own ingredients and bowls that we've come equipped with. Now, I will admit - the whole process is a little expensive for me, since it's my oven we use. However, you can bake two pans of cookies (sometimes three) at one time, and often more than a dozen little cookies can fit on one pan (just think smaller cookies and kind of scatter them a little).
Ok, so if you're really interested in how we run the whole party, just ask me - otherwise I'm diving into the Recipes for the Christmas Cookies now.
Ok, my favorite first:
Peanut Butter Topped Brownies
For the bars
You will need:
6 squares (6oz) of unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
OR - you can take the easy way out and use a boxed brownie mix to make the process go faster (it's more expensive in the long run however).
Heat your oven to 350°F. This recipe originally called for a 9" square baking pan but we have used a 9"x13" and it just makes a thinner brownie but still equally as moist and delicious. (and you get more) Line your baking pan with tin foil (don't ask just do it!), be sure to leave two sides of it over lapping the two ends (trust me this comes in later). Melt chocolate and butter in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Let cool about 5 minutes. With a whisk or electric mixer, add sugar and vanilla just until blended. Whisk in eggs, 1 at a time, just until blended. Whisk until mixture is velvety. Add flour and whisk until blended, and then stir in optional nuts. Spread entire mixture into pan. Bake 35-45 minutes (if using the 9” square pan or only for about 25-30 minutes for the 9x13” pan). You are looking for the top to crack near the edges and a tester inserted into the middle comes out with moist crumbs. (I usually begin checking mine at about 20 minutes). Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. (takes awhile).
Next, the toppings:
Peanut Butter Cream:
¾ c. regular peanut butter, smooth or crunchy (do not use reduced fat it won’t work right)
1 c. confectioners’ sugar
2 T. unsalted butter, softened
1 t. vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze:
6oz. Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
½ stick (1/4 c.) unsalted butter
1 T. corn syrup
For the butter cream – beat all ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread evenly over brownies. Freeze 1 hour or cover and refrigerate overnight until VERY firm.
When it’s firm, prepare the chocolate glaze. Melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring often. Stir in corn syrup until blended. Let cool until no longer hot but still loose and spreadable. (about 8-10 minutes) Spread glaze over buttercream . Refrigerate about 30 minutes. Lift foil by ends onto a cutting board. Cut into bars, dipping knife into hot water and drying it between cuts (this makes nice clean cuts) Then remove bars from foil, place on a serving plate or on individual serving plates to give out as gifts! (Makes approx 32 bars!)
Ok, the next recipe is interesting – it starts with ONE basic cookie dough recipe that makes TWO delicious cookies. (that don’t taste anything alike!) We double, triple and sometimes quadruple the basic dough recipe and make all kinds of different cookies with it!)
Basic Dough Recipe
2 sticks butter (not spread), softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg plus white of 1 large egg
1 ½ t. vanilla extract
¾ t. baking powder
½ t. salt
2 ¼ c. flour
Beat all ingredients except the flour in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Reduce speed to low, gradually adding flour and beat just until blended. Divide the dough into two equal portions (about 1 ½ cups each – unless you doubled the recipe)
Then proceed onto the cookie making.
For Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies
1 portion of basic cookie dough, at room temperature
½ c. coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, walnuts or pecans
¾ c. coarsely chopped chocolate (I tried ¼ c. dark, milk and bittersweet chocolate – you could use white chocolate but we don’t like that here)
Heat oven to 350° F. Have baking sheets ready. Drop heaping Tbs. 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes until light golden around edges. Cool on baking sheet on wire rack for about 2 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
For Chocolate Cherry Swirls
1 portion of basic cookie dough, at room temperature
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ c. dried cherries, finely chopped (I used maraschino cherries that I had washed with water (so no excess juice) wrapped them in a towel to soak up the rest of the water and then allowed them to air dry about 2 hours or so before I was ready to use them – although they weren’t totally “dry” they were VERY good) – dried cranberries can also work!
½ t. almond or vanilla extract
Divide dough in half and place each half in a bowl. Add cocoa to 1 bowl, cherries and extract to the other bowl. Stir each until added ingredients are well blended. Place each half of dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper. With a rolling pin, roll each into a 9x6” rectangle. Remove top sheets of paper. Invert cherry layer on top of chocolate layer. Freeze for 10 minutes until slightly firm. Remove paper from top and roll up tightly from a long side, pressing together any cracks in chocolate dough as you go. Wrap in waxed paper and freeze 1 ½ hours or until VERY firm. Heat oven to 350° F. Cut log in ¼-inch-thick slices. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until bottoms are light golden. Cool on sheet on wire rack for 2 minutes, then remove to cool completely on wire rack.
You can also make Snicker Doodles with this recipe.
You will need:
1 portion of basic cookie dough, room temperature
2. T. sugar
½ t. cinnamon
¼ t. nutmeg
White of 1 large egg
2 T. sliced almonds
Heat oven to 350° F. Put sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in small bowl. Stir to mix up. In another small bowl, lightly beat egg white with a fork. Shape level Tablespoons of dough into 1 ¼ inch balls. Roll in sugar mixture, then place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls slightly with bottom of a glass, brush tops with egg white and decorate each with 3-4 almond slices. Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are golden. Cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheet then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
I will post more later! (that is if there is a response for them!)
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Crockpot Adventures
Check out Michele's website - crockpot recipes galore!! Wow!
Crockpot Adventures
I just purchased a $10 (yes you read that right) Rival 4qt Crockpot for my brother for Christmas. He is a bachelor, and does't cook too often. So I was hoping that if he had the crockpot he might use it a little and save $ that way. We are also giving him the book More Slow Cooker Recipes by Betty Crocker - it has some great things in there that he will LOVE! I copied a few of the recipes down on index cards and then decided it was ridiculous and just went and bought a second copy for myself :) Love it and have already tried 3 recipes! Yummy and the house always smells SO good!
If you want it, buy it through Amazon!
Totally worth it! I assure you!
Crockpot Adventures
I just purchased a $10 (yes you read that right) Rival 4qt Crockpot for my brother for Christmas. He is a bachelor, and does't cook too often. So I was hoping that if he had the crockpot he might use it a little and save $ that way. We are also giving him the book More Slow Cooker Recipes by Betty Crocker - it has some great things in there that he will LOVE! I copied a few of the recipes down on index cards and then decided it was ridiculous and just went and bought a second copy for myself :) Love it and have already tried 3 recipes! Yummy and the house always smells SO good!
If you want it, buy it through Amazon!
Totally worth it! I assure you!
Monday, December 05, 2005
I jumped the Gun a little!
Originally this post talked about leaving blogger, because I thought they had done away with a few of the features I used frequently! I had been searching for another blog when a comment attached to this post caught my eye and I was able to "fix" my complaint with the help of another blogger! LOL So I jumped the gun a little. Perhaps I should have looked harder (I did look all over the blogger site for the answers to some of my questions, but only 2 were answered). NEEDLESS to say at this point, I am staying!! :) I really DO like blogger so it would have been sad to leave - plus look at all my hard work! UGH!
~Nicole~
(who will not be so quick to jump the gun again!)
~Nicole~
(who will not be so quick to jump the gun again!)
Monday, November 28, 2005
Gift Basket Ideas & Survival Kit Ideas
We are beginning our unofficial "Countdown To Christmas" today - (this article was not TRULY posted on this date, but we had some "blogger issues" and are going back to add the articles already written!)
Today's post actually begins with a download. Last year I wrote an ebook (and yes required payment) and filled it with WONDERFUL gift basket Ideas and survival kit Ideas. I figure with Christmas right around the corner, who couldn't use some Gift Basket Ideas to help think of the perfect gift for everyone on your list. I have used some of these very ideas as not only gift sparks but my own gift basket ideas. I love them and they really get you thinking of some fun, inovative, and creative gifts. Some people are just plain hard to buy for, but with the Gift Basket Ideas and Survival Kit Ideas you are sure to find something for EVERYONE on your list! And if not, MAKE A KIT or BASKET!
Here is a list of the contents:
The Sections you will find:
· Gift Baskets
· Gift Basket Container and Fillers
· Build Your Own Survival Kits
· Survival Kits for Everyone
· Bags of "Poop"
· Just for Fun Gifts
· Candy-Grams
I suggest right-clicking and hit "save as" to download it faster.
Gift Basket Ideas & Survival Kit Ideas
This download requires Adobe Acrobat - Get it Here
I have linked it here for FREE. If you like it, all I ask is that you consider donating $1.25 for the bandwith it cost to host the ebook. It is NOT required, but we are all on a frugal budget, and this would help out. If the bandwith get's to be too much, I will have to remove it. You can send it to me via paypal: richmontwithnicole@gmail.com
Thanks for supporting my efforts!
Today's post actually begins with a download. Last year I wrote an ebook (and yes required payment) and filled it with WONDERFUL gift basket Ideas and survival kit Ideas. I figure with Christmas right around the corner, who couldn't use some Gift Basket Ideas to help think of the perfect gift for everyone on your list. I have used some of these very ideas as not only gift sparks but my own gift basket ideas. I love them and they really get you thinking of some fun, inovative, and creative gifts. Some people are just plain hard to buy for, but with the Gift Basket Ideas and Survival Kit Ideas you are sure to find something for EVERYONE on your list! And if not, MAKE A KIT or BASKET!
Here is a list of the contents:
The Sections you will find:
· Gift Baskets
· Gift Basket Container and Fillers
· Build Your Own Survival Kits
· Survival Kits for Everyone
· Bags of "Poop"
· Just for Fun Gifts
· Candy-Grams
I suggest right-clicking and hit "save as" to download it faster.
Gift Basket Ideas & Survival Kit Ideas
This download requires Adobe Acrobat - Get it Here
I have linked it here for FREE. If you like it, all I ask is that you consider donating $1.25 for the bandwith it cost to host the ebook. It is NOT required, but we are all on a frugal budget, and this would help out. If the bandwith get's to be too much, I will have to remove it. You can send it to me via paypal: richmontwithnicole@gmail.com
Thanks for supporting my efforts!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Trash To Treasures
I've been a "Trash to Treasure" girl for as long as I can remember. (I'm sure if you ask my ex husband, even he will agree).
I have come up with some creative ideas using TRASH to create beautiful Christmas treasures.
Lightbulbs - When a lightbulb in burnt out, SAVE it. I use white acrylic paint and paint the entire glass part white. I then paint the "plug in part" a metallic gold color or metallic silver. Take various colors of paints and paint the "white part" of the bulb. Paint stars, stripes, splatters, shapes, objects, whatever your heart is content with. Buy some gold string and hang from your tree.
Toilet paper tubes - wrap them in festive wrapping after inserting some fun little gifts, candy or nuts inside. Tie curling ribbons on the ends and place all over the house in clusters. You can also use paper towel tubes too.
Soup cans - decorate in festive gift wrap or fabrics. Scrapbook patterned paper works well too (I know from experience) LOL Modge Podge the paper/fabric all over the outside of the soup can. Tie a beautiful ribbon around the outside. Fill with cinnamon sticks for a scented smell - or poke holes in the can and create a candle holder. Fill with pens and pencils for a festive look on your desk or do a coffee can sized one to hold cooking utensils in the kitchen. There are at least a dozen more things I can think of to use these for. You can make a handle for your soup can by hot gluing the end of a pipe cleaner to either side of the can. Be sure it sets well.
Milk Jugs - huh you ask? Oh yes, oh yes! I have ideas!! Make a Holiday Luminary with your Milk jugs. This is an easy decoration to make that will light up the night for your holiday party or your frontstep at home. All you need is:
1 gallon plastic milk jug , 6 cups of sand, scissors, colored construction paper/used wrapping paper or other scrap paper, tape or glue, 1 votive candle. How do you make it? First, be sure and clean out the milk jug with water and soap so that no milk residue remains. Now, cut the top off of the jug so that you still have the entire handle, but so that the front top part of the jug is open. Place about 1 inch of sand in the bottom of the jug. Fold the construction paper/wrapping paper/or other scrap paper around the jug and mark the shape on the paper. Cut out the paper to match the shape of the jug, then cut out a holiday design in the center of the paper using the scissors. If you are using plain scrap paper, make a holiday design on the outside to make the luminary more decorative. Tape or glue the construction paper to the outside of the jug. Place your candle in the sand so that it is placed in the center of the jug. Set the luminary outside by your driveway or on your porch. Light the candle in the luminary to welcome holiday visitors or passers by.
Make several and line the driveway or surround your porch with them or give them as gifts. Have fun!
Jars - Whether it's mayo, peanut butter, jelly or chip dip - clean the jar thouroughly and remove as much of the label as you possibly can (sometimes peeling the label and then running it through the dishwasher will work well). Now, what to do with these jars? Well, they can be used for all sorts of things - first, you can use them as "gifts in a jar" which will be discussed later on. You can place candles inside and use them as a candle holder, paint them, stuff them with holiday ribbons and items, etc.
We made "snow globes" last year with a few. We used water, glitter and some little floatable confetti. We glued a little plastic snowman in the lid and glued the lid to the top of the jar. Amazingly they still look pretty cute this year. Anyway, you can do lots with them. I made on and glued a plastic cross inside and used gold glitter. They are simple to make and are really pretty and most people pick them up when they come over.
Anyway, that's all for now!
I have come up with some creative ideas using TRASH to create beautiful Christmas treasures.
Lightbulbs - When a lightbulb in burnt out, SAVE it. I use white acrylic paint and paint the entire glass part white. I then paint the "plug in part" a metallic gold color or metallic silver. Take various colors of paints and paint the "white part" of the bulb. Paint stars, stripes, splatters, shapes, objects, whatever your heart is content with. Buy some gold string and hang from your tree.
Toilet paper tubes - wrap them in festive wrapping after inserting some fun little gifts, candy or nuts inside. Tie curling ribbons on the ends and place all over the house in clusters. You can also use paper towel tubes too.
Soup cans - decorate in festive gift wrap or fabrics. Scrapbook patterned paper works well too (I know from experience) LOL Modge Podge the paper/fabric all over the outside of the soup can. Tie a beautiful ribbon around the outside. Fill with cinnamon sticks for a scented smell - or poke holes in the can and create a candle holder. Fill with pens and pencils for a festive look on your desk or do a coffee can sized one to hold cooking utensils in the kitchen. There are at least a dozen more things I can think of to use these for. You can make a handle for your soup can by hot gluing the end of a pipe cleaner to either side of the can. Be sure it sets well.
Milk Jugs - huh you ask? Oh yes, oh yes! I have ideas!! Make a Holiday Luminary with your Milk jugs. This is an easy decoration to make that will light up the night for your holiday party or your frontstep at home. All you need is:
1 gallon plastic milk jug , 6 cups of sand, scissors, colored construction paper/used wrapping paper or other scrap paper, tape or glue, 1 votive candle. How do you make it? First, be sure and clean out the milk jug with water and soap so that no milk residue remains. Now, cut the top off of the jug so that you still have the entire handle, but so that the front top part of the jug is open. Place about 1 inch of sand in the bottom of the jug. Fold the construction paper/wrapping paper/or other scrap paper around the jug and mark the shape on the paper. Cut out the paper to match the shape of the jug, then cut out a holiday design in the center of the paper using the scissors. If you are using plain scrap paper, make a holiday design on the outside to make the luminary more decorative. Tape or glue the construction paper to the outside of the jug. Place your candle in the sand so that it is placed in the center of the jug. Set the luminary outside by your driveway or on your porch. Light the candle in the luminary to welcome holiday visitors or passers by.
Make several and line the driveway or surround your porch with them or give them as gifts. Have fun!
Jars - Whether it's mayo, peanut butter, jelly or chip dip - clean the jar thouroughly and remove as much of the label as you possibly can (sometimes peeling the label and then running it through the dishwasher will work well). Now, what to do with these jars? Well, they can be used for all sorts of things - first, you can use them as "gifts in a jar" which will be discussed later on. You can place candles inside and use them as a candle holder, paint them, stuff them with holiday ribbons and items, etc.
We made "snow globes" last year with a few. We used water, glitter and some little floatable confetti. We glued a little plastic snowman in the lid and glued the lid to the top of the jar. Amazingly they still look pretty cute this year. Anyway, you can do lots with them. I made on and glued a plastic cross inside and used gold glitter. They are simple to make and are really pretty and most people pick them up when they come over.
Anyway, that's all for now!
Friday, November 25, 2005
Lighted Christmas Wreath
Lighted Christmas Wreath
Is your wreath boring? Or do you have a plain green one just lying around waiting to be decorated for the holiday - if you were like me, you purchased it last year for 75% off at Michaels! LOL
Who doesn't love the look of a lighted wreath. But store bought one's are pricey to say the least (ok well I've seen some for only $10 but they aren't very special).
You can purchase a plain green wreath very inexpensively, or use one you already have.
Our tree is prelit now, so I have BOATLOADS of small strands of lights. But if you don't, you can purchase them for about $1.00 at the dollar tree, or even wal-mart often has them for .99-$2.99.
Put the two items together (wreath and lights) and wow! You have the look of a professionally lighted Christmas wreath.
For my wreath I used clear lights (I was going for a more elegant look), but multi-colored lights are festive and fun!
I took my green wreath and wrapped the lights around it kind of like candy cane striped. If the strand is super long, just keep going doubling up in the same spots you already wrapped.
Be sure you leave the "outlet" towards the bottom, and be sure you have an extension cord that can reach it.
Now that you're finished, plug it in and see your very own design.
NOW, I couldn't just leave my wreath like that. It looked too "boring". So I added a gold bow (red would look great too), tied and hot glued it to the bottom. I also added a few tiny pinecones that we found on a nature walk the previous year. I also hot glued those to the wreath.
I thought my wreath was done then, but I wound up visiting Michael's about a week later, and found these little berry sprigs for .99 and bought them. I cut them apart and stuck them all over the wreath. The finished result was absolutely gorgeous.
As people drive by, they see a beautifully lit wreath on my front door (though you could put it in a window) and they have no idea that I made the whole thing myself.
Is your wreath boring? Or do you have a plain green one just lying around waiting to be decorated for the holiday - if you were like me, you purchased it last year for 75% off at Michaels! LOL
Who doesn't love the look of a lighted wreath. But store bought one's are pricey to say the least (ok well I've seen some for only $10 but they aren't very special).
You can purchase a plain green wreath very inexpensively, or use one you already have.
Our tree is prelit now, so I have BOATLOADS of small strands of lights. But if you don't, you can purchase them for about $1.00 at the dollar tree, or even wal-mart often has them for .99-$2.99.
Put the two items together (wreath and lights) and wow! You have the look of a professionally lighted Christmas wreath.
For my wreath I used clear lights (I was going for a more elegant look), but multi-colored lights are festive and fun!
I took my green wreath and wrapped the lights around it kind of like candy cane striped. If the strand is super long, just keep going doubling up in the same spots you already wrapped.
Be sure you leave the "outlet" towards the bottom, and be sure you have an extension cord that can reach it.
Now that you're finished, plug it in and see your very own design.
NOW, I couldn't just leave my wreath like that. It looked too "boring". So I added a gold bow (red would look great too), tied and hot glued it to the bottom. I also added a few tiny pinecones that we found on a nature walk the previous year. I also hot glued those to the wreath.
I thought my wreath was done then, but I wound up visiting Michael's about a week later, and found these little berry sprigs for .99 and bought them. I cut them apart and stuck them all over the wreath. The finished result was absolutely gorgeous.
As people drive by, they see a beautifully lit wreath on my front door (though you could put it in a window) and they have no idea that I made the whole thing myself.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Boxes, Candles, and More!
Centerpiece ideas, and more.
The holidays don't have to cost you a fortune for decorations, because often you can use what you already have. For instance -
if you have tons of votives in little glass jars, place a mirror or stainless steel silver platter in the center of your holiday table. Cluster about 5-6 candles on it. You can even decorate by adding pieces of greenery around the candles. Simple elegance.
An idea I did last year
I was having my family over and realized that I did not have a ton of "serving bowls" etc. I had read an article on frugality that suggested baskets. Well, all my baskets were being used and quite frankly I didn't want to take everything apart. So I came up with a clever idea. I took shoe boxes and other various sized boxes - painted them gold and silver and wrapped bows around the outside (kind of like a present). I then placed tissue paper inside the box to "line it" and I wound up serving rolls, nuts and snack mix in the boxes. I used various sizes and it actually added a festive touch to my table. If I can find photos, I will post them!
The holidays don't have to cost you a fortune for decorations, because often you can use what you already have. For instance -
if you have tons of votives in little glass jars, place a mirror or stainless steel silver platter in the center of your holiday table. Cluster about 5-6 candles on it. You can even decorate by adding pieces of greenery around the candles. Simple elegance.
An idea I did last year
I was having my family over and realized that I did not have a ton of "serving bowls" etc. I had read an article on frugality that suggested baskets. Well, all my baskets were being used and quite frankly I didn't want to take everything apart. So I came up with a clever idea. I took shoe boxes and other various sized boxes - painted them gold and silver and wrapped bows around the outside (kind of like a present). I then placed tissue paper inside the box to "line it" and I wound up serving rolls, nuts and snack mix in the boxes. I used various sizes and it actually added a festive touch to my table. If I can find photos, I will post them!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
A gift? A Decoration? You choose!
Today's little "tip"/"idea", can be used as a gift, OR a decoration. Or maybe both! You choose!
What you'll need is some clear glass plates with no design on it - we found ours at Big Lots this year, but I've seen them at Wal-mart too! (I bought some last year!) - they're just big plain glass plates with no etching or anything on them. You can get different shapes, or sizes, but it's important that the texture is smooth. You'll also need "Mod Podge" which you can find in the craft section at Walmart or any craft store(get the biggest jar you can find, it's cheaper to buy it that way, and you'll have LOTS to make tons of these!). Finally, you need some pretty Christmas wrapping paper (actually, any kind of wrapping paper will do, or designed tissue, even window clings work, I just found out. Magazine cuttings, scraps of ribbons, ANYTHING you choose.)
You'll want to cut out the pictures from the wrapping paper, or just unpeel the window clings from their backing, and decide how you want the design to look on the plate when right side up. Then, with one of those sponge paint brushes (.49 at M's), you'll spread Mod Podge all over the BACK of the plate, then stick your pictures right onto that. You need to work fast as the Mod Podge dries fairly quickly. After getting all your pictures on the way you want them, let it all dry.
When it's dry, you'll just spread another layer of Mod Podge over the whole back of the plate as a "sealant", then stick a little piece of felt on the part where the plate would sit on the table, that way it won't scrape the pictures or anything when you set it down. Let all that dry as well. I chose to cut my felt into a circle, and fit it to the bottom of the plate.
Now, when you set the plate down the right way, your design shows through! Bake up some cookies or other Christmas treats, put them on the plate and make that your gift. Be sure to give a note with the plate telling the recipient not to put it in the dishwasher or in water - to clean, they'll just need to wipe it off with a damp cloth. It's a very lovely and inexpensive gift to give for any holiday or birthday!
What you'll need is some clear glass plates with no design on it - we found ours at Big Lots this year, but I've seen them at Wal-mart too! (I bought some last year!) - they're just big plain glass plates with no etching or anything on them. You can get different shapes, or sizes, but it's important that the texture is smooth. You'll also need "Mod Podge" which you can find in the craft section at Walmart or any craft store(get the biggest jar you can find, it's cheaper to buy it that way, and you'll have LOTS to make tons of these!). Finally, you need some pretty Christmas wrapping paper (actually, any kind of wrapping paper will do, or designed tissue, even window clings work, I just found out. Magazine cuttings, scraps of ribbons, ANYTHING you choose.)
You'll want to cut out the pictures from the wrapping paper, or just unpeel the window clings from their backing, and decide how you want the design to look on the plate when right side up. Then, with one of those sponge paint brushes (.49 at M's), you'll spread Mod Podge all over the BACK of the plate, then stick your pictures right onto that. You need to work fast as the Mod Podge dries fairly quickly. After getting all your pictures on the way you want them, let it all dry.
When it's dry, you'll just spread another layer of Mod Podge over the whole back of the plate as a "sealant", then stick a little piece of felt on the part where the plate would sit on the table, that way it won't scrape the pictures or anything when you set it down. Let all that dry as well. I chose to cut my felt into a circle, and fit it to the bottom of the plate.
Now, when you set the plate down the right way, your design shows through! Bake up some cookies or other Christmas treats, put them on the plate and make that your gift. Be sure to give a note with the plate telling the recipient not to put it in the dishwasher or in water - to clean, they'll just need to wipe it off with a damp cloth. It's a very lovely and inexpensive gift to give for any holiday or birthday!
Monday, November 21, 2005
What's the New Topic!?!?!
I thought it would be fun, since Christmas is SOOOOO close to focus on holiday decorations and using what you have, saving money, etc. Beginning last week, and ending around Christmas, we will focus all our attention on holiday related tips! So enjoy!! We'll go back to everyday frugality after the holidays!
So onward we go!
Its that time already! Christmas is in full swing with the hurry-scurry, Christmas carols, wrapping paper, and pine needles on the carpet. It can be exciting and invigorating; it can also be exhausting! So how can I decorate for less you ask?
Day 1 - My first tip is use what you have. Before you dash out to the craft store or trim-a-tree shop, pay a visit to the attic or storage room. Memories fade from year to year, so refresh yours with a quick inventory of the holiday decorations you already have on hand. Keep them firmly in mind as you read Christmas magazines or check out the Festival of Trees displays. Can you update your decor with a few simple additions? I'm sure you can!
After you figure out what you have and how you can use it, you can begin to implement it. A tip for you, run out to Lowes, or Home depot - ask if you can buy up their wood scraps, various sizes is good. Bring them home and wrap the wood pieces, Tie ribbons, etc. Use scraps of wrapping paper from last year. Or pick new wrapping paper in colors you like! These can be used, year after year, if stored properly together. And they can be displayed all through the house - a few on the mantle, some on the coffee table, a larger one on the Christmas table, and perhaps a few clustered together near the front door in a corner? I can think of all sorts of places that you could place these inexpensive, but festive little decorations. So run! Don't walk! To ANY home improvement store! Now! (you can find replacement squares - use empty jello boxes, macaroni boxes, spagetti boxes, and so on for diff. sizes and shapes. You might want to fill the boxes with some crumpled newspaper to weigh them down a little). Have fun!
So onward we go!
Its that time already! Christmas is in full swing with the hurry-scurry, Christmas carols, wrapping paper, and pine needles on the carpet. It can be exciting and invigorating; it can also be exhausting! So how can I decorate for less you ask?
Day 1 - My first tip is use what you have. Before you dash out to the craft store or trim-a-tree shop, pay a visit to the attic or storage room. Memories fade from year to year, so refresh yours with a quick inventory of the holiday decorations you already have on hand. Keep them firmly in mind as you read Christmas magazines or check out the Festival of Trees displays. Can you update your decor with a few simple additions? I'm sure you can!
After you figure out what you have and how you can use it, you can begin to implement it. A tip for you, run out to Lowes, or Home depot - ask if you can buy up their wood scraps, various sizes is good. Bring them home and wrap the wood pieces, Tie ribbons, etc. Use scraps of wrapping paper from last year. Or pick new wrapping paper in colors you like! These can be used, year after year, if stored properly together. And they can be displayed all through the house - a few on the mantle, some on the coffee table, a larger one on the Christmas table, and perhaps a few clustered together near the front door in a corner? I can think of all sorts of places that you could place these inexpensive, but festive little decorations. So run! Don't walk! To ANY home improvement store! Now! (you can find replacement squares - use empty jello boxes, macaroni boxes, spagetti boxes, and so on for diff. sizes and shapes. You might want to fill the boxes with some crumpled newspaper to weigh them down a little). Have fun!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Fa-La-La-La-La, My shoppings done!
I'm actually sorry this week is over! I like these ideas, and it's gotten my mind going for Christmas (plus I have so many more to share!!) LOL
Maybe soon I'll add another week (for those last minute Christmas gifts).
Today's final gift idea is actually two ideas. :) I decided to throw them both in because they are terrific ideas!
- Make your favorite homemade cookie mix and pack in mason jars, seal and attach recipe. This would be great for teachers gifts and friends who drop by unexpectedly with a gift. (or neighbors that happened to me last year!)
- Fix a large box of items such as dishwashing liquid, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. that you have gotten for almost nothing using double coupons and sales together. (you can also scour the $$ store or wait for sales all year!) These items are items that every household needs and will use over the year. I plan on making this type box for my brother this year - he's a bachelor, living alone in a small apt. He'll love it! I will put at least 10 to 12 of each item in the box so that the items will last all year. I'm sure he will think of me each time he needs soap, toothpaste, etc.
Maybe soon I'll add another week (for those last minute Christmas gifts).
Today's final gift idea is actually two ideas. :) I decided to throw them both in because they are terrific ideas!
- Make your favorite homemade cookie mix and pack in mason jars, seal and attach recipe. This would be great for teachers gifts and friends who drop by unexpectedly with a gift. (or neighbors that happened to me last year!)
- Fix a large box of items such as dishwashing liquid, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. that you have gotten for almost nothing using double coupons and sales together. (you can also scour the $$ store or wait for sales all year!) These items are items that every household needs and will use over the year. I plan on making this type box for my brother this year - he's a bachelor, living alone in a small apt. He'll love it! I will put at least 10 to 12 of each item in the box so that the items will last all year. I'm sure he will think of me each time he needs soap, toothpaste, etc.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
A Can, a Pot - a creative gift!
Take a clean, dry can from soup or canned vegetables. You can buy paint cans from Home Depot or Lowes as well.
Using craft acrylic paints and your imagination, paint the cans for the holidays.
This is a great project for kids too. Right now my family is working on painting jack-o-lanterns: simply paint a can orange, let it dry, repeat if needed, and then use black to make the face. Fill the can with candy, tissue paper, pencils, etc.
We're also working on snowmen and I plan on painting the top part black and putting paper around the black for the rim of Mr. Snowman's top hat. The larger cans could be filled with baked goods, fudge, etc. The smaller one's can be filled with candy and mints. I've seen some that are painted with a design then spatter-painted which looks quite neat. This is a nice way to recycle cans into something useful and fun. I'm thinking that candy canes will look nice for the holidays.
Another similar idea is to buy the smallest terra-cotta plant pots from the store, paint them, and put small votive candles in them. Silver and gold stars are nice for a holiday theme but you could do whatever suits your fancy. I'm sure you could use larger pots with pillar candles for a bigger centerpiece. Don't forget all the gorgeous ribbons available! Tie a few on!
You don't have to be a great artist to do these. A folk-art style is simple and looks great.
Using craft acrylic paints and your imagination, paint the cans for the holidays.
This is a great project for kids too. Right now my family is working on painting jack-o-lanterns: simply paint a can orange, let it dry, repeat if needed, and then use black to make the face. Fill the can with candy, tissue paper, pencils, etc.
We're also working on snowmen and I plan on painting the top part black and putting paper around the black for the rim of Mr. Snowman's top hat. The larger cans could be filled with baked goods, fudge, etc. The smaller one's can be filled with candy and mints. I've seen some that are painted with a design then spatter-painted which looks quite neat. This is a nice way to recycle cans into something useful and fun. I'm thinking that candy canes will look nice for the holidays.
Another similar idea is to buy the smallest terra-cotta plant pots from the store, paint them, and put small votive candles in them. Silver and gold stars are nice for a holiday theme but you could do whatever suits your fancy. I'm sure you could use larger pots with pillar candles for a bigger centerpiece. Don't forget all the gorgeous ribbons available! Tie a few on!
You don't have to be a great artist to do these. A folk-art style is simple and looks great.
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Favorite Gift Basket...
I sell an e-book on this exact topic, but here are a few items to get you started:
I suggest buying straw baskets at a yard sale or flea market (sometimes Wal-mart, Gordmans and other places have them for pretty cheap too) and deciding on a theme for the particular person- whatever would be appropriate for that person. Fill the basket with either different fruits or other foods (i.e.-herbal teas, cookies, etc). You could make your own homemade cookies and include the recipe in the basket. Or, you could fill the basket with something other than food stuff. An example would be a framed picture of you and your friend who you're giving it to. Another idea is to give 'IOUs' for different services such as a car wash, child care service, a massage, a manicure,etc.
For more information, email me for the link to my e-book! It's only $4.00 and I accept paypal, and checks! Plus there's no shipping involved! Because it's an EBOOK! :)
I suggest buying straw baskets at a yard sale or flea market (sometimes Wal-mart, Gordmans and other places have them for pretty cheap too) and deciding on a theme for the particular person- whatever would be appropriate for that person. Fill the basket with either different fruits or other foods (i.e.-herbal teas, cookies, etc). You could make your own homemade cookies and include the recipe in the basket. Or, you could fill the basket with something other than food stuff. An example would be a framed picture of you and your friend who you're giving it to. Another idea is to give 'IOUs' for different services such as a car wash, child care service, a massage, a manicure,etc.
For more information, email me for the link to my e-book! It's only $4.00 and I accept paypal, and checks! Plus there's no shipping involved! Because it's an EBOOK! :)
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Another candle? With a twist!
Once, I spotted a simple idea that had a hefty price tage - $12 - that I knew I could make at home cheaply and easily.
The item is a candle in an antique tea cup. Scour garage sales, flea markets, wherever, for cheap but interesting tea cups. Then melt down old candle ends or any type of wax you can find (parrafin can be costly) and - optional - add a little scented oil like lemongrass or grapefruit (or stick with the Christmas theme - cinnamon, vanilla, etc.). Put a wick in - really cheap by the yard from the craft store and - voila - for about $1 you have a nice gift with a little tag attached to the handle. You can even do this buy purchasing a whole set of white tea cups from anywhere (coffe mugs would work well too) and decorate them with paints yourself, decoupage, tie ribbons, WHATEVER! Be creative and have fun, but be sure you put your heart into it.
The item is a candle in an antique tea cup. Scour garage sales, flea markets, wherever, for cheap but interesting tea cups. Then melt down old candle ends or any type of wax you can find (parrafin can be costly) and - optional - add a little scented oil like lemongrass or grapefruit (or stick with the Christmas theme - cinnamon, vanilla, etc.). Put a wick in - really cheap by the yard from the craft store and - voila - for about $1 you have a nice gift with a little tag attached to the handle. You can even do this buy purchasing a whole set of white tea cups from anywhere (coffe mugs would work well too) and decorate them with paints yourself, decoupage, tie ribbons, WHATEVER! Be creative and have fun, but be sure you put your heart into it.
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