tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46135230253670024742024-02-20T23:58:34.308-08:00Christmas on a BudgetA designer's take on creative and inexpensive Christmas gifts. I scour the Internet for free printables, easy recipes, and creative diy projects. I also provide my own free, downloadable printables.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-63375235647804219382018-10-27T10:02:00.001-07:002018-10-27T10:02:34.218-07:00How to Make Ice Candles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Growing up, there were a number of rituals in our family surrounding the holidays. One of which involved me saving my milk cartons from my school lunch and bringing them home over the period of a week (or two) in preparation for making ice candles. It was always a little bit magical to dangle a wick into the (cleaned) milk cartons, then fill with ice before we poured melted wax over it. The ice would crackle and the wax would hiss. And I'd wait, rather impatiently, for the wax to cool and set up, occasionally poking it with my finger, then peeling off the still hot wax that had made a searing impression of my fingerprints.<br />
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I loved the process and the time my mom and I spent together. And, I loved the fact that I made something so cool.<br />
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This, of course, was before candle making was something you could easily do at home with supplies from the craft store. We'd venture out to the grocery store where they still stocked paraffin for canning, and we'd use food coloring to dye the wax. My mom would melt the wax in an old coffee can set into a double boiler.<br />
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You're not limited to ice either. You can put any number of things into your candle forms and pour wax over them to make cool looking candles as gifts.<br />
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You can collect tips off pine branches and small pine cones:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUrMQllKZFetHABqExM4cTsdxTdJpqgj5-hVjKVVVoDUezqTHKB6FzrP0e4wJOlVLH4SX5o7sIp91_OYhy4lilEhEnVgOJSwUPKRm8qzuoVZ8YitThYenuDRYtwndMdKVw9TpDdVjCHYA/s1600/6afcdfb49b4e14bd06e1310e687450c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUrMQllKZFetHABqExM4cTsdxTdJpqgj5-hVjKVVVoDUezqTHKB6FzrP0e4wJOlVLH4SX5o7sIp91_OYhy4lilEhEnVgOJSwUPKRm8qzuoVZ8YitThYenuDRYtwndMdKVw9TpDdVjCHYA/s320/6afcdfb49b4e14bd06e1310e687450c4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dried fruit and cinnamon sticks:</div>
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Coffee beans:</div>
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Small twigs:</div>
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You can also use crayons or bits of other candles.</div>
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How to Make Ice Candles</h2>
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<b>Materials:</b></div>
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<li>Waxed paper cartons or cups (milk cartons or waxed dixie cups work), recycled plastic food containers, etc.</li>
<li>Wicking (can be found at most craft stores)</li>
<li>Wax (you can use paraffin, old candles, crayons, etc.)</li>
<li>A pencil or chopstick (to hold the top of the wick)</li>
<li>Food coloring (if using paraffin or uncolored wax)</li>
<li>Essential oils to scent the candle (optional)</li>
<li>Ice, slightly crushed</li>
<li>Something in which to melt the wax (an old coffee can or pot that you no longer use)</li>
</ul>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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<li> Put your wax into your coffee can or pot, set it in a somewhat larger pan with water to create a double boiler. This will heat the wax more safely and evenly.</li>
<li>Clean your waxed paper cartons (if they once held food), with warm soapy water and rinse.</li>
<li>Open the top of your carton completely</li>
<li>When the wax has melted, pour a small amount into the bottom of your container and drop the end of your wick into it. Let the wax cool and harden around the wick to secure it at the bottom.</li>
<li>Cut your wick with enough room to tie the top around your pencil. The pencil will rest over the top opening of your container and hold the wick in position while you pour the ice and then the wax into your container.</li>
<li>If coloring or scenting your wax, mix it in now.</li>
<li>Add the slightly crushed ice to your container. The chunkier the ice, the bigger the caverns in the wax.</li>
<li>Carefully pour your wax in over the ice and fill your container.</li>
<li>Set aside and allow the wax to completely cool.</li>
<li>Remove the waxed paper carton, by tearing it from around your candle</li>
<li>Let the candle sit in the sink or on a dish towel to absorb the melted ice cubes.</li>
<li>Trim the wick to 1/2 inch.</li>
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If You Want to Make Candles with Other Inclusions:</h3>
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For some candles with inclusions, you can follow much the same process as the ice candles. Instead of ice, however, you simple pour in (for example) coffee beans, or crayon chunks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_whmn4Ski2k2wIVXCILR8buZw-0DocI4V0pd1lvZCAUxSLyTQFmnPeeBgtnuHMDHBIJ0dp_SLAmc4qWcxVrXvufxpRiHZPEVhrNiBbzHSHNtnWQBV-XTCRY3nm8KGT0IcEg1jA5Kdnvdh/s1600/candle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="922" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_whmn4Ski2k2wIVXCILR8buZw-0DocI4V0pd1lvZCAUxSLyTQFmnPeeBgtnuHMDHBIJ0dp_SLAmc4qWcxVrXvufxpRiHZPEVhrNiBbzHSHNtnWQBV-XTCRY3nm8KGT0IcEg1jA5Kdnvdh/s320/candle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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For more decorative candles, that show inclusions around their circumference, you'll need to pour a base of wax in first, then insert a smaller cup or carton inside your larger one. This creates a wall in which you can insert things like cinnamon sticks or pine boughs, then pour your wax into that ring. Once that wax is cooled and set, you can remove the interior cup or carton, place your wicking in and pour in the rest of your wax.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-5093439264303645032017-11-05T09:48:00.001-08:002017-11-05T09:49:21.367-08:00Just a Note<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmief4_zq_Inh_fi_I-bLhsQA2DjfQPwxD0oSCfA9yL9XOxFp79wqzWTJCC16YnmCmjmL2aPOYYuf3zait47EbfGLHjMSAAeZYQU4jwbFe6symXJquujGuwaUrHVEEgCMRhaKsfjx7-_Hp/s1600/33a3d927f3032e63fe2b440ab0d44ad5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmief4_zq_Inh_fi_I-bLhsQA2DjfQPwxD0oSCfA9yL9XOxFp79wqzWTJCC16YnmCmjmL2aPOYYuf3zait47EbfGLHjMSAAeZYQU4jwbFe6symXJquujGuwaUrHVEEgCMRhaKsfjx7-_Hp/s1600/33a3d927f3032e63fe2b440ab0d44ad5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Hi All,<br />
<br />
It's that time of year again. The weather and leaves are turning and it's time to start thinking about those holiday gifts. I just wanted to let you know that I've updated some of the posts and will be adding a few new ideas in the days to come.<br />
<br />
For now, check out:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The updated <a href="https://zerodollarchristmas.blogspot.com/2016/12/free-printable-2017-calendars.html">free printable *<b>2018*</b> calendars</a> (& as I find more, I'll add them) </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>My <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ndeyton/0-christmas/" target="_blank">$0 Christmas board on Pinterest </a>where I post LOADS of free and cheap gift and decorating ideas.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Thanks & Happy Gifting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-55924995141963377522016-12-06T17:51:00.002-08:002016-12-06T17:56:34.488-08:00Cream Cheese Mint Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2G0SeB4YUiXp18WAqQwp-B2qMmJRKDaiXsBhncV6MRUvm8vTmXATeLuDEV72I8P8KptcVYZnQYz7UkW2KFBg_QYKKuIQA-Dpjj4k4ZM-RY6A27NTFClilNKSm0pUQtJ-HdcajASGjDx9/s1600/Cream_Cheese_Mints-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2G0SeB4YUiXp18WAqQwp-B2qMmJRKDaiXsBhncV6MRUvm8vTmXATeLuDEV72I8P8KptcVYZnQYz7UkW2KFBg_QYKKuIQA-Dpjj4k4ZM-RY6A27NTFClilNKSm0pUQtJ-HdcajASGjDx9/s640/Cream_Cheese_Mints-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream Cheese Mints are a quick & easy food gift. With only 4 ingredients, these babies are easy to make and are the perfect 'after dinner mint' (According to <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cream-cheese-mints/2c795862-c7ae-4995-a2f2-44a5eaaaa1c1" target="_blank">Betty Crocker</a>).</span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The dough is soft enough to pipe into little star-shaped pastels, or you can roll it and shape it however you like. (It's the perfect recipe for candy molds, if you have those.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I found this recipe over at <a href="http://mandysrecipeboxblog.com/cream-cheese-mints/" target="_blank">Mandy's Recipe Box</a>, but there are <a href="https://www.google.com/#q=Cream+cheese+mint+recipe" target="_blank">a number of similar recipes out there</a>.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 18px;">Cream Cheese Mints</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">8 oz. cream cheese, softened</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">4½ cups powdered sugar</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">½ to 1 tsp. peppermint extract</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">food coloring of your choice</span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Directions</b></span></div>
<ol>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In a stand mixer, or a bowl using a hand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Mix on low until blended. Increase speed and mix until well combined.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Add extract and mix.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Place into a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Allow them all to stand for an hour to stiffen up.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Place in the freezer to harden.</span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Notes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You can also place the mixture into a ziploc bag and cut of the corner to squeeze out onto wax paper. Store in an air tight container.</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">There's an alternate recipe over at the <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2014/12/happy-holidays-cream-cheese-mints.html" target="_blank">Tater Tots and Jello website</a> where you can also download <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/vip4w33yufvfajn/Minty%20Labels.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">these nifty gift tags</a>:</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-77417563352883193852016-12-06T13:12:00.003-08:002016-12-06T17:58:10.900-08:00DIY: Pocket Hand Warmers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1ejjhwk75QY44OynpWB-JYmoUfBCGl_30K1ZQyRecbjnrKTaz9kQgsZRtJTWynIyN7Fs_ZsHf4124a-oujeO54k5_nzt8Fn3_M18naEfblyozB0YPR1nAbHgIb3fiezLf15R0ibvo7Wm/s1600/Pocket_Handwarmer-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1ejjhwk75QY44OynpWB-JYmoUfBCGl_30K1ZQyRecbjnrKTaz9kQgsZRtJTWynIyN7Fs_ZsHf4124a-oujeO54k5_nzt8Fn3_M18naEfblyozB0YPR1nAbHgIb3fiezLf15R0ibvo7Wm/s640/Pocket_Handwarmer-01.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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These homemade pocket hand warmers are simple to make and you probably have all of the supplies you need just hanging around the house.<br />
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This tutorial is from the folks over at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/diy-pocket-hand-warmers-for-chilly-days/" target="_blank">Instructables website</a> (where they have lots of tutorial pictures).<br />
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What You’ll Need</h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #252525;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scraps of cotton, fleece, or wool felt</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fabric pen or pencil</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scissors</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Needle and thread</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crochet hook or knitting needle</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Straight pins</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rice or barley</span></li>
<li style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Funnel (you can roll up a piece of paper and tape it if you don't have a funnel)</span></li>
</span></ul>
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Directions</span></h2>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cut 2 pieces of fabric of equal size and shape per warmer. The easiest shape is just a rectangle or square. For adults, 4″ x 5″ rectangles seem to work well, while 3″ x 4″ sizes fit well into smaller hands.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Place the fabric “right” sides together, and sew the seams 1/4 to 1/2 an inch from the edge of the fabric. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Be sure to leave a 1/2-inch gap in the seam, preferably along one of the straight edges—not in a corner.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn the hand warmer right side out.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With your funnel, fill the hand warmer with rice or barley. You'll use between 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup depending on the size.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a straight pin to close the gap and keep it closed while you're sewing.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sew the gap closed.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can now decorate the edges with a <a href="http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/how-to-do-blanket-stitch.html" target="_blank">blanket stitch</a> (if you like).</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;">To use the warmers, place in the microwave for 30 seconds.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-85994331395491949662016-12-06T11:58:00.000-08:002016-12-06T13:14:05.550-08:00Quick Jam Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BbVqNya-r1xCEdXIfLWlzrP3d4DDFo8BU_3ZAuurZyYl2AFHdl45Bly8jDAoiBTapm-bLTlhQ5cUOSA1_o2Ytv_rOT3sWQ2EWthNusZJwCXryvgReJNqVZcT5nKQFVND4Punfe7z4Vlz/s1600/Quick_Jam-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BbVqNya-r1xCEdXIfLWlzrP3d4DDFo8BU_3ZAuurZyYl2AFHdl45Bly8jDAoiBTapm-bLTlhQ5cUOSA1_o2Ytv_rOT3sWQ2EWthNusZJwCXryvgReJNqVZcT5nKQFVND4Punfe7z4Vlz/s640/Quick_Jam-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Quick jams are fast and easy, requiring less time and fewer ingredients than the preserves most people put up over the summer. They also won't last as long, but that's okay—they're so good, people will eat them up pretty quickly.</div>
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You can use whatever berries you like for this recipe—and they can be fresh or frozen. If using frozen berries, you may want to start them out in the skillet (or pot) and let them cook down. Most frozen berries will break down automatically when cooking (If they don't, then you can throw them in the food processor or blender before adding the sugar and lemon juice). If using fresh berries, follow the directions for the food processor below.</div>
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This recipe is from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/335256/quick-strawberry-jam" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's Website</a>.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">INGREDIENTS</span></div>
<ul style="list-style-type: none;">
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">1 quart hulled strawberries</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">1/2 cup sugar</span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 24px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">DIRECTIONS</span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In a food processor, process strawberries until coarsely chopped. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Transfer to a large skillet and stir in sugar and lemon juice. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Cook over medium-high, stirring frequently, until jam is thickened and bubbles completely cover surface, 9 to 10 minutes. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Transfer jam to a jar and let cool to room temperature. (To store, seal jar and refrigerate, up to 10 days).</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia";">Any sealing jar or container will work for storing your jam. Just remember to keep it refrigerated.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-20270271117172083112016-12-06T09:40:00.000-08:002016-12-06T13:14:13.450-08:00Easy Old Fashioned Popcorn Ball Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAVvFJXmV_Thc-8x4Ofpe09tLbSJ8OizUKH3AGN7kfZZJAnUb8SggzQqL_HRoQnry8czJyQ0Id1EjP89Xvh-xhxABEmkHlByRIbj1wJJACDJ4zN18DUZVWJJxQ0vmrDEJsoFDHNzIqRQO/s1600/Popcorn_Balls-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAVvFJXmV_Thc-8x4Ofpe09tLbSJ8OizUKH3AGN7kfZZJAnUb8SggzQqL_HRoQnry8czJyQ0Id1EjP89Xvh-xhxABEmkHlByRIbj1wJJACDJ4zN18DUZVWJJxQ0vmrDEJsoFDHNzIqRQO/s640/Popcorn_Balls-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a way to turn simple (inexpensive) ingredients that you may already have in your pantry into a fun food gift.</div>
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This recipe came from the <a href="http://www.jollytime.com/recipe/old-fashioned-popcorn-balls" target="_blank">Jolly Time website</a>, but there are <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=popcorn+balls+recipe&biw=1301&bih=788&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZu6rZh-DQAhUD6CYKHfUWA8IQ_AUIBygA&dpr=2" target="_blank">loads of similar recipes</a> out there. You can use microwaved popcorn or the old-fashioned (cook-on-the-stove-top) kind.</div>
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<div class="ingredients_con" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #827970; font-family: 'Sentinel SSm 5r', 'Sentinel SSm A', 'Sentinel SSm B', 'Book Antiqua', 'Bookman Old Style', Bookman, Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">
<h2 style="background-image: url(https://www.jollytime.com/resources/dyn/files/1173513z5d64566/_fn/single-dot.png), url(https://www.jollytime.com/resources/dyn/files/1173513z5d64566/_fn/single-dot.png); background-position: 0% 0%, 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x, repeat-x; box-sizing: border-box; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: 'Champion Lightwt A', 'Champion Lightwt B', Impact, Haettenschweiler, sans-serif; font-size: 1.75em; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
INGREDIENTS</h2>
<div class="ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table; margin: 0px 10px; width: 450px;">
<div class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-row;">
<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">8 cups</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;"> Pop Corn, popped</span></div>
<div class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-row;">
<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">1 cup</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;">sugar</span></div>
<div class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-row;">
<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">1/3 cup</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;">light or dark corn syrup</span></div>
<div class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-row;">
<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">1/3 cup</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;">water</span></div>
<div class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-row;">
<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">1/4 cup</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;">butter or margarine</span></div>
<div class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-row;">
<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">1/2 tsp</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;">salt</span></div>
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<span class="amount ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; min-width: 90px; padding: 5px; text-align: right;">1 tsp</span><span class="label ic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; padding: 5px;">vanilla</span></div>
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<h2 style="background-image: url(https://www.jollytime.com/resources/dyn/files/1173513z5d64566/_fn/single-dot.png), url(https://www.jollytime.com/resources/dyn/files/1173513z5d64566/_fn/single-dot.png); background-position: 0% 0%, 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x, repeat-x; box-sizing: border-box; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: 'Champion Lightwt A', 'Champion Lightwt B', Impact, Haettenschweiler, sans-serif; font-size: 1.75em; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
DIRECTIONS</h2>
<div class="instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 10px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Keep popped popcorn warm in 200F oven while preparing syrup. (It's best to use a couple of casserole dishes or deep-rimmed cookie sheets—it just makes it easier to mix and coat when you pour the syrup over it later.)</li>
<li>In 2-quart saucepan, stir together sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt. </li>
<li>Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. (This can take up to 30 minutes, so be patient.) </li>
<li>Continue cooking without stirring until temperature reaches 270F on a candy thermometer or until a small amount of syrup dropped into very cold water separates into threads, which are hard but not brittle. </li>
<li>Remove from heat. </li>
<li>Add vanilla; stir just enough to mix through hot syrup. </li>
<li>Slowly pour over popcorn, stirring to coat every kernel. </li>
<li>Cool just enough to handle. </li>
<li>Shape into balls using buttered hands. (The butter on your hands helps protect them from the hot caramel, as well as making it less sticky.)</li>
<li>Cool on foil or buttered wax paper. </li>
<li>Wrap in plastic wrap; tie with a ribbon.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-55094065875209806872016-12-04T13:14:00.001-08:002016-12-06T10:11:57.102-08:00DIY 3 Ingredient Lip Balm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP4Zh6GzavI31N3Lk4T61moheCJ54puknrHUXP9x-FzeaGZvigeF2cwLJHWiP9_BrPw2vuXK93Wjw2LgLooxLqlehiXDSNsWYeHcedsooel5cskYQeUCaY_xuVgmuo3p4W330DSVfvoDD/s1600/DIY-Lip-Balm-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodmxFe04k0s74Rv1k4pCoZ1sEf3Dz6WwisF_OVksL12Tm56PN0vvpOCw7YIdSiFWqZzJwYUcw2QHh3Kj9jNDR3BibZy11tuX8I9JJ4Aww-yMgr_rz8eCV1UzeJQPU9aPjbgOPP9lfGoFn/s1600/DIY_3_ingredient_lipbalm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodmxFe04k0s74Rv1k4pCoZ1sEf3Dz6WwisF_OVksL12Tm56PN0vvpOCw7YIdSiFWqZzJwYUcw2QHh3Kj9jNDR3BibZy11tuX8I9JJ4Aww-yMgr_rz8eCV1UzeJQPU9aPjbgOPP9lfGoFn/s640/DIY_3_ingredient_lipbalm.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I found this recipe over at <a href="http://www.theseasonedmom.com/5-minute-diy-lip-balm/" target="_blank">The Seasoned Mom</a>. It seems fairly simple, especially if you already have these three ingredients. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don't already have the ingredients it could be a bit costly, initially, to make this as a gift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I usually get my organic coconut oil from Costco (where they sell an 84 oz jar for about $19), otherwise you're looking at about $9 for a 14 oz. jar. The beeswax can be found </span><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_9_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=beeswax+organic&sprefix=beeswax%2Caps%2C146&crid=1973SN26A5MUC" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">online</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or at craft stores that offer candy-making supplies. Essential oil can be found in most health-food stores or online. I don't advocate any particular brand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You don't need that much of any of the ingredients, so buying smaller amounts (especially if you don't usually have these ingredients in your pantry) might be a better option.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to the coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oil, you'll need a container of some sort to put the lip balm in. You can buy empty tins or glass jars as well as chapstick tubes <a href="https://www.google.com/#q=lip+balm+containers&tbm=shop" target="_blank">from a number of online resources</a>. You can also clean out and reuse small tins (like the ones Altoids come in).</span><br />
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<span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DIY LIP BALM</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cook time:</span> <time datetime="PT5M" itemprop="cookTime" style="box-sizing: border-box;">5 mins</time></span></div>
<div class="ERSHead" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Total time:</span> <time datetime="PT5M" itemprop="totalTime" style="box-sizing: border-box;">5 mins</time></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ERSClear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<div class="ERSClear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 13px; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ERSIngredients" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 408px;">
<div class="ERSIngredientsHeader ERSHeading" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #999999; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">INGREDIENTS</span></span></div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 tablespoons coconut oil</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 tablespoons beeswax</span></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">12 drops peppermint essential oil</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSClear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ERSInstructions" style="border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="ERSInstructionsHeader ERSHeading" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #999999; font-size: 1.4em; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">INSTRUCTIONS</span></span></div>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a pourable glass measuring cup in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.</span></span></li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add essential oil and pour into empty lip balm tubes or pots.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="ERSClear" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 13px; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"></span><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">NOTE: This “recipe” makes about 15-20 tubes of lip balm, or 4 (2-ounce) containers of lip balm.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="blast tbn-flight-sentence" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-72069292372432427452016-12-03T06:23:00.000-08:002017-11-05T10:39:01.050-08:00Coolest [FREE] Christmas Printables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SjTnFPrnN4UC0lfzBlS1sgz76R5loN2vqPfYiFZUOeg2gG4Ex_ffJXaaYGjN85Py4XpMCN0Ip8HtuvVSqI7Uj4O6FfCA4pfOGDTEltuXvaN_FMakZQ5I0fhfTnhNo00orLX_Eq6Eyexm/s1600/reindeer-printable-craft_zpsafeb7c6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SjTnFPrnN4UC0lfzBlS1sgz76R5loN2vqPfYiFZUOeg2gG4Ex_ffJXaaYGjN85Py4XpMCN0Ip8HtuvVSqI7Uj4O6FfCA4pfOGDTEltuXvaN_FMakZQ5I0fhfTnhNo00orLX_Eq6Eyexm/s640/reindeer-printable-craft_zpsafeb7c6e.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://archive.lolrus.mediamolecule.com/2014/uploads/files/papercraft-elk_reindeer.pdf" target="_blank">Papercraft reindeer </a>from <a href="http://www.mediamolecule.com/blog/article/with_this_papercraft_reindeer_we_wish_you_all_a_merry_christmas" target="_blank">Media Molecule</a></div>
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Here are a few paper crafts and [Free] printables to download and decorate with this holiday season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mJM2WSCjJb2P06tfh6Hd7fLz02d-LlvUZq1etDuWY0kmy-AuDzp-3fzktR_U3e_zohPVWIwdA73-Yv6jMEUm5pJ-_CxwkTgaDZPUJ1Nrzxbb1H6VvYMmycc4vp0ssaEB8ND2wU8kKlvL/s1600/miniature-butterfly-roof-ranch-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mJM2WSCjJb2P06tfh6Hd7fLz02d-LlvUZq1etDuWY0kmy-AuDzp-3fzktR_U3e_zohPVWIwdA73-Yv6jMEUm5pJ-_CxwkTgaDZPUJ1Nrzxbb1H6VvYMmycc4vp0ssaEB8ND2wU8kKlvL/s640/miniature-butterfly-roof-ranch-house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Midcentury Modern Christmas Houses from <a href="https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/09/kate-makes-a-midcentury-modern-putz-house-download-her-free-pattern/" target="_blank">Retro Renovation</a></div>
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[<a href="https://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Retro-Christmas-Ranch-Pattern-1.pdf" target="_blank">Ranch House</a>] or [<a href="https://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Retro-Christmas-A-frame-house.pdf" target="_blank">A-Frame House</a>] or [<a href="https://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/butterfly-roof-putz.pdf" target="_blank">Butterfly Roof Ranch House</a>]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqR3jNdMVpn6u1EDusa6fUAmTRAr9DulLhYUYwrJEphJ7O8Iiw_SXu1g7Opkgs81nukLlUZeWJziHewAYeIIxgAGXwykfXcuHTDVcsFpKRMR6ntL5AcaKBgn5ZUtAzsaRpuxftmJ9q6W_/s1600/papercrave-printable-gift-tags.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqR3jNdMVpn6u1EDusa6fUAmTRAr9DulLhYUYwrJEphJ7O8Iiw_SXu1g7Opkgs81nukLlUZeWJziHewAYeIIxgAGXwykfXcuHTDVcsFpKRMR6ntL5AcaKBgn5ZUtAzsaRpuxftmJ9q6W_/s640/papercrave-printable-gift-tags.gif" width="338" /></a></div>
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Retro gift tags by <a href="http://papercrave.com/paper-crave-printable-holiday-gift-tags/" target="_blank">Paper Cave</a> </div>
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[<a href="http://www.papercrave.com/downloads/papercravetagsred.pdf" target="_blank">Red & Teal</a>] [<a href="http://www.papercrave.com/downloads/papercravetagsgreen.pdf" target="_blank">Lime Green & Fuchsia</a>] [<a href="http://www.papercrave.com/downloads/papercravetagsblue.pdf" target="_blank">Dark & Light Blue</a>]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEny8aoWiJkdWK5xyU5sLi7LjIe9czsj-mMmT_GYIYkgss2szgclhTMF-BFinrrwHsh_sAnikFKg9_ZCLb9GjY5Nw6gLpnpwVSoxby4C_-2JayK8VoDYW50sWeDGAPCvVxv8FfnQrwX_jl/s1600/paper_reindeer_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEny8aoWiJkdWK5xyU5sLi7LjIe9czsj-mMmT_GYIYkgss2szgclhTMF-BFinrrwHsh_sAnikFKg9_ZCLb9GjY5Nw6gLpnpwVSoxby4C_-2JayK8VoDYW50sWeDGAPCvVxv8FfnQrwX_jl/s640/paper_reindeer_03.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/assets/content/PDF/Paper_Reindeer_Tag.pdf" target="_blank">Reindeer Tag</a> from <a href="http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/diy-holiday-paper-reindeer-postcard-tag?" target="_blank">Eat Drink Chic</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG-RUsePuagWdAiuX05f25B6CkkgEWsx1cXugDHPrmSSd1n8AVfc9E30aBrDmwmY2Rr3Q0Be8jwxCznS__wZ7-6eDeI2a9YXpsDwubaZIget9E968Dg5wpXO86NbRhMo6uzPO7d2QsFu6/s1600/05_printable%252Bchristmas%252Bparty%252Bgingerbread%252Bhouse%252Bcandy%252Bcane%252Bcute%252Bkawaii%252Bbox%252Bfree%252Bholiday%252Btemplate%252Bgift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG-RUsePuagWdAiuX05f25B6CkkgEWsx1cXugDHPrmSSd1n8AVfc9E30aBrDmwmY2Rr3Q0Be8jwxCznS__wZ7-6eDeI2a9YXpsDwubaZIget9E968Dg5wpXO86NbRhMo6uzPO7d2QsFu6/s640/05_printable%252Bchristmas%252Bparty%252Bgingerbread%252Bhouse%252Bcandy%252Bcane%252Bcute%252Bkawaii%252Bbox%252Bfree%252Bholiday%252Btemplate%252Bgift.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/paperglitterfreeprintables/FREE_ginger_house.zip" target="_blank">Printable Ginger House Favor box</a> from <a href="http://www.paperglitter.com/category/blog/printables-christmas" target="_blank">Paper Glitter</a></div>
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(PDF automatically downloads to your computer when you click on the link)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTJKqoLWpDW86I2oIYnYPKbHuSHBURGSF73PFUAGh3Arsm0DXWRXMDb-jQ5TbxvYSVW79cTaRyhkxch8_SkvFoA9Ucoyr9vsFfHIW36W4P_xNDJD7Cu0iOb-f41dkfkKnLckuXncvbblm/s1600/CI-Kori-Clark_Christmas-Gift-Tags-polka-dot_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTJKqoLWpDW86I2oIYnYPKbHuSHBURGSF73PFUAGh3Arsm0DXWRXMDb-jQ5TbxvYSVW79cTaRyhkxch8_SkvFoA9Ucoyr9vsFfHIW36W4P_xNDJD7Cu0iOb-f41dkfkKnLckuXncvbblm/s640/CI-Kori-Clark_Christmas-Gift-Tags-polka-dot_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2012/10/10/DO_NOT_RESIZE_CI-Kori-Clark_blue-red-stripe-gift-tags.pdf" target="_blank">Editable gift tags</a> from Paper & Pigtails via the <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-customizable-holiday-gift-tags-pictures" target="_blank">DIY Network</a></div>
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These gift tags download in an editable PDF File. You can change the names, fonts, and font color.</div>
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<a href="http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2012/10/10/DO_NOT_RESIZE_CI-Kori-Clark_Editable-Instructions-for-gift-tags.pdf" target="_blank">Instructions are here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0SdcLUHy5TaRYVzoSfhx3qq_pCbvUUeipvOwGTllOZW2Q7Ic7LjUcD6gvp_aQZi_-4Q67Vir5t5LUncOpCL3oe5rORo0ApxFC5_9EGRBYs0hvMsg49b9P2eLoDmm8h-_QXeAarDFVs1c/s1600/CI-Kori-Clark_Christmas-Gift-Tag-Skates2_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0SdcLUHy5TaRYVzoSfhx3qq_pCbvUUeipvOwGTllOZW2Q7Ic7LjUcD6gvp_aQZi_-4Q67Vir5t5LUncOpCL3oe5rORo0ApxFC5_9EGRBYs0hvMsg49b9P2eLoDmm8h-_QXeAarDFVs1c/s640/CI-Kori-Clark_Christmas-Gift-Tag-Skates2_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2013/12/05/DO_NOT_RESIZE_CI-Kori-Clark_Gift-Tag-Skates.pdf" target="_blank">Editable gift tags</a> from Paper & Pigtails via the <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-customizable-holiday-gift-tags-pictures" target="_blank">DIY Network</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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These gift tags download in an editable PDF File. You can change the names, fonts, and font color.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2012/10/10/DO_NOT_RESIZE_CI-Kori-Clark_Editable-Instructions-for-gift-tags.pdf" target="_blank">Instructions are here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHtScI2EIKcWngrhCv6uzXgsqkGC2NwLITjwsZD1NX9tpy3F3cN7mg0MsO1ncNGrkRvQ6YD3u8_WS5mSwppIHAKxLZ7cQEiFpim7VVRFiVRImaGs0_a5eFlnrwkKWSTKxRfHnQ0hTTMyQ/s1600/CI-Kori-Clark_Christmas-Gift-Tag-Mittens1_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.1288.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHtScI2EIKcWngrhCv6uzXgsqkGC2NwLITjwsZD1NX9tpy3F3cN7mg0MsO1ncNGrkRvQ6YD3u8_WS5mSwppIHAKxLZ7cQEiFpim7VVRFiVRImaGs0_a5eFlnrwkKWSTKxRfHnQ0hTTMyQ/s640/CI-Kori-Clark_Christmas-Gift-Tag-Mittens1_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.1288.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2013/12/05/DO_NOT_RESIZE_CI-Kori-Clark_Gift-Tag-Mittens.pdf" target="_blank">Editable gift tags</a> from Paper & Pigtails via the <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-customizable-holiday-gift-tags-pictures" target="_blank">DIY Network</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These gift tags download in an editable PDF File. You can change the names, fonts, and font color.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2012/10/10/DO_NOT_RESIZE_CI-Kori-Clark_Editable-Instructions-for-gift-tags.pdf" target="_blank">Instructions are here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN7jBQKgOdDxN7iAdSkfJi7yOCj4XmFI1Y9ljMyzOSQIK5p3f-Jl299_FjsnwXBy6UYYTucxCXzwW2yGtBLNU7pM9Y8hvhdpAkdkI4W-kkcVMxez3iEbHlrUDSeDk7s2dlEGqfud7PnEw/s1600/1441227990-xmas-decorations-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN7jBQKgOdDxN7iAdSkfJi7yOCj4XmFI1Y9ljMyzOSQIK5p3f-Jl299_FjsnwXBy6UYYTucxCXzwW2yGtBLNU7pM9Y8hvhdpAkdkI4W-kkcVMxez3iEbHlrUDSeDk7s2dlEGqfud7PnEw/s640/1441227990-xmas-decorations-3.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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Printable Star & Circle ornaments from <a href="http://picklebums.com/star-and-circle-paper-decorations/" target="_blank">Picklebums</a></div>
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[<a href="http://picklebums.com/images/printables/picklebums_starornaments.pdf" target="_blank">Star ornaments</a>] [<a href="http://picklebums.com/images/printables/picklebums_paperornaments.pdf" target="_blank">Circle Ornaments</a>]</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-4452233681451088672016-12-02T06:57:00.003-08:002017-11-05T09:37:12.169-08:00Free Printable 2018 Calendars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg7tAcBrHMUxFhqimf9SU8xR6xjwm5j_8xN5BDI6A5PtCQEX70jKQH9mEDHUen0LBt7HGgTR5GkEx7g3448gnfaXl8sG2o2kpcYtn78tkla_mnsl5iFQCm0MksZxRdGadPr6MJbWwrGff/s1600/2018onesheetdoily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="856" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg7tAcBrHMUxFhqimf9SU8xR6xjwm5j_8xN5BDI6A5PtCQEX70jKQH9mEDHUen0LBt7HGgTR5GkEx7g3448gnfaXl8sG2o2kpcYtn78tkla_mnsl5iFQCm0MksZxRdGadPr6MJbWwrGff/s400/2018onesheetdoily.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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Here are some cute, free printable 2018 calendars. If you have a color printer and some nice paper, these would make nice gifts.<br />
<a name='more'></a>--<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">You'll need:</span></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Access to a color printer (inkjet printers give the most vibrant color)</li>
<li>Photo, card stock, or inkjet paper</li>
<li>Scissors -or- an Exacto knife</li>
<li>A binder clip (or some way to clip the calendar pages together)</li>
<li>Free download (below)</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Free Downloadable Calendars:</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25c_ShNaeRGLb4_AwWOP3aPInRDZFExbpcDJXGb5ngJo7n4chCAhHAQ3kMJnEheHnLoYJbRX8pZlOLosAY0C5cglduCZbEYgD3j1oafDOlblkzIa_iIHKqLwNCbWXFZto_KfXpYO74jN8/s1600/2018-Monthly-PRINTABLE-CALENDAR-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25c_ShNaeRGLb4_AwWOP3aPInRDZFExbpcDJXGb5ngJo7n4chCAhHAQ3kMJnEheHnLoYJbRX8pZlOLosAY0C5cglduCZbEYgD3j1oafDOlblkzIa_iIHKqLwNCbWXFZto_KfXpYO74jN8/s320/2018-Monthly-PRINTABLE-CALENDAR-2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<b>Download</b>: <a href="http://www.shortstopdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Calendar-2018-Blog-Landscape-Part-1.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Calendar-pt. 1</a> + <a href="http://www.shortstopdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Calendar-2018-Blog-Landscape-Part-2.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Calendar-pt. 2</a> (landscape) [PDF]<br />
<b>Download: </b><a href="http://www.shortstopdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/calendar-blog-2018.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Calendar</a> (portrait) [PDF]</div>
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The portrait version will work well clipped to a clipboard.</div>
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Courtesy of: <a href="http://www.shortstopdesigns.com/2017/06/30/2018-printable-calendar/" target="_blank">shortstopdesigns.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5BCCoZD99d9NuxlgWUAr07uTsmu46OgTPNewj5WP7glTBeQzIyg5kg1RBGuriPNoa74CEmEmXeGdab-0RHAzN6nxht67xYtvfRnDv4flltGYv-nuHSB-ie7I5koZdI2YzkbCMhS_o8UJ/s1600/Free-Printable-2018-Calendar-Mandala-Coloring1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="791" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5BCCoZD99d9NuxlgWUAr07uTsmu46OgTPNewj5WP7glTBeQzIyg5kg1RBGuriPNoa74CEmEmXeGdab-0RHAzN6nxht67xYtvfRnDv4flltGYv-nuHSB-ie7I5koZdI2YzkbCMhS_o8UJ/s320/Free-Printable-2018-Calendar-Mandala-Coloring1.png" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b>Download</b>: <a href="http://slapdashmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Free-Printable-2018-Calendar-Mandalas.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Mandala Calendar</a> [PDF]</div>
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This is a fun coloring book style calendar & is set up to print one month per 8.5x11 page.</div>
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This would be a good calendar to clip to a small clip board or just present it loose-leafed with a box of crayons.</div>
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Courtesy of: <a href="http://slapdashmom.com/">SlapDashMom.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUnZNRa7qM6QwyMxCggb5G0KIJzQ2i5OJ6LdWeBSEE1UTW481Zjs4gR98oDI5e46tUi391ulEIc5IgNm3plnItVrDjv-NAxHHMY8oBk0_qbBL1X6DpoXoA_HdbOGYPeWJxWfZolTlE4OY/s1600/calendar-2018-free-printable_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1394" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUnZNRa7qM6QwyMxCggb5G0KIJzQ2i5OJ6LdWeBSEE1UTW481Zjs4gR98oDI5e46tUi391ulEIc5IgNm3plnItVrDjv-NAxHHMY8oBk0_qbBL1X6DpoXoA_HdbOGYPeWJxWfZolTlE4OY/s320/calendar-2018-free-printable_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Download</b>: <a href="http://www.wonderandwildness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2018.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Gardener's Calendar</a> [PDF]</div>
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Each page will fill a sheet of 8.5x11, so you won't need to trim it.</div>
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<div>
If you have a piece of cardboard or chip board (sometimes found in packs of paper or on the back of a notepad), you can place that behind the stack of calendar pages. Then use a binder clip at the top to keep the pages together.</div>
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Courtesy of: <a href="http://www.wonderandwildness.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2018.pdf" target="_blank">Wonder and Wildness</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fnWOlu1wrwtKu_NSn_cqTLP5MVrey40YR1nlYViEAwvW4BcXG6DH76Y8WNdJJxLowWh9VGtTN-KzHZgWBqLDYhgJ10czUOv0IcspxjNvQnJxKyhXvAbaeKxs2OIwsDKyL1c9x3wDI6Zl/s1600/21373718_488506348195060_4183353250734407680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fnWOlu1wrwtKu_NSn_cqTLP5MVrey40YR1nlYViEAwvW4BcXG6DH76Y8WNdJJxLowWh9VGtTN-KzHZgWBqLDYhgJ10czUOv0IcspxjNvQnJxKyhXvAbaeKxs2OIwsDKyL1c9x3wDI6Zl/s320/21373718_488506348195060_4183353250734407680_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Download</b>: <a href="https://www.tuddelkram.de/calendar-index-tabs-2018/" target="_blank">Bullet Journal Calendar Tabs</a></div>
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You'll need to scroll down to find the download links at the end of the blog post. She has both English and German versions.</div>
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<div>
These calendar index tabs are great for people who keep Bullet Journals.</div>
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Courtesy of: <a href="https://www.tuddelkram.de/calendar-index-tabs-2018/" target="_blank">Janina Behringer</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86OB8Iqx6zrHNi3xLVOYAvVWOTo_e9M-FmKTHadOvadp8bWBlIDNneB6H8WXWb11Jt2TNBdvvcxUIcn0kxESl7OKMnX9K0nxNbxEBTN6RXcOmXdRvWoHkmpkS59AYyCOcPaWqRSG9jtGJ/s1600/2018onesheetdoily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="856" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86OB8Iqx6zrHNi3xLVOYAvVWOTo_e9M-FmKTHadOvadp8bWBlIDNneB6H8WXWb11Jt2TNBdvvcxUIcn0kxESl7OKMnX9K0nxNbxEBTN6RXcOmXdRvWoHkmpkS59AYyCOcPaWqRSG9jtGJ/s400/2018onesheetdoily.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<b>Download:</b> <a href="https://scrappystickyinkymess.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/2018onesheetdoily.pdf" target="_blank">2018 Doily One Sheet Calendar</a><br />
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This will print on one sheet, fit to whatever size paper you choose to print on.<br />
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This is good for planners or print on a magnetic sheet and put it on the fridge.<br />
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There's also a 2019 version available for download.<br />
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Courtesy of: <a href="https://scrappystickyinkymess.wordpress.com/2017/08/04/2018-and-2019-doily-one-sheets/" target="_blank">Scrappy Sticky Inky Mess</a><span id="goog_212662681"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_212662682"></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-62767881341967517522016-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:002016-12-06T10:14:06.658-08:00Design Geek Advent Calendar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBiG8PNesixzkJYw6LBFXUlf9_z1OesBIA5RffnvEpmjf3K1LH2j5obmQtykZjfYguf8jvblY8LK_8KJ-PhJy6Gpy0OoSm-OjgN4Sp-tEE2tMhTUGMxuO4FzapYZZeHJehAgxxH-_jA3k/s1600/bagshero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBiG8PNesixzkJYw6LBFXUlf9_z1OesBIA5RffnvEpmjf3K1LH2j5obmQtykZjfYguf8jvblY8LK_8KJ-PhJy6Gpy0OoSm-OjgN4Sp-tEE2tMhTUGMxuO4FzapYZZeHJehAgxxH-_jA3k/s640/bagshero.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Here's a fun idea for those of you who love advent and typography. This isn't a completely free project, but if you have the extra time, money, and energy it could be a lot of fun to make.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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I found this project over at <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/11/deck-the-halls-diy/" target="_blank">Oh Happy Day</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">You'll need:</span></h3>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>25 muslin bags (a set of 25 4x6 bags will cost about $10)</li>
<li>Iron-on transfer paper (costs about $10 for 12 8.5x11 sheets)</li>
<li>Ink jet printer</li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/vlcTyx" target="_blank">The Free printable from Oh Happy Day</a> (this link automatically downloads a PDF file to your computer—just fyi)</li>
<li>Iron & ironing board</li>
</ul>
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The free printable from <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/11/deck-the-halls-diy/" target="_blank">Oh Happy Day</a> will print out mirror-imaged so when you iron it on to your bags the numbers will read correctly.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">Alternative ideas:</span></h3>
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Instead of ironing onto muslin bags, you can iron the numbers onto scrap fabric. Cut the fabric out and safety pin it to your advent container of choice.</div>
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If your printer has the ability to print mirror images, you can also print this so it reads normally (essentially you'd be mirror-imaging the mirror-image), then cut and paste the numbers onto envelopes & use that as your advent calendar. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-73120992227388113842016-12-01T09:54:00.002-08:002016-12-06T13:14:25.671-08:00Crocheted Washcloth Patterns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO34tTGxYrxBdLp2D0k-GJWNKBMuOIWQzxebu_JyqaSnyp2GS7HcJOa4wO_KKRH-a8xacUcaFX04J8FoeT8c4mE_t7iqZNr_n9ax3Cc7KFd2mAnJ0sTNs7jZqEpTNlPyiRlNzje9rUZoE4/s1600/Crocheted_washcloths.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO34tTGxYrxBdLp2D0k-GJWNKBMuOIWQzxebu_JyqaSnyp2GS7HcJOa4wO_KKRH-a8xacUcaFX04J8FoeT8c4mE_t7iqZNr_n9ax3Cc7KFd2mAnJ0sTNs7jZqEpTNlPyiRlNzje9rUZoE4/s640/Crocheted_washcloths.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've noticed that this is quite a trend lately. In the wake of eco and up cycled goods, lots of people are looking for the greener, friendlier options for their regular household items. Dish cloths, amazingly, are high on the list. They replace those grubby sponges and are equally good at scrubbing and wiping up messes. The best part? You can throw them in the washing machine when they get dirty. (Goodbye sponge!)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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So here's the deal, you'll want to use worsted weight cotton yarn for this project. (Worsted weight just means the yarn is smooth and not nappy.) Wool and other yarns may require special washing care (and wool will shrink when you toss it in the dryer), so it's best to stick with cotton. We want this to be as EASY as possible—otherwise no one will bother using it.<br />
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SO, if you have a stash of cotton yarn, you can try your hand at making these handmade wash & dish cloths. Like most things on this blog, this is a beginner level project.<br />
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I've included a list of pattern resources below for all manner of crocheted (and knitted) washcloths and dishcloths.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Supplies:</span></h3>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Crochet hook (H or J seem to be the most often suggested sizes)</li>
<li>Worsted weight cotton yarn</li>
<li>Tapestry needle (or a needle with a big enough eye to fit the thickness of the yarn)</li>
<li>Scissors.</li>
</ul>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Abbreviations:</span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce03U8pk_5o" target="_blank">CH – Chain</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhaQQajt0U" target="_blank">SC – Single Crochet</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxA2osb5Qfk" target="_blank">HDC – Half Double Crochet</a></span></li>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">Simple Pattern:</span></h3>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">(from <a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/easy-crochet-patterns/a/single-crochet-mesh-dishcloth-washcloth-free-pattern.htm" target="_blank">about.com</a>)</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ch 35.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Row 1:</span> Sc in 3rd ch from hook. [Ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.] Rep sequence in brackets across the entire row. Ch 1, turn.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Row 2:</span> Sc in 1st sc, skip 1st ch, [sc in next sc, ch 1, skip next ch.] Rep sequence in brackets across the entire row. Ch 1, turn. There will be 17 sc crochet stitches and 16 ch stitches in this row.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Design Notes:</span> In rows 2 and up, you may find that you achieve straighter edges by crocheting the last stitch into the <a data-component="link" data-inlink="XyNaAUtZZsC6YQOCqKUR3w==" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://crochet.about.com/od/learntocrochet/g/turning-chain.htm" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0099cc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">turning chain</a> instead of crocheting it into the last sc st. It can be done either way, depending on the look preferred, as long as it is consistent across all of the rows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Repeat row 2 until your dishcloth is square.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">End off. Weave in ends.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Presentation</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORJKXqEUaWHbzK7L1o9wh_lV0ufWLX-FDrJQMNGu0eb-xJNcYVMRWlbdL0WM3akXkucfJcMvU4Xtuxih7aEZ_ZfNOl5mWHvNV32PaLKwfE7DoAMmY0s9fe1nDFyNCBenW_g2ABr8HoHsr/s1600/cee0416554437820843a8b34f4958f1e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORJKXqEUaWHbzK7L1o9wh_lV0ufWLX-FDrJQMNGu0eb-xJNcYVMRWlbdL0WM3akXkucfJcMvU4Xtuxih7aEZ_ZfNOl5mWHvNV32PaLKwfE7DoAMmY0s9fe1nDFyNCBenW_g2ABr8HoHsr/s200/cee0416554437820843a8b34f4958f1e.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div>
Once finished, you can download and print <a href="http://www.thissoutherngirlcan.com/uploads/1/4/0/7/14077832/dishclothswrapper.pdf" target="_blank">this free dishcloth wrapper</a> (from <a href="http://www.thissoutherngirlcan.com/crochet/free-printable-dishcloth-wrapper" target="_blank">This Southern Girl Can</a>), to package your homemade gift (or you could just fold it into a square and tie it with string)</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Video Tutorials</span></h3>
<br />
Don't know how to knit or crochet? No problem! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=crochet+tutorial+for+beginners" target="_blank">YouTube has no shortage of tutorial videos</a> that show you how to master these simple stitches.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Resources for other patterns:</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Dishcloths/15-Free-Crochet-Dishcloth-Patterns" target="_blank">All Free Crochet</a>: 51 free crocheted dish cloth patterns<br />
<a href="http://www.petalstopicots.com/2013/07/crunchy-stitch-crochet-dishcloth-pattern/" target="_blank">Petals to Picots</a>: Crunchy Stitch Crocheted Dish Cloth Pattern (like in the picture above)<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waffle-crochet-spa-washcloth" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>: free crocheted wash cloth pattern<br />
<a href="http://stitch11.com/simple-and-practical-dish-cloth/" target="_blank">Stitch 11</a>: simple and practical dishcloth<br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-87146483225075346042016-11-30T19:25:00.002-08:002016-12-06T10:14:33.345-08:00The Gift of Mixtapes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Today the term "mixtape" is more a tongue-in-cheek homage to those awkward days of sitting in front of the tape deck (for those who even remember what that is), pressing the record, pause, and stop buttons.<br />
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If you're still a fan, there are a few sites out there that offer free music (usually in exchange for your email). Why not surf the Web of music and download a few songs to make your own mixtape?<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Free (Legal) Download Sources</span></h3>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://noisetrade.com/" target="_blank">NoiseTrade</a> is a good site for a lot of free music. They have a variety, but this time of year there are a lot of Christmas albums (both religious and sectarian) available.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/+free-music-downloads" target="_blank">LastFM</a> is probably best known for its streaming music service, but it also has a free downloads section</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.jamendo.com/start" target="_blank">Jamendo</a> is another site offering indie and creative common music. They have a good mix of Jazz, hip-hop, folk, etc.</li>
</ul>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/" target="_blank">The Free Music Archive</a> is also good for those weird or really old recordings & interviews.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
If you don't want to be inundated with emails from each of the musical artists, create a junk email account. (To make it easy, I used my regular email address followed by the word junk, as in "my-regular-email.junk@mail.com".) I use this whenever I'm signing up for something that might send me repeated sales or junk emails. That email then gets funneled directly into my junk mail folder (thank you technology.)<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">Free Printable CD Envelopes</span></h3>
And what would a mixtape be without a cool cover? You can, of course, create your own but I've designed a few different retro CD envelopes—free for you to download and print.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlqinzOasnS1F_b1g6KsKmI8DTWT6EhBwvFMUp-5qwLSOfrQ3dnNnJUWw628_pyOLo7nC8quZQrjOgWkvZW-jTVajDVYnJRBc500fD3u8iMVWH_d5g4bDrV14487ycDJPtHGtto-TXZ6z/s1600/CD_Cover_Classic-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlqinzOasnS1F_b1g6KsKmI8DTWT6EhBwvFMUp-5qwLSOfrQ3dnNnJUWw628_pyOLo7nC8quZQrjOgWkvZW-jTVajDVYnJRBc500fD3u8iMVWH_d5g4bDrV14487ycDJPtHGtto-TXZ6z/s320/CD_Cover_Classic-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B07K809PS-J-NExWU1ZsY2NoMUE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to download the PDF</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-3407973334239427302016-11-30T18:07:00.001-08:002016-12-06T10:14:54.083-08:00Lemon Meringue Drops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMcIYeVup1ELj9Nz9RvKgOVg7Khf23fStSKscd3JdRZJJm3grjSkU1T-B57QmV4HiZqY6DdXovj3X41YW6BgC6SZABIJq8gW3j-0Y5f2dJ_NyQEiPGNNphm2bSsVU2VLRrMTbLgRkdZDK/s1600/lemon-meringue-drops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMcIYeVup1ELj9Nz9RvKgOVg7Khf23fStSKscd3JdRZJJm3grjSkU1T-B57QmV4HiZqY6DdXovj3X41YW6BgC6SZABIJq8gW3j-0Y5f2dJ_NyQEiPGNNphm2bSsVU2VLRrMTbLgRkdZDK/s640/lemon-meringue-drops.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I found this recipe over at <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a9932/lemon-meringue-drops/" target="_blank">Good Housekeeping</a>. With minimal ingredients, it looks like a promising (and simple-to-make) confection.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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In lieu of a decorating bag, you can use a ziploc baggie and just cut one of the corners off. Squeeze the meringue through the hole (known as "piping") to make little kiss-shaped candies.<br />
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There's a good video tutorial on the <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/video-tip-make-your-own-pastry-bag-americas-test-kitchen-181142" target="_blank">America's Test Kitchen website</a> that shows how.</div>
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You can package them in little jars or cellophane bags. (Although you'll want to store them in an air-tight container until you're ready to give them as gifts.)</div>
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<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>
6 large egg whites</li>
<li>
½ tsp. cream of tartar</li>
<li>
¼ tsp. salt</li>
<li>
1 c. sugar</li>
<li>
4 tsp. freshly grated lemon peel</li>
</ul>
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<h3>
Directions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment.</li>
<li>In medium bowl, with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until soft peaks form. With mixer running, sprinkle in sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until sugar dissolves and meringue stands in stiff, glossy peaks when beaters are lifted. Gently fold in lemon peel.</li>
<li>Spoon meringue into decorating bag fitted with 1/2-inch star tip. Pipe meringue into 1 1/2-inch stars, about 1 inch apart, on prepared cookie sheets.</li>
<li>Bake meringues until crisp but not brown, 1 hour 30 minutes, rotating cookie sheets between upper and lower racks halfway through baking. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven until dry, 1 hour. Remove meringues from oven. Turn oven temperature back to 200 degrees F. Repeat with remaining meringue.</li>
<li>Cool meringues completely. Remove from parchment with wide metal spatula. Store in tightly sealed container at room temperature up to 1 month.</li>
</ol>
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<h3>
Alternative Flavors</h3>
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<div>
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<div>
<b>Peppermint</b>: Instead of lemon, you can do away with the lemon peel and add a 1/2 -1 tsp. of peppermint extract (it can be a bit strong, so be warned).</div>
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<div>
Don't have peppermint extract? If you have peppermint hard candies, you can crush up about 1/2 cup of those and mix it into the the meringue.</div>
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<div>
<b>Vanilla</b>: Forgo the lemon peel and add 1 tsp. vanilla to the meringue.</div>
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<div>
<b>Almond</b>: If you have almond extract, you can add 1 tsp. of that (in lieu of the lemon peel).</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-45876087363419864542016-11-30T08:17:00.001-08:002016-12-06T10:15:08.896-08:00Zero Dollar Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvI_2YTLInZyabja-zQzGJwSAYKGXPg2dA-WpJ15yxyYefsGbs-GPlMbWd1zVvXf4aJQOY4gonv-EXUXF63ZHT85ru7GS4plP-55UjC-b6MAuvXYgPRuAZFc4imml75euFBKmyHxoRzK/s1600/0-Christmas-challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvI_2YTLInZyabja-zQzGJwSAYKGXPg2dA-WpJ15yxyYefsGbs-GPlMbWd1zVvXf4aJQOY4gonv-EXUXF63ZHT85ru7GS4plP-55UjC-b6MAuvXYgPRuAZFc4imml75euFBKmyHxoRzK/s640/0-Christmas-challenge.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">This year, like a lot of people, we have a tight budget. Honestly, we have a tight budget regardless of the holidays, so when you add in holiday gift-giving, things get stressed.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">For a number of years now, neither of us has been excited by the prospect of "the holidays." It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the extra to-do lists and watch as both our time and our bank balance dwindle. This year, with the realization that even our very small Christmas budget was an amazing gift, we decided to donate that money to people who've not been as fortunate.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<h2 style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">With each donation of time and money </span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><div style="text-align: center;">
our excitement for the holiday season </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grew enormously.<br />
<br /></div>
</span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">As a result, our rather small Christmas budget got (happily) zeroed out. With each donation of time and money our excitement for the holiday season grew enormously.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">Rather than buy gifts, this year we are going to "shop at home." We are going to make presents from the supplies we already own. Granted, this may be a little easier for us, as we are two artists who have loads of "scrap" material laying around. But the idea is to use what you have and to make it special.</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">I, personally, am challenging myself to do and try things I've not done before—including teaching myself how to knit and crochet (thank you YouTube for your unending array of tutorial videos).</span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">So here's the challenge: </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">Without adding to your stress level (very important), try not to spend money on gifts. </b><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">If zero dollars is too daunting or stressful, just try to minimize the amount you spend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If you need inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to start. I created a </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ndeyton/0-christmas/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">$0 Christmas board</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> and just kept adding ideas.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #222222;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Create some parameters. A lot of people find it easier if they create some rules, such as:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"One gift they want, one gift they need, one gift they wear, and one gift they read."</i></span></blockquote>
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">My rules are a bit less poetic:</span><br />
<ol style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Keep it contained (in a box, stocking, or basket)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Keep it simple</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Make it fun </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Make it useful, reusable, or recyclable</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Always give them something to eat</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Wrap everything </li>
</ol>
<h3 style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">My zero dollar Christmas looks something like this:</span></h3>
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://liagriffith.com/diy-felt-christmas-stockings/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A simple handmade Christmas stocking</a> (made from fabric scraps, felt, or old sweaters)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Paper folded ornaments (<a href="http://www.duitang.com/blog/?id=260237472" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">folded origami stars</a> or <a href="http://www.highhopes.com/3dstar.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Moravian stars</a>)—I like to use newspaper, brown paper bags, pages from old books (that are beyond repair), etc.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Felt / fabric tags that can double as <a href="http://craftlog.org/craftlog/?p=2604" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ornaments</a></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Baked gifts (<a href="http://www.playpartyplan.com/cranberry-orange-bread-recipe-with-free/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">quick breads</a>, <a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/food-drink/article9069701.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">cookies</a>, <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/12/12/chocolate-dipped-almond-biscotti/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">biscotti</a>, or <a href="http://theunlikelybaker.com/classic-buttermilk-scones/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">scones</a>)—wrapped in paper.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/how-to-crochet-washcloths-tutorial" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Knitted wash cloths</a> (made with yarn from my stash)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.feelgift.com/heart-shaped-leather-bookmark-set-of-6" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Heart-shaped book marks</a> (made from heavy card stock or stiff felt, whatever I have on hand)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/pocket-hand-warmers/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pocket hand warmers</a> (made with rice and scrap fabric)</li>
</ul>
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;">Most of the members of my family have reached adult age, but you can find wonderful (free) </span><a href="http://www.papertoys.com/" style="color: #888888; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">paper toy printables</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;"> as well as patterns for </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=diy+play+mat&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjlhNWjr87QAhXINiYKHXT0BfoQsAQIHA&biw=1301&bih=811" style="color: #888888; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">play mats</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;"> and </span><a href="http://diy stuffed animals" style="color: #888888; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">stuffed animals</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.399999618530273px;"> online.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-68441847849417416132016-11-29T18:22:00.000-08:002016-12-06T13:14:38.197-08:00Simple Homemade Scone Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEh-5yxTvIpjaddFChi2sB6iS2VbFj3T-Abl73RE2Zr5zDBxPiuboC3qrqdpwlXC72sIghdqK4fTkVoKTXaesjORgEvQH0r_zaJSHCecFQnmjdYruGO3yyIlXwr-P5a4krsrZCs-Xi7Ff/s1600/homemade_scones.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEh-5yxTvIpjaddFChi2sB6iS2VbFj3T-Abl73RE2Zr5zDBxPiuboC3qrqdpwlXC72sIghdqK4fTkVoKTXaesjORgEvQH0r_zaJSHCecFQnmjdYruGO3yyIlXwr-P5a4krsrZCs-Xi7Ff/s640/homemade_scones.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're tired of baking and giving cookies as gifts, why not consider making scones instead? They're as easy and inexpensive as cookies and create a bit of a variety from the other food gifts. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Ingredients</span></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: none;">
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">2 cups all-purpose flour </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1/3 cup sugar </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1 teaspoon baking powder </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1/4 teaspoon baking soda </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1/2 cup raisins (or dried currants) </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1/2 cup sour cream </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">1 large egg </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Directions</span></span></h3>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a medium bowl, mix flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal), then stir in raisins.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and egg until smooth.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (The dough will be sticky in places, and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first, but as you press, the dough will come together.)</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7- to 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper), about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.</span></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-44332939439879977812016-11-29T14:26:00.000-08:002016-12-06T10:18:59.368-08:00Upcycled Coffee Bag Tote<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8sxVOFi6ohtGdBi8-Lb2pu8ACt3h1m4bhFdDHFoYY4-ewcKJgHdCBnYT7QGOhiR3SRHxQ_jZapTtjsxbZT0q2c-nbnzMK2f8s0qQc4jeTox4nh2XASfs7qM2GrDDyXPvOl6OumJvSHNp/s1600/Coffee_Bag_Tote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8sxVOFi6ohtGdBi8-Lb2pu8ACt3h1m4bhFdDHFoYY4-ewcKJgHdCBnYT7QGOhiR3SRHxQ_jZapTtjsxbZT0q2c-nbnzMK2f8s0qQc4jeTox4nh2XASfs7qM2GrDDyXPvOl6OumJvSHNp/s320/Coffee_Bag_Tote.png" width="267" /></a></div>
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Here's a project for you upcyclers and coffee drinkers. I found this idea on a <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=365049.0" target="_blank">Craftster</a> forum, but have seen other versions that use a sewing machine rather than duct tape.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I have to say, I like the simplicity of the duct tape better.<br />
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Most of the sewing patterns I've seen require you to add a layer of vinyl or clear adhesive to reinforce the areas that have been stitched. (Duct tape seems a lot easier and more economical—and you're a lot more likely to have a roll of <i>it</i> lying around rather than scraps of clear vinyl.)<br />
<br />
I'll work on finding (or making) some better instructions. In the mean time:<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">You'll need</span></h3>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Empty and cleaned (mylar) coffee bags</li>
<li>Duct tape in the color(s) of your choice</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li><a href="https://secretpalteachers.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/mini-bag-pattern.jpg" target="_blank">A bag pattern</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">Instructions</span></h3>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cut your coffee bags along one side to allow you to open them up to their full width. (You may need to cut the bottoms off.)</li>
<li>For the shorter sides, cut your coffee bags down each side, while leaving the bottom in tact. This will make one long piece that can then wrap from the side to the bottom of the bag.</li>
<li>Wash the inside with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. This will remove the coffee oils and allow the duct tape to adhere solidly.</li>
<li>Use duct tape on all edges and seams. You may also want to reinforce the bottom seams with extra tape.</li>
<li>Finish off the top edge with duct tape before adding the handles.</li>
<li>Handles are made by sandwiching two pieces of duct tape (sticky sides together), while leaving the tail ends free. These will get taped to the inner and outer sides of the bag.</li>
</ol>
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<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-68498277787493577892016-11-29T13:27:00.000-08:002016-12-06T10:19:12.359-08:00Silly Sock Creature Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoLoXtHC29FAM18xp092QEw_QbGMLRMN2FExffXTAhwsCVp8DEVRtnViXR4VlZ-7bIeBULJbIz9-z283mxKO8MvQ2-4ylLxK3eJIo9E1QVRdFrr2cL5cmNEFJ9jaXkcqBhyYpgggM4o3U/s1600/sockCreatures2-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoLoXtHC29FAM18xp092QEw_QbGMLRMN2FExffXTAhwsCVp8DEVRtnViXR4VlZ-7bIeBULJbIz9-z283mxKO8MvQ2-4ylLxK3eJIo9E1QVRdFrr2cL5cmNEFJ9jaXkcqBhyYpgggM4o3U/s640/sockCreatures2-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you have worn out or lone socks hanging around, why not turn them into one of these fun (and easy) sock creatures? They're goofy, full of character, and each one is guaranteed to be unique. And I can bet you that the fun adults in your life will appreciate these as much as the kids.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
There are <a href="https://www.google.com/#q=diy+sock+creatures+instructions" target="_blank">lots of other patterns and ideas online</a> if you want to branch out from this one.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, you can download the instructions <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B07K809PS-J-d2REVGtWazFYdUk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> [PDF].<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;">You'll need</span></h3>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 sock</li>
<li>needle and thread</li>
<li>batting or some other kind of filling (can be scrap fabric or even dryer lint!)</li>
<li>buttons for eyes (optional)</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n0TeIBr7yLzRyi1gI-dOaSt2CW-L4sJe01r2JLED_nL2ouAPyOK3pdVJbxZ77H4Z78Dc2NuLE-NWPbwE-trqGsTbm-khnfEmYP1E6YWDnvxSKxbyQSwaJf_l98LWgkpIskbu72b7-fk_/s1600/sockdollInstructions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n0TeIBr7yLzRyi1gI-dOaSt2CW-L4sJe01r2JLED_nL2ouAPyOK3pdVJbxZ77H4Z78Dc2NuLE-NWPbwE-trqGsTbm-khnfEmYP1E6YWDnvxSKxbyQSwaJf_l98LWgkpIskbu72b7-fk_/s640/sockdollInstructions.png" width="490" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-44594443859732078262016-11-29T12:58:00.000-08:002016-12-06T10:19:30.768-08:00Free Printable Christmas Coupon Book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX08WlvfusX9EvwbBqya6TajdmU_w2idpF6mFVdCzLpzib1SjZh6J81x4_Tt8jfoR7GikTeZhfKWRYtdwfM1Rhi6ywv3Nqp5GlTWV-wnlXPIzAv-K0UQlSQt6IZm1rf3dDBKIYUU090ZFo/s1600/ChristmasCouponBook2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX08WlvfusX9EvwbBqya6TajdmU_w2idpF6mFVdCzLpzib1SjZh6J81x4_Tt8jfoR7GikTeZhfKWRYtdwfM1Rhi6ywv3Nqp5GlTWV-wnlXPIzAv-K0UQlSQt6IZm1rf3dDBKIYUU090ZFo/s320/ChristmasCouponBook2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Customized coupon books are always a good fall-back gift plan, if you have paper and access to a color printer (although, honestly, black & white works too).<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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It's up to you to do some brainstorming on what coupons you'll offer to the recipient. The best advice is to figure out what they like or any areas in which they may need a break (i.e. give mom a break from doing the dishes, or offer to make dinner and clean up).<br />
<br />
Just cut out, trim, and staple.<br />
<br />
Here are some ideas to get you started:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>One free trip to the (used) bookstore.</li>
<li>A night out to the movies with popcorn (or a night in)</li>
<li>One homemade meal of your choosing</li>
<li>Coffee (or breakfast) in bed</li>
<li>Offer to do the laundry (& or dishes) for an entire week.</li>
<li>One free picnic lunch</li>
<li>One evening of free babysitting </li>
<li>Two free loaves of homemade bread</li>
<li>An afternoon of weeding or preparing the garden</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm6e0JfuYbFWaMTFyN4BXEgqiaT22mjl0H3kL_D1YJuo-HciXypivZEePz9UfoFX7wB_Ne_0W_QOD759XPAjz86ZYxP7KJeHhPKF_sEkBx35WJ1goym7YbCQ85rqdr7i3wgXGTtdXNBOt/s1600/ChristmasCouponBook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm6e0JfuYbFWaMTFyN4BXEgqiaT22mjl0H3kL_D1YJuo-HciXypivZEePz9UfoFX7wB_Ne_0W_QOD759XPAjz86ZYxP7KJeHhPKF_sEkBx35WJ1goym7YbCQ85rqdr7i3wgXGTtdXNBOt/s640/ChristmasCouponBook.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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<div>
You can download the free printable <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B07K809PS-J-cWZ5MGc0YTZBUHc" target="_blank">here</a> [PDF]</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-73905977517968643942016-11-29T10:01:00.001-08:002016-12-06T10:20:53.722-08:00Super Easy Granola<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij513cbAciBDQuL5JBPRVny-VB5BgcnIqkjEjjRPqMwGJZrfExtoRZ6aIiP7ztvfk8ynSOTU9mamJjjM1ugtuv0WXLYPd1cjQZ-gEj0gnougEXuXqXy4ypGc-0Xo3pO7ZqCZWnIJKClMDi/s1600/Homemade_Granola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij513cbAciBDQuL5JBPRVny-VB5BgcnIqkjEjjRPqMwGJZrfExtoRZ6aIiP7ztvfk8ynSOTU9mamJjjM1ugtuv0WXLYPd1cjQZ-gEj0gnougEXuXqXy4ypGc-0Xo3pO7ZqCZWnIJKClMDi/s400/Homemade_Granola.png" width="335" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Granola is one of those food gifts that is both comforting and original. It is simple to make and can vary depending on the ingredients you have on hand.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Ingredients</span></h3>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 cups rolled oats (not instant)</span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar</span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 teaspoon kosher salt</span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/3 cup honey </span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup vegetable oil </span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup small-dice dried fruit</span></li>
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<li itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw or toasted nuts or seeds</span></li>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Substitutions</span></h3>
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<li><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of honey, you can use applesauce. You will need to bake a little longer though.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit;">Also, instead of honey, you can use maple syrup. (You will not need to adjust the baking time for that.)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of vegetable oil, you can use coconut oil or butter. You will need to make sure it is heated to liquid.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit;">Diced fruit can be replaced with dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins)</span></li>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Additions</span></h3>
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<li>1/2 cup Shredded unsweetened coconut</li>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Recipe</span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Heat the oven to 250°F and arrange a rack in the middle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Place the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine; set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Place the honey, oil, and vanilla in a small bowl and stir to combine. Pour over the oat mixture and mix until the oats are thoroughly coated.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the granola is very light golden brown.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Remove from oven and let the granola cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. (Note: It will harden as it cools.)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Add the fruit and nuts or seeds to the baking sheet and toss to combine.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Presentation</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Once the granola is cooled you can package it up in a number of ways. Containers can include:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mason Jars</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Paper lunch bags</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Cellophane bags</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Old or reused tins </span></li>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can even <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explore/gift-bags/" target="_blank">make your own bags</a> out of brown paper or parchment paper.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Make it Special</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Include a handmade tag with serving suggestions & or ingredients. Or you can get this <a href="http://livesimply.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Printable-Gift-Tags.pdf" target="_blank">free printable gift tag</a> from <a href="http://livesimply.me/2015/11/21/homemade-granola-gift-ideas/" target="_blank">LiveSimply</a> (along with other easy granola recipes).</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4613523025367002474.post-52676368211049107602016-11-29T07:01:00.000-08:002016-11-29T10:04:32.121-08:00Start With What You Have<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everything is difficult when you're faced with a budget, but the holidays are a special kind of difficult—filled with good cheer and expectations of Christmas miracles.<br />
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It's this time of year, as we religiously watch our bank balances and cash-on-hand, that we're forced to make the hard choices, do I buy the drone with the spy camera or do I pay my rent (+utilities, +groceries, etc.). Do I donate my loose change to the red bucket or do I buy myself a sorely needed cup of coffee?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Do I donate my loose change to the</span></b> <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">red bucket or do I buy myself a</span></b> <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">sorely needed cup of coffee?</span></b></blockquote>
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Okay, so maybe you talk yourself out of the spy drone, because basic necessities do have a tendency to win out (eventually). And I make no judgments about choosing coffee over the Salvation Army (but, truth be told, I like most coffee establishments' equal opportunity employment policies over those of the SA).<br />
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And then there's every parents' salvation—<i>The Dollar Store</i>. Where you can find all manner of cheap, colorful plastic baubles that will last just long enough to appease the kiddos before they end up in the landfill of life.<br />
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The flip-side of that coin is the "homemade Christmas." Which seems like a practical idea until you realize how much work is involved and how much money you end up spending anyway because that cute idea you saw for a knitted / sewn / baked / grown / built / whatever gift costs more than that drone in materials.<br />
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It's like that gardener who decided he was going to save money by growing his own food. By the time he built the raised beds, amended the soil, bought the seeds and all the supplies, and paid for the watering bill—he'd spent $1,000 and was rewarded with one tomato.<br />
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Yeah, we're not gonna' do that.<br />
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Instead, we're going to place some parameters on the process.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">The rules are fairly simple:</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">1. Use What You Have</span></h2>
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This applies to not just the supplies you have on hand, but your knowledge and skill set as well. You're a smart cookie. You have "skillz." You know how to do stuff and things and other stuff... and even if you don't, you have the ability to learn. It's what makes you so fabulous.</div>
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We also call this "Shopping at Home." Re-gifting can fit into this category as well. (Just be careful you're not re-gifting something back to the person from whence it originated, 'cuz—awkward.)<br />
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All you have is a newspaper? Great! We're going to make a newspaper-themed Christmas. (You'd be amazed at <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/g1035/easy-paper-craft-projects/?slide=18" target="_blank">the stuff you can make with paper</a>).</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">2. Get Creative</span></h2>
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For a lot of people, me included, this can be hard. It's hard to look at the ingredients or materials you have on hand and envision an end product. That's why we have recipes and patterns and instruction manuals. It's also why we have Google and Pinterest searches. You don't have to rely solely on your own creative machinations. Other people have thought up creative stuff and posted it to the inter webs. You just need to find it.</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">3. Make Even the Smallest Thing an Event</span></h2>
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It's super easy to buy stuff then just throw it in a stocking. But with a little extra paper, tape, and string (it doesn't have to be fancy), you can wrap that tube of chapstick. Not only does unwrapping a present make it feel more special, but it also takes longer to unwrap a gift (vs. just pulling it out of the stocking). The longer we spend with the unveiling of a gift, the more special it feels.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com