Upcycled Vase

I came across this pin of a vase wrapped in twine.  Of course I can do something like that.  But, I also wanted something a little nicer.

The website wasn't much help because nothing really came up on it.  I kept the pin to look at the picture.

Picture

I decided to use a vase instead of a bottle.  We have a vase that we never use, so I thought it would make a great victim.  I went to the fabric store and got trim instead of using twine.  I wanted it to look more professional for the new bathroom.  All I used was a hot glue gun to attach the trim.

My Pictures

I didn't want to go all of the way up.  I will probably put fake flowers in it since I'm allergic to real ones.  I hate the way fake flowers look in a glass vase, so now you won't see the stems.  I can't wait to get some flowers!

Upcycled Trash Can

I found this pin that had a trash can covered with burlap, ribbon, and homemade rosettes.  My daughter has a similar trash can, but it's silver.  We are moving in June and I figured that I should start some projects for the new house.  This is my first one!

Website

http://www.monkeyinspirations.com/2011/07/burlap-rosettes.html

The website doesn't have directions because it just has a bunch of samples using burlap.

Picture

My daughter's room is going to feature purple, so that's what I went with.

My Pictures

It was pretty easy to do and only took a half hour.  I'm not a pro at this stuff, so it would probably take less for those that are.  I think this will look so cute in my daughter's room.

DIY Glitter Play Doh

I never really thought Play Doh was expensive so I never really understood why people make it.  But why not jump on the Pinterest bandwagon and make some.

Website

http://tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com/2010/01/s-is-for-snow.html

Their Picture

My Thoughts

Maybe I made it wrong, but it was crumbly.  I played with it to mix in the glitter and to soften it up, which it did.  However, I tried making a snake and it kept breaking off.  I don't think this would be fun to play with.  Plus the peppermint smell might make a child think they can eat it.  I would just go buy Play Doh instead of wasting the time.

My Pictures

I have no clue how they got the Play Doh so white in the picture!!!

DIY Gel Air Freshener

I know that it's been awhile, but I'm back.  Part of the reason is for being sick and the other part is for trying to figure out what I want to take on as a challenge.

I already tried an air freshener that didn't work so why not try another.

Website

http://sewstylishboutique.blogspot.com/2011/07/gel-air-freshener.html

Their Picture

Directions

All you need is:

2 Envelopes unflavored Gelatin 

1tsp or more of some perfume or other fragrance

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 cup ice cold water

Food coloring 

A small jar like a jelly or baby food jar

Mix the gelatin and hot water in a bowl until the gelatin in dissolved. Stir in Fragrance and food coloring, then the ice water. let set in a cool place. ( do not put it in the frige)  

My Thoughts

It smells great, when you put your nose to it.  I would assume that's the essential oil that I chose.  I cannot even smell it about 6 inches away.  It definitely will not scent up a room.  Oh well.  I guess it's just easier to buy air fresheners.

My Picture

Yeah I went ghetto and put it in tupperware.  I figured there was no point in making it look nice if I don't know how it's going to turn out.

Diaper Pail Deodorant Disk

I have a special needs child.  Even though she's 3 and 1/2, she's no where near ready to be potty trained.  With that comes an extended use of the diaper pail.  It reeks!!!!  I have tried the ones from Arm and Hammer and even 3 at a time with no luck!  So what could it hurt to make one and see what happens?

Website

http://zksim.blogspot.com/2012/01/stinky-diaper-pail-make-your-own.html

Directions

For baking soda disks, you will need:

• distilled or boiled water
•  2 cups of baking soda
• your choice of essential oils 
• a muffin pan
• paper muffin cups

Add a few drops of essential oil to a small amount of water. Mix the water with the baking soda. Mix well. Gradually add and mix more water until you have a thick paste.

 Press about ½" of paste into each muffin paper and let dry 24 hours. Tear the paper off. After you've used each disk for a month or so (however long you find it effective), crumble the disk into the diaper wash. Baking soda deodorizes and softens the diapers.

This recipe made me a year supply. Happy Diapering! :) 

My Thoughts

Our pail still reeks!!!  It's beyond repair I believe.  We should just invest in getting another since we don't know how long we will be using it anyways.  These disks might work in the fridge or something less potent, but not a diaper pail.  Luckily the only time we smell the pail is when we have to empty it and put in a new bag!!

Cleaning Cookie Sheets, Again?

You've all seen my dirty cookie sheets before, so I needed another cleaning method since the first didn't work.  This one seemed more practical.

Website

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/05/new-life-for-old-cookie-sheets-again.html

Directions

After sprinkling the spot with baking soda, then hydrogen peroxide, then another layer of baking soda… I left it sitting there like that while we went to breakfast. When we got home I rubbed a little of the cleaner off and was actually quite astonished to see MOST of the gunk came right off! Minimal rubbing with my fingers (you could use a scrubbie too) was required.

Their Pictures

My Thoughts

Blah!  My cookie sheets are getting thrown out today and I'm buy new.  It's not like they are that expensive anyways.  I'm sick of trying to clean them.  This does not work like the pictures!!!  I will say that it didn't spell horrific like the other method, so that made this method a little better.

My Pictures

Before

During

And After

This cookie sheets should have been replaced a long time ago!  What was I thinking???

Oven Cleaner

I bought this oven cleaner and it got almost all of my oven clean.  There's these little specks on the window that I cannot get off.  Of course I'm going to try something from Pinterest to see if it will work on those specks.

Website

http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-clean-oven-glass-it-seriously-is.html

Directions and Pictures

ant to clean your oven? I promise its super easy.

Ingredients:

Water

Baking Soda

Add about a 1/4 cup of baking soda in a dish and mix just enough water to make a slightly runny paste. 

Spread your mixture all over your glass (and the door if it needs it too. Mine did).

Wait 15-20 minutes (or if it is really, really bad like mine you can wait 30 minutes. Not sure if this is necessary but that's what I did.).

After 15, 20, or 30 minutes wipe off. If there are still spots left they should easily scrub off with a scour pad.

And Voila...

 

 

 

My Thoughts

 

Well my specks are still there and my oven looks the exact same as when I started.  I actually think this was harder to clean off of the oven because the baking soda is hard.  It took me several paper towels and cleaning wipes to get all of the cleaner off.  I wouldn't bother with this again.

 

My Pictures

(notice on the second picture that the specks are still there)

 

 

 

Don't waste your time!

Homemade Body Scrubs

I haven't been buying body scrubs for the past couple of years because I feel like they are such a rip off.  I love the way it makes my skin feel, but 20 bucks is a bit out of hand.  Ever since I lived at home as a teenager, someone was always stealing it from me and when I would go to use it, it would be gone.  How could I resist a homemade recipe? So how could I resist 24 recipes?

Warning: These recipes are sold for $3.99 (not from me)

Website

http://inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/search?q=scrub

My Thoughts

I've tried several, and it's worth the money to spend on the recipes.  They aren't just sugar and oil and scent.  They are full on mixtures but still keeping it at a cheap price.  The recipe makes a ton, so I cut it in half to make smaller portions.  I want to try all of the recipes and how can I do that if I keep the same one around for a long time.

One Thing I Changed

I like to use Grapeseed Oil because it's a lighter oil.  They have a large quantity of it at Target for about the same price as the cheap olive oil.  It's more expensive everywhere else and for half the quantity.

My Picture of Caramel Apple

(yes I keep them in tupperware)

 These will make great Christmas Gifts!  I will have to buy nicer containers though!

Greek Pasta Salad

I love pasta and Feta Cheese.  What a great combo.  I had to try this one!

Website

http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/greek-pasta-salad-recipe/

Picture

Man that's a great picture.  Looks like it's from a restaurant.

Directions

For the Dressing

1 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons basil dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons Za'atar*
1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar

For the Salad

1 pound rotini pasta cooked according to package directions
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half (you can also sub in grape tomatoes)
1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup Kalamata olives
1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1 7-ounce pepperoni stick, sliced

Directions:

1. In a a large Mason jar or other sealable container, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, Za'atar black pepper, and sugar. Shake well to combine.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, green onions, olives, feta cheese and pepperoni.
3. Separate and reserve ½ cup of dressing in the refrigerator.
4. Toss the pasta salad with the rest of the dressing until evenly coated. Cover, and chill overnight.
5. Right before serving, freshen the salad with the reserved dressing, tossing to coat.



My thoughts

 Great recipe and great dressing.  I couldn't find Za-atar so I worked without it.  I also don't like peppers or olives, so I skipped those too.  I added chicken to it to make it a meal instead of a side dish.

This is a pasta that I will make many more times!


My Picture

Crock Pot Applesauce

I've mentioned before that I want to go fresh.  Instead of buying applesauce, which is so easy, why not make it?  Might as well complicate things for myself, but at least it's fresh.

Website

http://mommymakesitbetter.blogspot.com/2012/04/crock-pot-applesauce.html

Their Picture

Directions

Ingredients:

8 medium apples (Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.) (I filled the crockpot, using about 20 small apples)

1 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

3 inch cinnamon stick

5 tsp light brown sugar (unpacked) - or agave


1.  Peel, core and chop the apples.

2.  Add the sugar, lemon peel, lemon juice and cinnamon stick.

3.  Set crock pot to low and cook for 6 hours. Stir apples occasionally, apples will slowly become a delicious applesauce. Remove cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or if you prefer a chunky sauce, leave sauce intact. (I used a whisk, which gave the sauce a nice chunky consistency.)

4.  Can and process as you would other recipes or keep refrigerated up to 3 weeks.

My Thoughts

I cut the recipe in half to see if I would like it and it didn't make a lot of sauce.  It's amazing how many apples put in to it and what comes out.  

It needed some sugar, so I will add some.  Other than that, I like the recipe.  It's nice to just put it and and forget about it for awhile.

My Picture

(I use a liner in my pot so I don't have to wash it)

It's a little hard to see.  Sorry about that.  Try it out!

 

Italian Chicken

I love an easy recipe.  Just throw it in the stove and forget about it for awhile, sign me up.

Website

http://tristanfamily.blogspot.com/2012/07/whats-for-dinner.html

Picture

Directions

 4-6 raw chicken breasts, new potatoes, green beans (fresh or canned-really any green veggie would work. Broccoli is good, too). Arrange in 9x13 dish. Sprinkle with a packet of Italian dressing mix and then top with a melted stick of butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. 

 

 

My Thoughts

 

My butcher splits my chicken and pounds it for me, so it's thin.  I knew that the chicken would cook faster than the vegetables, so I put them in first and then added the chicken. 

This was a great dinner!  It was so easy and tasted great!  I used different veggies though.

My Picture

Yum!  Give it a try!

Pickle Dip

I have always loved pickles.  My cousin and I would eat a whole jar of those really huge pickles that they sell at delis - but in one sitting.  I also like the juice.  I know some of you think I'm disgusting now and I'm ok with that.

I've been craving chips so this was a great time to make the dip.

Website

http://bunsinmyoven.com/2012/01/18/pickle-dip/

Directions

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 to 1 cup dill pickles, depending on how pickly you like things
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• dill, for garnish, if desired
• pickle juice

Instructions

1. Chop the pickles into very small pieces.
2. Combine with the cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce until well mixed. Splash in a bit of pickle juice to thin the dip out a bit (around 1 tablespoon, but more is fine, dependent on your taste).
3. Serve cold or at room temperature with potato chips. 

Results

I  really liked the dip.  It is really pickly (is that a word), so don't try this if you only like pickles sometimes or just a little bit.  This is major pickle taste.

Room Air Freshner

I don't really like candles, so I thought this would be a great alternative.

Website

http://www.theburlapbag.com/2011/12/diy-room-air-freshener/

Problem

I can not smell this at all!  Even standing next to it!  I put extra scent into it and waited another day or two, and then put more scent into it - still don't smell it!  This sucks because I love cucumber melon scent!

Homemade Lip Gloss

I've been on a big kick lately with everything being fresh.  Now it's time to make homemade bath products instead of spending all of that money for it at the store.  I know that lip gloss isn't expensive, but no how many times I misplace it and have to buy another, it will be worth it.

Website

http://blog.justlove.ly/2012/01/14-days-of-love-lip-balm.html

Directions

First up.. because the Kool-Aid is what supplies the color to your lip balm I would suggest you purchase a flavor that comes out red.  I mixed cherry and tropical punch together.  I have also done this recipe with Crystal light which tastes much better, but sometimes the crystals don't dissolve as well as the Kool-Aid ones do so it can be tricky.

Gather your supplies and in a microwave safe bowl (I ended up using a mixing cup) put a glob <--- that's a proper measurement right.. ok about a cup into the bowl and heat on high for about a minute. Stir. Do again. This is the repetitive part, I usually browse pinterest on my phone while standing next to the microwave.. or sometimes I eat raw cookie dough from the fridge.. whatever works for you!  Keep repeating this step and make sure to stir, stir and stir some more in between each heating. If you plan on making a lot of these I would suggest doing it in batches as it will be easier to melt down.  **please do in small increments to assure that you do not blow your microwave, also if you have access to double boiler that works great too!

 

Take your bowl of liquid greasiness =) and let cool for just a few seconds, stir in the kool-aid a little at a time and make sure it starts to dissolve (keep stiring!)  The more you add the darker it gets so this is up to you and what you want your lip gloss to look like, I used two whole packets for this pretty color.

Now if you use Crystal Light the flavor is so much better, since the Kool-Aid is bitter I simply pour in a couple packets of stevia just for a little sweet on my lips.  Oh and it's zero calorie in case you ingest the stuff!

 

My Thoughts

It's a very simple process, don't let the directions fool you.  She is just wordy with the directions.

 

I love this.  Vaseline is great for your lips.

 

The only problem is that it tastes so good, I'm scared I'm eating too much of it.  Ha Ha!

 

This will be a recipe that I will keep!

 

Roll of Bags

We always have an abundance of plastic bags from Target and they overflow the cabinet under the sink.  We already have a bad holder, but they can't be contained in it.  This is a new way to store some and take them along with you.

Website

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/07/summer-social-guest-project-make_21.html

Their directions are step by step with pictures, so please visit their website to follow them.

Cons

1. It was really hard to flatten them to the point that there isn't any air.

2. You need a long floor space to line them all up the way it's stated.

3.  I had trouble fitting 12 into the container, but it was also my first time.

Pros

1. I put the roll on the 3rd floor so we don't always have to remember to take bags up for our trashcans.

2. I don't have as many bags under the sink.

Things I Learned While Doing This

1. You don't need to stretch them all out.  You can roll one half way and then place the next one the way that it's supposed to be.  That way you don't have to travel down the hallway rolling bags.

2. The bags will fill with air after you let it out so it makes more sense to squeeze out the air at the closest time to rolling it.

I will continue to do this.  I don't really think I need this for outside of the house, so I will not be mod podging it to make it look nice.

Try it out!

Any questions or comments, please leave them!

Another Blackhead Remedy

I thought this would work because it uses baking soda and so did the first mask that I tried.

Website (it's in Russian and hard to find anything)

http://vk.com/pin_beauty

What the original pin states

Beauty Club Getting rid of Blackheads with fine salt and soda. Take gel facial wash, mix with tablespoon of baking soda and tablespoon of salt. Apply to damp skin with cotton pad, leave for 5 mins.

Problems

1. It burned.  Salt in an open wound burns!!  We all know this but I thought since it was just a scrub and not a complete open wound it would only burn slightly.  I was wrong.

2. There was no change in my skin

Looks like I'm sticking to the orange juice and baking soda mask!

Blackhead Remover

I have mentioned before that I hate blackheads and I'm always looking for ways to get rid of them.

I really was curious about this one.

Website

http://stylebees.com/get-rid-of-black-heads-in-5-minutes/2213

Directions

You just need to grab half lemon from your fridge (doesn’t matter if some juice is already squeezed from it) and put 3-4 drops of honey on it. Now just rub the lemon on your face for some time, make sure you emphasize on the black heads prone areas like nose, chin etc.  Leave the lemon and honey mixture on your face for 5 minutes and then wash it with cold water. You will be able to see the results immediately. Additionally, lemon juice will also fade other marks/spots on the face and honey will moisturize. So what are you waiting for friends , go and try this one out.

Problems

This was very messy!!!!!  The honey was dripping everywhere!  I'm still sticky!  And worst of all, I still have the same amount of blackheads!

DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS ONE!

BEFORE

AFTER

Vanilla Scented House

I'm a sucker for a house smelling like baked goods!  So when I see ways to replicate it without actually cooking, I'm on board!

Website

http://lifehacker.com/5828262/get-rid-of-household-odors-with-vanilla-extract

Directions

Put two caps full of vanilla extract in a coffee cup, then place it in the oven at 300 degrees for one hour. Within twenty minutes the whole house smells like Heaven. It's actually a common realtor trick.

Problem

2 caps full of vanilla does NOT last for 1 hour in the oven.  It was cooked out before a half hour was up.  I didn't think that it would be enough liquid for scenting the house once it was poured into the mug.

The house smelled mildly like vanilla.  I was hoping for a plethora of vanilla.  I wanted it to smell like a candle without using a candle (because I can't stand candles).  

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!  Maybe I should try this with more vanilla but it seems like it's easier to use oils.

Yummy Brown Sugar Body Scrub

So I've done a face scrub and a leg scrub to use while shaving, but what about the rest of the body?  I've been loving the soft skin and I want to have it all over.

Website

http://www.glamour.com/beauty/2008/11/13-diy-at-home-spa-tricks#slide=5

Directions

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup raw oatmeal
• 1 cup olive oil

Mix all the ingredients together and then apply on dry skin, using your hands. You want to perform slow circles—this treatment is to be enjoyed and not rushed.

I figured that was way too much, so I cut it down.  I used 1/4 for everything.  I figured I would try only a sample or so to see if I like it before I go wasting all of these great cooking ingredients.  1/4 was more than enough for 1 use.

This was a great scrub!  My skin is silky!  I will said that it makes you feel like an apple pie while you are scrubbing.  The scent is delicious which seems strange in the shower.  I love yummy scented scrubs and lotions, but that's a chemically made smell.  This smell is authentic.  Also, make sure you really wash all of the oatmeal off.  I kept finding pieces of it after I thought I got it all off.

I suggest using this weekly and feel luxurious!

Tell me what you think!

Another Little Girls Dress

I saw this dress on Pinterest but when I went to the website, there was no tutorial for it, just pictures.  I used this opportunity to make the dress the way that I want to.

Website

http://chickadeechickadeeclothing.blogspot.com/2010/10/last-nights-crafting.html

I used a onesie for the top part of the dress because she never wears them anymore.  I had fabric that matched for the skirt so it's an easy start.

Basically all I did was cut out fabric for the skirt and sewed it on to the onesie.  I did cut the bottom half of the onesie off because she may fit into it longer if she gets taller (no height restrictions).  I am going to use the fabric that I cut off to make a head band to match.

My daughter's daycare is freezing so I would like to buy purple fabric to match and make leggins (now that I've accomplished that).  Then she will be able to wear this outfit year round!  YAY!

Picture

My daughter does not do well with posing in outfits so I don't show the outfits on her.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions!