A "Homemade" Christmas Wrap-up!

I wish that I could have finished this for you before Christmas-- but I didn't actually finish the gifts until Christmas Eve! So, tuck this away in your "I need a gift quick" file & I hope you can use these ideas throughout the year! (And I actually started writing this on the 4th! Geez o Peez! I won't even begin to explain the house problems we have been having, that have kept me so busy...it's just gross)

One of the gifts I showed you were the Body & Hand Scrubs! I love these things! Here are my finished products; I really wound up with some yummy scents this time around!  I painted the tops with chalkboard paint rather than stick labels on them-- that way when they are empty, they can be re-purposed!

Lemon Drop, Vanilla Brown Sugar, Orange Coffee, Coffee, & Banana Foster's!!

Everyone on my list also got the Chalkboards I made in A "Homemade Christmas" Part IV.

Now, onto the things that I didn't get to tell you about!! This Christmas I gave everyone "Green" Cleaning Baskets! My husband & some of my family like to make fun of me "saving the environment" or being "crunchy"... but I'm ok with that. And I rather like the adjective "Crunchy!" So BAH, to them. In addition to being kinder to Mother Earth & my family's health... these products are WAY cheaper! So, I'm saving money right along with the environment! Hehehe. Any who, my pregnancy brain attributed to me forgetting to take as many pictures as I would like to include with this; such as the FINISHED PRODUCT...DOH! I will just have to give you what I have... imagine the rest.

The first thing I included in my baskets was homemade laundry soap. Super easy to make & so much cheaper than the store bought stuff. There are tons of recipes out there on the net. The one I use is plain & simple...

-1c. Borax

-1c. Washing soda

-2c. Soap flakes (sans suds)

-Essential Oil  (optional)

So here are my supplies...

-Borax $3.99 (and yes, if you eat it, it's toxic...otherwise it is completely safe to use)

-Washing Soda $2.99

These are both BIG boxes & will make a ton of detergent.

-Yardly Soap $1.49 (I like Yardly because it already has essential oil in it & smells great; but you can use Fels Naptha, Ivory, etc. I think you can get an 8 pack of Ivory for under $3. You will also see in the pictures "orange soap." This was an cold pressed, organic bar I got for free & wanted to try out.)

Ok, so first thing you do is grate the soap. I have a big ol' plastic bowl & a grater from the $1Tree that I use just for "making" stuff. The hard soaps grate REALLY easily. I was done with the Yardly in just a few minutes. The cold pressed, softer soap is a little bit more of a challenge. It kept melting on me & clogging up the grater. So, I finally put it in the freezer for 5 minutes & tried again...much easier. But I had to do this a few times. The smell of the soap is amazing, so I pressed on! 

Next thing you do is mix it all together...find a nice container to put it in & you're done! I've had a lot of luck finding glass containers (I try not to use plastic ones) at the $1tree. The ones in the picture above had perfect little squares on each side that I painted with my favorite chalkboard paint! (Then you can write a little note on them too!) But you can really put it in anything...even you're old laundry soap box. As you will see in the picture of my own "counter" box, I keep it in a metal canister. You know the ones that sit on your counter & don't really have anything in them--but everyone has a set? Yea, those. =) If you are giving this as a gift, don't forget to attach a little note letting people know that this detergent is safe to use in HE washing machine & front loaders. Also, with directions to use about 1 Tablespoon per load & to add 1/2c. white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This detergent smells great going in, but will leave no lasting scent on clothing. So, if you like your clothes to "smell" then you can put some essential oil on a piece of felt or cloth & throw it in the dryer. Make sure the oil is dry or it will leave spots on your clothes... I learned this the hard way =(. Otherwise, just enjoy the chemical freeness that your clothes now have!

The next two things in the basket were a shaker (you can get S&P shakers 2/$1, that are glass at the $1Tree) filled with baking soda & a nice fat lemon. Yes, I did say lemon...as in the ones that grow on trees. I give instructions to sprinkle the baking soda in sinks, stove tops, bathtubs, showers, etc. Then cut the lemon in half & scrub! I use this all the time to clean pretty much everything. DO NOT use this on granite. Lemon juice & vinegar both, are far to acidic to use on granite.

The next item, was an aluminum spray bottle containing a disinfecting spray. Guess where I got the bottle? Yupp, $1Tree. Again, super easy to make-- equal parts distilled water & isopropal alcohol. I add a few drops of essential oil for a nice scent too. This is safe on all surfaces. As soon as it dries, the alcohol smell just disappears.

I think that about wraps it up for my baskets... but at this point I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning, so I might have missed something. There are some other things that I have been making, that I want to share with you as well-- hopefully later today, but I make no promises! =)

Happy New Year!

Hi All! I hope this finds everyone happy & healthy in the new year...and recovered from Christmas! I know I'm having a HARD time getting back into the swing of things. It will all come in time...I HOPE!

Well, I was hoping to be able to announce a big 'ol giveaway from the Ebates sign-up... unfortunately, we only had one qualifying purchase! So, I'm sad to say that this time around I won't be able to do the cash giveaway. BOO! But, no worries... as soon as they give me a new sign-up promo, I will share it with you! You can still sign up for Ebates anytime, and get PAID to shop!

If & when you DO sign up for Ebates, you get to choose a gift card! After your first qualifying purchase they will send it to you...for real! Here is one of mine right here...

Make your online purchases through your Ebates, get cash back, and a gift card!

A "Homemade Christmas" ... take 5!

I really wanted to have this up for y'all last week, but... life happens! As most of my readers know, I am expecting! Last week, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes...BOO! Gimme a break, right before Christmas, are you kidding me!?!? Well, needless to say I had to make some changes & fast.... tests and appointments and classes...oh my! Really put a cramp on my "crafting!" If you are looking for something last minute & homemade there is still time... I promise, I'm still making my gifts!

You have probably come across this recipe during the season or you may even remember it from when you were a kid. Salt dough ornaments! These are so simple to make & they don't take that much time at all. I know this because, I had less then 5 hours on Tuesday, to make my GIANT Cub Scout den their annual Christmas Ornament! Whew! Kneading all that dough was quite a work out! I also like to make this for my kids to play with, while I'm trying to get other stuff done! It keeps them busy forever, it's completely non-toxic, & I love anything that requires them to use their imagination!

Ok, so... Here's what you need:

-Flour
-Salt

-Warm Water

-Oil

Yupp... that's it! Here are the measurements I use; but you are can alter it to make as little or as much as you need! I mix 1c. salt with 1 1/2c. warm water & about a tablespoon of oil. You don't have to add the oil, but it does make a big difference in how easy the dough is to work with.  I let that sit for a few minutes for the salt to begin to dissolve. If you would like to make your dough colored... now is the time to add the color. I will let you know, that it takes A LOT of food coloring at this point to get the dough any TRUE color. I recommend painting them after you are done instead. But never the less I have done it both ways, to each their own! In another bowl I put 4c. of flour & then add the salt mixture to that. Mix well, put your hands in it & knead it...if it's too sticky, add some more flour... if it's too dry & crumbly, add some more water (little at at time)

Now you're ready to rock & roll! At this point you can either hand if off to the kids to play with, along with some cookie cutters; Or, you can make your own ornaments! I can play with this stuff for hours! As always, your imagination is the limit. Just remember the thicker you make the ornament, the longer it will take to dry! So, if time is a factor at this point (3 days before Christmas!) then you should probably consider making snowflakes rather than snowmen!!! Once you have finished your design you can put them in the oven on a cookie tray at 200*. This process can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. When they are done you can paint them & then either apply a layer of white glue or clear paint to help protect them!

Another version of this dough is to add spices. Like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc. This makes the dough smell amazing.... but it also colors the dough brown. I love to make my "Gingerbread People" ornaments out of this or a "stamped"/"mold" ornament. You can use anything as a stamp! If you like the design, stamp your ornament with it!

I have more projects to complete today-- I better get to it so I can share them all with you!

A few quick deals! Hurry while they're HOT!

So, this deal is not Christmas related in anyway... however, I ALWAYS need printer ink! I swear there are little elves in my printer that drink that stuff! I did recently switch to a Kodak printer & that has made somewhat of a difference! And the ink is a lot cheaper. Any who... right now you can get 27% cash back at 4Inkjets, when you shop through your Ebates! I get ink dirt cheap this way!

And speaking of Ebates... have you signed up yet??? Well, I know you haven't! We've had about 6 people sign up, but only one person has made a qualifying purchase! This means that I will not be able to do the money giveaway! BOO! I'm not giving up hope yet though! We have until December 30th to make a qualifying purchase with through your Ebates account! We only need 9 more people in order to meet the first money benchmark & for me to GIVE YOU MONEY! So, when you open up those gift cards this Christmas... take advantage of all the after Christmas sales online & get PAID!

Children's Place is offering an extra 30% off with the code JOLLY or SANTA! Use your Ebates for 2.5% cash back! Or print this coupon to get the discount in store. Also, if you got any CP cash earlier this month, now is redemption time!

I will be the first to admit, I really hate shopping at WalMart... but sometimes, ya just gotta. Well, right now there are offering expediated in-store pick up! This is awesome because, you can shop online, get your 2% cash back through Ebates, NOT have to pay shipping or fight too much of the crowd, just go & pick it up! You must place your order by 6pm!

The stores listed below are also offering the in-store pick up option....and cash back! Hehehe...

One of my favs...GROUPON is offering $20 Old Navy gift cards for $10! Get it now for those after Christmas Sales! Of course... use your Ebates to get 3% off your GROUPON purchase!

Christmas deals from the "Up & Coming"...Local Artists & Small Businesses

I love when I am able to support local artists & smaller businesses-- or as I like to call them, the "Up & Coming"! I wanted to share with you some of my favorites! Giving a gift that is an original & one of a kind, makes it that much more special! If you still have someone special on your list to shop for, I'm sure you can find something amazing with these folks...or maybe a Christmas present for yourself!

Captive Glass

Ruby Marble Bowl

Red & Gray Cane Bottle

Captive Glass is based out of Richmond, and specializes in "production vessels & custom furnace blown glass." You won't find a more unique Christmas gift, than one of these pieces of beautiful glass. Become a "fan" and receive $10 off per piece during the month of December. For more information, you can find artist, Matthew Athayde, here!



For The Love of Pearls

If you are looking for an affordable & stunning piece of jewelry for someone for Christmas, you have to check out For The Love of Pearls! As Courtney will tell you, "These are not your Grandmother's pearls!" She offers customizable pieces in pearls & semi-precious stones. She is offering 20% off your purchase through the month of December! Just tell her I sent you!

JillianReneDecor

JRD offers a beautiful array of home decor pieces, including "original wire woven button designs, sculptural flowers and decorative pillows." If you are looking for a fresh & fun, one of a kind design, visit Jillian here! As a thank you for supporting local independent artists, Jillian will offer 10% off with the coupon code LOCALART2011, through the end of the month!

 

Photography by SMC

Have a special event coming up? If you are looking for a passionate & fun photographer, look no further! Sarah is a local photographer that servers the Richmond & Williamsburg areas. She specializes in weddings, couples, families, maternity, newborns, pets, and digital painting. To say thank you for keeping it local, she will give you a FREE 5x7 of your choice, with any session booked by 12/25/11 (session does not need to be redeemed by that date).  Visit her here, to schedule your session today!

  

Abe's Market

 I call Abe's a "conglomerate" market... meaning it's a whole buncha stores in one! They are a collection of small businesses & independent merchants that offer amazing natural & organic products! I use them to purchase a lot of supplies for my projects; like essential oils, carrier oils, and my soap nuts! They have given me a coupon to share with all of you! Use the code BUYERTHANKS to receive $10 off of $30 until Dec. 19th! They are also offering FREE shipping through the rest of the year! Try them out, I know you will find something you love!

CCSG

Have a music lover on your Christmas list? Check out this awesome group. Connor Christian & Southern Gothic hail from Atlanta, Ga. This Southern Rock Band is a must for your playlist. You can listen to them here! Then pick up the new album & take a look at their tour schedule, to see when you can catch them live!

A "Homemade Christmas" Part IV

FINALLY!!! Gosh, I didn't think I was ever going to get to post this. And although it's not quite as pretty as I would like, I wanted to get it out to you! So, here goes!

I absolutely adore chalkboard paint! You can pick this up pretty much anywhere. Home Depot has a really large selection of Chalkboard products... including spray paint (under $5), which would be perfect for this project! Don't forget to log onto your Ebates & shop Home Depot so you can get your 3% cash back! Stop by & pick it up on your way home...total time saver & you get paid to do it...WIN.

Okay, so here are my supplies that I used...

- Chalkboard Paint (about $10/qt, but you can get the spray for $5. A quart will last you FOREVER!)
- Picture frames with glass or mirrors (I picked up the large frame at the thrift store for about $.50 and the mirrored ones at the $ Tree. UP-cycle something you already have!)
-Paint Brushes (here I used some cheap nylon brushes... I DO NOT recommend using those! Next time I'd get the sponge or nap rollers... you'll see why.)



Mistake!



This is super simple! All you have to do, is take the glass or mirror out of the frame & paint it! Let the paint dry COMPLETELY before you add another coat. This is where I went wrong yesterday. Like I said, I'm super impatient when it comes to crafting... I want it done like 10 minutes ago! If you do not let the chalkboard paint dry all the way... this is what happens when you go to add another coat...

As you can see it's really not pretty... there are several areas where the mirror is showing through. Thus, the reason I could not put this up yesterday! I had to be patient and let the paint dry longer, before applying another coat later last night.

Now, if I had used a roller of some kind, I probably wouldn't have even needed a second coat... another lesson learned!

After you have finished painting, just pop the glass back in the frame.You can hot glue a piece of ribbon to the back & tie a piece of chalk to it. That's it you're done! You've made a custom chalkboard! These make adorable gifts, for SUPER cheap! Best part is, you can make so much more than "chalkboards" with this paint. I also used it on the lids of my homemade laundry soap, so I can write a message on the top! You can buy glasses or vases at a $1 store & paint a smaller block on them so you can add a personal message!  Personalize Christmas ornaments or anything! As always, your imagination is the limit.

Here are my "finished" products...

As I said earlier, you will want to use a roller of some type... if you look closely, you can see that there "ridges" in my writing. Thus, making my handwriting look really rough! That's because the brush left tiny lines all over the surface... not cool, but I learned my lesson for next time! Oh, and my kiddos stole all my little chalk, so I didn't have any to attach to these yet! All in all, pretty happy with the results! Enjoy!

We're running out of time!!

Last week, I announced a really exciting contest... but I need YOUR help! Wouldn't you like to win $75, $150, or even $375!?! I'm trying my best to give you that opportunity! We only have 18 days left to get as many people as we can to sign up for Ebates!

What is Ebates, you ask? WELL... Ebates is a site you go through that offers you CASH BACK when you shop! You can earn anywhere between 1%-30% cash back at the stores you are probably already shopping. And of course everyone knows, my favorite part is.... you get to shop in your jammies!

Just in case you missed it, here's how this works; between now and December 31st the more people you get to sign up at THIS link, the more money I get to give to you! If 10 people sign up, I get to give away $75! 20 people and I will be giving away $150! And if 50 signed up...$375! It just keeps going up from there! Once you sign up, you have to make a qualifying purchase of $25...which of course you get cash back on! That's equivalent to one or two Christmas presents!

Best of all, you will also get a $10 gift card from Ebates, just for signing up! I love this site & and they love to give you money! I just got an email today, that I have another check in the mail...YAY!  You honestly get paid to shop! So, it's up to all of you...how much money do you want?
Pass on this link...

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=PbtbBS53%2FgxzCaSOs9hF%2Fw%3D%3D

And see how many referrals you can get!!

Only those who sign up & make a qualifying purchase will be entered to win. Please let me know if you are already an ebates member & as soon as I see you post the referral link above, you will be entered to win as well! So far we have 5 people who have signed up! We're half way to our first goal!