Upcycled Glass Jelly Jar - From Trash to Treasure in 15 Minutes

Sometimes, I clean and save empty glass jars.  I'm not sure why.  There's something inherently crafty about them.  However, there's nothing crafty about them if you let them sit on a counter, collecting dust (as is usually the case in my house!).

Sometimes, inspiration strikes.  I was looking for a container to hold Q-tips on my bathroom counter.  Using an old jelly jar (with a name like Smuckers, it has to be good), a scrap of fabric and glue, an upcycled apothecary jar was born!

Here's how to make yours...  This whole project took about 15 minutes, total. 

Upcycled Glass Jelly Jar - From Trash to Treasure

Great Mother's Day (or any day!) Plant for Beginners - Try a Hosta!

Over the past few years, I've developed a love of plants.  Now, that doesn't mean that I know what I'm doing, but I like to try!  After much trial and error, I've found a few tough plants that can withstand the beginner (but look nice enough to be from an expert gardener!).

The First Member of Our Backyard Family

 

City of Motherly Love Block Party - Week #1

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Help Your Digital Pictures Shine - How to Transform Your Backed-up Pictures into Real Albums

A philosophical question - if your pictures are only on your camera or computer, do they really exist?

Seriously, sometimes I miss the old days... Do you remember finishing a roll of film, and then running to get it developed?  Sure, your thumb might've guest-starred in a picture or two, or you might've had some scary red eye, but it was physical photographic evidence that your vacation (or pageant or party) actually happened!

Don't get me wrong - I love my digital camera.  People run when they see me coming, because I snap pictures non-stop.  After my son was born, my condition took a turn for the worse.  Soon, I realized there were thousands of shots on my computer and no actual albums to show for it.  Something had to be done.  So, little by little, I implemented the following digital picture organization strategy, and I'd like to share it with you!

Easy Home Organization Craft for Kids (or Adults)

The New Year is coming, where we'll all make resolutions to get organized, get in shape, etc.  Well, I can't help with getting in shape, but I can help with getting organized (in a creative way, of course!).  Here's a fun craft you can do with your child, teenager, or just for yourself....

DIY Decoupage Organizer 

Here's how to make this easy, but useful craft!

Chocolate Toffee - Only Four Ingredients and SO Delicious!

I could tell you that this dessert is great for a New Year's party.  I could tell you that this dessert is great as a gift.  I could give you tons of reasons, but, once you taste it, you won't need any!  I've been on a MAJOR dessert making kick this holiday season, and this one is by far the best I've made!!!!  Plus, it only takes FOUR ingredients!

Make your own Chocolate English Toffee

You CAN Do This - Easy, Quick Fleece Winter Hat with Ear Flaps

The days leading up to the holidays are always packed, with everyone rushing around to get things done!  But, what about when everything's come and gone and your hands are still looking for something to do?

Here's the EASIEST, cutest project ever - A quick fleece winter hat with ear flaps, for kids or adults.  You can sew this ALL by hand if you are allergic to your sewing machine like I am, and it takes 1 - 2 hours maximum.

Confession time:  This project was actually my first completed sewing project that followed a pattern!  I haven't had much luck with patterns in the past, but this one restored my confidence!  And, it's sturdy.  I made it for my son about 6 weeks ago, and it's still good as new.  Plus, it gets tons of compliments.  It feels really good when son proudly says, "My mommy made it!"

Are you ready to get started? 

Such a cool idea - I wish I'd thought of it!!!!

With help from other creative mommies, Ashley at She Makes a Home whipped up an issue of an online magazine.  It is absolutely gorgeous -  with tons of great recipe, decorating, entertainment fashion and DIY gift ideas.  Filled with lots of beautiful pictures, Snowed In is just inspiring to look through!  I wish I'd thought of this idea :)  Maybe next year, you'll be reading a "City of Motherly Love" special issue ;)

I'm not crazy about snow, so thankfully you don't actually have to be snowed in to enjoy it!

Turn Family Memories into Art - Great as a gift! Easy to do!

Every Memorial Day, we go to the local Memorial Day parade.  My son gets so excited, and loves all of the cars and trucks that go by.  This year, I took pictures of all of his favorites.  Don't get me wrong, I love digital cameras.  They have turn me into a virtual paparazzi, but we almost never print out pictures.  If you take a picture and no one looks at it, does it exist??

After getting a free collage coupon code from Shutterfly, I decided to turn those pictures into something productive.  I made a collage, purchased a frame, painted it, and viola, instant art!!!!  It has been one of my son's FAVORITE presents, and he loves looking at it every day.  The thing that I really love about it is that it offers double the benefits - you get something pretty to look at, and it's meaningful because the pictures represent experiences you've actually had!































Here's how to do it!  It took me about 1 hour of hands-on time (with waiting time in addition to that), it cost me $15 total.

Make Your Own Memory Collage Art

Supplies
-  Six to ten of your favorite photos
Tip:  Ideally, they'll all be of similar themed subjects, like honeymoon pictures, vacation pictures, beach pictures, holiday pictures, etc, and taken in decent resolution.
-  Inexpensive 11 x 14 frame
Tip:  If you're going to paint your frame a different color, make sure it's made out of wood or another paintable surface.  Shiny plastics are impossible to paint.
-  A Photo Site, such as Shutterfly, Snapfish, etc.

How to Make It
The Collage - 
- Select your photos and edited as needed.  Crop them, change the orientation (from vertical to horizontal, and vice versa, if necessary), etc.  Make them pretty!
- Google for "coupon codes" for Shutterfly, Snapfish, etc.  Right now there are tons of deals, so take advantage of them!
- Select which site you want to use, and create a new "Collage" product.  Select which way you want it (horizontal or vertical), upload your pictures and play around with it until you're happy.  Using Shutterly, I added lines between the pictures to make them stand out.  I knew I was going to paint the frame navy blue, so I used that color for the lines.
-  Order the collage.  Some sites offer the ability to pick the collage up at a store that day.  If you don't want to wait to receive it in the mail, give that a try.
The Frame - 
-  Go to a place like TJ Maxx, Michael's, or AC Moore.  If you're going to a craft store, make sure to bring your coupon with you!
-  Purchase an 11 x 14 frame.  I got one for $10 from TJ Maxx.  It was beige, but I knew I was going to paint it, so I didn't mind.
-  If you're going to paint the frame, make sure you have at least one or two containers of your favorite acrylic paint from a craft store.  They only cost about $1.50 each, so it's a steal!
-  Remove the glass and backing, and put the frame on newspaper.
-  Start painting!  My frame took three coats to completely cover.  The frame will only need about 30 minutes between coats, so you can get it done in one day!
-  Let the final coat dry for at least 4 hours, put in the collage, and enjoy the results :)

 Here's the $10.00 frame before I got to work.... From the exclusive "Valerie Bertinelli" collection, apparently!

  I took out the glass and the backing, squirted my paint on a paper plate.....

 And got to work....  Here it is after the first coat!  You'll notice that my favorite paintbrush for frames is a nubby little guy.

The finished product turned out great!

DIY Heirloom Cookbook - Great as a holiday gift, bridal shower gift, or anniversary gift!

Are you looking for a unique, meaningful, useful gift you can make for a family member or friend?  Look no further....  Here is one of the most memorable gifts I've ever received, and I want to share it with you.

Do-it-Yourself Heirloom Cookbook
This gift can be tailored according to how much or how little time you have.  I received this gift from my mom at my bridal shower, and I treasure it to this day! 

Supplies:
1 recipe binder that has slip in, transparent sleeves and dividers (Hallmark has nice ones)
Plenty of recipe cards
A little bit of creativity

Instructions:

• Come up with the recipe categories:  Some examples.... Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes, Desserts, Snacks 
  
• If you have a lot of time: Solicit family members, friends, and co-workers for their favorite recipes.  The more tried and true the better.  Provide everyone with a blank recipe card.  If this is for a shower or anniversary party gift, include a blank recipe card with each invitation.  My mom even sent the recipe cards to special people from my past, like teachers and neighbors.  Everyone jumped at the chance to participate!
• Hint:  To make sure there is a wide variety of recipe types, assign everyone a different category.  For example, some people are asked to provide an appetizer recipe, some are asked for a dessert recipe, etc.  Otherwise, you'll get a lot of cookie recipes (not that there's anything wrong with that).
• If you don't have much time: Fill in the recipe cards yourself with your favorite recipes.  Call family members and ask them to e-mail you with their favorite recipes, and complete the cards on their behalf.  Make sure to say who the recipe is from!
• Include a personal inscription:  Inside the front cover, include your own "recipe for a happy life together" or whatever is appropriate for the occasion.  My mom wrote the most beautiful, creative "dedication"... Here's a starter, "Take a wonderful couple, mix, and let simmer for 5 years"...  It's so cute and personal.  
• Organize by Recipe Category:  Put all of the completed recipe cards in the sleeves, and organize by category.
• Include extra recipe cards and sleeves:  This is a great way for the lucky recipient to grow their collection as the years go on!
• Hint:  Make sure to save the box that the recipe binder came in, so the recipe binder is even easier to keep in heirloom condition!

So easy....
Purchase a sturdy recipe binder:

Make sure you have plenty of blank recipe cards.....

Come up with the categories for the recipes and assign everyone a category (or, assign yourself all of the categories!).

 

Send out the cards (or fill them out yourself) and slip the completed recipes into the sleeves, by type.

Then, add your own personal inscription on the front.

Make sure to include plenty of extra recipe cards and recipe sleeves.  Get ready for this to be the favorite gift the recipient receives!!!!!

Do Drinks Taste Better in Creative Mugs?

I think they just might....

This mug always makes me smile....  I got it from Our Name is Mud years ago... Our Name is Mud offers the kinds of ceramics I aspire to make when I go to Color Me Mine.  They're cute, fun and funny.

Or, if you have a shutter bug in your family, they will love the Camera Lens Coffee Mug from Tanga.  Just make sure they don't try to put it on their camera.

Free Shipping Day - Helping You Procrastinate!

Do you remember the episode of Friends where the gang procrastinates and needs to buy Christmas presents for each other at a gas station on Christmas Eve?  To make sure that no one on your list receives candy bars or antifreeze like Monica did, sign up for an e-mail reminder about Free Shipping Day on December 17th.





On this magical day, over 1,000 merchants will offer free shipping and other discounts, with delivery to the 48 contiguous United States by Christmas Eve.

Even if you don't need to order any present because you finished your shopping in September, or because Hanukkah is over, you can still get great deals on things you might need anyway.

Easy Peasy Fleece Scarf for Kids or Adults

Do you have any leftover fleece but don't know what to do with it?  Have you been looking for an excuse to get that cute superhero or princess fleece that is on sale at JoAnn Fabric?  Here's a quick and useful idea...  Make an Easy Peasy Fleece Scarf, as modeled by our stuffed bear.  He is so photogenic ;)

Easy Peasy Fleece Scarf
Skill Level - Easy
Time Estimate - Less than one hour

Get one yard of your favorite fleece fabric.  
Cut a rectangle that measures 11 inches wide by 60 inches long (or however long you'd like it)
Fold in half width-wise, right sides facing each other.  The scarf should now be 5.5 inches wide by 60 inches long.
Sew the right sides together on the edge of the scarf, leaving 1/2 inch allowance or so.
Turn right-side out
With scissors, cut about four inches of each end of the scarf into equal width strips.
Knot the strips together by twos, effectively closing off the ends of the scarf (I wound up having eight knots total)
Be cozy! 

No Gift Bag? Try Yarn

We got two presents for an upcoming birthday party, and I wanted to make sure they stayed together until the birthday boy gets them home.  I never seem to have any ribbon in the house, so we used yarn (you could also use a strips of fabric).  My son told me his friend's favorite colors and off we went. 

I know - this is a pretty simple idea, but it's a nice way to make sure those cute little presents stay together and also to save a few dollars on a gift bag!

If you're really in the mood to get fancy, check out these ideas for using yarn to add some flair to your gifts at Lionbrand's site....

Recipe: Pretzels + Candy Canes + Chocolate = Heaven

This idea comes from Wendy, a City of Motherly Love reader and chef of all things yummy.  Thanks, Wendy!

Candy & Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Ingredients

• Box of pretzel rods
• Bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes or starlight peppermint candies

Use your food processor to grind the candy canes or starlight candies into bits.  Put crushed candy into shallow dish.  Then, put the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave the chocolate chips for 30 seconds.  Stir.  Repeat twice and stir after each time (for a total of three 30 second intervals).  Dip a pretzel rod into melted chocolate (Use a spoon under the pretzel to catch the excess chocolate).  Put chocolate covered rod in dish and roll in mints.  If needed, use your hands to cover any other parts where the mints didn't stick.  Put finished pretzels on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.  Done!!!

These look pretty enough to give as presents, but delicious enough to keep for yourself!!!!!

Do you have a recipe you want to share?  Let me know! 

Preserve Your Family's History.... Here's How!

Problem:  We all have tons of old VHS tapes, filled with family memories, but gathering dust (and taking up room!)
Solution:  Purchase a DVD Converter, and ensure that your videos stay up to date!

When you have tapes professionally converted to DVD, it is VERY expensive.  But, when you purchase the DVD Converter yourself, you can save a lot of money.

Over the summer, I converted all of our VHS tapes to DVD (including the ones where I had a perm and sky-high bangs!).

Benefits:
* Relatively simple to do.
* Finished DVDs can be played on your computer.
* Files can be copied onto your hard drive.
* Your kids will have a BLAST seeing all of the old videos.
*  Cheaper (and more private) than having a professional do it for you.
* It is beyond satisfying to throw out the old, clunky VHS tapes and make way for the space efficient DVDs!!!!

Drawbacks:
* DVD Makers are not cheap
* It can be time-consuming 

There are a lot of DVD Makers on the market, but we used the one below! 
  
Savings Tip:  Keep the DVD Maker in your cart for a while on Amazon and see if it goes down in price, since they often put it on "sale."

Happy movie making!

DVD Maker

FYI - You may also need to purchase a separate AV cable to get the job done! 

What a Personal (and Beautiful) Gift Idea for ANY Occasion!

Here's a creative, personal gift idea for any occasion - Hanukkah, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Anniversary, etc.  

This one is another super thoughtful idea from my mom.  One year, she had our wedding invitation professionally framed. 

Coupons for Michael's and AC Moore are everywhere these days, and they often have 50% off professional framing (just google it before you go!).  Or, you could frame it yourself with a mat and a frame.

We've had it hanging in our entryway for years, and when our son was born, we added his framed birth announcement below it!!  Sort of like a Hall of Fame, if you will!

Go OUTSIDE the Box with Your Gifts! Two Ideas!

Hope you all had a good Cyber Monday!  What did you buy?!  If you're like us, you mainly bought things for your own household that you needed anyway!

If you're looking for some good, personal gift ideas for the crafty people in your life, here are two!  My mom gave me the first one as a Mother's Day present last year, and it was one of my absolute all-time favorite gifts.  I took my son and we had a great time.

Idea #1 - A gift card to Color Me Mine (or any paint-your-own-pottery studio).  These places are not cheap, but they often have coupons for discounted painting time in the Entertainment Book.  A gift card is just a thoughtful way to get them started.  It would be even better if they take you with them! 

Idea #2 - A gift card to Painting with a Twist.  This is a new franchise that sounds awesome.  Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided, as is an experienced local artist who leads you step by step through the process of recreating the featured artwork. At the end of the evening, you'll have a finished painting that YOU made.  Again, this would be a great experience for the recipient to share with a friend or family member!

How great are presents that you can look forward to enjoying later, after the holidays are over?