Rice Bag For Sore Muscles

I was talking with a friend last night and she was saying how her shoulder was just aching her.  It was keeping her up at night and it was well....a pain in the neck.  I had asked her if she had a rice bag for it and she looked at me like I was crazy.  Rice bags are awesome!  It is a cotton bag filled 1/2 way with rice and you heat it in the microwave.  

The heat is so good for 

• sore muscles
  
• breast feeding moms to help with engorgement
• arthritis
• fibromyalgia
  
• keeping your feet warm in bed
• relieving sinus pressure and pain

The wonderful thing is this is such a penny pinching project!!  Use a clean, hole-free tube sock and fill it 1/2 way with dry rice. Knot it or sew it shut and microwave it 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of the sock and the strength of your microwave.

Another project is to sew a square or rectangle with 1/4" seams.  Turn inside out and fill 1/2 way with dry rice.  Sew the fill hope shut and microwave as directed above.

Rice bags make wonderful gifts.  Use pretty fabric and add lavender oil or tea tree oil to the rice before you add it to the bag.  Once microwaved you will have the added benefits of the essential oils!

Here are some pictures of my 4 year old making a rice bag for my friend.  Yes, I allowed a 4 year old use a sewing machine.  I was right there talking her through the whole thing.  She even signed her work and I wrote the microwaving instructions on the bag so she would know exactly what to do.

A.C. Moore coupons!

I went to the A.C.Moore website and clicked on the button at the top that says "click here for coupons, class schedules and locations".  Type in your zip code and see what coupons are available at your location.  The above coupons are available at my location.  I hope they are available at your location. They are great coupons! Especially the one worth 50% off any item!

Bath Paints

My girls were given THESE bath paints for Christmas.  They are tons of fun and they have easy clean up.  But I am looking at these tiny tubes wondering what is in and can I make it?  It seemed silly to be buying tub paints at $1 per tube.  Talk about money going down the drain!

So once again I hit the web.  My first hit was an awesome hit.  Family Fun dot com came through again! HERE is the link.

But alas I can't follow directions!  But I don't think it was too detrimental to the end product.  The only thing I omitted was the soap.  I figure they are in the tub... there is enough soap in there.

Here is the directions from the web site:

To make the paint, dissolve one envelope of unflavored instant gelatin in 1/4 cup hot water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 3/4 cups cold water in a saucepan, and stir until cloudy and smooth. Cook the cornstarch mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until thick. Reduce heat, add the gelatin mixture and 1/4 cup mild, liquid dishwashing soap, and stir until smooth. Let cool.

Divide equal parts of the mixture into small bowls. Add several drops of different food coloring to each (light colors are easier to clean). Store the paints in airtight jars.

Keep in mind I didn't add the liquid dishwashing soap.

I made the batch and allowed my girls to add the colors so they could have a hand in the creative process. We divided the batch into 6 portions and added about 6 drops of liquid food coloring per portion. I was impressed as too how vibrant the colors were. The only think I think I will do different text time is I think I will push the uncolored gel through a fine mesh strainer. There were some corn starch lumps in the batch. Not a big deal. I don't think the kids notice but I did! If I were giving it as a gift I would want it to be perfect!

**photo from the Family Fun website.

Draft Dodger

I have a large slider door in my kitchen and I have noticed that I call feel cold air leaking in at the bottom. The air is coming from the trough where the door slides back. So what do i do about it!? Block it! Or as Martha would say "Dodge it!" Here is a video that inspired my draft dodger. For my fabric I used cream flannel. Cream because it 'blended' with the framework of the door but you can use what ever you have on hand. I was fortunate to have fabric on hand. I come from a sewing family so finding scrap fabric never seems to be a problem.

Now Martha uses some sort of expensive earth friendly kitty litter. I am all for earth friendly thing but these are penny pinching times and I am not going out to buy kitty litter when I don't have a cat! So I filled my draft dodger with rice. Dry rice that is! I have a huge 25 pound bag of rice from Bj's and I just scooped enough to fill my tube about 3/4 full. I am sure you could get creative and add essential oils like lavender or cinnamon but as I said before these are penny pinching times and I don't have those in stock right now.

You can make these for any door or window that has a draft. I don't know if it will make a huge difference in our gas bill but at least my tooties won't be cold when I walk by the slider!

I-Pod Valentine

Here is an alternative valentine for those who are 'too cool' for store bought valentines. It is an ode to the mighty I-Pod. I was inspired by THIS Valentine found in Family Fun magazine.
As you can tell I didn't follow the directions exactly...but then again rarely do I.... I did use 2 hershey kisses instead of the mini peanut butter cups wrapped in foil. I do not have 2 kisses pictured because I didn't have 2 in the house! I was lucky I found 1!

I also used a 12" piece of ribbon and tied a 5" piece of ribbon to it so the ends matched up. I used double stick tape to secure the kisses to the ends of the 'ear bud chord'. I also used double stick tape to close the wrap and secure the chord to the top of the box. Here are the score measurements from the left: 2 1/2, 3 1/4, 5 3/4, 6 1/2. You will be able to print 2 per 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper/card stock.

Shopping list:
1 oz box of Necco Sweethearts
12" piece of ribbon
5" piece of ribbon
2 hershey kisses
Double stick tape
HERE is your download


I would LOVE to see if you make these for your sweetheart! E-mail me a picture so I can share it with the blog.

Baby Sitter Notebook

My husband was the inspiration for this paper craft. He suggested that I do a baby sitters note pad and then post it as a freebie on the blog. I just took it one step further and used a freebie from Lauren Meader and Papertry Ink. Lauren is so generous to let us try her template for the recipe wrap-up . She and her designing friends give you great idea on how to use this versatile template. Go download it and leave her some love because I am sure you will be finding all sorts of projects for this template. Just for your information I used the Happiness freebie kit from Summer Driggs. If you download it tell her much you love it!

On to the project!

Step 1. Download the recipe wrap-up template, leave love.
Step 2. Download the happiness freebie, leave love.
Step 3. Print out 2 8 1/2 x 11 of paper of your choice from the Happiness collection. Be sure to print one side and then run them back through on the opposite side to make them reversible.

Step 4. Print out the babysitter pockets and babysitter pocket 2 file.


Step 5. Cut out all your pieces.


Step 6. Cut 3/4" off of each of the 11" sides of the background. Note the trim section of the template from Lauren.


Step 7. Follow Lauren's score lines and score the background and the pockets.


Step 8. Use double stick tape to join the 2 backgrounds together.

Step 9. Apply double stick tape to the flaps of the pockets and then fold. I found tape then folding worked better for me. If it works the other way around for you go for it!

Step 10. Affix the pockets to the folded background.
























Step 11. Print out and trim the child note pages and the emergency note page papers for the pockets. I trim them to 3"x6".















Step 12. I affixed a ribbon on the outside with double stick tape. OR you can follow the template, pierce your paper and thread string through.








You did it. Here are your freebie links from me but be sure to go to the links at the top to complete your project.! Pocket 1
Pocket 2
Emergency Papers
Child Papers

Candy Conversations Heart Wrapper

Here is a box wrapper for you to use to wrap up your conversation heart boxes. I found 1 oz boxes of Necco Sweethearts at BJ's and that is what this template is designed for. HERE is the download.


Step 1. Print out the page on card stock.
Step 2. Cut them apart.
Step 3. Score them 2 1/2" from the left and the right side.
Step 4. Cut 2, 14" lengths of 1/8" OR 1/4"ribbon. I used white but red would be nice as well.
Step 5. Apply double stick tape width wise on the back of the wrap. I used 1/8" width.
Step 6. Center your ribbon on the tape and press to adhere.
Step 7. Wrap the Candy Conversations Heart Wrapper around a 1 oz box of Necco Sweethearts. Press the tape onto the box. This will help when you tie the ribbon.
Step 8. Tie ribbon.


Happy Valentine's Day!

I would like to give credit to Yari at Jady Day Studio for the Dipped in Chocolate Freebie that I used for this wrapper. The only element that is not hers is the white zig zag. I had that in my stash. Check out her blog. She does beautiful work.

Snowman Poop(p) A project to tuck away for next winter.

My cousin had one of these in her craft repertoire this Christmas. She is a traditional stamper/scrapper. She used a stamp for the snowman and layers of paper for the wrapper. Me being a digi-scrapper (and penny pincher) thought I would be able to recreate them in photoshop. I did use the smaller tic-tac boxes. I understand there are larger tic-tac boxes but I had a smaller one on hand so that is what you get! If there is a need for the larger one I can create one for you... just ask. The papers are from Shabby Princess Moody Blues free download. The Snowman is from badabina.

HERE is your download.

Step 1. Print out the page on card stock.
Step 2. Cut them apart.
Step 3. Score them 1 1/2" from the left and the right side.
Step 4. Cut 12" of 1/8" ribbon. I used white but red or black would be nice as well.
Step 5. Apply double stick tape width wise on the back of the wrap. I used 1/2" width of this brand.
Step 6. Center your ribbon on the tape and press to adhere.
Step 7. Wrap the Snowman Poo(p) wrapper around a small box of tic-tacs. Press the tape onto the box. This will help when you tie the ribbon.
Step 8. Tie ribbon.


If you are feeling super creative you can use a round punch to punch out the bottom of the snowman. OR you can use an exacto knife to carefully cut out the bottom of the snowman.

Coffee Sugar Scrub

Coffee is wonderful to invigorate you in the morning. You probably have a cup of joe in the morning so why not kick start your routine and start the day with a coffee sugar scrub? The caffeine in the coffee brings the blood to the surface and helps disperse the cellulite cells (over time that is!). The olive oil is an excellent moisturizer and the oatmeal helps retain that moisture. The sugar is a great exfoliant. So this is how I make my coffee/sugar scrub.


Ingredients
Coffee Grounds
Use coffee grounds, ground to an espresso or even turkish ground. They type of coffee doesn't matter.
White Sugar (brown can be substituted if you wish)
Oatmeal (ground to a fine powder in the food processor)
Olive oil
Vegetable oil



Procedure

Combine equal parts of coffee grounds and sugar.
Add 1/2 cup ground oatmeal per 2 cups of coffee grounds.
Combine.
Stir in olive oil so the mixture looks like sloppy wet sand that you find at the edge of the ocean where the waves crash.
Add vegetable oil if you want it to be more oily. All olive oil can be used but I pinched pennies by doing 1/2 olive oil, 1/2 vegetable oil.



Once this is all stirred around and combined you are ready to package. I found containers at Sunburst Bottle Co. I used the 8 oz. clear with black lid I even got the coordinating shrink bands for that extra special professional look. I am sure there are other packaging companies out there but this is the company I went with. If you happen to choose this particular size container I have a label for you. I printed this on a sheet of self adhesive sticker sheet, cut them apart and put them on the container before I put on the shrink band.

Enjoy!

PS Also pictured are the personalized coffee sleeves I had blogged about HERE.

MMM Caramel

Yet another penny pinching idea for the holidays is to make caramel. I know what you are thinking. "Sarah. Come on now. You are crazy. Do you think I have time to sit, watch and stir a pot just to make caramel?" I am telling you this is easy peasy.

Get a can of sweetened condensed milk. Take the label off. Put it in a pot of water. Make sure the entire can is submerged. Boil for 3 hours. Whala! Caramel. Did you catch that? Just boil the can in water. The sugars in the milk and sugar IN THE CAN caramelize making a wonderful caramel. The fabulous thing is you can boil as many cans as you can fit into your largest pot. As long as they are able to be covered in water you are good to go!

Now for some safety:
Do not let the water run out in your pot. The can will explode.
Do not put a dented can in your pot. It will explode.
Let the cans cool completely (over night) before handling them.

Once you have your cans cooled put on the label I have provided for you and present with a couple of apples. In case you don't like my label or want to customize your own this label is 3 inches high and 9 1/2 inches long.
My label for you

Don't forget to make a few extra to have on hand for an impromptu hostess gift.

Create a Custom Cup Sleeve

Something that I found to be a cute thing to give to the coffee lover in you life is a custom coffee cup sleeve. I used the template from Some Random Dude found here. He is more than generous with offering the template.

Using PSP ( but use what you have)
For my purposes I did up the DPI to 300 and then erased the instructions. Then I duplicated the layer and was able to fit 2 on a 8 1/2 x 11" paper. I used papers and fonts that I was able to download for free HERE. I then printed them on to card stock paper. I think my paper is 110 lb. But I think anything over 90 lb. will work. I cut them out and then hot glued them onto the cardboard sleeve you get with your coffee at your local coffee shop. ( minor trimming is required) Don't feel like spending $4 for a cup of coffee just to get the cardboard sleeve? Just ask the barista for a few. I am sure they will be more than happy to give you a few. Be sure to smile and say thank you!

Now to my friends... act surprised when you are given this gift. I just had to get it up on the blog and share this penny pinching idea with the world! To those friends who do not see their name...your sleeves are not completed. So if you have any requests just e-mail me!

Christmas Make-It Take-It

I love to give home made gifts to the people at Bob's office, Emily's preschool buddies and friends. Being a penny pincher I am looking for the most bang for my buck. Being a people person I want everyone to share in my findings. So is born the Christmas Make-It Take-It. I send out an E-vite inviting people to the event complete with the details of time, place, what will be made and the cost per project. In the "what to bring drop down" I have them select how many units they would like so I can plan!

This year I was inspired by Harry & David's popcorn selections we will be doing a variation of gourmet popcorn. Now we have not completed the task (our MITI is Dec. 15) but this is how I am anticipating it going:

Air pop the popcorn (this will give it a nice light feel with out oil to weigh it down.)
Put the popcorn in the biggest bowl you can find.
Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the popcorn.
While the chocolate is still soft add peanuts, sprinkle with salt and add dried cranberries. (omit the peanuts if you have a peanut allergy or if this popcorn is going to a place with children.) Feel free to add or omit items to fit your tastes. Other options include M&M's, pretzels and white chocolate chip morsels.
Stir to coat.
Spread on cookie sheets
Pop into the freezer to set the chocolate. This should take about 10 minutes.
Fill cello bags.
Fold over and staple.
Add a bag topper if you want. ( I am hoping to have one to download that you can use in a future post. I am just not there yet. I wanted to just plant this seed in your head)

Whalla! You now have a yummy,cheap, gourmet gift to give to co-workers, family & friends.

Cinnamon Ornaments

Thanksgiving is over and the boys are watching football.  You know what that means!  It is craft time!  Clear the table, round up the kids and prepare to get messy!  

This year try making Cinnamon Ornaments.

For 5 ornaments you are going to need:

1 cup ground cinnamon ( go to your big box store and get the big canister of ground cinnamon)

1 cup applesauce (use the cheapest you can find please!)

1/4 cup white glue

This can be doubled or tripled depending on how many people are participating.

Mix everything in a bowl.  If it seems to stiff for rolling out add a touch of water.  Knead the dough till it is play dough-like.  Allow it to rest while you plan what type of ornament you are going to make and how you are going to decorate them.

Gingerbread men, hearts and candy canes are just a few suggestions.  It is also cute to make a flat circle and press a child's hand into the dough making an impression.  Be sure to write the child's name and the date with a toothpick next to the impression.

Roll out the dough between 2 pieces of wax paper.  If you are brave roll it out on a clean flat surface.  If you dough is sticky use a bitt of cinnamon to dust your surface or rolling pin.  Do not use flour.

Roll to 1/2" - 1/4" in thickness.  Cut out with cookie cutters or mold into what ever shape you would like.  If you have a flat ornament you can use a straw, dowel rod or pencil to poke a hole for a place for the hanger to attach.   Another option is to  press a metal ornament hanger or an unfolded paper clip into the back.

Now you have the option of baking them at 200* for 2 hours (flip 1/2 way through) or let them air dry for 3-5 days.

Getting More at A.C. Moore

A.C. Moore can be a very expensive place for me. I constantly have 'projects' in the works. Just ask any one who has been inside my house. The dining room table is covered with a sewing machine, ribbon, a glue gun, beads, pins, and other random items. All of these items belong to one project or another. I have to do my best to pinch pennies where I can at the craft store.

A.C. Moore has become my newest weakness when it comes to crafting. The area that I live in does not have a lot of options for crafting so A.C. Moore is the best we have as far as places to purchase craft items. The wonderful thing about A.C. Moore is that they have coupons in the Sunday newspaper ALL THE TIME! They also have coupons you can print out at home off of their website and from time to time you get a coupon along with your receipt when you check out.

My latest way of pinching a penny takes a little planning and a bit more patience. I use my coupons that I clip out of the paper and I print out off the website to purchase the items for my project one at a time. It may take a few weeks to get all my items but I have saved 50% off my project. It is worth it to me!