So yeah, I went back.
After my whole post about "The Complicated World of Pinterest," I got sucked right back into that time-draining, ridiculously difficult, though inspirational world of arts, crafts, and fish-tail braids. Once again, it started innocently enough - I just wanted to find a few new recipes for this holiday season - and pretty soon, I was pinning up a storm. Home decor? Yes please! How to disinfect a home humidifier? Well, that sounds incredibly helpful. Shower curtain rod to hold bottles under your kitchen sink? Genius!
However, I was back to Pinterest a little older and a little wiser this time. I knew that the majority of the crafts were way, way beyond my simple abilities. Anything that involved power tools, sewing, or glitter was immediately nixed. I tried to find the easiest, most basic ideas that were not only inexpensive but virtually goof-proof. And I found three good ones. And trust me, if I can do this, so can you.
So this is how I've been spending my time lately. I have to admit, I'm kind of enjoying being so homey. And every time I log onto the "Holidays and Events" board, a tiny thrill goes through me. Only 54 days until Christmas!
Extra Sparkle on Your Holiday Tree
We all want to have a gorgeous, sparkly, "wow!" tree, right? Well, triple the sparkle by hanging mini-mirrors on the branches. Glue two mirrors back-to-back and insert a loop of floral wire for hanging. Fill the inside of your tree with the mirrors after putting on the lights but before the ornaments. The effect should be amazing.
Okay, I love this idea because it's 1.) cheap and 2.) easy. And it has the potential for a major pay off. Now that we are the proud displayers of three Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, and sparkle have become a second hobby for me. So when I saw this idea, I knew I had to try it.
So with Scotty in tow, we trotted off to Michaels and purchased six packages of mini mirrors. Each package was $1.99. I already owned a hot glue gun and floral wire, but those items are both less than $5.
After my whole post about "The Complicated World of Pinterest," I got sucked right back into that time-draining, ridiculously difficult, though inspirational world of arts, crafts, and fish-tail braids. Once again, it started innocently enough - I just wanted to find a few new recipes for this holiday season - and pretty soon, I was pinning up a storm. Home decor? Yes please! How to disinfect a home humidifier? Well, that sounds incredibly helpful. Shower curtain rod to hold bottles under your kitchen sink? Genius!
However, I was back to Pinterest a little older and a little wiser this time. I knew that the majority of the crafts were way, way beyond my simple abilities. Anything that involved power tools, sewing, or glitter was immediately nixed. I tried to find the easiest, most basic ideas that were not only inexpensive but virtually goof-proof. And I found three good ones. And trust me, if I can do this, so can you.
So this is how I've been spending my time lately. I have to admit, I'm kind of enjoying being so homey. And every time I log onto the "Holidays and Events" board, a tiny thrill goes through me. Only 54 days until Christmas!
Extra Sparkle on Your Holiday Tree
We all want to have a gorgeous, sparkly, "wow!" tree, right? Well, triple the sparkle by hanging mini-mirrors on the branches. Glue two mirrors back-to-back and insert a loop of floral wire for hanging. Fill the inside of your tree with the mirrors after putting on the lights but before the ornaments. The effect should be amazing.
Okay, I love this idea because it's 1.) cheap and 2.) easy. And it has the potential for a major pay off. Now that we are the proud displayers of three Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, and sparkle have become a second hobby for me. So when I saw this idea, I knew I had to try it.
So with Scotty in tow, we trotted off to Michaels and purchased six packages of mini mirrors. Each package was $1.99. I already owned a hot glue gun and floral wire, but those items are both less than $5.
While the Bear watched his favorite episode of "Mighty Machines," I broke out the trusty glue gun and got to work.
I cut each piece of floral wire different sizes, thinking I could hang them at different lengths. We don't know if this was the right thing to do until we put up the tree, so I'll keep you posted.
The hardest part was smushing the wire in the hot glue and then pressing the other mirror on to it. The glue dries quickly, so you have to act fast.
I cut each piece of floral wire different sizes, thinking I could hang them at different lengths. We don't know if this was the right thing to do until we put up the tree, so I'll keep you posted.
The hardest part was smushing the wire in the hot glue and then pressing the other mirror on to it. The glue dries quickly, so you have to act fast.
And with just a tiny bit of finangling, you end up with this:
It only took me about an hour to match up all six packages. There were different sized-mirrors, which I think will look cool, too. I had to polish each mirror (both sides) to get rid of my finger prints, but that only took a few minutes total.
I polished them, packaged them, and then promptly dropped an entire bag on the floor.
:-(
It's okay; only two mirrors broke.
Can't wait to see the sparkle on our tree! (minus those two lost souls)
******************
Homemade Potpourri
Okay, this is really basic. But it's borderline genius in its simplicity, which is why I totally love it.
Born out of necessity (as most great ideas are), I stumbled upon this idea the night after we had roasted broccoli for dinner. Everything about roasted broccoli is awesome - except the day-after smell that lingers in your house. It reminded me (lovingly) of my great-aunt Harriett's house. And while those are happy memories, I wasn't sure guests would feel the same. We can't burn candles in the house anymore as Scotty thinks they all need to be blown out immediately (Fire Marshall Bear) and that spray stuff skeeves me out. So voila - homemade potpourri was born.
All you need to do is bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, and then drop in any of the following. Feel free to combine ingredients for more of a "layered" approach. Yes folks, this is the Jo Malone of potpourri.
- whole cloves
- cinnamon sticks
- a few drops of vanilla
- a few drops of lavender
- fresh lemon peel
- fresh orange peel
- a few bay leaves
Let the items boil for a few minutes, and then turn the burner to a low simmer. Just keep adding water throughout the day.
:-(
It's okay; only two mirrors broke.
Can't wait to see the sparkle on our tree! (minus those two lost souls)
******************
Homemade Potpourri
Okay, this is really basic. But it's borderline genius in its simplicity, which is why I totally love it.
Born out of necessity (as most great ideas are), I stumbled upon this idea the night after we had roasted broccoli for dinner. Everything about roasted broccoli is awesome - except the day-after smell that lingers in your house. It reminded me (lovingly) of my great-aunt Harriett's house. And while those are happy memories, I wasn't sure guests would feel the same. We can't burn candles in the house anymore as Scotty thinks they all need to be blown out immediately (Fire Marshall Bear) and that spray stuff skeeves me out. So voila - homemade potpourri was born.
All you need to do is bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, and then drop in any of the following. Feel free to combine ingredients for more of a "layered" approach. Yes folks, this is the Jo Malone of potpourri.
- whole cloves
- cinnamon sticks
- a few drops of vanilla
- a few drops of lavender
- fresh lemon peel
- fresh orange peel
- a few bay leaves
Let the items boil for a few minutes, and then turn the burner to a low simmer. Just keep adding water throughout the day.
Lemon peel + cloves + cinnamon
The possibilities are endless. And it smells like you've been baking all day, but without the mess, clean-up, or calories. I declare this one a win-win!
**************
Mineral Bath
And finally, in case even the thought of the holidays stress you out, here is an amazing simple, easy, and inexpensive way to relax. Just add one cup of sea salts and one cup of baking soda (I know, right?) to your bath water. Soak for 20 minutes, and I promise, you will feel rejuvenated. I did it yesterday, as I suffer through this annoying cold/virus thing, and not only did my skin feel great, but I felt surprisingly re-energized. I'm not a huge fan of baths, but I will definitely be using this one in the future.
***************
Do you have any really simple, really basic Pinterest finds that you want to share? Please let me know! I would love to try them out and/or share them with readers.
**************
Mineral Bath
And finally, in case even the thought of the holidays stress you out, here is an amazing simple, easy, and inexpensive way to relax. Just add one cup of sea salts and one cup of baking soda (I know, right?) to your bath water. Soak for 20 minutes, and I promise, you will feel rejuvenated. I did it yesterday, as I suffer through this annoying cold/virus thing, and not only did my skin feel great, but I felt surprisingly re-energized. I'm not a huge fan of baths, but I will definitely be using this one in the future.
***************
Do you have any really simple, really basic Pinterest finds that you want to share? Please let me know! I would love to try them out and/or share them with readers.
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