Larger Than Life Christmas TreeDue to the economy, we decided to get a tiny Christmas tree this year. Even though it's still adorable and just as loved as a huge tree would be, I giggle at how small it is.
Creamy RatatouilleThis is a beautiful vegetable ratatouille that is immersed in a tomato sauce, swirled with a homemade Bechamel sauce. It's lovely and crisp on top, and soft and creamy on the bottom. This is a delight to enjoy any time of the year.
Boots from Old Sandals and a SweaterI love to upcycle! I made these knit boots by taking an old pair of sandals my fiance was not very fond of and covered them with the sleeves of an old sweater that had good stretch in the arms, but not so much in the body.
Walnuts for Hardwood Floor ScratchesCrack open a walnut and rub the nut "meat" against cracks and scratches in hardwood floors to repair them. The nut meat fills in the scratch with a color resembling the wood.
Fudgy Black Bean BrowniesI've been using this healthy two-ingredient brownie recipe for two years now. It's full of protein, fiber, and it's absolutely delicious. It has an amazing fudgy texture to it, you won't get from making the brownies with the box directions.
Finely Chopped Hardboiled EggsWhen I need my hard-boiled eggs finely chopped for recipes such as Cobb Salads, I peel them and run them through one of those netted bags that holds garlic. Just push through over your bowl!
Find the Biggest Savings on AmazonWhen you're doing some online shopping on Amazon, this tip can help you find the biggest savings on whatever you're searching for. In this example, I'm looking for paint brushes. When the search results come up, go to the url and add the argument "&pct-off=90-99" (without the quotes) to the end and hit enter. This will bring up the most discounted items in your search. (I marked the url change and discount shown in red.) If you change the argument at the end of the url to "&pct-off=50-99" it will find you items discounted from 50 to 99 percent. Adjust accordingly. :)
Honey Lemon CakeI came up with this cake when my husband had the flu and asked, "Why do all things honey lemon have to be medicine?" Let's just say that's been remedied. This cake is very moist and always hits the spot. I've gotten asked for the recipe by everyone who has tried it, even non-bakers. I used an amazing local honey from Washington state, but I have been successful making this using all kinds of honey (squeezy bear, too).
Best Bacon Brussels SproutsThe reason why the word "best" is in the recipe is because this dish always converts the brussels sprouts naysayers by first bite. Deconstructing the sprout by serving it in loose leaf form helps those who compare the little vegetable to "mushy alien heads."
Kitten in the Window (France)This cute little kitty was staring at me as I was walking down an alley in France on the way to getting some croissants. I thought the huge wooden shutters were beautiful, too. It really made my day!
Potato GnocchiI think we all get very excited when we score that 99 cent 5-pound bag of potatoes. But what to do when you're tired of all the garlic mash and baked spuds? Try gnocchi! Little Italian pillows of love.
Make Boxed Cake Taste HomemadeSometimes I bump into a boxed cake mix on sale for SO cheap, I can't say no. Having it handy helps save precious time, but it just doesn't taste nearly as good as a cake made from scratch. Here are some tips on getting your boxed cake tasting homemade.
Travel: Jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium...Here are some Jellyfish from my trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. I could (and did) look at them for hours. There's something very therapeutic about watching them slowly sway in the water.
Homemade Blackhead Removing StripsHere is a simple way to make your own blackhead removing strips. I used to spend $10 per box (which lasted me 2 weeks) for many, many years.
Simple Mint Insect RepellantI stopped using chemical sprays to get rid of bugs when I found that mint works just the same. It's very effective and super cheap. Here are a couple ways to use mint as an insect repellant.
Homemade MarmaladeMaking your own marmalade is so easy. It's also a good way to use up everything that comes with the orange fruit, from the meat to the juice to the skin. The trick to this bright and vibrant marmalade is in the boiling method.
Upcycled Plastic Bottle Jewelry StandThis a super cute and thrifty jewelry stand you can make out of some plastic bottles and a few pieces of hardware. I used it to fill up with the jewelry I wear most often, and separated them by colour using the different tiers: silver on top, then gold, then colour pieces. I love this stand!
Cheese and Crackers Mini PiesThese little cheese and cracker appetizers are super delicious. They double up as great presentation as they imitate little slices of pumpkin pie. They are sure to bring many oohs and aahs to your parties!
Mini Sea Salt Caramel BrowniesThese little brownies are perfect for you salty/sweet food lovers! The dash of sea salt really brings out all the chocolate and caramel goodness of the brownie. The flavors are so powerful, just one little bite will truly satisfy your cravings!
Plastic Milk Jug FlowerI love plastic milk jugs because they are a lot like thick vellum paper, except they are free after you drink all your milk. After cleaning, drying, and cutting, these milk jugs can make beautiful flowers. Placing a candle in the middle and using it as a votive holder is optional.
Microwave for Drying HerbsUsing a microwave to turn your fresh herbs into dry herbs doesn't only speed up the process, it also secures a longer lasting, stronger flavour. You will also notice that they retain their natural, beautiful, vibrant colour.
Upcycled Stocking ScrubbyRuns and tears in stockings may cause you to throw them in the trash. Why not use them to clean hard to reach spots like behind faucets, shower heads, or even your own back? To make them durable, take a few of them, tie a knot at the top, and braid together.
Cinnamon Apple Pork ChopsThis is an amazingly delicious one-pan pork chop recipe using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It's so easy to make but tastes like a gourmet treat. You will want to keep this recipe.
Anti-Wrinkle Banana MaskMy friend recently met a retired print model who shared this anti-wrinkle regimen. She says she's been using it for over 45 years and has beautiful, flawless skin. Use 1/2 a mashed banana and 1 Tbsp. of honey.
Spaghetti Squash FrittersI've been getting a bit tired of spaghetti squash in the usual form I prepare it; with spaghetti sauce or as a layered lasagna. I tried turning them into crisp fritters and they were delightful. You can add whatever bits you like in them, I went with onions, bacon and Parmesan cheese.
Cheddar Cheese Shell TacosYou won't need regular tortilla shells for these super low carb tacos. These shells are made of one ingredient: cheddar cheese. Fried until they are crispy then hung upside down to form a taco shell shape, they are the perfect treat for anyone on a low carb diet... or just loves cheese!
Drinking Straw Statement NecklaceI save straws for two reasons: to save the earth and to make beautiful jewelry. I love this necklace because it's super easy to make and makes any plain outfit incredibly bold. I get so many compliments on it when I wear it out and no one knows they're upcycled scraps of plastic. Give it a try!
Amazing Rice Flour and Almond PuddingI call this the Amazing Rice Flour and Almond Pudding, because I could never keep down gooey rice type puddings until I tried my mum's later on in my life. It is absolutely the best! I don't share her personal recipes too often, but this one is just too yummy. I hope you like it!
Fast Folding T-Shirt TechniqueIt's so easy to just stuff your shirts away after doing laundry. Not so great when you pull them out and they're mixed up and full of wrinkles. I pulled out all our shirts to do some organizing. There were so many! My thrifty nifty mum showed me how to fold them all FAST, and it was a lifesaver. Here is how to do it
Pulled Pork SwineappleWhat do you get when you cross pulled pork, pineapple, and bacon? Swineapple! This is a fun stuffed pineapple recipe for these hotter months that will make your friends and family squeal. Give it a try!
2 Ingredient PancakesWho knew you could make yummy pancakes with just 2 ingredients? All it takes is one banana and two eggs. These gluten free discs might not taste exactly like your standard pancake, but once you try them, you will be hooked. Sweet, custardy and guilt-free!
Ice and Ladle Fat SkimmerWhenever we watch cooking shows, my husband sees those handy dandy fat separator tools and asks me if I want one. I'm perfectly happy with my way: put ice cubes in a ladle and skim across the fatty top of whatever you're separating. The cold will get the fat to congeal in the ladle. Just like a magnet!
Cardboard Tube WreathThis is a gorgeous way to recycle the cardboard tubes from the inside of your toilet paper or kitchen roll. You can dazzle them up with some colourful findings from nature outside. Enjoy and happy holidays!
Straw Pendant Necklace HolderThis is a great way to organize your pendant necklaces so the chains don't get twisted and you can see which necklace is which.
Yeast Free Naan BreadSometimes you just want a fresh, delicious, warm piece of bread quickly. This is my super easy recipe for the most amazing Indian naan bread made in minutes and right on your stovetop.
Snow White and the Undead DwarvesI love taking regular Halloween costumes and giving their storyline a bit of a twist. This year, the narrative of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves met a terrifying zombie apocalypse. The dwarves turned first, then got ahold of Snow. Obviously, it's a bit of a cute joke costume as I used little plush dwarf dolls for the planned attack.
Beware of Drug InteractionsMy father has been feeling incredibly ill lately. He has been suffering from muscle aches, weakness, vomiting, shaking, just to list a few. I visited him last week and noticed he had a huge load of medications he was instructed to take daily.
Hot Glue Basket BowlI am so in love with making these little basket bowls. They're so easy to make and barely cost a thing. They're so pretty, you'd never know at first glance
they were made of hot glue!
New Cleaning Use For An Old ToothbrushDon't through away that old toothbrush. Carefully heat the toothbrush handle with a lighter for about 10 seconds and bend into a curved L shape. Dip in cold water to cool it down.
Reinvented Character Pillow ChairI wasn't so thrilled when my husband brought home this brown pillow chair from a discount retail store just because it was cheap. I didn't really care for how it looked.
Healthy Microwave PopcornAll you need for some perfect fresh popcorn is some popcorn kernels, a microwaveable bowl, a microwaveable plate that fits on top of it, and, if you so desire, a pat of butter or coconut oil.
Chocolate Cowboy HatsThese chocolate cowboy hats are a wonderful edible craft. I am making them for my nephew's birthday/Halloween party where he will be dressing up as Woody, the cowboy from Toy Story (his absolute favourite). These only take a few food items and a bit of patience. They would also be awesome for a western movie lover or a baby shower!
Pistachio Shell Flowers and Candle HolderEver since I was a little kid, I've eaten a "lot" of pistachios. Even back then, I would save the shells in order to make crafts out of them because I thought they were so pretty to throw away. This is how I make flowers and candle holders out of my pistachio shells. Painting them is completely optional.
End of Peanut Butter Jar Peanut SauceI get so sad when I get to the bottom of the peanut butter jar because I'm a peanut butter fiend! I turn my frown upside down by stretching those last couple of tablespoons into a yummy Thai style peanut sauce using a few extra ingredients.
Herbed Chicken Rolls in Cherry SauceHere comes a winner-winner chicken dinner from my personal cookbook. This chicken breast is rolled up with herbed garlic butter, then cooked in a tart cherry sauce. It's a beautiful meal for these colder evenings... and I think quite pleasant visually! Enjoy!
Popsicle Stick Geometric SculptureThis intriguing sculpture is made out of a bunch of equilateral triangles made from popsicle sticks and hot glue. If you add LED lights or votives inside, it makes a fantastic lamp. The inspiration for this came from a set of polyhedral gamer's dice, which I think are so cool. Give this craft a try!
Roasted Carrots with Carrot-Top PestoThis is a beautiful side dish with vibrant flavours. Use the carrots' own greens to make a pesto to serve with it. I added a bit of mint and lemon to really make it pop. I used pine nuts, but you can use cashews or something similar, too.
Remove Home Address From LuggageIf you have your home address written on your luggage tag, it's best to remove it. It's become more common these days that criminals are stashing illegal items in people's luggage, then keeping the home addresses in order to retrieve those items later.
Intense Sunset and My CatThis is one of the last photos I ever took with a regular camera before I switched over to digital. I remember rushing home from classes one day because I wanted to snap a photo of the sky.
DIY Comb-top DustpanAttach a wide-toothed comb with hot glue to your dustpan in order to brush out all the debris and dust bunnies from your broom. This dollar hack is a copycat of a $25 dustpan I saw at the Home Goods store.
Deodorizing With Used Coffee GroundsAfter making coffee, let the grounds dry then put them into a new filter, a thin fabric bag, socks, or stockings. Secure with thread or staples. Put these coffee bags inside your shoes, in closets, and shelves. They work really well as deodorizers.
Wildlife: Lone BirdI was trying to take a picture of this tree in front of my house filled with birds. Right when I was taking the shot, the neighborhood ice cream truck came by with its blasting song, scaring all the birds away except this one!
Shrimp Pad ThaiMy favorite memories of my dear friend from Thailand, were of us laughing together over a good, authentic Pad Thai. This recipe is easy and so delicious!
Secretly Budget PastaI call this Secretly Budget Pasta because I make it when I'm short on funds. This recipe is super quick and cheap but the outcome is something fancy and delicious. Enjoy!
Wind Yarn with a Hand MixerI love this because I have a tendency to somehow have loose yarn from my projects all over the place and cannot sit still long enough to ball them back up by hand.
Purple Sweet Potato PieI'm sure many of you have had sweet potato pie. This pie is very similar but uses purple sweet potatoes. Baking the sweet potatoes in the oven (in lieu of boiling them) gives this a beautiful creamy consistency and not at all watered down. Baking them also retains their beautiful purple colour. Purple sweet potatoes can be found in grocery stores labeled as Okinawan, Hawaiian, or purple sweet potatoes. They are packed full of potassium, B6, vitamin C, and fiber.
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed WafflesI got this idea for a bacon and cheese stuffed waffle after I saw my brother use leftover Christmas ham and cheese inside of a waffle... and it was awesome! I used a simple pancake mix and just added water to make the batter. I used cheese that melts nicely; smoked gruyere and mozzarella. These waffles are fabulous on their own or with a dipping sauce of equal parts mustard and mayonnaise. Enjoy!
Japanese Jiggly CheesecakeThis is called Japanese Jiggly Cheesecake because it actually jiggles like crazy when it comes out the oven. It's like a cross between an angel food cake and a pound cake, with a lightly sweet cheesecake flavour. In Japan, this is more widely known as a soufflé cheesecake, and has been around for decades.
Cauliflower Cheese CrispsI'd say more than a sweet-tooth, I have a salt-tooth! This can be an issue for someone like me who tends to be more low gluten and low carb. These are an awesomely delicious snack that work well for gluten-free and low carb diets. To compare them to something you might be familiar with, they taste like a more complex, adult version of a Cheez-It cracker. Give them a try!
Keeping Your Garbage Disposal In Mint ConditionGarbage disposals not only get really stinky if you don't maintain them, the blades will also go dull. Here's is a fast and easy way to eliminate odors and sharpen the blades.
Mint Tin Homemade Lip BalmHere's a super simple all-natural recipe for a lip balm you can pour into one of your empty mint tins.
Craft: Clay SculptureIt has been over a year now that I have been struggling without a full-time job. I have learned that it is not necessary to buy the greatest gift at the trendiest shops to please somebody for their birthday, Christmas, or any occasion.
Mini Lemon Meringue PiesI'd never made a lemon meringue pie, but after seeing contestants bake some on a cooking show on TV, I wanted to try one out. Since it's just me and my husband in this house, I made mini versions.
Homemade Coffee Eyebrow TintI have patchy eyebrows from years of over plucking back in the day. Loving a very full looking pair of brows, I have gone through quite a bit of eyebrow pencils and tints. I now make my own with my used coffee grounds in the morning.
Easy Peel TomatoesTo peel tomatoes to use in stews and sauces, or if you just prefer them skin-free like I do, this is an easy way to get the job done quickly. Remove the stem, score the bottom with a big X, then dunk in boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds. Transfer to an ice bath to cool. Right when they're cool, remove from water and the skin will slide right off.
Liquid Bandage For Covering PimplesI get pimples quite often. I noticed a while back that my liquid makeup and foundations would cover everything except my pimples, and that would make them stand out even more.
DIY Unicorn HeadbandMy best friend was having a unicorn themed birthday party, but could not find unicorn horn headbands anywhere! I went out to look for some for her and found they were all terrible plastic pieces of junk. I decided to make some for her. She loved them so much, she actually squealed. Success!
Mexican Street Corn TacosThis is a delicious twist on tacos. I used Mexican street corn as my inspiration to fill these tortillas. It's creamy and zesty and really hits the spot when you don't have things like guacamole or sour cream on hand. It pairs very nicely with the meat, cheese, and salsa inside.
Banana Peel Sleepy TeaDon't throw away that banana peel! It will help you fall asleep tonight, for free! Just steep your clean, sticker-free peels in a pot of water for 10 minutes, sprinkle with cinnamon, drink an hour before bedtime, and off you go.
DIY Light Bulb Grinch OrnamentI made this Grinch ornament from a burnt out light bulb. All you need is acrylic paint, some red and white fabric, and some hot glue. No sewing is necessary. Tie on some ribbon and hang it on the tree. I think he's pretty cute!
Clean Laptop Keys With Interdental BrushRecently I found a naughty little piece of an almond under my "R" key, causing it not to work properly. I've found that interdental brushes for your teeth work so well for cleaning laptop keys. Gently press the brush tip under and scoop out the mess.
Deodorize Clothing with VodkaA great way to deodorize clothes is to place some vodka in a spray bottle and mist them with it. Hang them to dry and you'll notice all the smells are gone. The vodka kills bacteria and odor, but won't leave an alcohol scent behind. This is great for clothes that you just brought out from storage.
