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.
Pistachio HummusI've come up with a few hummus recipes where I replace the tahini with something else due to allergies or high cost, but this one is by far my favourite now. This hummus uses pistachios to replace the sesame paste and gives it an amazing flavour. I've also added green peas for colour, texture, and dimension. I urge you to try this recipe!
Fresh Pineapple Upside Down CakeIt's pineapple season! My mother bought me several pineapples at only a dollar each and I didn't know what to do with it all so I decided to throw them into this cake.
Make Rice with Half the CaloriesScientists have proven that by simply cooking your rice with some coconut oil then cooling, it changes the rice's digestible starch to indigestible starch, which prevents much of the rice from being metabolized into glucose, cutting the calories by about 60%.
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!
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.
Honeybees for the Honeymoon (Southern...When we arrived to our vacant honeymoon farmhouse in the wine country of France, we were shocked to discover this massive beehive attached to the window of our bedroom.
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.
Felt Fortune CookiesThe best part of opening a fortune cookie is receiving your paper fortune, so these felt versions can save you from ingesting too many cookies! They can be reused, too, so this is a great craft for Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, and many other celebrations.
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!
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.
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!
Newspaper Nail ArtNail art is very popular right now. Doing them at home yourself may seem difficult but try these newspaper nails! It costs next to nothing and they're very cute!
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.
Turn Cheap Steak Into Amazing SteakI love a really good fillet mignon from time to time, but my purse never does! Here is a super easy way to make even the cheapest cuts of steak into a velvety delight, using just salt and sugar.
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.
Gravity-Defying Ramen CakeThis is a super cool cake you can make at home with a few fun techniques. It's a bowl of ramen with chopsticks that appear to be suspended in the air. You don't need too many obscure items to make this yourself. Making it will save you literally hundreds of dollars as these fun types of cakes don't come cheap from the specialists. Have fun with this edible craft!
"Hamburger" Decorated CakeMake a simple box cake into a huge "hamburger" cake by adding a few modifications. I used 9 inch round tins to bake yellow cake and cut them in half to form hamburger buns.
DIY Organic Food ColouringI was chatting with a friend recently about how his kids are allergic to red food dye. It made me do some research, where I found that it contains plenty of chemicals, including petroleum. I decided to make my own food colouring from organic fruits and vegetables, and it was a total success!
Caramel GrapesThis is a delicious twist on caramel apples. I love caramel grapes because I get everything I want in caramel apples in one bite, with so much less mess. Plus, they're so cute!
Japanese Chicken CurryJapanese curry is different from Indian curry because it's more of a hearty stew. It tends to be much less spicy and has big soft chunks of veggies and meat. This is the way I make it when I'm in a rush to make a lot of food in a short amount of time. A dollop of cooling yogurt and a drizzle of citrus preserves make for the perfect accompaniment for this dish. I hope you try it!
Peeling Garlic Easily in a JarDon't buy pre-peeled garlic or spend the time doing it yourself. Avoid the garlicky fingers by putting your garlic in a jar, screw the lid on, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. The first half the of the shaking will break the cloves off, and the second half will peel the skins right off the cloves. It's a great little workout, too! ;)
Easiest Homemade Greek YogurtGreek yogurt has been one of the most popular decadent foods lately. It's delicious on its own, but also a great way to cut calories and at the same time, boost flavor and protein. Here is a simple way to turn regular yogurt into Greek yogurt.
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!
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.
Turn Old Sock Into Hair Volumizing BunI really adore big, voluminous vintage style hair buns. I have a lot of hair, but not THAT much hair, so I use clean old tube socks with the ends cut off to bump up my hair bun.
Mini Taco FrittatasI came up with these frittatas because I love egg breakfasts and adore tacos, but don't have much time to hang around to make both. These are so delicious, guilt-free, and gluten-free. I love to make a batch and keep them in the fridge. They're perfect for days you are on the run.
Pasta Christmas TreeThis is a beautiful little centerpiece you can make from dry pasta, a foam cone, and paint. I think it'd be beautiful in any colour, but it really looks quite chic in gold with red accents. The farfalle bowtie pasta sitting on top is a cute little finishing touch.
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.
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.
3D Orchid in a Jar CardThis is a card I made for my mother because she adores orchids. I used a stamp set to make this, so I've attached the orchid and jar templates for you to print out, colour, and cut out. You can use markers to colour it, then paint some water on top to make this beautiful watercolour look.
Super Moist Citrus Pound CakeThe secret to this incredibly moist poundcake is great because it eliminates leftovers... leftover oatmeal. If you don't have leftover oatmeal, it's real easy to boil some up. Give this cake a shot. You will be super impressed with it, and so happy to use that oatmeal you or your kids couldn't finish!
Mobile Phone Charging StationHere's how to make a phone charging station wall mount out of a shampoo bottle. It keeps your phone propped up and away from hazards, tangle-free. I have an incredibly on-call life and find this to be very useful in bathrooms while I shower or get ready.
Reuse Garlic Bag as Soap BagDon't throw away the little net bag that your garlic came in! Put all your little chips of soap inside, tie the ends and use it as an exfoliator. You won't believe the amount of suds you will get out of your soap when using your new little bag.
All Natural Lip ScrubHere comes the cold weather! Time to keep those lips chap-free and beautiful. I've been using this two-ingredient method ever since I was in college and found an article about it in a beauty magazine.
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.
Take Advantage of Senior DiscountsMy parents have a list of shops in their area that offer senior discounts. Some are valid every day, some are one day a week, some are one day a month. The discounts can vary from 10 to 25 percent off, and most don't require you to sign up for a free membership.
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!
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.
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
Homemade Dried and Caramelized OnionsWhen I find a great deal on onions, I buy a large amount and make these dried and caramelized onions. It ends up being a whole lot cheaper and more tasty than buying dried onions in bottles. You can make these in the oven, in a dehydrator, or even in the sun! To make onion powder, run the finished product in a processor.
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!
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).
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!
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.
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.
Hungry Mama SquirrelFor the past few months, my parents had been talking non-stop about this squirrel family that frequents their backyard for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cornstarch BeadsThis is a super easy and fun way to make beads for a necklace or bracelet. All it takes is three ingredients that you have in your kitchen to make the basic beads. I've added color and sealant to mine. You'd never know it was cornstarch!
Saving an Orphaned Baby SquirrelMy mother was doing some gardening when she found a squirrels' nest knocked out of a tree on to the garden ground. There was no mother squirrel around, mum made a warm bed of foliage for the little guy while keeping an eye out for mother squirrel.
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!
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."
5 Ingredient Apple TartThis apple tart is so easy to make. The great thing is you don't need any fancy equipment or fluted tart pans or techniques. Just throw everything in a pan and put it in the oven!
March of the Penguins (Hokkaido, Japan)Here are some photos from the Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan. They hold this famous Penguin Walk annually from December through March. A walkway is roped off for the penguins to roam around the park, they seemed to do it so happily!
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!
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!
Easy Marbled Nail ArtHere's an easy and fun way to do really beautiful nail art at home. I get compliments on them every time!
Lobster Mac and CheeseFor special occasions, my husband and I like to order lobster mac and cheese. We've recently realized, as good as it is, it's just not worth $20 for a plate! Here's a recipe for lobster mac and cheese for under $3 a serving.
Baba GanoushBaba Ganoush is a delicious eggplant dish that originated in Lebanon. It's super easy to make and tastes phenomenal. I love it extra because it's full of fiber!
Upcycled Chopstick TrivetI have a rather large collection of disposable wooden chopsticks from decades of restaurants and takeouts. After I use them, I wash them and keep them either in my utensil drawer for reuse or in a canister for future crafts. This trivet is one of my favourite chopstick crafts.
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.
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!
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.
Aspirin for Swimmer's Green HairThere are many ways to treat your hair before swimming to prevent your hair from turning green, but if you forgot to do that before you jumped in the pool, try this! Crush two aspirin and mix it into your the normal amount of shampoo you'd use while washing your hair.
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.
Coconut Crusted MarshmallowsHere is a super simple way to make your own marshmallows at home. They are so much better than the store-bought variety and no corn syrup is added.
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.
Wildlife: Japanese Snow MonkeysMy mother photographed these monkeys while visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan. Jigokoku means "hell" and Jigokudani translates to "Hell's Valley", named due to the bubbling boiling water these monkeys so comfortably lounge in.
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!
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.
Pistachio Shell Birds PaintingI like to save the shells from my pistachio nuts to craft with. Here, I've turned them into birds on a tree I painted.
DIY Makeup Setting SprayStop reapplying your makeup and use a setting spray for all-day wear. Here's how to make your own at home for a few bucks.
