How to Make a Easy Book Diversion Safe for Cash or Stash

I like to keep a few dollars and some change in the house for emergencies, bus fare, or whatever, and I used to keep it in my underwear drawer!

Underwear Drawer is the First Place Checked by Intruders!

But according to a police report I read, the underwear drawer is the first place a burglar will look.

So scratch that idea!

I like the idea of some cash simply because when the power goes out in various storms, ATM machines don't work and neither do cash registers, so it doesn't hurt to have some around, plus it is my scratch ticket fund!

You could use it for anything that you need to keep safe that is small.

I decided an obvious change purse was not the answer, so I found this video on how to make your own book safe and add it to your shelf of books.

Hide in Plain Sight!!

This video by O'Neil Sisters, shows you how to hollow out the book using Mod Podge to seal the pages.  She talks about using this box for jewelry or anything, but I love the idea of using this for a

secret stash safe.

Any intruders are not going to spend time going through your books, they want to be in and out quick.  So I think this is an awesome idea.

Do Not Cut Right To the Back Cover

To keep some strength in the book, find a thick one and make sure you do not cut right to the back cover or it will become flimsy.



What you will Need:

Thick old book you have around the house or find one at the thrift store.

Mod Podge

Paint Brush

Sharp X-acto Knife

That's it, you don't need anything else.  Yes you could decorate it, but the idea of the secret book safe is so that you can hide it in plain sight!

Find a Book that Fits In with Your Books on the Shelf

You want your book safe to "blend" with the rest of your books.  But of course only you will know which one it is.  If your shelves are full of sports books, then find a sport book, or if you have a ton of recipe books, find an old thick recipe book.

Make it, Fill it, Place it, Done!

You could make a few of these, for any special things you need to keep safe in the house.  If you don't have any books, start a little collection so this one book will not look out of place.

If you prefer not to DIY your own secret safe, you can purchase them online to blend in with anything such as soup cans, or hair brushes!  Check it out below.

How to Make a Quick Knitted Rug Using T-Shirt Yarn

I love to knit in front of the TV in the evenings, but I don't want anything too complicated.  It is meant to be relaxing for me.   I don't want to be counting stitches and paying attention to a pattern in the evening.

So I came across this super cool video on how to make a soft rug using T-shirt yarn, which is very soft.  The product is called HOOKED ZPAGETTI.

You could also use whatever yarn you like, but I thought the idea of the yarn being from textiles was super cool.

Check out this video below:

I think this type of knitted rug would be nice beside the bed on top of carpet, but if you don't have carpet you can get the non slip pieces that fit underneath your new rug to keep them safe.


This type of rug could also be thrown in the washing machine easily too.  She just uses simple stitches and because she uses larger needles (size 12) and the larger yarn you are done in no time.  She even sews all the squares together by hand, with no needles.  I love the rustic look of this.

It can also be used for making slippers or plant pot covers as seen in the picture here.

It is super soft yet durable and holds it's shape, making it great for any knitting or crochet projects that will hold a shape.

It has never occurred to me to use fabric yarns, but they do knit well and have a bit of "give" to them.




How to Make Your Own T-Shirt Yarn

If you prefer to totally upcycle for your household projects such as the rug, above and other items, you can make your own from old t-shirts.

I found this video, to get you started.  I did it once to make twisty scarves.  So don't throw away those old t-shirts, you can upcycle them into all kinds of cool projects.

I hope this has got you excited to either purchase or make your own t-shirt yarns.  You could even hit the dollar tree and see what t-shirts they have to add to your stash or yarn.

I really love the idea of recycling or upcycling and using t-shirt or textile yarns is a super cool place to start.

Have a wonderful crafting day!

Deco Mesh Wreath DIY for Valentine's Day or Spring Wall Art Decor on the Cheap

I was looking for some different ways to add some color and flair to my home especially at this point in the winter (At time of writing it is Feb. 1st).

In Ontario, Canada it has been a long cold winter, and with Valentine's Day coming up and then hopefully spring in March I thought it would be fun to add some color.

I came across this simple video on making a Decor Mesh wreath with a wire form, some mesh and a few pipe cleaners (I think they call them chenelle sticks now) to hold it all together.

This video by Paper Mart, got me inspired!  You can keep it plain as she has done in the video, or you can also add all kinds of bling and flowers and whatever you want to totally personalize this wreath for your own space.

Check out the video and see if this doesn't get you inspired to add some color to your space!

I found this image above of a gorgeous deco mesh wreath on the Amazon supply page.  You can add all kinds of decor to this beautiful spring wreath.

I found these supplies online if you don't have them in your nearest craft store, or you like them being delivered to your door.


Check the Dollar Store for Additional Bling

Another option is the dollar store, they do sell many supplies too.  You can make each wreath very individual and to your style.

I also found a supply of reds, pinks and whites mesh online for making the same wreath but for Valentine's Day or simply to add some love to your home and brighten February!

Either way, check online to find some good deals on supplies. I found these on Amazon

I love doing DIYs, especially something that is easy.  Not a fan of long drawn out tedious crafts.  I love that you simply secure the mesh to the wire form with pipe cleaners.  No fuss no mess.  I also love that it is not expensive. 

If you sell at craft fairs, this might be something you want to add to your spring shows.  They are beautiful!

Cheap Wall Art Ideas.. Wreaths are not Confined to Doors!

This is a super fun way to add some pizazz to your door or walls.  Wreaths don't have to live on front doors, they can also look beautiful on walls.

You could make a wreath for each season and brighten up any room or give as a gift.  All I know is that February can be dreary (at least where I live) and Valentine's Day got me thinking about reds, pinks and whites, but then spring is not far after.

So have some fun with this super cool material.

How to Hard Boil Farm Fresh Eggs - Easy Peel!

If you have ever tried to hard boil farm fresh eggs, then you will remember the frustration and damage you do to those eggs trying to peel them. 

You end up losing parts of the egg and need a dozen to end up with 8! 

As much as we all love fresh eggs, this is the one downfall if you love hard boiled.

My sister-in-law has a farm and we often bring home fresh eggs.

But I would save those for fried, omelettes, poached and then use store bought eggs for the hard boiled version to make egg salad sandwiches and other dishes.

But I have found the secret to easy peeling and here it is:

Step 1 - Bring a pot of water to a boil and then carefully lower the eggs into the pot.  Make sure there is enough water to cover them completely.

Step 2 - Boil 8 minutes

Step 3 - Leave on burner but turn off the heat and let them sit there for 20 minutes.

Step 4 - Drain the pot and then with the lid on shake a bit to start some cracks in the eggs.

Step 5 - (this is the trick!)  Cover them with ice water.

Step 6 - Leave in the ice water until they are completely cooled.

Step 7 - PEEL and you will be amazed.

This way you can enjoy your fresh farm eggs as sandwiches and any other dishes that require hard boiled and peeled.

Have the Ice Water Ready before Step 4, so you don't have to go looking.

I simply take a large bowl or jug and fill with ice cubes and then fill with coldest water from the tap a few minutes before draining the eggs.

That is it!

The older the eggs the easier they are to peel.  But I totally enjoy the farm fresh ones as I find their yolks to be darker yellow and they just taste better.  Her hens are free range and happy so the eggs are always nice.

Hope this helps you for that next batch of egg salad sandwiches with fresh eggs!

Make Losing Weight and Getting Healthy a Little Easier with this Idea

Well its the New Year, and along with the calendar change comes the resolutions!

Did you make any this year?  I don't usually because it tends to set me up for failure, but this year, after my blood pressure medication was raised, I decided it was time to lose a few pounds and get healthier.

But Just How Can I Lose Weight without Deprivation, Calorie Counting and Misery?

I talked to a dietitian, that was at a local pharmacy handing out information on health issues, and I asked her what was the best way for someone like me to lose weight with no will power?

Her answer "Start with Portion Control" and add an extra walk to my day.

Portion Control??

She said simply measuring out your portions instead of cutting out entire food groups was much easier.  This way you shaved off some calories but still enjoyed your food from all food groups.

She stated the benefits were huge, and you were more likely to stick to it when it was already measured out on the plate.

Benefits of Portion Control

1.  No deprivation of favourite foods

2.  No cutting out entire food groups

3.  No Calorie Counting

I had visions of measuring cups, scales, teaspoons etc!

She frowned and said, why not try portion control diet plates or containers?

Brilliant Idea!

I found this plate on Amazon.  It has a guide right on it.  Fill half your plate with veggies and 1/4 of protein and 1/4 starch.  It is sized in such a way that you can't overfill.



It is a good way to get started.  Actually this is when I realized that my portions had grown, so this brings me back to a normal sized helping.

You could also take a few days and measure out your food and use one of your own plates.  But I just thought this was a worthwhile investment for 10 bucks.

Another option is containers.  These are pre-measured and ready to go for your packed lunches, or simply your entire day of food.  I also found these on Amazon below:


I just know I have to do something, and using aids of some kind, will give me the kick I need to get my weight down.

As it turns out, I ate good healthy foods, just too much of them.

No Calorie Counting!

This is the best method for me.  I am not the best at calories counting, writing my food down, or measuring.  The above ideas, take the guess work out of the size of my portions.

I have also added an extra walk to my day, and make a point of using stairs always.

Anyways,
HAPPY NEW YEAR
May this be the best year ever for changing your bad habits!

5 Last Minute Gifts for Under 10 Dollars

You can get creative when it comes to gift giving.   The holidays can be a super strain on budgets, and yes it is easy to simply click a few buttons online and up your credit card with the latest gadget.

But this year, why not just take a little bit more time and get creative?

5 Last Minute Gifts for Under 10 Dollars

1.  Coffee Mugs -  with Small pack of Chocolates or cookies and a handwritten coupon for a coffee date.

This way they will enjoy the mug and goodies and look forward to a date with you in January when funds might be a little better.  You can get coffee mugs at the dollar store.

2.  Printables - You can purchase 8x10 inspirational, funny, adult, cute or bathroom prints online that you download and print yourself.  You can then get a frame from the dollar tree or refinish one from the thrift shop or use one you have already.

Dare to be Different would make a cute printable.  I enjoy art printables as most of them are easy to print in your own printer, so no printing costs other than a bit of your ink.   Most are under 10 dollars and some even under 5 bucks!

3.  Food Basket - Get creative with the Dollar Store!  Purchase a colander, garlic shredder, spaghetti fork and clear cellophane and ribbon from the Dollar store, then head to the grocery store for a bottle of pasta sauce and a package of spaghetti or pasta.  Place items in the colander and wrap in the cellophane and ribbon.  Change up the theme if you wish, but you get the idea.

4.  Coffee Making Gifts for the Coffee Lovers - Purchase a small coffee or canister tin from the dollar Tree, then head to a large grocery store that has coffee bean grinding abilities (check the coffee aisle) and grind just a few beans from a few different types of coffee, enough to make a pot.  Label the little bags, and place in the coffee tin.  This way they can try different coffees

5.  Layered Cookie Jar and Recipe - If you love to bake, then this would make an awesome affordable gift under 10 bucks!  Get a mason jar from the dollar store and clean and dry.  Layer all the dry ingredients needed to make a batch of cookies.  Print out the recipe and tie around jar with jute twine or cute ribbon.  This way all they need to add is the eggs.

Check out this video below to see one being made:

 I have received this type of gift before, and it is so easy to make the cookies when you have all the measured ingredients in the jar ready to go.

You can decorate the jar many different ways, you could even add a cookie cutter or wooden spoon for some fun.

I Hope You Are Now Inspired to Get Creative with Gifts Under 10 Dollars!

The above 5 ideas,  I hope have got you thinking about your gift giving this year.  If you are an avid baker, you might not need to spend any money as you may have these ingredients in the house. 

But also remember, that people love to spend time with you or receive a bit of help.  If you are super broke, you can create coupons for a visit, helping with gardening, a walk in the park, babysitting, walking the dog, or anything that would make life easier without spending a bucket full of money.

Merry Christmas!


 

How to Make Mini Yarn Pom Poms with a Fork and Tiny Yarn Hats

As I was making some Christmas tree ornaments this year from my old wine corks, I needed a tiny pom pom for the Reindeer nose.

I didn't want to go and buy any, so I went looking and came across this video by ArtsandCrafts on how to use a fork to make a mini pom pom.

Check it out, then I will show you the video to use up those wine corks into rustic Reindeer and then a picture of my completed Wine cork snowman!

This is such a cool idea!  Up until now, I have only ever made pom poms from a cardboard circle, and it would have to be pretty small to create these tiny ones.

I would never have thought of using a fork!  Learn something new everyday.

I love being able to create crafts, such as ornaments with very little store visits.  Just using up craft supplies I have on hand.

Keep a Tub or Box Just for Craft Leftovers

Last year I invested in a large plastic tub that would fit on my closet shelf to house leftover craft materials and labelled it "leftovers".

This way they are kept all in one spot, and you can poke through them when it comes time for smaller crafts such as Christmas tree ornaments or gift tags.

Now I will show you the video I was following for Christmas wine cork reindeer.  This is where I needed the pom poms for the nose, and didn't wan to go and buy any!

Video by Stefan Weetvan - super short video tutorial

I love the simple crafts, that you can do quickly with minimal supplies.  I found most of the twigs in the park.  Just make sure to let them dry out before using if the twigs have been out in snow, or rain etc.

You could take this craft a step further and paint the corks, or add more embellishments, such as more pom poms, now that you can make them quickly from left over yarn and a fork!.

Wine Cork Snowman with Yarn Hat

This picture is of a wine cork snowman I just created!

I painted it white, added eyes and mouth and used a tooth pick for the nose and colored it orange with a marker.

I added a fabric scarf and this cute tiny yarn hat, which I also just learned how to do from Youtube!

If you love these little mini yarn hats then check out this video on how to make them below and don't throw away your empty toilet rolls...  You could also make them larger as a stand alone Christmas decoration.

I followed this video to make the above hat for my wine cork snowman and added a wire that I threaded through the hat so I can hang this on the tree.

NOTE:  On my smaller wine corks I took a piece of cardboard and wrapped it around the top of the cork to get a snugger fit and taped it together for the hat form.

My decorations were looking a bit tired so this year I looked at my pile of wine corks and my box of leftover craft supplies, and decided to get creative.  Between youtube and supplies I think I did ok!