Search Results for: blog using everything in the jar

Cutting Corners

I love watching room design shows on HGTV. They offer fabulous tips on how to get organized, though their budgets are typically bigger (much bigger) than what I can afford. I would love to go on a shopping trip to the Container Store ala Supermarket Sweep. I could fill my cart with specialty boxes and storage containers designed specifically for all of my scrapbook supplies, from albums to embellishments and everything in between. It’s nice to dream, but reality is a different story. As I look at my buttons, brads, eyelets and stamps sitting in old baby food jars, repurposed … Continue reading →

Can It!

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You want to can. You want the look of all of those gorgeous rows of preserved fruit, salsas, sauces, and jams. They make you drool. You want to freeze. You want to go to your freezer in the dead of winter and pull out berries so sweet and delicious that they remind you of summer as soon as they enter your mouth. And yes, you’d rather like to dry things too: homemade teas, dried fruit for snacks, perhaps even some jerky. Then you look at all of the work involved in this process, shake your head, and laugh at the … Continue reading →

Handmade Christmas Gifts

Handmade gifts can make the perfect Christmas gift especially for that hard to buy for person – you know the one I mean who seems to have everything. Nearly all of us know someone like that and it can be stressful trying to think what to give them. So why not give then something you have made yourself. Food products are nearly always welcome. In our food blog, you will find suggestions of slices, cookies and chocolates you can make. For those with a wheat and gluten allergy, many of them are gluten free. Don’t just put the gluten intolerant … Continue reading →

Save Money on Spices

I almost fell over the other day when I saw a commercial for the new McCormick recipe ideas. You can purchase a package that contains a recipe and a card that contains little blister packs of pre-measured spices. While this might be a pleasant idea for those who want to just start exploring the world of making their own meals, all of my frugal alarms went off. That is because usually the more convenience packaging you have, the more expensive the cost for that meal. How much are you really saving in time? You still need to prep all of … Continue reading →

Teaching Flexibility to a Child Who Resists Change

Children with autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disorders, and Sensory Integration Disorders often develop rigid thinking. They want certain things done at a certain times, in a certain order, and in a certain way. Otherwise, a tantrum ensues. That’s because these special kids often feel a loss of control over important aspects of their lives. What is normal and routine for the rest of us can be difficult and frustrating for them. Imagine having your body respond clumsily when you’re trying to do work or play. Or imagine being dragged from place to place by a parent and not having the … Continue reading →

Google Gives 3D Disney Tour

One of our more popular Disney and Travel topics here at families.com is how to plan your Disney vacation. Even the most frugal of trips to a Disney attraction can be expensive. So it’s important to do a lot of research before embarking on a Disney vacation. Now Disney has partnered with Google to create a new way for web users to start researching and planning their trip to Disney World. Using the Google Earth program, downloadable onto your home computer, you can take a virtual tour of Disney World from the comfort of your own home. The Disney World … Continue reading →

Easy Ways to Organize the Bathroom

Are you tired of a messy bathroom? Rummaging through tumbles of things under the sink and dodging items that are falling out of the medicine cabinet is not the way to start or end your day. Just a few minutes of attention will have your bathroom organized in no time. First set aside a little bit of time to devote to your organizing. A minimum of 15 minutes is good, although you might want to dedicate at least 30 minutes to the project, so you won’t feel rushed or wind up with the organizing half done. Take all of your … Continue reading →

How to Make Your Own Baby Food

There is a lot to be said for making your own baby food. Not only is fresh food better for your baby than commercial jarred and preserved food, but it is often less expensive to make baby food yourself. There are a few things that you need to know, however, to keep your baby safe and provide good nutrition. First make sure that before cooking you scrub vegetables and fruits very well using a vegetable brush. You may want to choose organic produce to reduce the chance of pesticides getting into your baby’s body. Also be careful of feeding certain … Continue reading →

How to Grow Your Own Herbs

Whether you pronounce the “h” or not, herbs are a wonderful thing for both cooking and medicinal use in your home. Most herbs are pretty easy to grow, even indoors. Growing your open herbs is economical and will keep you away from pesticides. From basil to lavender a few simple tips will have you growing your own herbs in no time. How to start First, determine which herbs you would like to grow. You can decided to start your herbs from seed or from nursery plants. If this is your first time growing herbs, or if you choose a perennial … Continue reading →

Things to Do with Tennis Balls

Used tennis balls are like pennies. They were once valued but are usually discarded. Once tennis balls go flat then they can’t really be used for tennis anymore. They can, however, be used for many other things. So whether you have tennis balls of your own or want to rescue some free tennis balls and put them to good use, you should be able to benefit from the following ideas. You can reuse tennis balls: In the dryer to prevent washed pillows from becoming lumpy and to fluffy up towels, comforters and down coats. In your home to move heavy … Continue reading →