Money Tree Ornaments

Do you give money gifts at Christmas? Take your gift to a whole new level by turning the money into ornaments to hang on a unique Christmas tree! Links to origami directions for money folding are included.

Canned Venison

My husband recently had another very successful hunting trip. Now what do you do with all that meat? It's easy to drop it off to be processed, but he saves money and does it himself! Included is his recipe for Canned Venison in a pressure canner and tips for freezing. This recipe can also be used for beef, veal, lamb, and pork.

DIY Embellished Layered Hair Bow

Want a cute layered bow with a designer look for your little darling? Use my easy to follow directions, photos, and templates to create a one-of-a-kind hair bow! Directions for Layered Hair Bow without embellishment are included.

Kid's Doctor Visits - Reduce the Tears!

Taking a child to the doctor can be very stressful for the child and the parent or grandparent, especially if an injection is scheduled for that day. I hope our experiences makes your child's next doctor visit more calm and less anxious!

Taco-Chili Beans

What do you do with leftover Taco Meat? Make Taco-Chili Beans! This easy-to-make dish is a family favorite! It's yummy delicious on those "Chilly" fall evenings!

DIY Closet/Wardrobe with Drawer for 18" Doll

Organizing: What do you do with a a new 18" doll's clothes? This Closet/wardrobe made from corrugated cardboard boxes will work great with 18" dolls such as American Girl, My Life, and many others including Barbie. Cost = about $3.00!

Ironed Toast???

Has this happened to you? You are in a hotel room, hungry, with last night's leftovers in the refrigerator, but who wants to eat cold food? Unfortunately, there's no microwave or toaster in the room! Room Service is available, but very costly. Never fear! Let the iron come to the rescue!!

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Are you looking for something to do in the Washington, D.C., area? The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, is an awesome place to go! Enjoy the photos of our visit to this kid-friendly facility which has something for everyone to enjoy!

Make a Kazoo!

Let's make a kazoo! It's a super-fun lesson which includes Art, Science, Social Studies, Math, Language Arts, and Music! We made ours in red, white, and blue to celebrate the 4th of July, but you can choose any theme for decorating yours. Use my easy-to-follow directions and photos to easily create a low-cost kazoo with your child or class! Have fun crafting!

"Sew-Simple" - Shorten Those T-Shirt Sleeves!

T-Shirts: Long-sleeves to short-sleeves? It can easily be done using these "Sew-Simple" directions and photos! I found a long-sleeved t-shirt for my grandson Noah on a clearance rack at 80% off, and it was well worth the time I spent to shorten those sleeves! This techniques also works well for hemming the bottom of t-shirts, pants, etc. No-sew options are included.

"Semi-Homemade" Spaghetti Sauce

It's Italian Night! What's my family's favorite? It's Spaghetti and Meatballs with my "Semi-Homemade" Spaghetti Sauce! This recipe is easy, delicious, and the aroma is out of this world! Crock Pot and Stove Top directions are included. Mmmm, Mmmm; now that's Italian!

Pom Pom Clown Craft

Do you need a super craft for a Circus Birthday Party? This clown craft is quick, easy, low-cost, and lots of fun! A variation with hands and feet is included. Follow my DIY to create your own!

Freestanding Foam Core Clown Poster

We wanted  a "freestanding" clown poster to welcome our guests to the Circus Birthday Party for 2 grand-kids, and here's the result. This simple, low-cost, project from a $1.00 piece of foam core board goes a step further: when the poster is removed, the stand is reusable.

Circus "Big-Top" Centerpiece

Wanted: A sturdy Circus Centerpiece to top the cupcake tower at a Circus Birthday Party. Here's my step-by-step DIY with directions and photos for the Circus "Big-Top" Tent. This centerpiece can easily be adapted to other themes. Have fun crafting!

It's a Circus Birthday Party!

Welcome to the "Greatest Birthday Show on Earth!" It's always a circus at our house, and this DIY Circus Themed Birthday Party on a budget for grand-kids Mia and Alex gave us a chance to prove it! Enjoy the cupcakes with picks, "Big Top" Centerpiece, Face Painting, Balloon Art, Clown Craft, Door Decoration, Lego Circus Tent, etc. And now, let the show begin!!!

Microwave Italian Meatloaf

I found a recipe for "Favorite Meatloaf" in a Microwave Cookbook many years ago. Over the years, I have modified this recipe, creating a spicy, low-sodium, and low-fat version. The result - Microwave Italian Meatloaf - is now a family favorite. Try it! It's quick, easy, and yummy-delicious!!

Easy Trail Mix

Trail Mix is a mixture of bite-sized ingredients that travel well, and being on a restricted diet has encouraged me to make my own Easy Trail Mix! The grand-kids love to make and eat this trail mix, and ingredients can easily be changed according to your family's favorites! Happy trails!

Personal Medical Information Sheet

Face it: going to the doctor can be stressful, especially if you are a new patient! You are told to arrive 20 minutes early to fill out paperwork, and you find out that's not nearly enough time! Check out my solution to make these visits less stressful: a "Personal Medical Information" Sheet! Next!!

Run Between the Raindrops!

It's a rainy day! Do we sit around and grumble, or do we make the best of it? Let's learn a lesson from children and keep the sunshine in our hearts as we wait for the rainbow!

Fun with Super Bouncy Balls!!

Do you remember Super Bouncy Balls? Yes, they are still around, even in vending machines! Even in our Hi-tech world with online Bouncing Ball Games, they are still fun to play with! Try some of these "hands-on" activities! 

Living the Good Life!

It's 8:00 a.m. on a Friday, I am alone, and everything is quiet. It's been about 2 1/2 years since I retired from my teaching job of 31+ years, and I have no regrets. I can truly say that I am "Living the Good Life"!!

Cinnamon French Toast

Hungry? How about some delicious Cinnamon French Toast? Although French Toast originated before France actually existed, it is still a popular breakfast item today. Try my quick and easy, low-fat recipe!