Thursday, August 23, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Slime Recipe Favorites
Slime Recipe Favorites
by: Patricia B. Jensen
IT’S SLIME TIME!!! Experiment with these slime recipe favorites and how to make silly putty for a great kids party activity.
Great for a science party, dinosaur party (make it red for molten lava or green for swamp slime), or Halloween party.
Promotes interest in science and learning or just feeling something slimy like oobleck between your fingers!
EASY SLIME RECIPE #1
2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
Food Coloring
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cornstarch, then food coloring while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. This makes a messy slime that goes from liquid to solid, and is great fun to play with.
EASY SLIME RECIPE #2
1/4 cup White Glue
1 1/4 cup Water, divided
1 tbsp. Borax - found in the laundry detergent aisle of your grocery store
Food Coloring
Borax is available in the laundry section of your local grocery store. Add 1 tbsp. Borax to one cup of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
Make a 50% water 50% white glue solution. Take 1/4 cup of each and mix thoroughly.
In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. (Half cup of each will make a cup of slime.)
Add a couple drops of food coloring. Seal bag and knead the mixture.
If slime is too sticky, add a little more borax. If slime is too slippery, add a little more white glue solution.
Variations:
Less rubbery & more transparent slime: Try a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol instead of the glue mixture
Different Consistencies: Add shaving cream or baby powder to the mixture.
Glow in the Dark Slime: Add several drops of glow-in-the-dark paint during mixing.
SILLY PUTTY
1 tbsp. White Glue
½ tsp. Epsom Salts
½ tsp. Water
In small cup, put ½ tsp. Epsom salt and ½ tsp water. Stir till salt is all or mostly dissolved. Add one tbsp. Glue to another small cup. Add Epsom salt water to the glue and stir. When putty has formed, experiment with it on waxed paper. Store in Ziploc bag.
GENERAL SLIME HANDLING INFORMATION
Store in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator for maximum life.
A few drops of Lysol can be added to the Slime to minimize formation of mold and extend the lifetime of the Slime.
Wash hands before using slime to minimize mold growth as well.
Keep off carpets and furniture as it can stain.
Borax is toxic in large doses, so keep out of reach of children under 3.
Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise. All Rights Reserved.
by: Patricia B. Jensen
IT’S SLIME TIME!!! Experiment with these slime recipe favorites and how to make silly putty for a great kids party activity.
Great for a science party, dinosaur party (make it red for molten lava or green for swamp slime), or Halloween party.
Promotes interest in science and learning or just feeling something slimy like oobleck between your fingers!
EASY SLIME RECIPE #1
2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
Food Coloring
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cornstarch, then food coloring while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. This makes a messy slime that goes from liquid to solid, and is great fun to play with.
EASY SLIME RECIPE #2
1/4 cup White Glue
1 1/4 cup Water, divided
1 tbsp. Borax - found in the laundry detergent aisle of your grocery store
Food Coloring
Borax is available in the laundry section of your local grocery store. Add 1 tbsp. Borax to one cup of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
Make a 50% water 50% white glue solution. Take 1/4 cup of each and mix thoroughly.
In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. (Half cup of each will make a cup of slime.)
Add a couple drops of food coloring. Seal bag and knead the mixture.
If slime is too sticky, add a little more borax. If slime is too slippery, add a little more white glue solution.
Variations:
Less rubbery & more transparent slime: Try a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol instead of the glue mixture
Different Consistencies: Add shaving cream or baby powder to the mixture.
Glow in the Dark Slime: Add several drops of glow-in-the-dark paint during mixing.
SILLY PUTTY
1 tbsp. White Glue
½ tsp. Epsom Salts
½ tsp. Water
In small cup, put ½ tsp. Epsom salt and ½ tsp water. Stir till salt is all or mostly dissolved. Add one tbsp. Glue to another small cup. Add Epsom salt water to the glue and stir. When putty has formed, experiment with it on waxed paper. Store in Ziploc bag.
GENERAL SLIME HANDLING INFORMATION
Store in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator for maximum life.
A few drops of Lysol can be added to the Slime to minimize formation of mold and extend the lifetime of the Slime.
Wash hands before using slime to minimize mold growth as well.
Keep off carpets and furniture as it can stain.
Borax is toxic in large doses, so keep out of reach of children under 3.
Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise. All Rights Reserved.
The 10 Christmas Decoration Tips You Must Know
The 10 Christmas Decoration Tips You Must Know
by: Rosie Fletcher
Decorating for Christmas is one of the best things about the holidays. The twinkling of lights, the sight of a perfectly trimmed tree and a perfectly placed wreath adorning your front door are all gentle reminders of the joyous Christmas season.
When decorating your home, you want the décor to reflect your own personal style while keeping the Christmas tradition always present. A few tips can help make this holiday decorating season even brighter.
Christmas Decoration Tip #1: Lights Out
With each year that passes, Christmas lights tend to burn out at some point. Unless you have a strand that burns with the exception of the troublesome light, it can be a real headache to find the faulty bulb. Consider investing in a light tester, which will check each individual light and detect the one that needs replacing. These can be found with the Christmas supplies at most department stores.
Christmas Decoration Tip #2: Angels Nearby
Whenever possible, decorate your home with angels. They add a touch of peace and tranquility to your home and we all need to know that there are angels watching over us.
Christmas Decoration Tip #3: Be fruity
Prepare a fruit-filled clear glass bowl as a centerpiece for your dining room table. Nothing smells like Christmas as much as an orange or a nice fruit combination.
Decoration Tip #4: Add a personal touch
If you hang Christmas stockings, consider personalizing them with your name, your spouses name and those of your children. These days, even pets have stockings, so don’t forget to add Fido’s name on a stocking. You can easily personalize a traditional stocking using a glitter pen, preferably one that writes in silver or gold. A personalized stocking is a nice idea and a special added touch.
Christmas Decoration Tip #5: Pucker up
Decorate your home with poinsettia and mistletoe, which are both holiday traditions. A nice artificial poinsettia plant will always be beautiful and is easy to take care of - no water required. A mistletoe is always a nice touch and especially if you just need one more reason to smooch.
Christmas Decoration Tip #6: Working with wreaths
Don’t forget to place a beautiful green wreath on the front door of your home. Make sure to add a red bow for a brightening touch! Artificial wreaths will last year after year, but real wreaths do have a wonderful scent. If you want to add wreath’s to the windows in your home, consider purchasing a magnetic wreath hanger. This type of hanger comes in two parts - one goes on the inside of your home and the piece with the hook will go on the outside. These hangers have been around for years, but they are steadily beginning to gain in popularity. The magnets are so strong that they can work through doors and windows, which is ideal for hanging wreaths on the outside of your home without the fuss of a traditional plastic wreath hanger, which drapes across the top of your door.
Christmas Decoration Tip #7: A perfect fit
When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure to measure the preferred location from side to side and from floor to roof. You will want to make sure that perfect tree fits when you bring it home. Artificial trees are easy care, but a real tree requires plenty of water.
Christmas Decoration Tip #8: It’s all about tradition
It’s nice to start a family tradition by decorating your tree on a certain day each year. Perhaps after Thanksgiving dinner, the whole family can spend the evening dressing their home for Santa.
Christmas Decoration Tip #9: Shop smart
Make sure that all electric decorations are UL listed to ensure that they have been tested for quality and safety. Don’t forget to unplug everything before you leave home or go to bed at night.
Christmas Decoration Tip #10: Say Cheese
Always remember to have plenty of film and batteries for the camera. Now that you have the perfect decorations, don’t forget to capture them on film.
by: Rosie Fletcher
Decorating for Christmas is one of the best things about the holidays. The twinkling of lights, the sight of a perfectly trimmed tree and a perfectly placed wreath adorning your front door are all gentle reminders of the joyous Christmas season.
When decorating your home, you want the décor to reflect your own personal style while keeping the Christmas tradition always present. A few tips can help make this holiday decorating season even brighter.
Christmas Decoration Tip #1: Lights Out
With each year that passes, Christmas lights tend to burn out at some point. Unless you have a strand that burns with the exception of the troublesome light, it can be a real headache to find the faulty bulb. Consider investing in a light tester, which will check each individual light and detect the one that needs replacing. These can be found with the Christmas supplies at most department stores.
Christmas Decoration Tip #2: Angels Nearby
Whenever possible, decorate your home with angels. They add a touch of peace and tranquility to your home and we all need to know that there are angels watching over us.
Christmas Decoration Tip #3: Be fruity
Prepare a fruit-filled clear glass bowl as a centerpiece for your dining room table. Nothing smells like Christmas as much as an orange or a nice fruit combination.
Decoration Tip #4: Add a personal touch
If you hang Christmas stockings, consider personalizing them with your name, your spouses name and those of your children. These days, even pets have stockings, so don’t forget to add Fido’s name on a stocking. You can easily personalize a traditional stocking using a glitter pen, preferably one that writes in silver or gold. A personalized stocking is a nice idea and a special added touch.
Christmas Decoration Tip #5: Pucker up
Decorate your home with poinsettia and mistletoe, which are both holiday traditions. A nice artificial poinsettia plant will always be beautiful and is easy to take care of - no water required. A mistletoe is always a nice touch and especially if you just need one more reason to smooch.
Christmas Decoration Tip #6: Working with wreaths
Don’t forget to place a beautiful green wreath on the front door of your home. Make sure to add a red bow for a brightening touch! Artificial wreaths will last year after year, but real wreaths do have a wonderful scent. If you want to add wreath’s to the windows in your home, consider purchasing a magnetic wreath hanger. This type of hanger comes in two parts - one goes on the inside of your home and the piece with the hook will go on the outside. These hangers have been around for years, but they are steadily beginning to gain in popularity. The magnets are so strong that they can work through doors and windows, which is ideal for hanging wreaths on the outside of your home without the fuss of a traditional plastic wreath hanger, which drapes across the top of your door.
Christmas Decoration Tip #7: A perfect fit
When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure to measure the preferred location from side to side and from floor to roof. You will want to make sure that perfect tree fits when you bring it home. Artificial trees are easy care, but a real tree requires plenty of water.
Christmas Decoration Tip #8: It’s all about tradition
It’s nice to start a family tradition by decorating your tree on a certain day each year. Perhaps after Thanksgiving dinner, the whole family can spend the evening dressing their home for Santa.
Christmas Decoration Tip #9: Shop smart
Make sure that all electric decorations are UL listed to ensure that they have been tested for quality and safety. Don’t forget to unplug everything before you leave home or go to bed at night.
Christmas Decoration Tip #10: Say Cheese
Always remember to have plenty of film and batteries for the camera. Now that you have the perfect decorations, don’t forget to capture them on film.
How to Give the "Gift of a Lifetime"
How to Give the "Gift of a Lifetime"
by: Van Day
Giving that special someone a special gift can be very difficult. Depending on the situation and occasion, it can be a very tricky thing. You want to do the right thing, but if you’re not careful, it can backfire. As many have found out, you need to give this some considerable thought.
But everyone wants to give the "right" gift. What makes up a great gift?
In my experience, a great gift:
Is truly unique, personal and creative;
Demonstrates to the recipient the thoughtfulness and caring that went into securing the gift;
Evokes emotions from the recipient whenever it is used, seen or thought about; and
Makes the recipient truly feel special.
A great gift doesn't necessarily have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to be great. But also understand that getting a gift that is cheap can show how much "you don't care." Before you start to shop and buy, also consider the following:
1. Who is the recipient? Is it your spouse, significant other, sibling, parents, relative, close friends, neighbor or business associate?
2. Next, what is the occasion? Holiday, birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, engagement, promotion, a "just because" occasion, or "I-need-to-get-out-of- the-doghouse-occasion?"
3. Be yourself. The gift is from you, so make sure it shows it. But be appropriate, and be sure the gift is something that the recipient will relate to and enjoy.
4. Try to avoid excessiveness. Simple gifts tend to also be very well received.
5. Don't wait until the last minute. It only gives you too little time to get a great gift, and also shows how much you don't care.
Being creative is a fantastic way to ensure getting the right gift. People love it when it's obvious their gift required some imagination and creativity. So as you’re going through the “what do I get them” process, remember that a little bit of creativity, uniqueness and personalization will go a long, long way!
The true measure of a great gift will be seen in the eyes of the recipient when they get it. You’ll know it, you’ll feel it, and you’ll feel great yourself when you’ve given the “Great Gift”!
by: Van Day
Giving that special someone a special gift can be very difficult. Depending on the situation and occasion, it can be a very tricky thing. You want to do the right thing, but if you’re not careful, it can backfire. As many have found out, you need to give this some considerable thought.
But everyone wants to give the "right" gift. What makes up a great gift?
In my experience, a great gift:
Is truly unique, personal and creative;
Demonstrates to the recipient the thoughtfulness and caring that went into securing the gift;
Evokes emotions from the recipient whenever it is used, seen or thought about; and
Makes the recipient truly feel special.
A great gift doesn't necessarily have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to be great. But also understand that getting a gift that is cheap can show how much "you don't care." Before you start to shop and buy, also consider the following:
1. Who is the recipient? Is it your spouse, significant other, sibling, parents, relative, close friends, neighbor or business associate?
2. Next, what is the occasion? Holiday, birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, engagement, promotion, a "just because" occasion, or "I-need-to-get-out-of- the-doghouse-occasion?"
3. Be yourself. The gift is from you, so make sure it shows it. But be appropriate, and be sure the gift is something that the recipient will relate to and enjoy.
4. Try to avoid excessiveness. Simple gifts tend to also be very well received.
5. Don't wait until the last minute. It only gives you too little time to get a great gift, and also shows how much you don't care.
Being creative is a fantastic way to ensure getting the right gift. People love it when it's obvious their gift required some imagination and creativity. So as you’re going through the “what do I get them” process, remember that a little bit of creativity, uniqueness and personalization will go a long, long way!
The true measure of a great gift will be seen in the eyes of the recipient when they get it. You’ll know it, you’ll feel it, and you’ll feel great yourself when you’ve given the “Great Gift”!
Baby Budgeting Tips
Baby Budgeting Tips
by: Richard Greenwood
Bringing a baby into the world brings many responsibilities, one of which is the management of your finances. A baby and child will create many changes to your income and expenditures. By getting your finances in order early you can look forward to a bright future through parenthood where finances aren't a cause of stress or worry.
Consolidate & reduce existing debts - It's easy to accrue debts on credit cards, store cards and personal loans. Why not consolidate your existing debts into one place to reduce your monthly interest payments. You can consolidate debt from credit cards using a balance transfer offer such as 0% on balance transfers for 6 months. During these 6 months you should focus on reducing the debt as much as possible.
Make extra home loan repayments - If you have a home loan and are both currently employed you should use your dual incomes to make as many extra repayments on your home loan as you can manage before dropping to one income. Make sure your home loan has a free redraw facility so that you can pull any extra repayments back out at a later date should you need it. Even if you pull most of the money back out after you have the baby you will still of reduced your interest payments in the meantime and further reduced the principle balance.
Check your Health Insurance cover - Having a baby can rack up some big healthcare bills especially is there are any complications. If you don't have private health cover you should consider taking it out in advance of getting pregnant as many funds have a 12 month wait before they pay out for maternity expenses. If you already have health cover, check the policy and ensure maternity cover is included. If not, you may need to upgrade or shop around for another policy.
Protect your income - While an additional expense, it is seriously worth considering income and life insurance should the worse happen. The upbringing of a child create a large financial repsonsibility. You need to be confident that your home loan could be paid off and essential costs such as education and living costs covered in the event that an income is lost or something happens to one of you.
Save for your future - Think about saving for education and other future costs by starting a high interest savings account. Online only savings accounts often have higher interest rates and lower fees than tradtional banks. If you looking for bigger returns with a long term investment then you could look into managed funds or shares.
Think ahead - is your retirement plan working for you - Make sure you have your entire retirement plan in one place to avoid paying multiple account fees. Look for retirement plans with low fees and strong performance results. The thought of your children growing up may seem a long way ahead but you need to get your money working for you now to ensure a good financial position for yourself when they eventually flee the nest.
Try out living on just one income - It can be a shock moving from a dual income household to a single income household when you have a baby. To make things easier why not try and live off one income for a while before the baby is born. The other income can be put towards extra home loan repayments or reducing debt as suggested in the other tips.
Don't spend money when you don't have to - The great thing about having a baby is that friends and family are keen to help out. If you've have friends who have had babies before you why not see if they have toys, clothes or equipment that they don't need anymore. Ebay, online classifieds and your local newspaper are also excellent places to find baby goods second hand. To save money of expensive toys that your baby will soon grow bored of you can use local toy libraries for a small cost.
Babies can save you money as well! - While there may be no shortage of costs around bringing up a child, you'll probably notice you spend less money on entertainment such as going out to restaurants and bars, especially in the first years after having a child. They will provide you with plenty of 'entertainment' and keep you occupied day and night.
by: Richard Greenwood
Bringing a baby into the world brings many responsibilities, one of which is the management of your finances. A baby and child will create many changes to your income and expenditures. By getting your finances in order early you can look forward to a bright future through parenthood where finances aren't a cause of stress or worry.
Consolidate & reduce existing debts - It's easy to accrue debts on credit cards, store cards and personal loans. Why not consolidate your existing debts into one place to reduce your monthly interest payments. You can consolidate debt from credit cards using a balance transfer offer such as 0% on balance transfers for 6 months. During these 6 months you should focus on reducing the debt as much as possible.
Make extra home loan repayments - If you have a home loan and are both currently employed you should use your dual incomes to make as many extra repayments on your home loan as you can manage before dropping to one income. Make sure your home loan has a free redraw facility so that you can pull any extra repayments back out at a later date should you need it. Even if you pull most of the money back out after you have the baby you will still of reduced your interest payments in the meantime and further reduced the principle balance.
Check your Health Insurance cover - Having a baby can rack up some big healthcare bills especially is there are any complications. If you don't have private health cover you should consider taking it out in advance of getting pregnant as many funds have a 12 month wait before they pay out for maternity expenses. If you already have health cover, check the policy and ensure maternity cover is included. If not, you may need to upgrade or shop around for another policy.
Protect your income - While an additional expense, it is seriously worth considering income and life insurance should the worse happen. The upbringing of a child create a large financial repsonsibility. You need to be confident that your home loan could be paid off and essential costs such as education and living costs covered in the event that an income is lost or something happens to one of you.
Save for your future - Think about saving for education and other future costs by starting a high interest savings account. Online only savings accounts often have higher interest rates and lower fees than tradtional banks. If you looking for bigger returns with a long term investment then you could look into managed funds or shares.
Think ahead - is your retirement plan working for you - Make sure you have your entire retirement plan in one place to avoid paying multiple account fees. Look for retirement plans with low fees and strong performance results. The thought of your children growing up may seem a long way ahead but you need to get your money working for you now to ensure a good financial position for yourself when they eventually flee the nest.
Try out living on just one income - It can be a shock moving from a dual income household to a single income household when you have a baby. To make things easier why not try and live off one income for a while before the baby is born. The other income can be put towards extra home loan repayments or reducing debt as suggested in the other tips.
Don't spend money when you don't have to - The great thing about having a baby is that friends and family are keen to help out. If you've have friends who have had babies before you why not see if they have toys, clothes or equipment that they don't need anymore. Ebay, online classifieds and your local newspaper are also excellent places to find baby goods second hand. To save money of expensive toys that your baby will soon grow bored of you can use local toy libraries for a small cost.
Babies can save you money as well! - While there may be no shortage of costs around bringing up a child, you'll probably notice you spend less money on entertainment such as going out to restaurants and bars, especially in the first years after having a child. They will provide you with plenty of 'entertainment' and keep you occupied day and night.
Everything You Want to Know About Goose Down Comforters
Everything You Want to Know About Goose Down Comforters
by: Corine Bachmann
Goose Down Comforters are great for the winter time, when you are needing heavy bedding to sleep under and stay warm. For some reason, the goose down comforters are great for this, and will keep you warmer than a regular comforter. You will find that you may not even need anything other than a sheet on your bed when you are using a comforter that is made from goose down on your bed. However, you will want to pay special attention to the way that your comforter should be cleaned.
You will want to read the care instructions that come with your goose down comforter before you go and try to stuff it in the washing machine. Even if the comforter can be machine washed, you will not want to use your home machine. You should make a special trip to your local laundry mat for washing all of your comforters in a washing machine. Doing this will help you from damaging your washing machine, as well as your comforter. Be sure that you read the care label that is attached to the comforter before you do this.
You will find that goose down comforters make great wedding gifts. When you buy a comforter for that new couple, you can be assured that they will love it. Because most comforters that are made with goose down are white, you will not have to worry about not matching the decor of the newlyweds bedroom. Comforters such as this, will need to have a duvet, and the couple will be able to pick out the colors and style of the duvet to match their bedroom. Any new or old couple that receives a comforter made from goose down is bound to love it.
You will find that you can purchase a goose down comforter anywhere that fine comforters are sold. You will need to go to your favorite department store, because your local Wal mart will not carry such a comforter. However, you will not have a problem finding a comforter of goose down in any size that you may need.
If you do not own a goose down comforter, you really should consider purchasing one. You will end up loving it, and you will hate to put it away for storage during the summer months.
by: Corine Bachmann
Goose Down Comforters are great for the winter time, when you are needing heavy bedding to sleep under and stay warm. For some reason, the goose down comforters are great for this, and will keep you warmer than a regular comforter. You will find that you may not even need anything other than a sheet on your bed when you are using a comforter that is made from goose down on your bed. However, you will want to pay special attention to the way that your comforter should be cleaned.
You will want to read the care instructions that come with your goose down comforter before you go and try to stuff it in the washing machine. Even if the comforter can be machine washed, you will not want to use your home machine. You should make a special trip to your local laundry mat for washing all of your comforters in a washing machine. Doing this will help you from damaging your washing machine, as well as your comforter. Be sure that you read the care label that is attached to the comforter before you do this.
You will find that goose down comforters make great wedding gifts. When you buy a comforter for that new couple, you can be assured that they will love it. Because most comforters that are made with goose down are white, you will not have to worry about not matching the decor of the newlyweds bedroom. Comforters such as this, will need to have a duvet, and the couple will be able to pick out the colors and style of the duvet to match their bedroom. Any new or old couple that receives a comforter made from goose down is bound to love it.
You will find that you can purchase a goose down comforter anywhere that fine comforters are sold. You will need to go to your favorite department store, because your local Wal mart will not carry such a comforter. However, you will not have a problem finding a comforter of goose down in any size that you may need.
If you do not own a goose down comforter, you really should consider purchasing one. You will end up loving it, and you will hate to put it away for storage during the summer months.
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts That Won't Cost A Thing
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts That Won't Cost A Thing
by: Ricky Alberta
We all get caught up in the material excesses of Christmas at some point. We shop for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, we wait in long lines, we spend a load of cash, only to find that the best gifts are the ones that don't cost a thing but are filled with thought and joy. These are the true gifts of Christmas. Here are some surefire Christmas gift ideas that won't cost you a cent but are guaranteed to please:
IOU's
These are probably the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Figure out what someone needs or wants, something that's not tangible, and write out an IOU to them on a Christmas card. Some examples:
- Your Mom would love some time alone to relax away from the baby, write an IOU for 2 hours of babysitting.
- You Dad plans to organize the garage, write an IOU for 2 hours of help with sorting out the garage.
- Your elderly neighbor could use a hand with yard work, write them an IOU for 1 hour of yard work on a future weekend.
- Your sister gets migraines a lot, write an IOU to give her some TLC during her next migraine.
- Your nephew is having trouble in math, write an IOU for 2 hours of math tutoring.
- Your friend recently moved so you don't see them anymore, write an IOU for a trip to the park or some other special place.
There are a million different things you can write an IOU for, the only limit is the limit to your imagination.
Pictures & Collages
Relatives love to receive pictures of their family. When you buy school pictures or have any other type of picture taken, you are usually left with some extras. Put the extras together in an old album and give it as a gift. You can also make a collage with your pictures, these are easy to make and thoughtful gifts.
Crafts
There are tons of crafts you can make with stuff just laying around your house. From handmade ornaments to adorned picture frames to home decorations made with pinecones, twigs and branches.
Food
Many people make cookies, candy or some other treat for Christmas. Why not make a little extra and give them as gifts? Some other excellent food gifts that won't break the bank are gift jar recipes, seasoning mixes, hot cocoa and drink mixes, spice rubs, flavored oils, flavored vinegars and pickled fruits and veggies.
Ornaments
Some of the easiest gifts to make are ornaments. Use old greeting cards, AOL cd's, pinecones, foil, candy, pictures, gift wrapping, gift boxes etc. There's a million ways you can make lovely ornaments from things found around your house.
Gift Basket
You can go all out and make a personalized, customized gift basket filled with each of these things. You might have an unused basket around the house, make sure it's clean and fill it with an IOU or two, some cookies or candies, homemade hot cocoa mix, a picture collage and some ornaments.
No matter what you give, put plenty of thought and care into it and your gift will surely mean much more to the recipient than a $200 MP3 player or $50 jeans.
by: Ricky Alberta
We all get caught up in the material excesses of Christmas at some point. We shop for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, we wait in long lines, we spend a load of cash, only to find that the best gifts are the ones that don't cost a thing but are filled with thought and joy. These are the true gifts of Christmas. Here are some surefire Christmas gift ideas that won't cost you a cent but are guaranteed to please:
IOU's
These are probably the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Figure out what someone needs or wants, something that's not tangible, and write out an IOU to them on a Christmas card. Some examples:
- Your Mom would love some time alone to relax away from the baby, write an IOU for 2 hours of babysitting.
- You Dad plans to organize the garage, write an IOU for 2 hours of help with sorting out the garage.
- Your elderly neighbor could use a hand with yard work, write them an IOU for 1 hour of yard work on a future weekend.
- Your sister gets migraines a lot, write an IOU to give her some TLC during her next migraine.
- Your nephew is having trouble in math, write an IOU for 2 hours of math tutoring.
- Your friend recently moved so you don't see them anymore, write an IOU for a trip to the park or some other special place.
There are a million different things you can write an IOU for, the only limit is the limit to your imagination.
Pictures & Collages
Relatives love to receive pictures of their family. When you buy school pictures or have any other type of picture taken, you are usually left with some extras. Put the extras together in an old album and give it as a gift. You can also make a collage with your pictures, these are easy to make and thoughtful gifts.
Crafts
There are tons of crafts you can make with stuff just laying around your house. From handmade ornaments to adorned picture frames to home decorations made with pinecones, twigs and branches.
Food
Many people make cookies, candy or some other treat for Christmas. Why not make a little extra and give them as gifts? Some other excellent food gifts that won't break the bank are gift jar recipes, seasoning mixes, hot cocoa and drink mixes, spice rubs, flavored oils, flavored vinegars and pickled fruits and veggies.
Ornaments
Some of the easiest gifts to make are ornaments. Use old greeting cards, AOL cd's, pinecones, foil, candy, pictures, gift wrapping, gift boxes etc. There's a million ways you can make lovely ornaments from things found around your house.
Gift Basket
You can go all out and make a personalized, customized gift basket filled with each of these things. You might have an unused basket around the house, make sure it's clean and fill it with an IOU or two, some cookies or candies, homemade hot cocoa mix, a picture collage and some ornaments.
No matter what you give, put plenty of thought and care into it and your gift will surely mean much more to the recipient than a $200 MP3 player or $50 jeans.
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