Glass jar luminaries are beautiful and so simple to make. These mason jar lights won’t blow out in the wind the way traditional bag luminaries will. The ones I made use washi tape to create the designs simply and easily. Washi tape is non-permanent so you can change out the design in a new season. You […]
Learning Photography at Home via Home Study Course
We have started enjoying one day each week that is our (essentially) “No Electronics Day”. That means not only no video games and random movies for the kids, but also no computer for mom. One of the things I’ve filled that extra time with is learning new skills that have been interesting to me for […]
DIY Fall-Themed Chalkboard Placemats
I have been on a craft kick lately using chalkboard paint to, well, make surfaces I can use chalk on, obviously. And with Fall finally here (it’s still super hot and humid in Florida in case you were wondering) my mind is spinning with all the craft possibilities. This craft is beyond simple and would […]
DIY Chalkboard Mason Jar Labels
Crafting and decorating with chalkboard paint seems to be making a comeback, at least from what I can tell by my hours surfing, nay researching on Pinterest. Chalkboard paint is a great way to give a rustic elegance (I just coined that term FYI) to your decorating and couple that with the versatility of mason […]
Get Prepared: Be Physically Fit
What if, for some hypothetical reason – natural disaster, national disaster, local unrest – you find yourself without access to emergency medical care? Consider what the most likely emergency situations would be for your family. Does a family member have diabetes? High blood pressure? Weak joints? Severe depression? Gastric disorders? Pregnancy? What if someone breaks […]
Get Prepared: In Fantasyland! Top of the Line Resources for Emergencies
I’ve been writing a series on Getting Prepared for Any Power Outage, and I remembered Lehman’s. What a great resource for purchasing tools and equipment for ‘off the grid’ living. But it is also so expensive and impractical that I will only have the perfect off-grid home in Fantasyland! Let’s dream… KITCHEN COOK STOVE Isn’t […]
Get Prepared: Taking a Food Shortage One Month at a Time
The last two years have shown us major, nationwide droughts. That translates into rising food costs and the possibility of food shortages. Temporary layoffs and disabilities could also make it necessary to live out of your own pantry. And as always, there is the possibility of a major power outage lasting two or three weeks, […]
Get Prepared: Major First Aid During a Long Term Power Outage
Pretend with me . . . There has just been major tornado, ice storm or earthquake near your home. The electrical power will be out for two weeks. During that two week period of time, you have run out of gasoline, the local gas station is also without power and you cannot leave your home. […]
DIY Nature-Themed Jewelry: Robin’s Nest Necklace
Do-it-yourself jewelry is a fun activity for adults and children alike that is perfect for releasing your inner creativity. Making a robin’s nest necklace at home requires supplies such as wire cutters, beading wire, beads, jewelry cord and pliers.
Get Prepared – Shoes and Clothing for Emergencies
In our “Get Prepared” Series, we’ve been learning to plan ahead for a 2-4 week power outage. We’ve talked about laundry and water . . . but what clothes would make the duration more comfortable? Plan to store some clothes for each member of the family, and keep the sizes updated. And Go Large. It […]
How to Create a Lifeline for your Knitting Project
Here’s the thing that you must know about me and knitting- I love to knit but I hate to count. I can’t count and talk and knit at the same time. (Click to Tweet) This means that, if my project is anything more than your basic seed, knit or purl stitch, expect some cursing and […]
Crafting Animals From Toilet Paper Rolls
We all probably know a crafty sort of person who can make something from nothing. Give them a piece of paper and half an hour, and they’ll build an authentic replica of a castle. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. That’s why I look for simple crafts that use everyday objects. These toilet […]
















