#16 Another Detox/Weight Loss Drink

Here is another great detox/weight loss drink. And another way to spruce up water. I stuck with this one longer than the other one and might bring it back again one of these days, it's a great summer drink!

Ingredients:
Water
1 Medium Cucumber (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 Lemon (thinly sliced)
Mint Leaves
1 Teaspoon of Freshly Grated Ginger

Add all ingredients to a pitcher and let steep overnight in the fridge. Pour over ice & enjoy! It has a very subtle flavor and can be enjoyed daily.

http://pinterest.com/pin/139893132145666758/?e_t=f995684999a2428b92fc5583e211d1b4&e_t_s=pin-text&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_pin_user

#15 Infant Headbands

It's baby gift time! I really do love all babies (especially since they aren't mine and I can hold and cuddle them and then return to their parents when I am finished, ha!) But baby girls are really just so much easier to shop for. The little headbands are just the cutest, but really the biggest rip off!

While at Michael's some time ago, I had found these great flowers on clearance and picked them up not really knowing what I was going to do with them. Then baby shower time came and I had just the idea. I had to make my life difficult by buying the stretchy band stuff on a roll and then cutting and sewing it. The very next day I then saw them already pre-made at the craft store. Then  I glued on the flower and wrapped them up.

Just look at this cute little butterball of a model!

A little step-by-step direction: http://thefrugalgirls.com/2010/08/how-to-make-cute-flower-headbands-for-babies-and-little-girls.html

#12, 13 & 14 Teacher Appreciation

The most fabulous week as a teacher! And my favorite this year as well as being part of administration. As an administrator, the appreciation is really limited, it's really what comes with the job and I have no bitterness towards it. However, my teachers really benefited from all of my craftiness! And rather than splitting this up into 3 posts, I figured I would group them together.

#12

The first is kind of a thorn in my side. A month prior to Teacher Appreciation Week (which is beginning to mid May for those of you that might not know), I started looking for different ideas. I found a cute idea for a cup filled with candy or teacher items and an adorable tag reading "A cup of thanks for all you do!" Now, did I bookmark that page, no of course not! So fast forward a few weeks, and there I go looking for it again, and wouldn't you know, I can't find it. I searched for a week straight, my co-worker tried to find it for me and it just completely vanished! 

After realizing that I wasn't going to find it, I had to get creative and make my own label (which I was still so bitter about because I loved that pre-made label!) Label made, now onto the cup and contents. Our company loves it's branding and the price of these stadium cups wasn't too bad. I threw in some candy, put it into a clear party bag, added some ribbon and the tag and called it finished.

#13

I started the week out with a breakfast. Come on, who doesn't love a free breakfast on Monday morning! Bagels & cream cheese, some "Simply" juices with adorable tags that read 'You're "Simply" the Best!' and a balloon bouquet.  

Free Printable Tags for the juices: http://befickle.blogspot.com/2010/05/teacher-appreciation-gifts.html \

#14

Finally, my piece-de-resistance. I had seen the wedding thank you ideas where the bride and groom each hold an end of the thank you banner. Well, I couldn't really enlist 2 children to stand in the front office all day long to hold the banner. So I decided to print out 1 letter per page to spell out THANK YOU! (in different colors of course) and then take picture of different children holding the letters. 

The excellent part was that there were 9 letters/character and we have 9 classrooms. So I took a boy and a girl from each classroom and had them hold a letter while I snapped a picture (I made 2 banners). For the !, I reserved that for our newest infant because I knew that I could just put her on a boppy and prop the ! in front of her (I couldn't imagine having one of our older ones try and hold it, this was easier.) I strung and hung them and everyone loved it! The extra greatness of it was that we had a Parent Advisory Meeting that week and the parents were able to see some of their children in the banners. Kudos to me!

For more teacher appreciation ideas for next year, go here: http://craftibilities.blogspot.com/2012/10/hi-there-first-post.html

#11 Chalkboard Wine Glasses

I love that so many of my friends are wine drinkers. This is such a budget friendly craft/gift and is so simple! Keep in mind friends, that while it's kind to my pocketbook, that doesn't mean my love to you is cheap :).

Materials:
Wine Glasses (I use the Libby brand, which run $6 - $12 depending on the type of wine glass and pack size)
Rust-oleum Specialty Black Chalkboard Paint (can be found at practically any hardware store, I picked mine up from Menards for less than $8)
Blue Painter's Tape
Newspaper, Paper Towels or Plastic Shopping Bags

On the original directions, they just dipped the wine glasses and weren't concerned if their lines were straight. Well, I'm a little more neurotic and wanted to tape the lines off ensuring that they all looked the same. There was also a benefit to taping them off and then covering the rest, (I used paper towel the first time and Walmart bags the second time, the bags definitely worked better) I didn't have to hold them upside for 10-15 minutes while the excess dripped off like they did.

How To:
Tape around the stem, then wrap the plastic bag, newspaper or paper towel around the rest of the glass to protect it from the paint and tape. Wipe the stem of the glass off with a clean paper towel. Dip into the chalkboard paint and let the majority of the excess drip back into the can. Place upside down on a lined pan or cookie sheet, let dry for 24-48 hours.

Pack back into the original box, include chalk (which I forget every time until the last minute, I need to buy some chalk in bulk and make some cute little bundles), and gift!

My one minor disclaimer, suggest hand washing just in case.

Thank you Pinterest! http://justshortofcrazy.com/2011/09/chalkboard-wine-glasses-tutorial/

#10 Victoria Secret Bag Halloween Costume

This might have been the best homemade Halloween costume that I have made yet. I had some pretty great ones as a child, but those were all crafted by my mom. I'm super glad she passed on those crafty genes to me.

Start with a box, cutting off the top and bottom. Then measure to length, although now looking back, I made it a bit long because I have modesty and didn't want my hind end hanging out all night. However, if my hind end would have been hanging out, maybe I would have been able to sit, which I was NOT able to do all night (yikes!). 

I then painted the entire box light pink and let dry for 24 hours. Then using painting tape, measure out and tape sections to make the stripes and to ensure your lines are straight (which took forever because I am neurotic). Paint every other stripe the darker pink and let dry again. Using a gold paint pen or gold puffy paint, write "Victoria's Secret" on the front and back. Add a handle using ribbon and tissue paper to the top and ta-da!

My pin-spiration: http://costumepop.com/adult-costumes/victoria-secret-shopping-bag/

#9 Easy Vegan Banana Ice Cream

Now you would think that the name would mean that I can't possibly screw this up. However, it is possible. I have this problem, I read the directions for something once and think "I'll remember that, I don't need to bring the directions with me." 9 times out of 10, I end up doing something wrong or having to go back for the directions.

I can't say that I necessarily screwed it up, just forgot some ingredients! There are 4 ingredients, how could I have forgotten something?! But I did, and even though I did, I have to say that mine still turned out delicious. Now I can't wait to make it the right way next time, because I am sure that I am going to love it even more!

Ingredients:
5 ripe bananas (on the verge of going brown)
2-3 cups Vanilla Almond Milk - this would be ingredient #1 that I forgot
1/2 - 1 tsp of vanilla - and #2
Sprinkle of cinnamon - I remembered you!

Throw your ripe banana's in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Then add them to your blender or food processor along with the vanilla and almond milk (adding a little at a time until creamy). Take out of the blender or food processor and sprinkle with vanilla, enjoy! I threw mine in the freezer for a little bit to chill and make it a little thicker/harder.

 Looks delish, right?

 It was even tastier than I thought, didn't remind me at all of baby food (which was my fear).

The real recipe, not my forgetful one: http://berryripe.com/recipes/vegan-banana-ice-cream-recipe/

#8 Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Oh coconut oil, you have so many uses that I have yet to explore. But one that I have and have had great results with is using it as a hair mask. Used regularly, coconut oil will promote hair growth, which is what intrigued me right away. You can only rock the reverse bob for so many years and then it is time for a change. Isn't it funny that when you want to maintain a shorter haircut, your hair seems to grow rapidly fast. But the minute you decide to grow it out, it seems like it is growing at a snails pace.

Let's be honest, I am truly terrible with routines. I can't even remember to take my acid reflux or allergy medication regularly, so planning to wake up early to apply a hair mask at least twice a week to get my hair to grow faster only lasted about 2 1/2 weeks. It really takes no time at all to put it in your hair, but waiting the 15-20 minutes before washing it out was the time consumer. 

The funny thing about coconut oils it that it is a solid at first, but then the heat of your hands melts it (kind of like a mini science experiment every time.) Starting with your roots, you rub the oil into your hair and run it through to the ends. Let sit for 15-20 minutes then wash your hair as you would regularly. I haven't noticed if it has helped with my hair growth, probably because I didn't use it enough. But what I did notice was that it made my hair so soft, healthy and clean feeling!

Because I have yet to use the oil for other recommended uses, I haven't tasted this particular brand and am not selective of a certain brand. I do recommend this brand for hair use and picked it up from a friends local store in McHenry, Natures Cornucopia. 

I suggest this link for step by step directions: http://made2style.com/2013/02/18/coconut-oil-hair-mask/

#7 Magnetic Bobby Pin Storage

I could very well have an addiction to bobby pins. And anyone who knows me knows that I have what could be called an organization problem as well. So when I saw this great idea, I was sold. However, every time I went to the store, I kept forgetting to pick up magnetic strips. 

Then I was at a store and they were right in front of me! I took a larger sheet and cut it in half to make two narrower strips. The great thing about any magnetic is that it already has a sticky back. Slap it on the back of your medicine cabinet, and wah-bam your done! 

Back to my bobby pin and organization obsessions. I collected all of my bobby pins and of course sorted them out by size on the two strips. You never know when you are going to have a bobby pin emergency and need a small one (those buggers always fall to the bottom of the basket). 

I do not suggest getting your magnet strips from ACE Hardware (where I purchased mine), they weren't very magnetic-filled and most of the time when I would put a new bobby pin up there, it would knock three off. Overall a successful pin, just need stronger strips.

Follow this little link for additional tips (including the one above) for the home: http://yashikibuta.wordpress.com/tag/bed-linen/

#6 Pegboard Jewelry Display

Very simple and classy way to display your jewelry. The major benefit is that it keeps all of your necklaces tangle free! Not only is it simple, but super cheap!

Materials:
Old Picture Frames (I bought the two I used for $0.50 each at Goodwill)
Paint
Pegboard ($9.95 for a very large sheet at the local hardware store)
Pegs ($3.19 - $6.99 depending on the size)

First measure and cut the pegboard to size to fit in your frame, then paint the pegboard and picture frame if you so choose to do. For right now, I just painted the pegboard because it can easily be repainted once I decide on my final colors for my room. Place in picture frame and add pegs. To hang, I added 2 pegs on the back of each board to easily hang them in my closet.

I got the original idea from my roommate, however here is a great link from numerous pins that I have seen all over pinterest: http://www.designsponge.com/2009/12/before-after-kristen-michelle-kristi.html

#5 Monogram Wreath

This was one of my very first pins. I saw it and immediately fell in love, I saw endless gifts for others in my future. So I clicked on the pin and expected it to bring me to the directions. Etsy was where it brought me, and I could purchase the finished product for $38 plus tax, shipping and handling. I'm sorry, but no!

Off to the local craft store I go, and lo and behold, the whole project cost less than 10 bucks!

Jute $2.99 - $3.49
Letter $3.99 (a few months later I picked up a ton on clearance for $1.49!)
Ribbon $1.99
Flower $0.99
Hot glue gun & glue sticks (I had)

Wrapping the Jute around the letters takes the most time as it makes up the entire project. But put in a movie and load yourself up with glue sticks, and it flies on by. Then add a bow and flower and ribbon to hang and your finished. My favorite letters to do or T & L, super simple. K, S, M & A have been thorns in my side. There are other letters that I have purposely avoided doing because I know that they are going to take forever. But everyone I have given them to has loved them and I love going to peoples houses and seeing them hung up.

This one was a birthday gift for my lovely friend Jen:

#4 Spray Painted Doily Canvas

This is a fun quick decorative project that combines something old school (doilies) with new (pops of color). I have a recent obsession with Teal and Gray. I initially made these to go along with some new bedding that I had my eye on, but since then have actually gone in a different direction for my bedroom. I think I might eventually add them to a bathroom once I find the perfect matching bathroom accessories.

Looking back at the original pin/website, I have now noticed that the directions stated to use spray paint (which I did not). There I go again, not necessarily following directions.

Step 1: Pick your colors.
Step 2: Paint the canvas fully with the accent color - let dry.
Step 3: Place the doilies (you can use any type/size and number of doilies).
Step 4: Paint the canvas fully with the primary color - let dry.
Step 5: Hang & admire!

Follow this link for the original project idea: http://shealynnbenner.com/2012/05/tutorial-7-spray-painted-doily-canvas/

#3 Yummy Detox Drink

Infused water that gives you energy, sold! I have a terrible stomach that hates practically everything I eat or drink. Caffeine, no. Juices, no. Water, yes! Well, water doesn't really have a lot of added benefits rather than hydration and I am up at 4:30 am M-F for work. Once 2:00 pm hits, I am normally drained.

The second thing that sold me on this pin was how cute and refreshing it looked. Fruit, Water & Ice in a mason jar, time to make the shopping list. I had just been to a friend's daughter's first birthday party where she had pre-made drinks in mason jars. She specifically said to take one as your party gift, but I thought to myself 'what am I going to do with 1 mason jar?' Well now I am thinking 'you should have taken it dummy!'

I ran to Walmart to grab all the ingredients and buy a mason jar. But, you cannot buy just one mason jar. Back to the drawing board. I had stopped in Five Below for a different reason and came across a reusable tumbler with an infuser in it! Five dollars and some change later, I was ready for some flavorful water.

Ingredients:
Strawberries (I used 2 sliced)
Blueberries (about 6)
1 mint leaf
2 lime wedges (I squeezed the lime wedges and then threw them into the mix)
Water

Let sit for 20-25 minutes for the flavors to infuse the water and drink up! It was delicious and you can use the fruit a second time, although it wasn't as flavor filled.

Check out this perfect find:

Thanks Budget Savvy Diva! http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2013/05/yummy-detox-drink-recipe/ 

#2 Kale Chips

It seems like Kale is the 'it' vegetable this year. I have heard from many that if you like spinach (which I love!), then you should give Kale a try. Listen, I know spinach and use it daily, but you're telling me that I will love this strange looking lettuce type vegetable just as much?

It took me a few months of walking past it in the grocery store to finally bite the bullet and buy it. I don't know why, it is a pretty budget friendly vegetable and if I didn't like it so what, I was out maybe $3.

Step 1. Buy Kale - check!
Step 2. Use Kale...

It might have sat in my refrigerator (hauting me from the top shelf everytime I opened the refrigerator) for quite some time before I actually took it out and prepped it for use. I thought to use it in my beloved smoothies in place of spinach, but have I mentioned how much I love spinach?! No, that wasn't going to happen.

Come on Pinterest...guide me. Ah! Of course, Kale chips. They would be seasoned, so even if I didn't like the taste of the kale, that would be slightly masked by the seasoning.

I washed the kale and pat it dry. Next, I lined a cookie sheet with foil (really saves the pan and I forget to do it as often as I should). I broke off the stem and tore some of the larger pieces into smaller pieces. Then a little spray of olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Into the oven at 375 for about 20-25 minutes (I really don't rely on the timer and rely more on my nose. The nose knows when it's done!)

Presto!

After snacking away on half the tray, I decided to save the rest to take to work the next day. And here comes the fail... I don't know if I didn't let them cool enough, but put them into a covered container. The next day I opened the container and found a soggy mess. Into the garbage they went. I might give them another try again and leave them out on the tray overnight or may just make smaller batches.

Here is the recipe I used (substituted Sea Salt for Season Salt) http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/baked-kale-chips.html 

#1 DIY Tank Top

I have been planning on making quite a few of these to use as work out shirts as have a bunch of shirts that are now too big for me. After months of not doing it, I finally had an incentive. My very first 5K was coming up, we were doing the Color Run in Chicago. Rather than just wearing a white shirt, I wanted to dress it up a bit!

I bought a men's XL white shirt (I actually lucked out and found a 3 pack on clearance for $5 at Walmart!) The site I was using for this idea suggested to lay the t-shirt out flat on the floor (which I did) and then to cut each of the sleeves off evenly. I thought to myself, why make 2 (probably what would end up being uneven) cuts when I can fold it over and cut once?! So, that's what I did...fold and cut once (or cut three times rather, as there were 3 separate cuts to make).

Next, you cut the neck section (I forgot to take a picture for this step and the next step) to make a larger v or scoop neck. Then, you cut part of the bottom off so that when you unfold the shirt, you have a shorter front and back, but longer sides. This is where I made a slight mistake. I thought the shirt looked rather long, so I cut a little more off than I should of, which then resulted in a shirt that reached my waistline rather than hiding my entire stomach, which is what I would of rather had. Oh well, lesson learned for next time.

Finally, unfold the shirt and decide which side you want to be the front, and which side for the back (since you would have cut the tag off and won't be able to tell.) Take a cute piece of ribbon and tie a bow on the back. I cut the ribbon rather long and had a shorter bow with longer ends.

Ta-Da! Overall, the project took about 20 minutes and I was very happy with the results. I was hoping that the die from the Color Run was going to permanently stain the shirt or ribbon (as the ribbon was black with white polk-a-dots.) However, the powder at the run was simply colored corn starch, so that didn't end up happening. On the plus side, I had fun and looked cute!

Here's the link to the original directions: http://www.lovemaegan.com/2009/07/recycle-your-clothes-diy-jersey-tank.html