I have moved...

Come see me at the Two Peas website...

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=361138

Save $ with Homemade Cleaners

These are some simple recipes for cleaners that you can use to save a few bucks. You just need some milk jugs and some spray bottles. Food coloring is optional, but will help you spot your different cleaners at a glance.

Glass Cleaner

In a gallon container, mix the following:

1/2 c. rubbing alcohol (70%)
1/8 c. ammonia
1/4 tsp dish soap
2-3 drops blue food coloring (optional)
Shake to mix.
Fill the rest of the jug with water and shake gently to mix.

All-purpose Cleaner (almost the same, but stronger)

In a gallon container, mix the following:

2 c. rubbing alcohol (70%)
1 Tblsp. ammonia
1 Tblsp. dish soap
2-3 drops food color of your choice (optional)
2 qts. water


Jewelry Cleaner (just make sure you check the jewelry type first)
This is very similar to what you would buy at a fine jewelry store. I had a jar from Robbins Bros, so I kept the jar and the brush to put my own cleaner in. I use it on my gold/diamonds. You can check online to see what is safe for your stones. Most stones can be cleaned with ammonia, but NOT PEARLS!

1/2c. water
2tsp. ammonia
2-3 drops mild dish soap (NOT DISHWASHER SOAP - it contains bleach)

Soak jewelry for 2 minutes then use a soft toothbrush to clean and rinse.

At last...

I am back. I think. I have been so consumed with everything going on in my life, that I wouldn't have known where to start blogging! I haven't scrapped in months. It seems like there are too many other projects to be done. School, teeball, parties, etc. Still planning a pool party for this weekend even now. And working on a Western Wedding Planner/Scrapbook for Jon and Cassie. Then there's the wedding to help with. It's exhausting. So, today I am cleaning house and learning new ways to save money. I'll share them in my next post.

January Blah's

I am trying very hard to get motivated again! Now that all the Christmas things are at long last stowed into the attic, I am trying to get motivated to complete new projects. I am working on a cookbook and will post pics soon.
I am also reorganizing my scraproom to make room for a new and necessary bookshelf. I need some cute ideas for embellishment storage. It's time to start thinking about fabbing up my scraproom, too. I am really ready to paint. I wish I had some inspiration to share, but I just don't right now.

You learn something new every day...

Homemade marshmallows. wth? I can honestly say I had never thought of that one! I can further honestly say that I will probably not think of it again! lol. Well... for those of you sick puppies (lol) out there that want to bother with it, here's the link

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-marshmallows-recipe/index.html

yikes. Let me know how that works out for you... :)

OK... I should get to work now.

Love Christmas!!!

Who else is sooooo excited about Christmas?? I am so into the spirit this year. Poor Hubby... my crafts have overtaken the house! I just can't stop making things! I can't wait to post them all here.... Snowflake ornaments, beaded garlands, jingle bells with bows, icicles, ice cube ornaments, tiny snowmen, and coming soon.... Mason Jar Snowmen! As soon as I can find some Mason jars that is! I haven't gotten to do much shopping, but I have enjoyed the little bit I have been able to do. I have been waaay more interested in making things for home. I have really been in the warm, fuzzy, make home a shiny, sparkly, lovely place to be kind of mode. I know that a lot of you understand the wonderful feeling that comes from surrounding your loved ones with things you have made. It's like homemade chocolate chip cookies.... only NONFAT!!! I don't think the DH gets it... I think he just sees the incredible mess I make! Oh, well... after 11 years of marriage, he should NOT be surprised. So... if you see any adorable Christmas decor that you think I MUST make, then send me a pic!

Johanna.... would you post your yummy Snowman project on your blog??? Too cute.

PRODUCT PICK and TIP OF THE WEEK

Right now I am seriously in love with making home made Christmas Ornaments, so I am quite taken with beads and all things shiny. Ok, so that's nothing new...

However.... Ranger has some new DISTRESSED Stickles available. Very classy. Not sparkly, but still shimmery enough to keep my inner Tinkerbell happy. lol - those of you who know me will understand that COMPLETELY.

Of course, you can get them at Mimi's Trunk in Berryville. She has a few left. Something else you should check out there is the American Crafts and Imaginisce Christmas Paper. Very cute, and plenty of shiny to go around.

As for the tip of the "week" lol, just challenge yourself to create something that your family can enjoy for years to come. I made a Karen Foster Countdown Calendar for my kids - using Imaginisce Snowy Jo paper... (Calendar, paper and embellies available at Mimi's Trunk, and Scrapbook Junkie for the Houston shoppers.) I will post my pics soon. :)