Tips for "Shaving Time and Money" During the Busy Holiday Season

I discovered Dollar Shave Club, a subscription service whose motto is "Shave Time and Shave Money". Their service make it easier for you to get nice razors at a great price. (they ship to USA/Canada and even Australia!). It's $1 is for 5 cartridges for a month + shipping! They also have an option to get 'higher class' razors and shipping is free. Perfect for gift giving! 
They're awesome...Check them out!

Here's a few helpful ideas to help you 'SHAVE' time over the holidays....

I like to keep a list of recipes written out for review & reference. I try to make every minute count - get up and do something while a commercial comes on TV, and I always make myself lists so I can think of what I need to do next.

One thing I do to keep things moving along in the kitchen, is to keep hot sudsy water in the sink all the time I'm working there, and wash dishes when I have a minute in between things. It helps keep the counter cleared and dishes can dry (use HOT water to rinse) and you can put them away when you have another few minutes. (And really...who cares if they're still a little damp when you put them away?  They will air dry! =) 

I also like keeping cooked meat and chopped (leftover) veggies on hand in the freezer. All I have to do is thaw and throw the meal together. It's a real time saver. Here's my method for browning ground beef in the crockpot. You'll save money by not running through the nearest drive thru at the last minute! 

Sometimes, we just have to prioritize. I do that often during this very busy month. And I have to consider what REALLY needs to be done first - usually, according to the day of the week it needs to be ready. We gotta 'keep the main thing, the main thing'....I always record comments on new recipes - 'excellent'....'rubbery' (just did that today with a sugar free cookie I tried =) If the recipe isn't in a book, and I'm not wild about it, I usually throw it away and keep trying new ones.

I have always loved making and giving homemade gifts from my kitchen. It doesn't have to be a pricey gift because you are already investing your time in the gift of love.  I have always been ALL ABOUT quick & easy!

(Click on links for recipe)
White Christmas Mix

White Christmas Mix is a really yummy, easy, pretty holiday gift to give. Cereal, pretzels, nuts & candies coated with white almond bark - simple! Give it in the holiday printed zipper-seal bags because then you can see how pretty the mix is. Even plain ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons is 'fun and festive.'

Date Balls

Homemade Date Balls are a special holiday treat worth sharing. The date/butter/sugar mixture is cooked on the top of the stove, stir in nuts and cereal, cool, roll into balls and then roll in powdered sugar.  Addicting!! They keep in the refrigerator for weeks ahead.

Fruited Raisin Oatmeal Mix

Fruited Oatmeal Mix is a nice gift to give – it’s warm and filling and is a healthier option, too! It can be bagged and tucked into a pretty tin or given in a pretty gift jar.

Or how about making a simple 
Infinity Scarf from a t-shirt

Honestly - These are all NO sew! 
Anyone can do this...and it's ready to wear in about 2 minutes! I also have tutorials for a Ruffle Scarf from a t-shirt (check it out...it's so cute!)
and a practical bag from a t-shirt!  (everyone raves!) I have purchased many t-shirts from second hand stores or used ones I was no longer wearing. 

I try to be ready for last minute gift giving by purchasing items on sale throughout the year - candles, books, calendars, Avon, & clearance items I come across. I have two file drawers in my desk with gifts in them, so I can look through and see if I can find anything 'fitting' for the person I desire it for. And I always have something edible made up - even if it's in the freezer.

I hope these ideas will have 'shave time and money' during the holiday rush! 

I'd love to know your favorite hints for 'shaving time' during the holidays....

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Ruffle Scarf - T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial

 I made this scarf forever ago, and just haven't taken the time to put a tutorial together, but with the holidays closing in on us quickly, I wanted to share this SIMPLE IDEA so maybe you can consider making some for gift giving. 

These scarves are just adorable - you can wear them with t-shirts or sweaters, in any color you can find a t-shirt.  They really 'snaz' up an outfit. 

My hubby cleans out his older t-shirts when he gets new ones, and gives the older ones to me...I have a tub full in the bottom of my closet, just waiting to make any of these lovely scarves....
2-Minutes-to-Make (Looped) Infinity Scarf or 
Snazzy Fringe Scarf 

(I have yet to do a tutorial for my favorite Spaghetti Scarf...hang with me....)

This is simple and YOU CAN DO THIS! Best of all...I love that there's no sewing involved. 
I am all about quick & easy. This takes about 15 minutes...max.  The more you make, the easier it gets. I say....Go For It!

Have fun!

RUFFLE SCARF TUTORIAL 
 
1 XL or XXL t-shirt (100% cotton)

9″ paper plate

scissors

flower embellishment 
(I love finding them in hair accessories
(or on sale in craft departments) 

 Lay t-shirt out flat, aiming for 8 - 12 circles (counting both sides). Using a paper plate (about 9"), trace 4 - 6 circles on one side of the shirt. 

2. Cut out the circles, both sides at once, cutting each into a spiral, allowing about 1-1/2 - 2". 

3. Grasping hold of one end of your 'spiral', pull each piece of fabric to stretch.  (I normally run my hand down the length of the material, lightly stretching as I go).

4. With fabric glue, overlap both pointed ends (of each circle duo) and glue together. 

5. Repeat with all other circles, then stack the 'glued places' together, tying off with a strip cut (about 4-5") from the shirt sleeve, wrapping around the glued places and tying. Trim the ends.  

Place around your neck; clip on an embellishment and you are set to feel pretty!!!! 

Linked to Mix it up Monday
       Tips & Tricks

Leader Enterprise - April 17, 2013 - T Shirt Fringe Scarf, Tote & Bacon Roses Tutorials

Well here we are again for Part II of tutorials. I do hope you'll be willing to try some of these fun ideas. I love that none of them are pricey. 

FRINGE SCARF: Lay t-shirt out flat and cut across under armholes (and under the graphics) the same as for the infinity scarf. (in my last column). I prefer leaving the hem on this one as it adds stability. From the opposite end of hem, on the 'raw' edge, make a series of vertical cuts, through the back and front of the shirt, 3/4"-1" wide, extending upward. The longer the cut, the longer the fringe. (cuts can be from 2"to 12" long). Tug down on each strand to elongate. Add beads or simply tie the ends in knots if you want. Wear in a single or double loop. (I normally go to the mirror and try to pull the fringes out from under over the top layer.) You'll figure it out I'm sure. I've seen many photos of gals wearing them'messy'. 

T-SHIRT TOTE: Lay t-shirt flat. Cut sleeves off at hems. Cut a neckline: v-neck, square or round. (You will cut off the neckline of the shirt). It's your choice as to whether or not you use the hem. Personally, I think it makes for a cleaner 'fringe' to cut it off. Cut slits on bottom of t-shirt, going through both sides (as done on fringe scarf). Take one strip from the top, one from the bottom (crisscrossing makes for a more solid bottom) and tie them in a double knot. Gather the shoulder seams and tie a ribbon around them. VOILA! A great craft idea to do with kids.

I carry my bag with me when I walk as its easy on the shoulder and it stretches. I've walked several blocks bringing 2 packages home from the post office in my t-shirt tote.

While we were in Florida, hubby and I celebrated our 45th anniversary. How time flies when you're having fun! I wanted to do something special for him, so I took my muffin pans and paper liners along so I could make these really cool bacon roses to surprise him. It worked great. Since I didn't have a vase in the camper where we were staying, I stuck the flower stem down through the middle of a big paper towel. When he saw them, he stared and then asked "That's bacon huh?". Then after more staring, he ate a couple. Perfect plan I thought! Any age can make these lovely 'flowers' so I do hope you'll have fun surprising others with them. Would be a fun thing to do with your grandchildren too. Great for any celebration.

Here's what you need:

~bacon (thick or thin sliced)

~'bouquet' of fake flowers

~regular or mini muffin pan

~paper cupcake liners

Preheat oven to 375*. After placing 2 muffin papers in each muffin cup (I made 5 flowers with 1/2# bacon and had a few pieces of bacon left over)...

#1- remove flowers from stems (I suggest swishing the green part in soapy water, then rinsing and drying before adding 'flowers')

#2- on clean surface, roll two slices of bacon (just as they lay in the package...one higher than the other-the 'higher' piece being on the outside of the roll)

#3- place them, fat side down, into the muffin cup. 

#4- After baking for about 35+ minutes, I removed them from the papers with a fork, placing the grease and papers into a disposable container to throw out. 

#5- Place the roses on paper towels on a plate and if needed, microwave a couple of minutes longer to get a crisper end result. (That helps draw out the fat too.) When cool, just place roses on stems, then stand back and smile.  

Leader Enterprise - April 3, 2013 - FL fun and t-shirt scarves

Trust you enjoyed a blessed Easter season. Spring really will come one of these days. How crazy to think Phil is being indicted for his wrongful prediction!

We left Ohio in mid-February to drive to Palm Harbor, Florida,to enjoy time with dear TN friends who spend their winters in an RV park there. We were elated to be able to rent a little camper in the park itself. It was such a great time and we look forward to going again next year. There were many snowbirds there from Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, even a couple from Delta.

Even though the temps were a little cooler than usual there, we were very grateful to have missed out on the last ice/snow storm in NW Ohio. We soaked in lots of sunshine, so there were no complaints from us.

One dear man loaned my disabled hubby a 3-wheeled motorized cart for the whole time we were there,so Ron really enjoyed buzzing around the park.It helped him enjoy being outside more than he otherwise would have.

If you've ever been in an RV park, you know there are many activities that go on. We enjoyed pancake breakfast, potlucks, bingo, hot dog and ice cream nights (vacations ARE about food too,right?). I thoroughly enjoyed participating in water aerobics in the park pool also. But my most favorite time was craft time. Once I showed the gals how to make scarves and tote bags from t-shirts, there was no more rest for me. These women went ca-razy!over this easy craft and I ended up being asked to teach four more times. Husbands even commented to me about them.  One man teased, "I have a bone to pick with you.My wife is cutting up all my t-shirts!" Another told me he and his wife couldn't wait to go home and show their granddaughter. I made lots of new friends and truly enjoyed all the interaction. After seeing all my photos from t-shirt times together one of my friends commented "You didn't just teach classes - you started a university". HA! It WAS.A.BLAST!

Since I'm always being asked: I learned how to make these lovely fun items from my blogging friends. If you 'google 't-shirt scarves', you're sure to find all kinds of links with varieties of ideas.I think the 'rage' over this simple craft is that it IS so simple and anyone can do it. 

I decided I would begin to share a tutorial with you that I was able to share in the January/February issue of the women's magazine - Simply Hers - distributed in Hillsdale and Lenawee counties. I've taught these fun craft ideas to ladies at my church and have been asked a few more times by local friends, so am thinking this idea is really blossoming. Go clean out the closet and grab up some t-shirts you don't wear much or even plan to get rid of.

In my next column, I'll share how to make a t-shirt fringe scarf and shoulder tote. I'm excited to also share how to make the bacon roses (yes,they're edible!) that I made for my Honey when we celebrated our recent anniversary.

You'll want to use L or XL (or even XXL) t-shirts that are 100% cotton with no side seams. Don't worry about trying to cut perfectly as this material is very forgiving. A good pair of scissors is helpful too.

INFINITY SCARF: Lay t-shirt out flat; cut off hem,then cut from under one arm across to the other.(If there are graphics,cut just below them). Stretch this 'tube' (from 6"-12" wide) of material like there's no tomorrow. It helps to have a second person to help stretch and pull. Simply wear it in a single or double loop, adding a hair clip or embellishment.

Here's a couple of recipes that will help you THINK SPRING!

This first one is a favorite from my mom. She use to keep it in the fridge all summer long. This is the recipe I shared in my first column here at the Leader almost 4 years ago! Thanks for your support over the years. I still get a big kick out of having someone in the area tell me they tried one of my recipes.

RHUBARB & MINUTE TAPIOCA

2-1/2 c.  diced rhubarb

2-1/2 c.water

1-1/2 c. white sugar (or sweetener)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/3 c. minute tapioca

few drops of red food coloring, optional

1 c. crushed pineapple,optional

Cook all ingredients together in large saucepan over medium heat; stir occasionally. Rhubarb breaks down while it cooks. Stir to blend in food coloring and pineapple; cool; refrigerate. This keeps well for atleast 2 weeks in the fridge.

ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

4 Tb. butter or margarine, melted

2 - 3 c. fresh cooked (el dente) asparagus or

2 (15 ozs) cans asparagus spears, drained

{Cut spears into pieces for easier serving}

1 (8 ozs) can sliced water chestnuts, optional

2 - 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1/2 c. evaporated (or 2%) milk

1  (10.75 ozs)can cream of mushroom soup

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9"square baking dish. In small bowl, mix cracker crumbs with butter; place half in bottom of dish. Layer asparagus, water chestnuts and chopped eggs on top of crumbs. In small bowl, mix milk and soup; pour over top. Sprinkle remaining cracker crumbs on top. Bake 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Stay tuned next time for more t-shirt lessons. You won't want to miss seeing the bacon roses!

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T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial - Fringe Scarf

Before I share today's post, I want to wish our third-born grandchild, 

Charlie May Marie Baker,

a very happy 14th birthday!  She's a wonderful big sister, a great friend and all around super kid.  How thankful I am for the cherished memories we've made in my kitchen together and for all the good times we share. 

The first time I made this scarf I was getting ready for church on the Sunday before Memorial Day. 

Since hubby is retired military, I usually 'donned' in red, white & blue on these special patriotic occasions. (I have scarves and jewelry for these occasions...one of the older gals at church salutes me when she sees me.=) 

I decided to try something different from usual, and whipped up (ahem...cut up!) this scarf in just a few minutes and was so pleased with it. 

I just recentlly tried adding beads to a new scarf and love how it turned out! 

(Just find some kind of 'tool' to put the fringe through the bead...tie a knot and there you go.  Or just tie knots in the ends without beads...be creative) 

Making these scarves is kinda like an 'addiction' for me. It's a good kind...Don't forget...these are awesome to give as gifts!  I have quite an assortment in my closet and look forward to sharing a few more t-shirt ideas with you in a few weeks.

TOOLS NEEDED: An old L or XL t-shirt

Good Scissors

FRINGE SCARF: 

STEP 1: Lay t-shirt out flat and cut horizontally across the shirt, just below armholes to create a rectangular tube. 

STEP 2: From opposite end of hem (I not cut off hem - it gives the scarf more stability - if you decide to cut the hem off later...go for it!), make a series of vertical cuts that extend from the raw edge upward. Cut each about 3/4 - 1" wide, and from 2" to 12" in length. (The longer the cut, the longer the fringe). I use a ruler to help gauge similar lengths. 

STEP 3: Tug down on each strand to stretch it out. You can add beads or simply tie the ends in knots if you'd like.  Wear it in a single or double loop. 

Linked to Foodie Friends Friday

T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial - Infinity Scarf

My last name may be Baker, but I love doing other things as well.  Easy crafts are something I truly enjoy...I have taught a class about how to make t-shirt scarves, per a request from my church friends (who see me wearing them often) and have also had a writeup in a local ladies magazine (Simply Hers...www.simplyhers.net - Pg. 19) with a scarf tutorial...I figured it was about time I shared with you.  I will shore more ideas for making neat things with t-shirts in a few more weeks.....
Trust me, this is a very simple project and even a rookie can make these! 

I first learned about t-shirt scarves from my dear blogging friend, Tonya Ferguson. 
This  post of hers is the very first time I had even seen or heard of such a thing!

Making scarves from t-shirts?  You gotta be kidding me! I was thinking...
'I CAN DO THIS'! 

Now I wear them more often than not and find they are a simple accessory to any outfit...it's almost a 'new kind of jewelry' fad. 

Making them has almost become an addiction for me.  They are SO easy to make. And I keep seeing new ideas.  My closet has many hangers draped with different styles, so I decided I would share ideas with you and maybe you could give as a gift for Valentine's Day.  They are great to give a gift anytime! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for directions on how to make a fringe scarf. 

E-Z,  P-Z - YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! 

I love that this scarf can be made in just minutes!! 

Tools Needed: Old L or XL (preferably 100% cotton - no side seams)

Good pair of scissors

Clip on flowers or embellishments

STEP 1: 

Lay t-shirt out flat and cut off bottom of the shirt, cutting from under the arm on one side to under the arm on the other. (I try to avoid having graphics on the material as they don't roll up as 'clean'.  Then cut off the bottom hem. (Do not fret about cutting any of this perfectly as the knit material is very forgiving). 

STEP 2: 

Cut off the bottom hem. (Do not fret about cutting any of this perfectly as the knit material is very forgiving). 

STEP 3:

Stretch this 'tube' of material like there's no tomorrow. (It helps to have a second person). 

THAT'S IT!  You're done! 

Wear it in a single loop or double it.  Add a flower or pretty embellishment if desired. 

(The smaller the shirt you use, the smaller the scarf). 

Linked up to Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday Weekend Potluck

Summertime Craftin' at Nana's 2012

I have 2 granddaughters, Charlie & Chloe, that live near by...and they love to do crafts. I wanted to be sure we had some craftin' time together before school started up again.  

I had made one of these bags for myself and it was so simple, that even these young pre-teen girls had them finished in no time flat.  I did the cutting, and off they went...

First I got a couple of t-shirts for them at Goodwill.  I'm sure we all have some t-shirts not being worn any longer in our closets or dressers.  Get to diggin them out...you can do this!  It can be made in a matter of minutes!

These cute bags would make a great gift...be nice to take to the beach, or even use to wrap a gift up in. 

I carry mine with me when I'm taking walks...it's soft on the shoulders, light to carry and it stretches.  They're really very nice.  

You cut off the sleeves, then cut out the neckline - you can do a v-neck, round or square cuts - cut up strips about 4 - 6" from the hem...tie them and you are ready to rumba...

Here's a link to a simple tutorial from Skip to My Lou {Craft Camp}. Cindy is always inspiring me with simple & fun crafts. 

Please be sure to check out her post at the link below. 

Recycled no-sew t-shirt summer tote bags

I've been dying to make some of these adorable felt flowers too, and I knew it would be more fun if the girls helped me learn. 

I set up the laptop on the kitchen counter so we could refer to the instructions as we needed to...it worked quite well and the girls kept very busy and were pleased with the results too.

I had purchased a grapevine wreath (also at Goodwill) and it was the perfect size for the girls to decorate for their home. 

Just look at those darling flowers they made for the wreath. 

While Chloe and I were doing the 'roll up' kinds of flowers, Charlie got busy and created her own style 'tulip' for the right side of the wreath! What a fine job!

Here's the link for a simple tutorial from The Crafted Sparrow. They are quick & inexpensive to make and really cute!  I suggest you give them a try. 

Felt Flowers Tutorial {5 to choose from}

Charlie & Chloe teach me when we do crafts, and it's such a fun time to make memories.