Last Minute Christmas Gift: Fleece Headband

I love a DIY gift. Even though the person who receives it will likely not understand how much time and effort went into choosing the supplies and putting it together. Or they may not use it at all, leaving you wondering what other productive tasks you could have been doing during naptime. Did that sound negative? Mostly joking on that, but in truth I have narrowed my homemade gift recipients to DIYers and lovers of the homemade crap only. Everyone else gets gifts from the grand old Internet. Now on to the real reason for posting: a DIY gift you could give to almost anyone.

Here is a little homemade gift that I put together in about thirty minutes--a fleece earwarmer/headband. I found the inspiration and basic directions at Delia Creates. I did have to adjust the size and instead of one layer of fleece used two, as winter can be a little brutal around here. I like the way it turned out, especially the bow on top. Can't wait to send this off and whip up a few more.

And a picture to brighten your day. We should all smile like this. It makes for a fantastic shot. Am I right?

Sew Easy Sleep Sack

If I can make this, anyone can. It's a cinch, or at least once I got the zipper in it was--my first zipper experience, and it went well. I used a pattern (sort of) that my mom had on hand, but there is a link I've got pinned on Pinterest (error 503, unavailable, will upload that later) that has easy step-by-step directions to make your own easy pattern.

This was a free project for me, as we had the zipper and flannel on hand. Now that I have one under my belt, this might be a great gift to whip up for expectant mommies.

Gift Wrapping Goodness

Gifting season is here, and there's no reason to wrap your presents the same old way. After perusing Pinterest and a few other sites, I found some wrapping styles that were easy (and free) to try.
First, here's how you can use leftover wrapping paper to make a matching bow. Who knew you could curl the paper just like you do ribbon? Couldn't find the original post, so here's a link to it on Pinterest.

Love this one for gifting from the little ones. Lines Across My Face shows how to make toddler scribbles into a personalized gift bow.
I haven't tried this DIY gift bag from Joanna Noel, but it looks like a great idea.

I also love the wrapping of these packages from Allora Handmade. Think I might try this sweet wrapping idea

Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza

I have crescent rolls tucked into every nook and cranny of my fridge. No idea why, but they're there. This recipe, called "Sugar Crumb Crispies" is my new favorite thing. Having a new favorite thing can be dangerous when one is well into pregnancy, but how much damage could I possibly do? If you've ever been to Pizza Ranch or another pizza joint that has a dessert-like pizza, this recipe tastes just like it. I'm in love.

Here's the recipe, directly from Chef in Training:

SUGAR CRUMB CRISPY

• 1/4 cup butter *make sure butter is cold*
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• dash of salt
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 can Pillsbury Cresent Rolls

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Cut in butter to sugars, cinnamon, and salt and flour to form crumbs.
On an ungreased cookie sheet, separate crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. Sprinkle crumbs on top.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes.
After they were cooked and cooled I cut them into smaller triangles but you can leave them big too!


GLAZE

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar *I like my glaze thicker, so if the glaze is too runny, just add more powdered sugar to get yours to the desired consistency.*
• 1 Tbsp. softened butter
• 1-1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 1 to 1-1/2 Tbsp. milk

Blend together and drizzle over Sugar Crumb Crispies

Enjoy!

DIY Earring Frame

DIY Earring Frame

I have had my earring holder like this for a couple years, and just made one for a friend. It's great for displaying your earrings and finding the pair you want fast.

Here is what you need:
-shadow box or other deep frame
-wire, 20 gauge or something similar
-4 buttons
-wire cutter
-drill with small bit


Start with your shadow box frame. Remove glass and matting.

2. Drill 2 small holes on each side. I spaced these about 2 inches apart.


3. Loop the wire in one side and the other, through two button holes, and back again.



4. Secure the wire onto the second button by twisting it many times. Clip the wire and bend so it does not stick out. You may want to also twist the buttons so the wire going across is twisted and is more taut.

5. That's it. Hang your earrings.

Organization Tips

Can't say these are all original ideas here, but ones that have worked for me and may be helpful to you. I am cool with a cluttered mess of toys on the floor or some dishes in the sink, but when my closets are out of order, an overpacked drawer won't open, or I can't find something I need, I freak out. Slam-drawers-sigh-heavily-blood-pressure-is-raised-freak-out. So here are a few solutions to avoid future freak out sessions:
Hang bibs from the back of the high chair, right where you're going to need them anyway.

Got a multitude of plastic shopping bags? Store them in tissue boxes or an empty Clorox wipes container.

This last one trips up every guest cook in my kitchen. They always search for the spices in the tiny cupboard by the stove. Not there. Why? Because there's no way I can see all the containers without removing every single one, and I'm not six feet tall. Oh, and I couldn't find a lazy susan to fit in there. See the little ones up front? They are standing up with their name printed in Sharpie on the cap. Easy spice access baby!

Thanks for reading!

Robin