McGalver

Maximizing Performance: The Rise of Gaming Sleeves in Competitive Esports

2023-08-31T14:08:00.000-04:00

In the fast-paced realm of competitive esports, players are constantly seeking innovative ways to gain an edge over their opponents. A new trend has emerged that promises to revolutionize the way players enhance their performance – gaming sleeves. These full-arm compression sleeves have taken the esports world by storm, proving to be more than just a stylish accessory.

Designed to be worn on a player's mouse arm, gaming sleeves serve a critical purpose – to minimize friction between the hand and the mousepad. The rigors of extended gaming sessions can lead to discomfort and even injury, with friction-related issues being a common concern. This is where gaming sleeves step in as a game-changer.

One of the primary advantages of these sleeves lies in their ability to significantly reduce friction. Imagine the scenario: intense gameplay, split-second decisions, and rapid mouse movements. All of this can take a toll on the player's hand and wrist, leading to discomfort or worse, rug burns. Gaming sleeves act as a protective barrier, preventing these friction-induced irritations, and allowing players to focus solely on their performance.

However, the benefits of gaming sleeves go beyond injury prevention. By mitigating friction, these sleeves create an environment of seamless interaction between the hand and the mousepad. This translates to smoother, more fluid movements, enabling players to maneuver their mice with unparalleled precision. The reduced resistance becomes a catalyst for improved in-game performance – a factor that can make a world of difference in high-stakes esports competitions.

As esports continue to gain recognition as a legitimate sporting activity, the focus on player well-being and performance optimization becomes paramount. Gaming sleeves have quickly asserted themselves as a crucial tool in this pursuit. No longer just a novelty, these sleeves have become a symbol of dedication to the craft and a testament to the lengths players are willing to go to for that extra ounce of advantage.

In conclusion, the emergence of gaming sleeves as an accessory of choice among competitive esports players is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the industry. Beyond the aesthetics, these sleeves tackle a fundamental challenge by reducing friction and enhancing player performance. As esports competitions reach new levels of intensity, the adoption of such accessories underscores the players' commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Whether it's preventing discomfort or fine-tuning precision, gaming sleeves have woven themselves into the fabric of esports excellence.

If you're ready to try a gaming sleeve of your own, check out the IGNITEX offering on Amazon.com. It's highly rated and competitively priced. This is a purchase you won't regret!

McGalver is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Unveiling the Power of Colostrum Supplements in Boosting Immunity

2023-08-30T14:48:00.004-04:00

In the incredible journey of life, the bond between a mother and her newborn is a remarkable spectacle. Beyond the emotional connection, this intimate relationship also introduces us to a remarkable elixir known as colostrum. Imagine a nutrient-rich milky fluid that emerges from mammals right after they give birth, packed with an array of vital components that kickstart the newborn's growth and safeguard them from the world. This intriguing fluid is not only a testament to the wonders of nature but also holds a potential key to enhancing human immunity.

In recent times, the spotlight has turned towards colostrum supplements – dietary marvels harnessed from the colostrum of cows. These supplements, encapsulating the essence of this precious fluid, have gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits. Research has unveiled a promising connection between colostrum and our immune system, suggesting that its consumption might hold the key to fortifying our body's defense mechanisms.

Multiple studies have delved into the potential advantages of colostrum, shedding light on its ability to combat infections and amplify our immunity. The complex blend of proteins, antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients within colostrum has been proposed to equip our bodies with an enhanced ability to fend off diseases. The concept of utilizing colostrum as a supplementary aid in boosting immunity aligns perfectly with the growing trend of Immunity Supplements.

The global pandemic acted as a catalyst, casting a glaring spotlight on the importance of immune health. Suddenly, the pursuit of strong immunity became a paramount concern for individuals worldwide. But here's the interesting part – this heightened awareness transcends the pandemic era. The demand for immunity-boosting solutions, including colostrum supplements, continues to soar even in the post-pandemic landscape.

The Immunity Supplements meta trend has woven itself into the fabric of our wellness pursuits. Colostrum supplements, standing at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern research, hold the promise of providing us with an added layer of protection. They offer a natural way to harness the power of colostrum, which has been fine-tuned by nature through eons of evolution.

As we navigate the intricate path of health and well-being, exploring nature's offerings can often lead us to groundbreaking discoveries. Colostrum, with its rich history and potential immune-boosting properties, exemplifies the marvels that lie within our grasp. So, as we embrace the era of fortified immunity, let us not overlook the wonders of colostrum – a testament to nature's wisdom and a potential guardian of our well-being.

Want to give Colostrum supplements a try? Wondercow Colostrum Powder is highly rated on Amazon.com. Click the link below to order some for yourself!

At Home Treatment for our Dog's Paw Fungus

2023-08-29T15:45:00.001-04:00

We adopted a dog from our local animal shelter. She's a fantastic dog - not to mention she was already house trained and knew a few commands. We're thrilled to have her as part of our family.

Three weeks after we brought her home, we noticed she frequently sat down and gnawed at the area between her paw pads on her back left paw. We tried to discourage her from doing that, but it seems like she couldn't help herself. We finally broke down and put her in a cone. Look at that sweet face!

As soon as it came off, though, she was at it again. We did a bit of research, and it seemed that she had a fungus between her paw pads - most likely a yeast infection. I had noticed that her paws smelled like Fritos mixed with fresh grass. I'll admit that prior to this happening, I thought that was how all dogs' paws smelled. This was really pungent, though, and obviously was irritating her. This is what her paw looked like:

I talked to our vet, and she suggested we try Duoxo Antiseptic Mousse. It worked great! The day after we first applied it, we were able to leave the cone off without her going crazy. After just a few days' use, her paw seemed to be healed - and she was cone free. Plus, her paws just smell a little like fresh grass and a little dirt now.

Say Goodbye to Pet Skin Irritations with Douxo PYO Mousse!

As pet owners, we understand how distressing it can be to see our furry companions suffer from skin irritations and discomfort. That's why we're thrilled to introduce a game-changing solution that will bring relief to both you and your beloved pets. Say hello to Douxo PYO Mousse—the ultimate answer to addressing your pet's skin issues effectively and effortlessly.

🐾 A Gentle Yet Powerful Solution: Douxo PYO Mousse is meticulously crafted to provide a gentle yet potent solution for various skin irritations in pets. Whether it's hot spots, redness, itching, or other discomforts, this mousse is designed to alleviate these issues while being safe and non-invasive for your furry friend.

🌿 Unique Formulation for Optimal Results: This innovative mousse is formulated with cutting-edge ingredients that have been carefully selected to promote healing and soothing effects on your pet's skin. With natural antiseptic properties, it helps maintain skin health, reduce inflammation, and prevent the recurrence of skin problems.

💨 Easy Application for Stress-Free Treatment: We understand that applying treatments to pets can sometimes be a challenging task. That's why Douxo PYO Mousse is designed for hassle-free application. The mousse formula allows for even distribution and quick absorption, making the application process a breeze. No more struggling with pills or messy creams!

🐶 Suitable for All Breeds: Whether you have a small lapdog or a large breed, Douxo PYO Mousse is suitable for all dogs. It's a versatile solution that can be incorporated into the care routine of various breeds and sizes. From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, this mousse is here to help.

🌟 A Trustworthy Solution: Douxo is a brand known for its commitment to pet well-being. With their extensive research and dedication to creating effective and safe products, you can trust that you're giving your pet the best possible care. Douxo PYO Mousse is another testament to their dedication to pet health and happiness.

🛒 Get Relief for Your Pet Today: Don't let your pet suffer from skin irritations any longer. Invest in their well-being with Douxo PYO Mousse and witness the transformation in their comfort and overall demeanor. Click here to purchase Douxo PYO Mousse now and give your pet the relief they deserve.

Experience the joy of seeing your pet happy, healthy, and free from skin irritations with Douxo PYO Mousse! Your pet's comfort is just a click away.

Getting Ready for Hurricane Season

2023-08-28T16:31:00.003-04:00

We live on the East Coast of the United States, which means that we occasionally have a hurricane or tropical storm pass through. Every year about this time, we do a few things to get ready in case we lose power for several days.

I recently read about a relatively new product that we've added to our hurricane readiness supplies: rechargeable light bulbs.

It's a brilliant idea: these LED light bulbs look and function like any other light bulb, but they have a rechargeable battery inside plus an on/off switch on the side. The base fits into a regular socket. When installed into a lamp or wall socket and the lamp is turned on, the battery in the bulb is charged. If the power goes out, simply turn the switch on the side of the bulb to ON and Voila! You have light.

Even better - remove the bulb from the socket and carry it around with you like a flashlight. We haven't used them for an outage yet, but each charge should give you up to 5 hours of continuous use when you need it.

I'm not just excited about these bulbs for our own use, I'm planning to give them as holiday gifts this year. They're perfect for the grandparents and uncles that already have everything!

Illuminate Your Space and Stay Prepared with GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs

In the modern world, lighting serves not only as a functional necessity but also as an essential element of our living spaces. We rely on lighting to set the mood, create ambiance, and keep our surroundings bright and inviting. However, what happens when the power suddenly goes out, plunging us into darkness? That's where the GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs step in, offering a seamless blend of style, practicality, and preparedness.

Introducing the GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs

GE, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, presents a groundbreaking solution for those unexpected moments – the Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs. These bulbs are not your ordinary lighting fixtures; they are designed to ensure you never find yourself stumbling in the dark during power outages. Let's explore what makes these bulbs a game-changer for your home:

1. Continuous Illumination During Power Outages

The GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs are equipped with built-in batteries that automatically activate when the power goes out. This means that even in the midst of an outage, you'll have a reliable source of light to guide your way, preventing accidents and providing a sense of security.

2. Versatility at Your Fingertips

Beyond their primary function, these bulbs offer versatility like no other. Need a flashlight to navigate through your home? Simply detach the bulb from its fixture, and it transforms into a powerful handheld light. Whether it's searching for candles, checking on your loved ones, or just finding your way to the circuit breaker, the GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs have you covered.

3. Easy Charging and Usage

Charging these bulbs is as easy as screwing them into a standard light socket. You don't need any special equipment – just the fixtures you already have in your home. This simplicity ensures that your emergency lighting is always ready for action, without the need for extra cords or accessories.

4. Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

One concern with emergency lighting is its appearance. We all want our homes to look beautiful and inviting, and bulky emergency solutions can disrupt that. However, these GE light bulbs seamlessly blend into your existing fixtures, offering the warm, comfortable glow you love while also providing a crucial safety feature.

Elevate Your Space and Your Preparedness

In a world where unexpected events can catch us off guard, having a reliable backup plan is essential. The GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs are not just light fixtures; they are a testament to innovation meeting everyday needs. With their ability to provide continuous illumination during power outages, versatile usage, and easy charging, they seamlessly enhance your living space while keeping you prepared for any situation.

Illuminate your space with style and stay prepared with the GE Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulbs. Experience the perfect blend of functionality and design – your future self will thank you when the lights unexpectedly go out.

Buy a pack for you or your loved ones today!

Two Point Peanut Butter Cups

2018-03-18T14:51:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just need to satisfy a craving, and it's always great to be able to do that without blowing your daily Freestyle points budget! Not only are these peanut butter cups easy to make, they use WW friendly ingredients and come out to only 2 FS points each!

What You'll Need:

Lily's Premium Dark Chocolate Chips

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

Truvia Sweetener

Water

Mini Muffin Tin with Liners

Bowls and Spoons for Mixing

Microwave or Double Boiler

It's so easy to make these! Luckily they're low in points, so I don't have to feel guilty for whipping them up whenever the craving for peanut buttery chocolate hits.

Step 1: In a bowl, mix together 2 Tbsp PB2, 1 packet Truvia sweetener, and 2 Tbsp water. Stir until it's mixed well.

Step 2: Measure out 60 Lily's chocolate chips into a glass, microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chips by microwaving for 30 seconds, stirring, then microwaving again in 15 second increments until the chips are melted.

If you would rather, you can also melt the chips in a double boiler.

Step 3: Smear a little bit of the melted chocolate into the bottom of a mini muffin liner, then place it into a mini muffin tin. Do it again, since this recipe makes 2 peanut butter cups!

Step 4: Place half the PB2 mixture into each liner and press it gently.

Step 5: Top the PB2 with the remaining chocolate.

Step 6: Place them in the fridge for about 5 minutes until the chocolate hardens, then they're all ready to eat!

Yields 2 Peanut Butter Cups at only 2 FF points each!

Free Printable Galentine's Day Cards

2017-01-26T01:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Galentine's Day, ladies! Do something nice for your lady friends, send them one of these cards. They're free to download and print, so have at it!

A Quick and Fun Kids' Art Project

2016-09-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

We recently moved, and we haven't yet unpacked our framed photos and art. The barren walls are starting to get to me, so my daughter and I decided to try a new project to add a splash of color to our office. She is homeschooled, so this room also serves as her classroom.

Take a look at the final product:

It fits perfectly in the space above my daughter's new comfy chair, and she did a great job of pulling in all the bright and pretty colors of our new rug.

It was surprisingly easy to do, too! I had picked up a square frame with a built-in mat at a thrift store a couple of years ago. It's been in a closet ever since, and we thought it would be perfect for this project.

What you'll need:

- A 12" x 12" mosaic of unfinished ceramic tile (like this) Note: we also used 4 green glass tiles and they also worked well.
- A frame
- Scissors
- Paint (any kind is fine)
- A clear, protective spray paint
- Paint brushes
- Glue (I prefer Quick Grip glue)
- Tape
- Rags
- A bowl of water for cleaning brushes
- Cardboard or newspaper as a protective surface while painting

How to do it:

Use your scissors to trim the tiles that you'll paint. Try to trim as close to the tile as possible so the edges will appear smooth.

Nest, paint the tiles! This is the fun part, right? My 9-year-old had a blast, she absolutely loves painting.

Let the painted tiles dry, then spray the with a light coat of the clear, protective paint. Once that dries, it's time to arrange and glue them in the frame.

We simply flipped the paper that came in the frame over so it was a plain white surface. If you don't have one like that, you can use plain white paper or posterboard in the frame.

I learned this lesson the hard way: it's very important to tape the white paper to the back side of the mat. Otherwise, the weight of the tiles will slide it around and it won't be centered.

Arrange the tiles and glue them to the white paper, then let the glue dry. My daughter used a paint set that had come with a craft set (I think it was a little paint your own sculture of some sort). The paint had a glittery sheen to it that looks wonderful on the tiles!

It really turned out great! It fits the space perfectly without looking too busy. She did a fabulous job! The best part of this project is that we can replace the tiles with new ones if we want to change the look! As you can see, she painted a couple of pumpkins on her tiles. If she wants, she can paint a few for each season and we can swap them out. The possibilities are endless!

How to Make Your Own Sea Monkey Food

2013-09-03T13:03:00.001-04:00

For decades, I was known far and wide as the Sea Monkey Killer. Over a year ago, I bought my daughter a Sea Monkey kit. Not just any kit, either...it was Sea Monkeys on Mars. I was determined to give those little fellows the best environment possible and to break my Sea Monkey Serial Killer streak.

Thanks to the magic of the Internet (mostly Google, of course), I was able to determine that the instructions that come with the little pink guys aren't ideal: the Sea Monkeys only need to be fed about once a week. Any more is too much food, and over time it builds up in the water and suffocate them.

Armed with this new, important information, I doled out a small scoop once a week, and the result has been many happy, healthy generations of Sea Monkeys on Mars! They're still going strong...it will be two years this Christmas!

The little packet of food that came with the kit doesn't last forever, though, and I wasn't fond of paying to have another tiny packet of food shipped to us if I could find something we already had that would work. A couple of years ago, I bought some Spirulina capsules after reading about their health benefits. I have been taking them since, and they work well as a diet supplement for me. It's worth some research and a discussion with your doctor if you think they might be beneficial for you, too! However, they're definitely good for Sea Monkeys, and are the exact same thing that comes in their starter kit, but in pill form.

To make your own Sea Monkey food, you'll need:

- Spirulina (It comes as a powder or capsule, if you get the powder, that's all you need.)

If you get the capsules, you will also need:

- A saucer

- A flat-bottomed glass or cup

- A small, lidded storage container

To make the food, simply place a few tablets into the saucer, and mash them with the glass.

Pour the powder into your storage container, and use this as your food going forward.

I've been using this for two months now, and my little Martian colony is thriving!

A Quick and Easy Father (or Grandfather) Gift

2013-06-17T14:50:00.000-04:00

I always struggle with gifts for my husband, father, and father-in-law. Men are usually just harder to buy for: they already have everything they need, and when they need something, they just go buy it. All the men in my life do appreciate it when my daughter makes them something, though, so I always try to find something cute that she can do herself (with maybe just a little help from me).

In the past, we have made a hand print tree, battery gardens and hand / foot print tees, and filled out the "All About my Granddaddy" page. This year, my daughter made my father tee shirt with his "picture" on it, and it turned out really nice! This would also make a great gift for a Grandma, mother, teacher, or anyone in your child's life!

What You'll Need:

- Fabric paint (I used Scribbles. It looks and works great and they last forever!)
- Plain t-shirt (pre-washed)
- Chalk
- Cardboard or newspaper

First, place the cardboard or newspaper inside the shirt. This will prevent the paint from soaking through to the back.

Spread the t-shirt flat, then give your child the chalk, and let him or her draw a picture of the recipient.

It doesn't have to be perfect - my daughter got frustrated because the chalk kept "skipping" on the fabric. I explained to her that we'd smooth it all out with the paint, and the chalk would wash away so it wouldn't really matter in the long run. Also, the chalk is great because you can just rub away any errors and re-do them until it looks they way they want it to look!

Once the picture is finished, I asked my daughter to write "Granddaddy" underneath, but obviously, your child can write anything he or she would like! I also think it would be cute to have a picture of "Ganddaddy and me", but my daughter just wanted to draw her Granddaddy.

Next, you can paint over the chalk with the fabric paint. Older kids can do this themselves, but my daughter is still a little young, and I worried about her accidentally smearing it with her arm and hand. She told me which colors she wanted to use, and I filled in the picture and letters.

She wanted to use glitter paint for the gray hair, which I thought was a nice touch. Let the paint dry completely (according to the label), then wash and dry the shirt. All the chalk will be gone, and your child's design will really look great!

How to Make an Easy DIY Natural Body Scrub

2013-05-24T09:15:00.000-04:00

I have been using this great body scrub for a couple of years now, and it works really well to exfoliate and moisturize my skin. It's also a handy way to use coffee grounds instead of dumping them out!

Here is the recipe:

1/4 cup used coffee grounds
1/4 cup sea salt or kosher salt
1/4 cup olive (or other, such as almond or joboba) oil
1/4 tsp lemon juice
5 - 10 drops essential oil for scent (optional)

Just mix everything together and store in a plastic container. If you have a non-textured tub, be sure to rinse the tub area really well afterwards so it won't be slick for the next shower.

How to Restore a Faded Patio Umbrella

2013-05-13T09:51:00.000-04:00

Now that the weather is getting warmer, we're getting our patio ready for a lot of use this spring and summer. I noticed that our patio umbrella is in good shape, but it had become striped with fading from the sun. I decided to try to even out the color rather than replace it, because - stripes aside - it's still very functional.

I picked up two cans of Rustoleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover at the hardware store, and I used Moss Green as it seemed to be the closest match to the color of our umbrella. Two cans proved to be just right for us - I have a little less than 1/2 can left. You may want to pick up more, though, if your umbrella is quite faded, or if you're trying a different color.

I removed the fabric from the wooden fram by unscrewing the top and sliding the supports out of the pockets. I placed the fabric flat on the ground in our yard.

Since the paint was green, I wasn't too worried about having painted grass. If you prefer, spread your fabric onto a painter's cloth or tarp before spraying.

Next, spray your fabric evenly. I applied three coats altogether. The fabric soaked it up and dried very quickly, and it took less time than I'd thought it would.

The shade I chose ended up being a little lighter than the original, which was fine because it really evened out the color. I love the way it looks now. Since these umbrellas start at $50, I am really happy to have this one for a few more years!

Easy Things to do for a Fun Fairy Party

2013-05-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, we recently had a fairy-themed party for my now six-year-old daughter. While we bought a few Tinkerbell items that were pre-made, we also had a great time making our own decorations and games. These are a few of my favorites:

Decorations

Balloon flowers

We made these cute balloon flowers for the yard and garden.

To make them, we used four balloons for the petals, one for the center, clear packing tape, and a wooden yard stake (available at hardware stores).

It took a few failed attempts before I realized that the secret to making these work was to under inflate the balloons. I made the red ones slightly larger than the yellow, and I only filled the red ones half-way. That gave me the extra room I needed to tape the ends together as a flower.

Another very important note: you'll want to cover the end of the stake with tape so that any splinters won't pop your flowers!

Here they are, ready for the garden!

Welcome to Pixie Hollow Sign

We have a long, wooded driveway, so we made a welcome sign for the party-goers to welcome them to our version of Pixie Hollow. This was just an old shipping box, and I covered a large logo with white spray paint, then painted the letters and flowers with bright colors. If you look closely, you'll notice a tree face. We have several of these in our driveway, and they're always a big hit with kids and adults alike.

Other Decorations

We also picked up a few strands of floral garland and colorful, large silk flowers at a craft store. We placed those around tables and a lawn tent that we used as a craft station for the girls.

Activities

Luckily, we had perfect weather for our party, so we did everything outside. We could have done all of these indoors, but they wouldn't have been as fun.

Decorate Your Own Fairy Wings

I found these great cardboard wings online. We set up a decorating station for the girls to bedazzle their own wings for the party. We let everyone do this first, so they were occupied as everyone arrived.

We put out stickers, markers, and stick on jewels, and the wings all turned out lovely.

Treasure Hunt

Everyone's favorite activity seemed to be our backyard treasure hunt. We picked up a little gift for each girl from the dollar store, wrapped them, and hid each in a different spot in our yard. We then drew up a fairy-themed treasure map that I copied so we'd have one for each girl.

I then drew a path to each "station" on the map, where an activity would need to be performed (stuff like walking around the turtle sandbox four times, swinging seven times, crawling through the tunnel, standing on your left leg and counting to fourteen, etc.). It gave everyone a chance to move around and do a few fun things, plus at the end they each had a treasure to open and take home.

Cupcakes

My daughter is a huge marshmallow lover, and we chose to make these simple flower cupcakes for her and her guests.

They were so simple to decorate, she did them all herself! I added plain frosting and cut each pink strawberry marshmallow into three pieces. She placed an M&M in the center, then five marshmallow pieces around it for the petals.

Favors

As favors, we made these simple Fairy Flowers for everyone to take home and grow. We used small flower pots, potting soil, Viola seeds (I've heard that fairies love Violas), green glitter, Ziploc bags, labels and decorations.

To assemble them, I first mixed the potting soil and green glitter in a bowl, then spooned some into each Ziploc baggie. I sprinkled a few seeds into each baggie, then sealed it and rolled it up, and placed it into a pot. I printed the labels with printable business cards, but you could write your labels by hand or use plain paper.

I picked up the little felt flowers in the dollar bin at the craft store, and clipped the label to the baggie. So cute!

We had an incredibly fun fairy party, and I hope you do, too!

How to Make Mushroom Decorations for a Fairy (or Super Mario) Party

2013-05-06T11:46:00.002-04:00

My daughter turned six this past weekend, and she asked for a fairy party at home. It was great fun, and I'll post more about our decorations and games later this week. One of my favorite decorations was a cluster of red and white mushrooms in the yard. While they were easy to make, I thought I'd share what I learned to make it simpler for anyone else looking to make decorations for their Enchanted Garden, Pixie Hollow, or even a Super Mario Bros. party.

What You'll Need:
- Bowls of various sizes
- Red Tissue Paper
- Plain white paper
- Tape
- Empty bottles and cans of various sizes, for the stems
- Scissors

I originally planned to make the caps out of Papier-mache, but once I started making them, I realized I wouldn't need the bowls during the party, and I could use them for the caps. I covered them with red tissue paper, and my daughter helped cut out the circles and tape them to the caps.

I used several empty drink bottles for stems. The Lifewater bottles have nearly straight sides, so they make good stems. To make a tall, narrow stem, I glued two of their tops together, stacked on on another with the top one upside down. I filled the bottom one with water for stability, then covered them both with white paper. For the shorter stems, I just added water to the bottle and covered it in white paper.

I also used a couple of empty cans for stems: a large canned vegetable can and an empty coffee tin. These worked great for the larger mushrooms, and they were stable enough on their own that I didn't need to weigh them down.

Here are the finished mushrooms! Very cute, a cinch to clean up, and so much easier than papier-mache!

A Cute DIY Gift for Your Child

2013-04-29T09:18:00.001-04:00

My daughter is getting ready to turn six, and she has slept with a little stuffed doggie since she was only a couple of months old. When she started talking, we used to play with it and make little barking noises like, "Ruff! Ruff!" Because of that, we ended up calling it Ruffy, and she (it's a girl doggie) has been a staple in our life ever since.

She's my daughter's special lovey, and luckily I was able to buy not one, but two identical back ups from ebay. I don't always remember to rotate them out like I should, though, so the stuffing is a little less fluffy in one than in the other two. So far she hasn't noticed, though.

Each Christmas, I make a photo calendar for my husband and the grandparents using Shutterfly. There are quite a few online services out there like this, and I have used others in the past. I really like Shutterfly's designs best, though, and their service and quality is top notch. If you enjoy scrapbooking, this Karen Foster blank calendar is a great option - you can print your own photos and build around them.

This year, I decided to make a calendar for my daughter with Ruffy, and it will be a special gift from Ruffy herself. I have been posing the stuffed animal once a month in order to capture the "secret life" of the stuffed animal - all the fun things she does when my daughter is a school or otherwise not around.

Here is a preview of the shot I took last December when our Christmas tree was up:

The best part is that I'm not using any special equipment to do it - just my iPhone to take the photos, then I enhance them with Picfx and Instagram. I love the way they're turning out. I have been using a few doll props and seasonal decorations for each photo - things she would otherwise never see Ruffy do or wear.

I'm so excited about the calendar, I really can't wait to see her face when she opens her gift from Ruffy!

Homeschooling

2013-03-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

I have a Kindergartner, and I have my own part-time business and work from home. I have given a bit of thought to homeschooling, but I'm not completely sold yet.

This is a very compelling infographic, though!

Created by: CollegeAtHome.com

Baking Without Artificial Colors and Trans Fats

2013-03-26T12:16:00.001-04:00

"Eat All the Junk Food You Want as Long as You Cook It Yourself" --Michael Pollan

Nothing makes me happier than baking up something sweet and delicious. Whenever possible, I try to eliminate artificial and unnatural junk from whatever I'm making. For the longest time, I thought it was impossible to decorate baked goods without having to use colorful chemicals and/or hydrogenated junk, but over time, I have found a few tricks that have allowed me to bake and decorate without chemicals and trans fats. It wasn't as hard as I'd originally thought it would be, and it all tastes so delicious!

My daughter and I just made these bunny cookies for her class for and Easter treat. I used a sugar cookie dough recipe found here, but I only used half the sugar. Since I'd planned to decorate them, I knew they'd still be plenty sweet, and the end result was perfect - just sweet enough and very satisfying.

So, what do I use in place of artificial colors in sweets?

These are my favorites: Matcha Green Tea Powder (Green), Tumeric (Yellow), Beet Juice (Pink), and Blueberry Juice Concentrate (Purple). You might think these flavors sound disgusting, but if you're tinting something sweet like icing or melted candy, the sweetness overwhelms the other flavors, and no one even notices! With each of these tints, only a little bit is needed to get a nice color, so you aren't really adding enough for the other flavors to come through.

Anytime I need to use black or brown, I just melt chocolate chips or use dark cocoa powder to tint. Yum!

We used the leftover dough to make round sugar cookies, and I drizzled the leftover melted green, yellow, and chocolate candy on them for a bit of color.

When it comes to avoiding trans fats, these are the best products I have found when making and decorating sweets:

Neither of these contains hydrogenated oils, so no trans fats! It's important to read the ingredients on the label, even if the front says that a product has 0 Trans Fats, because that might just mean, "per serving." Always double check to make sure that you don't see the word, "Hydrogenated __anything__" in the ingredients!

I use both of these for all my frosting, candies, and cookies. I always use the CandiQuik in place of icing on sugar cookies, too! I just melt it and spread on the cooled cookie, then melt more and tint it for decorations - so easy!

How to Love Choke Down Kale Chips

2013-03-25T16:50:00.002-04:00

I keep reading about Kale, and how it's the cure to most everything that ails the human race. A friend of mine mentioned that kale chips aren't terrible, so I thought I'd give them a try.

At first, they were okay. I liked the crunch, but the taste wasn't really what I'd expected. It was worse. I did snack on them for a while, but I couldn't keep it up, and soon I was back to my bad snacky ways.

Still, I had all these kale chips, just filling a big bowl on my counter. I just couldn't bring myself to snack on them alone anymore, but my frugal nature wouldn't allow me to toss them out, either. Instead, I went in search of ways to still eat them without having to suffer through the taste.

Chili was the perfect solution! I filled half a bowl with kale chips, then finished it off with homemade vegetarian chili and a bit of cheese on top.

Perfection.

A Cute and Easy St. Patrick's Day Treat

2013-03-14T11:52:00.000-04:00

While looking for a St. Patrick's Day treat for my daughter's Kindergarten class, I came across these adorable leprechaun hats made of cookies, marshmallows, and melted candies. I made a version of my own (less pretty, but oh, so tasty!) and decided to try them without artificial food coloring.

Instead, I tinted the melted white candy with matcha. I just used a sprinkle. It made for a nice shade of green and didn't change the taste (confirmed by my husband and daughter).

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A Healthy St. Patrick's Day Treat

2013-03-12T13:01:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I feel like trying to feed my family healthy food is as dangerous and difficult as traipsing through a wild-animal infested jungle. Holidays are so much fun, but I always dread the onslaught of artificial colors, trans fats, and chemicals that my daughter ends up eating.

I'm don't go overboard with it, and usually just try to do what I can, especially when we eat at home. As someone who has lived through a cancer diagnosis, though, I try to do everything possible to ensure that she never has to go through that.

Sometimes it works out great, like the pink Hello Kitty cupcakes tinted with beet juice (more about that later). Other times, it's a total flop, like the red velvet cake sweetened and colored with cooked beets, which was neither red nor sweet and got tossed in the garbage.

This is such an easy and healthy treat for St. Patrick's Day, though!

It's a green apple shamrock with a pot o'gold on the side! The best part? All you need is a sliced green apple and a little dish of nut butter. Yum! Erin go Bragh!

Behold the Redneck Wind Chimes

2013-03-11T10:21:00.001-04:00

For most of my life, I have lived in a rural area of the south, and I come from a long line of rednecks (and there's nothing wrong with that!). As a gag gift for a family white elephant gift exchange, I made the Redneck Wind Chimes.

They're a fun and easy gift, and you probably don't need to buy anything to make them.

What You'll Need
- 4 - 6 empty aluminum cans (PBR and RC Cola are always good choices, but anything will work)
- Rope or twine
- Screws with circle on top (I'm not sure what the real name for these might be?)
- Paint
- Drill or staple gun
- A piece of wood (any size or shape will work, really)

First, I attached a string to the cans so they could be hung. I actually used twisted pair copper from an RJ-45 cable for my cans, just because I had a spare piece. You can use twine or string, or anything that you happen to have around. Make the strings long enough to hang down a bit. I punched a small hole through the top side of the can and threaded the wire through that and the opening in the top of the can. I wouldn't use the pop top to hang it, they probably aren't strong enough.

Next, I drilled holes at the bottom of my board for each wire, threaded the wire through the hold, and tied it in a knot. If you don't want to use a drill, you can staple the wires to the back of the board.

Then, I fastened my screws to the top edges of the board. If you don't have any of these little screws with a circle at the top lying around your house, you could always use something like these picture hangers and just attach them to the back top edge of your board.

Attach the rope from which the board will hang by threading it through the two screws (or picture hangers).

All that's left is your painting! I just used some leftover outdoor trim paint that we had, and painted, "Redneck Wind Chimes" and on the front, along with a few XXXs. You can be as creative as you'd like, though!

These were a huge hit with our family at the party! Have fun!

Experimenting with Fused Plastic

2013-03-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

I have quite a few fabric shopping bags, but I don't always remember to take them with me when I shop. I usually recycle any plastic bags we bring home, but every once in awhile I experiment with fusing plastic bags into fabric. I have made a few really useful things so far!

I made my daughter an apron, perfect for painting and crafts because it just wipes clean!

I made a hair cutting cape since I usually cut my family's hair at home.

I like to play around with the designs, and it's so easy to do - just cut colored pieces of plastic and place in between layers of clear or white pieces, then fuse them together. The patterns stay put and show through, so it's like creating your own fabric!

Here are some yellow and orange flowers:

And some hearts!

Have fun, and remember to recycle your unused plastic when you're done!

Easy Little Shelves

2013-03-01T13:32:00.001-05:00

What do an empty clementine crate, wire shelves, and my daughter's crafts all have in common? They're hanging on my wall!

I have been on the look out for shelves that would allow us to show off the lovely crafts my daughter brings home from school. Up until now, they have been on our kitchen counter, but it looked jumbled up rather than giving it a showcase feel.

I ran across a silver wire shelf at a thrift store and thought it would be nice to use for the smaller items. Since we have a black and yellow kitchen, I decided to paint over the silver with some of our black Rustoleum paint (this stuff is so handy to have around the house - I use it for so many crafts!).

We also have a few taller crafts that didn't fit inside the wire cube, and I thought I'd also paint an empty clementine crate to see if it'd look okay as well as hold the taller items.

I was able to hang the wire shelves using sheetrock screws, and I just sat the crate on top. I think it works very well, and I love the extra space on my kitchen counter! It made my 5-year-old feel special to see her arts and crafts up in a special place of their own, too.

How to Paint a Wine Glass

2013-02-28T20:13:00.000-05:00

Painted wine glasses make a great gift for any occasion. Most of the time the Dollar Tree has the extra large glasses for only $1, so they're really an economical gift also! Creating a custom, one-of-a-kind gift is easier than you might think - you can paint anything you'd like on the glass in just a few simple steps, even if you've never painted anything before!

This is the finished product, although I wish I'd taken a better picture of it. My friend is a nurse, so I painted her name, this picture, and, "Trust me, I'm a nurse. This won't hurt at all..." on the glass.

What You'll Need
-Wine Glass
-Rubbing Alcohol
-Pebeo Paints for porcelain or glass (I used the pens and paint but you could use either/or)
-Brushes (if using the paint)
-Oven
-Photo or stencil, if you don't want to draw free-hand
-Tape

First, I found a photo that I liked and printed it out. You could also use a picture from a magazine or other source, or something you drew yourself. For copyright reasons, you'd never want to use someone else's drawing if you plan to sell these, though.

I trimmed the photo and taped it to the inside of the glass, then prepared the outside of the glass by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. From there, I really just used my pens to trace the picture, and filled in the hair with my gold paint.

I added my text, then after the paint dried, I baked it in the oven at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes to set the paint and make it durable. That's it! The paint holds up well - in my experience, the Pebeo paints are the best for glass and ceramics. This technique will work on any glass or mug. I have a test mug that I run through the dishwasher regularly, and the paint looks brand new. I do recommend hand washing, though, just in case.

The recipient really went crazy for this glass - it was so much fun to make and give!
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How to Make Bath Tea

2013-02-22T11:30:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I recently made bath teas to give as gifts. I made quite a few and plan to use them for a Grandmother gift for Mother's Day, Thank You gifts for a few friends, and Teacher's Gifts for Teacher's Appreciation Day (more Scent-sational Teacher gifts).

These were really easy to make, and I tested one out in the bath and it was very relaxing!

What You'll Need:

-Tea mix (from this recipe - I used dried lavender and jasmine oil for my scented ingredients)
-Scissors, thread, and needle OR stapler
-Coffee filters
-Fabric paint (optional)
-Printable business cards (optional, for tags / labels)

Making the tea bags is pretty straightforward. First, place some of the "tea" into the center of a coffee filter. I learned quickly that less is more - if it is overfilled, the assembly is harder. Roughly 1 tablespoon worked well for me.

Make sure the tea is in the center of the filter, and start folding the sides inward.

Fold the top together. I also added a piece of embroidery floss so that the recipient can hang it from the faucet if she wishes, so that the warm water will flow through it.

Staple the top together.

Then fold the top and add one more staple (I just did this for a cleaner look and to make it more secure).

I then used the fabric paint to decorate them. I used flowers and other little symbols, but you could also include monogrammed initials, the recipient's name, or short messages such as #1 Grandma.

It was a fun project, and my work room still smells great! I think I'll save a few for myself.

How to Make an Easy Gift Container

2013-02-21T12:56:00.002-05:00

I recently made some bath teas to give as gifts (more about that later), and I found myself in need of containers for them. Rather than using a ziploc bag or something similar, I thought I'd reuse a few plastic containers from our cabinet to create something pretty (and airtight!).

What You'll Need:

-Plastic container

-Paint (I used spray flat enamel for the white and tinted wall paint for the border)

-Ribbon or other decorations

-Sharpie / Marker

-Glue

This was what I started with - it once held cheese. It isn't recyclable in this area, so it feels good to dress it up and use it for something nice.

All you have to do is paint the lid, glue on your bow or other decorations, then write the recipient's name on the lid using the marker. I chose the font I mentioned in this post to fancy it up.

That's it! I filled it up, gave it, and the recipient loved it!