Recycled Crafts: Ideas Using Crystal Light Canisters

In my quest to stay organized on a limited budget, I am always looking for storage solutions to use in my scrapbooking room. I have converted everything from a clear plastic bandage container holding brads to breath mint containers (think TicTacs) that I use for sorting small metal embellishments and punchies. When I first looked at the drink containers (think Crystal Light, Wyler’s, Kool-Aid), I saw containers for my various markers and pens. In an effort to find some ideas of how to put the pencil holder together, I was astounded at the numerous crafts that were suggested uses for these lidded cylinders. Complete article…

Enhancing Scrapbook Pages Using Craft Punches

One of the most economical tools that a scrapbooker can invest in a few good paper punches. Why? Because they are somewhat inexpensive considering the variety of designs and uses you will derive from them. Paper punches come in a wide variety in today’s marketplace — from small to large, mixed sets, to variable-sized, single to dimensional, border to corner. The prices range from $1.00 for a small punch to $25.00 for the larger intricate varieties or sets. Complete article…

Quick Recipe – Slow Cooking: Southwestern Chicken

When the boss has piled more work on your desk than you can handle, sometimes taking the time to cook meals can add to the stress when all you want to do is relax when you get home. Here is a very simple crockpot recipe that should help. It’s one of my son’s favorites. And instead of the suggested chicken? Try using the leftover turkey or ham!

Easy Southwestern Chicken (serves 4)

Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 cup salsa (thick works best)
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz)

In a crockpot, layer beans, corn, 1/2 c. salsa, chicken breasts and top with the last 1/2 c. salsa. Cook on high for 3 hours. Slice cream cheese and layer on top of other ingredients. Cook 1 hour longer. When done, gently blend cream cheese with the other ingredients. Serve over rice, noodles or tortillas.

I am a big fan of crockpot recipes — in the winter to provide comfort food and delightful kitchen smells, and in the summer to keep the house cool while cooking.

Do you have any simple crockpot recipes you’d like to share?

Disclaimer: I do not remember who sent this recipe to me years ago, but I have seen several versions of it on the internet. If you are the rightful creator please let me know so I can give credit where it is due!

The World of Freecycle: Perpetual Gifting

Change Out Your Home Decor For Free!

Have you experienced the world of Freecycling yet? I am talking about a wonderful, somewhat addictive, free site called http://www.freecycle.org/. As the name indicates, it is a combination of recycling your old items instead of throwing them away to end up in our landfills, and giving away the item for free. Complete article…

Simple Decor: Use Old CDs as Candle Coasters

If you’re like most of us on a budget, sometimes it pays to get creative before throwing away a unique item or container. I’m not advising you to stash away all your trash and becoming a clutter monkey — but finding a new way to recycle an old item can be simple, fun, and very inexpensive. Complete article…

Traveler’s Tip: Lost Luggage Temporary Fix

I heard two co-workers talking about this travel tip and I think it’s brilliant! The next time you are traveling with a friend, relative or significant other, exchange one set of clothes to pack for each other. If one of your suitcases arrives at your destination and the other doesn’t, you will at least be assured of one change of clothes that is in your travel partner’s suitcase. This should help you through until the airline retrieves and delivers your suitcase.

Traveler’s Tip: Saving $$ on Bottled Water

If you are on the road as much as I am, it can get expensive to buy bottled water at the airport. To save a few dollars, bring an empty water bottle with you in your carry on and fill it up at the airport drinking fountain after you’ve made it through the security line. Most of the fountains have chilled water and it’s enough to quench your thirst until you can get a drink of choice on the airplane.