Homemade Gift Wrappings! DIY!

You spent all of your money on the gifts so save a bit by making your own wrapping paper. This Christmas I am using all of the packing paper that came with any packages that I have gotten in the past year. This makes great wrapping paper. You can decorate it or just leave it plain. I plan on leaving mine just plain. I like the looks of that. With red tags.

Here is a list of some other ideas for you to use:

• Use comic book pages or newspaper.
• Maps that you can get free from each state. I have to admit that I have bags and bags of maps, but I want to save them for if we ever have to bug-out. They do look great as wrapping paper though. Maybe choose a state that someone you know is from or something like that.
• Using reusable shopping totes as gift bags is a good idea. They sell them at dollar tree that are plain also so you can decorate them.
• You could wow everyone by reusing the cardboard boxes that food comes in. Like cereal boxes, etc. Kind of neat and with this you do not have to wrap, just put the item in and seal it up.
• Aluminum foil looks awesome. Wrap a colorful bow and it is stunning.
• Wrap gifts with pretty scarves! Silk ones that you can get at thrift stores would be an awesome idea and they can use it!
• Kitchen towels make good wrapping "paper"! Get print ones at the dollar tree and use it to wrap the gift. 

There are many ways to wrap gifts that is basically free.

Don't forget to save any packaging paper that you get for next Christmas!!

COMMENT BELOW ANY IDEAS THAT YOU HAVE FOR GIFT WRAPPING.....


 

Start Avacodo Trees

I have been saving any avocado seeds I get and any glass jars that we have left from salsa!

All you do is take 3 toothpicks and stick them around the avocado so that it will set on the jar with half in the water.

Keep it filled.

It does take a while for a start to shoot out of it. But , when it does I always wait until the roots are pretty long before I replant it into a pot with potting soil.

A few years ago I had one that got pretty tall, but had set it outside on a hot and humid day, and a stray cat dug it all up.

Store Your Taters

You have grown the potatoes and now need a place to store them all winter.

Use an old dresser to store them in. Place it is cool room or a basement. Perfect for storing your spuds. Leave the drawers open a bit to allow for ventilation.

Great use for any dresser you can find. Look at yard sales, thrift stores, or side of thd road treasure that someond threw out!

Food Storage Recipe - Mexican Skillet Spaghetti

Super easy to make. I made this last summer when we were out camping.

Need:

1 pound ground beef

1 15 ounce can of tomato sauce

4 1/2 cup of water ( use the tomato sauce can ...2 1/2 times)

2 packages of taco seasoning mix

2 tablespoons of instant minced onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti

Brown the ground beef and drain.

Add the tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning, onion, and salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil and add the spaghetti.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. 

Cook until the spaghetti is tender, stirring frequently.

Serve with shredded cheese over it.

Creating An Outdoors Cold Weather Retreat

As the weather cools, many families are forced indoors during chilly evenings, which is a shame because fall is a beautiful season that should be enjoyed. There are a few fairly fast and easy ways to make your outdoor area more hospitable in the cooler months. All you need to do is organize the yard so that wind and moisture are minimized, and extra warmth is provided. Here are a few tips to make the most of your yard during the cooler seasons and well into spring.

• Create a shelter belt. If your outdoor space or patio is highly exposed, determine where most of your frosty winds are blowing from and build a barrier in that vicinity. The most effective barrier is a fence, but if this is a view you do not want to obstruct, small hedges, open-weave fences, and tough trees can help reduce the wind's severity without blocking the landscape. This barrier will not only make outdoor activities more comfortable, but it can also reduce home heating costs.
• Install a heating device. Patio heaters, chimineas, fire pits, or fireplaces are all excellent options for adding a bit of heat to the vicinity. If you have a large area, you may want to use more than one. While they take a little more effort to install, a fire pit or place is a fantastic edition that creates ambiance and allows your family to enjoy activities like roasting marshmallows or just gathering around the fire, which are fun activities year round.
• Get the right gear. The right patio furniture will make being outside a pleasure. Look for cushions and pillows that are plush. Have several "outdoor blankets" handy (i.e. blankets clearly designated as appropriate for outdoors use.) Store these inside and wash them once a week or as appropriate for your family's use.

• Consider awnings or canopies. If your outdoor space is exposed, you may want to consider adding a "roof" over the gathering area. This can help minimize moisture. This certainly isn't necessary for all yards, but can increase the social areas usability in some climate zones. A retractable canopy will allow you to keep the area dry and also view the stars on clear nights.
• Now that you have the space, use it! Plan activities, invite over friends, and keep extra marshmallows or hot beverages handy for spontaneous evenings. A nice outdoor gathering area will give your family a delightful place to socialize without the distractions of TV or modern life.

Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for electrical power tools. Headquartered in Wantagh, New York, Ace Tool offers over 70 major brands of hand and power tools and is also home to a full service center.