All My Eggs

Living Simply and Frugally

Containers for those Homemade Gifts

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If you’re like me, you like to give and receive handmade/homemade gifts.  But getting things together for everyone on your list can still crunch your budget.  I am always on the lookout for particular items that I can use all through the year as I go to garage sales and the thrift stores (places that I like to hang out!)  Here are some items and what you can do with them.  And be creative, share any ideas that you have, that I haven’t thought of myself!

1. Decorative bottles and decanters – use these for flavored oils, flavored vinegars, homemade liquers, use to store homemade bubble bath, or use in the kitchen for your dish detergent.

2.  Canning and jelly jars – use for homemade jams & jellies, fill with candy or cookies, layer gift mixes (I’ll be posting some at a later time), dessert sauces like chocolate or caramel, make powdered bubble bath or bath salts, facial scrubs, any spa type of product and top with a decorated lid, a piece of fabric with ribbon or a pretty napkin or gift paper.

3.  Pet dishes – dishes in good condition or tins as well, make a great storage container for your favorite pet’s homemade dog or cat treats. (watch for recipes for these later as well)

4.  Baskets in good condition, plant pots (great for planting and starting your own bulbs), you can take any container that is in good condition and fix it up, make up gift baskets or put in treats for those neighbors that may drop by.

5.  Decorative or printed cloth or towels that can be made into liners, or just laid in those baskets that you pick up.

6.  Glass vases.  There are tons!  You can make terrariums, use to store soap in the bathroom, put in a goldfish or betta!

I’m sure that there are tons of other ideas, these are just a few that are easy for just about anyone to come up with.  Stay tuned for some recipes to make for these containers!

November 6, 2008 Posted by inonebasket | Crafts, Food, Frugality, Gifts, Holidays, Homemade, Reinvent, Reuse, Shopping | , , , , , | Comments Off

Time for Fall Holiday Cleaning

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Cleaning the whole house up has become part of how I get ready for the holidays.  Not having to worry about company stopping by, and the house being a mess, is one less thing on my mind.  I like to make my own cleaning products.  It’s natural, and it saves money, and I know that there aren’t any chemicals that will harm my family.  Here are a few of my basic cleaning recipes:

Glass & Window Cleaner

1/3 c. white vinegar
1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
3 1/2c. water
32 oz. spray bottle

Mix all ingredients in the spray bottle.  Shake well before using.  Spray on windows and/or mirrors and wipe with a crumpled up newspaper (tip:  make sure that you use newsprint that is several days old so that your hands don’t turn black from the ink.  And be sure to recycle the newsprint when done).  This cleaner is virtually streak free!

Wall & Cabinet Cleaner

1 c. clear household ammonia
1 c. white vinegar
1/4 c. baking soda
1 gal. warm water
1 bucket

Combine all ingredients in a bucket.  Stir until baking soda dissolves.  Use to wash down your cupboards and shelves.  Wait until shelves dry completely before placing your items back.

Basic Counter Cleaner/Disinfectant

1/4 c. white vinegar
water
32 oz. spray bottle

Pour the vinegar into the bottle.  Fill the bottle the rest of the way to the top with the water.  Shake to mix.  Spray on your counters in the kitchen and bathroom to clean and disinfect.

Cabinet & Furniture Polish

1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. olive oil
2 c. warm water
storage container

Combine all ingredients in a bowl or container.  pour onto a soft cloth – such as a piece of flannel.  Wipe over the wood cabinets or furniture.  Buff dry with a soft cloth.  You can store this in a glass jar or bottle for later use.

I hope that you use these suggestions to help you prepare your home for the holidays.  They’ll make you feel good about your home, help the environment and help your pocketbook!

November 5, 2008 Posted by inonebasket | Cleaning, Holidays | , , , , | Comments Off