breathing new life into a tired lamp

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Amazing Eye-Make-Up Remover (in a cute package!)

My favorite Christmas gift this year was from my beautiful sister-in-law, Anita. We had told each other that we both wanted to make as many handmade gifts for our family as possible and she did not dissappoint! Isn't it cute? And it works wonderfully, too. The skin around my eyes feels so soft and I feel much better using this than I do about putting mineral oil on my face (ew!) I think it's a fantasitc gift idea and you probably want to make one for yourself, too!

*Update*
There were several comments asking about the process or recipe for this.  Simply saturate the cotton swabs in olive oil and then package them in a small jar.  You can add a little extra olive oil to the bottom of the jar if you like.  Hope that helps!

dryer balls

dryer balls...no, they're not related to the little beasts that eat random socks in your dryer:)  they actually save money and the earth's resources!  these balls are designed to reduce drying time by separating laundry while it tumbles and allowing warm air to flow more efficiently.  they also soften your fabrics without using chemical softeners.  they have been proven to make ironing easier, decrease lint and reduce drying time up to 25%!  they are totally reusable...just leave 'em in your dryer and forget about them.  and if that isn't enough.....i just found a site that tells you how to make your own!!  (yes, i watch too many infomercials:)  act now, this offer won't last!  oh, wait.  it will.  but still, get on this right away and let us know how it goes!

Popcorn

I made a great find at a thrift store recently--a popcorn maker!

My kids LOVE it. I love it, too and here are some of the reasons why:

• Popcorn is an easy healthy snack.
• By making my own popcorn I can control how much butter and salt is used.
• Popcorn kernels are MUCH cheaper than pre-popped popcorn or microwave popcorn.
• There is very little waste with popcorn kernels, as opposed to microwave popcorn which often has a plastic wrapping, plus the paper bag, not to mention to cardboard box it comes in.
• It's fun to watch the popcorn popping (and it takes about the same amount of time as microwave popcorn)
• No hot dangerous oils or burning microwave bags.

As you can see I bought it for a great price! New popcorn makers cost between $14 and $20 on average. For all the benefits listed above, I still think they are worth that price. However, buying a fun appliance like this at a thrift store not only saves you money but it also means you're giving something a second life--which is always more environmentally friendly than buying something new. Plus, you won't be contributing to any landfills with all the packaging of a new appliance.

If you decide to go thrifting for a popcorn maker I'm sure you'll find plenty to choose from. When I bought this one there were four others on the shelf, including a brand new one still in the box. Just be sure to check the power cords for kinks or fraying--setting your house on fire is not frugal or green. :)

Move Over Glade

'Tis Satsuma season! Don't you just love those easy-to-peel little oranges? We fly through them in our house. Instead of ditching the peels in the compost why don't you used them to make a natural air freshener? Here's what you need:
Put the peels from a few of the little guys into a small pan, sprinkle some cinnamon over them or add a few cinnamon sticks, cover them in a decent amount of water and set the burner to the lowest heat level. Make sure you check it periodically so that all of the water doesn't evaporate - or if you're me you set a timer :)
Soon your home will be filled with cinnamony-orange goodness without the chemicals or waste from a store bought air freshener. Mmmmmm . . .

Article: Toxic Chemicals Found in Common Laundry Detergents, Air Fresheners
Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners

Time for a Treat

Me: If you finish eating those vegetables you can have a
treat!

My 5 year old: Oooh! What kind of treat?

Me: You'll see!

I'm sure my son was expecting a cupcake or a piece of candy or maybe even a small toy. But what he got was so much better. First of all, it was completely free. Plus, it not only causes no harm to the environment but it actually helps the earth. And it's something he'll never get tired of so I can use the same treat over and over again. Want to know what it I gave him?

My 5 year old: Mom! I'm done! I ate all my vegetables!
What's my treat?

Me: Time with me! You get to choose, an extra story at story time
or we can play a board game together.

My 5 year old: A game! A game! I want to play a game with
you!

You would think I had just told him he could live in Toys R Us. We played 3 rounds of Mancala and had a great time together. Not only was it a treat for him but it was also a treat for me.

The next night, I offered the same deal and he gobbled up the foods he is usually very picky about for another game night with me. He did extra chores for a trip to the park with Daddy. And last night he ate a bowlful of rice (which he HATES) to be able to have craft time with me.

I know how tempting it is to use candy or toys to avoid tantrums or picky eating battles or all manner of parental woes. But ultimately, those things are entirely consumable. They will rot our children's teeth or occupy space in a landfill. But time, that's the most frugally green gift you can give--and it will last forever!

free magazine!

you can get a one-year subscription to kiwi, a magazine dedicated to helping families live healthy lives and all you have to do is purchase one annie's product...even a box of mac and cheese! click here for details and to submit your request.