Search Results for: blog table scraps

Benefits of Saving Your Scraps

One of the easiest ways to cut down on your scrapbooking bill is to save leftover supplies. Typically, I purchase embellishments for specific layouts, so it’s rare for me to have a ton of scraps. However, the leftovers I have are meticulously sorted and placed in an accordion file. You could sort them by color or manufacturer, but I find dividing scraps by theme is the method that works best for me. If you your scrap stash is dwindling or you just want to beef up your reserves, consider looking for extras in every day places. For example, wrapping paper, … Continue reading →

Printable Toys

Have you heard about printable toys? There are one of the nice ways to take advantage of your computer, your Internet connection and your printer to create hours of fun and enjoyment all for free. You simply print, cut, glue and play. it is a great way to use your computer to spend some time with the kids “unplugged.” One of the absolutely best websites for free toys is The Toymaker. Marilyn Scott-Waters, the toy maker, herself, has dozens of beautifully designed toys to delight young and old alike. She has them so nicely categorized, too. There are whimsical toys, … Continue reading →

Is It Cost Effective to Keep Chickens?

We have been wanting to explore keeping chickens (click here for an interview with the chicken lady) for a while. It is a project that would be educational, and provide us with some fresh eggs. Our environment is perfect for it. We live on two semi-rural acres and would have plenty of space for a coop. Many of our friends already have chickens. It has been a trend in this area for a number of years. They are happy to answer all of questions about raising chickens, what works or doesn’t work, how to keep the foxes out of the … Continue reading →

Christmas Break Boredom Busters

Today is the last day of school for many kids in our area.  Their Christmas break begins this afternoon and I’m sure they couldn’t be happier.  Their parents, on the other hand, may not share the same feeling. A week from now those same kids may be climbing the walls looking for ways to keep busy.  If you fear boredom will get the best of your brood before Santa flies into town, consider putting your kids to work making these simple and inexpensive holiday decorations that you can use to brighten up your home or give as gifts: Pretty Presents:  … Continue reading →

Lending a Helping Hand

“Charity begins at home.” If I had a dime for each time my parents used that expression while I was growing up, I’d be rich enough to start my own charity. Its repetition was annoying, but effective nonetheless. My brothers and I learned the value of loyalty, and the importance of taking care of the people close to you. Now that I’m a parent, I try to provide opportunities for my child to lend a hand at home, so that when it comes time to help others outside our inner sanctum, she jumps at the chance without giving it a … Continue reading →

What Happened to Angel Food Ministries?

Does anyone remember Angel Food Ministries? it was a non-profit organization that distributed inexpensive food to families around the country. The ministry would find vendors that were willing to sell them food at deep discounts. Families, regardless of income could order assembled boxes of this food each month. Each box might contain an assortment of different types of food, from peanut butter to frozen chicken, and was expected to feed a family of four for one week. Additional special boxes of food, such as a fruit and vegetables box, or a gluten free box could also be purchased. The boxes … Continue reading →

Cats Eating People Food

Yesterday a good friend of mine posted on her Facebook that she caught her two cats eating coleslaw. It’s not the first time her cats have gone after people food; one ate a strawberry last week, and when they were kittens she had to lock them in a room when I’d have lunch at her house. Otherwise they’d jump up on the table, put their paws in our water glasses, and otherwise view our plates as their personal buffet. When I think about it, I can recall many incidents of cats I knew eating people food. My old roommate’s cat … Continue reading →

Get Rid Of Technology Once In a While

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As parents we are all looking for ways to keep our children busy. As single parents the evenings are short and there is so much to do, we need something to occupy the kids so we don’t feel quite so guilty for working on the report for work or doing another three loads of laundry and scrubbing the bathroom. Unfortunately, for most of us, the easiest entertainers are electronic. We plop the kids in front of a movie or allow them some extra video game time so we can get done what we need to do. I’m not saying that … Continue reading →

Chip It Good

My local scrapbook supply shop has a huge “Dads and Grads” display in the front of the store. The table includes a massive array of graduation and Father’s Day-themed albums, embellishments and paper. In addition, the owner of the shop created the most incredible selection of chipboard scrapbooks. One spells out “Daddy,” another “Graduate,” and another “Congratulations.” For as long as I have been creating memory albums, I have yet to master the art of crafting chipboard scrapbooks. I’m not sure what intimidates me so much about these unique albums, though I have a feeling it has to do with … Continue reading →

Memorable Memorial Day Layouts

For most people, the long Memorial Day weekend means picnics, road trips and beach time with friends and family. While cookouts and camaraderie are memorable components of the holiday, the real reason for the three-day weekend has to do with hard work and heroes. Thanks to the men and women, who comprise this country’s military, we are able to enjoy a litany of freedoms. Their selflessness and bravery should be honored, and there’s no better way to do so than with a scrapbook layout or an entire memory album. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an advanced scrapper to design … Continue reading →