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Quick Tips 105: Things you can't go without knowing

Quick Tips 101:  Things you can't go without knowing. (Volume 5)




Using the tag of a tea bag to secure the tea bag on the side of your mug while it steeps.

Use the space at the end of your fridge for a small storage closet for cleaning supplies.

Use chalkboard labels in your food pantry.

SourceUse crown-molding upside down as a show rack on your closet walls.  Works great for heels.


Source
Use paper towel and toilet paper rolls as storage for extension cords and electrical plugs around your home.


SourceUse a pants rack for storing your ribbon spools.


SourceUse a white paint pin to decorate found river rocks and use as decor throughout your home.


Source
Use chicken wore in a wood, photo frame to display cards, mail, or even jewelry.


SourceUse a magnet on the back of old forks to help hold business cards, or other cards on your fridge or filing cabinet.


SourceUse a soda, fridge pack to store soups and other canned foods in your cabinet.



Eco-Tip:  Add "Going Green" to this year's New Years Resolution.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

12 Days of Christmas Pinspiration-Day Twelve

And now it's the last day of the "12 Days of Pinspiration" from South North South.  I have loved seeing all the cute, clever, and simple Christmas DIYs throughout the last 12 days.  I hope you found some "pinspiration" through these Pinterest finds and if you haven't already, follow the Pinterest 30 days of Pinspiration HERE.


AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURFROM 

SOUTH NORTH SOUTH!  


Homemade Hot Cocoa Cones


What you'll need:
Hot Cocoa
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups powdered instant milk

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp cinnamon (optional)
Mix all together in a large bowl. Will keep for all winter. You use about 3 Tbsp with hot water for yummy hot cocoa.


Instructions:


Put some of the hot chocolate mix in a cone shaped cello bag and then double bag it in another. Then roll the inner bag down and tuck it in. Put all of this in a sturdy mug to hold it up for the kids while they do the next part. The kids add toppings, some had peppermint, some had instant coffee (for the mailman and the bus driver). We used a red gumdrop on the top for the cherry. I think these would be a great favor gift for any winter birthday party. Maybe an activity for the tween sleepover?? You could use sugar snowflakes inside to make them more winter-y or crushed hard blue mint candies. Or make it more "adult" and use candied ginger or dried orange zest.



Eco-Tip:  Be sure this year, after the gifts are opened, and everyone is ready to clean up that you save as many bows and tags, and even wrapping paper as you can so you can recycle it the following year or even throughout the year for other gifts.  The less waste that goes in the garbage the less that will end up in the landfills this holiday season.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

12 Days of Christmas Pinspiration-Day Eleven

Another day of the "12 Days of Pinspiration" from South North South. Day Eleven!

Follow the Pinterest 30 days of Pinspiration 
HERE.


Framed Christmas Wreath

What you'll need:  

Wooden Picture Frame
Assorted Bells in Random Colors and Sizes
Large Ribbon 
Several Small Ribbons in Different Colors
Red or Green Spray Paint
Small Nail

Instructions:

Spray paint the picture frame red or green.  Allow to dry and hammer the small nail into the back of the frame.  Attach the smaller ribbons to the bells and tie the end pieces to the back of the frame on the small nail.  Attach your larger ribbon and use the access to hand the frame from a door or wall in your home.  


Eco-Tip:  Always use voc-free paint whenever you can.  The less chemicals in your paint the better.  For more eco-friendly options try HERE.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

12 Days of Christmas Pinspiration-Day Ten

Another day of the "12 Days of Pinspiration" from South North South. Day Ten!

Follow the Pinterest 30 days of Pinspiration
HERE.
 
 
 
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer pillow
 
Supplies:
front fabric, half yard or fat quarter
back fabric half yard or fat quarter
yarn or felt pom pom
stuffing (I used an old pillow)

Instructions:

1. Print image of deer onto transfer paper, cut out very close to the image.
2. Iron the image onto the front fabric.
3. Let cool down and peel off.
4. Pin the two fabrics together right sides together.
5. Sew and cut out close to the curves.
6. Stuff.
7. Hand stitch closed. Or you can use the sewing machine.
8. Make or buy a pom pom and sew to the nose of the reindeer pillow.


 
Eco-Tip:  Conserve gas this holiday season by sticking close to home.  If traveling can't be avoided consider taking a train or even carpooling with others to your destination.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.