Valentine's Day: 7 Days ~ 5 Heart-Shaped Crafts

Spread the love with these simple and oh-so-sweet do-it-yourself crafts.

1. Heart-Shaped Soap

Stamped soaps, inspired by candy conversation hearts, are great gifts for friends. Read more

2. Heart-Shaped Bookmarks

Making one takes about 5 minutes and is a nifty way to mark your page in your favourite book. I even give them as additional goodies when I gift books to friends and family! Read more

3. Paper Garland Strands

The kids might be sick of making paper snowflakes, but they're sure to rally behind these new shapes and colors. Read more

4. Heart-Shaped Yarn Basket

This one is definitely manageable for older kids, and it’s all supplies you probably have on-hand as well, which makes it a win in our book. Read more

5. Sunkissed Heart Wreath

This has got to be one of the neatest wreaths we've ever seen.  And even better...think of the variety of wreaths that could be created with this technique.  But for now, we'll settle on Valentine's Day... Read more

And If you don't feel crafty, here is our Valentine's Day Gift Guide

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Valentine's Day: 28 Days ~ 5 DIY Adorable Cards

Whether you want to make a sweet and fun Valentine to present to your kiddo or give a sentimental card for your sweetheart, we've found some extra special ideas to spark your imagination.

Read on to learn how to make five adorable DIY Valentine's Day Cards from 3-D cards to cute card kits.

1. Pop-Up Cards

When you really care, you just have to get all up in their faces -- and these pop-up cards pack a (loving) punch. Read more

2. Buttons Heart Card

Show off your crafty side and send a card that’s actually made from home. Read more

3. Make-Your-Own Cards Kit

 Package a cardstock heart, bejeweled brad, red crayon, and a blank card in cellophane. Include assembly instructions. Read more

4. Sweet Valentine Cards

It's hard to resist Valentine's Day suitors when they come bearing sweet treats. Read more

5. Valentine Fortune Tellers

Making these clever Valentine's Day cootie catchers is easy-peasy. Start by printing the free PDF pattern. Read more

Happy Crafting!

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Christmas Countdown: 5 Days ~ 6 Gifts Made From Your Family Photos

There's nothing more special than displaying your favorite personal pictures. Instead of tucking them in frames, though, make a cute DIY that really shows off your favorite pics. From using them to cover coasters to creating cute bling, all of these projects are easy to put together and only require a few basic materials.

Photo gifts can be fun, memorable, personalized, and even practical.

1. Photo Collage Tray

Add family photos and cover them with Modge Podge for protection! Read more

2. Personalized ‘Home’ Sign

Choose the photos you are going too use and make them look as letters through a photo editing program. Read more

3. Photo Pendants

Want to know how to make a glass tile pendant?? They're super easy & fun to make - you can do this! Read more

4. Tile Photo Coasters

Perfect for any special holiday, a set of these tile photo coasters will cost less than $5 to make... Plus they are so cute, you'll probably end up making another set for yourself. Read more

5. Photo Ornaments

These Christmas ornaments are not only great for your tree, but they also make wonderful projects for the kids and can be used as homemade presents to people. Read more

6. Photo Gift Tags

Set the bar high with your own personal gift tags. These homemade, sweet little creations are easy to make and won't break the bank. Read more

Happy Holidays!

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Christmas Countdown: 6 Days ~ Holiday Ideas for Gifts In A Jar

Gifts in a jar! These frugal consumable gifts feature kits, cookie ingredients or holiday beverage mixes.

Mason jars make easy homemade Christmas Gifts. Topped with a colorful fabric circle and a free printable gift tag, they're a welcome holiday present.

We've got all you need to know to make gifts in a jar. Get started with our instructions, tips and mason jar recipes and ideas for holiday giving.

Extra Tip: The key to a successful jar, besides including items that are actually useful, is color coordination.  It makes the entire gift look more cohesive and ups the cute factor.

1. Housewarming Gift in a Jar

Pull together a small housewarming gift for your beloved ones. Included yummy and useful goodies that can easily be put to use. Read more

2. Smores Cake in a Jar

Mason Jars make any kind of dessert very portable and easy to serve! These desserts will be perfect on those cold, winter nights when you are snuggling up and sharing dessert. Read more

3. Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti

These festive cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and will last for up to 3 weeks. Read more

4. Sewing Kit in a Jar

With just a little retrofitting, an old-fashioned Mason jar can become a new sewing kit with a built-in pincushion on top.  Read more

5. Candy Cane Bath Salts In A Jar

Pretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers. Sparked with the holiday scent of peppermint, Candy Cane Bath Salts are a seasonal treat. Read more

6. Homemade Snow Globe

Fill a jar with plastic figurines, water, and glitter to give loved ones a winter wonderland that never ends. Read more

7. Mason Jar Manicure Kit 

A manicure kit looks nice in a mason jar. You can choose at least one nail polish. Consider a red or glittery shade for the holidays. Read more

Happy Holidays!

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Christmas Countdown: 7 Days ~ Crochet Christmas Tree Decorations

Make your own vintage style home-made Christmas decorations with this very easy tutorial.

You will need;

• Felt in Brown/White/Red
• Red DK/Light worsted weight yarn for sewing
• Yarn needle & scissors
• Toy stuffing
• Ribbon
• PVA glue

• Black DK/Light worsted weight yarn (robin eyes)
• Green DK/Light worsted weight yarn (holly leaves - xmas pudd)
• Small red button (xmas pudd)
• White DK/Light worsted weight yarn (gingerbread man eyes)

Happy Crafting!

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Christmas Countdown: 15 Days ~ 7 Holiday Cocktail & Drink Recipes

Holiday time is here and that means friends, family and parties! And nothing helps makes a holiday party more successful than some good holiday drinks. Following are 7 recipes for some snazzy new cocktails plus some old time favorites!  

Happy Holidays to All! ..and please enjoy these drinks responsibly :)

1. Chilly Cranberry Margaritas

Add some flavor to this year's holiday party by serving Seagram's Escapes Chilly Cranberry Margaritas. This elegant drink is topped with cranberries and, for a festive touch, a fresh sprig of rosemary. Read more

2. Santa's Sleigh Cocktail

Pour the eggnog, brandy, amaretto, nutmeg, and ice cream mixture into martini glasses and garnish each glass with a whole cinnamon stick. Read more

3. Cranberry-Pineapple Cooler

Fresh cranberries are a colorful garnish for this tart and sweet alcohol-free punch. For a traditional red-and-green Christmas color combo, add a sprig of mint to each glass. Read more

4. Christmas Jones

This sweet highball drink begins with a blend of strawberries, pineapple and vodka and is topped with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing holiday cocktail. Read more

5. Champagne and Cranberries

Cranberries are an easy and festive way to dress up Champagne. Your guests will love watching the cranberries dance in the glass. Read more

6. Jingle Juice

Use candy canes as fun garnishes for this orange juice and vodka cocktail. Its red-orange color comes from the addition of maraschino cherry juice. Read more

7. Sparkling Pear and Cranberry Cocktail

Raise a glass and make a toast with sparkling wine drinks, including sparkling pear and cranberry cocktails, red currant-Champagne cocktails, and Kir royales. Read more

Happy Christmas MISIANS!

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