| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Dec 31 2011 : 07:44:03 AM
I am looking for fresh gifting ideas for 2012. So far I have:
-homemade vanilla extract in 1/2 pint jars
-truffle mold ornaments, and other new ones
-sets of thank you cards made with wallpaper scraps and boxes of envelopes
-another crochet lap blanket for one person
-homemade bath salts in a recycled, plastic, cheese bottle (still seeking a recipe to make this with my garden lavender)
I would love fresh ideas.
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://pioneerpatchworkhomespun.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MtnGrlByTheBay |
Posted - Dec 20 2012 : 1:08:13 PM
I plan to post this as part of a Farmgirl badge, but I'll put it here too. TBD on if the gift goes over well or not.
So I read "The Book of Awesome" by Pasricha. I thought it could be a really nice gift at Christmas to remind people that every day can present a gift, if we learn to appreciate the little things that make life Awesome.
I bought multiple copies of the book. It goes for around $10 now in paperback. Then we got little journals from Staples. We splurged a bit on these at about $8 each, but one could find cheaper alternatives. I put magnet strips on the back of each journal, so it could stay in a handy spot, like on the fridge. Inside each journal, I wrote:
-As you read the “Book of Awesome,” you’ll soon begin to notice the little Awesome things in your own life.
Keep this little book in a handy spot like the refrigerator, or nightstand. Use it to record life’s moments that are, “Awesome.”
Next Christmas, we can share our books with each other, and begin to recognize how our family truly is… Awesome.-
I put the little journal, and the copy of the Book of Awesome in a nice box and wrapped it up. That's my gift to all of my famiy members this year. It was presented to couples, young people and single folks.
It didn't turn out to be much of a money saver, by the time I paid for packaging and shipping, but I hope it'll make a point, none-the-less. I'll tell you how it turns out after Christmas...
Oh, and I forgot to add, that I had my young sons get in on the gift, by putting appropriate stickers all over the journals!!! So it was a gift from our WHOLE family.
^^^I'm a RidgeRunner, and will always feel best when surrounded by the PA mountains.^^^
www.lastlapgang.com |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Dec 17 2012 : 04:39:13 AM
Finances have challenged us, in the gifting department, this year.
I have been able to crochet a scarf for two of my brother's girlfriend's boys.
Today, I plan to can some jelly to gift this weekend. If I have the ingredients, I think I will also be making granola and gifting it in canning jars that I already have.
I'm currently knitting more dishcloths that I need finished by Saturday also.
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
The Family Farm Store: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
My Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| Catherine L |
Posted - Nov 30 2012 : 08:11:35 AM
Kristina, you mentioned a homesteading journal and Homemade Christmas journal. Is this where you just keep your ideas?
~Cathy~
Farmgirl 2428 http://www.my-fairhaven.blogspot.com/
http://adaywithnonnaandboompa.blogspot.com/ |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Nov 30 2012 : 07:27:10 AM
I just put together a box of handmade ornaments for my Aunt. I have not gifted her some for a few years, and she told me she shares them with her kids (my cousins), and enjoys getting them out every year.
I'm surprising her with a box, and I wrapped each one - he he he!
Last year I made cinnamon-honey butter, but I haven't come up with another "food" item yet. Granola sounds good, but I wonder if my ingredients will be too expensive.
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 15 2012 : 9:33:14 PM
That is a really nice Christmas gift. I know that in my house one of the first things to go is the snacks. When I am on a tight budget it means absolutely NO snacks. I am sure your sister will greatly appreciate gift.
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 15 2012 : 7:11:52 PM
My little sister is a single mom with a college kid at home and his fiancee living with them in the smallish basement of my dad's home. She is stretching her dollars really thin and can't afford much of a Christmas this year and she's just really depressed about that, so I'm sending over some big bags of homemade gourmet popcorn (which you can kind of use for edible "packing peanuts" by the way so long as you don't load heavy stuff on top of it), a bunch of homemade hot chocolate mix with homemade marshmallows, a bunch of rolls of freezer cookie dough,some homemade caramel sauce, a bag or two of locally roasted coffee and a bunch of other easily made munch-ables that can be popped out of the box for a ready made holiday snack-a-thon. She's working her tail off and if I can lighter her spirits just a little with a big box of Christmas, it's worth all the time and effort in the world to me.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 15 2012 : 6:22:00 PM
And I am making a lot this year - granola, dried apples and other fruits, dried tomatoes. Lots of food stuff for my side.
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 15 2012 : 6:20:24 PM
I've done the bed warmers this year too. One for my sister and one for my niece. Threw in some lavender buds.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Nov 15 2012 : 08:49:29 AM
I wanted to make some rice neck warmers. I have one, and we fight over it. Maybe next season :)
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| mtngirljon |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 3:15:53 PM
Sorry. Didn't mean vortex 2013. Meant for 2013. Not used to autocorrect!
Jonnie
Farmgirl #648
"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you" - Maori Proverb
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| mtngirljon |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 3:11:24 PM
Interesting. I always used my neckpad as a bedwarmer too! There are such great ideas here. May not get them done for this year, but plenty of ideas vortex 2013! Don't remember who talked about this, but what is a "homestead journal"? Sounds like it might be what I've been thinking about to record all my recipes and ideas.
Isn't being a farmgirl fun?
Jonnie
Farmgirl #648
"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you" - Maori Proverb
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| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 2:30:46 PM
I like the idea of "Bed Warmers"... I am going to try that one. Thanks!
Julie
Farmgirl #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
| MtnGrlByTheBay |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 11:54:43 AM
I've made "Bed Warmers" before. One Christmas I made these neck pads, that had rice in them that you put in the microwave. My sister said she and her husband fought over it, not to use as a neck pad for sore shoulders, but as a bed warmer! Who likes to crawl into COLD SHEETS? So a following Christmas, I designed "Bed Warmers." Same principle, but I just made foot squares out of flannel, sewed in channels, and filled them with rice and barley and a few drops of scented oil. Then I sewed up the end. You put them in the microwave for about 2 and a half minutes and then slip them in your bed. This makes a nice warm spot, and when you crawl in you can slide the warmer down by your feet. It's really nice and they stay warm for about an hour!
The only problem is... they can be heavy and expensive to ship to distant relatives! Plus you really can't get them wet. Still, my family STILL begs for their bed warmers at night! I've made smaller ones too, that don't take as long to heat up in the microwave.
^^^I'm a RidgeRunner, and will always feel best when surrounded by the PA mountains.^^^
www.lastlapgang.com |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Nov 06 2012 : 11:37:26 AM
Laurie,
That sounds like a lovely comforting recipe. Thank you for sharing. Kristina, don't know how many times I can thank you or think to thank you for all your ideas. You really inspire me.
Marianne |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Nov 05 2012 : 07:08:41 AM
Thank you Laurie. This is going in my homesteading journal and in my "Homemade Christmas" journal. 
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 04 2012 : 6:09:08 PM
The one I used called for 2 tsp beeswax, 1/4 cup olive oil, 25-35 drops peppermint essential oil, 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil and 10-15 drops rosemary essential oil. This I made for family.
Since I made some for me too (with an infant) I changed it as peppermint isn't good for him. I used the 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil and substituted 10-15 drops lavender essential oil.
Use a double boiler to melt wax with oil and then add oil off stove. I poured into a small baby food jar.
Laurie
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 04 2012 : 4:09:19 PM
Laurie, I would love to have that vapor rub recipe too!
Julie
Farmgirl Sister #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Nov 04 2012 : 3:58:39 PM
Lori, that sounds like a perfect gift :)
I have been canning so that will be for gifts along with homemade marshmallows and fresh roasted coffee roasted by my honey. My husband also makes soap so that will be gifted as well.
I would like to make some simmering scents with rosemary, dried lemon slices and vanilla bean. It smells so good!
I found this cute idea for making bookmarks and when I come across some beat up older books I want to try this:
http://marmeespantry.blogspot.com/2012/10/marking-spot.html
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Nov 02 2012 : 04:48:33 AM
Laurie, can you share the recipe and how to make it?
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 2:42:26 PM
I am making vapor rub for family. No petroleum and I know what's in it.
http://www.inntheorchardbnb.com/ |
| annielaurel |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 05:24:04 AM
Kristina, I get so many wonderful ideas from you. I made most of my gifts this year. One thing I did add on my to-make gifts list was the potato bag. I wanted to make them for the family members and friends so I googled "Potato bag" and got wonderful directions on how to do it.
Hope you had a fun Halloween.
Hugs,
Nancy
Make everyday a celebration of the heart. |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 12:17:36 PM
I just finished this "mug rug" for hubby for Christmas. It's really a placemat, but it's perfect for his beer and snack on football nights at home.
I just have to weave in the ends.
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| annielaurel |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 05:25:44 AM
Kristina, you are so clever and have such good ideas. I am going to make some of the bookmarks you discribed and I love the playing card ornaments. I have a lot of playing cards so I may use that idea, too.
Nancy
Make everyday a celebration of the heart. |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 05:04:18 AM
You brought back some memories. I haven't made popcorn and cranberry string for many years. Ahh....the memories.
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://pioneerpatchworkhomespun.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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| KatyDid |
Posted - Aug 27 2012 : 09:40:06 AM
Hi everyone! This is my first post as Farmgirl Sister #4527, so I'm excited to be reading all these great tips (and sharing new ones in the near future)! My goal, too, is to make more presents this year, rather than having to go out and buy things.
Regarding the bird ornament question (for hanging outdoors), I work for Droll Yankees, a made in USA bird feeder manufacturer, so we've heard some interesting ways to feed birds!
As a kid, I too made "bird ornaments" to hang outside by tying a ribbon to the top of an opened-up/dry pinecone, smearing it with natural peanut butter, and then inserting dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), and plain nuts and seeds under the spines. You can then roll the whole thing in a good quality bird seed and tie it out in a bush or tree, and see the birds enjoying it! This is probably the safest and easiest type of ornament to make for them.
If you're feeling slightly handier than that, woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds like nuthatches like to eat peanut butter and suet out of logs and thick branches. You could either drill holes in a piece of wood and fill them with goodies, or find an older tree piece with existing holes to fill, and then hang that up with chain or rope, and they'll be all over it!
I read about another great idea at my local Audubon society last year: bird wreaths! They were running a workshop on how to assemble and wire the wreaths together, and they seemed to combine traditional, decorative wreath elements with edible pods and seeds that birds like to eat. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the workshop, but I would have liked to make one! Try purple coneflowers, sunflower heads, and other seed-bearing flowers; the finches will love them in colder weather when food is more scarce.
Lastly, it's also easy to pop some plain popcorn and string it with some raw cranberries, and make "bird garlands" to decorate bushes with. Just be sure to take down the string after it's all been eaten to avoid entanglements (and keep it out of reach of the family dog - some of ours have gotten eaten even before the birds could get to it!).
Good luck - I'm sure the birds will thank you!
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
- Mae West |
