DIY: Chore Chart

I've seen instructions for DIY chore charts made with old picture frames and vinyl letters. Now,I do not have a fancy die cut machine nor do I work with vinyl.  But yet, I wanted something I could display our household's daily chores without making a huge chalk mess (from the chalkboard in the kitchen).

First:  Choose your paper.  I used an 8x10 frame I had hidden in my closet.  Make sure you don't choose anything with glitter or a super busy background.  You will be printing directly onto the paper and glitter doesn't mix well with printers!  Also, you want your words to be legible, so anything super busy could make it harder to read.

Second: Choose your frame.  I had this 8x10 black frame in my closet.  This works out well since I have a lot of black accents in my kitchen!

Third: Create your chart.  I chose items that had to be done everyday.  Also, keep it big, bold and black.  Again, you want it to stand out on your background.

Fourth: Print and frame!  It's as simple as that!  Do make sure you insert your paper in the correct way since the design is on one side (for most papers).

Here is my chore list hanging in my kitchen!  You can use a small tipped dry erase marker to put a check nest to items that get finished that day!  This is a super simple project that will not only help you stay organized and on top of chores, but it add a bit of color to a blank space!

Last Minute Gifts

Every year we make our lists and check them twice.....but we always forget to buy a gift someone!  Or maybe you are looking for a budget friendly, heartfelt gift to give.  Nothing can beat a homemade gift!  Here are a few recipes for some quick and easy gifts:

BAVARIAN MINT FLAVORED COFFEE

1/4 C. Powdered Creamer

1/3 C. Sugar

1/4 C. Instant Coffee

2 T. Powdered Baking Cocoa

2 hard candy Peppermints

Process in a blender on liquefy until well blended.

*Store in an air tight/decorative container such as a mason jar.

*Attach directions to container: Use by tablespoonfuls according to taste.Spoon in cup and add hot water.

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

1 1/4 c. water

1 c. salt

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

Heat water and salt together until salt slightly dissolves. Add to flour mixture.

Mix with hands until dough is smooth. Roll out. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on

foil lined baking sheets. Place in 300 degree oven for about 1 hour. Turn often.
Feel free to paint an decorate as you'd like!  This is fun for the kids and makes great gifts for grandparents!

INSTANT PEA SOUP MIX

Mix and pour into jar: -- (makes one soup mix)

1 cup green split pea flour -- (dried split peas ground to a fine flour)

2 tablespoons chicken broth powder

2 tablespoons dried onions

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups non fat dry milk powder

Attach to the jar:

To make soup: In medium saucepan over medium high heat, whisk soup mix into 6 cups

boiling water. Stir about 1 minute until mixture is incorporated. Turn heat to low, cover

and cook 2-5 minutes. Note: if desired, add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

(mixed, peas & carrots, or carrots), grated potatoes, minced celery, or ham to

boiling water and proceed as above. This soup thickens upon cooling. To reheat, add

a little milk or water to soup & heat.

Homemade

I have noticed that this year, there are more people who can't afford to buy Christmas gifts. So what can you do for that someone if you can't afford to spend a lot of money on them? Make your own gifts. Making homeade gifts can be as easy as cookie mix in a jar, to making a purse out of potato chip bags!

Here are a few sites that go beyond the basic, and even ordinary when it comes to homeade gifts:

http://www.craftbits.com/
http://www.celebrating-christmas.com/
http://www.homemade-gift-basket-ideas.com/