Easter Crafts: DIY Egg Dying

I use to buy those egg dying kits on clearance after Easter for the next year. Problem? I never could remember where I put them and I was too cheap to go pay full price for a new kit. Skip it all- here is a super easy way to do it yourself and it requires pretty much no skill – your older kid could do it!

Ingredients –

distilled vinegar
food coloring
water
container for dye – use something narrow but large enough to get the egg in and out – (I used a paper bowl but had to roll the egg a few times to get it all colored because it was too wide)
something to dry them on- a cookie rack works well
tongs or something to get the eggs out of the water

1) Half a cup boiling water – I used a glass measuring cup and popped it in the microwave for 4 minutes.

2) Add 1 teaspoon vinegar.

3) Add 20 drops food coloring.

4) Mix and drop your eggs in. I ran a cold egg under hot water for 15 seconds to help keep it from cracking.

5) Put the dye in the egg and let “soak” for 15 -30 seconds depending how dark you want it.

Set on cookie rack with something(pie pan?) under it to catch the drips and let dry.

 

If you want a pattern on the egg you can draw on it with white crayon. The dye won’t “catch” that part of the shell. You can also add stickers, glue on pom poms, sequins, etc.

Have fun with it and use your imagination!

Garbage Day: Re-Purposing Newspaper

I get the paper for the coupons. I rarely actually sit down and READ the newspaper. What a novel idea that would be! Sometimes I feel guilty about all that paper that goes to waste so I try to find ways to re-use it.

Here are somethings I do with my newspaper –

Use it in place of paper towels to clean mirrors and glass – works awesome!

Wrap a gift in it – I use cartoons for kids’ gifts and baby shower gifts. Use the section that interests the person who gets the gift – sports for the sports fanatic, etc.

Wrap fragile things in it. My mom always did this when we moved (and now I do)

Shred it and dye it for a unique Easter grass.

I have seen people shred it and use it in place of cedar chips for small pets – not sure if it is safe or not. Research before you try it.

Line planter pots with it. I remember my mom use to put several layers in the bottom of a pot  when adding stones for drainage before the dirt was added.

Place it in a photo frame with a slightly smaller photo over it for a cool matted look. Adds a statement without costing more money.

You can also ball it up and put in a jar with other small objects for a unique accent piece.

Make a newspaper garden – who knew?

What great tips do you have for using your newspaper….besides reading it?

Review and Giveaway: Sapphire Ice, Hallee Bridgeman

Another blogger I follow who is also friend of quite a few of my friends is a writer author. She just published her first book – Sapphire Ice!!! Congratulations Hallee Bridgeman!

Hallee writes edgy  Christian romance novels. Instead of your run of the mill sweet and oh so fake Christian romance, hers is real life style, with real emotions. However, while it’s edgy, it’s also sex free.  Don’t let “Christian” or “sex free” stop you from reading it though. In Sapphire Ice, the main characters, Robin and Tony haven’t come from perfect families and Hallee will pull you into their life journeys from page number one. Set in Boston, the descriptiveness of the book will make you feel like you know her characters and if you are like me, you won’t be able to put the book down.  Her writing is good enough to not need all the extra junk as filler. You can enter for a chance to win her book, your choice – autographed hard copy or an e-book.  Here’s what I think though. Since the book is only $0.99 for a very limited time I suggest buying the e-book (in many formats and at the links listed below) and entering for a hard copy.

Sapphire Ice is available at Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Enter below with Rafflecopter and make sure to follow the directions in filling out the mandatory entries. Then have filling out the extra entries.

[Read more…]

ACME: Deals and Instant Savings 3/30-4/5

 

**Buy 4 participating General Mills Products, Get FREE MILK on your next order**

All items 2/$5

Cheerios, 8.9 oz.
1.00/2 Cheerios (IP)
.50/1 Honey Nut Cheerios
1.00/2 Cheerios – No clip coupon

 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 12,8 oz.

 

Trix, 10.7 oz.

 

Kix, 8.7 oz.

 

Cookie Crisp, 11.25 oz.
.75/1 Cookie Crisp (IP)

 

Frosted Toast crunch, 12.3 oz.

 

Total, 10.6 oz.

 

Nature Valley Granola Bars, 6.7 – 8.9 oz.

 

Granola Thins, 6 oz.

 

Protein bars – 7.1 oz.

 

Fiber One Brownies, 5.34 oz.

 

Fiber One Bars, 4.1 – 7 oz.

1.00/3 General Mills Cereals – 3/11/12 SS
.50/1  Nature Valley Protein Bars – 3/25/12 SS
1.00/2 Nature Valley Protein Bars – 2/26/12 SS
1.00/3 GM Cereals (IP)
1.00/2 Cheerios (IP)
**END GM DEAL**

 

 

**Buy $20 of Products listed below, save $5 OYNO**
ALL 3/4/12 PG COUPONS expire 3/31/12

Tide – 11.99

 

Stain release, 34 ct., 50 oz. Powder, 68 oz. Liquid
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Laundry Detergent, 100 oz. Liquid, 95-116 oz. Powder
1.00/1 Tide Detergent – 3/11/12 SS

 

Charmin Ultra bath tissue, 12 ct. double, 6 ct. mega – 6.99
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Charmin Freshmates, refill, 80 ct. – 3.79

 

Bounce or Gain Dryer bar , 3 month – 4.99

 

Downy or Bounce Fabric Softener, 41-51 oz. Liquid, 105 – 120 ct. – 4.99
.50/1 Downy – 3/11/12 SS

 

Puffs family or Cube facial tissue, 3-4 ct. package – 4.99
Coupon 3/4/12 PG

 

Bounty Giant roll Paper towels, 8 ct. – 10.99

 

Bounty Napkins, 200 ct. or napkins with dispenser, 50 ct. – 3.59

 

Crest toothpaste, 4-8.2 oz. – 2.99

 

Oral B toothbrush, 1 ct. – 2.99

 

Cascade Action Oacs, 40-60 ct. – 13.59
.25/1 or 1.00/2 Cascade 3/4/12 PG

 

Pampers Superpack Diapers, 58-112 ct. – 25.99
1.00/1 Pampers – 3/4/12 PG
1.50/ 1 Pampers (IP)

 

Iams cat food, 6-8 lb. – 12.99
1.00/1 Iams product – 3/4/12 PG

 

Iams Dog food, 15.5 – 17.5 oz. – 20.79
1.00/1 Iams Product – 3/4/12 PG

 

Dawn ultra dish detergent, 56 oz. – 5.99

 

Always, Tampax or Radiant pantiliners, 12-64 ct. – 3.79
.50/1 or 1.00/2 Always pads or pantiliners – 3/4/12 PG
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Always Infinity Pads or Tampax Pearl, 14-18 ct. – 3.79

 

Pringles super stack, 5.71 oz. – 6.73 oz. – 1.50
1.00/4 Pringles – 3/18/12 RP

 

Lipton Iced tea, 12 pk., 16.9 oz. – 2/$10

 

Pantene – shampoo, conditioner or hair styling – 2/$7
3.00/2 Pantene – 2/26/12 SS

 

Propel Fitness Water, 6 pk., 16.9 oz. – 2/$7

 

Munchies Snack Mix, 8 oz. – 2.79

 

Quaker Bars, Baked breakfast, Chewy Granola – 2/$5
Coupons in 3/25/12 RP to match?
1.00/2  or .75/2 – 3/18/12 RP

 

Cap’n Crunch, Life, 12.5 – 16 oz. – 2/$5

 

Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Next, 2 liter – 4/$5
.55/1 Diet Pepsi 2 liter- 3/18/12 SS

 

Aquafina Purified water, 24 pk., 16.9 oz. – 2/$8

 

Cheetos, 7.75 -9.75 oz. – 2/$4

 

Frito Lay – canned dip, corn chips – 2/$4

 

Gatorade/G2 Sports drinks, 8 pk., 20 oz. – 2/$11

**END DEAL**

 

 

*Nestle Pure Life, Buy 2, Save $1, Buy 3, Save $3, Buy 4 or more, Save $5 OYNO**

Nestle Pure Life, 24 pk. 16.9 oz. – 3/$11

 

**Buy Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipwrecked on DVD, 14.99 or Blu-ray/DVD, 19.99
GET –
1 Hawaiian Punch 6 pk., 10 oz. Bottles FREE
1 Little Debbie Family Pack, FREE
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**END Alvin and the Chipmunks**

 

**SHOP MORE, SAVE MORE – BUY NOW, SAVE ON YOUR NEXT TRIP**

MUST BUY LIKE ITEMS FOR Buy XX, SAVE XX (i.e. Buy 2 Hershey’s chips, save $1)
BUY 2, GET $1

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Snapple iced tea, 64 oz. – 2/$4

 

Planter’s Peanut Butter, 15-16 oz., 2/$6

 

Jet Puffed marshmallows – 2/$2

 

Super Chill Soda, 12 pk. – 2.79

 

Nabisco belVita, 8.8 oz. – 2.99

 

Emerald Peanuts, 16 oz. – 2/$6
1.00/1 or 1.00/2 Planters nuts – 3/11/12 RP

 

Nabisco Newtons, 8-16 oz. – 3.99

 

PAM – 2/$6

 

Silk Soy, Almond, Coconut or Premium Milk – 64 oz. – 2/$6
.75/2 Silk products (IP)
1.00/1 Silk Coconut milk (IP)

 

Birds Eye vegetables, Steamfresh or Blends – 2/$5

 

Sargento Shredded Cheese, 5-8 oz. – 2/$5

 

Alexia frozen potatoes, Onion rings – 2/$7
.55/1 or 1.00/2 – 3/18/12 SS
1.00/1 Alexia product – Facebook
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Quaker Real Medleys – 2/$3 – Keep your eyes open for rebates

 

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.50/2 or 1.00/2 Pop Secret – 2/19/12 RP

 

Sylvania Double Life Soft White bulbs, 4 ct.- 2/$4

 

Head and Shoulders shampoo or conditioner – 2/$10
(Coupons in Sunday’s paper?)

 

Colgate toothpaste, toothbrush, 1 ct. – 2/$7
.40/1 Toothpaste or toothbrush – 3/25/12 SS
.75/1 or 1.00/1 Colgate toothpaste – 3/25/12 SS
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Buy 2 Carlita Salsa, Save 50%

 

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Lindt Gold Bunny or mini packs – 2/$7

 

Kettle Chips, 8-8.5 oz. – 2/$4
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BUY 3, SAVE $1

McCormick Mix – Bag n’ season, Beef, Pasta sauce, Slow Cooker Seasoning – 3/$4

 

Idahoan Boxed Potatoes Casserole – 3/$3

 

Cadbury Mini eggs 10 oz. Packages, Hershey’s Easter, 6 pk., chocolate 10-12 oz. – 3/$10
coupons – 3/25/12 SS

 

Starburst or Life Savers, Jelly Beans 13- 14 oz., Skittles pastel bags, 10.5 oz. – 3/$7

BUY 2, SAVE $2

Super Chill Iced tea, 12 pk., 16.9 oz. – 2/$8

 

Tyson breaded chicken, nuggets, patties, tenders – 4.99
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Purina Cat Chow, 7 lb. – 8.99

 

ALPO Dog Food, 16 lb. – 8.99
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Swiffer Wet Jets pad refills – 5.99
1.00/1 wet jet refills – 2/19/12 RP

 

Scott Mega paper towels, 8 ct.- 7.99
1.00/1 Scott paper towels – 3/25/12 SS

 

Swiffer Wet Jet Solution – 3.99

 

Swiffer Cleaning refills or dusters, 1-16 ct. – 4.59

**B1 Start Kit, G1 refill free coupon – 3/4/12 PG Expires 3/31**

BUY 4, SAVE $1

Duncan Hines cake mix, classic, 18.25 oz., Signature, 16-18.25 oz. – 4/$5
1/00/2 Duncan Hines – 2/5/12 SS

 

Libby’s vegetables, 12- 15.25 – 4/$3
1/00/4 Libby’s vegetables – 11/13/11 RP

BUY 6, SAVE $1

Renuzit Adjustables, 7.5 oz. – 6/$6
B2, get 1 free – 3/11/12 RP

BUY 1, GET $2.50

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2.00/1 or 1.50/1 Huggies – 3/18/12 SS
3.00/2 Huggies Slip on (IP)
2.00/1 Goodnites (IP)

BUY 1, SAVE $2

Swiffer Wet Jet Starter Kit – 19.99

BUY 1, SAVE .50

Hefty Waste Bags, 20-80 ct. – 6.99
1.00/1 Hefty trash bags – 1/1/12 RP