Roo vs. The Shovel

It's been snowing like crazy in Boulder over the past 6 hours or so. The ironic thing is that by Friday and Saturday we'll have temps in the 50s and maybe even 60s. Weird.

A thrifty way to clear snow - the kids. It saves both time and money. And it's pretty cute, too.

Here's the Dealio

Some fun finds for a Monday morning:

zulily - Cupcakes & Pastries up to 45% off (some of the cutest girls clothes I've seen in a LONG time)

BoCo Daily Deal - 6 cupcakes for $10 (regular price is $2.50.ea) at Kim & Jake's Cakes in Boulder

Groupon - $59 for 1 month unlimited classes plus first week of classes free (regular price $159) at CorePower Yoga

WeeklyPlus - $10 for $20 purchase at Wild Bangkok (organic thai food)

Thrifty New Uses for Old-Fashioned Remedies

Since I'm always looking for a deal, I've been looking for unique uses of items available at any drug store. Plus I love the idea of utilizing old-fashioned products today. There's a reason these items have been around for decades.

Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub was created in the 1890s at a family drug store and reached success in 1918 during the Spanish flu epidemic. Originally called "Magic Croup Salve," the name was changed to VapoRub in 1912.

In addition to relieving congestion, VapoRub can be used to:

• Soften feet and elbows
• Keep energetic kittens from scratching legs
• Relieve the itching and burn of mosquito and fire ant bites

1.76 oz for about $4 and Vicks currently offers a coupon for $1 off 

Vaseline

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly has been around since 1887 when chemist Robert Augustus Chesebrough noticed a jelly-like substance on oil drilling rods. He purified the jelly to a clear smooth substance and Vaseline was born.

Vaseline can be used to:

• Revitalize leather shoes
• Loosen rings stuck to your fingers 
• Keep shampoo out of baby's eyes (a little dab above the eyebrows is all it takes)
• Keep light bulb threads from sticking to the socket
• Keep the wheels on skateboards and skates lubricated
• Keep wax from sticking to candle holders
• Get chewing gum out of hair

A 13 oz jar costs a mere $3.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola was originally created as a cure for numerous afflictions - exhaustion, headaches, impotence and indigestion - in 1886. The carbonated water was added to the caramel-colored liquid and a legend was born.

Coca-Cola can be used to:

• Remove rust
• Clean windows
• Make marinade for ham and chicken
• Remove skunk smell
• De-blacken pots
• Relieve pain from jellyfish stings 
• Kill bugs
• Create explosions (Coke and Mentos, anyone?)

Next time you're looking to solve a household problem, try using these products in a new way.

Twitter Hop Thursday - February 3

Welcome to Twitter Hop Thursday, hosted by Simply Stacie, The King’s Court IV, Little Yaya’s, Kelly's Lucky You and Dear Crissy.

Would you like more Twitter followers and be introduced to more neat blogs and businesses out there? Come and join us!!

1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).

2. Click on Twitter for the four hostesses and follow each of them. They will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they’ll know where to follow you!

Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you’ll see “Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code”. Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!

We have selected a Twitterer of the Week from last week’s entries and the lucky winner is @whyrustalkingme! They will be in the #6 spot! We will choose next week’s winner from everyone who participated today.

Please only add your Twitter url. All other entries will be deleted. Thank you!

Today's Dealios

The deals just don't stop coming. . .

BoCo Deals - $39 ($82 value) 1-month unlimited use Flatiron Athletic Club in Boulder.

LivingSocial Deals - $20 ($40 value) toward any class at Bella Glass Studios in Denver.

WeeklyPlus - $25 ($50 value) for 3 yoga classes and 2-week unlimited use at The Yoga Mat in Denver.

zulily - Hazel girls clothing up to 45% off, Trendy Tykes ties for boys (so cute!) over 30% off

HearthSong - 20% off featured item for 3-days

The Container Store - annual 30% off elfa sale

Southwest Airlines - Click 'n Save deals (as low as $144 roundtrip DIA to DC)

LOFT - extra 60% off sale items

Beauty Deals in Unexpected Places

You never know when you'll find a beauty deal, especially in unexpected places.

On a recent Sunday, the Diva and I were killing time while we waited to pick up Roo from a birthday party. We decided to go to Borders for coffee - Seattle's Best - and book browsing since, like her mommy, she is the girl who loved books. After hot chocolate - with whipped cream of course - and a latté, we took a look around and found some significant markdowns on Paperchase merchandise. And, voilá!

Marked down from $9.99 to 98¢. What a steal! Lip balm for the winter in yummy flavors and colors.

Sweet!

Radio Silence

Over the past week I've been mulling over my state of affairs. No writing. Thinking. Reflecting. Considering.

I've been thinking about my day-to-day activities and long-term plans. As a stay-at-home mom, I've got a pretty good gig. I can't get fired, I don't get performance reviews (most of the time), and I get to spend time with my kids, volunteer at school and care for my family. 

But it's no secret that women often lose their identities while raising children. On the one hand, you embark on the best and most difficult job you'll ever have. On the other, you put yourself on the back burner. Oh, alright, you can disagree if you want or think it won't happen to you. I never thought it would happen to me. I would NEVER lose myself or step off my path. 

In college I had nothing but disdain for the female students attending simply to get their "MRS" degree. I had better things to do. However, things didn't go according to plan. As they say, "Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans." Nothing tragic or disappointing. Just not many of the things I had envisioned. 

I am, afterall, the sum total of my choices and experiences. No one held a gun to my head and forced me to do something I didn't want to do. I happily made my choices.

I've been thinking and thinking about what I want to be "when I grow up" and I still don't have a clue. I'm troubled that I somehow morphed from a focused child/young person, seemingly without notice, into an adult in a perpetual state of limbo. It's not efficient (read: thrifty) or very satisfying. I know that I'm the only one that can do anything about it. But it's hard to do. 

Let's face it, I'm not Madonna and don't have her preternatural ability to constantly reinvent herself. 

Damn.

Wordless Wednesday

Help! My Nails Are Yellow

No I don't have nail fungus. Dark nail polish has made my finger nails yellow. Yuck.

Not my nails, but the color is pretty close.
The stains on my nails are  just on the top third.

The thriftiest and best tip I've come across is from The Doctors (see video here). Take a soft toothbrush and use a circular motion to spread whitening toothpaste on your nails. It really works. Obviously you don't want to use the toothbrush that goes in your mouth!

After Christmas Fun

Yesterday the fam went up to Rocky Mountain National Park to sled. There were tons of people on the hill; it looked like a bad 70s movie. It was really fun but cold, cold, cold! We tailgaited aprés sled with hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows. Delish but too cold to stand outside and boil the water. Always an adventure, though.

I realize I owe my final recipe for the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies/Treats. On Christmas Eve, I completed the journey with a fudge recipe from the marshmallow bag. Thank God we've reached the end. My thighs say, "NO!"

Easy Fudge

2 tablespoons butter
⅔ cup evaporated mile
1¾ cups sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2½ cups miniature marshmallows
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Combine butter, milk, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Boil for 4-5 minutes, stirring.
3. Remove from heat; stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, walnuts and vanilla.
4. Stir vigorously until chocolate chips and marshmallows are melted.
5. Pour into a foil-lined or buttered 8x8 baking pan.
6. Sprinkle with additional walnuts if desired.
7. Chill until firm.

Happy Holidays!

12 Days of Christmas Cookies - Day 9

Mexican Wedding Cookies, aka Russian Tea Cakes, are my favorite cookies, hands down. Luckily I found a high altitude recipe in Pie in the Sky that works like a charm.

Mexican Wedding Cookies
Makes about 40 (1-inch diameter) cookies
Recipe for 5,000 feet

½ pound butter
2½ cups sifted cake or all-purpose flour
½ cup sifted confectioners' sugar
½ generous teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon almond extract
sifted confectioners' sugar for rolling and storing cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and divide oven into thirds. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased.
2. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, preferably with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually beat in flour, sifted confectioners' sugar, salt, nuts and extracts.
3. With lightly floured fingers, pinch off small lumps of dough and roll them between your palms into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then set them on prepared cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or just until the tops are a pale golden color; don't let them get too brown.
5. When cookies come out of the oven, set the pan on a wire rack and cool 4-5 minutes. While cookies are still warm, roll in sifted confectioners' sugar to coat well. Set on waxed paper to cool completely.
6. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered with additional sifted confectioners' sugar.

They're not perfectly coated or ready for their close-up, but they melt in your mouth nonetheless. Delish.

12 Days of Christmas Cookies - Days 7 and 8

Goin' old school. . .

Magic Cookie Bars
Makes 24 bars

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1⅓ cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Spray 13x9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter in a small bowl. Press into bottom of prepared pan.
3. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. 
4. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly brown.
6. Loosen from sides of pan while still warm, cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars or diamonds.

A newbie, too. . .

Drop-and-Bake Lace Cookies
Makes 36 cookies

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
⅓ cup very finely chopped pecans
¼ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugars and cream and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans, flour and salt.
2. Drop level teaspoons of the warm batter, spacing them 4 inches apart, onto parchment-lined baking sheets. If the batter cools between batches and can't be scooped, rewarm it slightly.
3. Bake, rotating the sheets halfway through, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Cool on the sheets until firm, about 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Phew! I'm finally caught up.

12 Days of Christmas Cookies/Treats - Days 5 and 6

Roo and I have been down for the count for a couple of days and I'm incredibly behind in my cookie, candy and treat efforts. Plus, the Diva has been at sleepovers two nights in a row and couldn't pick up the slack. She cleaned the kitchen for me, though, between her social engagements, and it was a huge help. Since I've been sick, I haven't been able to even look at food. So here's to catching up on lost time.

Peppermint Bark
Makes 24 (2-inch) pieces

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup crushed candy canes

1. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat.
2. Spread melted chocolate evenly into an 8 x 8 inch pan.
3. Sprinkle candy over chocolate (quick tip: sift crushed candy through a fine sieve to remove the powder).
4. Let cool two hours in the refrigerator.
5. Break into bite-size pieces and enjoy.
6. Bark will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks.

Marshmallows
Makes 20 large marshmallows

Nonstick cooking spray
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (4¼ teaspoons)
¾ cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
⅔ cup light corn syrup
⅓ cup refrigerated egg white product or 2 pasteurized egg whites
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons cornstarch
⅔ cup powdered sugar

1. Lightly coat an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line pan with plastic wrap, or line bottom of pan with waxed paper or parchment paper. Coat the plastic or paper with nonstick cooking spray; set pan aside.
2. In a large metal or heatproof bowl sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup cold water; set aside.
3. In a 2-quart heavy saucepan stir together remaining ¼ cup water,1¾  cups of the sugar, and the corn syrup until combined. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Cook without stirring, over medium-high heat until the thermometer registers 260 degrees, 12-15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat; pour over gelatin mixture in bowl and stir well to combine (mixture will foam up).
5. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl beat the egg whites and salt with an electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form, 3-4 minutes. Beat in vanilla until combined. 
6. With the mixer running on high speed, gradually add gelatin mixture to egg white mixture, beating about 7 minutes or until thick (like the consistency of thick, pourable cake batter). 
7. Quickly pour marshmallow mixture into prepared pan, spreading to edges of pan. Lightly coat another piece of plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray; place, coated side down over marshmallow mixture. Let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
8. Remove plastic wrap from top of marshmallow. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and cornstarch. Sprinkle ¼ of the mixture onto a large cutting board. Loosen sides of marshmallows and invert onto cutting board. Sprinkle the top with some of the remaining powdered sugar mixture. Using a knife that's been dipped in warm water, cut into 20 marshmallows. Place remaining powdered sugar mixture and a few marshmallows at a time into a resealable plastic bag and toss until coated.
9. Store marshmallows between sheets of waxed paper or parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Or freeze up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature before serving.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 12

The 12th day of the 12 Days of Christmas Crafts. I have to admit it's a bit of a relief; I need to move on to other Christmas preparations. It's another knitting project. Very crafty, quick and it makes a great gift.

Simple Mohair Scarf

A skein of mohair yarn

Size 15 needles

Finished size 4" x 72"

Cast on 16 stitches (or the number needed to make the scarf your desired witdth).

Knit every row until you reach the desired length.

It's a light and airy scarf you can wear any time of year.

That's it. Really easy.

Don't forget - the parade of cookies starts tomorrow.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 11

Today I'm sharing nostalgic ornaments from my childhood. I've always loved these small figures; ever since my mother bought them at a holiday bazaar at St. Michael's Church in Olympia. She knew how much I loved them, so she gave them to me the first Christmas in my first home.

They are teeny tiny, only 2.25 inches high, made from felt, corduroy, and satin.

The detail is beautiful. I'm not sure I could make anything so small and if I did, it wouldn't look nearly as good.

Very special and adorable.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 9

Hubby isn't the only member of the family with his very own stocking.

The Diva, Roo and I have stockings, too. I made them from coordinating upholstery fabrics and added lots of vintage mother of pearl buttons. The dogs even have one of their own.

Very different from Hubby's - remember, I said he's unique - but we love ours just the same. They're homey, cozy and a little bit country (Marie Osmond's ears are perking up).

Can't wait to see the things Santa tucks inside.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 6

Knitting is a wonderful way to relax and a great way to make thrifty handmade gifts.

Thanks to the Diva for modeling

This scarf couldn't be simpler or easier to make:

Bulky Slit Scarf
Bulky homespun yarn
Size 11 needles or size to obtain gauge - 3 stiches and 4 rows to the inch
Finished size - 4.5 inches x 30 inches

Cast on 14 stitches
Knit in K2P1 rib for 27 rows
K2, P1, K2, P1, K1, turn and P1, K1, P2, K1, P2; repeat these two rows 5 times
Place stitches on holder and cut yarn
Rejoin yarn to stitches remaining on needle, K1, P1, K2, P1, K2 turn and P1, K1, P2, K1, P2 for 10 rows, cut yarn
Place stitches from holder onto left needle and work all stitches in K2P1 rib until the piece measures 30 inches
Bind off and weave in ends

It makes a small cozy scarf perfect for a frosty winter night.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 4

Christmas ornaments made from wool felt have such a lovely homespun quality. Plus, they are quick and easy to make.

Find some free stencils on the web and trace onto felt. Cut your pieces and use blanket stitch to outline the ornaments. I think embroidery thread works best.

If you like, embellish the pieces. Clear seed beads enhance the bow, handstitched by yours truly. I love the juxtaposition of sparkle paired with rustic materials.

Make some hot chocolate - or a hot toddy if you prefer - settle in near the fire, and stitch some up for yourself or friends.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 3

Pears make such terrific christmas ornaments. 12 days of Christmas, right?

I'm missing the partridge, but I have some gorgeous pears on my Christmas tree.

I've had these ornaments for years and years. I took a painted finishes class - way before the faux finish craze took off - with a friend in the 90s. Seems like a lifetime ago. The instructor's name was Barbara LeBlanc and the name of her business was Three French Hens Farm; apropos, non? Unfortunately, in all of these years, I've never found her work online.

Shortly after the 8-week class concluded, Barbara held a trunk show. Of course all of the students flocked to the room filled with her work. I scooped up three pear ornaments since I'm crazy for Christmas ornaments.

They are simple to make. If you can find whole dried pears or dry them yourself, glue a single gold leaf and gold cord at the stem, and voila, you've got a fab, thrifty ornament. I have not been able to locate whole dried pears on the web, and I'm not sure of the best way to dry them at home (while preserving the color). Sun drying or oven drying? Maybe a dehydrator?

Let me know what you think. I always love to hear from you.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 2

A few years ago I found myself without a tree skirt. I used burlap for awhile but got bored, so on to something else.

Since I couldn't find anything thrifty and fabulous, I embarked on my own crafty version. I found some gorgeous wool felt in crimson, snowy white and ebony. A tight weave and soft to the touch.

The final skirt features black silhouettes and hand stitching. I confess that I don't know how to use a sewing machine very well, especially anything beyond straight seems. Sad, I know.

It was simple to make. Craft your own compass with a pencil and string and draw circles on red felt and white felt, making sure the two colors have different circumferences. Find some free stencils on the web and trace on black felt. Cut your pieces and stitch away.

Lucy, aka Fattie, our cocker spaniel, decided to stand on the skirt.
I'm so glad I put it on the floor.

The final product:

I still haven't finished decorating the tree so the skirt is patiently waiting to be placed underneath. No point in cleaning up pine needles twice, especially from the felt.