Prudent Projects & Smart Solutions - Week 13


Thank you so much to everyone who participated in last week's Prudent Projects and Smart Solutions  linky party. Here are some of the great ideas that were linked up:

I love this post from One Creative Mommy. Hop on over for step-by-step instructions for dehydrating pears. She made pear fruit roll-ups using the dehydrator too.


These painted pumpkins from Glamorous, Affordable Life are beautiful! They are sure to last much longer than carved jack-o-lanterns.



I hope I remember this trick when I need it! Jessi at Practically Functional shows us how to hang a picture with a soda pop tab. She's so smart!
 

 In case you missed the Smart Solution I posted this week, read about my favorite method to mix natural peanut butter.

Let's see what smart solutions you have to share this week. It can be an old post or a recent post, just anything that you feel will help others.

I  would love to feature some of your great ideas each week, so by linking up you agree to let me feature your wonderful idea (with full attribution and a link to your post, of course!).

I've started a Pinterest board for the featured posts, too, so your idea will get even more exposure.

Share your great ideas and link up!

Wise Words

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Homemade Holidays: Modge Podge Coasters

There are so many possibilities with this homemade gift idea that you are sure to come up with something special for your gift recipient.

I have seen many tutorials for photo coasters which are a great idea for family. Here are some other ideas that could be used for hostess gifts, or just about anyone!


Check out the detailed tutorial for coasters using napkins at Stranded in Cleveland.



Or these chalkboard coasters from Crazy Wonderful.


Recall fond memories of a trip with these coasters made using maps from Three Sisterz.



I love this idea of using the bottom piece from a terra cotta pot from Joy Is At Home. These should really protect the furniture from water!

Coasters make frugal gifts that can be personalized for just about anyone on your list. The possibilities are endless!

How to Mix Natual Peanut Butter


For a long time, I avoided natural peanut butter. If you purchase natural peanut butter, you know how the oil collects at the top of the jar and there is a lot of stirring required to get the peanut butter ready to eat.

Thanks to a tip I read at This Chick Cooks, I have an easy way to get the peanut butter creamy and smooth.

Just empty the jar into a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer at medium speed to get the peanut butter smooth and creamy.



It really sounds like more work than it is. I think it is totally worth it to avoid oil dripping down the side of the jar or splattering on your clothes. And you won't end up with dry hard peanut butter at the bottom of the jar.


We are now eating natural peanut butter without the mess!

Wise Words


Prudent Projects & Smart Solutions - Week 12


Thank you so much to everyone who participated in last week's Prudent Projects and Smart Solutions linky party. I'll be featuring some of your great ideas this weekend.

  Let's see what smart solutions you have to share this week. It can be an old post or a recent post, just anything that you feel will help others.

I  would love to feature some of your great ideas each week, so by linking up you agree to let me feature your wonderful idea (with full attribution and a link to your post, of course!).

I've started a Pinterest board for the featured posts, too, so your idea will get even more exposure.

Share your great ideas and link up!

Wise Words

Image Credit

Homemade Holidays: Spray Painted Nativity

Here's another holiday project that involves spray paint. Depending on your weather situation, this may be a great time to get it done.

Head on over to Christian Homeschool Mom to see this transformation. Now would be a great time to pick up a thrift store nativity that has seen better days.

Wise Words

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Homemade Holidays: West Elm Nutcracker Knock-offs

Here's a project you may want to complete while the weather is still good for spray painting.

It's Overflowing was inspired by some all white nutcrackers from West Elm. This is a perfect project for nutcrackers that have seen better days.

This project was linked up to the Christmas in July linky party.

Wise Words

Image Credit

Cream of Pumpkin Soup--Dairy Free!

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I adapted this Cream of Pumpkin Soup recipe from allrecipes.com to make it dairy free. The results are delicious!

I didn't make the croutons (although they look yummy). Perhaps for a special occasion. Here's my dairy free cream of pumpkin soup:

1 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups homemade chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can organic pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup coconut milk

Saute onion in coconut oil in a medium saucepan until tender. Add 2 cups of the chicken broth and stir well. Bring mixture to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Using an immersion blender, process the mixture until smooth.

Return to heat. Add remaining 2 cups of broth, pumpkin, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground pepper. Combine until smooth using an immersion blender. 

Bring the mixture to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the coconut milk and heat through. Do not boil. 

Ladle into individual soup bowls and enjoy!


This recipe has been shared at Adorned From Above, Dixie n Dottie and Simply Sugar and Gluten Free.

Homemade Holidays: Vacation Ornaments

Back in July, I hosted a Christmas in July linky party. I was thrilled to see all the great ideas for homemade Christmas gifts and decorations.

With only 99 days to Christmas (yes, really!), I thought this would be a good time to start preparing for a frugal and meaningful holiday season.

Did you save sand or shells from a summer beach trip? Check out this unique way to capture those vacation memories.

Turtles and Tails shared how she made these fun ornaments using sand and shells from a beach trip. Head on over and see how she did it!

In case you missed it yesterday, 100 Easy Recipes in Jars (100 Gifts from Your Kitchen) is still free at Amazon.

Wise Words

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Free eBooks {9/17}: Discovering Hope, My Time with God, and More



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