Simple & Cheap Ideas for Making Your Own Gifts

Homemade gifts are special anytime.

During these increasingly difficult financial hard times, homemade gifts may be a life-saver.

To start off this series of possible gifts for almost everyone on your gift-giving list, I am recalling some of my previous posts.  Just checking them out---- even if they don't specifically meet your needs--- may get your creative juices flowing with ideas for adapting an idea or as a springboard to another idea.

I always look at gift catalogs and ads for inspiration on recreating their ideas myself.  Usually the prices are outrageous and often the quality isn't that great. I have learned to read the "small-print" which brings to light any attempt to deceive (especially sizes in "kits" and cleverly packaged food gifts).  

Too many times, what catalogs or ads identify as stocking-stuffers cost as much as what we can afford for our main gifts. 

With a little forethought, no matter what we can do---sew, cook, bake, craft, draw (even if we don't feel we are particularly good at any of it)---we can create simple and meaningful gifts for others.  

Getting started -- miscellaneous overview 

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-catalogs-start-coming.html

Gifts for Children:

Two Barrette Holders
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-barrette-holders-for-gift-giving.html

Three Art Kits
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-art-kits-for-gift-giving.html

Craft Kits -- sewing, sponge painting, and rubber stamping
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-craft-kits-for-gift-giving.html

Simple mitten-type "My Family" Hand Puppets
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011_10_16_archive.html

Doorway Puppet Theater
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/doorway-puppet-theater-easy-diy-project.html

Simple Toys for tots and toddlers --- rattles, counting lids, photo book
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/thrifty-toys-for-tots-and-toddlers.html

Chunky Crayons
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/two-toddler-things-make-one-laugh-at.html

The Good News Bear! 
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/bring-bright-bits-of-recognition-with.html

Dress-Up Kits
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-catalogs-start-coming.html


Gifts for Grandparents  

part 1
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/creative-gifts-for-grandparents-part.html
part 2
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/creative-gifts-for-grandparents-part_19.html

A priceless T-Shirt for Grandma 
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/04/greatest-gift-for-grandma.html

And a Necktie for Grandpa---(will be included in my next post)

Gifts for Anyone

Fingerprint note cards
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/give-gift-of-fingerprints.html

Fabric scraps make lasting memories
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/frugal-gift-ideas-making-priceless.html

Good News Bear for a teacher gift
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/bring-bright-bits-of-recognition-with.html

A Cooling "Necktie"
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/cool-tie-for-hot-days.html

Safe Olive Oil Lights
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/homemade-olive-oil-lamps-safe-cheap-and.html

Lightweight Food Gifts for mailing ('cause postage is so expensive)
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-there-is-need-to-go-distance.html


Gifts of Self --- Not "Stuff" 

Part 1
Giving a future gift now
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/1-give-gift-of-self-not-stuff.html

Part 2
Coupons for  those who live far away
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-give-gift-of-self-not-stuff.html

Part 3 
Ideas, plus how to make a coupon booklet
http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/10/3-give-gift-of-self-not-stuff.html



On Friday I will continue to provide the posts for my other  DIY gifts---including a variety of copy-cat candies and other treats --- all for much, much less than their commercial counterparts 
because I am . . . 

Simply, Gail the Creative Cheapskate

What Makes Romney Romney: A Mormon's Perspective

This is part two. If you haven't already done so, please  read yesterday's post.

I sat with my feet up last Saturday and Sunday but this time it was not because of gout like the previous weekend. This time it was a highly anticipated and renewing occasion---the twice-a-year opportunity to
hear the modern day servants of our Lord and Savior, speak to us. Each conference is a time of learning and recommitment to fulfilling the covenants we make at baptism to do our best to serve the Lord by serving
His people.

If you are a follower of my blog, you probably already realize I am a Mormon. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50 years ago this week.

I attended several different churches over the years — seeking answers to my basic questions and gleaning the good that each religion had to offer.  I found what I was seeking when I attended the “Mormon” Church. I found the straight-forward answers to where did I come from? why am I here? and where am I going? This religion, restored in its fullness from the days of Jesus Christ, taught me how to work towards accomplishing the quote I kept at my bedside.

Governor Mitt Romney was blessed to have these teachings from his very beginning. He was fortunate to have been taught by parents and teachers and leaders who were committed to and taught these messages from the Lord.* 

The teachings of Jesus and His apostles were dramatic and dynamic. They were honest, sometimes brutally so, and necessary for the good of the people. For these very same reasons they were not popular with the general public.

Jesus and His apostles did not try to charm the audiences with witty, entertaining dialog in an effort  to sidestep and gloss over the real issues. Jesus Christ and His leaders did not make empty promises or predictions.  Jesus addressed the real issues---the important issues---personal life- and world-saving issues ---even when they were tough. I don't believe Jesus' style was to bang the pulpit and raise his voice in His efforts to organize and incite the people.  Those methods were used by those who reviled Him and feared Him and didn't want to have personal accountability.

Over the past months we have continually witnessed the media barrage berating Governor Romney's lack of  showmanship and vibrancy as a lack of ability and depth. Nothing could be further from the truth. In truth, it is the attempts at wit and evasion by our current leaders that show their lack of ability and depth. 

Mitt Romney is a product of his beliefs and his upbringing as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I can think of no better way to introduce you to "Mormons," and their deportment, than to let you see and hear for yourselves some of our leaders, at last week-end's conference, as they deliver the instruction and messages our Savior would have us hear.

The following will take you to very short excerpts (most are one minute or less) of messages from last week-end's world-wide conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. These could well be the most important minutes you can spend to let you know  "What Makes Romney Romney." 

http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/apostles-speak-october-2012?lang=eng

To the American People:

Our  lives and the many freedoms we have been granted through the Constitution of this great country of America are endangered and hang on the outcome of this upcoming election.

Please prayerfully consider what I have written, and what you witnessed for yourself as you clicked on the above. 

Please share this with others who may be still be caught up in the vibrant dynamics of our current leaders, not realizing that their increasingly frantic antics are, in reality, an attempt to have us overlook the real-life matters they will not address because they cannot address them.

Please recognize that showmanship and vivaciousness are not the necessary qualities of a good president.

Above all else, please cast your vote.  

Simply, Gail.


*One of the first things we’re taught as children are the Articles 

of Faith — 13 statements that summarize our fundamental beliefs.

Two years before he died, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote them in a letter to a newspaper editor, John Wentworth, who had asked for information about the Church. Ever since the Articles of Faith were written, they’ve inspired and directed us in the basic principles of our gospel. They enhance our understanding of certain doctrines and help us commit to living them. They invite further thought. And they’re a good tool for explaining our beliefs to people unfamiliar with them.

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: 

first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 

second, Repentance; 

third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 

fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and 

by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach 

the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive 

Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, 

and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul:We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

One final note:

In contrast to the political rantings and ravings we have often heard from the pulpits of Obama's religious leaders, we have never and will never hear a candidate-specific political statement from the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

That's right. Not even when our conference is within a month of the election where "one of our own" is running.  We have been taught the importance of educating ourselves to the facts of every person and situation and to personally and prayerfully cast our vote for the most honest and trustworthy.

Many Reasons Christians Should Not Support Obama

Yesterday, I didn't post even though I gave it  much thought. Now I know why---this arrived  in my inbox this morning and this is what I need  to pass on to you. Dr. Charles Stanley, in partnership with the  First Baptist Church of Atlanta, presents a weekly program "In Touch" to share life-changing Biblical principles with his audience. Dr. David Barton was a guest on his program. Dr. Barton is an American Evangelical Christian minister and conservative activist.  Forward or discard....it's your choice...but PLEASE read before you do! Should Christians Support President Obama? Dr. David Barton - on Obama Respect the office? Yes Respect the Man in the Office? No, I am sorry to say.. I have noted that many elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, called upon America to unite behind Obama. Well, I want to make it clear to all who will listen that I AM NOT uniting behind Obama! I will respect the Office which he holds, and I will acknowledge his abilities as an orator and wordsmith and pray for him, BUT that is it. I have begun today to see what I can do to make sure that he is a one-term President! Why am I doing this ? It is because:  - I do not share Obama's vision or value system for America ; - I do not share his Abortion beliefs; - I do not share his radical Marxist's concept of re-distributing wealth; - I do not share his stated views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+ (the ceiling has been changed three times since August); - I do not share his view that America is Arrogant; - I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation; - I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%; - I do not share his view of amnesty and giving more to illegals than our American Citizens who need help; - I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage; - I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land; - I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public); - I do not share his beliefs on how to re-work the healthcare system in America.       - I do not share his Strategic views of the Middle East ;      and       - I certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such a Iran . Bottom line: my America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my GOD to do what is Right! For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, have attacked President Bush, his family, and his spiritual beliefs! They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs and their philosophies, and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country! They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant! They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years! They have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country! They have made every effort to remove the name of GOD or Jesus Christ from our Society! They have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear firearms, and the most basic principles of our criminal code! They have attacked one of the most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of free speech! Unite behind Obama? Never! I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are the embodiment of Evil! PRESIDENT BUSH made many mistakes during his Presidency, and I am not sure how history will judge him. However, I believe that he weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!! Majority rules in America , and I will honor the concept; however, I will fight with all of my power to be a voice in opposition to Obama and his "goals for America ..." I am going to be a thorn in the side of those who, if left unchecked, will destroy our Country! Any more compromise is more defeat! I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist anti-GOD crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America! GOD bless you and GOD bless our Country! (Please, please, please, pass this on if you agree. If you don't agree, just delete it.) Thanks for your time, may you and yours be safe. "In GOD We Trust" I am Simply, Gail and my blog is not usually political but I know we cannot simply ignore what is happening to "We the American People." If not Obama?   Please check back with me tomorrow.

Shake-up Some Jello and Enjoy a . . . Pretty, Tasty & Refreshing Milkshake

I spent this past week with my feet up. Sounds like fun but trust me when I say  ---- gout attacks aren't!!

Fortunately the week before, I snagged three large grocery bags of old magazines (mainly Living and Coastal Living) at a garage sale---having no idea when I'd find time to browse through them.

Perfect timing --- sorta  "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade" situation.

I tore out several recipes and a few articles and craft ideas, and recycled what was left.

This one intrigued me.

I used orange jello hoping to create a creamsicle drink.  It didn't taste like I remember the frozen combo of orange popsicle/vanilla ice cream bar of my youth but it was very good.  It could have been a little thicker --- more ice cream would probably solve that!

In a large pitcher with a tight-fitting lid, add the following: 

 4 cups milk 
1 package (3-ounce) flavored gelatin of your choice
1/2 cup softened ice cream

Shake vigorously until well-blended. 

The recipe said to serve immediately but I was curious as to what it would be like if not served immediately. I put the extra in the refrigerator and thoroughly enjoyed it for breakfast this morning. 

Making Major Changes by Simply Looking . . . at things differently

Often, while we cannot physically change a situation we can mentally change it by developing a different attitude. 

Is it a caterpillar's end or a butterfly's beginning?
Does a thorn bush have roses or do rose bushes have thorns?
Is this obstacle a stumbling block or a stepping stone?
Is this a terrible mistake or a great opportunity to learn?

If we wait for tomorrow ---

Tomorrow comes.

If we don't wait for tomorrow ---

Tomorrow comes.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

A Simply Creative Approach to Retirement Living

The following is fiction. . . . how tempting if it were reality. Kudos to a very creative, although unknown, senior citizen. 

In 2003, my husband and I were on a cruise through the Caribbean islands aboard a Princess liner. At dinner we noticed an elderly lady sitting alone along the rail of the grand stairway in the main dining room. I also noticed that the entire the staff - from the ship's officers to the busboys - seemed very familiar with this lady.

I asked our waiter who the lady was, expecting to be told she owned the  line but he said he only knew that she had been on board for the last four cruises, back to back.

As we left the dining room one evening I caught her eye 
and stopped to say hello. We chatted and I said,
"I understand you have been on this ship for the last
four cruises."

"Yes, that's true."

"Can you tell me why?"

And the lady replied,

"There is no nursing home in my future. A Princess Cruise Ship is the perfect retirement home for the old and feeble.

The average cost for a nursing home is $200 per day. On the Princess I can get a long-term discount and senior discount price of $135 per day.

That leaves $65 a day for gratuities, which are actually more like  $10 per day.

I can have as many as 10 meals a day (of fantastic food, not institutional food!) if I can waddle to the restaurant, or I can have room service (which means I can have breakfast in bed every day of the week.)

Princess has as many as three swimming pools, a workout room, free washers and dryers, and shows every night.

They provide free toothpaste, razors, soap and shampoo.

They even treat you like a customer, not a patient. An extra $5 worth of tips will have the entire staff scrambling to help you. 

I get to meet new people every 7 or 14 days!

TV broken? Light bulb needs changing? Need to have the mattress replaced? No problem. Not only will they fix everything immediately, they will apologize for my inconvenience.

Clean sheets and towels every day, without my even having to ask for them.

There is always a doctor on board.

If I fall in the nursing home and break a hip, I am on Medicare. If I fall and break a hip on the Princess, they will upgrade me to a suite for the rest of my life.

Do I want to travel the world? The Princess will have a ship ready to go wherever I want to go.

And, when I finally die, hopefully they will just dump me over the side at no charge!


What a golden way to cruise through your final years! The only gold I know of for us old folks is the gold in our teeth (if we are rich) and the color of our urine. 

Helping Your Child Cope with Stress

Note: If you did not read my last post please scroll down and do so before continuing to read this.

Could your child be stressed?

This is 8-year-old Lisa's pictorial 11-hour day (I added a chore to the equation so maybe it is now a 12-hour day)

Is your child's day anything like this?

"Children are pushed to excel in school, in athletics, and socially at ever-younger ages. . .No matter how worthwhile the activities are singly, the cumulative effect can be disastrous." Don Kaercher, the author of the article I am using with this post.

What Can a Parent Do?
It takes commitment, but you can help your child manage stress:

• Be alert for symptoms - Identify the source of the stress promptly. If talking gets you nowhere, go to older siblings or your child's teacher for help. Watch younger children at play for clues.
• Set reasonable goals - Many parents mistakenly assume that children have maturity and self-sufficiency beyond their years. Don't feel compelled to sign up your youngster for every program that comes along, and don't expect your child to be the best at everything he or she tries to do.
• Offer a positive example* - Show your youngster that you can master the stresses in your own life. Manage your time to minimize tension and confusion at home; don't let your child perceive you as someone who is always disorganized and harried. Most important, analyze your person priorities and reserve the time you need to spend with your child.

What to Teach Your Child?

The key is to give your child the tools and the confidence to manage stressful situations:

• Self-awareness - Make sure that your youngster recognizes the inward signs of stress. Help them learn learn that rapid breathing, a pounding heart, or butterflies in the stomach are physical symptoms of emotional stress.
• Management techniques* - There are lots of stress management classes for adults, but few programs for youngsters. Parents have to be the teachers. 

Youngsters from pre-school through high school can learn deep breathing, relaxation techniques and   imagery (creating positive mental pictures.) 

Encourage your child to let off steam through exercise, sports, dance or other activities without pressuring them further.  

Suggest they take a brief mental vacation from the problem and then return to the situation refreshed. 

Check your library for books about stress management. The same principles that work for you will work for your child, occasionally with modification depending on their age.

• Problem-solving skills - Teach your child that once the source of a stress problem is identified, it must be managed. Work with your child to develop a plant of attack for solving or reducing the problem. 

The above information is from the article by Dan Kaercher. He credits the book, Coping with Childhood Stress by Barbara Kuczen. 

* This post and Tuesdays, while meaning to be helpful, have probably added more anxiety to your stress level and your already too busy schedule. 

I looked back over past postings and surprised myself at how many times I  have addressed our (yours and mine) need for stress relief and encouragement.  Below is a list of them.  Some are fun, most are short, some are serious, hopefully all are helpful, and all are just a click away. 

I hope you will choose to bookmark this post and return for a few minutes at a time to renew yourself.

I promise they are all simple, because. . . 

that's who, and what, I am.

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/05/turning-negatives-into-positives.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/02/keeping-all-your-balls-in-air.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/02/more-on-juggling-our-responsibilities.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/02/take-break-from-stress.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/02/10-simple-smile-bringing-stress.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/01/ten-suggestions-for-improving-our-self.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/01/childs-seven-basic-needs-reminder.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-that-jelly-on-woodwork-more.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/01/avoiding-womanhood-bankruptcy-or.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2012/01/saving-moms-from-personal-bankruptcy.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-are-our-most-prized-possessions.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/schedules-when-good-competes-with-good.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-good-competes-with-good-part-2.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/12/nurturing-attitude-of-gratitude.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-time-when-our-six-children-were.html

http://thecreativecheapskate.blogspot.com/2011/11/come-out-of-phone-booth.html