Keep your cool and Save Money too....

• Keeping cool and saving money too may seem like a bit of stretch, definately  if you live below The Mason Dixon line. I think this is the hottest June we have ever seen on record, but here are some little tidbits to help you do just that. Change the filter in your heating and cooling system.The harder the system works against itself, the more money you are gonna fork out. Keep curtains and drapes closed in the heat of the day, especially those that are facing the brightest sunlight. Dial back your thermostat 2 or 3 degrees, and crank up that ceiling fan! This can make a 1-3% difference on your utility bill, but remember, if you are not gonna be in a room, turn the light and the fan off. Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn the thermostat down so it won't kick on when you are not at home. What's the use of cooling a house when no one is there? If you have a pet in the house however, you need to make it a few degrees cooler than necessary, and make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water. Also, turn down the thermostat at night, and open some windows up and put in a fan to draw the cool,night breeze in. Seal up any cracks you can find where your cool air could be escaping from, such as around windows and doors. Lastly, stay hydrayed with plenty of water and those wonderful cool treats the South is so famous for. Any excuse for ice cream, right ladies?!

Saving that Precious fuel...

Even though the gas prices have crept ever so slowly downward, gas is still high. I have a few tips for ya  today to help you save that 'liquid gold' once you have  acquired  it.First, air up your tires and keep them at the recommended air pressure. Second, limit hard breaking, so slow down!{that one liked to have killed me myself!I have a heavy foot!}and if you know you are gonna be in that long drive through line at the bank,turn the car off and don't sit iydling while the air runs. It actually takes less gas for you to start the car back up than to sit,wasting, for minutes at a time. Third,if you can take the heat,use the vent and not the AC.{You are a far braver,better soul than I if you do this one!} Fourth, lighten your load. The things  you have stuffed in the back seat, and trunk{yes, I swear, you CAN live without some of it! Guilty as charged!}get it out. The lighter the car is, the less fuel you will use. Lastly, if you think your car is not getting the proper gas mileage, try a fuel injecter cleaner added to your fuel as your injecters might be stopped up. Have fun ,stay cool, and stay safe out there y'all!

Put out the burn on sunburn....

Summertime is here again. Everyone knows what that means. Outdoor barbeques, picnics, family outings. Here in the heart of The Deep South, it is already hotter than blue blazes. I happened to stay out too long in the sun the other day,and boy, did the back of one of my arms get cooked! After a cool shower that night, my arm was as red any lobster you have ever saw. Being a soapmaker, I had an inkling of what to do about it. I headed into the kitchen, with my soap supplies. I put pure vitamin E in all my handmade soaps. I popped two 400IU capsules with a knife, and rubbed the contents of the vitamin E into the sunburn. After that, I rubbed a lotion that had aloe vera in it  onto the sunburnt skin. Before you try this, do be aware you need to do this 'BEFORE' you go to bed so that the soothing agents have time to soak into your skin over night. I would also advise wearing something old, and maybe even sleeping on a towel cause after all,it is still an oil, and any oil will stain. However, it did wash out of the dark tee shirt I was wearing. The next day, I would say it looked 50% better, and almost all the heat and sting was gone. I only had to repeat this once more. I did not peel, nor did I lose my tan. So, remember where you put those vitamin E's before you head out in the  sun; you just may need them when nightfall appears.

Some Good Advice I read from an Older one...

I recently read something out of an email I got that really made me stop and think. It was an older woman talking about things she was going to do differently, and the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. She was talking about how she was gonna start wearing her  'good perfume' to run errands, just to the store and such.That wonderful china she had been saving for 'just those right occasions', she was gonna start pulling out to use. The point she was making folks, is what if that "right time" never comes? You should enjoy life NOW, as it comes, rain or shine, cause you never know what tommorrow will bring, or if it will even come at all. It is sad that it takes many of us many years, or some tragedy to realize this fact. I will however leave you on this lighter note: if life hands you lemons, make lemonade, or if you prefer, stuff them in your bra, whichever you may need at the time!:)

Stop a Soldier...

As today is Memorial Day, please remember this week, or anytime really, if you see a soldier out and about, to stop and shake his hand, and tell him how much you really care about the sacrifice he is making for your country. It means so much to boost moral in this day and age. Not only will it do your heart good, but probably  theirs as well:) Also on this day, remember to fly your U.S. flag high with pride for those who have fallen, and given their lives for this precious  thing we call FREEDOM.

Before You Hit the Hay...

Dear Ladies, please remember this little tip before you hit the hay: researchers have found that leaving your makeup on BEFORE going to bed ages your face by three minutes everytime you do this. Three minutes may not seem like a lot now, but what about twenty years down the road? Possibly some of that aging could have been undone twenty years before simply by swiping your face before you went to bed. Why chance it? What is that Momma used to say? Better safe than oh so sorry?!

Before You Head out of the Doctor's Office...

If you have one of those dreaded Doc's visits rapid approaching you, head into the office with this little tid bit of advise. It is a little  known fact, that if you don't have insurance, and you are paying with cash, don't be afraid to ask for a discount. Some doctors do this so they can get part of their money right then, and you never know until you ask. Also,if your doctor has given you prescriptions, ask if they have samples on hand of the medicine they have just prescribed. Alot of drug reps. leave these with the doctor so they will hand out the sample, and people can try their drug without worrying if they can take the whole prescription or not. Also, if they have given you a scrip, check the drug company's website before you get that puppy filled. Alot of drug companies will give you your 1st precription free to keep you coming back for that drug, or they might offer a coupon deal to where you can get so much off that drug every month. If they do this, just remember to take that coupon to the drug store each and every month. Two drug companies  that I know of that gives the 1st month free is Cymbalta, and Advair. These are WELL worth checking into. An Advair can cost you over $ 200.00. Cymbalta has the price range of $ 80.00 and up. That isn't chump change folks, that's alotta dough, especially at this time. So before you head out that doc's door, take a moment and have another chat with him. It could very well be worth your time and your hard earned money.

Alittle Tip I Read This Morning....

Okay, everyone in the each family has one or more of these kind of people, you may be one yourself. My Daddy and my husband are both guilty of this water-wasting crime. What is it? Leaving the water running when you are brushing your teeth! This wastes as much as 3 gallons of water a minute. Take the full recommended dose of brushing for 5 whole minutes? That is 15-16 gallons of water gone down that drain that you are paying for. Imagine or try to line up 16 gallon jugs full of water somewhere. See how much water that is wasted? That is coming out of your paycheck, and let's face it, or look at it, that's alot of water that you could have used for something else. In a week's time, that is 75-77 gallons of water gone, so please just remember, it may seem like a small thing today, but it might be adding up to cost you alot more tommorrow. :)

More on washing those clothes....

For those of you who caught my earlier tip on washing clothes with a full load, here are two more for ya on that subject. When washing towels, use a cold wash and cold rinse cycle. If you were like me, I have been thinking for years that washing in hot water killed the germs or something, or you just did it cause that was the way Momma did it, it simply is not true. You are wasting energy, so for about a year now, I have been washing with cold water. Try it, I promise you will see a difference in the power bill. Also, try to remember to clean out that dirty lint trap. If you don't, the dyer works harder, and against itself. If you clean the trap out everytime, it makes a 30% difference. That means more savings for you on that dreaded energy bill, and who don't need every little penny now, no matter where it comes from?

Don't toss that laundry bottle just yet....

With the state of the economy, we can all use alittle extra help wherever we can find it. Before you toss your "empty" laundry bottle away, fill it with water, and give it a good shake. I have found that I can get at least two more loads of laundry out of that "empty" bottle that way. Just some good 'ole Yankee enginuity. Please don't tell my Momma I said that y'all! :)

Tips for burns....

The reason I posted this as going green is because it involves planting something. Pot a plant of aloe vera in your kitchen. When you burn yourself,simply break a piece of the aloe's long branchs, and apply the aloe vera juice to the burn as it comes out. Plus, you don't have far to go if it's already in the kitchen. Another remedy I would like to tell you about that I have tried is eggs. Yes, I did say eggs. If you burn your hand{probably 65 % of the time that is what it is going to be} crack an egg or eggs, as many as it takes to cover the burn, and stick your hand in the bowl until the eggs cover the burn. Leave 5-10 minutes and then take your hand out and wash. DO NOT put your hand in water first! This often  makes it worse, and don't wait. As soon as you know you have burnt yourself, do this. The longer you wait,the worse the burn is going to be. If your skin is bubbling, or blistering, DO NOT WAIT! Seek immedaite medical attention! Happy cooking, and stay safe y'all!

Grow your own herbs....

Not only will home-grown herbs taste better than those bottled up at the store, this also helps the environment, and nor just with herbs, that is anything you plant....trees, produce, flowers, etc. Besides that, some herbs produce a lovely aroma. Just another added benefit, and think how pretty those pots will look on your windowsill!

Do this if you want younger-looking hands....

Want younger-looking hands without all the fuss? Simple! Paint your fingernails! Studies show that hands when presented with any color finger nail polish automatically looked younger than those without because the color draws your eyes away from any imperfections. Just another reason to go get those nails done!

Buying Fresh...

As warmer weather appoaches, gas prices are going to continue to soar; we all know it,it is just a fact that has become part of our lives in the last couple of years. Gas prices spike sky high as soon as summer and vacation time roll around, but also ,that spike at the pump is going to be passed on to you, as the consumer, a second time around. When this spike takes place, it also makes your grocery bill go up as well as it takes more money for that food to reach the stores and onto the shelves. If at all possible, buy your produce from farmer's markets this year. It is not an uncommon sight  in the South to see a homemade sign that a gardner has put out, trying to sell their extra produce to make a buck or two. This produce tastes better because it is farm fresh, with no preservatives. The added benefit is it helps the little man, and this person is probably your neighbor or someone that you know. This helps the community and you know exactly where that produce came from, and,  lower prices for you since it cuts out your "corporate middle man." Better tasting food, lower prices, helping your fellow neighbor; sounds like a win- win situation to me. Happy shopping  y'all. :)

No-Sew Flower Hair Pins

With Easter just around the corner, I will be trying to get lots of posts up the would be cute in Easter Baskets! Today I am soing to show you how to make these cute rosette hair pins!

 

Here is what you need:

• ric rac~ about 18 inches long per flower
• hot glue gun
• felt
• bobby pins

First, cut about 18 inches of the ric rac. Now cut a small circle (about the size of a nickel) from the felt.

 

Tightly begin rolling the ribbon to itself using your hot glue gun, as needed, every few inches.

After you finish rolling, glue your flower to the piece of felt. Now, just add some glue to the back of the felt/flower and stick it to the bobby pin.

 You can also change it up by making a row with 2 or 3 flowers. These are absolutely adorable in your hair and would be great in any girl's Easter basket, young or old! :) Have a wonderful weekend, crafty ladies!

xoxo

Crysta:)

Money Saving Water tip...

With gas prices soaring higher than ever before, and so much unemployment, people are looking for more and more ways to save a dollar here and there 'cause after awhile,those stray dollars add up. When washing dishes or clothes,make sure you have a full load before turning on that switch. It takes just as much energy to power a light load as it does a full one, so remember when you decide to wash those two or three garments, or half a load of dishes,you are flushing your hard earned money down the drain.

For a better night's sleep, try this tip...

It has been documented for years that lavender is a well known sleep inducing agent. Place a lavender plant by your bedside, and let its soothing scent carry you right off to dreamland. Also,try a warm bath with lavender soap or lavender infused oil. Befor you know it, you'll be sleeping like a baby!!

Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions

• This is a wonderful recipe that was given to me when I was probably fourteen{yes, I really have been cooking that long!} and if I had a dollar for every time I have made this for my Momma, I would never have to work! Here is what you're gonna need:
• 1 or 2 large onions, depending upon how many people you are feeding{I use one}
• 1 package fresh mushrooms
• half stick of butter
• soy sauce

Wash your mushrooms and dice them into pieces, not too small. Cut onionsand dice into pieces. Place butter into a skillet and melt. Make sure all butter is melted and skillet is good and hot. Pour mushrooms and onions into the skillet,and sprinkle with soy sauce til you can kind of smell the soy sauce. If you think you have too much soy sauce, just add alittle more butter. This is one of those recipes you have to play with to suit your taste. Cook over high heat, and stir constantly. Cook until butter and soy sauce are cooked down, about 5 minutes. Do not cook ALL the liquid out as this will burn the contents quickly!! Serves 4-6.

Water saving Tip

We here at the Crafty Chandelier believe in the concept of recycling and going green. The Earth only has so many resources folks, and once they're gone, they're gone. Here is a little water saving tip for ya that I have practiced for over a year now. If you have an older toliet that is not an "energy,water saver", get a pint jar {or several of these jars, or a  bigger jar of your choice, it just depends on how much water you really need to flush your toliet} and  put'em in the tank. It changes the water volume in the  tank,and sort of tricks your toliet into using less water each and every time you flush. Less water means less money on that water bill, and more water for something else. It is one of those lovely win-win situations in life that actually saves you money, putting it into your pocket without having to get anything out of it.

Grape Salad

This is one of my family's favorite recipes,and I am gonna share it with all y'all! This is one of those simple recipes,and you ain't gonna need the whole store to have something good in your bowl!

• Two bunches red,and green seedless grapes
• two jars of 7 .oz marshmellow creme
• two 8 oz. boxes of cream cheese

Now,all you are gonna do is wash your grapes, and pick them, and put those in a large bowl. In a different bowl, you are gonna want to cream the mashmellow creme and cream cheese together with a  mixer on the lowest speed until it makes a creamy,white dip. Now,just a little tip here for ya, getting that marshmellow creme out of that jar is a real pain, so take a metal spoon,and hold it under some hot running water first BEFORE you try and have a go at that marshmellow creme. It  will come out soo much easier,I promise!Repeat this process as needed. Add this creamy dip to your grapes and stir until grapes are good and coated. This makes a big bowl,so be  advised before you start, but I ALWAYS have to make this big of a bowl, and once your bunch gets a taste of this stuff,I promise you will too! Makes 8-13 servings.

Simply wonderful fruit dip # 1

This a wonderful, simple recipe that I love to use as a fruit dip. You will want some fruit of your choice on hand, such as stawberries, kiwi, or grapes.

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar       

Combine cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract and mix well. Chill this until ready to serve. Makes 2 cups of dip. Now, wasn't that so simple?!                         

This month's feel better tip: "Color Therapy"

As March as has descended upon us, it feels like Winter is never going to end, even though Spring is in March,and just around the corner. I have another tip for ya to keep your chin up while waiting just alittle bit longer. "Color Therapy" as I like to call it, has been proven to work in many studies. Keep these colors in mind when picking out your wardobe for the day, or the small things you surround yourself with such as throw pillows,pictures,candles,ect,everyday little items that you encounter day to day. The color red is shown to envoke passion, so if you want alittle sizzle in your life, then wear this color and strow it all about. Blue is all about what calms you. Think of the ocean,or the sky. Orange on the other hand, has just the opposite effect. Stare at something orange to engerize you and get you moving. To feel happier,and more excited,wear yellow. Feng shui suggusts that even wearing a citrine necklace or bracelet attracts good fortune. Last, but certainly not least, for all of you of Irish descent out there {I happen to be one myself!} the color green is shown to boost confidence,optimism and improve concentration. Think of it: did you ever hear of a lost Leprechaun?! Now that infamous pot of gold is a different story altogether! :)

Scented Wax-Coated Pine Cone Firestarter

This is an easy craft and wonderful gift idea I came up with after going up to my attic and finding lots of melted candles! Just a tip: Never store candles in a place that will have excessive heat, because they will melt! Go figure, haha! :) I just couldn't throw all of those candles away, so I had to come up with something cute and practical to do with all these melted candles I had! Then came the pine cone idea. These actually have proven to work wonderfully as firestarter. They make wonderful gifts if you have a friend with a fireplace or wood-burning stove!

• Gather up (or purchase) lots of pine cones
• wax paper.
• Scented Candles
• Large Boiler

   Now for the fun part! Just melt your candles your boiler over low heat. Be sure to remove any decorative accents that the candles may have.

Dip your pine cones, using tongs, into the melted wax and place on wax paper to dry.

As each coat dries, re-dip until you have the desired amount of wax covering your pine cones. I dipped mine 5 or 6 times.

  Before they are dry, you can sprinkle with glitter if you want. This is really pretty, especially if you will be giving them as gifts. Now wasn't easy?! :)

Super Easy Fudge Recipe!

 I found this super easy fudge recipe on RealSimple, and I just had to share this with y'all! I can't wait  to try this myself, and if you are looking for something simple to make for your honey for Valentine's Day, this is it!

Marshmallow Fudge

12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups miniature marshmallows

Heat the milk and pour over the chocolate; stir until melted. Stir in the marshmallows. Pour into a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan and refrigerate until firm, at least 12 hours. Cut into 36 squares.

Winter blahs got ya down? Here's a small tip for you...

I know it seems like the winter just drags on forever,right? I myself am already daydreaming about shorts and flip flops,tank tops and sweet sunny days! Here is alittle tip to keep ya holding on just alittle longer; it is what I call "Scent Therapy". Before heading out in the winter wind,yet again,try spritzing on your favorite summer perfume. Try something light or tropical. My personal favorites are two of Bath & Body's classics  CoCo Cabana and Creamy Coconut. Nothing says Summer better than sweet coconut,and I can't think of a better way to send those Winter blahs packing! The next time that ole' weather man says snow,try your own version of "Scent Therapy" and see if you aren't dreaming of tropical depressions instead!! :)

Smoother lipstick application...

Here is a tip for lipstick to glide on smoother:
 Apply a thin layer of the lip balm of your choice to your lips BEFORE applying the lipstick. See? Now how simple was that? This is one of my favorite beauty tricks and I have been doing it for years! This one comes just in time for that big Valentine's Day smooch!

Kool-Aid Pie... Simple & Sweet!

This is a sweet and simple pie that is super quick and amazing to eat, and this only has just a few ingredients.
      
This is all you will need:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk{any kind you prefer}
• 1 package Kool-Aid {any flavor, I prefer stawberry most of the time}
• 1 tub Cool-Whip, 8 oz.
• Graham Cracker pie shell

Mix the sweetened condensed milk, Kool-Aid, and Cool Whip together until completely mixed through and the color of the pie filling is consistent. Pour into the graham cracker pie crust and chill in the frig until set. This will probably take about an hour or so. Serves 6-8. Enjoy! :)

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