THE CUTEST DIY GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES HOLIDAY DIY GIFT IDEAS

The holidays are here with us, and with them comes our need to spread some cheer. There are so many ways to do it! You could go to the best online dating sites and get your introverted best friend a blind date or go to your favorite store and buy them a lavish gift. There’s no limit to your imagination.

But here’s the truth for all of us: this year has been a particularly hard one. So chances are you are on a budget, and you still want to get all your loved ones something unique to cherish. And something like a DIY gift bag will surely help you pass the message across!

The thought, time, and effort it takes to make something for your loved one give DIY gifts that extra kick. And they can be as cost-effective as you wish them to be.

So whether you’re an amateur or an expert, here are some DIY gift ideas that will surely inspire you this year!

DIY GIFTS TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE

Family Art Illustrations

What an excellent reminder that family is forever no matter where you or the other person is. These are the perfect DIY holiday gifts for the people in your life to show them your affection and care. Such DIY gifts are thoughtful but will require you to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes.

You can design family art illustration DIY gifts to display ancestry branches as far back as you discover them. Be careful to fill in specific details such as dates of birth, maiden names, marriages, or even deaths. If you can’t find some details, ask older family members or try your luck on Ancestry.

Tie And Dye Party Kit

You can get many DIY gits from a single tie and dye party kit. Everyone knows tie and dye are back in style, and whoever you give this DIY gift box will appreciate it even more. If you have a fashionista in your life, they may be looking to get other people DIY homemade gifts, so party kit gift ideas are a great way to show them how thoughtful you are.

Flower String Art

Flower string art DIY gifts are a huge hit with nature lovers. Whether you choose to make string art lilies, daffodils, roses, or sunflowers, the choice is yours, and all you need is a day of fervent concentration to complete one. Making these DIY gifts isn’t hard at all. However, you will need to be careful when pushing the nails onto the wood or cardboard.

Washi Tape Mirror

Everyone needs an extra mirror in their house. These are great DIY gifts for mom if she’s been complaining about adding a little ‘zhuzh’ to her bathroom. You can use washi tape to give an ordinary bathroom mirror some personality.

If you want it to look festive, get a few colors and layer them in a colorful pattern around the target mirror. Think of it as sprinkling a little of your personality to your loved one’s home. Other than that, this is also among some perfect DIY birthday gifts or DIY gifts for a bridal shower.

Roasted Cinnamon Almonds

Some of the best DIY gifts for your boyfriend, girlfriend, family; anyone really, are those that are made with love and care, and what better way to show it than making some delicious sweets? One such yummy treat is roasted cinnamon almonds. This treat is pretty easy to make, and in fact, will just take you a couple of steps. Bake roasted almonds scrubbed in cinnamon if you’re looking for sweet DIY gifts to present to your new neighbors or thank your hosts for such a lovely evening.

Dog Treat Jar

Do you know what are the best DIY gifts for dog owners? A dog treat jar! It will not only make the canine companion excited, but the owner as well, as they love their pets, and want to see them happy. So, you can get a sizeable mason jar and etch the dog’s name on it. And then just fill the jar with all sorts of treats the dog would love.

Other than that, this is among the best DIY gifts ideas for your dog, and you can just make this gift for them. After all, we adore our pets, and they deserve treats and small gifts just like humans do!

Custom Cheese Board

Custom cheese boards are the perfect DIY gifts for best friend in your life who loves to cook, whether it’s your mom, dad, grandma – anyone. So help your friend showcase their culinary skills with a personalized cheese board that speaks to their art.

You can also make a custom cheese board if there’s a loved one in your life who loves to host parties. Let them know that someone appreciates their effort in the kitchen, make them a present, and they’ll cherish this gift forever.

Customized Quote Pillow

How about soft and cuddly DIY birthday gifts for your siblings? You can customize a pillow by adding art or quotes the person you’re presenting it to will appreciate. A personalized pillow is an excellent way of telling someone you care for them, and they’ll add an uplifting aura to the space they love to be in.

Macrame Making Kit

Macrame DIY gifts are a great choice if big projects aren’t your thing. These DIY gifts are excellent stock stuffers that won’t take much time or space to make. You can make plenty of simple things with macrame kits, so keep your mind open to different possibilities.

Bath Bomb Mold Set

These DIY gifts are an excellent reminder to your loved ones to take some time off and relax. With these DIY gifts, they can quickly turn their bathrooms into a personal spa complete with sweet-smelling essential oils. You can package these DIY gifts in different dyes so they can turn their bath experience into a rainbow explosion.

A Book About Them

If you’re looking for DIY gifts that will express to your significant other or loved one exactly how you feel about them, this could be the perfect one.

An ideal title for book DIY gifts would be, This is How I Feel About You. Remember that this is one of the most intimate DIY gifts, so focus on situations you’ve been in together, how this person makes you feel or the kind of future you envision with them.

Knitted Blanket

If you don’t know how knitting may not be the easiest way to do DIY gifts. However, some beginner-friendly patterns will make the process much easier for you. Knitted blanket DIY gifts are the perfect choice for the couch potatoes in your life or movie night with your family.

Plus, there are many colors, and patterns to choose from! So ask your loved one what their favorite color is and gift them a blanket.

Conclusion

And that’s all the DIT gift ideas that we wanted to share! All and all, the holidays are the perfect time to practice your DIY skills, and whichever gift idea you choose, think of the ones your loved ones are sure to love. We have no doubt that you will have a fun time coming up with a gift, and the recipient will adore it!

So, what do you think are your best DIY gifts from our list? Or perhaps you even have your own idea? Let us know in the comments below!

Author bio:

Aria Green is a family photographer, relationship psychology writer. A wife and a mother of two adorable kids who won’t get bored even for a minute. As for a writing passion, she loves personality psychology, helping people with advice on the relationship between a man and a woman

BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOME RENOVATION IDEAS

Many people think “too expensive” when they hear “home renovation.” However, updating your home does not have to cost an arm and a leg. We’ve compiled a list of quick and easy budget upgrades to help you get started on your next home improvement project. Here are a few suggestions for cost-effective upgrades to update your home.

BEGIN WITH SIMPLE FIXES

There are numerous inexpensive ideas to update your home decor without spending large sums of money. Here are four innovative ideas:

● Redecorate a room in a modern color with a fresh coat of paint. It is a low-cost way to remodel a room for maximum impact.

● Wooden floors look great but are expensive to have sand and varnish, so consider using a less expensive option like durable floor paint to spruce up the floor.

● To give a room a boost, replace old or outdated light fixtures with modern lighting.

● Installing wider profile skirting and architraves will look more luxurious than thin skirtings and architraves.

FOCUS ON THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM

Concentrate on increasing the value of the kitchen and bathroom, as these are the rooms in your house that will increase the value of your property when the time comes to sell. Even on a low budget, you can make changes to a kitchen and bathroom that will have a significant impact. Consider updating cabinet handles, repairing chipped tiles, or replacing outdated faucets with more modern options. Adding a splashback and drawer organizers or extra shelves will give the space a different feel without costing a fortune.

If your kitchen or bathroom has dark laminated cabinets, the interior will appear dreary and outdated. Apply an undercoat and paint right over the top to give them a fresh, new look using laminate paints. Another suggestion is to replace old fixtures and fittings with new ones that seem high-end but aren’t too expensive.

SEARCH FOR GOOD DEALS

When it comes to decorating a house on a budget, online auctions and dealers are your best friends. While it may take a little longer to find what you need, buying rebranded goods or second-hand materials can save you hundreds of dollars. However, not everyone is comfortable with purchasing a previously owned item. In this case, you can save or invest to afford to buy brand-new items that cost more. Have a look at the best investment apps for beginners online, and consider trying your hand at investing as an option to generate the funds for your renovation.

INCLUDE AN AREA FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

An area for outdoor entertaining is high on many buyers’ wish lists most times, and it may make or break a home’s sale. If you already have a patio, you can quickly transform it into an outside entertainment space by adding inexpensive furniture, lighting, and a grilling area. If you do not have a patio, consider building a deck off the lounge to create an indoor-outdoor flow. If the project is small enough, it doesn’t have to be expensive or require official permits.

DIY WHERE POSSIBLE

Do these jobs yourself to save money if you’re handy with a paintbrush or complete a simple tiling job. When it comes to electrical, plumbing, and structural work, always hire professionals, get at least three quotes, and check recommendations. Doing your homework can save you a great deal of money on labor. While not hiring a contractor can help you save money on your home renovation project, make sure you have the necessary skills and tools to complete your entire to-do list. If you need to hire a contractor for some work, bear in mind the cost of the contractor’s fees and materials.

Completing renovation projects yourself can help you save money in a variety of ways. It’s also a good idea to enlist the help of family and friends for gardening tasks such as weeding, painting fences, and planting trees. They shouldn’t mind too much, especially if you order pizza and have cold drinks waiting for them!

Don’t be afraid to look into sustainable alternatives when renovating! You’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also saving money in the long run.

MODIFY A FIREPLACE

A fireplace is a focal point to any room, and it can be a challenging task to renovate one. However, it does not have to be as daunting as it appears, and you do not need to spend a lot of money!

You may be able to modify the fireplace on a shoestring budget, or you may need to replace the existing furnace. In any case, you should be aware of today’s modern furnaces and which alternative will best meet your needs and keep your family warm in winter.

In the same vein, the most common type of heating system installed in homes across the country is a gas furnace. This type of furnace operates through central air ducts and requires a connection to a municipal gas line. The gas heats the air, which then travels through the ductwork to different rooms in your house. Gas heating is the most cost-effective furnace type, and natural gas is generally less expensive than oil and electricity.

FURNITURE REARRANGEMENT AND REFURBISHMENT

Rearranging furniture can completely transform a room’s look and feel, and it’s a crucial part of completing a home remodel on a budget. Choose a focal point in a room and arrange your furniture around it. You can also spruce up old furniture by refinishing the wood or reupholstering couches and chairs for a fresh look.

INNOVATIVE LIGHTING

Overhead fixtures and portable lamps are only a matter of perspective when it comes to lighting. You can use pops of illumination to give your home a warm glow—and a personalized touch—in addition to providing functional task lighting on a friendly budget. Hang a pendant light bedside your bed in place of using a traditional lamp or highlight a bookshelf with mini lights that showcase artwork or other display pieces. You can also uplight a plant by placing a small spotlight next to a large container and angling it up toward the foliage at about a 45-degree angle.

CONCLUSION

The key to renovating or redecorating your home beautifully while staying within your budget is to set a goal for yourself, paint an entire picture of what you want, and then renovate each part of your home one by one, as described above.

Guest Contributor: Ellie Lott

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU RUN OUT OF TOILET PAPER IN A PUBLIC RESTROOM?

What do you do if you run out of toilet paper in a public restroom?

It’s not your day. Nothing seems to go right. Your boss is on your butt about God knows what. You couldn’t get any sleep last night, because your spouse’s snoring is so bad that you’re considering committing murder, something simple not too messy. So, you decide to run to Dunkin Donuts, because coffee just makes everything better, after catching your breath you ask the nice lady for a large coffee. She looks at you, she can tell this isn’t your day.

“Sir, we are making a fresh batch as we speak. Unfortunately, two of our machines are down”.

“Oh no, how could this happen? How does Dunkin Donuts actually run out of coffee?”

As I originally said, it’s not your day. You go on to work and get nothing done because you can’t function correctly. As you’re trying to wrap up your day you run into the bathroom and do your duty. You are in such a rush that you aren’t paying attention. Disastrously, there isn’t any toilet paper. Ouch! You start to panic.

What are you supposed to do? Look around, what would Macgyver do?

1. Neighbor- if there’s someone in the stall next to you, ask them to spare some toilet paper. If there’s anybody in the bathroom, hopefully washing their hands, asked them to grab you a roll from the other stall.

2. Empty Bathroom- if the restroom is empty, get up, and hurry over to the next stall before someone sees you with your pants down.

3. Phone a Friend- if you’re at a work/restaurant/bar, more than likely you’re with someone. Use your life line, they might give you crap about it, but who cares. You need that toilet paper.

4. Call the Establishment- If you’re at work, someone must be around to help. If you’re out at a restaurant, call the host and tell them what’s going on. They will come save the day. They might even feel bad for you and offer you a beer on the house.

5. Purse/Wallet- look inside your purse or wallet for napkins, tissues, receipts, business cards, if you’re desperate use some singles.

6. Socks- use one sock to wipe and the other one to wrap and toss away. Don’t you dare flush it.

7. Underwear- would you rather have underwear on or a clean bum?

8. Scarf/Gloves/Hat- this is a hit or miss. Depending on weather, if you’re wearing any of it.

9. Extra Shirt- depending on the season, you might have an extra shirt on. Cut your losses and use it.

10. Toilet Paper Cardboard- this will hurt, but it seems like you have no other option. I don’t even think this will work, but you’re obviously somewhere were you’re not wearing socks, underwear, or have an extra shirt. For the first time in your life, you’re using the bathroom without your phone. You don’t have any friends and nothing is going your way.

If you’re a guest at someone’s house, please just swallow your pride and ask for toilet paper. If they don’t have any, ask for newspaper. No matter what, your day can’t get any worse.

If you enjoyed our blog post, please visit our Home Improvement and Plumbing Blog

BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFAST IDEAS

Mornings trying to get kids out the door are hectic enough, especially the first few weeks back to school. Breakfast shouldn’t be hard; it should be simple.

Wake up, make coffee, drink coffee, ponder life questions, get dressed, think about the kids mess in the living room, wake up the family, make breakfast, gather the children’s clothes, put all their school stuff together, yell a few times, make sure everyone is dressed, eat breakfast, ask your husband for help with the kids, drink more coffee, brush teeth, feed the puppy, and gather all belonging and out the door before 8:10 AM to make it to school at 8:30 AM.

In all that chaos you are supposed to feed your family a nutritious well balanced breakfast. I’m a huge fan of wraps, everyone enjoys them, and it’s not so messy. To make breakfast easier here are a few ideas that I have put together.

Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes and Cheese in a wrap

Scramble eggs and potatoes, top with cheese, put it in a wrap. No mess, and it’s a hit.

Left Over Breakfast Wrap

If you have either beef, pork, or chicken and spring veggies from last night’s dinner: cut it up, or shred it and cook it in a skillet with eggs. Put it in a wrap. BAM, delicious gourmet breakfast.

Granola, Yogurt, and Fruit

Smash a Natural Valley Crunchy Granola bar, layered with vanilla yogurt, topped with berries & strawberries.

Eggs, Avocado, Hummus Wrap

Cook eggs to your liking. Slice up a few pieces of avocado. Put eggs and avocado in wrap with a spoon of hummus, roll it up and enjoy.

Bacon, Egg’s and Cheese Wrap

Cook Bacon. Scramble eggs, top with cheese. Spread a tiny bit of mayo on your wrap, add scrambled eggs and cheese, then top it with crispy bacon. Roll it up and enjoy.

Egg Whites, Tomatoes, Basil & Goat Cheese

Scrambled egg whites. Place in wrap, top with: Fresh tomatoes, Fresh Basil and goat cheese. Roll it up and enjoy. (If you have time, roast the tomatoes before placing them in wrap. It will give the wrap and extra kick)

Peanut Butter & Jelly, Fresh Fruit Wrap

Spread your favorite type of peanut butter and jelly over a whole wheat wrap. Top with Bananas and Strawberries. Roll it up and Enjoy.

-Everything is cooked in extra virgin olive oil, no butter, no vegetable oil.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You have to make it enjoyable for you and the kids. They have to go out there and conquer the world, make it a little easier by making them a breakfast they could enjoy before school.

Plumbing Fact: Over $100,000 were spent on a study to determine whether most people put their toilet paper on the holder with the flap in front or behind.

If you enjoyed our blog post, please visit our blog for home improvement advice and plumbing tips.

www.KevinSzaboJrPlumbing.net

How To Rebuild A RPZ Valve

Mother’s Day Gift

Mothers Day 2016 What does a son get their Mother for Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is celebrated every year, the second Sunday of May. We dedicate one day out of the year to show how much we admire and respect them. We all love our Mothers. They love us when we are up, they love us when we are down. They encourage us to do good, and they tell us when we are steering away from the right path. My Mother has been there for me through everything. I always let her know how much I love her and appreciate her. I could buy her presents, send her flowers, but that wouldn’t be enough. I truly believe the best gift a son could give his Mother is to take care of all the things that need to be taken cared of in her house: Fixing, repairing, and installing the things that she has been asking you to come over and do for weeks. This Mother’s Day remember the woman who always loves you and shows you how incredible you are.

PURIFIED WATER AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Water is the number one natural resource in the world. We use it in our daily lives. We drink it, cook with it, bathe with it, and use it in our everyday function. We can’t live without water. Americans are fortunate enough to have potable water in our homes. The water purification plants do everything possible to bring clean water to our homes. They add chlorine to try to clean it up, but as much as they try to clean it, they could only do so much. Tap water is full of chlorine, lead, bacteria, hormones, and drug-by-products.The average person shouldn’t be consuming tap water without a filter.

American families have grown accustomed to drinking bottled water at home. It’s healthier, cleaner, taste better and not full of chemicals, which is the reason why nobody wants to drink tap water. But bottled water ends up costing a fortune and is harmful to the environment. Plastic bottles are polluting our planet. We have recycling centers all over, but unfortunately, not everyone recycles. Plastic bottles, end up every where. Most plastic bottles take 450 years to decompose. And not all plastic bottles are recyclable. Which makes you think!

Clean purified water at your convenience should be something to look into. Water purification systems will save your health, the environment, and of course money in the long run. Here at Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing, we suggest a whole house water purification system. This way your entire house has clean, purified water. You will notice the difference right away. It’s understandable if you can’t make that purchase right now. At least invest in a under sink water filter. This way, your family has clean drinking and cooking water.

If you have any questions about water filtration systems for your home, please email or call me.

This is the Story of How I Ended Up Setting My Marshmallow Peeps On Fire

Local Orland Park Plumber Hates Marshmallow Peeps

MY HATE FOR MARSHMALLOW PEEPS

Once a upon a time, in a far far land called Orland Park, a local Plumber‘s son threw his Easter Marshmallow Peeps on the floor after deciding he didn’t want them anymore. The stickiness of the peeps completely aggravated him. They taste like crap, they don’t do anything, and his son doesn’t even want to play with them, “What does one do with a Peep?” asked the Plumber. After short research the Plumber realized that Peeps aren’t good for anything, he decided to get rid of them.

He first tried to throw them down the sink:

Since the sink drain was too small, he went for something bigger, the tub. “Surely, the tub drain will work” said, the Plumber.

The tubs drain failed the Peeps big time. The toilet always works for everything people flush down. “We get calls for kids toys all the time. Toys, keys, phones, clothing objects, chicken bones, and gold fish. Marshmallow Peeps should be a piece of cake.” said the Plumber. Without hesitating the Plumber threw the Peeps down the toilet.

What do I have to do to get these Peeps to just disappear? “I’m guessing they are ducks or bird like things, if I set them free they will go away” thought the Plumber. Frustrated with the Peeps, the Plumber packed the Peeps bags and took them for a little stroll down to the pond.

The Plumber threw the Peeps in the pond and wished them well. “Have a nice life” said the Plumber, as he walked away.

The Plumber happily went back to working, he had already wasted enough time trying to get rid of the Peeps, but was glad he finally set them where they belonged. Some time later, the Plumber walked past the pond and noticed the Peeps weren’t in the water. They were perched above the pond, soaking in all the sun. He didn’t understand, “How could the Peeps emerge from the water?” asked the Plumber.

The Plumber couldn’t take it anymore. He was angry. He didn’t want anything to do with these Peeps. The Plumber threw the Peeps in the fire pit and set it on fire.

“Yesss” yelled the Plumber. Finally, the Peeps gave up and melted away. The Plumber should have felt defeat over his victory, but all he felt was remorse. “What did the Peeps ever do to me?” said the Plumber. “It’s not their fault they taste bad, are sticky, and plain useless”. The Plumber ran to the store to purchase a box of Marshmallow Peeps, but they were sold out. Heartbroken, the Plumber promised to never take advantage of a Peep again.

**No one was hurt during the process of this article, besides a Plumbers heart**

www.kevinszabojrplumbing.net

13 Plumbing Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Plumbing Facts

The average person spends three whole years of their life sitting on the toilet.
King George II of Great Britain died falling off a toilet on the 25th of October 1760.
Over $100,000 were spent on a study to determine whether most people put their paper on the holder with the flap in front or behind. Three out of four people have the flap in the front.
Albert Einstein was made an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union after he had announcement that he would be a plumber if he had to live his life all over again.
The most famous plumbers ever are Mario and Luigi.
The toilet is flushed more times during the super bowl halftime than at any time during the year.
The word “plumber” comes from the latin word “plumbum”, which means “lead”.
Manhole covers are circular because if they’re turned sideways, they can’t fall through their own opening.
Standardized plumbing can be traced back to around 3,000 BC.
If you have a leaky faucet that drips twice per minute, you’ll waste over a gallon of water in a week.
Have you ever heard the myth about water flowing in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere? It’s not true. It’s possible for water to flow either direction in either Hemisphere.
In 1939, Al Moen invented the single handle faucet that can control hot and cold water in just one turn.
The average person visits the toilet six to eight times per day.