March 19, 2008 by pamela.

It used to be that when someone refused to waste a drop or when someone would save everything from produce baggies to cottage cheese containers to newspapers to bacon grease — people who never threw anything away after the originally intended use — they were thought to be products of the Great Depression and, as such, were tolerated (even if made fun of behind their backs) and “understood.” Then, time passed and folks were mocked for being pack-rats or hoarding things they’d never use — that, or they were secretly embarrassed over their hoarding and hiding and groups like clutterers and ‘messies anonymous’ spawned — along with the hoards of organization tips: through books, stores and products. Whatever the case, ‘depression mentality’ or no, there are just some people who have a propensity to stash stuff and never throw things out - you know, because they might — need — them someday. I know people like that. Really well.

Today, instead of being thrifty or careful to use and save items, there’s sort of a new generation of folks who save things to remake to use and reuse and reuse. Maybe they’re tight-wads, maybe they’re thrifty, but this tight-waddy-ness (you read it here first!) has led to some clever ingenuity. Consider ’shabby chic’ and all the retro-think and then think of eBay, Craigslist and Freecycle — to name a few. Thrift stores are the main sources of clothing for many people we know (including everyone who lives at this address). I think that’s sort of a combination of the signs of the times (save the planet - recycle - renew the earth) stuff and the Depression Era parents and grandparents passing on that gene.

Well, there was a point to this post. Really. I received an email with this tip for reusing a man’s dress shirt to make a toddler dress [look at all the great photos and tutorial!] . It’s so cute and so clever and sooooooo neuvo. So, you wanna see it? I’m thinking this is a keeper — something to try out! Other ideas are coming to mind! I’ll let you know if I do make it (and it’s worth showing)! :o)

I love doing this sort of thing! For example, recently I made kitchen curtains from a beautiful white-eyelet bassinet skirt that I cut it apart — I hated messing up the originally beautiful workmanship - but it wouldn’t have been any use to me as it was. So there I had plenty of fabric to use for the curtain, and it was just what I would have purchased and I got it for free!

I’ll bet you’re thinking of stuff you could remake… aren’t you.

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December 2, 2007 by pamela.

A Christian Home

Gift Ideas For Any Occasion

· Give the gift of love and hope… a Bible and a letter of love to the recipient.

· A letter or a poem to one you love… along with a picture in a frame or card.

· Gifts of your time—these can be given to anyone… jobs you can do, things you can make, transportation you can provide, calls you can make.

· Magazine subscriptions… these are a favourite in many homes and you can bring a lot of joy to a family by remembering them with a gift subscription. One of our favourites to give are subscriptions to Taste of Home or Quick Cooking or any number of their other publications…. My step dad enjoyed the Reminisce magazine and I know that many women love the Country Woman magazine… all by Reiman publications. You can call them at (800) 344-6913 or visit their website

· Maybe you know someone who would enjoy a Reader’s Digest subscription… or a subscription to another magazine or monthly publication. For women… wonderful magazines: In addition to Above Rubies, Seasons at Home, The Old Schoolhouse, An Encouraging Word, Homeschooling Today.

· Maybe this is the year you would like to present a child with a new Bible, or a special journal and pen.

· Books! Perhaps a new program for the computer…

· A set of pens and stationery and a “lap-desk.”

· A large drawing tablet and pastels or a special calligraphy tablet and pens.

· Scrapbooking supplies, papers, pens, tape, scissors or cutting tools.

· Art books! Canvases and oil paints.

· Acrylic paints and wooden objects to finish.

· A tree or plants for the home.

· Yarn and knitting needles… embroidery kits… material, pattern and thread… Books!

· A bucket of tools, gloves, bulbs, seeds, kneeling pad for weeding and gardening.

· A cribbage board and cards, Uno, Pit or Rook.

· A basket of mugs, hot chocolate mix and marshmallows, cookies and a book of poetry.

· A harmonica… and a songbook.

· An apron, cookbook stand, kitchen timer or clock.

· Wall calendar for 2008! Maybe find one in a wooden wall frame ( or make one!)

· Walking shoes! Rubberboots… Dearfoam slippers.

· A basket of rubber stamps, ink, pens, blank stationery.

· Sew a pair of satin pillow cases…

· Do a chore(s) for someone!!!! Clean the shop… clean & vacuum the car… paint the bathroom… rake the yard… cut and stack the wood… clean the fridge… sew some curtains… make a plan to prune the trees… do a basket of mending… or a basket of ironing…

· gift card to Starbucks inside a starbucks mug

· Kitchen towels, washcloths, pot-holders

· Plastic numbers and letters for the refrigerator… magnets, picture holder magnets

· Hair care supplies, brush, comb, clips or bands

· Vase of flowers… candles… doily and box of pretty matches

· Bath bubbles, salts, sponge, soaps, candles, powder

· Shirt and tie… socks and slippers… belt and wallet… pen & pencil set…

· Teapot, teacups, teas, vanilla sugar, paper doilies, butter cookies

· CD’s of hymns or special music

· Video… favourite movie or an instructional video

· New journal, pens, book mark, candle

· Finger paint, finger paint paper, sponges cut into shapes…

· Music lessons

· Perhaps you could put together a basket of mixes or ingredients for a special meal.

· How about a basket of tools and a “how to” project book…

· A basket of kitchen gadgets… and favourite recipes you write out on cards…

· If you are a canner and baker, how about a basket of items you canned this
summer along with a couple of baked goods.

· And for your neighbors, how about a plate of assorted breads and cookies and a special card with the message of the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Give your family the great gift of long lasting value and encouragement: be a sweet, loving, diligent, lovable, faithful, loyal, dependable, industrious, honest, virtuous, modest, careful, honourable, sincere and joyful mother.

Posted in Good Things & Gifts, Potpourri | Print | 3 Comments »