Crafting and DIY projects are my jam. I recently saw an article about making fermented honey with ginger, and it sounded like something I wanted to try. Jeff was reading Friday Night Cocktails on Sunday, and he came across a recipe that called for Honey Ginger Syrup. Well, that sealed the deal. I would give …
More Last Minute Stocking Stuffers
Time is just flying by! I mailed my holiday gifts last week, and I have my fingers crossed that they will actually arrive. I still haven’t received something I bought that was sent by mail on 11/29. Ugh. I’ve delivered my local holiday gifts, and I think I might be finished except for maybe something …
Dragon Belly Shawl from an Easy Mijo Crochet Pattern
Since I have been spending so much more time at home, I figured I should get back into crochet. I hadn’t taken up any crochet projects since I had cataract surgery. Because I went from being near-sighted to far-sighted, I figured it would take some adjusting, and I was right. I used to take my …
My “Lost In Time” Crocheted Shawl
Last fall, I started what turned out to be a major crochet project. Almost a year later, I finally finished it! It’s the “Lost In Time” shawl, a beautiful pattern created by a truly talented crocheter and designer, Johanna Lindahl, who creates under the name, Mijo Crochet. Her many patterns are written in Swedish and …
How To Make Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
Let’s take a break from skincare and makeup and BAKE! I believe that I’ve mentioned that I bake my own bread about 90% of the time. I actually enjoy it. It’s relaxing to work with dough, IMHO. I often alternate between “almost no knead” breads whose dough sits overnight so the gluten develops overtime and …
Crocheted Virus Shawls
It seems that the craft of crochet is on the upswing, and that makes me happy. I learned how to crochet at camp when I was 16. I don’t even remember who taught me, but whoever she was, she taught me just the basics. The rest I learned on my own, first by looking at …
Easy Elegant Crocheted “Sparkle” Shawl
I put my crocheting away for months. I don’t know why, but I lost interest. Fortunately, I decided I needed to get back into it. Crocheting can be relaxing, and I can always use a stress-reducer. To be honest, I have more scarves, hats and shawls than anyone I know, lol. I used to gift …
How To Make Your Own Marshmallows
I know, most people probably think why bother to make your own marshmallows when you can buy a big bag at the supermarket. But let me tell you, there is such a difference in the taste and the consistency of homemade versus store-bought marshmallows. They are two different creatures. And once you’ve had homemade marshmallows, you’ll …
How to Make Strawberry Jam
Last month, Jeff and I went to a nearby farm to pick strawberries. Because I knew I’d be squatting to pick berries, I didn’t bring my phone with me so I have no photos of the beautiful fields of green plants with red berries. Oh well. I picked 2 quarts of strawberries to use for …
My Crocheted Hat & Infinity Scarf
For a change of pace, I thought I’d share a DIY or craft post. I love to crochet, and from time to time, I like to show you what I’ve been working on. Today, I’ve got one of the hats and infinity scarves that I crocheted earlier in the season. I’m pleased with how they …
I Made DIY Lipstick Balm from Crayons
A couple of months ago, I did a post on DIY lipstick from a recipe I found on Beautylish. Finally, I got around to trying a version of it myself, and it was a cinch! It’s a fun activity to do with your daughter, granddaughter, a friend, or even by yourself. If there’s a lipstick …
DIY Foot Soak and Advice on Facial Skincare from My Esthetician
The most successful post by far on Never Say Die Beauty’s Facebook fanpage is a recipe for a DIY foot soak and dead skin/callous remover. (Check out the NSDB FB page if you haven’t already!) I’ve gotten lots and lots of “likes”, and lots of comments from women who’ve tried it. In fact, a number …
Chapped Lips? Make DIY Lip Scrub
I’ve had enough of this winter. Even though it’s officially spring, here in the northeast it’s still winter. My yard is completely covered in snow. Ugh! And though I’ve bought a couple of new hydrating lipsticks and gloss, Too Faced La Creme Lipstick and Estée Lauder Lipgloss, in addition to the peppermint oil-infused Stila Color …