Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

Search Results for: diy recipe book

DIY Last Minute Holiday Gift Giving: Handmade Recipe Book

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen baking all my Holiday goodies. In between watching what’s in the oven an idea came to mind. This is so simple and inexpensive (under $3.) that you can create your own in less than 10 minutes. They make great gifts for those who love to cook/bake. Need a last minute gift? Attending a holiday dinner? The hostess would love one. Family reunion? Collect favorite recipes from everyone and combine in one book. You can also give the book without any recipes inside, but it would add a nice touch if you shared some of your favorites.
Here’s what I did.  

You can pick up these mini brag books (photo albums) just about anywhere but I find that the ones Michaels sell hold up better.  The Recollections brand holds 36 – 4×6 photos.  They cost $1.99.  I was fortunate enough to catch a sale at Michaels and got them for $1.00.  

I customized my cover with a photo that I took at my Mom’s Vintage Store of an old mixer that was admired by many. It had since sold, so I’m glad I have the photo. Adds a nice touch for this project. If your giving this gift to someone who’s spends most of their time in the kitchen (maybe their a professional chef) you could use a photo of them in action. How about cataloging the gift?  Give a set of three or more. One for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and one for desserts. My muse is coming in loud and clear with ideas right now. Back to the tutorial.
I removed the cover from the album and measured a piece of black cardstock the same size. You may use whatever color you wish. Match it with the recipients kitchen color for a more customized look.

I took a piece of white cardstock (cut smaller than the black piece) and used a scalloped scissors to the edges.

This book is mine so I added the text Recipes to the photo. Again, personalize here as you wish. Using double faced tape I attached the photo to the white cardstock and then to the black. I recycled the previous cover by attaching it to the new cover (design facing the black paper). That way I have a empty white page when the book opens to add notes. Or a personal message to the recipient.

Insert back into the photo album and guess what? Your done! I told you it was simple.
If I was to gift this I would add some recipes of my own using 4×6 index cards. Add a nice writing pen and the remaining index cards and your gift is ready. 
What’s nice about using these photo albums for recipe books is that when you accidentally hold the beaters up and dough flies everywhere it wipes off easily. Yes, I’ve done that several times.
Okay, one more idea. My sister shared these adorable photos of my niece Maggie cooking in the kitchen.
Alternate the recipes with adorable photos such as these.  
I’m completely obsessed with these photo album books. So much that I’ve decided to utilize them for another DIY project, titled The Polaroid Project. Check out that post here.  
Check back tomorrow for the weekly Top 10 List.  I’ve sharing DIY wrapping inspiration and quick appetizer recipes.  And I’ve got a couple more simple last minute gift ideas to share before the big day arrives.

DIY Gallery

How to DIY on a budget!  Save money and create more!Click on the link provided under each image.  Be inspired and enjoy!

The list doesn’t end here.  Search DIY in the right side bar to view more.

DIY Unconventional Christmas Trees
DIY Gift Giving
DIY Halloween Appetizers
DIY Polaroid Project (Part 2)
DIY The Polaroid Project (Part 1)
DIY Recycled Blue Jean Stockings
DIY Recipe Book
DIY Easy Christmas Tree Topper
DIY Holiday Ornament Arrangement
DIY Halloween Costumes
DIY Halloween Decorating Ideas
DIY Project Using School Supplies
DIY Project Using School Supplies
DIY Packing Materials
DIY Holiday Hangover Tips
DIY 4th Of July Party Inspiration
DIY Father’s Day Gifts
DIY Outdoor Patio Inspiration
DIY Recycling Inspiration
DIY Photography Projects

DIY Bug Repellent for Humans & Dogs

It’s flea and tick season here in the Midwest and believe me they’re out for blood!  The bugs are horrible this year.  Who wants to stay indoors?  I had my first trip to the doctor last week because my ear was really sore and swollen.  Turns out I was bitten by gnats. The doctor advised me to take Benadryl and monitor the area. The nurse also gave me a recipe for homemade bug repellent.  She told me that it works for her and she also uses it on her dogs.  She applies it monthly just as you would with the store bought versions.  Flea and tick medicine for three dogs, given monthly, can get expensive.  So, it’s definitely worth a try.  I also feel better knowing what exactly is in the solution before applying.
Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cups of water
splash of vanilla
splash of lemon juice
Supplies:

Medium sized mixing bowl
Funnel
Whisk
Spray bottle (check your local dollar stores)
Instructions:

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and then using a funnel transfer it into a spray bottle.  Take a black marker and label the bottle. 
*****
For humans I applied it to all areas of the skin that were exposed.  For my face, I rubbed some in my hands and applied to my neck and checks only.  I get nervous when applying anything around the eyes.
For dogs I applied it the same way that I do with Frontline.  Starting at their neckline, down along their back to the tail.  Set the spray bottle on stream so that it’s easier to apply in a straight line.  Part their hair with the nozzle a bit.  If you have multiple dogs wash the nozzle before using it on the next one.  Yes, they’ll smell like vinegar for awhile.  BUT the fleas and ticks hate vinegar, so that’s okay.
I tried this recipe for the first time today and can report no problems.  Sure a couple of gnats trying using my eyes as landing stations, but other than that, it worked fine.  I was able to get a couple of hours of yard work in without constantly hitting myself.
Good luck!
Just a cute behind the scenes photo of House yawning during me taking pictures.  Or perhaps he was yelling. Or singing.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 10-25-13 {DIY Gift Giving Projects}

Two months until Christmas.  Yikes!
Skip the big box stores and save some money by creating your own gift for someone special on your list.  
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A photograph, ticket stub, or how about Grandma’s recipe?  Have it enlarged and then frame it.
Cloud cookies.
Picture frame tray.
Twiz the Season.  Cute! (Scroll down through the post)
35mm film stickers for the photo geeks.
Painted treat tins. (Tip: check your local thrift stores for the tins)
Handmade Polaroid magnets.
Stenciled burlap placemats. (Tip: canvas dropcloth works great also)
52 Reasons book.
Santa Claus can.  Can be used for plants, cards, or kitchen utensils.
*****
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 10-18-13 {DIY Halloween Appetizer Recipes}

Are you hosting a Halloween party this year?  Here’s a few ideas to help you plan your menu.
In case you missed week one and two, their links are provided below. 
Week #1:  Decorating
Week #2:  Costumes
Week #3:  Appetizers
The holiday season is in full swing.  I’ve got several handmade projects planned for my nieces and nephews this year.  Along with those there will be plenty of DIY projects to keep you busy throughout the cold months ahead.  If you don’t want to miss any of my posts here, scroll to the end and follow my blog through Bloglovin.  And “thanks” for stopping by.  
Have you visited my Facebook page?  There will be a HUGE announcement coming very soon.
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Witch hats.
Mummy dogs.
Cheese and pretzel broomsticks.
Zombie fingers.
Ghost and pumpkin cake pops.
Candy Corn Milkshakes.
Bony breadsticks.
Jello Syringes.
Vampire vitamins.
Spider ice cubes.
*****
Follow on Bloglovin
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY: Homemade Organic Dog Treats

Last week I tried this new dog treat recipe for my boys.  Two ingredients and all organic.  And the results were a HUGE success!  I found the recipe here. It’s nice to come across another crazy dog Mom.  I enjoy being able to make them something in the kitchen rather than purchasing something from the store with a lot of ingredients.
The recipe gives you the freedom to chose what flavor you want to make.  My boys loves apples and bananas, so this was the first choice.  I will be trying others.  Each jar of baby food cost $1.29.
I picked up the Organic whole wheat flour at my favorite store for $1.50.  I already had the cookie cutter in my stash, but was looking for something a bit smaller.  Like bite size.  Keep reading…  
Another bonus for this recipe is that I’m only mixing two ingredients together.  That’s it!

I gave the boys a little sample by letting them lick the lids.  You will see that they were okay with the flavor.
I was thinking out loud on what I could use as a cookie cutter to make the treats smaller.  Adam suggested the top of a pop bottle. It worked like a charm!  I dipped the top in flour after every other impression. 
The dough rolled out with a texture similar to pizza dough.  I used a little extra flour on the counter just in case it started to stick.  Next time I’ll know not to use so much.
Due to using a smaller cookie cutter I didn’t set the oven as high as the recipe called for because I didn’t want them to burn.  For the bottle cap size I set my oven between 275-300. I baked them for about 10-12 minutes.  Use your best judgement depending on the size of treat your making and how your oven works.
They couldn’t wait to try them.  Actually as I type this post their supply is completely gone.  I’ll be choosing another flavor for another batch.
The whole batch made 12 1/2 dozen and cost roughly $4.15.  Your batch will vary depending of the size of cookie cutter you use.
Kinda looks like a made dog kibble (food).
So, what flavor would your beloved dogs like?  I’m thinking sweet potato might be next.
Looking for more easy dog treat recipes?  Click here.  Have fun and spoil your dogs every day of the year!  (Because they deserve it).

DIY Inspiration-The Polaroid Project: Part Two

Alright DIY Craft Geeks! This handmade project was FUN! I made them for four of my nieces and nephews. The older two already know their ABCs. If you missed part one click here.
When I was in the planning stage of this project I was going to out source the printing to a local store in town. The further along that I got I decided to put a little more work into it. It’s handmade so why not have it 100% “hand-made”~

I LOVE THESE PHOTO BOOKS! They are the same ones that I used in the recipe book tutorial I post earlier this week. Another added bonus of using them is that the photos will stay clean and protected. The photo albums can be purchased at Michaels and if you catch them on sale you’ll pay $1. per book.
I always make templates for every project. Makes it easier if I go back and make more later. In this case I’m creating four Polaroid ABC books so the templates are a great time saver.
I first measured a 4×6 piece of black cardstock. This is the base of each photo that will slide into the sleeves of the album. Next, I measured a white piece of glossy photo paper (to give it the shiny effect).
One additional piece of black cardstock was cut to give the Polaroid effect. I used double faced tape to attach everything. Didn’t want to use anything shiny like staples or brads that the kids could potentially pull off and put in their mouth.
Okay, that’s the time consuming part. Twenty six pieces of three different sizes of paper.
I used all of my photography to match each corresponding letter of the alphabet. After sizing each photo to fit into the space a sticker was added. Some photos were printed to big so I utilized Walgreens online print services and ordered wallet sizes for a few. For example you can see the photo of our family below. I couldn’t fit it in the space so I ordered wallet size version. Worked just fine. If you’re into graphics you can easily adjust each photo to be the same size. 
I used the same image that I shared with you in part one of this project for the book cover.  You can see the cover in the image above.  Adding some color cardstock and scalloped edges with the scissors.
I added the “is for…” myself.  
The album holds 36 photos so obviously I had extra openings.  After searching through my incredibly large supply of scrapbook paper I found one that went with the theme of the book.  I scanned the whole sheet and then cropped a 4×6 section to create the print.  I liked the shine of the gloss paper to accent well with the others.  Again, you can do whatever you want here.  
On the back cover I add my own little message for the recipients.
Hardy decided to hang out with me throughout the entire process of assembling the books.
It was a late night and included a lot of paper cutting.
But so worth the final product!

Make your own using photos that the child will recognize. Learning their ABCs will be so much fun.
Did you enjoy this project? Feel free to “pin” it and share the love.

DIY Food Gifts: Homemade Mini Muffins (Banana and Chocolate)

Alright, back to the homemade goodies for Christmas.  Here’s the second recipe that I’m using for my food gifts.
Skip the gift card this year and give that special person on your list something you know they’ll love.
A Homemade Gift!

My Mom gave me this recipe a few years back.  She had found it in some Best of Something Cookbook.  If I knew the cookbook/magazine that it came from I would give them proper credit.

I LOVE BANANA BREAD!  This recipe makes a total of four loaf pans.  The last time that I made it I chose to make them into muffins and had some extra chocolate leftover from another recipe, so guess what? 
Ingredients: 
1 Cup of Oleo
3 Cups of Sugar
6 eggs
3 Cups of Sour Cream
4 tsp. Baking Soda
2 tsp. Vanilla
4-5 Mashed Bananas
1 tsp. Salt
5 Cups of Flour
*12 oz bag of mini chocolate chips
Supplies:

Mini muffin pans.  I love Wilton’s pans.
Mini muffin papers.  I did half the batch using the papers and the rest without.  Your choice.  
Large Cooling rack
Small Cookie Scoop
Large spoon (soup bowl size)
(3) Mixing bowls.  “Sorry” you will have a few extra dishes with this one, but well worth it!
Here’s what you do:

-Cream together the oleo, sugar, and eggs in one bowl.  Set aside.
-Grab another bowl and mix together the sour cream and baking soda.  Set aside.  You’ll notice the mixture foaming.
-In your third bowl mash the bananas.  I’ve been waiting all week for them to go black for this recipe. Lately the supermarket has been getting greener than green ones in.  Perhaps it’s always been this way and I’m just being a tad more observant than usual.
-Add the vanilla, salt, and flour to the mashed bananas.  Set aside.
-Now, combine the ingredients in the first two bowls.  After they are mixed add that to the third bowl with the banana mixture.  Sounds confusing when I type it out, but it’s really simple.  After making these a few times I found that it’s much easier this way due to it being such a large batch.
-Last, add the bag of mini chocolate chips to the mixture.  Toll House never disappoints.
It only took about 20+ shots to get one that I was happy with.  Have you ever photographed mini chocolate chips?
I like to use three mini muffin pans when using this recipe.  Using just one would take a long time to finish the huge bowl of batter.  

*Bakers tip* When filling the cups I used a cookie scoop along with a large spoon.  I hate it when I fill the tins and have spilled batter all over the pan.  Then I have to stop and clean it off or else it’ll burn when placed in the oven.  So, after you fill the cookie scoop place the spoon underneath as you transfer the dough to the tin.  Works like a charm and no mess.
I thought I was going to run out of muffin papers, so that’s why I made some without.
The oven should be set at 350 degrees.  If your using the four loaf pans bake for 50 minutes or until done.  I apologize that I didn’t time the muffins, so just keep an eye on them.  Somewhere around 12-15 minutes.
One thing about making so many is that by the time I’m done I don’t want to eat any (cause I’m sick of looking at them).  But, these little guys got stuck in the pan so I had to use a spoon to loosen them.  Can’t give those away cause they don’t look very presentable.  I guess I’ll bag them for a snack later.
With this recipe and the peanut butter/chocolate sandwiches I made last week (if you missed that one, click here) I was happy to use these huge Tupperware containers that I got from my Grandma’s.  I chose them, from her belongings, just for times like this.  She used them for Holiday baking as well.  She baked everything in advance.  Packed the containers full and in the deep freezer they went.  Ready for Christmas!  I’m glad to carry on her tradition.  She would be pleased.
Time to go.  I’m spending my Saturday night rolling out sugar cookie dough for my last holiday treat.  This year I’m “attempting” a little different approach for the cookie toppings.  Check back to see how they turn out.
Enjoy your Saturday night.
Disclosure:  This isn’t a sponsored post.  The brands that I used were solely decided on by myself and no one else. 
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY: Inexpensive Holiday Arrangement Of Ornaments

Easy, festive, inexpensive, and takes less than five minutes to put together.  Keep reading!
Have you ever purchased ornaments with the intention of hanging them on the tree, but they stayed in the holiday box year after year?  
Several years ago I found this adorable tube of assorted Christmas balls at Old Navy.  The holiday was over so they only cost me $1.99 (love those clearance bins).  We’ve all made purchases simply off of the “they looked cute” method.  Right?
When I first moved into my house I noticed these swag hooks in various spots in the house.  The first thing that comes to mind when I see them is those plants that hang in a hand knitted holder.  Remember those?  Throughout the years I’ve found uses for those hooks.
Using various lengths of ribbon I strung each of the ornaments.  I wanted the bold colors to pop, so I chose a cream colored ribbon to hang them with. 
And there they hang.  In the corner of my living room.  You could also hang them above a doorway.  Or on the hardware that opens your closet.  I would recommend choosing one that you don’t open a lot, especially if the ornaments are made of glass.  My dogs don’t bother them because they hang so high.  Not sure if they’re cat proof.  They may think your hanging up toys to play with in passing.  
Need a quick gift for someone who just moved into a new house and doesn’t have a lot of holiday decor?  How about someone that is away at college?  The arrangement would be small enough not to take up much room.  Hostess gift?  Giveaway at a holiday craft show?  Please stop me, because I could give you ideas all night.
Okay, one more.  Do you find yourself buying new ornaments every year and then you don’t know what to do with the old ones?  Pass them along to your kids when they move out on their own.
Have fun!  Perhaps I’ll hit the clearance bins again this year.  They would look cute in our shop in Galena, IL.  
Tomorrow I’ll be in the kitchen again.  Baking more goodies for the gift bags.  This time I’ll be adding a little twist to a traditional recipe.  Chocolate?  Of course!  I’ll be posting the recipe here when they’re finished.  Are you baking this year?  
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Weekend Links: Buy-Create-Cook

Weekend Links - DIY Inspiration

The weekend is here and what better time to get caught up with all those pages you bookmarked throughout the past few days.  Perhaps you’ll splurge on something that caught your eye.  Challenge yourself with a new DIY project.  Or how about messing up the kitchen as you prepare a new vegetarian recipe (or snack). Sounds fun right?

Welcome to Weekend Links-BUY-CREATE-COOK!  

Here’s three things that grabbed my attention.

1.  Must order this Disco drink cup!

2.  I thrifted three vintage colanders specifically for this project.

3.  Emoji Cookies!

Have a great weekend!

*no affiliate links were used in this post*