photo by cjm

It’s hard to believe how many items you can make yourself. While some make-it-yourself projects can be complex, most are quick and painless. Try a few and you might never go back to your ready-made “convenience” ways.

GEL PACK: This is great for small bumps or bruises. Mix three parts water and one part rubbing alcohol in a freezer bag. Seal and encase it in a second freezer bag. Place in the freezer. The more alcohol you use, the softer the pack will be. Wrap with a cloth before applying to skin. It’s more gentle and pliable than a hard ice pack.

COLORED SUGARS FOR BAKED GOODS: Put a drop of food coloring in a container that has a tight lid, add a couple of tablespoons of sugar, and shake. Spread on a plate and shake again if it clumps. Store in an airtight container. Save spice jars with the shaker top to store the sugar.

SPRAY CHALK: In a spray bottle, add 1 cup water, 4 tablespoons cornstarch and food coloring, and shake. Kids can spray it onto the sidewalk, or on snow or sand.

FABRIC WRINKLE RELEASE: Fill a spray bottle with distilled water. Add 1 teaspoon liquid fabric softener. Shake to mix. Spray the wrinkled garment until it’s slightly damp. Pull to smooth out wrinkles. Hang until dry. It works well as a fabric freshener, too.

CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES: Place a small piece of chocolate candy, such as Hershey kiss, in a garlic press and press.

DRUMSTICK ICE CREAM: Use sugar cones and your favorite ice cream. Add two to three chocolate chips to the bottom to prevent the ice cream from leaking through the bottom of the cone. Fill the cone with ice cream, and then a scoop on top. Place in freezer for a few hours to harden. Melt 1-1/4 cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave in 20-second increments. Once it’s melted, add an additional 2 tablespoons of butter. Dip ice cream into chocolate and return them to the freezer for an hour to harden.

Fajita Mix

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon crushed chicken-bouillon cube
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or plastic baggie — 2 tablespoons equal one ready-made packet. When stir-frying your meat or poultry, add a dash of lime juice and Worcestershire sauce.

Sloppy Joes

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 medium green pepper, chopped
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

In skillet, brown the beef, onion, and green pepper. Add all remaining ingredients. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Serve on buns.

Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom salt
1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda
10 drops of essential oil
food-coloring paste to desired color, optional

Mix ingredients together and store in glass jar. Can layer various colors and scents, too. For ease of pouring, you can add bath salts to a glass syrup bottle that has a sliding topper.

Peanut Butter

1-1/2 cups salted roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon peanut oil

Mix the peanuts and peanut oil in a food processor. Process until spreadable and smooth. Scrape from sides with rubber spatula to be sure all peanuts are processed. Refrigerate and use within two weeks.

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