Spaghetti swap: Try substituting noodle-like squash in Italian dishes to cut...
Italian dinners can be hard to resist. They can also be loaded with unnecessary calories and refined carbohydrates. Think: buttery breadsticks and fettuccini slathered in high-fat Alfredo sauce....
View ArticleSmart video: From trash to treasure
In a season full of gift bags and gift wrap and gift tags, I was excited to find a different idea on Pinterest a few weeks ago. Instead of buying a new bag for every recipient, you can use a few...
View ArticleMake your own taco seasoning
I happened upon a Pinterest “pin” a few months ago for DIY taco seasoning. And so this weekend, when I craved last-minute tacos for dinner, I dug a chicken breast out of the freezer and put the recipe...
View ArticleEnjoy winter: Make your own hot cocoa
Despite the expected high of 59 degrees today, it is winter (no worries, I double-checked the calendar). And even when temperatures seem unseasonably warm, I still find there’s nothing better than...
View ArticleVideo: Add some oomph to your water
One day this summer, I went out for lunch and brought an iced tea back to the office. When I finished it, I refilled the plastic cup with water, and left the lemon slice in. And voila — whereas I...
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Video: Make a monster bookmark
It is that time again: School! Plans to get new clothes and supplies are in place, but what about a fun craft to hold your child’s place in his or her school books? A monster bookmark only takes a few...
View ArticleSmart video: Stay warm with different scarves
Part of me is ready for tights, hot apple cider and pulling up my comforter high around my chin as I fall asleep at night. Part of me is resisting as warm weather slips away. But the change of seasons...
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Video: It’s all about the butter with holiday cookies
(Photo via Flickr user Brian Richardson) I enjoy both baking and cooking. But at times, I’m not very good at either. There have been burnt cookies and mushy Brussels sprouts and near-fires and, yes,...
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Video: Create a hanging organizer for scarves
Once fall rolls in, I can’t get enough of my scarves. When the season begins, they’re all folded neatly in the top drawer of my dresser. Fast forward two weeks, though, and they’re all over my...
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Video: Create yarn eggs for Easter
These yarn eggs hold a special treat inside. (iPhone photo by Sarah Chain) One of my favorite parts of Easter as a child was hunting for my Easter basket. The Easter Bunny, in my household, anyhow, was...
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Video: Create DIY garden markers
(Video still by Sarah Chain) Last year when I began my container gardening adventures, I had seven pots — three tomatoes, three bell peppers and one cucumber. I set them in a neat row — right to left —...
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Video: How to make geographical artwork
I love using Pinterest for inspiration regarding crafts and projects. When I saw this pin, I instantly posted it as an idea for my wedding save-the-dates. But this project took another turn, and...
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Video: How to make wine-cork boutonnieres
Wedding bells are ringing throughout the county, which might be a pleasant or stressful sound for you. DIY brides are abundant, and I have one more unique idea for you: wine-cork boutonnieres. This...
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