The Thrifty Jewell

"Just Do It Yourself…Thrifty Money Saving Tips

Cricut Welcome Sign Made With Old Weathered Wood

The Thrifty Jewell

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August 6, 2020

I was walking my dog the other day and someone had thrown out this old board. I looked at it and immediately knew I wanted to make something from it. I walked on past planning on picking it up on the way back then quickly decided to turn around and get it, thinking someone else might grab it before me.

I’m often found doing that, walking down the street with something in my hands I’ve curb shopped. I could tell you of a few treasures I have found that way…

This piece was so cool though. It is perfectly weathered. It is also perfectly sized for a porch sign. I decided the best place for it was at the lake.

I didn’t take step by step pictures this time, I think because I was so excited to get it done, but here is my before and after.

I used light gray chalk paint and lightly brushed it on the wood here and there just to make it a little more interesting.

I made stencils on my cricut and taped them to the wood. I used black oil based paint to paint the letters. Since we are in the woods, I made a deer stencil for the “O” in welcome.

Then I just wrapped some rope around the top from dollar tree.

It looks old and rustic! I was thinking I might flip it around and paint something on the other side “LAKE LIFE” perhaps and flip it around once in awhile.

I’m always on the lookout for pieces like this and I’m so happy when I come across them.

Fall Decor is at Dollar Tree

The Thrifty Jewell

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July 26, 2020

I know it’s mid summer but Dollar Tree has just put out their Fall Decor! Fall is my favorite season and I went early this year to get a few things to craft with.

Here’s my bounty. The flannel stuffed pumpkins are adorable! Hopefully I can go pick up a few more. There are lots of wall hanging things. This metal truck was my favorite. I think I might put it in the center of a wreath. I also got ribbon and flowers. I think I will be making another trip soon!

These little wood plaques are so cute and could be left out year round. Bring on the pumpkins and lattes!

Anti-Inflammatory Juice Kicked Up A Notch; Reducing Inflammation

The Thrifty Jewell

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July 26, 2020

I’d like to share my anti-inflammatory juice recipe. I just turned 50 this year and boy am I feeling it. I’ve been making little changes to help me feel better and have more energy. I’ve started weight watchers earlier this year, down 10 lbs, yay, and I’ve been walking everyday, trying to reach my daily 10,000 step goal, I’ve upped my vitamin intake and I’ve been changing my diet. I do cheat sometimes but hey, I’m a work in progress.

I’ve been researching inflammation, I have some areas in my body that have issues. I have tendinitis in my shoulder, carpel tunnel in my wrist and planters fasciitis in my heel. Im a hot mess at bedtime with the medical brace’s I have to wear lol! I’m under treatment with my doctor but I do think a healthy diet can also help with these kind of issues. So I’m juicing.

I have been keeping fresh vegetables on hand, washed, cut up and stored in bags in the refrigerator. This makes it very easy when it’s juicing time.

Here’s one of my anti-inflammatory recipes:

  • Fresh Pineapple
  • Fresh Cherries
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Turmeric
  • Spinach (I was out)

I use my at least 10 year old Jack Lalanne juicer. It still works like the day I bought it.

I juice everything except for the turmeric. I use a whisk to mix in the powder afterward.

You can drink it just like this or…

I like to kick it up a notch with sparkling water. It makes it more like a special drink then just gulping down the juice.

Either way, there are many healthy benefits to juicing. Drink up!

Dollar Tree Cutting Board Craft: S’mores Tote

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 28, 2020

This was a fun project just in time for the Fourth of July! It’s fast, easy and cheap.

Supplies list:

  • Two Plastic Cutting Boards from Dollar Tree, the kind with the holes on top
  • One Wooden Crate. I got this one at Walmart in the floral section but you can get them at Michaels, Hobby Lobby or sometimes Dollar Tree has them
  • One Dowel Rod that fits through the cutting board holes. I found at Walmart in the craft section.
  • Glue
  • Paint if desired

I painted the crate with chalk paint. I used Aleen’s tacky glue to attach the cutting boards to the crates. I also used hot glue for an immediate hold.

I made vinyl stickers on my Cricut, marshmallows and a bonfire and stuck them on the sides of the cutting board. I also used my cricut for the word “S’mores” and applied it to both sides of the crate

I added the dowel rod and of course the goodies. This will look great on the counter at the lake. Just grab and take out to the fire. Happy 4th!

Up Cycled Vintage Train Case Suitcase

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 28, 2020

I found this avocado green vintage train case at a thrift shop for .50! I decided to shabby chic it and use it for storage inside my tv console.

I knew it’s not going to be heavily used so I decided to paint it.

Here’s the paint I used. I picked outdoor acrylic hoping it will have a little more lasting coverage, although I don’t mind if it gets nicked here and there at all. I picked daffodil yellow because it jumped out at me at the craft store.

First coat. I did two coats and a third touch up coat.

I used nail polish remover and a Q-tip to remove paint that I got on the hardware.

After it dried, I brushed chalk wax on it to help seal it.

I let it dry for a couple of days…

Then I made a vinyl sticker with my cricut and stuck it on.

I’m using it to store my grandsons games and controllers for the Xbox.

It looks so cheery and makes me smile every time I look at it.

Fourth of July Porch Sign Flag Stars and Stripes

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 18, 2020

I just got a cricut and I am so addicted! I made this porch sign today. I used acrylic paint from Walmart, the 2oz bottles, a four foot board, some wood stain to antique it a bit, and rope.

I painted the flag, taping off areas so I could get the lines. I didn’t want it perfect but still used tape as my guideline. I made a stencil with my cricut of the stars and painted them on. After the paint dried, I rubbed the stain on in various places then used sandpaper to distress it some. I made the vinyl decal and stuck it on last. I hot glued the rope.

I did this in just a couple of hours. It was a fun project! I can post cricut instructionals if anyone is interested.

Shabby Chic Thrift Store Tiered Serving Tray

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 17, 2020

I love Shabby Chic, I love thrift stores, I love crafting. Put them all together and you can make some pretty cool stuff!

I picked up this this plate and bowl set and ceramic candle holders all from the thrift store.

I painted the candle holders with chalk paint and used E6000 to glue them all together. Find it here https://amzn.to/3hEMr5Y

This is what the candle stands looked like. I glued them before painting then decided to change the color.

I’m currently using it to display fruit. This would work great for a wedding or baby shower for fruit or desserts. You could do mismatched dishes as well.

Tabletop Fire Bowl DIY Easy

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 15, 2020

Who doesn’t love the ambiance of a glowing fire on a summer evening? I know I do! This is a budget friendly option for a deck or patio. Perfect for a small outdoor space.

I don’t know if you have priced fire bowls but they can get very pricey! This one for instance is one I found online.

$85! And there’s not much to it. It’s so easy to make. You just have to find the right container.

I found this 12” terra cotta clay planter at Home Depot for $10.97. I had all the rest of my supplies on hand but the cost of the supplies isn’t much at all.

I chose to paint my pot but you could leave it if you want to skip this step. I wanted a more modern look.

I used chalk paint by Annie Sloan in Graphite, one coat.

Since it’s going to be outside, I used a chalk paint wax to protect the paint. I just rubbed it on with a soft cloth after the paint dried.

I filled the bowl with rock that I had in my backyard. I put a can of sterno in and filled rocks around it to keep it steady.

All filled up and ready to light!

I tried to capture the flame in a picture. Check out my short video below.

It even crackles! I love how it turned out…I like it better then the expensive one! you can use this for roasting marshmallows, just make sure your sterno is non-toxic.

Spicy Egg Roll In Bowl Figure Friendly, Low Carb Recipe

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 14, 2020

This is a quick stir fry recipe that is healthy and full of flavor! It can be customized very easily with different veggies or meat. It can be low carb it you leave out the beans and corn. It has a savory dressing that goes on top that is so good. If you are counting Weight Watcher Points, it is zero points for the Blue Program. Here is how to make this filling dish.

Ingredients for eggroll filling:

  • 1 lb of your choice of meat. I opted for chicken breast. You may also omit the meat for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 t cumin
  • 1 t chili powder
  • 1 t oregano
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup cooked black beans
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper
  • 4 oz can green chilis diced
  • 1 cup broccoli slaw
  • 3 cups coleslaw mix
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped

Ingredients for Dressing:

  • 1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 t garlic powder
  • 1/2 t onion powder
  • 1 t parsley
  • 1 t chili powder
  • 1 t apple cider vinegar

Spray a large skillet with olive oil cooking spray.

Saute’ cubed chicken and onions, add chili powder, cumin and oregano. Cook until chicken is browned and onions are soft.

Add the beans, corn, chilis, peppers, slaw and broccoli slaw.

Stir fry for 10-15 minutes until cabbage is soft. Make the dressing by mixing all of the dressing ingredients together.

Serve in a bowl topped with the dressing. You may also top with jalapeños for extra heat.

Transitioning to Gray Hair Growing Out Gray Hair

The Thrifty Jewell

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June 13, 2020

I have been wanting to grow out my gray hair for sometime now. I started turning gray in my early 20’s. I started coloring then. I became a hairdresser 30 years ago and have colored my own hair pretty much the entire time. My hair grows very fast and it is thick! I’m just getting tired of the maintenance…every three weeks. Im 50 now and kind of thought I would make this transition around this age.

When Covid-19 hit, everything shut down and I couldn’t get my haircolor, so I took the opportunity and decided now was as good of time as any to start growing it out. I stopped coloring my hair March 2020.

This was the first photo I took once I made my decision. It’s not the best photo, I had just got out of the hot tub, but it’s the first pic.

Second photo. It’s starting to fade a tiny bit here. I was starting to have second thoughts about here..glad I stuck it out.

I started wearing head wraps and hats, lol.

I decided I needed a few highlights this day to help with the blending. I highlighted it myself because the salons were closed. It helped some.

I started getting brave here and stopped covering it up. I’ve actually started embracing this process at this point.

I called this the calico stage lol. I’ve always liked calico cats, now I remind myself of one haha.

This was three months of new growth. I did a light bleach wash to wash out some of the dark red. Bleach, 40 volume and some shampoo was what I used. I also used olaplex to help protect my strands.

This is four months of new growth. I was getting tired of the contrast and needed to blend the line of demarcation.

I used L’Anza cream decolorizer to lift the red to a tweetie bird yellow. Fun stuff…not lol. Bye bye red.

I then toned with Pulp Riot Silver Toner. Look how well it blended the line. I think I might do this one more time in about a month.

This is five months of not coloring my new growth. I have used a silver toner a couple of times and I use violet tinted shampoo once a week to help keep the brass in check. It is so nice not touching up every three weeks. I can get used to this!

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