New Years Fancy Feather Hair Clips!

Scarlet, myself, and Grandma (who had kindly volunteered to babysit tonight) have all come down with a cold, so we're staying in. I thought I'd spice up our cozy new years with some fanciful dress-up.  Scarlet loves anything that matches mommy (see the mom and daughter aprons) so I made us up some easy peasy bright and fancy feather hair clips.

Totally fun, you just need some fabric, feathers and hot glue.  And personally I would totally wear this on a regular day to like the dry cleaner and grocery store as part of my hot mess mommy get up, why not.

Get the mommy-daughter feather hairclip how to after the jump...

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Reading: New Years Fancy Feather Hair Clips!

Boneau Orange Slush

This is a delicious treat! We look forward to it every holiday season. My mother-in-law just gave me (and therefore you) the recipe so now we will all be enjoying it year round. Boneau Orange Slush... YAY! Run out to the store for ingredients this morning and get it in the freezer. It's perfect for New Year's Eve.

Recipe after the jump...

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Reading: Boneau Orange Slush

Quick tip: No-slip Slippers

Back in November I was lamenting that these adorable granny-square slippers might be too slippery for a toddler when an ingenious anonymous commenter suggested adding hot glue to the bottoms. Brilliant! So after Clare slipped for the second time in her very much NOT handmade (but oh-so-cozy) Old Navy slippers, I decided to take action and try this tip out. Very clever and YAY for no trips to the emergency room!

Reading: Quick tip: No-slip Slippers

DIY Changing Pad Cover Tutorial

 So changing pad covers get filthy, that doesn't mean they can't be cute.  Just put the adorable fabric up where the baby's head goes.

The great thing about this changing pad cover how-to is there is no top stitching, so if you aren't great at sewing, no one will see your crooked stitches.  It's simple, I promise.  Get the full tutorial after the jump.
And thanks for the post OhDeeDoh!

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Reading: DIY Changing Pad Cover Tutorial

DIY Burp Cloth How-to

Yesterday we made a Pocket Bib and today we are making a matching terry burp cloth so we have a DIY bib & burp cloth gift set.  This burp cloth is wildly simple.

I used a terry hand towel but you could use any fabric you prefer.  Get the full burp cloth tutorial after the jump...
And thanks for the post Craft Gossip!

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Reading: DIY Burp Cloth How-to

DIY Pocket Bib

Here is a super simple baby bib how-to.  You don't even need a pattern, just trace an old bib.  I like bibs with pockets to catch stray dribbles so I added one here.  You can even make this bib reversible if you want.  Get the how-to after the jump...

And thanks for the posts Craft Gossip and One Pretty Thing!

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Reading: DIY Pocket Bib

Goodwill Kitchen

This is the kitchen that I found for $15 at Goodwill this Fall and refinished for Clare for Christmas. It was ALOT of work and I'm not totally sure, after all those cans of Primer and Spray Paint, that it was HUGELY cost effective but I'm quite proud. I learned a few cool things along the way. There's not much a DIY here, just my personal step-by-step and some helpful tips.

Check it out after the jump...

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Reading: Goodwill Kitchen

Craft, Inc. Giveaway Winner!

We hope you all are enjoying leftovers this weekend!  I know I am.  Just wanted to stop in to let you know that the winner of Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Businessis Amy H from Buggie & Jellybean who said:
I would love this book to help push my store out there more. I started making crowns and wands over this summer and really have enjoyed it. truelovefound.etsy.com
True Love Found comes from my favorite version of Cinderella my daughter has. There is a page in the book when the prince and Cinderella meet and simply says "In silence love found them." I put my own spin on it with True added, plus it does have double meaning since I have my own True Love Found.
Amy we hope this book helps you meet your goals!  Use the contact us form up there to the left to send your address!

Reading: Craft, Inc. Giveaway Winner!

Merry Christmas...

...from our prudent babies to yours!

Reading: Merry Christmas...

Please Vote for Prudent Baby @ Apartment Therapy Homies!

We are so excited to see we've been nominated for Apartment Therapy's Homie awards in the Kids @ Home category!  If you enjoy Prudent Baby, we'd love for you to vote for us!  Just click here and when you get to the page click the little house!  And while you're at it please go ahead and have a very merry christmas eve!

XOXO
Jaime & Jacinda

Reading: Please Vote for Prudent Baby @ Apartment Therapy Homies!

Prudent Tip: Last-Minute Gift Wrapping

You're crafty so I know you have a hole punch and some yarn.  Add a paper lunch bag and a doily (or scrapbooking paper or whatever) and you've got yourself an inexpensive, last minute DIY gift wrap solution.  I always use yarn in place of ribbon for gifts, it's so cute and way cheaper!

Reading: Prudent Tip: Last-Minute Gift Wrapping

Recycled Journal Giveaway Winner

Just a quick stop in from the chaos that is Boneau Family Christmas to let you know that DieselMonkey is the winner of the recycled book journal from ex libris anonymous. Congrats Diesel Monkey! Just in time for resolution list making!

Reading: Recycled Journal Giveaway Winner

To Make 2 Days Ahead... Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Onions

This creamed spinach with bacon and onions recipe is a family favorite (even little Scarlet likes it!), a little time consuming but not too difficult, and totally worth it. Make it today and reheat it in the oven on Christmas.  Just make sure no one eats it before then!  Get the recipe after the jump...

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Reading: To Make 2 Days Ahead... Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Onions

Crochet Ruffle Scarf

I made this as a gift for a certain mother-in-law who looks very pretty in blue and I think might like ruffles.  This is a very simple pattern, it takes under an hour to crochet these fun ruffles so you could totally whip one out today for your MIL too!

Since this crochet scarf pattern uses about half a skein of yarn it only costs around $2.50 so it fits into our under $5 category.  If you're into ruffles it could make a nice addition to your hot mess mommy wardrobe.  Get the pattern after the jump!

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Reading: Crochet Ruffle Scarf

Winner of the SucculentLOVE Centerpiece Kit!

The winner of the SucculentLOVE kit is Monica from Our Designed Life who told this black thumb story:  My husband and I planted a garden all from seeds. Weeks went by and we had cucumber, chard and lettuce plants. One day something attacked the cucumbers and they all got diseased. Pulled them up. The lettuce bolted. Pulled them up. The chard is still going strong and are now keeping the new brussels sprouts, broccoli and onions company.


Congratulations on your chard Monica, and on winning this beautiful centerpiece.  Use the contact us form up there to the left to send us your address!


And everyone else hurry up and enter the Ex Libris Anonymous Book Journal Giveaway and the Craft, Inc Giveaway because they end soon!!!

Reading: Winner of the SucculentLOVE Centerpiece Kit!

To Make 3 Days Ahead... Cranberry Sauce

Get the cranberry sauce out of the way today with this super-simple yet delicious recipe.  No more can of sliced goo!
Put all of these ingredients in a pan:
1 cup Ruby port
A cinnamon stick or two (broken in half)

2/3 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup dried cranberries (i use the orange flavored ones for extra zing)
1 bag cranberries (i think they're 12 ounce bags)

Bring to a boil then simmer five minutes, it'll look like this:

Let it cool then tupperware it until Christmas.  Reheat it on the stove and serve with turkey.
Can I tell you that somehow I lost a bag of cranberries while making this?  I can't find them anywhere.  I have a dog, a cat, and a toddler - this can only end in tragedy.

Reading: To Make 3 Days Ahead... Cranberry Sauce

Last Minute Gift - Mama's Checkbook Cover

If you have some fabric bits or fat quarters and ten minutes you can make some stocking stuffers with our Mama's Checkbook Cover tutorial like I did last night. Get the how-to here.

Reading: Last Minute Gift - Mama's Checkbook Cover

The best way to roll and cut cookie dough.

I'm knee-deep in Christmas preparation but I had to stop and send you this link! Amanda from Bake it Pretty has created a little video for THE BEST way to roll and cut cookie dough. I thought I had the best way but I was wrong, so, so wrong. It even worked for gingerbread!

Reading: The best way to roll and cut cookie dough.

Crochet Wreath Part 2

I made another crochet wreath last night. This time using Lion Brand Hometown USA, it's a really thick yarn (like Lion Brand Thick and Quick) and it's perfect for super speedy little projects. Then I just clipped an ornament peacock on there, tied a ribbon and called it a day. It would look really cute with some pom poms or a big crochet flower, I think. But I'm done. Now on to baby Quinn's stocking. There's still time!

Reading: Crochet Wreath Part 2

25 Blogs of Christmas

Amazing blog Dos Family (recently named by the London Times as a top 50 design site) is hosting a Christmas Calendar blog tour!  I'm honored that Prudent Advice is featured today as Day 21 with some snippets from the upcoming book.
  
But you simpy must check it out for all the amazing how-to's from other crafty bloggers, including Day 19, a pattern for this crochet christmas ornament from Erica Laurell...

Or Day 13, this super-cute Christmas embroidery from Meet Me at Mike's...

There's so much more stylish international goodness going on at Dos Family!  Go check it out!

Reading: 25 Blogs of Christmas

Crochet Hot Water Bottle Cozy

For The Season of Cozy i bring you this crochet Hot Water Bottle - a little retro, a little sweet.  This crochet hot water bottle cozy is very quick and simple to make, if you have access to a hot water bottle it's a great last minute gift. I ordered the hot water bottle for $10 on amazon here and used my favorite Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn.

 Get the pattern after the jump...

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Reading: Crochet Hot Water Bottle Cozy

Prudent Tip: Ribbon Gift Label

Here is a quick way to use a scrap of ribbon to fancify a plain gift label. Extra nice for flat shipping (no smushed bows) and a thrifty way to stretch out a roll of ribbon.


The paper is from Old Navy, the labels are a few years old from Paper Source.

Reading: Prudent Tip: Ribbon Gift Label

Handmade Home: Giveaway winner!

The winner of Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures by Amanda Blake Soule is... #98, Jessica of Craft Madness!

Congrats Jessica! Just message us your address using the contact us link up there to the left and we will get your book out straight away.

Be sure to show us what you make!

Everyone, we enjoyed hearing about what you didn't get to this year. You are really funny. But seriously, now we want to see what you did get to, so don't be shy, send us a photo, or a link. We would love to see your creations. We're nosy like that.

Reading: Handmade Home: Giveaway winner!

Handmade Hanukkah Day 8: Simple Sparkly Crochet Bow Headband

You can whip one of these crochet headbands out in ten minutes.  I want to make a jillion crochet headbands with or without bows.  It's basically another version of Jacinda's Hot Mess Mommy headband.  Make it longer or shorter to suit you or your giftee's head.

Get the Crochet Bow Headband Pattern after the jump...

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Reading: Handmade Hanukkah Day 8: Simple Sparkly Crochet Bow Headband

Prudent Tip: Making Cheapo Flowers Look Fancy

Here's a few tried-and-true tricks to make gorgeous last minute holiday centerpieces out of cheap bouquets.  These bouquets were less then $5 each!

Rule: Disassemble & Reassemble
Trick #1: Scotch Tape
Trick #2: Silver Spray Paint

Get the details after the jump...

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Reading: Prudent Tip: Making Cheapo Flowers Look Fancy

Giveaway: Craft, Inc

The final giveaway in the Prudent Baby Craft Bazaar and Giveaway Bonanza is this AMAZING book Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Businessby Meg Mateo Ilasco.

I know so many successful people who have utilized this book to make money doing what they love.  Even if you think you are too busy, this guide distills the process into simple steps that will help you get started just earning a few extra dollars.  From a booth at your local craft fair to an etsy shop to a big business plan for a nationwide chain of crafty products with your name on it, all the information is here, broken down into easily digestible and doable steps.  It's even possible to do if you have kids!

To enter this giveaway just leave us a comment telling us what you might sell or what you might call your business.  For example, in my day job I'm a marketing consultant and I call my business One More Sunny Day.  My friend sells cupcakes and calls her company Cuppielove (and she used this book to get off the ground and was recently featured in Daily Candy)!  I've always thought it would be cool to make robots that fold laundry and I would call my company Industrial Industries Incorporated Co.  So do tell.

I wish we could pick the winner by how cool their company sounds, but to be fair we will close the entries on Christmas, Friday, December 25th at midnight CT and select a winner using Random.org.  Wouldn't it be great to get a little extra present like this?

Share the giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or your own blog and leave another comment for an extra entry.

And don't forget to enter all the current giveaways listed in the top right corner including the gorgeous SucculentLOVE Centerpiece, the Ex Libris Anonymous Book Journal and the Handmade Home Book which ends tonight at midnight!  Now go!!

Reading: Giveaway: Craft, Inc

DIY: Paint Ornaments

Photo: Buggie and Jellybean

Amy from Buggie and Jellybean sent us this great DIY for Paint Ornaments. I couldn't help but try these out at home with Clare. They were so much fun (and VERY quick and easy, just the way we like it!) We added some glitter paint as one commenter suggested. We didn't let the glitter dry before adding the paint so it "washed" away the glitter and left clear spaces but I kinda like the effect. Visit Amy's blog for the full tutorial.

there are a few shots of our project night after the jump...

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Reading: DIY: Paint Ornaments

Handmade Hanukkah Day 7: Super Easy DIY Play Tent

Every kid loves a little hiding place to call their own.  This tent couldn't be simpler.  I grabbed a few PVC pipes and caps from the plumbing section of the hardware store and one yard of canvas from ikea and whipped together this little kids play tent for Scarlet's Handmade Hanukkah enjoyment :)  It's no magical feat of skill, but it's going to get ravaged from play anyway...

Get the Super Easy Play Tent DIY after the jump!

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Reading: Handmade Hanukkah Day 7: Super Easy DIY Play Tent

Giveaway: Book Journal from Ex Libris Anonymous

I'm pretty excited about this next giveaway. It's a recycled book journal from Ex libris anonymous!

This has been my notebook of choice for the past few years AND they make great gifts. The covers are from recycled hardcover books and the pages are a mix of actual book pages and blank white sheets. All spiral bound for a nice flat surface!

I'm not sure which journal we are giving away, it's on it's way in the mail, but I'm sure it will be cool because the entire collection is always excellently curated!

Here's how it works:

Just leave a comment telling us how you use a journal: list-making? Drawing? Writing? I usually have a mix going on, with a sprinkling of random children's drawings.

Feel free to spread the word on Facebook, Twitter or your blog and if you do, leave another comment here for an extra chance to win!

On Wednesday, December 23rd at Midnight CT, we will close comments and select a winner using Random.org

And don't forget to enter all of the current giveaways listed up there in the right corner! There are some amazing prizes including a gorgeous SucculentLOVE Centerpiece Kit. GO GO GO!

Reading: Giveaway: Book Journal from Ex Libris Anonymous

Prudent Project Round Up

Super-crafty Amber at Hoot-N-Annie made this snazzy version of the crochet wreath AND her own owl!

Nico made these adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Cards with Juliette's tiny hands!

Marie of Liberty's Belle (who won the Letterpress Fauna Cards Giveaway from Krank Press) made two mouth-watering savory stuffed pumpkins and some toasted pumpkin seeds for her daughter's baptism, yum.

And Monica (it italy!) made this pink version of the perky pom pom hat.  How happy does this little girl look?

Remember to send us picture of your projects so we can post links to your sites!  Or upload them to the Prudent Baby Project Pool on Flickr with your URL in the description.  It makes our day to see your photos!

Reading: Prudent Project Round Up