the Imperfectly Happy home

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Free Self-Care Ideas

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Free self-care? Seems pretty basic, but the modern world will tell you that you have to spend a ton of money, go away or at least go to a spa to enjoy the benefits of a little self-care. But I have 7 free and simple ideas for self-care on a budget; and you can start them right now!

I’ve included a few of my favorite quotes on taking care of yourself throughout the article too.

What is self-care?

Self-care is an extremely popular topic right now, as people learn the importance of taking care of themselves in mind, body, and spirit. This is a chance to reduce stress my friends, and we all need that. The first thing you need to know is that “self-care” is very personal and will look different for each person. For many self-care means an expensive trip to the spa or a weekend retreat. But, self-care can be completely free little things that make a big difference. So if you’re on a tight budget or the foo-foo spas aren’t your cup of tea, I have you covered. Here are a few ideas for self-care without spending money.

Free Self-Care Ideas on a Budget

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
– Unknown

Take a Bubble Bath

Most of us have loved bubble baths since our childhood; but we rarely make time for them anymore. But a simple warm bubble bath is practically free and can whisk away your worries for a time. First, make sure the kids and the pets are all busy, or if you can manage it, out of the house. Then draw yourself a bath and add your favorite bubbles for a relaxing time (or as long as the bubble last and the water stays warm). I recommend budgeting for some quality organic bubble bath, if you can. If you don’t have any bubbles, a bit of shampoo will work too. Consider lighting a candle, putting on some relaxing music, or reading a good book (consider a bath tray to hold your books, etc). Another option, if you want to spend a little bit is to add a bath bomb or make your own sugar scrub. If you’re feeling under the weather add some Epsom salts to the bath for a little pick me up.

Take a Walk

Taking a walk is the perfect free self-care; and it is totally free. It might seem a little strange but the mind gets tired of seeing the same scenery all the time the same way you get tired of eating the same thing. Getting a change of scenery, even for as little as 15 minutes can do wonders for your mental fatigue. Taking a walk somewhere new not only gives your brain new stimulus it also gives you the opportunity to get fresh air and, if it’s sunny you’ll get some much-needed vitamin D. All of these will help boost your mood and melt your stress away. I recommend you take that walk in a local park or in the woods, somewhere away from the sounds of the modern world; a walk where you can enjoy the pure nature. Remember, take plenty of water with you, especially in the warmer months.

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Pray, Meditate and Try Yoga with a Youtube Video

You don’t have to go on an expensive retreat or spend a ton on a yoga class to get the amazing stress-relieving benefits of prayer, meditation and yoga. These days you can find it completely free on Youtube. That’s right; you don’t even have to leave your house to give it a try! You may have to do a bit of searching to find the video and creator that best fits your needs and desires, but with thousands of videos available it won’t be hard to find a video that vibes.

“An empty lantern provides no light.
Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”
– Unknown

Invite Your Best Friend Over

When was the last time you sat around the living room with your bestie chatting or contemplating the universe? Brew a pot of coffee, set the tea kettle on or pour a glass of wine, if that’s your thing; enjoy a mug or a glass with your favorite friend. Is your friend not local? How about calling a friend? Set aside some time to give them a call; make sure they have time to chat first. I have found that setting some time aside to catch up with your best friend does amazing things for your heart and mind.

Alternative? If you don’t have a best friend, consider a close family member.

Unplug from Electronics

I love social media but computers, phones, tablets and TV shouldn’t be invading every hour of our day! Even if you can’t step away for hours, for some fresh air; you can step away from the electronics. Turn off your cell phone / tablet, step away from social media, and unplug. You’ll find your stress levels go down and you won’t feel like you’re in such a rush anymore. Plus there won’t be any “keeping up with the Jones’” to do.

Do Some Gardening

Finally, I couldn’t talk about self-care without at least mentioning gardening; a personal favorite! What’s the say? Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes.  With a garden, you get all the benefits of being outdoors plus so much more. Studies have shown that gardening can decrease depression and anxiety, teach mindfulness, while also boosting your mood! It also gets your body moving in new and interesting ways. Even if your garden is just a few pots in your window sill, taking care of your garden means taking care of yourself.

Make a List

One of the ways I self-care is to write a list of blessings. This helps me to focus on all the good things going on in my life, instead of the stresses. You just need a pen a paper (or use a word program on your computer). I like to play some happy music during this time too. Some will go as far as creating a gratitude journal; something to do if you have this mental exercise rewarding. Spending time and energy on the good things in your life help you regain a positive outlook without costing you anything financially. It is definitely worth the time and energy.

Alternatively you can try writing in a journal. Many find the daily practice of journal writing very therapeutic. There are even FREE journaling apps.

Self-care isn’t selfish! Take time out each day for a little free self-care with these ideas. And don’t be afraid to take time away when your budget and schedule allows for it. And, hey, if your budget allows for a weekend trip to the spa…go for it!

And hey, guys, self-care isn’t just for the ladies!

How do you take care of yourself? Leave your homemade self care ideas in the comments.

Love yourself enough to set boundaries.
Your time and energy are precious.
You get to choose how you use it.
You teach people how to treat you by deciding
what you will and won’t accept.”
– Anna Taylor

DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

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DIY Mother’s Day gifts can be a great way to show mom you love her; with a gift you make yourself. Remember back to your early years when you’d make a macaroni necklace or homemade card for your mom for Mother’s Day? Well these DIY gifts are just a step up from those, with all the love still mixed in. As a mom, I believe your mom (wife, sister, friend) will love these gifts.

diy mother's day gifts

What is Mother’s Day?

In the United States, Mother’s Days was first celebrated in 1908. The holiday was founded by a woman named Anna Jarivs, who simply wanted a way to honor her mother. It wasn’t until 1914 that it became an official US holiday. Sadly, Anna felt that the holiday she established was over commercialized and fought against its celebration later in her life. You can see more about the history of Mother’s Day and Anna Jarvis here.

What are traditional Mother’s Day Gifts?

Traditionally gifts like flowers, candy and homemade cards were given to moms on Mother’s Day. But in the last few decades it has become a booming industry with some outrageous and outlandish gifts; far beyond most budgets. But if your budget allows for something big and expensive – go for it!

Finding a gift or gifts that your mom will love is the key, not how much money you spend.

What if I don’t have any money to buy or make a gift for Mother’s Day?

How to make Mother’s Day special for my mom? First do you know your mom’s love language? Meaning, how does your mom feel love and appreciated. Some moms love gifts, others would appreciate a full day or a few hours of your time to chat, while others would feel fantastic if you completed a job for them (acts of service).

20 FREE or Inexpensive Gifts for Mother’s Day

  1. Wash her car inside and out.
  2. Organize a family photo – it doesn’t have to be professional.
  3. Clean out her garage.
  4. Give her a neck and shoulder massage.
  5. Do the dishes, if you still live at home or any chore.
  6. Cook her favorite meal.
  7. Help her in the garden / yard with weeds, planting, lawn care, etc.
  8. Write her a letter with your favorite memory of you two.
  9. Clean her baseboards, windows or another task that doesn’t get done regularly.
  10. Make a photo album of your favorite pictures over the years. You can even do that digitally!

For ideas see: The Care and Keeping of Mothers

What DIY gifts could I make my mom for Mothers’day?

I have a few easy ideas for DIY or homemade Mother’s Day gifts. I hope you find one your mom will love!

Make Mom Some Homemade Spa Items

You can make your mom a custom soap with scents she loves. You don’t have to be an expert crafter either.

Melt & Pour Soap
You can make these to suit your mom with her favorite scents, like lavender!
Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars are great gifts for traveling and camping moms!

Or try you hand at making her some lotions or salves.

Gardener’s Hand Balm
If your mom is a gardener make sure to check out: Gardening Gifts for Mother’s Day
Honey Whipped Hand Cream
This nourishing hand cream is a perfect DIY gift for Mother’s Day.
Calendula Salve
This healing salve is made with calendula oil, you can make that for mom too!

Other Bath, Body and Spa Type Gifts.

Coffee Sugar Scrub
Package in a cute mason jar and ribbon and it will be very well received!
Bug Repellent Lotion Bars
Great for an outdoor loving mom!

DIY Mother’s Day Gift for the Home

Here are some wonderful gifts you can make for your mom’s home.

How to Make Candles
Several different types of candle you can DIY for mom!
No Sew Fleece Blanket
Fancy fleece blanket – if you can tie a knot, you can make this.
Twine Covered Planters
Does your mom love to grow plants? These DIY containers can be used indoors or out.

DIY Treats for Mom

Chai Latte Mix
If your mom loves tea you can make up this delicious mix and present it in a cute mug or mason jar
Homemade Vanilla Extract
A great easy DIY for the mom who bakes!

More Ideas for Simple DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

Need more ideas for making gifts for you mom this Mother’s Day? These sites have some fantastic ideas, great for younger kiddos too.

Last Second DIY Gifts for Mom
25 Easy Mother’s Day Crafts for Kids
Adorable Mother’s Day Crafts
50 Homemade Gifts for Mom on Mother’s Day

Gift Guides for Mother’s Day

DIY Wrapping for Mother’s Day

Cute DIY ways to wrap and present your gifts.

15 Wrapping Paper Alternatives The Prairie Homestead shares 15 wrapping alternatives.

30 Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas Country Living has 30 great ways to wrap your gifts!

Reusable Gift Bags Brown Thumb Mama has a tutorial for reusable gift bags.

Magazine Gift Bags Little Blog on the Homestead shares how to use magazines as gift bags.

I hope these ideas help you make a gift or gifts for your favorite moms! Tell me in the comments what you’re making for your mom or moms in your life.

How to Make Candles

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How to make candles at home, lots of ideas for you to choose from. Making candles is a great craft to learn and one of those vintage skills that we should keep alive. There are so many different ways to handcraft your candles, some easier than others. I hope you’ll find one of the methods I’ve included fun for yourself or as a project for the kids.

how to make candles

How to Make Candles at Home

Is it cheaper to make homemade candles than buy them?

This is a hard one to answer. Yes, it CAN save you money to make candles at home yourself. This will depend greatly on the types of candles you want to make and what materials you already have available. I think the initial investment into candle making materials is the real expense. You can, however, consider making candles from recycled materials to save money. But the real considerations are using quality materials that you are burning in your home, learning the art of candle making and being able to customize the candles to your home or tastes.

One of the biggest benefits to making your own candles is you’ll avoid toxic materials in many store bought candles.

Toxins in Candles

What are the best ways to make candles at home?

There are so many different ways to make candles and I don’t think one is better than the other. As you try different methods and materials you’ll probably decide you like making certain types of candles more than others. I tend to make a lot of mason jar candles, because I can make them quickly and people love them.

What materials are used to make candles?

Basic candle making supplies would include:

  • Candle Wax
  • Containers
  • Candle Wicks
  • Dedicated Pot for Melting Was
  • Optional, Scents and Colorings

Candle Making Safety

Like almost any DIY project you need to take a few safety precautions before you starting your candle making.

  • Make your candles in a well-ventilated area, especially when using fragrances. I recommend opening a window in your work area.
  • Always work on a flat surface.
  • Having a dedicated area for candle making is best but if you have to work at a kitchen table be sure to protect it from getting hot wax and material on it. I use a plastic tablecloth.
  • Protect yourself from hot wax. This is not the best barefoot activity, take it from me. You may want to consider wearing gloves when working with the hot wax.
  • Always have a fire extinguisher available. I’ve never had to use it but you’re working with hot materials, so it is just a good idea.
  • Do not put liquid wax down the drain – you’ll be buying new pipes if you do!
  • Never leave hot materials unattended!

Easy Mason Jar Candles 

mason jar candles

Mason Jar candles are a perfect beginner’s candle. They are easy to make, take very little supplies and you can customize them in size, colors, materials, etc. People love the mason jar candles that I’ve given as gifts so I like to keep some on hand, just for gift giving. You can make a lot of these candles at one time, fast. Mason jar candles also store very well for emergencies.

Step by Step – How to Make Mason Jar Candles

How to Make Pillar Candles

A pillar candle is generally a candle made of hard wax that can stand alone, not in a container. These pillar candles can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes. They take a bit more skill in making candles that ones in a container. I recommend waiting until you’ve made a few container candles to try your hand at pillar.s

See: How to Make Pillar Candles

Making Beeswax Candles

You can use beeswax to make lots of different candles, like the mason jars above. It is a much more natural material to use and people have been making beeswax candles for generations.

How to Make All Natural Beeswax Candles with Molds

How to Make Tallow Candles

Tallow candles are candles made from rendering beef fat. If you are really into learning vintage skills then you should render your own beef fat for tallow before making candles. It should be noted that tallow candles have a scent that not everyone appreciates so make just a few your first time.

How to Render Beef Fat for Tallow

How to Make Beef Tallow Candles

Making Soy Candles 

Soy candles are made from wax derived form soybean oil. Soy wax candles are generally made in containers but if you mix it with other materials than can be made into pillars as well.

What are the benefits of a soy candle? Well they are said to be cleaner to burn than traditional candles. They also can last much longer than paraffin wax candles. Because soy wax has little to no scent this makes it perfect for making scented candles.

How to Make Essential Oil Scented Soy Candles

Making Candles from Recycled Materials

Did you know you can make new candles from old candles you’re no longer using? There are actually a few recycled candles you can make fairly easily!

How to make new candles from old candles

Another fun recycled candle project is to make some candles from old crayons. These make great teacher’s gifts too!

How to make candles from old crayons

How to Make Candles with Kids

A candle making project can be something fun to do with the kids as a craft or homeschooling lesson (think about the science of candle making and history of candle making). Of course you want to take ALL the safety precautions listed above first; and never leave a child alone with hot wax!

The first candle I ever made was in Girl Scouts! It was an ice candle made in an old milk carton. I kept that for years and couldn’t bring myself to burn my candle because I was so proud of it.

Find a fun candle making project that the whole family will enjoy!

Instructions on How to Make An Ice Candle

How to Make Milk Carton Candles at Home

Granulated Wax Candle Making Instructions

How do I start a candle making business from home?

If you really love making candles you might want to consider doing it for profit. It could make a nice part time income doing something you already enjoy.

  • You can try selling on etsy or ebay
  • Sell candles at your local farmer’s market (you may be able to share a table with someone else)
  • See if a local shop would be willing to sell your handmade candles for a share of the profits
  • Put a listing on Craigslist or in the Facebook Marketplace

Happy candle making my friends!

Garage Sale Have The Best One Ever

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Garage Sale tips are on the agenda today. It will soon be spring and that, to me, is the best garage sale season of all. But now is the time to get ready for your garage sale (yard or tag sale)! I have some tips and tricks to have a successful garage sale…the best one ever!

garage sale tips and tricks

Garage Sale Tips and Tricks

Garage sale, yard sale, tag sale – I know we all call them something different depending on where we live; but it is all basically the same thing. A garage sale is a wonderful way to purge your home of items you no longer need or use and make some money to boot. Win!

There are a few things you can do to go from a good yard sale to an amazing one! I am going to share what’s worked for us in the past so you can implement them in your next sale!

We are getting read for our annual spring garage sale. I love to shop thrifty and yard sales are great for that too. BUT I have never found an easier way to make a little side cash than a good old fashioned garage sale. So what can you do to have a bigger, better and more profitable garage sale? I’m so glad you asked!

10 Tips for The Best Garage Sale Ever!

Garage Sale Tip #1 – Plan Ahead

If you want to have a spring yard sale then you should start planning it in the winter. Sure you can throw together of last minute sale, I’ve done that too. But for the BEST garage sale you want time to plan.

  • Pick a date, put it on the calendar and plan around it. Depending on how much clutter you have to clean out, it could take several weeks or even months to get yourself ready. That’s ok!
  • See if your area or neighborhood does annual or semi-annual garage sale. These group tag sales will bring bigger crowds which is a better opportunity for you to make money.
  • Find out if your city or town requires a permit to hold a tag sale.

Garage Sale Tip #2 – Make a Collection Area

  • Use 1/2 of your garage or a spare room in your house (if you can) to collect and organize what you’ll be selling at your garage sale.
  • Organize items into groups like kitchen items, books, clothing, etc. This will make set-up on the day of your yard sale much faster.

Garage Sale Tip #3 – Get Volunteers

  • It is so much easier to have a great yard sale when you have a helper or 2.
  • Normally this will be your spouse and maybe your kids but if you’re single ask a few friends to help. Make sure to offer friends some food / treats / drinks for their time. You could consider offering your garage sale volunteers a set percentage of the profits as well.
  • Can you yard sale volunteers help you with the pre-sale organization? Even better!

Garage Sale Tip #4 – Make Sure Everything Is Priced

  • There are 2 schools of thought here. One says price high so people can haggle. The other says ask what you want because some people just want to buy without negotiating. I tend to fall a little in the middle. Most shoppers want to walk away feeling like that got a deal so give yourself some wiggle room in the prices.
  • Price as you go. As your organizing and going through your rooms to find items to sell, price them right away.
  • Make sure price tags are visible and shoppers don’t have to search for them.
  • If you’re unsure what to price something check for similar items on Craigslist and Ebay.
  • Yard Sale Kit with Pricing Labels

Garage Sale Tip #5 – Advertise Your Yard Sale

  • You really don’t need a newspaper ad anymore.
  • Find local groups on Facebook to post your yard sale. If you don’t feel comfortable putting your exact address you can ask people to message you for it but that does make more work for you.
  • Announce it on your personal social media.
  • Add it to your local Craigslist with a few pictures of choice items.
  • Post flyers at your local library.
  • The day of, put out clean, easy to read signs with LARGE print.

Garage Sale Tip #6 – Organizing The Sales Area

Keep your yard sale area neat and easy for shoppers to see what is available. Group like items together.

how to organize a garage sale
  • Clothes with clothes – clothes are best seen and sold if they are hung up. Try hanging a heavy rope between trees or in your garage door area to hang the clothes. You can also invest in a garment rack. If not make sure everything is neatly folded on a table.
  • Books with books – consider offering discounts when multiple books are purchased.
  • Household goods
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Etc

Garage Sale Tip #6 – Cash and Cashier & Help

  • Have a designated cashier for your garage sale so you can be in with the shoppers.
  • Make sure you have plenty of small bills for change. You may want a way to check large bill for counterfeits (it happens). You can buy a Money Marker for this.
  • Do not work your garage sale alone. In addition to a cashier you want 2 – 4 people “working” the crowd and sadly watching for thieves.

Garage Sale Tip #7 – Free Stuff

I like to have a box of freebies available at my garage sale. This is the stuff I don’t feel like haggling over, may be missing pieces or need repair. I rarely have any of it left.

Garage Sale Tip #8 – Refreshments

You might want to consider offering some drinks and snacks at a reasonable price; it will keep people shopping your yard sale longer! This is a great job for the kids to man. Here are a few ideas that have worked for us:

  • Donuts
  • Water bottles
  • Coffee
  • Hot Chocolate
  • If you’re really ambitious you could do grilled hot dogs (I saw this once but never have tried it personally).

Garage Sale Tip #9 – Don’t Bring It Back In

Have a plan for leftovers when the yard sale is over. Many companies will come and pick up your yard sale leftover items at a specified time. So make that plan in advance and do not bring the clutter back into your home.

The only caveat to that is if you are planning to have a 2nd day or 2nd weekend to your tag sale.

Garage Sale Tip #10 – Where is the Money Going?

I always like to have a goal in mind for the money we make at our tag sales. Maybe savings for a vacation, a new couch, home repairs, etc. But a goal and a plan makes all the prep work and sales worth it!

I hope these tips give you the confidence to have a yard sale, no matter what you goals for the money. I love to have the once or twice a year to keep the clutter down around the house.

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Hummingbird Food How To Make Your Own

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Hummingbird food sold in the stores is not really quality feed for our sweet little friends. First, hummingbirds don’t need to eat red food dye! Not to mention that most of the store-bought hummingbird feed is old and not the best option for these beautiful birds. We can do better and save ourselves some money to boot!

hummingbird food how to make your own

DIY Hummingbird Food Recipe

My grandmother loved hummingbirds. There was always a hummingbird feeder on her patio filled with bright red liquid. I was fascinated with these tiny little creatures, and I still am. I am happy to share what I’ve learned about hummingbirds and hummingbird food with you.

Hummingbirds – Interesting Facts

  • Hummingbirds can weigh anywhere from .07 – .7 ounces.
  • There are over 300 species of hummingbirds worldwide and 16 in the United States.
  • They don’t just eat nectar, they also eat small insects.
  • They consume 100 – 200% of their body weight in nectar each day

Attracting Hummingbirds

Are you putting out hummingbird food but not hummers are feeding? Here are a few tips to attracting hummingbirds to your home and garden.

  • Offer fresh, quality nectar
  • In addition to feed offering a shallow area for bathing, preferably with moving water or a mist.
  • Provide nesting material near your hummingbird food. See: Organic Cotton Nesting Hanger
  • Be consistent with your hummingbird food, nesting materials and bathing water. Hummingbirds will return to areas they know these things are available.

Feeding Hummingbird Tips

  • Always use quality cane sugar in your hummingbird food recipes.
  • Never use artificial sweetners or honey!
  • Use clean water – filtered water is your best bet.
  • If you have too many bees on your feeder you need to up your water to sugar ratio and consider a different feeder (more on this below)
  • Keep your hummingbird feeder clean by washing it thoroughly with a light detergent before you refill with fresh nectar. Never top-off your feeders.
  • If your feeder is dishwasher safe it is good to run it through a cycle once a month.
  • Put fresh hummingbird food / necar in your feeders every 5 days. If your temps are higher than 90 degrees F you’ll want to change it every 3 days.
  • If you live in a cold climate you probably won’t need to offer hummingbird food during the late fall and winter because hummingbirds will migrate.

The Best Hummingbird Feeders & Tips


  • Choose a feeder where the feeder ports are above the liquid. This will make it less attractive to bees and roaches because they cannot reach the liquid.
  • Try to keep your feeder in a spot that is shady. This will help the hummers and keep your nectar from getting too hot.
  • Keep your feeders at least 4 feet off the ground and make sure predators will not be able to access it or the birds.
  • Getting the biggest hummingbird feeder isn’t necessary. If you’re finding most of the hummingbird food is left at cleaning times you may need to put in less food.
  • If the hummingbird food begins to look cloudy or you see mold of any kind, you need to empty the feeder and make new nectar immediately.

DIY Hummingbird Food Recipe

Remember if the feeder is attracting too many bees you can change this hummingbird food recipe to 5 cups of water, instead of the 4 cups called for in the original.

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The Perfect Homemade Hummingbird Food Nectar Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups filtered water spring water is also great
  • 1 cup pure cane sugar no substitutes for pure cane sugar should be used

Instructions

  1. Bring the water to a boil.

    Remove the water from the heat and add the pure cane sugar.

    Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.

    Let the mixture completely cool before adding to your feeder.

    Follow the tips for hanging your hummingbird feeder and attracting hummingbirds to your home.

Learn More About Hummingbirds

Here are a few books I’d recommend for learning more about hummingbirds and hummingbird food. There is so much joy in learning about these sweet little birds for yourself. If you’re a homeschool family you may want to consider doing a hummingbird unit study for a great science study! Or try your hand at a DIY Hummingbird feeder.