Category Archives: DIY

Getting creative.

Waste Less Wednesdays: Repurpose Those Plastic Clamshell Containers

by Sarah | Leave a comment

Many Wednesdays this year we’re checking in to share how we’re reducing our environmental impact. Some of these ideas are big and require a bit of effort. Others are super small and simple, like this one. But we believe that they all make a difference.

While we try to buy from farmers markets as often as possible and altogether avoid the plastic clamshell containers that house berries, we aren’t perfect. We suggest reusing old clamshell containers to give them a longer lifespan before tossing them in the recycling bin. It feels like such a waste to turn around and recycle the containers, especially when they could be used to pack other foods first.

There are many, many ways to reuse plastic clamshell containers, but I’ve found three ways to reuse plastic clamshells that I consistently rely on.

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Waste Less Wednesday: Dye Eggs The Natural Way

by Sarah | 3 Comments

This week’s Waste Less Wednesday post was originally published in 2014, but we still approach egg dyeing the same way – with whatever we can find in the kitchen!

Have you ever dyed eggs the natural way, using veggies and spices? It’s a lot easier than you’d think and the results are terrific!  You gotta love that dyeing eggs the natural way allows you to use up some kitchen scraps and there’s no need to run out and purchase a dyeing kit. Start this project today as I let my eggs sit in the dye bath for a full 36 hours before removing them. That way your naturally dyed eggs will be ready for Easter festivities.

For these dyes, I rummaged around in my cupboards and used ingredients that I had on hand.  This post gives you the details of five different dyes, but there are many more options to explore. Once you get the hang of it, there is no need to use a recipe, just experiment and have fun!

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Easter Basket Idea : Bugs!

by Katie | Leave a comment

This post was originally published 4 years ago. How can that be(e)?! We’re republishing it this year because it’s such a great collection of bug treats for your little ones. 

I’m so excited about this post! It may leave some of you squirming in your seats, but this sort of themed gift with unexpected items makes me so happy.

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If you’ve been following us for a little while, you know that the boys in my house are really into bugs (and any animal, really).  They like looking at them, holding them, talking, and reading about them. Our boys are 2 and 4, so I geared this basket theme for that age, but I do think this basket could easily be scaled up or down depending upon the books you choose.

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Make with Me: Shifty

by Katie | Leave a comment

Last year I started a series that I call Make with Me. The name is a bit misleading because I don’t really allow for us to make the same project concurrently, instead, I share projects in their finished state.  Most of these projects use other designers’ patterns, so I can’t even share a pattern or tutorial. Instead, I give you the project details, helpful hints, and links to the patterns and materials.

If I’ve talked to you about 2020 and the pandemic, I’m sure that I’ve told you that this was the sort of situation I was made for. Definitely didn’t like the health crisis, but I was so excited to not leave the house for weeks on end. I have enough ideas and supplies to keep me busy for years (no joke), and 2020 was my big chance to get busy….

But about 6 months into quarantine, I needed something new and a bit of inspiration.

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Waste Less Wednesdays: Replace Those Soles

by Katie | 2 Comments

This week’s Waste Less Wednesdays post was originally published 3 years ago (it feels like just yesterday!). I’m happy to report that all of the shoes in this post are still going strong, and I just popped into the shop to get the heel replaced on a pair of my favorite winter boots.

Feeling like you have no soul* sole? Replace it!

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In today’s cheap clothing culture it seems that we aren’t investing in quality clothing and shoes that can be refurbished rather than replaced. Today we’re talking about how easy it is to replace/fix the soles of footwear. We’re hoping to encourage you to think twice before you toss your next pair of shoes or boots.

*sorry, but you know we needed at least one soul pun in this post. It’s best that we got it out of the way in our opening line. 😉

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Waste Less Wednesdays : Banana Valentine!

by Katie | Leave a comment

This week’s edition of Waste Less Wednesdays is also a throwback! We’re reminding you of the least expensive valentine around (okay maybe a hug is cheaper) coming in at about .30, a banana valentine! We love this simple waste-free way to show your appreciation.

We are all about balance around these parts. Sarah’s balance goes something like this: wake up at 4:00am to catch a sunrise from the summit of a mountain then spend the next 24 hours sleeping. Me? I’m always trying to strike a balance between showing my guys I love them by making fussy treats and then leaving a few oh-so-simple surprises around the house that have just as much meaning. Today we’re sharing the latter. A simple surprise that will put a smile on anyone’s face.

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You’ve probably seen this banana trick before, but we wanted to remind you of it again, especially if you woke up today realizing that you still don’t have anything for your Valentine. Don’t stress, just pick up a banana and follow these tips.

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Subpar Parks with Map Mat

by Katie | Leave a comment

If you’d like to see some of our adventures in RMNP, click here! One of our fondest memories is this winter van camping trip!

I love (LOVE) living so close to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s the closest that I’ve ever lived to a national park, and every visit puts a big smile on my face. Needless to say, when I came across the Subpar Parks account, I couldn’t stop laughing.

Subpar Parks

Illustrator Amber Share pairs negative reviews of the national parks with her own illustrations. She’s created an illustration for each US national park and has now moved on to parks in other parts of the world. I mean, I guess her work is funny. Would you believe me if I said I’m super unimpressed?

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