Holiday Shopping & Giving {Ornament Giveaway!}

**I’m bribing you to read ’til the end!  You’ll find a chance to win my holiday giveaway below.**

Does it sneak up on you every year, too?  The giving season is here and while it’s easy to walk into the corporate web, it’s just as easy to steer clear.  This year, consider supporting small, local or handmade businesses – or consider giving up the gift exchange altogether and spend that time and money on volunteering or donating!

A few simple ideas…

*Give a gift to a local elderly person who may not otherwise receive anything through this program:  Be A Santa To A Senior

*Help a local family or person with daily living essentials or holiday items through this site:  2 Hands  (note:  I have used this site a few times; use common sense when selecting a person to assist – unfortunately, there are always a few trying to take advantage when it comes to a potential handout.  I generally tend to choose those who seem appreciative and are asking for important everyday items or a few smaller holiday needs.)

*When you do your holiday cooking/baking this year, make a few extra servings and spread the joy to others (perhaps a women’s shelter, a Ronald McDonald House, or the nice person down the street who lives alone).

*Make your own gifts (Pinterest is a great resource) or buy handmade!  Local craft fairs and websites like Etsy are fantastic when it comes to finding something unique.

On that note…

I’ve updated my Etsy store with new mini-ornaments, gift wrap acccesories, wine glass charms, corn heating bags, and more… take a look for holiday ideas!  Now through December 18th, use code HAPPYANDSIMPLE to get 10% off any purchase from my shop.  

And finally, a holiday giveaway! (UPDATE: This contest has ended.  Congrats to Caitlin – hope you enjoy your ornaments!)

Enter some sort of comment in response to this post (sorry, US residents only this time around) and you will be entered to win either a set of 3 mini ornaments or a set of 3 magnets in my new ‘snowcapped mountain’ chevron pattern shown below (colors may differ).  The winner will be notified on December 1st!

Happy Wednesday!

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Sharing the love! {Valentine’s Giveaway}

In the spirit of upcoming Valentine’s Day, I am giving away a corn heating bag (see my last post for a make-your-own tutorial)!  

It seems I may have a slight obsession with these bags.  I have chronically cold hands, feet, everything… I heat one up and rest it on my lap every night – keeps me warm and lets me keep the house thermostat lower!  The bag is eco-friendly and reusable – made with 100% cotton thread and fabrics, with a washable cozy flannel cover.  It can be heated in the microwave and used as a bed or body warmer, or placed in the freezer for use as a cold pack.

One winner will receive the bag of his/her choice (colorful chevron or simple cream, as pictured above).  Apologies to my overseas readers, but this contest is open to US residents only.  I’ll keep you in mind for the next giveaway…

TO ENTER: This giveaway has ended, and the winner will be contacted.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Bags are also listed for sale in my Etsy Shop!

If you’re interested in receiving future DIY tutorials, recipes, nature photography and more, please subscribe to my blog on the upper right-hand sidebar!

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Microwavable Hot/Cold Packs…made from corn {Tutorial}

Awhile back, my dad came home from a dentist appointment with something unexpected. His dental hygienist had given him a soft corn-filled bag she made and told him to heat it in the microwave for a few minutes to keep warm.  It can also be placed in a plastic bag and put in the freezer to use as a cold pack!  After a visit to my parent’s house complaining of strained neck muscles, the bag was loaned to me.  At first, I used it on my neck, but then I started using it all the time to keep warm in my not-so-well-insulated house.  It’s a great handwarmer, lapwarmer and perfect to warm the sheets before getting into bed (also looking forward to keeping it in the freezer this summer for a quick cool-down)!  Eventually,  I figured I should give the bag back to my dad — thus began my mission to make my own bag.

Please note:  This tutorial is designed for personal use only.

(If you’d rather not make your own, I often list a few in my Etsy shop, or you may contact me via Etsy for a special request – I have lots of flannel options!)

You will need:

–whole feed/field corn. NOT popcorn or cracked corn.  You are looking for whole dried corn kernels  – the type you purchase at a feed or farm supply store… ideally, it will say it has been cleaned. 3.5 cups is needed for one small bag.

–100% cotton fabrics. I purchased two fabrics: muslin to seal the corn in (thin is better here to allow it to breathe) and cotton flannel for a soft outer washable casing. How much fabric you purchase will depend on the size/shape of the bag/s you choose to make…for this tutorial, 1/2 yard of the thin fabric and 1/4 yard flannel will suffice.) I recommend washing your fabrics before sewing.  

–100% cotton thread. The purpose of 100% cotton fabric/thread is to prevent melting/burning/sparking in your microwave.

When choosing what size bag to make, looking at the interior size of your microwave may be helpful (it is possible to fold the bag to fit, but seems to heat more evenly if it lays flat).

This tutorial will make a bag that measures about 12×5 inches.

The ‘How-to’:

You will only need to cut one square (not two as the photo shows); however, you may choose to forego a washable casing and simply cut a square of flannel and seal the corn this way.

Oops! Ignore my typo above, I promise I know how to spell leave.

Make sure you are using 100% cotton thread!

Filling the bag only about 1/2 or so full allows the hot kernels to mix better.

Set this aside, and now we’ll start working on the outer casing.

The print looks a bit small in the photo – 6×27 inches is what you’ll need.

Again, using 100% cotton thread.

I feel like that wording is confusing, let’s try this again…

Voila!  Finished product.

Now it’s time to heat it up – you may notice it smells like popcorn, especially the first few times.  It will also put out a moist heat these first couple of uses.  You will want to microwave your bag right away to make sure any possible bugs from the corn get ‘cooked’.  I put mine in for two minutes, but all microwaves vary and you should start with one minute and then 30 second intervals to see what works best for you.  Be careful, as it is very possible to burn yourself if you overheat the bag and use it on bare skin!  I find that a small bag stays warm for about 40 minutes in open air, longer if you tuck it under a blanket.  If you choose to reheat it after it’s started to get cool, only reheat for about half the typical time since the kernels still have some heat deep inside. (If made/used properly these bags are safe, but please note that if you choose to make/use a heating bag, you are doing so at your own risk.)

You may also want to take a look at THIS archived page – it was very helpful to me and  provides far more information about corn bags than I have.

Did you try making one?  Let me know how it worked or share any tips you might have!

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“Ceramic” Magnets + Holiday Mini-Ornaments {Prize Giveaway!}

I’ve been having fun creating miniature holiday decorations over the last few weeks and I like them so much that I want to give you a chance to win a set of your own “ceramic” magnets and mini-ornaments!  These durable little guys are made of polymer clay and are hand-shaped, stamped, painted and glazed. The ornaments are perfect for little trees or decorating a gift package.

One winner will receive: 2 magnets, 2 mini-ornaments, & 2 owl holiday cards.     

Also, now through December 15th, use coupon code HAPPY and receive 10% off any order in my Etsy Shop (mini-ornaments and magnets will be added shortly; in the meantime, feel free to contact me through Etsy if you’d like a custom order).

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

To enter the giveaway, do these two things:

-if you don’t already, follow the Happy & Simple blog (at the top of the right-sidebar)

-fill out the form below before 10 P.M. CST NOVEMBER 25th.

The prize giveaway has ended – congrats to the winner, Natalie D!  Thanks to everyone who entered!

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Owl holiday cards + giveaway announcement

These fun owl holiday cards are now for sale in my Etsy shop.  Ceramic magnets and mini-ornaments will be added soon…and perhaps another holiday card or two.

Also, stay tuned for a giveaway coming up in the next week!

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