Last Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in my first blood drive. In the past I have tried to give blood, but I usually come up a little anemic. This time, I passed the test! I have a requested blood type (O-), so I know it is important to donate. The Red Cross set up a donation station at our local church building. Before you are able to give blood, there is a screening process. This screening process is used to determine if there are risk factors that might prevent you from giving blood. Please be honest! Next, your blood pressure is tested as well as the iron content of your blood (they will prick your finger!). Finally, you are taken to one of the gurneys where they insert a needle (not gonna lie here, it does hurt) and the blood starts flowing! After the blood donation, you will be given juice and cookies and asked to rest for 10-15 minutes. If you want to have the best experience possible, remember these tips before you donate: Before You Donate Drink Continue Reading
Archives for January 2014
{Homemade Gifts} Valentines Day Heart
I love to make homemade gifts for Valentines Day. This Valentines Day Heart is a scented, stuffed heart that you can make with a sewing machine or by hand. Plus, it is easy to make from scraps of materials. Materials: Four Scraps of cotton material in different colors or patterns. You should have two pieces that each measure about 8" x 10". 8" x 10" piece of Pellon Wonder-Under Stuffing - about two handfuls Scented Oil (you can find this in the candle making section of your local craft store). Ribbon - two pieces that measure about 12" long each. Heart Pattern (click on link to download) Sewing Machine OPTIONAL - for hand sewing, an embroidery needle and embroidery floss. Instructions: Cut out the heart pattern on the outside lines only. If you want a slightly smaller heart, you could cut out the heart pattern on the inside line of the heart. Do not cut the heart about on the inner lines yet. Pin the pattern to one of the larger pieces of material and Continue Reading
52 Weeks of Money Saving Tips
Who doesn't love to save money? However, it is not as easy as it seems. Often, I find myself spending more than I would like then when I really want to make a big purchase or save for an extra fun vacation, I just don't have the money. This year, I decided as one of my New Year's Resolutions to focus on ways that I can save money. Make sure that you bookmark this post as it will serve as a table of contents for the entire series. As each new article is posted, I will add it here. 52 Weeks of Money Saving Tips Week 1 - 52 Week Savings Plan Week 2 - Saving Money on Laundry Detergent: Make Your Own! Week 3 - Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap Week 4 - If you have any great money saving tips or articles that you have written, leave me a comment! I would love to incorporate your ideas into my series. Continue Reading