DiY Archives - Mother Thyme

Chai Tea Mix

November 15, 2013 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) 18 Comments

Give the gift of Chai Tea this holiday season or make to enjoy a warm cup yourself.

Holiday DIY Gifts — Week 1

I absolutely love Chai Tea. I drink it everyday. In the evenings after the kids go to bed, you can find me on the computer probably on Pinterest enjoying a cup of Chai Tea, or maybe a glass of wine. It all depends on the kind of day I had.

My Chai Tea addiction can get expensive. A stop at Starbucks for a Chai Tea Latte here, a few boxes of Chai Tea Latte K-Cups there, all adds up. A couple years ago for Christmas I gifted Chai Tea Mix along with other goodies. I fell in love with my Chai Tea Mix and it is now something I always have on hand. One batch goes a long way and saves me a lot of moola.

This year I am giving the gift of goodies that include some of my favorites, like this Chai Tea Mix. Who wouldn’t love to warm up to a cup of this after a cold winter’s day. If you or anyone you know loves Chai Tea, this is the perfect gift to give. One batch makes 4 1/2 cups of mix, and cost under $10.00 to make. Divide it into 4 gifts, thats $2.50 a gift plus a jar you can pick up at any local dollar store. If you don’t use dry milk often, you can find at some stores 3.2 ounce bags which is cheaper than the large boxes of dry milk and is the perfect size for this.

Everyone loves the gift of food. Keep a few of these jars on hand for last minute gifts, teacher or neighbor gifts or just to make to enjoy yourself this holiday season.

I look forward to sharing some of my favorite Holiday DIY Gifts with you every Friday until Christmas.

Gift the gift of Chai Tea Mix. Click HERE or below to download FREE printable Chai Tea Mix labels to use on jars. I recommend using thick cardstock paper for the tags which you can find inexpensive at any craft store. I like to use baking twine and a small hole puncher to simply tie around a glass jar filled with the mix. I also like to fill a small cello bag with mix, tie with ribbon and a tag and place in a nice tea cup or mug.

Chai Tea Mix

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 1/2 cups

Chai Tea Mix

Ingredients

2 cups confectioners sugar
1 cup unsweetened instant tea
1 cup dry milk
1 cup regular powder non-dairy creamer
1 cup vanilla powder non-dairy creamer
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse in 10-15 second intervals until finely mixed.
Store in airtight containers or jars.
To serve, mix 2-3 tablespoons of mix into hot water. Stir and enjoy.

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Filed Under: beverages, DiY

Lemon and Rosemary Simmering Potpourri

January 18, 2013 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) 10 Comments

Have you ever gone to a spa and when you walk in the smell calms you. You shoulders relax and the soothing music puts you at ease. The last time I was at the spa was about a month ago, not for me but to pick up a gift certificate during the holidays. I wish I was there for some me time. I could use a day at the spa. A little mommy time with a mani, pedi and a facial could do me some good. Maybe I’ll throw in a massage while I’m at it. The time couldn’t come soon enough to have some much needed relaxation and pampering.

Until I get a chance to go to the spa, I’ll bring the spa, well the scent of the spa that is into my home. My Orange and Balsam Simmering Potpourri was popular during the holidays. Now that the holidays are over, I still enjoy a nice smelling home. The other day I happen to have a candle burning that I found in the basement. When Mr. Mother Thyme came home from work he said the smell was overpowering. So much for burning that. To still have a calming scent lingering throughout the home without the perfume smell of a candle, I enjoy making natural scents. This is one of my favorites. It truly smells like the spas that I have gone to before. It combines a sliced lemon, a large sprig of rosemary, a few cinnamon sticks and a dash of vanilla. The smell will transport you to the spa in no time.

Lemon and Rosemary Simmering Potpourri

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Lemon and Rosemary Simmering Potpourri

A calming scent of lemon, rosemary and vanilla that simmers right on your stove top.

Ingredients

1 lemon, sliced
1 large sprig of rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 cups water

Instructions

In a small saucepan add lemon, rosemary, cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract. Fill with water so there is about 1-2 inches of water.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and continue to simmer on low and adding water if necessary.

You should be able to get a few days of use out of this before you will need to replace it. Don't forget to turn off the stove if you are not around to attend to it.

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Filed Under: DiY, herbs, lemons, Seasonal

Orange and Balsam Simmering Potpourri

December 10, 2012 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) 5 Comments

It should come as no surprise when I mention I love the smell of the holidays. I say it often, and recently mentioned that my house has the aroma of fresh citrus and balsam. Unfortunately, we have artificial trees. Yes trees, we have two in our home. This year, I had to come to terms with leaving the silver and gold ornaments off the trees or they would have become toys for the twins. So this year thanks to my daughter I now how a tree filled with her stuffed animals. I cherish these moments. I had my years of having the perfect tree with the perfect decorations. What is more important now is keeping Christmas magical for my kids. If that means Dora and Elmo on my tree instead, so be it.

Since we don’t have real trees, I like to capture the smell of fresh balsam in other ways. I don’t like to use a lot of candles, again because of my kids. Plus I love the smell of natural scents. The way I get my home to smell so lovely is making an orange and balsam simmering potpourri filled with fresh oranges, sprigs of balsam and rosemary. I just love this combination it is so inviting and perfect for the holidays. It perfumes the house so nicely, and naturally.

Obtaining this scent so easy to do and there really isn’t any method or amount, just your preference. The water and pot will look pretty at first, but it will quickly get dark and the needles will fall off the stems. That’s fine. You can keep adding more. And just keep enough water in the pot to keep it simmering on low to medium low.

Simple, easy and smells amazing!

Orange and Balsam Simmering Potpourri

The combination of fresh orange slices, balsam, rosemary, cinnamon and cloves create a beautiful natural aroma for the holidays.

Ingredients

4-5 cups water
1 large orange
6-7 sprigs of fresh balsam
1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
6-8 whole cloves
1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Fill a medium saucepan with 4-5 cups of water.
Cut 6 slices (about half) and put in water along with sprigs of balsam, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, cloves and vanilla. Take the other half the orange and squeeze the juice into the pot then place in saucpan.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to simmer. And continue to simmer, adding water if necessary.

You can also add in orange slices and sprigs as the day goes on. By the end of the day my pot usually has almost 2 oranges simmering and 10 sprigs of balsam. I let the water level go down so the balsam sits on top the oranges that are emerged in the water. You should be able to get a few days of use out of this before you will need to replace it.

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Filed Under: DiY, holidays, Seasonal

Dry Erase Menu Board

February 29, 2012 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) 1 Comment

What’s on the dinner menu this week? How about displaying it on a simple to make dry erase menu board.

With a few easy to get supplies you can create this weekly menu board to feature what is for dinner.

What I love about this project is you are not using a lot of printer ink (which can be costly) by printing out an already existing printable. This uses simple black ink and the paper is scrapbook paper that you can pick up at the craft store pretty cheap.

There is scrapbook paper in all shades, seasons and themes. Create one for the Spring and a new one for the Fall. Make one that goes with your kitchen decor. The one shown is the one in my kitchen. My kitchen is black and cream so this one goes so nicely in my kitchen tucked in the corner.

This is a great way for the family to know what is on the dinner menu for the evening. Place it on a plate stand or hang it on the wall. This doesn’t take long to make and is a great accent to the kitchen.

Want to create one for your kitchen? Check out my instructions at Mothertime Marketplace including the printable for the Menu shown.

Filed Under: Decorating, DiY, How To, Seasonal

Spring Egg Felt Tree

February 22, 2012 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) Leave a Comment

This past Christmas I stumbled upon a cute idea on Pinterest for the kids making a Christmas tree felt tree. Having one and a half year old twins I was hoping that making the tree would distract them from taking the ornaments off the real tree.

The Christmas felt tree was a huge hit with my kids that I have created a Spring one for them as well. This is so much fun for kids to take the eggs on and off the tree and is so easy to make. With a few simple supplies that can be easily and affordably purchased at craft stores such as Joann this project can be cut and up on the wall in no time.

To see all the details on how to make this click here to head to Mothertime Marketplace.

Filed Under: DiY, How To, Seasonal

Shabby Fabric Wreath

February 15, 2012 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) 1 Comment

I love decorating with wreaths. I have boxes of wreaths for each season so I am changing them out quite often.

Small wreaths look so pretty hanging from mirrors, tucked in a corner in a guest bathroom, in the bedroom or hallway. They are great to have to create dimension and add another element to the wall other than another picture.

I am sharing how to make this simple and easy Shabby Fabric Wreath at Mothertime Marketplace.

Click HERE to head over to Mothertime Marketplace.

Filed Under: Decorating, DiY, How To, Seasonal

Basic Fabric Rosette

February 15, 2012 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) 1 Comment

I enjoy simplicity and being able to make something by cutting corners or doing it a slightly different but still achieving the same or similar results.

I love rosettes. They are so pretty and work as great embellishments on anything from picture frames and pillows to headbands and wreaths. Just following the steps to create a simple and basic rosette can lead to many decorating possibilities.

Supplies needed

- A piece of felt cut out in a circle slightly larger than the size of the rosette. Use a felt color similar to the color fabric.

- Glue gun

- Strip of fabric approximately 2-3 inches wide. Depending on the size of the rosette will determine the length of fabric required.

A Basic Rosette

Step 1- Make a knot at one of the fabric.

Step 2- Place a dab of hot glue in the center of felt.

Step 3- Place knot on glue and press firmly until knot holds

Step 4- Start wrapping the fabric around the knot, placing a dab of glue around to hold in place. Make as tight or as lose as desired. Twist fabric as fabric is being wrapped.

Step 5- Continue to wrap, placing a small amount of glue to hold fabric in place until desired size is achieved.

Step 6- Cut felt closely around the rosette. Either tuck end behind and hold with a dab of glue, tuck under previous row or snip extra fabric and neatly glue into place.

Step 7- Gently pull on fabric to mold to desired look.

Step 8- Use in embellishing projects like this Shabby Fabric Wreath.

Filed Under: Decorating, DiY, How To

Home Sweet Home

October 6, 2011 by Jennifer (Mother Thyme) Leave a Comment

The front entry.

Welcome to our home.

It is nestled in the hills outside of Buffalo, New York. Everyone says it reminds them of driving up to a chalet in Germany or Switzerland the way it is perched. In the winter with the snow glistening from the roof, it looks like a gingerbread house. We love our home.

The house was built in 1981 and includes four bedrooms and two and a half baths. It has a living room, a sitting room (which could also be used for a dining room), kitchen overlooking the beautiful backyard and first floor laundry.

Our “Chateau”.

The house sits on five and a half acres, most of which is wooded. A ravine going down to a babbling slate stream runs through the property.

We get a ton of wildlife in the backyard including deer, flocks of turkey, fox and an array of birds to name a few.

The outdoors is our haven. In the summer months we can enjoy dipping into our in-ground pool, enjoying a glass of wine and star gazing while in the hot tub, relaxing by the fire pit my husband made and enjoying entertaining on our back patio with family and friends.

The fire pit in at the end of the yard before heading in to the woods. Perfect place to roast marshmallows.

The patio off the back. Perfect for barbecues and entertaining.

This is certainly our dream home, and to think we almost didn’t look at this house! It was the last house we viewed when we were house hunting and I told the realtor I wasn’t interested based on the pictures I saw on the computer. What I learned was never go by what you see online if you are house hunting! When we pulled up to this house my husband and I looked at each other and said, this is it! We didn’t even need to see the inside.

The inside needed just a little TLC and basically it was just paint. The previous owners had an eclectic taste in paint color and had pretty much every room decked out with a border. They were also smokers, so the house had an intense smell of smoke. Which probably worked in our favor since we looked beyond the smell and the colors on the wall and saw the potential.

The view from the patio looking towards the back.

The view from the back looking towards the house. The pool is enclosed off the patio.

Within a day after moving in to our home, the smell of smoke went away, thanks to striping the curtains that were hung and washing and painting all the walls. The house now smells like fresh apple pie baking in the oven.

I look forward to you joining me on Mother Thyme at Home as well as cooking with Mother Thyme as we journey through my home including my decorating, entertaining, family time tips to name a few. Mother Thyme will be a personal journey of what I create, and time spent with my marvelous family.