Make Your Vanentine's Day Special With A Candy Card

February 14 is right around the corner and for the hopeless romantics out there, I've got a creative project to show that special someone you really care about them.


Stuff you'll need:
Cardstock
Tissue paper
Individually wrapped chocolates (I use heart ones)
Chenille stems or small strips of paper
Double sided tape
Various embellishments of choice.




To create the card, cut a horizontal sheet of paper from left to right (ending up with two long strips of paper). Fold one in half. Cut a 3 x 3 sheet of tissue paper and fold into funnel shape then secure to the card with a piece of double stick tape. Using tape, attach either paper or chenille stems of the flowers into the wrapper first and then glue on the chocolate pieces. Attach rectangles of complementary colored paper to the cover and inside with more double stick tape. Finally, embellish the card with your own Valentine's Day sentiment!






Enjoy
-Mr. Crafty

The #1 Superbreakfast of the Year

What did your breakfast consist of this morning? I had some whole grain cereal and 2% milk. Sounds pretty healthy. In reality I could have done a lot worse, except by the time I got into work, I was famished. Then came what I call my “second breakfast,” when I’m suddenly gorging my face full of whatever I can grab to curb my hunger. Since it’s a new year, and I’d like to get things off to a good start, I think it’s time for a new breakfast. But what to eat? Oatmeal is as close to perfect as you can get for a breakfast food.

It’s got 4 grams of fiber per cup and research suggests that increasing your intake of soluble fiber (a type of fiber found in oatmeal) by 5 to 10 grams each day could result in a 5 percent drop in “bad” LDL cholesterol. If I top it with fruit, like 1/4 cup of raspberries for example, it’s not only delicious, but I also tack on an additional 2 grams of fiber. That means I’m well on my way to that extra 5 to 10 grams of fiber with just my breakfast. AND it could help you lose weight in two ways. One, all that wonderful fiber makes you feel fuller longer, so sorry, second breakfast, you are no longer necessary. Two, according to a recent study in the Journal of Nutrition, eating a breakfast made with “slow-release” carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, 3 hours before you exercise may help you burn more fat. Here’s why: in the study, eating “slow-release” carbohydrates didn’t spike blood sugar as high as eating refined carbohydrates, such as white toast. In turn, insulin levels didn’t spike as high, and because insulin plays a role in signaling your body to store fat, having lower levels may help you burn fat. So oatmeal will be tough to beat for breakfast this year. Convinced it should be your breakfast go-to? Quick, tasty and helping me to stay slim? I’m sold.

Here’s a simple way to make a bowl of oatmeal, and some topping suggestions to make it tasty:

Bring 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk) and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats and reduce the heat to medium; cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

Here are some topping suggestions:
Dried fruit
Cinnamon
Toasted nuts
Fresh fruit
Plain yogurt
Jam
Applesauce
Ground flaxseed

Green Tea: Reasons Why You Should Consume It Daily

Tea is one craze that is taking the nation by storm. Medical science has found many beneficial health effects from daily consumption of tea. This is particularly because teas are rich in antioxidants. For those who don't know, An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start little chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. You know how when metal rusts, oxidation occurs? It's much like this principle where cells are being oxidized like metal and begin to deteriorate like rust. So in plain, tea has this stuff in it and it's really good for you.

Here are nine reasons to start consuming green tea or continue drinking it if you’re already hooked.

1. Green tea is a superb fat fighter. Its active ingredient, EGCG, increases the rate at which fat is burned in your body.

2. It targets belly fat. Research at Tufts University indicates that EGCG in green tea, like other catechins, activate fat-burning genes in the abdomen to speed weight loss by 77 percent.

3. Green tea keeps energy stable by balancing blood sugar levels. EGCG improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that can result in fatigue, irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods.

4. Research shows it may be helpful against lung cancer. In an April 2010 study published in Cancer Prevention Research, EGCG was found to suppress lung cancer cell growth.

5. Green tea may halt colorectal cancer. In numerous other studies, EGCG appears to inhibit colorectal cancers.

6. In research, it appears to cause prostate cancer cells to commit suicide. A March 2010 study in Cancer Science indicated that EGCG aids the body by causing prostate cancer cells to commit suicide.

7. Green tea may prevent skin damage and wrinkling. EGCG appears to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals. Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing damage, so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other signs of aging.

8. It contains a potent antioxidant that kills free radicals. Because it is a potent antioxidant green tea can positively impact a lot more than skin cells. Free radicals are increasingly linked to many serious chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.

9. Green tea tastes awesome. If you’re not crazy about the flavor, mix it up with another tea. Try it cold or hot. Add some of the natural herb stevia to sweeten it if you want a sweeter drink. I wasn’t crazy about green tea the first few times I tried it, but now I love it with a fresh squeeze of lemon and a few drops of stevia over ice -- et voila! Green tea lemonade. Yummmm.

Reap those rewards
Add one or two teaspoons of green tea leaves to a cup of boiling water, preferably in a tea strainer. Let steep for five minutes. Pour over ice if you prefer a cold beverage. Most experts recommend three cups a day. And, don’t worry, green tea contains a lot less caffeine than coffee or black tea.

Here's to your health, a cup at a time

-Mr. Crafty

Banana Split French Toast

Ok, I've been posting alot of healthier foods to slim down your waistline after recovering from the holidays. But everyone needs indulgence, and I mean complete indulgence, once in a while. That's a golden rule of dieting, don't deprive yourself. You need to splurge every once in a while to keep your system in check. So why not splurge on a breakfast item that will burn up many of your daily calories? I recently found a recipe that crosses french toast and a banana split all on one plate! Sounds too good to be true huh? Well it isn't. So grab yourself all the fixins for plain old french toast, and I’ll show you how to transform it into this party of a breakfast in two shakes of a clown’s nose.

Banana Split French Toast

• 1 very ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 6 slices Texas Toast
• Simply Chocolate Syrup (see below)
• 1 cup whipped cream
• sprinkles
• maraschino cherries

Heat a griddle or skillet pan to medium heat. In a blender, puree the eggs and banana together. Pour into a shallow baking dish. Dip both sides of the Texas Toast into the banana puree and grill until golden brown. Serve drizzled with Simple Chocolate Syrup and a dollop of whipping cream. Top with maraschino cherries & sprinkles.

Simple Chocolate Syrup

• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons butter

In a small pot, stir together all ingredients over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Serve warm over Banana Split French Toast.

-Mr. Crafty

Easy Peasy Valentine Wreath

February is right around the corner and the season of love is knocking. Why not start your valentine decorating a little early this year with a handmade heart wreath? They are so easy to make and so effective. I made quite a few to put around the house. This is an awesome project for little ones too, with some supervision of course.




Here's a list of materials you'll need:

String or Yarn for hanging

Glue

Heart Pattern

Colored paper (I used valentine's day themed colors like red, white, pink, and purple)

Scissors

Paper Plate




Directions

1. Cut a lot of small hearts of different sizes from the color or colors of construction paper of your choice.

2. Cut out the middle of a paper plate, leaving the rim.

3. Glue your hearts all around the paper plate to form your wreath.

4. You can tie a ribbon on it if you wish, or hang string to the back to hang from a nail or hook.

Here's what the finished product should look like:

-Mr. Crafty

New Year Food Find #4: Punkin Muffins

Though Thanksgiving is done and over with thank god, I still love the flavors that surface during that time. Apples, cinnamon, spices, and cookies are just to name a few scents filling the air. But who honestly can forget pumpkin. I am a freak over pumpkin anything. It's such a good earthy flavor to work with when baking and cooking. Alot of the dishes that have pumpkin in it may first seem like a healthier choice but in reality it's not. Pumpkin pie, Pumpkin cheesecake, and pumpkin bread pudding are just as bad as their counterparts. It is the pumpkin muffin that really calls my name come holiday season. They are so horrible for you but so good. I wanted to find a way to eat my seasonal pumpkin muffins without turning into one myself!!! So I found this recipe to ease my hunger pangs. Enjoy!!!!

HG's Punkin' Muffins


Ingredients:
Muffins
1 cup Fiber One Original bran cereal
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin
1 cup club soda
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
1/4 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins, chopped

Icing
1/4 cup Cool Whip Free, thawed
3 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 10 cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups and/or spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Using a blender or food processor, grind cereal to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Transfer crumbs to a large bowl.
 Add flour, Splenda, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In another bowl, combine pumpkin, soda, egg substitute, syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly. Add mixture to the large bowl and stir until blended to form the batter.

Slowly sprinkle and stir chopped raisins into the batter. Evenly distribute batter among the 10 prepared cups of your muffin pan. (Batter may be piled high... This is OK!)

Bake in the oven until muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out mostly clean, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, combine all icing ingredients in a small microwave-safe bowl. Mix until smooth and blended. (Refrigerate icing if you don't plan to serve muffins right away.)

Remove cooled muffins from the pan. Just before serving, warm icing in the microwave for a few seconds and drizzle it onto the muffins (or simply spread it on evenly). Enjoy!

MAKES 10 SERVINGS

These baby's save over 300 calories a serving!!! The ones I make are usually without the icing (as the photo shows). Also, you can try different variations for the club soda using other types of soda. To save the calories make it diet. I once used vanilla cream diet soda in the mix and it turned out wonderful!!!!



-Mr Crafty

Christmas Tree Pop-up Card

Each year, like many people, I like to create a list of those whom I send my holiday greetings to and try to mail the cards asap. Each year I personally make my cards to send to my list of recipients. I feel it adds a little something extra special to the mix. Sometimes it's cheaper too! I try to not get to crazy and stick to two designs that I mass mail to everyone and their mother. This year I tried to keep things simple and wanted to show one of my designs to those who enjoy reading my blog. So below you can catch a few pictures of this year's card. It was really easy to make and I'm willing to go into how I went about doing it for those who'd like to make one (or more).

-Mr. Crafty

DIY Coupon Organizers

If you are an avid coupon clipper like I am then you can understand the frustration of having coupons in one giant pile that you'll later have to dig through as you enter checkout. When I first started clipping, I did this and soon after regretted it. I actually lost money by doing this because coupons will frequently expire if not organized properly. So, I finally had enough and created my own organizer that makes things easier. Here's a tip for those of you who are organizing coupons for the first time: You want to make sure they are sorted according to your needs/and or grocery store. So if you can, chunk them into categories that are concurrent with the aisles in your grocery store. I did mine like this:

Household Msc.
Frozen
Cereal/Juice/Breakfast
Canned Goods/Pasta/Ethnic
Meat/Dairy
Baking/Dressing/Spices
Snacks/Chips/Crackers
Tea/Coffee/Bread

Once sorted, you need a place to keep the coupons neat and orderly. There are a few different methods to creating coupon organizers. It all depends on the portability and cost that you prefer.

• Binder - Many people use and swear by the binder system. How it works is you take a regular three ring binder and add clear sectioned sheets to hold your coupons. People like this because it allows flexibility of how many categories they can break their coupons down into. Tip: to save money and frustration, make sure you sort the coupons by expiration date so that none get thrown away.

• Recipe box/tupperware - Many people like this method as well because it's a little less costly than the binder system. Basically you use the box as a holder and organize the coupons inside through use of index cards.

• Envelope - This is my personal favorite and what I use for my coupons because it's effective and cheaper to build. You're basically connecting multiple envelopes to make an accordion style holder for your coupons. The project below is to build your own accordion style envelope coupon holder.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ACCORDION STYLE COUPON ORGANIZER




THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Hot Glue Gun
Cardstock
Ribbon
Envelopes (All the same size)
Glue



DIRECTIONS:

Lay two envelopes face down, with flaps open

Apply glue to the flap of the second envelope. Paste the flap on the front of the first envelope, creating a chain of envelopes with their flaps glued to the previous envelope. Be careful to keep them perfectly straight.

After you have added all the envelopes you need, it is time to make the cover. Using an open envelope as a pattern, cut a slightly larger shape, including the flap, out of cardstock. Glue this to the front of your first envelope

Starting at the beginning, fold up the first envelope so that you see the front of that second envelope. Now fold the next envelope the opposite way so you see the back. Continue to do this until you reach the end. It tends to work best if you see the front of the last envelope so that no coupons fall out. If you need to add one more envelope to finish yours this way then do so.

Cut a length of ribbon long enough to wrap around your entire organizer. Hot glue a section of the ribbon to the back of the organizer. Leave the rest loose for easy tying. Then write your categories on each envelope, and you're finished. My homemade organizer has lasted over a year




Happy couponing!

-Mr.Crafty

New Year's Food Find #3: Black Bean Burgers

Imagine sinking your teeth into a fully loaded juicy hamburger. Now picture sinking your teeth into a piece of fat shaped into a hamburger with about 10tbsp of salt, sugar, and more fat on top. Doesn't sound appetizing huh. Unfortunately many burger joints deliver this to their customers with a side of fried something and a cup of sugar water. People in America are addicted to fast food and burgers fall into this category. But honestly, who can resist a really good burger prepared in just the right way? Even though the temptation is strong, many people people turn away a good burger for the sake of the calories. Here's where my New Year Food Find #3 comes into play. Black beans are mashed and shaped into patties resulting in a tasty meal that has just about the same amount of protein of a burger and 75% less calories. The best thing about this recipe is it's versatility. I've prepared this in so many different ways from Sunday. The way the recipe below approaches it is from southwestern style cooking. Enjoy!

Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1/2 onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
3. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.
4. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.
5. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.
6. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

-Mr. Crafty

New Year's Food Find #2: Brownies

Ok so we've all stuffed ourselves of some form of baked good this holiday season and now it's time to wise up. So I'd like to introduce you to the second food find in My New Year's Food Finds series; Brownies. These brownies are about half the calories, only two ingredients, and cheaper to make. I'm sure I got your attention by now. Read below for the full recipe and details.

Diet Soda Brownies

Ingredients
1 Box Brownie Mix

1/2 Can Diet Cola


Directions
Substitute the eggs, oil and water normally used in brownies for half a can of your favorite diet cola . -Mix with the contents of store bought brownie mix. -Make sure not to add anything to the mixture beside the half can of cola. -Grease baking pan, poor in mixture and bake according to box. Number of Servings: 12



**Tip**
You can use a box of Low Fat/Low Sugar Mix as well as an extra healthy benefit.






Enjoy
-Mr. Crafty

Happy New Year to All My Readers!

Welcome 2011! It has been quite a year with a significant amount of good and bad times for all of us. This past year has been very hectic for me. I've met so many new people that have improved my life drastically, and for that I thank them. And I'd like to also thank all of those who take the time to read my blog. I wish everyone the best and lets kick start the New Year with a positive outlook and a can-do attitude!

-Mr Crafty