#13 - Memory Jar

Adventure #13 in my goal to experience/try 42 new things was making a Memory Jar for my family for this year.  I hope we have a ton of great memories to reflect on this year, so I used a large quart mason jar for this project.  A simple tag of cardstock on the front along with a circle of cardstock on the top is how I chose to decorate mine.

Anyone in the family can write down a memory with corresponding date on a slip of paper, fold it in half, then add it to the jar.  On New Year's Eve this year, we'll sit down together and take turns reading all the memories inside.  To make it easy for all of us to add a memory, I transformed a lidded plastic food container into a paper storage tub.  Again, I used cardstock I already had on hand to decorate the container.  The paper slips are all cut in a uniform size and shape (using a Coluzzle rectangular template) out of scrap cardstock.  I have over 200 slips ready and waiting for memories to be added.

#12 - Christmas Jar

Adventure # 12 in my goal to experience/try 42 new things was making a Christmas Jar.  I've never read the book behind this inspiration, Christmas Jars  by Jason F. Wright, but the concept is simple ..... toss in your spare change during the year and anonymously give it to a needy recipient 2-3 weeks before Christmas.  It could be someone who has lost their job, a single mom struggling to make ends meet, a family overwhelmed by medical bills ..... I truly believe everyone who makes a Christmas Jar will know in his/her heart the exact person or family who will be blessed the most when the time comes.

For my jar I used a quart-size mason jar, attached a simple, decorative tag, and finished the top off with a seasonal sticker on a circle of cardstock.  For me personally, it didn't have to be anything fancy.  The overall purpose is far more important.  Visit Christmas Jars: The True Stories for additional inspiration.

#11: In The Driver's Seat

Adventure #11 in my goal to experience/try 42 new things was finding myself in the driver's seat when my family took our traditional drive just before Christmas looking at all the beautiful lights others had displayed at their homes.  I have never driven.  I've always been a passenger on this adventure and 2011's trek was not unlike those of recent years ... everyone griped, fussed, and complained that my spouse would not go slowly enough for us all to really enjoy the occasion.  I offered to drive (I do not enjoy driving) - this was met with loud cheers from our children.  I suppose they assumed I would do a good job because I had joined them in the complaining. (LOL)

I grumbled my way into the driver's seat thinking *I* wouldn't be able to enjoy the evening having to concentrate on the road and other vehicles, but it actually wasn't so bad.  I viewed way more than I anticipated (and saw far more than I would have with my spouse driving) plus our children told me they had a great time and appreciated that I was willing to go slowly enough for them to savor in the magic of the evening.  Who knows ... I may end up in the driver's seat every year!

#10: Made Ornaments Using Seashells

Adventure #10 in my goal to experience/try 42 new things was making ornaments out of seashells.  This is something I've wanted to do for years, but just never got around to trying.  

With the Atlantic Ocean as my backyard, obtaining seashells was not difficult at all.  I didn't look for any specific color or shape, just seashells that already had a borehole to make easier the process of threading a narrow ribbon through for hanging.  After thoroughly washing and drying each, I brushed on craft glue and sprinkled each heavily with an opaque superfine glitter that allowed the shell's natural coloring to filter through.  I was very pleased with this result as I really don't think I would have enjoyed them all looking identical. 

Most surprising was my children's reaction to these ornaments.  They LOVED them!  Both requested I make many more for next year's Christmas tree.  It was an easy craft that delivered a wonderful sparkle and glimmer to our tree.

#9: Made Something I Pinned

Adventure #9 in my goal to experience/try 42 new things was actually making something I pinned on Pinterest.  It's fun to pin away, but taking the time to follow through with the inspiration is another story.  

I thought these vegan chocolate peanut butter cups would be a perfect treat for Christmas Eve.  I added 1/2 tsp. organic extra virgin coconut oil to the chocolate to reach a more desirable (for me) consistency.  The "nooch" added to the peanut butter truly did make this taste like the filling from the brand-name non-organic version of this treat.  That alone was seriously so good I could have just eaten a whole bowlful of it without even bringing chocolate into the picture!

Mine didn't turn out as pretty as the original poster's, but I know I didn't let them set up as long as I should have (I gave in to the pleas of my youngest child who was overwhelmingly excited about me surprising everyone with this goodie).  I also used a spoon for transferring the ingredients into the muffin liners.  Next time - and yes, I will be making these again and again - I will try reusing a mustard bottle or similar bottle for squirting the chocolate into the muffin liners.  I envision they will turn out a lot more beautiful that way.

These are so incredibly fantastic!

#8: Animal Shelter Donation

Adventure #8 in my goal to experience/try 42 new things was making a donation to our local animal shelter.  I, along with other members of my family, put the plea out for others to join with us.  We made everyone aware of specific needs, and they could either bring the items to us or give us a monetary donation with which we would purchase items.  

I was so incredibly excited about this.  I had grand visions in my head of being able to bless the shelter with a LOT of items.  Sadly, not one single person responded to our pleas.  Seriously.  I was very disappointed, but that's how it goes.  Nevertheless, my family and I had a great time picking and purchasing the above pictured items.  My kids and I dropped off the donation and stayed for a while passing out the ping pong balls to all the cats, visiting with all the dogs, taking one of the cats into the socialization room for some play time, and keeping watch on a kitten for someone making an adoption.  The afternoon made such an impression on me and my tween that we both declared we'd love to seriously look into being able to do volunteer work there in the near future.

#7: Homemade Toner

Adventure #7 in my goal to try/experience 42 new things was making my own toner.  I've tried plenty of other homemade beauty recipes, but have always shied away from trying a toner.  I don't really know why.

On my regular blog I've been very open and honest about my nightmare struggle with perimenopausal hormonal acne.  I would not wish it upon anyone.  No purchased product I've ever tried has cleared it up completely.  I had promising success with a couple of products, but the acne always flared up again with a vengeance.  Also as the result of stress and hormonal wackiness, I had a quite sizable facial cyst form near my cheek.

For over a month now I have been using a homemade toner and am pleased to report it has delivered fantastic results.  Seriously, really fantastic ... as in I am giddy with delight.  I simply combined 1/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar (I specifically used Bragg's) with 3/4 cup purified water.  I've been using this "toner" once a day with the following results ... the acne on one side of my face is completely cleared up, the acne on my chin and other side of my face has diminished greatly, and the facial cyst (which was quite puffed up) is nearly entirely gone.  As an unexpected bonus, my skin is so soft and smooth I have not had to exfoliate at all.