If you've been searching for a foodie gift that is not only quick and easy to make, but also fun, fresh and, of course, delicious, then search no more! I've found just the thing: cake in a jar! You mix your regular cake ingredients in the jar along with some tasty fruit/berries (this is a good opportunity for you to use those fruit that may be nearing the over-ripe stage), pop it in the oven for about an hour, and pull out a perfectly baked cobbler-style cake in a jar! Apart from being a novel gift, this is also a great idea for picnic outings; just don't forget to bring along the whipped cream.
How to Bake Cakes in a Jar
Quick tip: Use fresh fruit and not frozen fruit as part of your recipe. Commenter Andrea Renaye on YouTube points out that frozen fruit will bleed liquids as they thaw in the oven, which will mess up the consistency of the recipe.
When you bought your waffle iron, maybe you were just thinking of waffles. And as good as waffles are, maybe you then asked yourself why you bought such a super-specific kitchen appliance. But your waffle iron is a lot more useful than you might realize! This quick video tells you how you can make 7 other types of food with your waffles, including brownies, cinnamon buns, hash browns, quesadillas, omelettes, biscuits, and the "breakfast wiscuit sandwich."
This is a very handy video if you are a busy student or employee who is pressed for time in the mornings and the evenings. Or maybe you just don't have a huge number of kitchen appliances and want to get the most out of what you have. Or maybe you simply are curious about the possibilities of your waffle iron. No matter what, your waffle iron is a quick, fun and easy way to make a whole lot more than waffles!
Video by Howdini click on the link to check out her Youtube channel.
If you're an avid camper or hiker then you should know how important it is to be prepared. Of course, you don't want to be a worrier of impending doom, but you do need to be realistic. So what happens if you get stuck with no lighter or matches to make a fire? Rubbing two sticks together is a technique that really just isn't going to cut it if it's not something you've practiced for hours on end before.
As long as you have a flashlight with a battery and some gum with a foil wrapper, you'll be warmed up in no time!
Some tips:
The narrow bridge of the wrapper should be about 2mm (use your Swiss army knife to cut); if it's thinner than that it may just break without actually igniting.
It gets really hot, really fast, so if you have gloves, wear them. Otherwise try to use something else as a barrier, like your shirt. You don't want to drop the only fire starter you have because it burnt your fingers.
Make sure to have some good flammable tinder ready so that you can build and grow your fire quickly. If this is a serious survival situation and you're relying on this method, take the time to gather lots of dry tinder that'll ignite quickly.
Dryer sheets can be a real pain: they're easy to forget about—leaving you with static, softened clothing—and they aren't all that delightful for people with itchy skin. Some of us don't like using chemicals like that on our clothing, so here's an awesome way to make your own dryer balls that are super easy to make, and are made from natural products – no chemicals!
100% wool yarn is the definite way to go; other materials won't give you the effect that you need. Then bring an old pair of tights to the party (we all have those laddered pairs tucked away in the back of our closets) and your favorite essential oil, and you're good to go!
Less chemicals, lower costs, fewer irritation, soft clothes, repurposed items, and happy people!
Video by DIY Network Click on the link to subscribe to their Youtube channel.
Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching, and if your experience is anything like mine, you'll be sorting out beer and snacks for all the avid fans at your house, regardless of whether or not you even like football. I wouldn't really consider myself a fan of the sport per se, but I do enjoy the festivities and socializing that this annual event brings me. And I know that if I serve up some of this candied bacon, I'll be the most appreciated and loved person there. Who wouldn't go crazy for the delicious salty and sweet combination of these heavenly slivers of pork?
The video doesn’t give measurements, so here they are; the one pound of bacon gets glazed with a mixture of:
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
sprinkle of black pepper
And don't forget to line your tray with tin foil – scraping off the caramelized drippings will be an absolute nightmare!
Video Recipe by Food Wishes , click here to subscribe to his Youtube channel.
Ever since my boyfriend switched from a regular blade razor to an electric shaver I've hated the fact that I can no longer steal some of his shaving cream instead of buying my own. I know most women just use soap when shaving their legs, but seriously, shaving cream is the best option if you want your legs to be smoother, better moisturized, and free of cuts. But that's not what this is about; if either you or your man use shaving cream, you'll be surprised to learn how else it can help you around the house.
Video
Shaving cream can:
Silence a squeaky hinge
Clean and shine your bathroom and kitchen faucets
Get rid of a mustard stain on your shirt or carpet within minutes
Prevent a foggy mirror after a steaming shower
Scrub paint off your skin
By avoiding the necessity for other products that you aren't likely to use all that often—like WD-40 for hinges or turpentine for paint—you're saving yourself some cash by using a household item that you already have an use.
Most of us know vinegar as that that clear liquid with an acidic taste, but its uses actually spreads far and wide beyond mere cooking. There are a lot of different types of vinegars, all with a distinctive use and taste—apple cider, balsamic, honey, wine, malt etc.—but for the most part, these domestic vinegar hacks use the regular white (aka distilled) vinegar.
You can:
1. Unclog your drain with vinegar and baking soda 2. Remove sticky glue or tape residue with pure vinegar 3. Get rid of smelly trash odors with a vinegar-soaked slice of bread 4. Make an all-purpose cleaner with vinegar, water and dishwashing liquid 5. Trap fruit flies with a bowl of apple cider vinegar and cling wrap 6. De-wrinkle your shirt in a jiff with vinegar and water 7. Save your furniture from getting clawed to shreds by your cat with a spray of vinegar 8. Extend the lifespan of your flowers with apple cider vinegar and water 9. Thoroughly clean the lenses of your glasses with pure vinegar 10. Get rid of those hard-to-clean grease stains or leftovers on your pots and pans with vinegar and water
Not only are these hacks more environmentally friendly since you're doing away with other chemical-laced products, but these easy methods save you a pretty penny, too. Instead of buying and hoarding a bunch of cleaning sprays and creams, stick to good old vinegar.
Caramel really is something that speaks to my sweet tooth, and there's so much you can do with it: make soft chewy bites, pour sauce over ice cream, top it on a tart etc. So you can imagine the pure joy I felt when I stumbled upon this ridiculously easy method of making caramel in a can – my jaw practically fell to the floor. All you do is stick your can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of simmering water!
Instructions:
In most places, caramel is known to be made by melting sugar with some water (especially in America and the UK). This method of using milk, however, is more popular in other areas such as Australia and parts of South America, where it is known as dulce de leche (directly translated to sweet/candy of milk). I much prefer this method because it's a lot creamier and so much easier to make – the risk of burning the sugar, leaving me with a sticky mess is zero; for a clumsy person like me, that's really important!
I know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but making a healthy and filling meal every morning can really be a drag, or a near impossibility, if you're always on the go with school, work or kids. I usually end up grabbing a quick yogurt—which I know is not enough to tie me over until lunchtime—simply because everything just seems to take up too much time. And waking up even earlier from my comfy, sweet slumber just to make breakfast is not a realistic goal.
So, if you suffer from the same hungry, morning blues, you'll really love these five recipes for fresh, delicious, nutritious and healthy oatmeal. You can make this in a jar the night before (a quick process) and keep it in the fridge so that the next morning, all you have to do is open up the fridge and enjoy, or warm it up in the microwave if that's what you prefer. Make sure to shake the jar a bit so that all the flavors combine and stew together perfectly overnight. Recipes by The Domestic Geek (Youtube), The Domestic Geek (blog).
Each recipe starts off with the same oatmeal base of:
⅓ cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon chia seeds
¼ cup Greek yogurt
¼ to ½ cup almond milk (or any type of milk that you like)
Now for the fun part… Here's how you turn plain old oatmeal into a real tasty meal.
What can you make with some plastic spoons and a candle? This isn't a riddle; the answer is a beautiful rose. If you have kids then you're more than likely to have a pack of these plastic spoons somewhere in the house, and if not, they're cheap enough to buy. I love this inventive craft because it's a great way of upcycling plastic (a material that really shouldn't be thrown away), it's budget-friendly, and the end product is versatile. Your roses can be turned into brooches, hair accessories and jewelry, or you can use them as decoration pieces around your home. I plan to spray paint mine and paint the edges of the petals in a lighter shade as highlights, then let them float in a shallow bowl of water as a centerpiece.
Some Tips:
Do this in a properly ventilated area (or outside) since you're working with fire and melting plastic.
Burning plastic releases toxins that are harmful to you and then environment; you should just be lightly melting the spoons, not burning them! If you see the spoon turning black, scorching and releasing that horrible smell, then you know you're burning it.
If you're struggling to melt and not burn it, trim your wick shorter.
You can use a hot glue gun to stick the petals together if you're more comfortable with that.
If you're a lover of colorful foods, you will definitely want to try this amazing recipe for rainbow waffles by Elise over at MyCupcakeAddiction! The colors are so bright they will shock you! How did Elise get her waffles so bright, and how did she arrange the colors so neatly into a perfect rainbow?
Watch the video below to find out!
It will take a few minutes to watch, but she lays out the ingredients so nicely, and her instructions are nice and clear. After you watch it, you'll be ready to make your own rainbow waffles right away. It's actually surprisingly easy; you just need to make a different batch of waffle batter in each color and then sprinkle them carefully onto the waffle maker in the right order and cook. Very cool! This would make an awesome surprise breakfast for a child on their birthday or another special occasion!
It may seem sinful or almost criminal of me to give you this recipe in the warmer season now that we're all trying to get rid of the extra winter weight, but we all deserve a cheat treat every now and then. Counting calories is just no fun. And with the days getting warmer and warmer, you need some cold, creamy, sweet, yummy goodness to cool you down. You also don't have to be a kitchen whiz in order to whip this one up; it's really simple to make as long as you stick to the recipe. The prep time will take about 30 minutes and then you need six hours fir it to set in the fridge. Have I managed to convince you yet? You'll thank me as soon as you taste that first mouthful.
Recipe instructions
Ingredients for base:
•250g biscuits (whichever you like, really; in the video she used chocolate ripples and scotch fingers) •80g melted butter
Ingredients for cheesecake filling:
•500g cream cheese at room temperature •½ cup caster sugar •300ml thickened cream •1 ½ teaspoons gelatin, dissolved into ¼ cup hot water •6 mini Mars Bars (or Bar Ones)
Ingredients for chocolate sauce:
•½ cup choc chips •2 tablespoons cream
Ingredients for caramel sauce:
•2 tablespoons cream •30g butter •2 tablespoons brown sugar
If you're a mother to a young baby (and any aged child, for that matter) there is no doubt that you have completely driven yourself crazy thinking of anything and everything that can happen to your little one. Choking is most probably high on that list, since curious children just seem to love putting things in their mouths.
Video Directions:
St. John Ambulance (UK) shared some frightening statistics: over 40% of the parents they spoke to have actually seen their baby choke, while a worrying 80% simply did not know what to do in such a situation. This prompted St. John Ambulance to make this short, clever, educational and life-saving awareness video, The Chokeables, to teach parents how to save a life.
The Chokeables in question—the innocent-looking pen lid, jelly baby, marble, princess toy and peanut—are aware of their hazard status, and thus show you exactly what to do should you ever find your baby choking on one of them. This is a video that needs to be watched and shared so that absolutely everyone—even those who aren't parents—will be able to react correctly if they ever find themselves on a scene where a young life needs saving.
Have you ever experienced that intense craving for a delicious slice of cake? Silly question, right? Of course you have! The problem that I usually have with that, though, is that baking an entire cake is a bit too excessive, and of course, waiting for it to bake in the oven is just not something I have the patience for. That's why I nearly fell off my chair with delight when I found this recipe for a cake in a mug. You can make small individual portions, and here's the kicker… it only takes a few minutes to mix everything together in your mug, and then takes just seconds to bake in the microwave!
You can thank me later when you see for yourself just how easy and tasty these are.
Here are the measurements for each of the scrumptious mugs of heaven:
Take note: the cooking times are based on a 1100 watt microwave, so keep in mind that your times may vary a little.
1-5 Video Instructions and Recipes
1. Funfetti (makes two cakes):
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons self-rising flour
pinch of salt
1. Place the butter in a large mug and microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds until melted. 2. Add the egg and whisk it in with a fork. 3. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and sugar. 4. Add the flour and salt. Mix the batter with a fork until smooth. 5. Divide the batter between two mugs. Microwave separately for 50 seconds each until risen. Take care not to overcook or the cake will dry out fast. 6. Top with my bubble gum butter-cream frosting and sprinkles
Cooking time: 50 seconds
2. Gluten-free chocolate banana (makes two cakes):
1 ripe banana
¼ cup peanut butter
1 large egg
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1. Mash the banana in a large mug with a fork. 2. Add the nut butter and egg and mix thoroughly. 3. Stir in the sugar and cocoa and beat until smooth. 4. Divide the batter between two mugs. 5. Microwave separately for 1 minutes each until risen and firm. (every microwave is different so cooking may vary) 6. Take care not to over cook or the cake will dry out fast. 7. Best eaten straight away
Cooking time: 1 minute
3 Red Velvet (makes one cake):
4 tablespoons flour
4 ½ tablespoons sugar
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
pinch of salt
pinch of cinnamon
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons buttermilk (can use sour cream or yogurt instead)
1. Mix all the wet ingredients together into an oversized mug using a fork until batter is smooth. 2. Add in the dry ingredients and mix until combined 3. Cook in microwave for 50 seconds. . (every microwave is different so cooking may vary) 4. Be careful not to overcook as batter will become dense and rubbery. 5. Let cake cool slightly before piping on cream cheese frosting.
Cooking time: 50 seconds
4. Apple Crumble (makes one cake):
3 tablespoons flour
1 heaped tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon apple sauce
½ tablespoon vegetable oil
½ tablespoon milk
⅛teaspoon vanilla extract
crumble topping
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoons brown sugar
1. In a small mug, mix together dry ingredients very well. 2. Add applesauce and mix until just combined (it will be thick and sticky) and then add veg oil, milk and vanilla and stir until wet; do not over mix. 3. For the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine 1 tbsp of butter, 2 tbsp of flour, 1 tbsp of brown sugar with a fork until combined. 4. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds. (every microwave is different so cooking may vary). Take care not to over cook the cake or it will dry out fast. 5. Serve with ice cream and salted caramel sauce
1. In a large bowl cream the sugar and butter together until light in colour and fluffy in texture – about 3 minutes. Use a hand whisk. Crack in an eggs, mix in well, and follow with the nxt egg. and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat for another minute until well combined. 2. Add in the dry ingredients until just combined – don’t over-mix! 3. Divide the mixture as evenly as you can between 5 bowls. 4. Add a couple of drops of food colouring to each bowl and mix very gently. – again, do not over-mix! 5. Spoon the colors between the 4 mugs one spoonful at a time. Lay the different colored cake batter on top to create a marbled effect 6. Microwave for 45 seconds (every microwave is different so cooking may vary) 7. Take care not to over cook the cake or it will dry out fast. 8. Decorate your cake with my cream cheese frosting. (see Red Velvet cake recipe above)
6. Vegan, Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownie (makes two cakes):
½ cup gluten-free flour (e.g. oat flour, nut flour, spelt flour etc.)
½ cup sugar or raw sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa (natural, unsweetened)
½ cup coconut milk
4 tablespoons coconut oil (or any flavorless oil, like canola or vegetable)
Coconut ice cream to serve
1. In a large mug or separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa, & salt 2. Then add your wet ingredients, coconut milk and oil, to your dry 3. Divide the batter between 2 microwave safe ceramic mugs. 4. Microwave for 1 minute until the mixture is cooked through. It should still be moist when cooked through, not dry. Careful not to overcook or cake becomes rubbery 5. Best eaten immediately. Serve with coconut ice cream.
Cooking time: 1 minute
7. Lemon and Blueberry (makes one cake):
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any flavorless oil)
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup blueberries
1. In the mug, combine flour,sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a fork, beat in egg, oil, lemon zest and lemon juice until very well blended. 2. Microwave for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until risen and center is just set. 3. Best eaten immediately. Serve with blueberry compote
Cooking time: 1 to 1 ½ minutes
8. Cookies and Cream (makes two cakes):
5 ½ tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Oreos
1. Mix all dry ingredients together in an oversized mug. Then mix in the wet ingredients until smooth. After batter is smooth, add in the oreos and crush oreos. 2. Divide the batter between 2 microwave safe ceramic mugs. 3. Cook for approximately 1 minutes in microwave. Check on middle of cake. If not done, cook for about 20 more seconds. Careful not to overcook or cake becomes rubbery.
Cooking time: 1 minute
9. Egg-Free Carrot (makes one cake):
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons finely grated carrots
1 tablespoon raisins
1. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a mug. Whisk in the wet ingredients until smooth. Microwave for 1 minutes. Cook longer if needed. 2. Best eaten immediately. Serve with some cream cheese frosting.
Cooking time: 1 minute
10. Cheesecake (makes one cake; you'll need an oversized mug!)
4 ounces (115g) low fat cream cheese (must be at room temperature)
1 cup (8oz / 225g) sour cream
½ teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons sugar
2 egg whites, slightly beaten (egg whites in a carton will work)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon jam of choice
Graham cracker crumbs
1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy with an electric beater or hand whisk. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla, sugar, egg, lemon juice. Swirl in jam at this time. CAUTION: Microwave until you see it start to bubble in the center, and then stop cooking. This will take seonds, maybe 20 or more. Take it out and check it. Microwave for short intervals until you see the edge of the cheesecake firm but make sure the center is jiggly. If it is allowed to bubble and cook further, the mixture will “break” and you’ll need to start over. Make a note of the successful cooking time for your microwave. 2. Take out of the microwave and let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until fully chilled, about 2 hours. If any liquid has formed, carefully pour out. Sprinkle with graham cracker mixture and top with any topping of your choice. Enjoy!
Cooking time: 20 seconds (or until the center bubbles), then short intervals until the edge firms up
Recipes by Gemma Stafford. Make sure to subscribe to her channel here Gemma Stafford.
When you think of toasted marshmallows you probably think of kids at a camp, toasting their marshmallows on sticks around the fire. But why should they have all the fun? Toasted marshmallows can get an awesome boost for us adults, too. All you have to do is turn them into shot glasses and pour them full of liquor! Sounds interesting, right?
Toasting the marshmallowy shot glass is easy enough on a stove, and once it cools down, it implodes perfectly to form the shape you want. Then you can pour pretty much any drink in there (coffee liquor would make a great after-meal drink), and say cheers! What you're left with is a booze-soaked, sweet, toasty drinking vessel to end it off. Yum!
And if the kids are around and you don't want them to feel left out, just pour theirs full of chocolate milk.
I don't know about you but I'm crazy about peanut butter: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, peanut butter smoothies, peanut butter cake… you name it, I love it. Apart from the peanut butter component, what also drew me to this recipe is the simplicity: you just melt five ingredients together on a stove, pour the mixture onto a pan and let it cool, stick it in the freezer and Bob's your uncle! After about two hours (try not to let the wait kill you!) it'll be set but still nice and soft for you to chomp down on.
Of course, it's not the healthiest of snacks, so make yourself a big bunch, nibble on a few, and then store the rest in the freezer – they'll remain soft and chewy without having to bring them to room temperature.
So I've shown you how to make meringues and soft caramel in the microwave, so I think it's about time to go for something savory rather than sweet: quiche in a mug, in the microwave in just three minutes! Doesn't that sound like a kitchen dream?
As much as I love eating, I don't always have the time or patience to cook myself a proper meal, and like most people, I loathe all that inevitable washing up that comes with big fancy meals. So if I'm in a hurry and in need of a good breakfast, or feeling snacky after work, this microwave quiche is literally the perfect solution.
Video Instructions:
You will need:
1 teaspoon butter
1 egg
1 ½ tablespoons whole milk
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 slice of bread, broken into small pieces
2 tablespoons grated cheddar
4 cherry tomatoes (quartered)
Small handful spinach
2 spring onions (chopped)
The thing that I love about quiches is that you can throw in whatever you like: ham, cooked bacon, red onion, mushrooms, feta, etc. The choice really is yours. And if you have a bigger hole to fill in your tummy, simply double up the ingredients and use a nice big mug.
Let's face it; our world revolves around our smartphones. Have you ever accidentally left your phone at home or had it lost or stolen? And how did that make you feel? Empty? Like half a person? Yep. Since our phones are practically an extension of ourselves, it makes sense to accessorize them and make them look pretty!
10 Phone Makeover Projects Video + Individual Projects on Descriptions
Protective Pouch
We have to say, this makeshift crochet loom made from bobby pins and a paper cup is absolutely ingenious! Just make sure you have a cup that fits your phone snugly and then crochet away to make your cute little phone sock. It's a great alternative if you find the regular covers to be too bulky, but still want to protect your phone from scratches when it's bungling about in your handbag.
Beautified Earphones
If you're the type who constantly listens to music or the radio with your earphones in, you might as well transform the boring cord into something of an accessory. All you need is a bunch of soft plastic beads (like Perler beads), a pair of scissors and some patience as you cut them open one-by-one. Then you can arrange them in whatever color pattern you want. Apart from looking lovely, these beads also prevent your headphones from getting tangled – pretty and useful!
Phone Case – Marbling Stickers
We love the psychedelic look that you get with the water marbling technique – it's a firm favorite with the nail art lovers. After leaving your designs to dry for a few hours, you can simply pick them out of the water, trim to neaten, and then stick them straight them onto your cover. Pure genius.
4 & 5. Phone Case – Washi Tape
Washi tape has become somewhat of a new obsession since it comes in so many different patterns that inspire a plethora of decorating ideas, so you're likely to find it in any craft store. Your possibilities are pretty much endless with this tape, and since it's easy to peel off, you can update your designs as frequently as you like.
Phone Case – Duct Tape
With just a few seconds and one piece of wide scotch tape, you can take your phone cover from drab to minimalist fab! Just find a pattern or solid color that you really like, and voilà! You can even use duct tape to create a bow embellishment for your phone.
Phone Case – Stickers
Remember when you were younger and you used to collect and even trade stickers? If you're a sentimental hoarder type, whip out your old sticker book; otherwise, go buy some cute, fun and cheap stickers to jazz up that phone! You could even design your very own sticker to personalize your phone.
Phone Case – Googly Eyes
Yes, googly eyes! They're adorable. You just need a bit of super glue to attach these little peepers to the back of your phone.
9 & 10. Phone Case – Customized Picture
This last idea is our favorite because you it's fully customizable and the most personal of them all. With a transparent phone case you can print out any image that you want and simply cut it to size to fit the case. You can create your own patterns, collages, or simply use photos of your friends or cute little pets. Love it!
I grow a lot of my own veggies and herbs because it seems to benefit me greatly: it's cheaper than buying from the store, I enjoy the gardening aspect, and the idea of sustainable living is something I admire and really strive towards. I don't quite have my own chicken pen for eggs or rear my own cattle, but I think growing veggies is a great place to start. I've heard the excuse of not having a large enough garden many times before, which is why I found this video to share with you: how to grow your own vegetables with limited space. This method also greatly reduces water usage, totally bypasses the problem of weeds (and harmful pesticides or chemicals!) and it's really not that hard to get going and keep going.
The two brothers behind the Global Bucket initiative aim to help reduce global malnutrition with this low-cost method so that practically anyone anywhere can grow their own healthy food. It's a tremendous feat they're taking on, but it sure is admirable. And judging by their successful system, it could prove to be extremely helpful.
Video:
You'll need:
2 x 5 gallon buckets
1"x24" PVC pipe
Saw
Tape measure
Electric drill with these drill bits:
3½" hole saw
1⅜" hole saw
¼" drill bit
18 oz. plastic cup
All that's left for you is to decide what you use the most, get your seedlings and make sure to find a spot that gets enough sunlight. You'll be reaping the benefits in no time. If you’re wondering what types of plants you should grow, we have a list of 35 container-friendly vegetables and fruits already covered.
I've been advocating for growing your own veggies and herb for quite some time, so here's another great way to do so if you're keen on the idea. A raised cinder block garden really has so many benefits: the cinder blocks themselves are affordable (about $1 each); you get to start off with fresh new soil that is fertile, full of nutrients and will help you in the fight against pesky weeds; the soil in the beds is loose, thus increasing growing efficiency; and you can contain and shape your garden just the way you want to.
Video Instructions:
You just need to flatten out the area so that you have a level surface, lay out your cinder block in the shape you want, put out some flattened cardboard boxes along the bottom to help with moisture and weed prevention, and then layer on your soil. From there you're good to go! Just make sure to read all the instructions on the plants you buy so that you know how much space they need in between each other.
I saw a fantastically funky cake similar to this just the other day and I was totally blown away by its sheer awesomeness. Trying to figure out how the hell she got that colorful heart in the middle was not something I could do on my own, and because of that, I am eternally grateful for this magnificent lifeline we call the internet. It didn't take much surfing time to find this video and now I'm all giddy with excitement since I'll finally be able to make this and confuse and amaze others just like that first confused and amazed me.
It may seem like a mess at first and quite a bit of work, but you can't expect to make something this fabulous with minimal effort; and I quite enjoy getting messy in the kitchen! Sure it's a bit of a process, but I know it'll be worth it when I get to feel all smug and popular after everyone oohs and ahhs over my magnificent creation.
Video Instructions:
You'll need:
5 packets vanilla cake mix and required ingredients (egg, milk, butter) If you have your own standard cake recipe from scratch you can use that instead of the cake mixture, but this way just makes the whole process a lot quicker and easier.
Two hard boiled eggs are a great way to start the day. Eggs are packed with protein, and they'll help you lose weight since they make you feel fuller for longer. In fact, studies have shown that in two groups of women—one group eating two eggs for breakfast and the other eating a bagel and cheese of the same weight and calorie count—those who ate the eggs lost the most weight. The women who ate the eggs also reported feeling more energetic than their bagel-eating counterparts.
Video Instructions
So there you have it, a healthy day should be started with two eggs; you can switch it up between boiled, fried, scrambled and poached. In the case of hard boiling though, you may find yourself getting pretty damn frustrated now and then when the peeling doesn't go all that well. I know I do. Sometimes the shell comes off in the tiniest of shards and it drives me absolutely crazy. So here's an awesome and quick hack to get those eggs peeled in seconds.
Fill a glass with about half an inch of water, place the egg in there, cover the glass opening with your hand, and shake vigorously until all the water is out, and voilà! You'll literally be able to pull the entire shell off in one swift movement.
Easter is here! I love any excuse to get together with family and just spend a nice day together with good food and great conversation (and to eat chocolate). When it comes to decorating eggs, instead of getting all messy with ink or paint, I found this clever tutorial for a more grown-up version of beautified Easter eggs that I'll definitely be using this year. And considering how well they came out in the video, I'm planning on making a whole bunch and arranging some sort of creative table centerpiece.
Video Instructions
You will need:
Eggs
100% silk scarves or ties (look for cheap ones at local thrift stores or old ones in the back of your closet so that you don't ruin your favorite scarf)
½ yard white fabric
Twist ties
3 tablespoons white vinegar
Vegetable oil (this is used to rub over the eggs at the very end to give them a nice shine)
Cut your silk material and white fabric into equal squares of 7x7in (that's about 17.8cm), then wrap your eggs first with the silk and then with the white fabric, and secure with a twist tie. Next, put all your little egg parcels in a pot and fill it with water; add the vinegar and let it all boil for 15 minutes. Once that's done, remove the eggs and unwrap them when they've cooled down enough. You'll be surprised to see how well the pattern from the silk transfers on to the shells! And you can even use the same silk square two to three times, so don't let any of it go to waste.
Some of us may not be quite as artistic and steady-handed as others, and that can be rather irritating when it comes to decorating cakes and cupcakes. You can't quite pipe on the pretty flower or design that you had in mind, but just smearing on regular icing seems boring, so what do you do? I found this great little trick to make the easiest, prettiest cupcake toppers with marshmallows; trust me, it'll save the day.
Hold the marshmallow sideways and cut four slits, dip your fingers in cornstarch (or powdered sugar) to prevent them from sticking to you as you fan out the slits to form the flower shape. Next, cut the bottom off another marshmallow, roll it into a cone, and use its own stickiness to "glue" it to the center of the flower. That's it! Then you can color your flowers with food spray and make all your cupcakes and cakes look stunning!
I'm willing to bet that all of you have at least one pair of jeans that you never wear anymore, just sitting or hanging in the back of the closet, wondering if it'll ever see the light of day again. I'm much too embarrassed to admit how many old jeans I've been hoarding over the years, but it's definitely more than just one. So instead of clinging on to that pair of pants that simply does not fit you or your style anymore (who are you trying to kid?), why not make something useful out of it?
Easy Video Instructions
I've repeated the many benefits of gardening ad nauseam, so I won't go into that again… (*ahem* It's therapeutic, makes your home look pretty, and if you grow your own produce you're saving money and helping the environment.) But if you feel like I do about gardening then you need the obvious tools and a nice garden apron to keep your clothes clean. What's better than spending money on a new apron? Repurposing your old jeans to make your own apron!
This job will literally just take a few seconds of your precious time; it's just a few quick snips here and there and you're all done – no sewing necessary. The denim material is durable and doesn't get quite as dirty as regular material, you actually use the original waistband and button to fasten the apron around your body, and the back pockets are great for holding your seeds or tools while your work.
As I grow and my taste changes and matures, I've found that some of my old furniture and decorations just aren't quite as appealing as they were when I first got them. Since I've been so used to having the same things around me, I've gotten comfortable with them. But as soon as I have to move or make room for something new, I get bitten by the bug and I start to see things with a fresh eye. It makes me want to toss everything and run out to replace it all. But there's a better way to refresh your home without blowing all your cash in one whirlwind of an afternoon: give your old furniture a makeover with decoupage.
Decoupage is something I've just recently really gotten into, but I already have big plans. You can paint your table any color and then basically glue cut-outs of beautiful napkins on so that it actually looks as if the design has been hand-painted on. It's a fantastic little cheat!
Video Instructions
You will need:
Varnish (matte or gloss – depends on what look you're going for)
Decoupage glue
Decoupage scissors or fine artist brush and a cup of water
Paint
Roller
Sponge brushes
Spray paint
Plastic wrap
Coarse grit nail files
Decorative napkins
What to do:
Remove the hardware from the drawer so that you can spray paint the inside
Paint the entire table with the roller and sponge brush (two coats)
Paint the outside part of the drawer
If you have decoupage scissors: cut out the designs that you want to use If you don't: dip the paint brush in water and paint along the edge of the design that you want, then you can easily tear it away
Separate the top and bottom part of the napkin
Once the table is dry, decide where you want to place the images
Apply glue to the table and set the image on top
Pull a piece of plastic wrap over the image to smooth out any wrinkles (use a new piece for each image)
Cover the drawer with an uncut napkin but don't cut off the overhanging parts
Once everything is dry, apply a coat of glue over all the images on the tabletop
Use the nail file to file off the excess napkin from the drawer and apply another coat of glue
Apply a final coat of glue to the entire surface
Use a nail file to age the surface here and there if you want a vintage look
Finish off the entire table with a top coat of varnish
We're all pretty well acquainted with red glowing coals and the mesmerizing yellowish-amber color from flames in the fireplace, and if you really stare long enough you'll even notice small glows of blue at the very "bottom" of the flame. But have you ever seen a green flame?
The green flame truly is a fascinating phenomenon. We get so used to the way things are around us, so seeing something in a whole new light—like a green flame when we're used to yellow—is really exciting. Unless you're a scientist, of course, then none of this is new to you!
The tools and ingredients:
Borax, aka sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate (most commonly found in laundry boosters and other household cleaning products)
Methyl alcohol, aka methanol (commonly used in anti-freeze)
Fire-proof bowl
Spoon
Long matches
So How Does it Work?
When the methanol from the Heet anti-freeze is mixed with the borax from the 20 Mule Team Borax, it creates trimethyl borate. This compound is a colorless liquid that when burned, gives off that distinctive neon green color.
Be Safe!
There's no way I can encourage anyone to do this without some very important safety warnings. This should go without saying, but when playing with fire, do so safely outside. This is a situation where caution definitely shouldn't be thrown to the wind.
Furthermore, methanol can be very dangerous, so don’t let it come into contact with your skin, don't inhale it, and for the love of everything you hold dear, don't drink it.
Throwing a lit match in the mixture won't give you the full effect, because the match itself will still burn in a yellow-y color. Use a long match so that you can just touch the mixture and then retrieve the match – a regular lighter or normal-sized match will put your hand in too close proximity.
I've loved ladybugs since I was a little girl; I think these pretty little beetles are one of the most-loved insect species. Despite the nickname, though, the entire ladybug population does not exist purely of ladies, there are males out there too. There's an interesting legend behind the "lady" part. It is said that hundreds of years ago, farmers' crops were being devoured and ruined by pests, so they prayed to the Virgin Mary to ask for help. Apparently, their prayers were answered with a swarm of these spotted beetles that ate the pests and ultimately saved the crops. Mary (aka Our lady) has always been depicted as wearing a red cloak, so since these savior beetles wore her same color, the farmers were convinced they were sent by her. "The beetles of Our Lady" eventually became "Lady beetles", and then, Ladybugs. It's a cute story.
But I digress…. Let's learn how to make these cuties!
You'll need:
Side-cutting pliers
Hot glue gun
Black paint
Two elongated black beads
Three plastic spoons – one black and two red (or if you already have white spoons laying around, simply paint them or color with permanent markers)
Instructions:
Use the pliers to cut off the arm part of each spoon
Turn the spoons upside-down
Apply some glue to either side of the black spoon and attach the red spoons to make the slightly-opened wings
Glue the beads to either side of the "head" for the antennae
Use the paint to make little spots on the wings
This is a really fun and cute little craft to get the kids involved. You can use these to decorate your potted plants or walls in the little ones' bedrooms or playrooms. I'd actually even use them as name tags when having a dinner outside!
Simple, quick, easy, and you get to make something out of what would otherwise be trash. Project gallery available here. Tutorial video by Recycled Bottles CraftsYoutuber.
Safes can be pretty darn expensive, so why spend the money when you can make your own little contraption in which to keep your valuables safe? I promise you, no robbers will find these! The appeal and benefit of this type of makeshift safe is that it hides in plain sight and isn't quite as obvious as a regular safe. You can rest easy knowing that your jewelry, money, or whatever it is you like to keep secret (hey, no judging!) is safe from any thieves or nosy roommates/houseguests.
You will need:
Soup can – a can of some food that is generally disliked will be more effective; that way, you know there's no chance of a hungry friend finding your hiding spot
Mason jar that fits into can
Expanding foam
Hot glue gun
Can opener
150-grit sandpaper
Open the can and empty out its contents – it's up to you whether you want to eat it, feed it to the dogs or toss it. Rinse the can (and lid) well, but make sure that the label stays on. Next, sand both the inside of the can lid and the outside of the jar lid and glue them together – the sanding helps the glue really bond the two pieces to each other. Apply a layer of foam to the bottom of the inside of the can and place the Mason jar into the can. Then you just need to get a heavy object and place it on top of the closed can so that everything sets well – about six to eight hours will do the trick.
And there's your genius homemade safe! No one will be any the wiser. Idea and tutorial by Themanscave Youtuber.
I've always loved seeing old lighthouses around the world; despite their uniform function and basic structure, they all looked different. This lighthouse made from clay pots, however, is very traditional in its style. It's a bright, bold and classic and I just love it! This fantastic garden addition is so much better than any gnome, and it's both easy and affordable to make (most of you crafty or gardening people seem to have empty pots all over the place!).
This is the perfect little decoration to any beach house, or in any garden or on any porch, really, but you can certainly keep yours indoors, too. And you can vary the size of the pots to make a much smaller one for a mantelpiece, for example, or start with a large pot and stack another four on top for an even bigger statement piece.
And if you have a dear friend who is a lighthouse aficionado like me, why not be so kind as to make her one as gift?
You will need:
Candle lantern and tealight/solar powered light
2 clay pots – one small, one large (that stack)
Primer paint spray
Outdoor craft paint (red and white)
Ruler
Pencil
Paintbrush
E6000 glue (or something similar)
Exterior polyurethane finish (optional)
Tape (optional)
You start off by getting the pots ready with some layers of primer. Once dried, stack the pots and draw a line to indicate where they meet. On each pot, divide the visible areas into two equal parts and mark the halfway line all around – this will give you the white-red-white-red stripe pattern. Then you just need to apply a few coats of the red and white paint. If your hand doesn't feel steady enough, you can use tape as a guide. Then you just need to glue and stack the pots and the lantern to have this cute lighthouse brightening your garden in more ways than one. Video tutorial by ThriftyFun Youtuber – Project gallery and detailed instructions: Clay Pot Lighthouse.
Most people have a sweet tooth, but I actually have a salt tooth. Don't get me wrong, I adore cakes and brownies and anything chocolate, but I really can't have too much without craving salt. Put a plate of salty snacks in front of me, though, and they'll be gone in the blink of an eye. So it's safe to say that I always have a lot of salt in my house (and my cooking!). But apart from simply enhancing the delicious flavors in your meal, salt can actually do a lot more around the house.
Clean Your Sticky Iron
I'm sure this has happened to absolutely everyone at least once – you get some gunk on your iron which melts and sticks for dear life, leaving you destined to wear to wrinkly clothes. Luckily salt can save the day. Turn your iron to the highest heat. While you wait, pour a hefty amount of salt onto a piece of wax paper. Then "scrub" the salt-paper with the hot iron for about a minute and enjoy your good-as-new iron!
Clean Up an Egg
The slimy consistency of a raw egg really grosses me out, so you can bet I am far from happy when I get clumsy and drop one on the floor. Instead of using a million paper towels to wipe up the wet mess, rather cover the egg with salt and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The egg will solidify slightly, making it much easier to wipe up.
Put Out a Grease Fire
If you've ever experienced a grease fire in your home then you'll know that it can be pretty scary and get very dangerous very quickly. Water will not put out this kind of fire, but can you guess what will? Salt, of course. Pour a generous amount of salt over the flame until it goes out.
Clean a Grimy Pan
If your pan isn't a fantastic non-stick one, then you may struggle with grease, grime and other food debris caking on there, hardening, and clinging on forever. To clean this off without breaking an arm, cover it with salt, add some water and shake it a bit. After about 10 minutes you'll be able to rinse and wipe it off easily.
Clean the Sponge
Don't toss your sponge when it gets dirty from scrubbing all those dirty pots and pans – there's an easy way to clean it. All you need is a bowl with ¼ cup of salt dissolved in two cups of water; let the sponge sit in the saltwater overnight and the next morning, it'll come out nice and clean.
Clean Off Bathtub Stains
No one likes a dirty bathtub… you're supposed to get clean in there! Mix equal parts of salt and turpentine and stir it so that it dissolves as much as possible. Put on some gloves and open the window wide (safety first!), apply the mixture to a sponge or brush and get scrubbing. The stains will lift off in no time.
Unclog Your Drain
I have really long hair which seems to molt ridiculously, so unfortunately, my shower and bath drain tends to get clogged pretty easily. But once again, salt comes to the rescue! Mix together ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of salt. Remove the obvious hairs on the outside and then pour the mixture directly down the drain; follow that up with ½ cup of white vinegar. You'll see a cool foamy reaction – leva that to do its job or about 15 minutes. Finish it all off by pouring a pot or kettleful of boiling water and then enjoy your unclogged drain!
Of course we all know the obvious use for toilet paper, but there quite a few other creative uses for it. My favorite provider of hacks—the Crazy Russian Hacker—has compiled a video with seven very interesting and inventive hacks concerning this household staple that may just come in handy one day. You never know!
Video:
1. Stop Your Pet from Ruining the Toilet Paper
I'm sure all pet owners have dealt with this frustration. The first time that I walked in on my cat ripping the roll to shreds and scattering toilet paper shards all over the bathroom was kind of cute and funny, but the next few times became a real pain. So all you have to do is tuck that loose hanging piece into the inner roll so that they don't have anything to grab on to. It's simple, it's obvious… and now I feel stupid for not thinking of it before.
2. Keep Your Toilet Paper Dry when Camping
If you're an outdoorsy type then you'll understand the irritation of wet toilet paper. It totally defeats the purpose of the paper if it's wet. So what you can do is take an empty coffee container (or something similar) and just keep it safe and dry in there. You can even cut a slit on the top or side to turn it into a makeshift dispenser.
3. Use Kitchen Paper Towel as a Backup
I wouldn't recommend this as any everyday thing since paper towels are more expensive than toilet paper, but if you ever find yourself in a pickle, just cut the paper towel in half and put that in the bathroom. At least it'll look better than a little pile of napkins.
4. Makeshift Slingshot
Need an easy way to keep the kids entertained and out of your hair for a while? Snip off the bottom part of a balloon and stretch it over the top of an empty toilet roll to create a very interesting homemade take on a slingshot. In this instance, the Crazy Russian Hacker is a bit too crazy here for my liking as I don't recommend shooting marbles at animals, so just find something a little less deadly and maybe set up some empty cans as targets.
5. Safely Store Wrapping Paper
Pretty wrapping paper can cost a pretty penny, so you want to store it safely so that it doesn't get crumpled in between birthdays. So just take your empty toilet roll, cut it open vertically and then pop it on the rolled wrapping paper. This will stop it from unrolling and getting ruined.
6. Keep Warm with a Tuna Torch
So this is quite out-of-the-box but you never know when you may need it! People always seem to take tinned tuna along when camping, so if you find yourself in a chilly situation, you can use it to get warmed up. Open up the tuna can, take a few squares of toilet paper from your coffee container dispenser and put it on top of the tuna – let it soak in a bit of that oil (tuna in brine won't work). Then just set the paper alight; it'll burn for about half an hour.
7. Make a Can Heater and Cooker
This is another hack that will come in handy when camping, or if you have a power outage at home. Remove the inside roll from the toilet paper and stuff it into an empty can. Pour in some alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol aka rubbing alcohol or surgical spirits is the safest to use indoors) so that the toilet paper soaks it in, and then set it alight. The paper acts a wick so it won't burn; you'll just be burning off the alcohol. Not only does this produces a good amount of heat but you can also use it for cooking.
Have you ever heard of a stained glass or broken glass cake? Neither have I. Doesn't sound too appetizing (or safe), does it? I was intrigued by the name, though, so I decided to see what this was all about, and I am sooo glad I did! Once you cut into the cake, the jello cubes really do resemble colored pieces of glass, and it actually looks so much more tempting than it sounds!
Video Directions:
Crust Ingredients:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs (or any other type of biscuit or cookie)
¼ cup melted butter
Filling Ingredients:
1 cup pineapple juice (or another flavor if you're not a pineapple fan)
1 ½ cups whipping cream
¼ cup cold water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon gelatin powder
6 different kinds of jello (or fewer, if you wish)
Since the jello is the real star of the show here you need make sure that it sets properly, so it's probably best that you make these the day before. Since you want the jello to be a bit firmer than usual, don't follow the directions on the box – mix the powder with one cup of boiling water only. When it comes to the crust you can decide whether you want a crunchy crust or a softer and lighter crust; for the former, bake it in the oven for about 10 to 13 minutes at 350°F (roughly 175°C), for the latter, just leave it as is.
The filling part is easy to make: combine the pineapple juice and gelatin, whip up the cream and vanilla essence, cool down the juice with cold water and then slowly add it to the cream while whipping slowly. Then you just need to cube your jello, pour it into the mixture, pour that all onto the base and then let it set in the fridge for a minimum of four to six hours.
Then serve and impress the hell out of your guests! Video and recipe by Cookies Cupcakes and Cardio Youtuber.
If you're anything like me, you wear your favorite pair of jeans until they are on their last legs… quite literally. But what do you do once it's time to admit defeat? There are a lot of cool ways that you can repurpose old jeans, like turning them into a pair of shorts or a cute apron, for example, and the best part is, you'll still have some material left over to make an adorable little denim bag or purse for any little girl in your life, whether she's a daughter, a goddaughter, a sister or a niece.
Snip off the bottom part of the leg – where you cut all depends on how deep you want your bag to be. Then flip the piece of material inside-out and sew the cut part closed. Since you want the bag to have a rounded base so that it can stand upright on its own, you'll need to sew the two inside corners. When that's done, flip it the right way, and that's really all there is to it! If you're making this with your daughter, then this is the part where you can hand it over to her to decorate however she likes.
These can be used for storage in her room, or you can simply sew on a strap from either the same pair of jeans or a different piece of fabric so that she gets a cute little purse.
For the most part, I really don't like having harsh chemicals in my home – especially those bottles that have the toxic skull and crossbones printed on them. Honestly, I get so nervous that I'll accidentally spill the stuff, my beloved pets will come along and inhale or touch it, and end up growing an extra limb or something (we all have irrational fears, right?). That's why I prefer making homemade products; whether it comes to household cleaning or even beauty treatments, I try to go as natural as possible and use items that I already have around the house – this saves me money, too!
If you need to unclog a drain, you'll usually head off to buy some specialty drain cleaner. Save yourself the trip, money, and possibility of freak mutations by using just three simple household items:
1 cup vinegar
½ cup baking soda
1 gallon boiling water
First, pour the baking soda down the clogged drain, follow it up with the vinegar, and then put the plug in and wait about 15 minutes for the reaction to take place – interestingly, this is the same reaction from when you used to make those erupting volcanos in school. After the time is up, pour the boiling water down the drain and then enjoy your clean and unclogged pipes. It's as easy as that!
You must have seen these beautiful yarn globes before—usually hung as lampshades—and wondered how they're made. I've always marveled at these beautiful globes, and thankfully, I found this tutorial so that I can save some bucks and make it myself instead of buying from a store. The method is actually very simple and clever – you use the same basic principles as we did for the cotton thread snowman, except you use a ball instead of a balloon. You can use this same balloon idea to make a cute button bowl, too.
This specific tutorial is for a lampshade, but you can make full globes to hang or rest somewhere purely for decorative purposes.
First and foremost, you need to prep your area – this is quite a messy process so you'll want to line your work surface with trash bags. If you're clumsy or accident-prone like I am then you can make yourself a trash bag smock too.
If you're making a nice big lampshade, there are two things that you need to bear in mind: you need a large opening at the bottom so that you can get your hand in to screw the light bulb, and you need a small opening at the top for the cord to fit through. To make this easier for yourself, draw a guide line across the bottom of the ball, and a small circle on the top of the ball. Since you'll be deflating the ball later, try to keep that hole at the bottom so that it's easy to find.
You aren't using the glue as is, you need to make a mixture of equal parts glue to water. Just get yourself a nice big tub and then mix it all together. Next, take the whole ball of yarn and dunk it in the glue mixture – turn it around a bit to make sure that everything gets covered.
Now for the fun part. Simply take the strand of yarn and start wrapping it around the ball – go in different directions, and make sure to keep the two holes unwrapped. Once you reach the end of the yarn, just tuck that last piece in somewhere. You can take the rest of the glue and pour it all over the ball for some extra firmness. Now you can balance the unwrapped part on a bowl, and then leave it there to dry – this will take two full days.
Finally, it's time to deflate the ball! If you don't really care about reusing it, you can simply cut a hole with scissors, otherwise, if you want to make a few more of these, deflate it properly. You'll see that you can just pull it right out when deflated.
Now for the lamp part. Slide your washer through the cord and place it in the right position above the fixture, and then screw the connector in place above it so that cord can't move. Slip that through the top hole of the globe and then screw in your light bulb – an LED bulb is the best option because it won't burn the globe. Then you just need to plug it in and hang it where you want it! The shadows that it casts on the walls looks absolutely amazing.
