Yes, I just made up that word. What I’m calling Pinspirations are the things I find on Pinterest that inspire me to get crafty and try something new! Pinterest also surprisingly helps me with my budget. The gifts I’m inspired to make from Pinterest are more personal to those receiving them, and they are more affordable than store-bought gifts. Now you’re probably thinking, “But time is money, and I just don’t have time to make these things.” I have good news for you – most of the projects I have done take less time that it would take me to drive to the store, pick out a gift, stand in line and drive home. And you already have the ingredients at home for several of these gifts!

For Christmas I made all my coworkers little jars of peppermint bath salts. Mason jars can be purchased at most hardware stores and stores like Wal-Mart for $10/dozen. I also use Amazon.com  for purchases like these. Then all you need is Epsom salt, food dye for color and essential peppermint oil. I also bought small bamboo spoons and attached them with a ribbon.

Another fast favorite I found is homemade sugar scrub. A lady noted on her blog that the cheapest sugar scrubs in many stores were about $12, and all the ingredients to make your very own jar are less than $5! For mine I used white sugar, olive oil and juice from one lemon. I use it after shaving, and my skin is so smooth! It also kept my skin from being too dry in the winter months (not that Texas knows the meaning of winter.)  You can also make an easy and natural scrub by adding oil to used coffee grounds. The caffeine is supposed to wake up your skin, and now you don’t need to throw all your used grounds down the drain!
For Christmas I gave my college girlfriends earrings. For about $30 I got supplies for 12 pairs of earrings at Michael’s. The best part is that they couldn’t believe I made them!

Pinterest is also stocked with awesome recipes – not all of them are very health conscious, but some are very creative! Like Homemade Brioche Donuts with Maple Frosting and Bacon Crumbles (I love anything with bacon), Coconut Avocado Ice Cream and Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Thighs!

With so many enticing ideas Pinterest can be overwhelming, but try to enjoy it! Just pick one or two ideas, and tackle those in your spare time. Once they’re done you can look for more – they’re easy to find!  There is something for everyone – from fashion to gardening to photography – so you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.  

Next on my list is more sewing. Pinterest patterns, here I come!