8 areas of your home where you shouldn’t skimp on maintenance

Problems with your roof, water heater, electrical system and more could end up costing you in the long run.

* This article was originally published here

15 Creative Ways to Present Printed E Gift Certificates at Home

Because let’s be honest… sometimes you remember a birthday at 9:47pm. Or the printer is your best friend five minutes before guests arrive. Or you ordered something online and it’s absolutely not arriving in time (ask me how I know).

Printable e gift certificates are lifesavers. But if you just hand someone a sheet of A4 paper with a barcode on it? It feels like you panicked.

So today I’m sharing creative and thoughtful ways to give printed e gift certificates so they feel intentional, personal, and genuinely exciting to open — not like a last-minute dash to the inbox.

This is perfect for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, teacher gifts, teen gifts, and even those “I totally forgot” moments we all pretend never happen.

Let’s make printable gift certificates feel special.

Why Printed E Gift Certificates Deserve Better Presentation

Printable gift certificates are:

• Fast

• Convenient

• Budget-friendly

• Perfect for last-minute gifting

But presentation is everything.

With just a little creativity, you can turn a printed e gift voucher into something that feels handmade and heartfelt — especially for women, teens, teachers, or anyone who appreciates thoughtful details.

1. Create a Handmade Printable Gift Certificate Holder

This is my absolute go-to.

Instead of folding the printed page in half and calling it done, create a simple handmade sleeve or envelope from:

• Scrapbook paper

• Kraft cardstock

• Old book pages

• Fabric scraps

Add twine, lace, or a wax seal for extra charm.

If you sew, stitch a quick fabric pocket using leftover scraps. It takes 10 minutes and looks beautifully intentional.

SEO Tip naturally woven in: This works especially well for printable birthday gift certificates and last-minute Christmas e gift vouchers.

2. Turn It Into a “Scroll” Reveal

This one feels old-school and magical.

Trim the printed e gift certificate neatly. Roll it up like a scroll and tie it with:

• Ribbon

• Jute twine

• Velvet cord

You can even lightly tea-stain the edges for a vintage look.

It feels far more exciting than flat printer paper.

3. Frame the Printed E Gift Certificate

Pop the printed certificate into a small photo frame.

Perfect for:

• Spa e gift certificates

• Travel vouchers

• Airbnb gift certificates

• Restaurant gift vouchers

Add a handwritten note inside the frame backing so they discover it when they open it.

It instantly elevates a simple printed page.

4. Pair It With a Themed Mini Gift

This is where printable gift certificates really shine.

Match the e gift certificate with something small:

• Coffee gift certificate + gourmet coffee sachets

• Craft store e voucher + skein of yarn

• Bookstore printable gift card + a bookmark

• Beauty voucher + face mask

The little extra makes the printed certificate feel curated instead of convenient.

And if you’re like me and love gifting craft supplies? A printed craft store gift certificate tucked into a yarn bundle is pure joy.

5. Use a Decorative Clipboard Presentation

This is brilliant for teens.

Attach the printed e gift certificate to a cute clipboard. Add:

• A pen

• A small notebook

• Stickers

It becomes a usable gift beyond the certificate itself.

Great for graduation gifts and back-to-school gifting.

6. Create a Custom Card With the Code Hidden Inside

Instead of printing the full email screenshot (please don’t), copy the key details neatly into a handmade card.

Inside the card include:

• The gift certificate number

• Redemption instructions

• Expiry details

You can print the logo smaller and mount it on decorative paper.

It looks far more polished and thoughtful.

This works beautifully for print-at-home restaurant gift certificates or online shopping vouchers.

7. Make a Memory Box Presentation

Place the printed certificate inside a small keepsake box with:

• Confetti

• Tissue paper

• A small charm

• A handwritten note

Lifting the lid feels like opening something meaningful, not transactional.

8. Use a Clear Sleeve With Layered Paper

Layer the printed e certificate behind vellum, patterned paper, or a decorative cutout window.

It adds depth and softness to plain printer paper.

Crafty women especially love this layered look — it feels handmade and intentional.

9. Slip It Into a Journal or Planner

For women who love planning (that’s most of us over 45, let’s be honest), tuck the printed gift certificate into:

• A new planner

• A gratitude journal

• A recipe notebook

It feels personal and useful at the same time.

10. Add a “Spend It On Yourself” Note

One of my favorite ways to gift printable e vouchers — especially for busy mums and teachers — is to attach a note that says:

“This is just for you.”

Permission is powerful.

Sometimes the printed gift certificate isn’t the gift — the permission to enjoy it is.

How to Make Printed E Gift Certificates Look Less “Printed”

Let’s be practical for a minute.

Here are simple ways to make your printable e gift voucher look more polished:

• Use thicker cardstock instead of regular paper

• Trim edges cleanly with a paper cutter

• Mount onto decorative cardstock

• Avoid printing the entire messy email thread

• Choose “fit to page” properly so it’s centered

• Print in color if possible

Little details matter.

Best Occasions for Printable E Gift Certificates

Printable e gift certificates are perfect for:

• Last-minute birthday gifts

• Christmas morning surprises

• Graduation gifts

• Teacher appreciation

• Teen gifts

• Long-distance gifting

• When shipping delays ruin your plan

And honestly? They’re ideal when you want the flexibility of online shopping but still want something physical to hand over.

Why Printable Gift Certificates Aren’t Lazy

I’ll say this clearly — printable e gift certificates are not lazy.

They’re practical.

They allow the recipient to choose exactly what they want.

And when you wrap them thoughtfully, they feel just as special as any wrapped box.

Sometimes more.

Because nothing beats the gift of choice.

So next time you’re printing an e gift certificate at home five minutes before guests arrive… don’t panic.

Add ribbon. Add a sleeve. Add intention.

No one needs to know the printer was still warm.

And if you’re planning ahead for holidays, bookmark this list of creative ways to present printed e gift certificates — you’ll never hand over plain A4 paper again.

Oh yes — we absolutely need that step in there. Because what’s the point of a beautiful layered printable backdrop if we don’t actually print it first?

Here’s the updated, complete step-by-step guide you can add to the article.

How to Use the Printable Gift Certificate Templates

These templates are designed to turn your printed e-voucher into something that feels thoughtful and handmade — not rushed.

Here’s exactly how to use them.

Step 1: Download and Print the Backdrop Template

Start by downloading the printable backdrop template you’ve chosen (Valentine’s, kids, masculine, floral, etc.).

Open the file and print it on:

• A4 size paper (set printer to “Actual Size” or 100%)

• Heavy paper or light cardstock for a sturdier finish

• High-quality print settings for best color results

Make sure:

• It fills the page correctly.

• The center box is crisp and clean.

• No scaling or “fit to page” distortion has occurred.

Let the page cool for a minute if your printer runs warm (ask me how I know).

Step 2: Download and Print Your E-Voucher

Next, download the e-gift certificate from the retailer.

If possible:

• Use the PDF version.

• Avoid printing the entire email thread.

• Ensure the gift card code, PIN, barcode, expiry date, and website details are clearly visible.

Print the voucher on regular paper or cardstock.

Step 3: Trim the E-Voucher to Size

Place the printed voucher over the blank center box on your backdrop template.

Lightly position it so it fits comfortably inside the border.

Using scissors or a paper trimmer:

• Carefully trim around the voucher.

• Leave all important details intact.

• Do not cut too tightly if it risks trimming the code or redemption details.

A paper trimmer gives a clean professional edge, but good scissors work perfectly fine.

Step 4: Position It in the Center Box

Lay your printed backdrop flat.

Place the trimmed voucher inside the blank center area and adjust until it looks straight and balanced.

Double check:

• The code is readable.

• The website details are visible.

• Nothing important is hidden.

Step 5: Glue It Into Position

Flip the trimmed voucher over and apply glue lightly around the edges.

You can use:

• Glue stick (clean and tidy)

• Double-sided tape

• Craft glue (use sparingly)

Press it firmly into place inside the box.

Smooth out gently to avoid wrinkles or bubbles.

Let it dry flat.

Optional Step: Add a Finishing Touch

If you want to make it even more special:

• Add ribbon across one corner.

• Mount onto thicker cardstock.

• Slide into a clear sleeve.

• Place inside a gift box or envelope.

For Valentine’s Day, tuck it into chocolates.
For kids, pair with a small toy.
For men, slip it inside a tool-themed envelope.
For mums or teachers, add a handwritten “Spend this on yourself” note.

Why This Makes Printable E Gift Certificates Feel Special

Instead of handing over plain printer paper, you’re creating:

• A layered presentation

• A keepsake-style gift

• A thoughtful reveal

• A handmade touch

And it still keeps all the practicality of a printable e-gift certificate.

You’re simply elevating the experience.

Once you’ve done this once, you’ll never fold a printed voucher in half again.

 

* This article was originally published here

My Dog has more anxiety than me

If you’ve ever owned an anxious dog, you’ll understand this on a spiritual level.

Our Labradoodle, Aloo, is the sweetest boy on the planet… but bless him, he is not built for stress. Popcorn? Absolutely not. The second a kernel hits the pot he vanishes under the table like we’ve set off fireworks in the lounge room. Car rides? Traumatic for everyone involved. He pants, we stress, and suddenly what was meant to be a “fun little outing” feels like a military operation.

So when a friend suggested these calming treats, I’ll be honest — I side-eyed her a bit. I genuinely wondered if she was recommending them for Aloo… or for me.

But after one particularly dramatic popcorn incident (I hadn’t even turned the stove on yet), I caved and ordered them.

We’ve been using them for a few weeks now, and I have to say… I’m impressed.

First of all, Aloo actually eats them without suspicion, which is a miracle in itself. No dramatic sniffing, no “you’ve betrayed me” face. Just happily accepted.

And the difference? Subtle but noticeable. He’s not suddenly a Zen monk floating through life, but he’s definitely calmer. The edge is gone. When we hop in the car now, he settles faster. When there’s noise in the kitchen, he doesn’t immediately bolt for cover. He still keeps an eye on things (because, drama king), but it’s not full panic mode.

The biggest surprise? I feel calmer too.

Because when your dog is anxious, you’re anxious. You’re bracing for the reaction, trying to manage the environment, apologising to the dog for existing. It’s exhausting. These treats have taken that tension down a notch for both of us.

Are they magic? No.
Are they helpful? Absolutely.

If you’ve got a sensitive soul of a dog who hides under tables, side-eyes popcorn, and treats car rides like the apocalypse… these are worth trying.

Aloo approves.

And honestly? So do I.   Calming Blog Treats.

* This article was originally published here

Houseplant hacks: is candle wax useful for taking cuttings?

There’s a new trend for propagating plants by dipping cuttings in melted wax. Is it worth all the faff?

The problem
Plants like pothos are easy to propagate. But the internet loves anything that resembles a scientific experiment, so now there’s a trend for using candle wax.

The hack
Putting a wax “cap” on a cutting is supposed to keep bacteria out and force new roots to sprout from the nodes above. In practice, you’re coating a wound that already knows how to heal, with a substance that does nothing to help it.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

10 Ways to Gift a Photo of Yourself to Your Boyfriend

Gifting a photo of yourself is one of those ideas that sounds simple—but when it’s done thoughtfully, it becomes incredibly meaningful. The trick is turning that photo into something tangible, handmade, or useful so it feels intentional rather than awkward.

Below you’ll find step-by-step tutorials for each idea, using realistic supplies and no fancy equipment. These are keepsake-style gifts your boyfriend will actually keep, not quietly tuck away.

1. Handmade Photo Frame With Personal Details

You’ll need

• Plain wooden frame 
• Printed photo 
• Fabric, scrapbook paper, lace, or twine 
• Craft glue or hot glue 
• Pen or paint marker 

How to make it

1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame. 
2. Cover the frame front with fabric or paper, trimming neatly around edges. 
3. Add a simple embellishment—twine around the border or one small decorative element. 
4. Insert your photo and reassemble the frame. 
5. Write a short note or date on the back of the frame. 

2. Photo Candle for a Cozy Gift

You’ll need

• Plain glass jar candle 
• Printed photo (trimmed to size) 
• Clear adhesive paper or Mod Podge 
• Scissors 

How to make it

1. Trim your photo so it wraps neatly around the candle glass. 
2. Attach it to the outside using clear adhesive paper or a thin coat of Mod Podge. 
3. Let it dry fully before gifting. 
4. Add a small tag with the date or a short message. 

3. Photo Locket or Necklace

You’ll need

• Locket or photo pendant 
• Small printed photo 
• Tweezers 
• Craft glue (optional) 

How to make it

1. Print the photo slightly smaller than the locket opening. 
2. Trim carefully so it sits flat. 
3. Place the photo inside using tweezers. 
4. Secure with a tiny dot of glue if needed. 
5. Present it in a small box with a handwritten note. 

4. Polaroid Photo Jar With Notes

You’ll need

• Glass jar with lid 
• Mini photo prints or Polaroids 
• Paper scraps 
• Pen 
• Ribbon or string 

How to make it

1. Print 10–20 small photos of yourself. 
2. Write a short note to match each photo. 
3. Fold or roll the notes with the photos. 
4. Place everything into the jar. 
5. Tie ribbon around the lid and label it. 

5. Custom Photo Puzzle

You’ll need

• Printed photo 
• Cardboard or thick cardstock 
• Glue 
• Scissors or craft knife 

How to make it

1. Glue the photo onto cardboard and let dry completely. 
2. Draw puzzle shapes on the back. 
3. Cut carefully into pieces. 
4. Place pieces in a small box or bag. 
5. Include a note for him to assemble it. 

6. Phone Case With Your Photo

You’ll need

• Clear phone case 
• Printed photo 

How to make it

1. Trim the photo to fit the inside of the case. 
2. Slide the photo between the phone and the case. 
3. Adjust until centered and smooth. 

7. Mini Photo Book About You

You’ll need

• Small blank notebook or photo booklet 
• Printed photos 
• Glue or photo corners 
• Pen 

How to make it

1. Choose a theme for the book. 
2. Add one photo per page. 
3. Write short captions or dates beneath each image. 
4. Keep the book short and intentional. 

8. Photo Pillow or Cushion

You’ll need

• Plain pillow cover 
• Fabric transfer paper or printable pillow cover 
• Iron 

How to make it

1. Print your photo onto transfer paper. 
2. Iron it onto the pillow cover following instructions. 
3. Let cool completely. 
4. Insert pillow and fluff. 

9. Message-in-a-Bottle Photo Gift

You’ll need

• Glass bottle or jar 
• Small printed photo 
• Paper 
• Twine or string 

How to make it

1. Write a heartfelt letter. 
2. Roll the letter and photo together. 
3. Tie with string. 
4. Place inside the bottle. 
5. Add dried flowers or decorative filler if desired. 

10. Framed Photo With Handwritten Overlay

You’ll need

• Photo frame 
• Printed photo 
• Tracing paper or vellum 
• Pen 

How to make it

1. Place the photo inside the frame. 
2. Write your message on tracing paper. 
3. Layer the paper over the photo. 
4. Secure everything inside the frame. 

A Quiet Crafting Tip

The most meaningful photo gifts aren’t perfectly styled—they’re honest. Choose photos that feel natural, handwriting that sounds like you, and details that reflect your relationship. That’s what turns a simple image into a keepsake.

 

* This article was originally published here

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies (Fast) – And Stop Them Coming Back

If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and seen a tiny cloud of fruit flies hovering smugly over the fruit bowl, you’ll know how quickly they go from mildly annoying to absolutely feral. One banana turns soft and suddenly it’s like you’re running a micro insect hotel.

Fruit flies are sneaky, fast breeders, and annoyingly persistent—but the good news? You don’t need chemicals, sprays, or fancy gadgets to get rid of them. You just need to know what actually works.

This is the exact method I use when fruit flies show up uninvited—and yes, it works even when you think you’ve tried everything.

Why You Suddenly Have Fruit Flies in Your Kitchen

Fruit flies don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re usually attracted by:

• Overripe fruit (especially bananas, peaches, and tomatoes)

• Fermenting liquids like wine, juice, or kombucha

• Dirty drains or sink traps

• Compost bins or food scraps

• Recycling bottles with residue inside

The tricky part? Fruit flies lay eggs that hatch fast—really fast. That’s why it feels like they multiply overnight.

If you don’t tackle both the adult flies and the source, they’ll just keep coming back.

The Best Natural Fruit Fly Trap (That Actually Works)

This is the method I reach for every single time because it’s cheap, quick, and brutally effective.

What You’ll Need

• Apple cider vinegar

• A drop of dishwashing liquid

• A small bowl or jar

How to Make the Trap

1. Pour about ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into the bowl

2. Add one tiny drop of dishwashing liquid

3. Leave the bowl uncovered on the bench near where the flies gather

The vinegar attracts them.
The dish soap breaks the surface tension so they sink instead of landing and escaping.

By morning? You’ll see exactly how bad the infestation was—and feel deeply satisfied.

Why This Trap Works Better Than Others

You’ll see suggestions online using cling wrap, holes, funnels, wine bottles… honestly, most of those are unnecessary.

This simple open-bowl method works because:

• Fruit flies are attracted to fermentation smells

• They don’t need to crawl inside anything

• There’s no escape once they land

Less effort. Better results.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Overnight

If you want them gone fast, do this all at once:

• Set up 2–3 vinegar traps around the kitchen

• Put all fruit in the fridge overnight

• Take rubbish and compost out before bed

• Wipe benches with hot soapy water

You’ll break the breeding cycle and catch the adults in one hit.

The One Step People Forget (And Why Flies Keep Coming Back)

If fruit flies keep returning, it’s often the sink drain.

Even if it looks clean, food residue builds up just below the surface.

Quick Drain Clean

• Pour boiling water slowly down the drain

• Follow with ½ cup baking soda

• Add 1 cup vinegar

• Let it fizz for 10 minutes

• Rinse with more boiling water

Do this once and you’ll often stop repeat infestations completely.

Should You Use Spray or Chemicals?

Honestly? No.

Fruit fly sprays:

• Don’t stop eggs from hatching

• Can contaminate food surfaces

• Often just scatter the flies

Natural traps work better and don’t turn your kitchen into a chemical zone.

How to Prevent Fruit Flies for Good

Once they’re gone, these habits keep them away:

• Store fruit in the fridge during warm weather

• Rinse recycling bottles before binning

• Empty compost daily

• Wipe benches at night (especially around the fruit bowl)

• Don’t leave wine glasses or juice cups overnight

It’s boring advice—but it works.

FAQs About Fruit Flies

Why won’t my fruit flies go away?

Because eggs are still hatching somewhere—usually in drains, compost, or hidden food scraps.

Does white vinegar work?

It works a little, but apple cider vinegar is far more effective because it smells like fermenting fruit.

How long does it take to get rid of fruit flies?

Most infestations clear within 24–48 hours if traps and cleaning are done together.

Are fruit flies harmful?

They’re not dangerous, but they do spread bacteria from decaying food onto surfaces.

The Takeaway (From One Real Kitchen to Another)

Fruit flies are annoying—but they’re also predictable. Once you understand what attracts them and how fast they breed, they’re actually very easy to control.

A bowl of vinegar, a clean drain, and a bit of consistency beats every gimmick product on the shelf.

And yes… I still side-eye my fruit bowl every summer just in case.

 

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies (Fast) – And Stop Them Coming Back

If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and seen a tiny cloud of fruit flies hovering smugly over the fruit bowl, you’ll know how quickly they go from mildly annoying to absolutely feral. One banana turns soft and suddenly it’s like you’re running a micro insect hotel.

Fruit flies are sneaky, fast breeders, and annoyingly persistent—but the good news? You don’t need chemicals, sprays, or fancy gadgets to get rid of them. You just need to know what actually works.

This is the exact method I use when fruit flies show up uninvited—and yes, it works even when you think you’ve tried everything.

Why You Suddenly Have Fruit Flies in Your Kitchen

Fruit flies don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re usually attracted by:

• Overripe fruit (especially bananas, peaches, and tomatoes)

• Fermenting liquids like wine, juice, or kombucha

• Dirty drains or sink traps

• Compost bins or food scraps

• Recycling bottles with residue inside

The tricky part? Fruit flies lay eggs that hatch fast—really fast. That’s why it feels like they multiply overnight.

If you don’t tackle both the adult flies and the source, they’ll just keep coming back.

The Best Natural Fruit Fly Trap (That Actually Works)

This is the method I reach for every single time because it’s cheap, quick, and brutally effective.

What You’ll Need

• Apple cider vinegar

• A drop of dishwashing liquid

• A small bowl or jar

How to Make the Trap

1. Pour about ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar into the bowl

2. Add one tiny drop of dishwashing liquid

3. Leave the bowl uncovered on the bench near where the flies gather

The vinegar attracts them.
The dish soap breaks the surface tension so they sink instead of landing and escaping.

By morning? You’ll see exactly how bad the infestation was—and feel deeply satisfied.

Why This Trap Works Better Than Others

You’ll see suggestions online using cling wrap, holes, funnels, wine bottles… honestly, most of those are unnecessary.

This simple open-bowl method works because:

• Fruit flies are attracted to fermentation smells

• They don’t need to crawl inside anything

• There’s no escape once they land

Less effort. Better results.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Overnight

If you want them gone fast, do this all at once:

• Set up 2–3 vinegar traps around the kitchen

• Put all fruit in the fridge overnight

• Take rubbish and compost out before bed

• Wipe benches with hot soapy water

You’ll break the breeding cycle and catch the adults in one hit.

The One Step People Forget (And Why Flies Keep Coming Back)

If fruit flies keep returning, it’s often the sink drain.

Even if it looks clean, food residue builds up just below the surface.

Quick Drain Clean

• Pour boiling water slowly down the drain

• Follow with ½ cup baking soda

• Add 1 cup vinegar

• Let it fizz for 10 minutes

• Rinse with more boiling water

Do this once and you’ll often stop repeat infestations completely.

Should You Use Spray or Chemicals?

Honestly? No.

Fruit fly sprays:

• Don’t stop eggs from hatching

• Can contaminate food surfaces

• Often just scatter the flies

Natural traps work better and don’t turn your kitchen into a chemical zone.

How to Prevent Fruit Flies for Good

Once they’re gone, these habits keep them away:

• Store fruit in the fridge during warm weather

• Rinse recycling bottles before binning

• Empty compost daily

• Wipe benches at night (especially around the fruit bowl)

• Don’t leave wine glasses or juice cups overnight

It’s boring advice—but it works.

FAQs About Fruit Flies

Why won’t my fruit flies go away?

Because eggs are still hatching somewhere—usually in drains, compost, or hidden food scraps.

Does white vinegar work?

It works a little, but apple cider vinegar is far more effective because it smells like fermenting fruit.

How long does it take to get rid of fruit flies?

Most infestations clear within 24–48 hours if traps and cleaning are done together.

Are fruit flies harmful?

They’re not dangerous, but they do spread bacteria from decaying food onto surfaces.

The Takeaway (From One Real Kitchen to Another)

Fruit flies are annoying—but they’re also predictable. Once you understand what attracts them and how fast they breed, they’re actually very easy to control.

A bowl of vinegar, a clean drain, and a bit of consistency beats every gimmick product on the shelf.

And yes… I still side-eye my fruit bowl every summer just in case.

 

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here