Blog - You Make It Simple

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Jan Howell

All CRAFTS DIY HOME GARDEN HEALTH AND WELLBEING RECIPES SEWING SHOP AND RECOMMENDATIONS VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY

How To Make a Tomato Pin Cushion // Free Pattern

August 9, 2022 / Jan Howell

This adorable tomato pin cushion is such a fun little sewing project and a nice asset to your sewing supplies. You can make this pin

Upcycled Zipper Bracelets | 3 Adorable DIY Styles

August 3, 2022 / Jan Howell

These upcycled zipper bracelets are unique, easy to make, and quite adorable. In this tutorial, you will learn how to make them using 3 simple

Delicious Tortelloni in Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

July 30, 2022 / Jan Howell

This savory tortelloni sage butter sauce recipe is so delicious and so easy to make! It’s a quick meal and who doesn’t like that on

How To Sew on a Button | Simple Hand Sewing Method

July 25, 2022 / Jan Howell

Everyone needs to learn how to sew on a button. Most likely some time in your lifetime you’re going to have a button pop off

How To Make a Yummy Nutritionally Packed Berry Smoothie

July 22, 2022 / Jan Howell

This berry smoothie is one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. I like it because it is quick, tastes yummy, is very nutritious and most importantly,

Gathering Fabric With a Serger/Overlock Machine the Easy Way

July 12, 2022 / Jan Howell

When it comes to gathering fabric, if you have a serger or overlock machine, you’re in luck because I’m going to show you how to

Delicious Crunch Roll Bowl Recipe With Spicy Mayo Dressing

July 9, 2022 / Jan Howell

This crunch roll bowl is a delicious combination of teriyaki browned tofu, served over a bed of rice, and topped with edamame, cucumber, avocado, and

How To Make an Arm Sleeve | Sun Protection | Upcycled Clothing

July 7, 2022 / Jan Howell

When you’re driving in the car, and you can’t find shade for your arm, this arm sleeve is the perfect solution! It’s a quick and

Simple Fitted Sheet Hack / How To Mark Which Direction It Goes

June 29, 2022 / Jan Howell

When it comes to making your bed, it can be so frustrating, especially when making a king-size bed, to know which direction a fitted sheet

Simple Instant Pot Mayocoba Beans | Creamy and Delicious

June 21, 2022 / Jan Howell

These mayocoba beans are creamy, mildly seasoned and so simple to make in the instant pot. All you need are a pound of dry beans,

How To Cut Watermelon Sticks // Fun Finger Foods

June 18, 2022 / Jan Howell

Summer has arrived and what a great time for a chilled and juicy watermelon. Why not try cutting and serving watermelon sticks instead of the

Salsa Infused Black Bean Burgers / Yummy Meatless Recipe

June 8, 2022 / Jan Howell

These yummy black bean burgers are infused with salsa and are one of the best meatless burgers around. They’re easy to make, cost-effective, and simply

The 4 Minute Workout | Nitric Oxide Boost at Any Age | Dr. Zach Bush

June 4, 2022 / Jan Howell

Who would have thought that a 4 minute workout could do so much good for your body and soul? Well, this simple combination of movements

Creamy & Delicious Herb Ranch Dressing Recipe || Vegan Option

May 25, 2022 / Jan Howell

This herb ranch dressing is creamy, savory and so delicious. Yogurt combined with a zing of lemon and dill herb makes this dressing almost drinkable.

How To Pick the Best Elastic for Your Sewing Projects

May 24, 2022 / Jan Howell

There are a lot of types of sewing elastic out there and knowing how to pick the best elastic for your sewing projects will affect

How To Grow Comfrey and Use It Safely // A Must in Everyone’s Garden

May 20, 2022 / Jan Howell

Growing comfrey in your garden can offer a wide variety of uses and benefits and it’s an herb that I think everyone needs to have

Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad Recipe | Simply Delicious

May 14, 2022 / Jan Howell

Oh, baby, this warm roasted veggie orzo salad is packed with nutrition and flavor and is super easy to make. The creamy dressing combined with

The Perfect Pom Pom Tutorial // 2 Simple Methods // 3 Sizes

May 5, 2022 / Jan Howell

In this craft tutorial, I show you how to make the perfect yarn pom pom. Oh, there are so many fun things you can do

The Best Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe // Simply Delicious

April 23, 2022 / Jan Howell

If you’re looking for a delicious gluten-free carrot cake recipe, this is the bomb! I think it’s better than my wheat flour recipe!!! It’s moist,

Simple Meal Planning Tips – How To Take the Stress Out of Dinnertime

April 15, 2022 / Jan Howell

Take the stress out of dinnertime by having a PLAN. Meal planning will not only save your sanity but it will also: Save You Money

How To Make Adorable DIY Shoelaces With Fabric and Recycled T-Shirts

March 31, 2022 / Jan Howell

Put a little style in your sneakers with some adorable DIY shoelaces. Finding a set of shoelaces to purchase that are colorful and unique just

Top 4 Heat Transfer Papers for Making Custom Labels

March 27, 2022 / Jan Howell

When it comes to making your own custom labels, knowing what kind of heat transfer papers are the best to use, is good to know.

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak | Quick and Easy Sandwich Recipe

March 12, 2022 / Jan Howell

Who doesn’t love a good Philly cheesesteak sandwich? This ground beef Philly version is the bomb! It’s a one-pan recipe and so delicious! There are

How To Make Your Own Chalkboard and Magnetic Board for Your Kitchen

March 5, 2022 / Jan Howell

Several years ago I added a chalkboard and magnetic board to one of my kitchen walls. Even though it has been several years since we

How To Fold a Fitted Sheet the Easy Way | Simple Hack

February 22, 2022 / Jan Howell

Knowing how to fold a fitted sheet in a way that looks nice and is easy to do can be a little frustrating. I’ve tried

Upcycling Is Hip | 5 Innovative Ways To Recycle Items Around Your House

February 12, 2022 / Jan Howell

For those of you who follow me know that I love Upcycling! For some reason, I get a thrill out of taking something that is

How To Make Charming Heart Gift Tags With Upcycled Sweater Scraps

February 4, 2022 / Jan Howell

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and in this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make these charming heart gift tags using

5 Simple Ways To Organize Your Scarves | Dollar Tree Hacks

January 29, 2022 / Jan Howell

If you’re like me and have a collection of scarves, knowing how to organize and store them can be a bit challenging. In this tutorial,

DIY Valentine Paint Chip Bookmark / Kid Friendly Craft

January 20, 2022 / Jan Howell

I have always loved the paint chip sample displays at the hardware stores. All the different shades of color printed on paper just make me

DIY Valentine Heart Branches / Love Grows on Trees / Easy Craft Tutorial

January 15, 2022 / Jan Howell

Looking for a quick and easy Valentine craft? These heart branches are the most charming holiday decoration and are a great way to add a

A Beginners Guide to Rotary Cutting / Helpful Tips and Tricks

January 8, 2022 / Jan Howell

When it comes to sewing and crafting, rotary cutting makes the task on hand so much easier and quicker. Here are some helpful tips and

How To Make a Fleece Neck Warmer | Free Pattern

December 27, 2021 / Jan Howell

When it comes to cold weather, you gotta have something to keep your neck warm. This fleece neck warmer is the BEST, and it’s very

The Best Gingerbread Cookies Recipe / Simply Delicious

December 19, 2021 / Jan Howell

These gingerbread cookies are simply delicious. The ginger flavor is not overbearing, they are not too sweet and the texture is a joy to bite

Easy DIY Mini Wreath | Made From Upcycled Sweaters

December 15, 2021 / Jan Howell

I hope you’ve been saving your felted wool sweater scraps! This adorable mini wreath is so fun and easy to make. It’s a project that

DIY 2022 Printable Calendars | Planning at Its Best

November 30, 2021 / Jan Howell

2022 is just around the corner. Are you Calendar ready? If you are ‘old school’ like me and enjoy having a hard copy calendar, something

How To Fold, Store, and Organize Your Fabric

October 14, 2021 / Jan Howell

When it comes to how to fold, store and organize your fabric, there are many ways you can do it. It just depends on your

Recycled Milk Carton Spout Snack and Beverage Holder juice

How To Easily Make a Snack and Beverage Holder With a Simple Recycled Milk Carton

October 5, 2021 / Jan Howell

I love to recycle when I can and this simple recycled milk carton spout makes a great snack and beverage holder. It’s a quick and

Yummy Instant Pot Pot Roast with Rosemary and Garlic

September 25, 2021 / Jan Howell

When it comes to meal prep, you all know how much I love to use my INSTANT POT! This Instant Pot Pot roast recipe is

DIY Plastic Shopping Bag Dispenser | Recycled Tissue Box

September 18, 2021 / Jan Howell

As you know, I’m all about recycling and upcycling items when I can and when I use a plastic shopping bag, I save it. Although

DIY Top Knot Headband | Easy Sewing Tutorial

September 11, 2021 / Jan Howell

When you’re looking for a cute baby gift, this top knot headband is so quick and easy to make! They can be made with a

DIY Sweater Pumpkins / Made With Upcycled Clothing

September 4, 2021 / Jan Howell

There’s a little nip the air, and that means pumpkins and wearing sweaters. But as most of you already know, wearing sweaters is not what

How To Take in Jeans at the Waist | Simple and Quick Hack

August 28, 2021 / Jan Howell

Jeans that don’t fit are so annoying! In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to take in a pair of jeans at

Sewing Corners and Curves | Serger Tips and Tricks

August 16, 2021 / Jan Howell

Serging around corners and curves can be a little tricky, but when you know these handy tips and tricks, it’s no problem at all. In

Super Simple Instant Pot Yogurt | 3 Ingredients

August 7, 2021 / Jan Howell

Making Instant Pot yogurt is SUPER SIMPLE. It may seem intimidating and time-consuming, but is seriously very easy to make and the only thing that

DIY Neck Cooling Scarf | Easy Sewing Tutorial

July 30, 2021 / Jan Howell

When it’s hot and you need to keep cool, this DIY neck cooling scarf works like a charm. The scarf is made of simple cotton

T-Shirt to Tank Top | Binding Tips and Tricks

July 22, 2021 / Jan Howell

It’s summertime and wearing a cool tank top can be very inviting. In this tutorial, I am going to show you how you can easily

4 Basic Sewing Machine Seams and Seam Allowance Tips

July 9, 2021 / Jan Howell

In this tutorial I am going to go over the basic sewing machine seams and give you some seam allowance tips. What are seams? Seams

DIY Upcycled T Shirt Bags | Sew and No-Sew Methods

July 2, 2021 / Jan Howell

Recycling and upcycling is one of my passions, and making these t-shirt bags is another way to reduce waste and find another use for unwanted

DIY Baby Bib Tutorial | Reversible

June 26, 2021 / Jan Howell

Sewing for babies is the best thing ever. This reversible baby bib is a fun and quick little project that is great for even a

How to Use Heat Transfer Paper | NO MIRROR IMAGE NEEDED

June 17, 2021 / Jan Howell

Heat transfer paper is a great way to create custom t-shirts, garments, and one of my favorites, fabric labels. It’s also incredibly easy to use.

Jan Howell

Jan Howell

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