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

Curried Chicken Salad Wrap Recipe // Super Quick and Delicious Meal

January 28, 2023 / Jan Howell

When you need a quick and delicious meal, this curried chicken salad wrap recipe will “wrap your dinner up” and leave you satisfied. The golden

How To Make an Envelope Pillow Cover / Simple Sewing

January 25, 2023 / Jan Howell

Is it time to switch out some of your throw pillows? Making your own envelope pillow cover is a great way to add a new

10 Easy To Make DIY Valentine’s Day Decorations and Gift Ideas

January 19, 2023 / Jan Howell

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. There is something about the bright cheery colors of red & pink, and all the fun things

Hash Brown Egg Bites Recipe // Quick & Delicious

January 4, 2023 / Jan Howell

Wondering what to eat for breakfast? These hash brown egg bites are delicious and easy to make. What’s even better is that you can make

How To Make a Gift Card Holder // Simple Sewing Project

December 21, 2022 / Jan Howell

When you give a gift card as a gift, why not make a unique, homemade gift card holder to put it in? They only take

How To Make an Orange Pomander / Sweet Smelling Christmas Craft

December 14, 2022 / Jan Howell

Making an orange pomander before Christmas has become a little tradition in our family. It is such a relaxing, simple little craft that gathers everyone

Natural Sore Throat Remedies / 4 Tried and Tested Solutions That Work

December 7, 2022 / Jan Howell

Do you have a sore, scratchy throat? Many different things can cause a sore throat. I’ve got four tried and tested sore throat remedies that

How To Apply Wonder Under // Clear and Simple Tips & Tricks

November 26, 2022 / Jan Howell

Wonder Under is a great little product that comes in handy for many sewing and crafting projects. In this post, I’m going to show you

How To Make a Fabric Bag // Beginner Sewing Tutorial

November 21, 2022 / Jan Howell

Oh boy do I have a fun beginner sewing project for you. I’m going to show you how to make a fabric bag. They are

How To Make the Best Window Cleaner // the Non-Toxic Way

November 6, 2022 / Jan Howell

This DIY window cleaner is the best window cleaner recipe I’ve found. It’s inexpensive, gives streak-free results, and is super fast to make. If you’ve

How To Apply and Use Kam Snaps the Easy Way

October 31, 2022 / Jan Howell

When you have a sewing or craft project that requires a snap, these Kam snaps are the best! They are durable, easy to apply and

Instant Pot Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe // Simple and Delicious

October 22, 2022 / Jan Howell

This Instant Pot creamy white chicken chili recipe is simple AND delicious! It’s a yummy, comforting soup that goes with so many things. Serve it

How To Make A Pillowcase With A Cuff // Easy Burrito Method

October 19, 2022 / Jan Howell

Making a pillowcase is a fun and simple beginner sewing project, and in this tutorial, I will show you how to add a contrasting cuff

The Best Turkey Loaf Recipe Ever // Simple To Make & Delicious

October 8, 2022 / Jan Howell

This turkey loaf recipe is the best I’ve ever tasted! I know it’s hard to get excited about meatloaf, right? The healthy ingredients in this

Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Cleaner | Make Your Own | 3 Simple Ingredients

October 3, 2022 / Jan Howell

When it comes to stainless steel cleaners, there’s some pretty toxic stuff out there. No worries, here is a non-toxic stainless steel cleaner recipe that

Sewing With Fleece the Easy Way | My Top 10 Tips

September 19, 2022 / Jan Howell

Sewing with fleece can be a lot of fun and there are so many things you can make with it, however, there are a few

New DIY 2023 Printable Calendars // A Minimalist Approach to Planning

September 8, 2022 / Jan Howell

If you’re like me and still like to use a hard copy planner, these 2023 printable calendars are for you! They are super easy to

How To Make Your Own Natural Toothpaste / Simple To Make Recipe

September 3, 2022 / Jan Howell

In this post I’m going to show you how to make your own natural toothpaste. Making your own natural toothpaste can seem a little over-the-top,

My Top 10 Sewing Tips for Beginners | Know Before You Sew

August 27, 2022 / Jan Howell

If you’re new to sewing or if you want to learn some awesome sewing tips, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’m going

Creamy Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

August 20, 2022 / Jan Howell

This creamy Cafe Rio tomatillo dressing is made with tomatillos, ranch seasoning, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. This recipe is as close as you’re

The Easy Way To Put On a Bracelet by Yourself // Quick Simple Hack

August 16, 2022 / Jan Howell

It can be a little challenging to put on a clasp bracelet by yourself, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve got a quick and

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

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