The beginning of winter break is always a whirlwind of excitement. Between sleeping in, family gatherings and those delicious holiday treats, there are an overwhelming amount of fun activities just waiting to be tackled. But before you can blink twice, Christmas is over, the ball has been dropped and family members re-focus on that dreaded place we call the real world. Suddenly, your whirlwind vacation becomes boring and starts to tick away slowly like a dying clock. But before you start loathing your free time, check out 6 ways to channel that boredom into creativity. From homemade piggy banks to delicious concoctions, these projects are fun, yet productive ways to kick-start the new year.
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1.    Make a Piggy Bank
Photo Courtesy of Daily Candy
Okay, so it might seem a little juvenile, but who doesn’t appreciate a throwback to the school days of arts and crafts (if only I had appreciated it then!). Besides, I’ve never met a college student who couldn’t stand to save a little more cash and this adorable little bank will brighten your room, while reminding you to save those pennies.
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2.    Shake Things Up
Smoothies are healthy, delicious and oh-so-easy to make! Just head to your fridge (or freezer) and grab your favorite ingredients. Veggie-filled shakes are a great way to cleanse your body of sugar and alcohol toxins (goodbye Christmas cookies!). Or, try satisfying your sweet tooth with this peach pie smoothie.
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3. Make a Mask
Aestheticians always recommend facial masks as the best way to combat clogged pores and maintain that healthy glow. Pamper yourself by whipping up a concoction with ingredients that are probably sitting in your fridge. See some recipes here and start cleansing!
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4.    Write Your Thank You Notes
Photo Courtesy of Shoestring Magazine
Writing thank you notes is usually a dreaded activity. But this year, avoid your mother’s nagging, become the favorite grandchild (because who appreciates a thank you note more than your grandma?) and make this chore into a (dare I say it?) fun project. Begin by using recycled paper and simple computer skills to create your own personalized stationary (click here to see a step by step tutorial). You’ll love these unique cards so much that you’ll want to put them to good use.
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5.    Turn Your Jeans into an Organizer
Photo Courtesy of Craftbits.com
Chances are, there are a pair of jeans lying on your bedroom floor. So instead of letting them gather dust, why not take an old pair of denims and use them to organize loose items in your dorm room? Click here to learn how to turn your jeans into both a funky design piece and functional storing place for your slippers and scarves.
6. Knit a Scarf
A knitted scarf is the perfect winter accessory for staying warm and fashionable in the cold. Learn to make one yourself by using a simple garter stitch (see a video tutorial here). Knitting is an easy hobby to learn, surprisingly addicting and making your own trendy accessories will be much less expensive than buying the mass-produced version in the store.