Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living, Author at Frugal Coupon Living

DIY Backyard Games

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August 16, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Games, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Summer

Hosting an outdoor gathering? Want to make your yard the summer attraction for the neighborhood? These DIY Backyard Games are the perfect outdoor ideas for kids and adults, day or night!

DIY Yard Games for Kids and Adults

Summer’s almost here, and you know what that means—time for outdoor entertaining! No outdoor party, backyard barbecue or cookout is complete without some entertainment, and that’s where these DIY backyard games come in. They’re loads of fun for all ages! You’ll find giant versions of your favorite indoor games, lots of kid-friendly options, and games that you’ve probably forgotten about that’ll be familiar favorites when you try them again.

And you don’t have to settle for the cheap plastic versions sold in stores. Building the games yourself means that you can make them as sturdy as you like so that they’ll last for years and will hold up to lots of outdoor play.

Don’t forget to pin this list of DIY outdoor games to your spring or summer project boards. You’ll definitely want to make a few of them to make your backyard the coolest hangout spot in the neighborhood!

Backyard Games PDF

When looking for back yard games for adults or kids, these are perfect. If you are planning a large gathering – playing outdoors with family, neighborhood friends, youth group, camp or even an outdoor birthday party, take a look at these Backyard Games PDF.

These 18 Outdoor Games Printable Set includes directions and supply list and a blank Scavenger Hunt Template. Supplies include household items like spoons, balls, frisbees, hula hoops and more. These are some of the best outdoor games using common supplies you have at home. For your next party, grab this set that is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

Outdoor Games for Kids PDF – Directions & Supply List

DIY Backyard Games

Outdoor Games & Instructions. Download our popular outdoor games and instructions for nighttime. Fun activities and some of the best lawn games for families after the sun has gone down. | Frugal Coupon Living

Yardzee is such a fun way to get the family up and moving. The game consists of 13 rounds to see who can get the highest score, but you have to score once in each category. It’s so easy to make your own dice for this game using 4×4 blocks of wood. Put them in a bucket to jumble them all up. Get your score cards. | A Turtle’s Life for Me

Jenga is one of our favorite games for family game night, and this Giant Jenga will make playing outdoors way more exciting. It’s easy to make this yourself with 2x4s and some paint. Just watch your toes when the blocks come falling down! It would make a great DIY gift for a family that likes to play games. Just don’t let the tower fall! | A Beautiful Mess

Cornhole is popular at family reunions and festivals for good reason—it’s a blast! It’s a great way to get people of all ages mingling because adults enjoy playing just as much as the kids do, and people get so competitive. You could even get a cornhole trophy to pass around each year to the champions! Corn hole boards are easy to find online or you could make your own cornhole board. | Scrappy Geek

Get the plans to make this DIY backyard bean bag toss, complete with a board and mesh cups to catch the bean bags. Make one before summer, and your kids will have a fun activity to do with their friends outside all summer long. The boards will be great to have on hand for other outdoor family functions, too. | Thrift Diving

You can’t get much more all-American than football… except for maybe this football toss! The concept is pretty simple—toss the football through the holes to score points. The smaller hole is more points, of course. This is one for all ages to enjoy. | Cherished Bliss

Kids and adults alike will love this Outdoor Tic Tac Toe game. It’s a bigger, outdoor-friendly version of the classic game. All you need is a wooden plank and some flat rocks to make your own tic tac toe board and game pieces. You could even use a larger board to make your own Checkers board. | Sustain My Craft Habit

If you watched The Price is Right growing up, you’ll remember Plinko. This DIY Plinko game is just as much fun, and it’s easy to put together with foam board, glue, toothpicks, and a few other simple materials. You don’t even need power tools to make this game! | Happiness is Homemade

The 3 hole washers game is a lot like cornhole, except that you only score points when the washer lands completely in one of the holes. The first team or person to 21 points wins the game. This DIY Cornhole Game another great choice for reunions or camping. | My Crazy Good Life

This giant beer pong game is lots of fun. With big red buckets instead of Solo cups, it may just take you back to your college days. But don’t fret if drinking games aren’t your thing… this is kid-friendly despite the name and would be a lot of fun for the whole family. Stack for easy storage before you put away. | Drugstore Divas

Get your neighbors and friends to join you in a friendly bean bag toss in the yard… no serious DIY skills required. You can either buy bean bags or make them yourself. The clay saucers serve as your targets. Space them out as far apart as you like to see who has the best aim. | Mod Podge Rocks

Who doesn’t love to play the match game? It’s been a favorite since childhood, and it’s simple enough that everyone understands how to play. Kids will have hours of fun matching the giant cards again and again. | Studio DIY

Make some DIY giant dominoes for the family to play with. If you think that all you do with dominoes is stand them up and knock them down, think again! You can read the real rules of dominoes here, but there are so many ways to play with them. And if you DO want to line them up just to knock them down, go for it! | Lemon Thistle

Add this rainbow paver hopscotch game to your backyard to let the kids get some exercise whenever they’re feeling a little restless. You can color coordinate them with your outdoor space if you’d like, but the rainbow colors look so fun. | Happiness is Homemade

Have you ever heard of Kubb? It’s also called Viking Chess or Skulls and Femurs. Sounds pretty tough, right? The game is actually loads of fun once you learn how. Each game requires 2-6 players, and the game goes by quickly, so it’s easy to rotate people in and out if you have a crowd. | Our Handcrafted Life

This ring toss game is extremely portable, so it’s a good idea to take it with you wherever you’ll have a bunch of kids playing together outdoors. Again, this is a simple game that toddlers and preschoolers can play as well, so it’s perfect for all ages. It’s also pretty inexpensive to make. | Mom Endeavors

This DIY ladder golf game, or ladder ball, is easy to assemble or disassemble, making it a wonderful choice for camping trips with the family. The poles come apart and can be laid flat for easy transport and storage. Toss the bolas (the balls tied together) at the rungs of the ladder. Each rung is worth a certain number of points. In ladder toss, the first to 21 without going over wins! | Homemade Heather

If you’ve never played pick up sticks, you’re missing out! It’s an easy game, but it can be so much fun, especially when you’re playing with kids. The object of the game is for someone to drop the bundle of sticks, and then you take turns picking up one stick at a time without moving any others. It’s harder than it sounds. If you move any other sticks, your turn is over. | Delineate Your Dwelling

Get twisted up and tangled up in a game of backyard bubble wrap Twister. You can find large rolls or sheets of bubble wraps on Amazon or sometimes in the moving and packing supplies at your local home goods store. Use one of the large sheets to make a fun game of backyard twister. Use paper plates to trace the circles and color them in. It’ll be a hoot listening to the bubble wrap pop as you play. | Chica Circle

Don’t forget we have a fun shaving cream Backyard Twister Game in our Visual Summer Bucket List Ideas.

Nearly every Southerner has played horseshoes at least a time or two in his or her life. It really is entertaining when you play as pairs. You can easily build your own horseshoe pit in the yard to play this fun game yourselves. And yes, you do need a pit to stop the horseshoes. They’re quite heavy, and you don’t want them flailing along the ground very far! Turn your own backyard into a game pit to paly time and time again. | Creatively Southern

For another cheap and fun game to play with a group of kids, this bowl bean bag toss is perfect. This reminds me of the Grand Prize Game on the Bozo the Clown show. What fun! | One More Moore

Of course competitive games, always need a winner. Declare a winner or victory amoung the opponents with some of these fun trophies or MVP medals. What’s your favorite outdoor game?

The backyard can be fun rain or shine! Look at these fun things to do in the backyard with these Rainy Day Activities for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Add this to you list of things to do this summer host a Backyard Movie Night. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget our list of Visual Summer Bucket List Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Work Life Balance Tips

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March 21, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Frugal Living, Instagram, Parenting, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Work Life Balance Tips – How this working mom creates quality time with family while balancing a career, spouse, the home and more! A busy mom… achieving it all… like a boss!

Work Life Balance Tips

I am not going to lie. Working full time and being present with family often feels like a juggling act with too many balls (and bills – wink.) I don’t always do it gracefully. While I’d like to be perfect at both, it’s not always possible. Below I share my tips for creating quality time with family while trying to balance a career to best of my ability.

“I think every working mom probably feels the same thing: You go through big chunks of time where you’re just thinking, ‘This is impossible — oh, this is impossible.’ And then you just keep going and keep going, and you sort of do the impossible.” Tina Fey

Grab the work-life balance that you’re aiming for or change the perspective from which you come! You too can do the impossible.

Get Up Early or Stay Up Late

I figured I would start with my least favorite time. I love sleep, but sometimes the solution is taking away part of something you love – just not all of it. Whether you work from home or you work outside of the home, it can be hard to balance it all. During an especially busy season, I have noticed that getting up earlier or staying up later (within reason) is a great way to balance life a little more. This allows you more time to do the extra stuff when the kids aren’t able to disrupt your productivity. While I would tell you I would rather stay up late to work, this is the truth. I am much more productive in the morning and I do not take away evening time with my spouse – the juggle of being present for everyone one.

Let Go of the Guilt

If you work full time, you don’t need to feel guilty about it. As long as you’re not working yourself to death, you should not feel bad about working and providing for your family. Letting go of the guilt is so important. You will not be able to move on to a good work-life balance if you don’t let go of the guilt of being a working parent.

How to Let Go of Guilt

The best way to let go of guilt is changing your perception of the situation. You feel guilty about working too much and not having enough time with the kids. Learn to turn those feelings around. Don’t dwell on the negative, less time with the family: dwell on the positive. Quality time when you are together and how you are providing for your family through work. Look at the blessing of having a job so you can give your family xyz – shelter, food, or even the added vacation. What is your long term goal with this income? Anytime I see myself going to that negative place, I quickly turn my perception around to let go of the guilt.

Schedule your Time

Stop. This is really the best advice I can give. Block schedule your time as much as you can. Create blocks of time throughout the day to get work done. If you can’t work for longer periods of time because you need to be present with your children, then this works wonders. Block scheduling allows you to work on what you need to get done, but in smaller increments. It makes managing a to-do list a lot easier. I also suggest you do not make a generic block schedule. Each block should be specific. For example, for my blog of work time, I don’t just write “work time.” In this block of time, I am specific about what I am doing.

If my block schedule for work is from 9 AM to 12 PM, on my to do list, my schedule might read like this.

9:00 – 9:20 – read and respond to emails
9:20 to 10:00 – compose email for blog audience
10:00 – 10:30 – repin post content
10:30 to 12:00 – write new post content

This time schedule helps me adequately fill my time without wasting time on tasks that are not as important or on social media. You can print our Daily Plan organizer in our Busy Mom Binder. If you are working from home with the kids, use our incremental time sheet for mom, baby and toddler. If you have a project coming up, our big goal planner will help you achieve your final project.

GET YOUR BUSY MOM BINDER

Incorporate the Kids

There are times I schedule my day and I don’t finish. There are times that one of my five children needs to sit beside me while I work. There are times, where I have asked the older kids for help. Call it an electronic hour and pass out the Kindles, the tablets, the game systems, etc. Let everyone “work” together. Hire one of your older children to do one of the mundane tasks you hate (for me, re-pinning content to Pinterest or editing spelling mistakes in a post.) There are times you have to work when the kids are around and you can do this successfully but involving them in their own electronic activity or promises of exciting activities when mom is done!

Don’t Over Do It

It’s impossible to create a good work-life balance if you have too much work. Sometimes you just need to scale back for the sake of your sanity. You are only one person, but you also have children. If work consumes your life, it will be impossible to create a work life balance that makes sense! Read how to let go of quilt above.

Do One Thing at a Time

Have you ever tried to do two things at once? You probably weren’t very good at it. When you focus on doing one thing at a time, you are going to do it better. Separate your tasks into what needs to be done and then do them, but don’t try and do everything at once. A well-balanced work life and home life happens when you are able to focus on one thing at a time.

Take Care of Yourself

Trying to be there for your job and then trying to be there for your kids will wear you out to no end. You have to take care of yourself. Your kids will see that you are run ragged if you don’t take the time to take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well, and do fun things! What’s the point of a good work-life balance if you don’t take the time to take care of yourself? There is no point. It’s challenge to do, but try to get away from a couple days. Away with no kids and work. Even if it is a weekend stay-cation. Split the kids up with friends or have family visit for just a weekend.

Quality Time with Family

Remember I talked about how to let go of the guilt. When you work, you work and you are dedicated. When you are off work, it’s important to create quality time with family.

Hacks for Putting Aside Work to Focus on the Family

There are some hacks out there that can help you put away work and only focus on the family. You can’t have work on your mind 24 hours a day. Well maybe it is on your mind, but it does’t have to be in your hands on on your lap. You have to be able to put down the work and focus on the family without the stress and anxiety of work following you around.

Here are a few hacks to help you out!

Turn Off Your Phone

This is hard for me but I know my phone can be a huge distraction when it comes to work and family life. You can easily set aside work and focus on family by turning off your phone. Turning off the electronics in your life means that you get to focus on those around you and not what emails might be coming in. It also is a reflection to your older kids who are raised in an era with electronics and want to be just as connected as you. If you can put the phone down, it might show them they can put the game system down for a bit too.

Schedule Days Off

When you have a day off work, keep it a day off work. While it’s nice to be productive, you need these days off to focus on your kids and your family. Schedule days off and keep them days off! This will allow you to really set aside work and focus on the family. If that day off is not consistent, add it in your family command center. Have a calendar that shows the kids when that day off is. For my kids, they know that every Tuesday mom doesn’t work and we start the day at Dunkin’ Donuts. It is tradition and it gives them a day, other than the weekend, to look forward to. You could have a breakfast tradition or schedule other things like a visit to a museum, library day, an ice cream afternooon or even a family game night.

Perspective

Sometimes a nice hack for putting aside work and focusing on family is perspective. Know that your kids won’t be this age forever and you NEED to take the time to spend with them now. Although everyone tells you the days are long and the years are short, we don’t truly understand until the kids are grown and gone.

If positive quotes and mantras are hard for you to remember, put a post-it note on your mirror. I actually have a hanging art work at the bottom of my stairs that reads “Today is a Good Day to Have a Good Day!” I am naturally a negative Nancy (sorry Nancy) and this reminds me to focus on the good in each day. I have to read it every time I come down the stairs – which is many times a day!

Work-life balance does take some effort, but you can do this! While it’s not possible to achieve the ultimate work-life balance, you can make small improvements to eventually get to where you want to be.

What tips would you add to this list? Let’s share in the success of balancing family and work with one another!

Having trouble balancing your life? Feel like you are in survival mode? Our Busy Mom Binder will help you balance your work life and home. Pin to Pinterest.

Baking Conversion Chart Printable PDF

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July 9, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Recipe, Social Media

Need a Kitchen Cheat Sheet? We have a perfect Baking Conversion Chart Printable with both Volume Conversion and a Temperature Conversion Formula which is displayed beautifully as Kitchen Printable Wall Art or resourceful in your Recipe Binder for easy access.

Baking Conversion Chart

One of our most loved posts is Baking Hacks and Tips. Because this post is so frequented, we had to find a resource that was perfect for it’s visitors. Thus, I created this Baking Conversions Printable Chart for you to instantly download and save to your 8.5 x 11 Recipe Binder or hang on your kitchen wall.

Baking Conversions

Quarts, pints, cups, ounces, milliliter, tablespoons, teaspoons – it’s all Greek (measurements) to me. Is the baking drawer your toddler’s favorite kitchen drawer? Seriously, I am always missing a baking tool or two! Lost to the toy box gods (small g – wink.) Because of this, I am always having to adjust how I measure my baking ingredients.

If this is the same story for you, this baking conversion chart PDF will be your best friend. You can even frame it and display it as decorative, yet effective kitchen printable wall art.

Temperature Conversion Formula

Is converting from the metric to customary temperature measurement (and visa versa) a challenge? Did you know that most people just add or subtract 32 to get from Celsius to Fahrenheit and don’t get a precise conversion? The Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula is actually a little more complicated than that.

Look at these Conversion Formulas for temperature, to get an exact number.

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Formula

F = (C × 1.8) + 32

Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Formula

C = (F – 32) x 0.5556

But don’t worry, this is not middle school math. You don’t have to remember that. We have the Temperature Conversion Formula on our Baking Conversion Cheat Sheet Printable PDF.

Baking Conversions Printable

Want to access our Baking Conversions Printable?! We have two options for you. You can instantly download the Baking Conversion Printable alone or you can get a set of three and add in the Instant Pot, Air Fryer, and Baking Conversion Chart in one happy bundle.

Shop Kitchen Printables + Digital Downloads

Download Free Printables

We have free printables too! Subscribe to our emails and look for a link and password in our inbox. The access code allows you to access and download all of our free printables, as well.

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3.) Look for the link and passcode in your inbox.

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I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

How to Print at Staples

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples.

You can also follow the directions below.

Have your PDF, Word Document or printable saved to a folder on your computer.
Sign in or create a Staples account.
Return to the Staples Printing Service Page.
Scroll down to Self-Service printing.
Go to Start Project.
Go to Documents Printing.
Select Browse.
Select the Buy Now Button under color.
In the left column, choose add file(s).
Select upload files (to upload a file from your computer).
Add more files or select the blue upload button.
Select done.
Give your job a name in the top left column.
Choose color or B&W.
Make sure your project is single sided. (You can choose double sided if you need.)
Choose the correct orientation of your project – landscape or portrait.
I changed my media to 8.5×11 67 lb card/coverstock (I prefer a card stock feel over printer paper feel. It makes the paper very durable and sturdy.)
Save your product to Staples or select add to cart on the bottom right.
Proceed to checkout.

*Note: these Staple print service steps were added in Winter 2019 The directions may change as the website changes. They should give you a general outline of how to upload and order a print on Staples.com.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Baking Conversion Chart Printable. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Also visit our Baking Hacks and Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

Organize your Pantry with these Pantry and Stockpile Hacks and Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

How To Get Grocery Delivery – Now is the Time!

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March 12, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Online Shopping, Store Deals

We are in the middle of a move. T minus 4 days – you guys pray for me.

Our area has been hit by Coronavirus. Schools are beginning to close. It’s exponentially growing. I went to the grocery store today (which I never do!) and each checkout lane was least five shopping carts deep. Each cart had at least two weeks worth of groceries. Not me, I was able to do express.

I am not stockpiling extra now; I am not hoarding food in my deep freezer. The rest of our area is. And honestly, you guys, I wish that I could…. but we are moving and I can’t move perishables or frozen food.

We live in the DMV area. This includes Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. We have travelers coming in from all over. We have three international airports within a few miles of each other. What am I seeing… I am seeing shelves cleared, I am seeing the cancellation of field trips and competitions. I am seeing schools closing. I am seeing stockpiling. Some typically crowded areas are dead. Other areas they are normally slow (i.e. the grocery store during the day) are packed more than Super Bowl Sunday. I had to get my allergy shot today and the allergy office turned away patients. Temps were reported, travel questions were asked, symptoms were inquired. They asked some people to kindly leave.

Whether you are in a place like me or you are in an area not hit, this is the time to grocery shop online!

Below are a few resources of places you can grocery shop and get delivery straight to your home. Most of them include benefits when you first sign up, like Peapod has 60 days of free delivery.

Online Grocery Delivery

I have experience with them all. No complaints! You can read details on all of them and see what is best for you!

Everyday Busy Mom Life Hacks

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January 22, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Hacks, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Busy Mom Life Hacks. Everyday mom solutions for moms on the go. From morning routine, to app that connect your family, the crazy sock tip and a dinner solution that will become a a weekly tradition!

Busy Mom Life Hacks

We were in survival mode for two years. Does anyone else go through a season where you are barely making it? This season was a bit too long but I was working full time plus a part-time stay at home mom with twin newborns and a 14 months old. As they grew, the chaos seemed to grow too. More to do, more to accomplish, a never ending to do list trying to win at both work and home.

I wasn’t winning and I had to come up with solutions. First, I learned to balance both work and life/family. I am still working on that one. Second, I began organizing our family in my own family command center – The Busy Mom Binder.I tested this binder on other busy mothers to see what was missing. They were so great and I think I have a very helpful product for you!

Once those things were set in place, I began researching Busy Mom Hacks. These were hacks and tips that would help this mom functionally organize her home. Some of these mom tips I was already doing, others I asked around and inquired what other busy mothers were doing to bring order back to their home….

Thus, our …..

Busy Mom Hacks

I get it guys, I am so busy too. I work and raise three kids and cart them to and fro from after school activities In order to get a hold and re-organize my life, I created the Busy Mom Binder. This keeps your family command center in one spot. It easily organizes your home, your kids and you and gives you a place to direct your husband when he asks that home/kids question for the 100th time – wink!

Get the Busy Mom Binder Digital Download!

This Mommy Hook has saved me many times on a grocery run. I look it to my stroller and run around grabbing what I need. It also holds the diaper bag pretty well!

One of the biggest gifts I have given myself is Grocery Delivery. I hardly visit the grocery store anymore except for a quick forgotten run or to hit the hot bar for a lunch for dinner entree. You can get grocery delivery from 1.) Peapod (what I use) 2.) Instacart (seems to be the most popular) or 3.) Amazon Fresh.

Put things in a laundry basket as you’re going about your day that need to be put away. Then when you go upstairs for bed, put everything away; things like toys and random things from my kids’ rooms. If you lay things like scissors, though, remove them from the path of the child. | Love Love Love Blog

Days of the Week Drawers. Use plastic drawers like these to organize school clothes and help mornings go a little more smoothly. Brilliant! You can find a similar drawer units at Staples.

My car and house keys are on a Retractable Key Chain attached to a carabiner. This is one of the best ways I keep my hands free, especially unloading three kids from car seats and carrying all their stuff! It especially saves me from loosing my keys. I always know they are attached to my bag with a carabiner. I do not even take the keys out of my bag to unlock the door – they stay attached to my bag handle. (You can watch my video here!)

Is the end of a busy day calling for a glass of wine? This Wine Bottle Stopper and Stand has been the most amazing solution for my glass of wine. No more crying over spilled wine in the refrigerator. Since they no longer sell this exact stopper, try this Silicone Stopper and this Wine Bottle Stabilizer Stand.

Read this laundry tip carefully. I can never find the right time to get laundry washed and then put in the dryer. Either I forget to switch it or I leave the house and the wet laundry sits. This is my solution. 1.) I set a timer on my washer. If I know I will return home in three hours, I start the laundry in 2 hours with a delayed timer. 2.) I set an Alexa reminder for when it is complete “Alexa, give me a laundry reminder at 4:30 PM.” … and that is how I get my laundry done as a busy mom!

Get off the floor. Protect your wood flooring easily by changing the chair glides on your dining chairs and other legged furniture. These are the best nail on furniture glides and best of all, they don’t fall off!

If you find yourself on the go with a need to run through a drive through, try this Dollar Store shower caddy for holding happy meals and other to-go meals. (As seen in our Car Hacks.)

Prepare your snacks and lunch. Always prepare for the unexpected, that is my motto. So I do snacks and lunches at night. This allows me to prepare for a busy morning and limits my to-do list trying to get out the door. Have a grab and go snack station (for morning or afternoon) like Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. You can pick up a children’s lunch planner in our Busy Mom Binder.

Turn your veggies into characters! Jane Stine is a super hero. Quote straight from her “Here’s my best parenting hack. You know how kids always want Paw Patrol yogurt or Disney waffles or whatever? Bring your own stickers to the grocery store and start sticking. Today we’re having Winnie the Pooh brand spaghetti squash. It goes perfectly with Toy Story broccoli.”

So rest is everything to us. I sleep trained my kids and they have been sleeping through the night since 15 weeks of age. When my son started waking early has a 3 year old toddler, I began the solution of a green light letting him know when he can get out of bed. The Hatch Baby Night Light and Time-to-Rise light was our solution (we actually don’t use the night light.)

Create an app folder on your phone. Put inside apps that usually waste time like social media apps. “Stop and Think” before you open this folder! Any since we might be loosing your attention on social media, make sure you are on our email list!

Speaking of apps, this is one your want to organize your family, especially if you have older kids with smart phones. The Cozi Family Organizer App connects calendars, lists, and more to everyone! A three time award winning all, with Cozi you can:

Keep events and activities all in one place
Keep and share the grocery list in real time
Store recipes, plan meals, and shop for ingredients
Use from any mobile device or computer

Read this quote from mom hack influencer, Marleni…

We use the Cozi calendar app for more than just appointments. We use it for groceries too. If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t get bought. And with it synced to Alexa, we can update while we are in the kitchen. The calendar keeps us all on the same page with games, practices, appointments and special days as well as the needed items. The kids also made their Christmas Wish List in cozi this year.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. I have told you in other posts how I wash my hair once a week. The day before I wash it, I load up my hair with Argan Oil. So there are days, where my hair is just too dirty. On those days I use dry shampoo (Living Proof is my favorite dry shampoo!) You can follow According to D for four days of dirty hair ideas!

Have a daily cleaning list. This keeps you on top of house maintenance. You could also use our less than 1 hour a day deep cleaning checklist. Often 20 to 30 minutes. If each day holds too much, split it among your spouse and among your kids. In our Busy Mom Binder we have a deep cleaning checklist, daily checklist, a monthly declutter challenge and chore chart for kids. Get inspired with these KonMari Method Ideas.

Each week, triple at least one dinner recipe that freezes well. Eat one and freeze the other two for busy nights! It doesn’t take that much longer to make a double or triple amount of a dish, than a single amount. This is a great idea for over the weekend and eventually your frozen meals will add up! This is a great way to pay it forward as well, especially when you sign up for a meal train or gift a dinner to a neighbor or elderly couple. Tip from Mary Ann at Menus 4 Moms.

Make a daily quiet box. This is a box pulled out each day for a set amount of time. Each box is assigned a different day. This is a quite time where mom is free to catch up on work, house hold chores or time to herself. With each box there is a new discovery. If you have two boxes for each day of the week, you can ensure these toys/activities feel pretty new each time they are pulled out (only two times a month!) Idea on Babies and Kids Review.

I don’t know why socks are such an issue but we all complain about them! This Sock Hack is great. First, for younger kids socks, wash them in a mesh bag. This keeps all socks together so they are not lost in the deep dark abyss. Second, try this Crazy Sock Trip from the Thrifty Couple. Each family member has a different color/style of sock, so in the laundry 1.) socks match 2.) you can quickly identify which sock belongs to whom! Genius.

Don’t Forget! Keep a do not forget list by the door. Laminate this list and hang it on your door with a Command Brand strip or Velcro. You can write on it with a dry erase maker and wipe it off with a wet paper towel. No need to leave the house and return home because you forgot something!

PRINT A COPY OF “DO NOT FORGET” LIST
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Also enjoy these Life Hacks and Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

Also enjoy these Winning Car Hacks and Tips – for a mom always on the go! Pin to Pinterest.

April Low Waste Earth Day Challenge

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April 16, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

April 22 is Earth Day! Take this easy Earth Day quiz, get your little ones involved in these Earth Day projects and activities for kids, and take on this April low waste living Earth Day challenge to create some new environmental conscious habits and perhaps a zero waste home!

Low Waste Earth Day Challenge

Earth Day is an annual celebration around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. On this date, environmental awareness is put forth and discussions and ideas are created to acknowledge our impact (both good and bad) on the environment.

Earth Day Quiz

Before we begin, we have an Earth Day Quiz for you. Can you do something to differently to make an environmental difference? I bet we can all answer yes! But really, here is a quick Earth Day Quiz (with answers) to teach you more about Earth Day.

When is Earth Day? April 22

When was the First Earth Day? 1970

Who founded Earth Day? Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin

Why do we belebrate Earth Day? Celebrating Earth Day serves as a reminder of how fragile our earth is and how important it is to protect our planet.

Also try this easy Earth Day Quiz for Kids…

What color is the earth from? Blue and Green (white if including clouds)

What covers 70% off the earth? Water

What are five things you can recycle in your home? answers will vary

Where is your favorite place to visit on earth? answers will vary

Want to learn more? Take an Earth Day Quiz for Kids or Earth Day Quiz for Adults.

Now that you have begun an Earth Day discussion and even grown in knowledge of your Earth Day facts, we have Earth Day Projects and our very own Earth Day Challenge for you to tackle during the month of April.

Earth Day Projects

These Earth Day Projects and Earth Day Activities for Kids are a few ways to make a difference this April and perhaps for the rest of your life. A new habit takes on average a month, perhaps making a difference this month will create some life long differences for your family and your environment.

Easy Earth Day Projects and Activities for Kids

We have more Earth Day Ideas! Also visit our Earth Day Crafts Ideas for Kids to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment with your children.

You also can find our Earth Day Activities Printables (with Scavenger Hunt) in our Free Printables section.

Earth Day Challenge

We have our very own challenge for you. Incorporate the kids and take this Low Waste Earth Day Challenge for the entire month of April. I bet you already do many of these things already. Once you complete the month, is there something you can continue and perhaps make a new habit?

Use a refillable stainless steel water bottle
Use a reusable coffee cup/thermos (even when buying coffee)
Get a library card and borrow books and magazines instead of buying prints (or join Audible and listen to books)
Use a bamboo toothbrush (instead of a plastic one)
Say no to free promo items
Use bar soap instead of liquid soap (less packaging)
Use reusable shopping and produce bags
Shop your local farmers market, bring a reusable bag
Plan meals to avoid food waste
Collect and re-purpose rain or grey water
Have your shoes and clothes repaired instead of buying new
Run full loads in the dish washer and laundry
Focus on experiences instead of things
Change all your bills to paperless (electronic)
Join carpools or use public transport
Plant a garden (even if it is small)
Carry your own reusable straw
Reduce the amount of consumption of toothpaste, shampoo, etc
Don’t impulse shop – stop, think method
Avoid palm oil (responsible for much of the world’s deforestation)
Upcycle and re-purpose as much as you can
Pack your own lunch in a reusable container

The steps will turn you into an environmentally conscious earth member (wink) and get you family closer to a zero waste home!

Earth Day Printable PDF

Get all of our free printables including this Low Waste Challenge Earth Day Printable. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

Earth Day Printable Directions

1.) Enter your email address HERE.

2.) Confirm the email request in your inbox.

3.) Look for the link and passcode in your inbox.

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). It takes time, effort and money to put the freebies forth and I earn when you visit. Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

How to Order Prints at Staples

You can of course, keep this product digital – that would be Earth Day Friendly. However, if you want to print a copy, I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples.

You can also follow the directions below.

Have your PDF, Word Document or printable saved to a folder on your computer.
Sign in or create a Staples account.
Return to the Staples Printing Service Page.
Scroll down to Self-Service printing.
Go to Start Project.
Go to Documents Printing.
Select Browse.
Select the Buy Now Button under color.
In the left column, choose add file(s).
Select upload files (to upload a file from your computer).
Add more files or select the blue upload button.
Select done.
Give your job a name in the top left column.
Choose color or B&W.
Make sure your project is single sided. (You can choose double sided if you need.)
Choose the correct orientation of your project – landscape or portrait.
I changed my media to 8.5×11 67 lb card/coverstock (I prefer a card stock feel over printer paper feel. It makes the paper very durable and sturdy.)
Save your product to Staples or select add to cart on the bottom right.
Proceed to checkout.

*Note: these Staple print service steps were added in Winter 2020. The directions may change as the website changes. They should give you a general outline of how to upload and order a print on Staples.com.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Earth Day Challenge Low Waste Printable. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Take a look at our Earth Day Crafts Ideas for Kids to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment with your children. Pin to Pinterest.

Many of our Rockin’ Geology Rock Party Ideas can overlap with these Earth Day ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Upcycle old Little Tikes and Step2 Toys with these creative ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Also upcycle these Old Altoids Boxes with these creative ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Earth Day Crafts

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April 16, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

When is Earth Day? It is April 22nd. This Earth day, embrace these Earth Day Crafts Ideas for Kids to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment with your children.

Every year, we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd to raise awareness and support for protecting our environment. It’s important to start talking to your kids from an early age about ways we can do our part to lessen our impact on the planet. These Earth Day Crafts are a great catalyst for those discussions.

As you craft with your kids, making models and depictions of Earth, talk about ways to save water and reduce pollution. Talk about the importance of recycling, and if you don’t have one in your home, set up a can just for recycling. Discuss ways to keep the earth “healthy” and talk about activities that may make the planet “sick.” You get the idea.

But most of all, have fun making these Earth Day crafts with the kids. Proudly display the crafts in your home (or in your classroom) as a reminder all month long that we are connected with the Earth, and it is our responsibility to take care of her.

Don’t forget our Easy Earth Day Projects and Activities for Kids. Also enjoy our Earth Day printables including this Earth Day Activities PDF and Earth Day Scavenger Hunt!

Earth Day Crafts

Make a paper Earth Day garland to string up in the playroom or classroom for Earth Day. This craft is a great visual to teach kids about how we are all interconnected and all responsible for taking care of the Earth. | Hello, Wonderful

You only need a styrofoam ball, tissue paper, and lots of glue to make this pretty globe! Not only is it fantastic for Earth Day, but you could use this technique to make planets to build a solar system. | Gluesticks

Your kid will want to wear these Earth Day salt dough necklaces often as a reminder to take care of the Earth. The one with the heart will be particularly easy to do with young children—they can even make the heart shape with their fingerprints! | Natural Beach Living

Older kids who still enjoy crafting things may like paper quilling. It’s a technique that involves curling paper into different shapes like circles, loose coils, teardrops, and more. You can create some really beautiful pieces, like this lovely quilled paper earth craft. | Projects with Kids

Coffee drinkers—save those k-cups! They’re perfect for crafting. This k-cup Earth Day craft is really cute. | Artsy Momma

Black glue can help you create stunning art! Outlining the continents and then using watercolors to paint the Earth creates gorgeous contrast in this fun Earth Day black glue craft. | Messy Little Monster

Kids who can paint the shape of the continents will enjoy making these earth magnets made out of upcycled jar lids. They can even add them to their lockers at school as a reminder to take care of the planet. | Moms and Crafters

Learn about the layers of the Earth for Earth Day! You can use this craft as an opportunity to simply teach kids a little more about the Earth and its various layers. We only see the top layer, the crust, but there’s so much that goes on beneath Earth’s surface! Small children will need to have an adult do the spray painting. | Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

Earth Day Crafts for Preschoolers

Talk to your kids about what makes the Earth happy and healthy and what makes the Earth sad and unhealthy. This craft offers a great visual representation through interchangeable elements as you go through the list of suggestions. Preschoolers will have so much fun coloring the Earth and then changing out the eyes, mouth, and the heart/bandage elements. | The Inspiration Edit

This cupcake liner earth craft is stunning! It’s so fun for little ones because they can learn to paint using different materials. For this project, they’ll be painting with a toothbrush and a pom-pom. How cool is that? | I Heart Crafty Things

Handprint crafts are fun for preschoolers, and this hand print earth craft is just adorable. The printable template makes it easy to guide little ones through this craft. And look! The Earth is wearing a party hat in celebration of Earth Day! | Simple Everyday Mom

Any kid who enjoys playing in the dirt will love making this Earth Day craft. Simply cut out the earth shape, color or paint in the water, and cover the land portions with glue and dirt. It’s a great excuse to get messy. | Kids Activities Blog

Get ready for some sticky, slimy fun! This Earth Day Baking Soda Slime is Borax-free and totally kid-safe. Make sure your kiddo doesn’t have sensitivities to baking soda before proceeding with this project. Keep in mind that it’s a little stickier than regular slime, but the mess is part of the fun. | Steamsational

Speaking off messy crafts, shaving cream painting is another one that’s popular with kids. The marbled effect you get from shaving cream art is so pretty, and the blue/green combination is perfect for Earth Day. | The Simple Parent

Start a new springtime tradition by making seed bombs with the kids to celebrate the Earth! Use blue, green, and white paper to give the seed bombs an earth-like appearance, or just use whatever paper scraps you have on hand. Adults will need to run the food processor, but cutting the paper scraps and shaping the balls gives kids lots of fine motor practice. Seed bombs would make nice neighbor gifts, along with a hand-painted pot or recycled container. | Little Bins for Little Hands

Moms, if you have any CDs leftover from yesteryear, you can use them to make one of these cute CD ornament Earth Day crafts with the kids. Turning old things you don’t use into art is a great way to encourage kids to recycle and upcycle. The ornament would look really pretty spinning around on your porch or breezeway. | Our Kid Things

Children need to be taught to love our planet from a young age. The hands holding the world project is a great way to do that. Use the conversation starters to talk about how we can love the Earth. Isn’t it cute that the hearts are made out of thumbprints? Younger children may need help with tracing and cutting their handprints. | Fun Handprint Art

Don’t forget to pin this list of Earth Day Crafts to save it!

Look at these Easy Earth Day Projects and Activities for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Many of our Rockin’ Geology Rock Party Ideas can overlap with these Earth Day ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

For Earth Day, head to the thrift store! Take something old and make it new including this Upcycled Farmhouse Table. Pin to Pinterest.

With the kids, take old paint chips and turn them into crafts with these Paint Chip Crafts Ideas! Pin to Pinterest.

White Party Ideas

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November 25, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Birthday, Facebook, Instagram, Party, Pinterest, Social Media

Need a party idea? Looking to host a white party theme event? We have all the White Party Ideas to get you celebrating. From White Party Decor, White Party Foods, and White Party Outfits, take a look at these resources to get your starting. Happy partying. Happy white partying!

White Party Ideas

While we made an adorable Winter ONEderland Party (for a one year old), I get a lot of visitors for White Theme Party Ideas. Because of this, I wanted to take some of our Winter Wonderland Ideas and incorporate it into an adult white party, for those of you that are looking!

What is a white themed party?

Do not get confused, a white party is not to exclude any race. In fact, it’s pretty opposite. It is to celebrate all! The White Party Theme is pretty self-explanatory. It is a party where the color white is the theme. From the food to the party decor, the clothing, the tablescape, and more, everything is attached to the color white. White parties are great for bachelorette parties, baby showers, New Year’s Eve celebrations, summer parties, or really any occasion.

White parties are best in the evening from sunset to late at night. The white is perfect for lighting techniques like black lights, candles, or even fairy lights. The biggest struggle is likely with the food. Trying to find white food can be especially challenging. Pinterest is always a great place to find white food but we also included some White Party Food ideas below.

Before your party begins, don’t forget to download your White Party Music Club List!

Enjoy the party!… we mean the White Themed Party!

White Party Decor

What do you serve at a White Party?

The easiest way to have white food is to have a white candy buffet. It requires no baking but really brings your color pallet forward. I love Oh Nuts which allows you to shop by color. I recommend some these Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Jars, also hit up the Dollar Store for cheaper options. Candy Warehouse also has a whole White Party Candy Buffet kit (glass not included). Don’t forget the white rock candy!

All White Party Ideas

Just look at these stunning All White Party table decorations!

For tables, rent or buy white flamingo petal tablecloths for beautifully decorated ambiance. They look beautiful with a light source below them. |

Need some table inspiration? Pull from this Brit.co White Tablescape with touches of rose gold. We love the white flowers draping from above.

On the table, mix white hydrangeas and white candles. Various styles and sizes of glass candle holders would be best. I suggest tea lights, short candles, tall candles and even floating candles – so affordable! Also, introduce mercury glass candle holders. It really pops when lit! | Wedding Chicks

Light up the night with these unique paper lanterns that are an exquisite addition to your White Party Decor.

And when all else fails, just buy a lot of white balloons and white string! | Source

White Party Foods

What are foods that are white? Glad you asked. We have you covered.

Champagne Margaritas combine the wonderful flavors of champagne and margaritas in one fun White Themed Party Drink Cocktail ~ perfect for adding a unique twist to your white party, or to your random Tuesday. | The Kitchen is My Playground

Care for a white party dessert? Instead of a white cake, these sugar cookie truffles are a four-ingredient no-bake recipe that uses sugar cookies, cream cheese, white chocolate and sprinkles. Did we mention they are white? | If You Give A Blonde a Kitchen

White chocolate is such an easy solution for covering sweet and savory foods. We love these White Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods with mini candy pearls. | Martin Thornburg

Cheers! Have fun with White Party cocktail – the White Chocolate Snowflake Martini. | Lulus

White vanilla meringue cookies and a Styrofoam cone make these Light & Airy French Meringues the perfect snow cap touch to your Party Tablescape. Editable and decorative = win! I would suggest sprinkling on some edible glitter to make it sparkle. | Source Also seen in our Winter ONEderland Party.

#TargetDoesItAgain right? Take a look at this White Donut Wall Party Decoration for your White Party Food Display.

White Party Theme Ideas

Get ready to find a Netflix series in sit in front of the TV for awhile. This DIY Wax Paper Backdrop is adorable White Themed Party Decor. They use Wax Deli Sheets but I kind of was thinking Snow Cone Cups might even be better? | Style Me Pretty

Frugal and friendly, try these DIY faux ice candle holders. Get the icy look without the mess. A sweet touch of white decor. Add an evergreen twig or leave it off. | Entertaining Diva

These white plates have a pretty silver rim. Such an affordable price and no one is left washing the dishes at the end.

Offer some shade! Not a cold snub but a white party bamboo umbrella! Protection from the sun or surprise showers, either way, these pretty parasols are helpful and handsome. | Style Me Pretty

A pergola is the perfect place to hang white drapes for your White Party Themed Setting. | Style Me Pretty

Collect various white wine and white glass bottles (or visit the Dollar Store.) Pick up White Corked Fairy Lights for beautiful illumination in the dark.

Tip: Test all the lights before the party. Do not use until. Some of these cheaper lights will only have a few uses and you don’t want them to run out before the big event. If some are not working at purchase, write Amazon and see if they can replace. That way you are not disappointed the day off!

Don’t forget the invite! Send your guests this White Party Invitation with all the specifics.

White Party Dresses

Don’t let your white party attire be a struggle. Clearly, make sure your tops, dresses, bottoms and even shoes are white. It’s best to have a good tan to allow this color to do it’s thing – pop! I would suggest sunless tanning lotion. You can a day or two before to prevent it from bleeding on your outfit. You can view some of my top three best sunless tanning lotions.

Cut Out Long Sleeve Bandage White Party Dress

V-Neck Bell Sleeve Mini White Themed Party Dress

Crochet Pom-Pom Bell Sleeve Dress

High-Low Crochet Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress

Mesh and Flower Sleeve Pencil White Themed Party Dress

High-Neck Sleeveless Scalloped Hem Dress

Off-Shoulder High-Waist White Themed Party Jumpsuit

Off-Shoulder Lace Shift Mini Dress

V-Neck Spaghetti Strap Eyelet Maxi Dress

Asymmetrical Ruffle High-Neck Pantsuit

Want more ideas for how to host a white party? Incorporate some of these Winter ONE-derland ideas. Perfect for a one year old’s birthday or an adult white party. Pin to Pinterest.

Another great party idea, is our Glow Party Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.