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Borax Uses for Kids | 15 Easy Borax Recipes

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February 25, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Uses of Borax Powder for Kids | 15 Easy Borax Recipes

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Did you know that before I became a full-time blogger, I was actually a 5th grade teacher? Surprise! Frugal Coupon Living was born while I was on maternity leave after I had my first child. Before I knew it, Frugal Coupon Living had totally taken off. It was amazing to see the success of my blog unfold, but it also meant that I never made it back into the classroom that I loved.

Even though I had moved onto blogging, my desire to teach never left me. I still miss it sometimes! While I can’t officially return to the classroom, I have kids now, and they basically have become my own personal classroom. With that being said, I am always on the hunt for engaging, cool kids’ science experiments for them to try. If you are anything like me, I am here to tell you that making science fun at home is easier than you think!

One ingredient is a constant in many that I’ve found over the years: borax! I had fun putting together these Borax Uses for Kids. Make crystals (geodes), flubber, slime, bouncy balls, and more. Borax slime has become super popular recently. I have a feeling that some of you have already gotten requests from your little ones to make borax slime at home! If you have yet to make borax slime with your kids, this is your sign to whip some up.

Read on for a quick and simple explanation of borax. Plus, 15 easy and cool kids’ science experiments including borax slime that you can do with your children in the simplest terms possible! Have fun cooking these cool kids’ science experiments up and enjoy!

What is borax, anyways?

Borax or sodium borate is a boron compound (a chemical element, atomic number 5). Typical Borax is a white substance made of colorless crystals that dissolve easily in water.

What are some uses of borax powder?

Borax is typically used in households as a cleaning product. It can be used for a wide variety of household messes, including as stain remover, all-purpose cleaning spray, and even as a weed killer! It has been a staple in frugal households for years, not just because of all of the uses of borax powder, but how cheap it is, too! Because of this, there’s a good chance that you already have some borax in your cleaning supplies cabinet, ready to be used for something a little more fun: science!

Borax is the unexpected secret ingredient to making kid-approved science concoctions like borax slime, borax crystals, and even borax bouncy balls! How neat is that? You and your kids will be amazed that a humble cleaning product can totally transform ordinary ingredients. Not only that, but the other ingredients needed to make these cool kids’ science experiments might already be lying around your house, too!

Borax Slime and Balls: What happened?

Glue has an ingredient called polyvinyl acetate, which is a liquid polymer. The borax links the polyvinyl acetate molecules to each other, creating one large, flexible polymer. In bouncy balls, adding the cornstarch helps to bind the molecules together so that they hold their shape better. Keep in mind, these homemade bouncing balls will lose their elasticity over time.

Borax Crystals: What happened?

A crystal is a natural solid made up of a repeated pattern of molecules connected together. Crystals can form through the slow cooling of a material. Molecules of hot water move apart, making room for the borax crystals to dissolve. When no more of the solution can be dissolved, you have reached saturation. As this solution cools, the water molecules move closer together again. Now there’s less room for the solution to hold onto as much of the dissolved borax. Crystals begin to form and build on one another as the water lets go of the excess and evaporates.

Ready to get started? Here are the best uses of borax powder I’ve uncovered to create cool kids’ science experiments! Prepare for all of the borax slime, flubber, and floam!

Homemade Bouncy Balls | 36th Avenue

Homemade Flubber | Live Craft Eat

Crystal Seashells | Little Bins for Little Hands

Homemade Borax Slime – Glitter Gak | Lil Luna

Crystal Snowflakes | A Girl and a Boy

Homemade Floam | Growing a Jeweled Rose

Crystal Flowers | Pink Stripey Socks

Glow in the Dark Borax Slime | A Pumpkin and a Princess

Giant Crystals | Dan’s Lake House

DIY Rainbow Borax Slime | Mom Dot

Treasure Borax Slime | Growing a Jeweled Rose

Egg Geodes | Tinker Lab

Crystal Names | Play Dough to Plato

DIY Icicle Ornaments | Amanda Katherine

Grow your own Geodes | Dollar Store Crafts

Crystal Pinecones | Sweet Paul

Crystal Geodes | DIY Projects for Teens

We love these 5 Minute Science Experiments for Kids – Pin to Pinterest.

We love these Upcycled Cereal Box Crafts. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy this Baking Soda and Vinegar. Pin to Pinterest.

Take a look at these Rainy Day Activities for Kids! 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.

How to Wallpaper Built in Shelves – The Easy Way!

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February 24, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: DIY, Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Are Home Staging? Do you want low cost home improvements that add value? Whatever your goal, we have something that will make your home pop for as little as $45. How to Wallpaper Built in Shelves – The Easy Way!

How to Wallpaper Built in Shelves

Let’s chat. This is FRUGAL Coupon Living. I have spent much of the past few months improving the value of our older home for under $100 per project. I just a few months time, I have bought and sold furniture on Facebook Marketplace, added an art gallery wall, painted our banisters/stairs, and wallpapered built in shelves.

How to Wall Paper Built Ins

Of my home projects, I would say that this cost the least and improved our home value and staged the home the most. For this easy wallpaper behind built ins project, I used a peel and stick grasscloth wallpaper. Initially I was going to paint the back of the built in for a bold effect but I loved how the peel and stick wall paper gave me two things 1.) texture 2.) the ability to easily change.

Supplies:

Scott Living 30.75-sq ft Indigo Vinyl Textured Abstract 3D Self-Adhesive Peel and Stick Wallpaper

I used two rolls of peel and stick faux grasscloth wallpaper. To calculate your number of rolls, multiple the height of your bookshelves by your width. If you are under 30 square feet, you will need one roll (each roll is 30.75 sq-feet). I would suggest buying one more roll than you need. I used two on this wall but it would have been nice to have an extra third roll for mistakes and cutting precise pieces.

Tip: A wallpaper tip for a dark peel and stick wallpaper is to pay attention to the lot number. I made sure all of my wall paper lot numbers were the same so I know they came from the same dye. This can be seen near the serial and item number.

Wallpaper Smoothing Tool Kit

In the wallpaper smoothing kit, I especially liked the blue wallpaper squeegee. This plastic smoother had felt on the end protecting the wallpaper.

Craft Knife

The kit came with a craft knife and blade but the quality wasn’t great, that is why I prefer using Friskars craft knife or another brand.

Ruler

This will be used for measuring as well as cutting precise edges at the very end of the project. I found the metal ruler most resourceful.

Cloth

Scissors

If you have everything on hand, depending on your project size and which wall paper you decide, you can pay as little as $45 for the roll of wallpaper!

Grasscloth Wallpaper Behind Shelves

To wallpaper on back of bookshelves, the first thing you need to do is to remove your shelves. Clean the back of your bookcase with a damp cloth to remove dust. Let your built-in dry fully before you begin the next step.

Measure your wallpaper. I cut about two to four inches longer than the length I needed. This gave me space adding extra at the top and at the bottom. I used the back of the wallpaper for stenciling a line and cutting along that pattern.

Since I was not working with a wallpaper pattern, I started at the edge of the bookcase. Peel the top six inches of the backing of your peel and stick wallpaper off. Place about an inch or two onto the ceiling. You will cut this off later during your final steps.

Slowly peel away the backing as you bring the wallpaper down to the baseboard or bottom of your built-in. As you go, routinely slide your plastic smoother to the right and left, up and down removing all bubbles. Slow and steady.

Once at the of the back of your bookshelf, leave about an inch for overhang. You will cut this off later.

Cut out your next section and begin your second row. For my built-ins, I overlapped my rolls of wallpaper. Because there is no pattern to line I felt safe doing this and appreciated that there was less cutting in the process.

You can see an example of my overlap, while noticeable very close, you cannot tell from far away.

Once I was done laying my wall paper, I used a metal ruler as a guide to cut. I place the ruler along the seam and then used my crafting knife to cut. The wallpaper peeled up flawlessly and the line was perfectly straight.

Working behind the television required some measuring. In that case, I flipped the roll of the peel and stick grasscloth wallpaper over and used my pencil to sketch the line where I would need to cut.

Above the television, I knew the width of the wall paper roll would require more than two sheets. I cut a four inch square and placed it up top. Then I added my cuts of wallpaper. You could not notice the step. It merely filled the inch or two of white spice that would have otherwise shown.

Viola. Finished product. You can’t even see the seams from afar and the built-ins are transformed and look top notch. It added a pop of color to my space without having to spend very much money. We are loving the new look!

Where to Buy Peel & Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper

The best thing about Peel & Stick Wallpaper is exactly what it says. Peel it and stick it to the wall. It is also very easy for removing especially if you are in a rental home or apartment. It can change the feel of a space with little to no work or cost.

There are a number of places you can buy peel & stick grasscloth wallpaper.

Peel & Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper Home Depot

Peel & Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper Lowe’s

Peel & Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper Etsy

Peel & Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper Amazon

Peel & Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper Wayfair

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final peel and stick wallpaper bookcase. Leave a comment and/or add a photo of your wallpaper inside a bookcase on Pinterest!

Most of my home inspiration comes from Embracing Grandmillenial Style & Design. I love mixing antiques with modern touches. In fact, on my styled grasscloth built-ins, there are many elements of my grandmother. Pin to Pinterest.

Most of my Home Staging projects are done over the weekend! Take a look at these Weekend DIY Home Projects & Ideas. We are not selling, but I am always improving. Pin to Pinterest.

Weekend DIY Farmhouse Projects

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February 24, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Weekend DIY Farmhouse Projects you can complete in a few hours. Creative Joanna Gaines inspired easy farmhouse decor that looks like it’s straight from episodes of Fixer Upper.

Weekend DIY Farmhouse Projects

Does anyone else have the problem of home procrastination? I love watching Fixer Upper shows, learning about different projects and crafts I can do from Pinterest, but when it comes to execution, I am the biggest procrastinator. It’s odd to me, because in life and in work, I am not a huge procrastinator… but for home decor projects – I am! A year ago, I spent quite a bit on Chalk Paint to Paint a table and chairs. Mind you, since the purchase I had bed rest and twin babies, but I still have yet to paint my table and chairs. Now that the twins are 6 months and starting solid using those chairs (with a booster high chair), I figure what’s the point of getting started now?

So this post had me in mind. The weekend warrior but the home project procrastinator. These DIY Farmhouse Projects are projects you can finish in a few hours or at most in a weekend’s time.

Happy Decorating!

Transform Mason Jars into an Farmhouse Herb Garden – practical and cute. | The Aqua House for Make It, Love It

Learn How to Wallpaper Built in Shelves for as low as $45. It is so easy using grasscloth peel and stick wallpaper.

If you’re a fan of Farmhouse style kids decor, this DIY LEGO Board adds so much charm and fun to a kid’s bedroom or playroom! | Abbotts at Home

Speaking of kids bedrooms, take a look at this Upcyled Farmhouse Bow Holder from a picture frame. | Frugal Coupon Living

Salvage extra wood to make this handy outdoor side table or little bench. How pretty is this aqua blue paint? | Satori Design for a Living

Inspired by Magnolia Market? take a look at this Homemade DIY Farmhouse Sign. | Unoriginal Mom

Add a touch of greenery to your home with these ready-to-print free fern botanical prints. | Frugal Coupon Living

Re-inspire your welcome with a front door makeover, a change in paint color can make such a difference! (Don’t forget our other Front Porch Ideas.) | Purely Katie

I am kind of obsessed – this is genius. Make these cute Grain Sack DIY Striped Dish Towels.| Ella Claire Inspired

Use your old brass or nickle vanity light and flip it over to turn it into a farmhouse vanity light. | Making Manzanita

While you are in the bathroom, transform this IKEA step stool into something great! | Love and Renovations

Quickly age galvanized metal with this tutorial. | Nifty Thrifty DIYer

Don’t break the bank with expensive chalk paint, make your own homemade chalk paint with this two step process. | Frugal Coupon Living

What’s for dinner? This rustic chalk board menu is quite adorable! | Little Glass Jar

Make farmhouse shelves from unfinished wood with a little paint and stain. | Lolly Jane

Add farmhouse charm to your fire place with this homemade screen. | Crafting this House

Turn chicken wire and wood into vintage farmhouse picture frames. | Anderson and Grant

Stars and Stripes forever! This patriotic DIY flag is the perfect farmhouse back drop. | Finding Silver Pennies

Weekend DIY Farmhouse Projects you can complete in a few hours. Creative Joanna Gaines inspired easy farmhouse decor that looks like it's straight from episodes of Fixer Upper. #FrugalCouponLiving #FixerUpper

Love this easy cottage style decor. Quickly make a three tired tray in a few hours. | Liz Marie

Easily fill a large wall for under $20 using natural elements – a Branch and Eucalyptus. | The Honeycomb Home

You will need to have some handy tools for this fake farmhouse fire place… you will never guess what makes up the bricks! | The Honeycomb Home

Grab old plates from a thrift store and paint white. Then create the perfect plate wall display with a beautiful plate gallery! | Kristine in Between

Organize your grocery run with this Farmhouse Produce Rack. | Addicted 2 DIY

You might also love these DIY Fixer Upper Farmhouse Style Ideas– Pin to Pinterest.

Get inspired by these DIY Fixer Upper Farmhouse Style Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

KonMari Method Dollar Tree Organizing

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February 21, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Get inspired to spark joy with these KonMari Method Dollar Tree Organizing tips. Frugal and affordable ways to master the Japanese art of tidying up!

KonMari Method Dollar Tree Organizing

Why use the KonMari Method?

Okay, I have to confess. An hour-long episode Hoarders makes me way less anxious than just ten minutes of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. It might be because Hoarders lets me be lazy and shocked while Tidying Up makes me think about all the organization I could be doing in my already sort-of-organized-but-not-quite house. Without diving too deep in the psychology of it all, both shows inspire me to get more clean and organized. I know I can’t be the only one searching for the best ways to keep my home functional and efficient, and I DEFINITELY know I’m not the only one on a budget. Check out the great Dollar Tree DIY organization tools below for the best ways to keep things neat and tidy, while also staying affordable.

KonMari on a budget?

Now, we all know I like to be as frugal as possible, and this includes my love for Dollar Tree organization. Just consider all the Dollar Tree stacking bins in my cabinets, Dollar Tree storage in my closets, and Dollar Tree drawer dividers in the rooms of my house that tend to accumulate clutter. From the garage to the pantry, KonMari your whole house and spark joy with these KonMari Method Dollar Tree Organizing Tips!

Dollar Tree DIY Organization

We are interested to hear what KonMari Dollar Store Hacks you try! Keep us posted with your favorites!

Monthly Declutter Challenge

Before you start organizing with Dollar Tree, download and print our 31-Day Declutter Challenge to help you get on the right track!

Pantry Dollar Tree Storage Hack

This beautifully uniform pantry definitely sparks joy! I love how affordable and pretty Dollar Tree Storage can be. This blogger originally had a $600 receipt but brought it down to just $20 with frugal Dollar Tree DIY organization. Also seen in our Dollar Store Crafts and Hacks. | The Social Home

Buy It: We suggest grabbing these Dollar Tree Storage Containers with silver lids.

Makeup Clutter Dollar Tree Organization Hack

Makeup drawers are always the hardest for me to tidy up. So much clutter! These Dollar Tree drawer dividers changed everything for me. Start by sorting your items by size, then by category. | Sincerely Pau (website no longer working)

Buy It: The Dollar Tree has a lot of drawer organizers. Measure the depth of your drawer before ordering.

Colorful Garage Dollar Tree Storage

I need to try this in my garage! This beautiful Dollar Tree storage hack totally livens up a “blah” space. | I Heart Organizing

Buy It: You can’t go wrong with these Oval Plastic Storage Tubs with Handles. I love that you can organize by color — cue sparks of joy! Plus, they have enough room to write on with a Chalk Marker or using your Cricut Vinyl Cutter.

Laundry Room Dollar Tree DIY Organization

This Dollar Tree organization hack for your laundry room is fantastic. I love the use of color and how tidy everything looks. | Nikki Jayne Papery

Buy It: These are my favorite storage tubs. Like, FAVORITE! I use them for KonMary organization everywhere, not just our laundry room. For example, I put our Magnet Tiles in them and carry them to soccer games, restaurants, in the car, etc. They’re super convenient and easy to carry.

Cookie Sheet Dollar Tree Hack

So smart! Turn a regular cookie sheet into a family command center. Such an easy Dollar Tree DIY organization project for the weekend! | The Crazy Craft Lady

Buy It: Did you know DollarTree sells baking sheets and other frugal baking supplies? Amazing!

Freezer Dollar Tree Organization Hack

This freezer organization system is easy to implement and inexpensive. All you need are some Dollar Store storage bins and 30 minutes! | Practically Functional

Buy It: For your deep freezer organization, these $1 large rectangular plastic baskets do just the trick!

Mail Clutter Dollar Tree DIY Organization

Here’s your solution for mail clutter! This Dollar Tree DIY organization hack uses upcycled baskets to sort your mail. (I know that basket of bills will never bring you joy, but tidying them up will alleviate a little stress!) | A House Full of Sunshine

Buy It: Check out this great selection of Dollar Tree wire baskets.

Declutter Stairs with Dollar Tree Storage

Anyone else have all that crap that accumulates on their stairs? After getting fed up one day, my husband implemented a “nothing on the stairs” rule. These baskets are a great Dollar Tree storage hack to easily organize what goes up and downstairs. | Sew Many Ways

Buy It: This is the entire current line of Dollar Store Storage Baskets. Feel free to spray paint them to match your home’s aesthetic!

Bathroom Dollar Tree DIY Organization

The before and after of these Bathroom Organization Bins is insane! I love the way she matched the bins to her bathroom colors. | The Country Chic Cottage

Buy It: The Dollar Tree has tons of Baskets for Organization. Which is your fave?

Linen Closet Dollar Tree Organization Trick

This Dollar Tree DIY organization hack gives your linen closet new life! | A Bird and a Bean

Buy It: These are my all-time favorite plastic laundry baskets. We use them every day!

Plastic Basket Dollar Tree Hack

With a little spray paint, these regular dollar store baskets are transformed into a chic KonMari organization system! | Little House of Four

Buy It: Get the KonMari Organization look! These Woven-Look Plastic Storage Baskets are paintable to match your home.

Blanket Dollar Tree Storage Hack

Give a regular dollar store plastic basket a makeover for Dollar Tree storage that’s perfect for housing blankets. Also seen in our Dollar Store Crafts and Hacks. | I Heart Organizing

Buy It: Yep! You can get these classic Stacking Plastic Laundry Baskets for just a dollar!

Makeup Brush Dollar Tree Organization Hack

Organize your makeup brushes with these Dollar Tree storage supplies. | Kimspired DIY

Buy It: Get all the Dollar Tree Glass Jars you need for just a dollar here!

Kitchen Storage with Dollar Tree Dividers

I struggle with the clutter of pots and pans in my kitchen, and I bet most of you do too. Easily and neatly sort your pots and pans with these dividers from the dollar store! | Orgjunkie

Buy It: This Wire Shelf Organizer is similar, but the closest I could find to the ones pictured are these White Wire Dish Drying Racks.

Kitchen Marie Kondo Organization Hack

Dollar Tree storage bins are perfect for organizing the refrigerator and kitchen. They make everything so easy to find! | The Domestic Geek Blog

Buy It: Grab these Essentials Plastic Rectangular Woven Baskets with Handles.

Shower Caddy Storage Hack

Sort your bathroom toys and toiletries with dollar store baskets and command hooks. I love that they drain as well. I need this in our bathroom! | Homemade Ginger

Buy It: As a reminder, these are my favorite plastic laundry baskets. I think this smaller sized plastic basket set could be better suited for bathroom items.

Get inspired to spark joy with these KonMari Method @DollarTree Organizing tips. Frugal and affordable ways to master the Japanese art of tidying up! #FrugalCouponLiving #KonMari #DollarTree

Playroom Dollar Tree Storage

These bins are a great Dollar Tree storage hack for clearing clutter in your kids’ playroom. I love how uniform they look! | Clutter Bug

Countertop Clutter Dollar Tree DIY Organization

Keep your kids’ bathroom countertop clutter free. All you need is a few plastic cups and velcro! | Living Well Mom

Buy It: They’ve got tons of plastic cups to choose from at the DollarTree.com. Shop $1 Kids Licensed Character Cups, or grab Dollar Store Plastics Cups with Straws. You can also get Velcro Squares or Velcro strips you can cut into your own length and shape.

Cleaning Supplies Tidying Hack

Are your cleaning products tossed around under the cabinet? Organize them with plastic caddies. Such a great little tidying trick! | Neat House Sweet Home

Buy It: Dollar Tree sells Divided 3-Compartment Plastic Caddies. You’re winning. I’m winning. Our home is about to be organized!

Bathroom Dollar Tree Storage Hack

Hooks and baskets are an easy Dollar Tree storage solution for your bathroom. | Homemade Ginger

Buy It: These Long Slotted Multi-Purpose Plastic Baskets come in packs of three so you can organize it all!

Get inspired by all these Dollar Store Crafts and Hacks. Pin to Pinterest.

Get organized with these Garage Storage Solutions and Hacks. Pin to Pinterest.

Looking to improve the ambiance of a home? Moving? Look at these Budget Friendly Home Staging Tips and Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Pantry and Stockpile Organization Ideas

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February 12, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Frugal Living, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Gathering a stockpile? Accruing a large stash of goods and products can leave you in a mess. We have some of the best Kitchen Pantry Organization Ideas and Stockpile Storage Ideas to get your home organized.

Pantry & Stockpile Organization

Consider this post just as much for me, as for you. We moved as soon as social distancing became a thing. I am talking about last day of school Friday. Monday, no school and closing on a new house. We consider it a blessing, as many places of work closed the week we moved but all of a sudden I found myself in a new home with no stockpile and starting from nothing.

Stockpile Meaning

If you know couponing, you likely are familiar with a stockpile. If you are new to shopping ahead – say in two week to month long periods, you might be becoming familiar with the stockpile meaning.

Stockpile. stock·pile /ˈstäkˌpīl/ noun. A large accumulated stock of goods or materials, especially one held in reserve for use at a time of shortage or other emergency.

I worked hard to diminish our stockpile before the move. Especially our stockpile of canned foods and fresh ingredients. Once I made a trip to the grocery store (on Tuesday) the shelves were pretty wiped clean. So I began the process of stockpiling, on a limited supply, with a brand new kitchen and pantry. Since I was at ground zero, I went to Pinterest to start right. This was my opportunity to organize a new home and began new habits of putting tings away properly and in their place.

Take my lessons on How to Stockpile from someone who has done her research starting at the beginning. These stockpile organizational tips I learned from step 1 doesn’t mean you can’t start or implement on year 20. Now is a great time for us to all hunker down and organize our home, pantry and stockpile.

Enjoy!

First up, we have a freebie for your pantry too. Download and save this “We’re out of…” free printable Pantry Organizer. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

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.

Also take a look at our Baking Conversion Chart. A Perfect add to your pantry door!

Shop Backing Conversion Chart Printable

Kitchen Pantry Organization Ideas and Stockpile Storage Ideas

If you have plenty of pantry storage (and even if you don’t) use the Dollar Tree to fill your space with Dollar Tree Storage Containers including glass jars and plastic bins. We share a lot of these ideas in our KonMari Dollar Tree Organizing Post. | Do It On a Dime

Use all your space and keep the bread intact! Use under-shelf racks in your pantry to hold easily crushable items that keep your counters free from clutter. (In our home, we actually put this in our cupboard with the plates.) | BHG

When stockpiling, use all the possible space you can. In this pantry hack, attach plastic sink caddies to pantry walls using Velcro Command strips. | Make Bake Celebrate

Speaking of using your pantry wall, try this. Pin your plastic bags to the wall inside your pantry. Not only will our bags be easily accessible but it will free up some space on your shelves. | Source

Use all your space with out loosing things . Pull out drawers will allow you to pack your stockpile in small spaces. See drawer options here. | Source

With stockpiling, it is important to keep ingredients fresh. Especially because you might find yourself opening a new oversize box but not using it entirely right away. Airtight Food Storage Containers are great for pantry organization as well as freeing up space. If you find yourself needing directions for your ingredients, use a label maker to add directions to the container. | Make Bake Celebrate

Utilize the corners of your pantries with a lazy Susan (or 2 or 3 or 100). Follow these step-by-step tips for a lazy Susan pantry idea. | Decor Chick

Instead of pilling cans on top of each other, spread them out with a rolling Can Storage Organizer Rack. This rack and stack on top of each other, as well, for higher shelves and more canned good storage. | Buy It Here

Get creative. Wall mounted magazine racks are perfect for vegetables likes onions, potatoes, and more! | Just What Am I Thinking

Adjustable shelves? Follow these Pantry Shelf Guidelines to see how tall to make an ideal pantry shelf for canned goods, spaghetti sauce, cereal and more. | Food Storage Moms

Ideal Pantry Shelf Guidelines

The following are approximate guidelines for the most ideal pantry shelf height.

Allow 5.25 to 7 inches for a shelf of canned goods.
Allow 8 to 10 inches for a shelf of baskets.
Allow 12 to 16 inches for cereal boxes.
Allow 12 to 16 inches for stackable Airtight Food Storage Containers.
Allow 14 to 16 inches for a 3-tier Can Storage Organizer Rack.
Allow 18 to 20 inches for larger items or items rarely used.

If you lack a basement or an over-sized utility or laundry room, the garage is going to be your best bet for stockpile organization from body wash, laundry detergent, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and more. You can find sturdy Home Depot Garage Shelves. Follow this stockpile organization tutorial on YouTube. | Be My Guest with Denise

Use a hall linen closet to store toiletries. You can use a clear shoe organizer for smaller health and beauty items. This makes them easy to see and reach. | Coupon Wizards

Your food stays fresh and easily accessible in a Pantry Food Storage Container with Handle. The handle makes removing it from the cabinet easy, and its lid ensures freshness. It holds over 6 quarts which is pretty large for storage! | Buy It Here

Want a way to store open chips without them falling over and opening? We love this pantry hack for hanging chips. | Source

Get organized. We have Organizational Printables to get other areas of your home in order. Pin to Pinterest.

Save a lot, organize a lot – We love the Dollar Tree Organizational Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Year-Round DIY Teacher Gifts

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February 11, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

These DIY teacher gifts are great for showing appreciation for your child’s teacher anytime of year! Teacher Appreciation gifts ideas for Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer & every holiday in between.

Year-Round DIY Teacher Gifts

Teaching is not an easy task. Being in charge of 20 kids for 7-8 hours each day, helping them learn new concepts and be good people. It takes a very patient and strong person for that! We need to make sure we are showing appreciation for our children’s teachers all year long, not just at Christmas or the end of the school year.

That’s why I came up with a list of DIY Teacher Gifts you can give year-round. It makes a wonderful surprise when your child takes a handmade teacher appreciation gift to school when it isn’t a holiday!

DIY Teacher Gifts

Is it a struggle to find a perfect Teacher Gift Idea? Creating an EASY, LOW-COST, ADORABLE gift for teachers has never been easier!

Take a look at our Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag Set. This set includes 12 digital gift cards. Download, print, and cut. One gift idea for every season. Our Teacher gift tag pritnables provide easy teacher gift ideas. Staying organized during the school year is hard enough!

One Year of Teacher Appreciation Gift Tags

Winter Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Spread Loves Not Germs | Frugal Coupon Living

Because it’s necessary for us to keep our hands clean during cold and flu season.

Looking Sharp Teacher | Frugal Coupon Living

What teacher doesn’t love having a supply of Sharpie markers on hand?!

I Like You A Lattee | Frugal Coupon Living

Great for a teacher who is often fueled by coffee!

M&M Christmas Poem | Frugal Coupon Living

A fun treat with a very thoughtful poem for the Christmas holiday.

Fleece Navidad | Frugal Coupon Living

I love this idea. The teacher can keep this blanket in her classroom for extra chilly days.

Spring Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Fan-Cactus Teacher | Frugal Coupon Living

An adorable plant gift that doesn’t have to be watered!

Teacher I’m Glad I Am Stuck With You | Frugal Coupon Living

DIY Teacher gifts that include handy supplies are the best.

Thank to You, I’m No Fool | Frugal Coupon Living

While everyone is creating April Fool’s Day pranks, gift a sweet treat!

Donut What I’d Do With Out You | Frugal Coupon Living

All the teachers will love your child after this sweet treat!

Best Teacher Some Bunny Could Ask For | Frugal Coupon Living

How cute is this Easter gift idea for teachers?!

Show appreciation with this Thanks for Helping Me Bloom gift idea | Lia Griffith

This is a flower bouquet you could keep for an entire year – bonus, you don’t have to water!

Summer Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Thanks A Lattee | Frugal Coupon Living

Another great teacher gift idea for coffee lovers.

Jar of Sunshine | Happy Go Lucky

You could fill these jars with lip balm, candies, – so many fun ideas!

Keep Calm Summer Gift Basket | See Vanesa Craft

Things they can enjoy during the summer break – the ultimate in DIY Teacher Gifts!

Nacho Average Teacher | See Vanessa Craft

If you know a teacher who loves Mexican food, this is the best!

Orange You Glad It’s Summer? | Funky Polkadot Giraffe

So much orange to celebrate a bright teacher.

Fall Teacher Appreciation Gifts

C is for Caffeine | Frugal Coupon Living

Those first few days of school are exhausting. Wake up a tired teacher with caffeine.

Thankful for the Hands that Teacher Me | Frugal Coupon Living

Perfect idea for refilling the classroom’s hand soap supply!

Gobble It Up | Frugal Coupon Living

Because what teacher doesn’t want a nice treat?

Fa-BOO-lous Teacher | Frugal Coupon Living

What a cute Halloween idea!

DIY Apple Candy Clay Pots | Real House Moms

A cute desk ornament for sure! Fill with candy or paper clips.

Germs are Scary | I Should be Mopping the Floor on Eighteen25

Cute sayings for the much needed soap or hand sanitizer in the classroom!

Enjoy these Thankful Thursday Ideas – Teacher Appreciation Gifts. Pin to Pinterest.

Also look at these Teacher Appreciation Printables. Pin to Pinterest.

Homemade Lavender Linen Spray – Sleepy Time Remedy

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February 9, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Beauty, Crafts, DIY, Essential Oils, Frugal Living, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest

Homemade Lavender Linen Spray

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I am loving my Essential Oils. One of my favorite and most calming scents is Lavender. I love to use this Lavender Linen Spray on my pillows daily to help me fall and stay asleep, I also spritz my girls pillows with it – I think it is a secret to sleepy time success!

To keep from having a damp pillow I spray it in the morning after making the bed, the water dries but the smell and the benefits will linger throughout the day. If you want a stronger scent mist lightly an hour or so before bedtime. You can also use it on couches, curtains, and rugs to put the relaxing scent throughout your home. This spray can also be used when ironing your linens to give them a light scent as well, spritz lightly or pour right into water well of your iron.

Ingredients:

4 oz. distilled water
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
spray bottle

Directions:

Combine oil and distilled water in spray bottle, shake well to combine.

To Use:

Shake well first then lightly mist pillows or blankets.

For anxious pets you can spray their beds or bedding, spritz the car interior for road trips, include a bottle in a basket with other items for a housewarming present (or for a new mother).

See our Spring Cleaning Hacks and Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

Homemade Soap Scum Remover

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February 9, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: DIY, Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Do you love making your own cleaning supplies? This Homemade Soap Scum Remover requires only two ingredients! Details on Frugal Coupon Living.

Homemade Soap Scum Remover

Hey (waves), “it’s me Ashley with I hate to clean the house Anonymous. ” I wanted to share with you a pretty easy cleaning tip!

What is the one task you will always put off? For me, it is cleaning. I don’t mind the weekly grind of laundry or even the daily task of the dishes and loading/unloading the dishwasher, but when it comes to deep cleaning in the bathrooms, I really hate it! Because of this, I wanted to find a cleaner that was easy to prepare but did the job! I mean, really did the job!

This soap scum remover is pretty incredible. It uses white vinegar and Dawn (have I mentioned, these are two of my staple cleaning supplies!) I absolutely love Dawn Dish Soap. It is such a great de-greaser. I also love vinegar (it is one of my secret ingredients in laundry – see our Laundry Room Hacks and Tips!) With equal parts of both, you get a pretty incredible shower cleaner. You can see our pretty incredible before and after photos of a shower filled with soap scum and the results of our labor.

And if you want to make this task even easier, might I suggest some good music or a good podcast while you are scrubbing (or doing any household work)? If you need some suggestion on Podcasts, I love Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast and Jen Hatmaker Podcast. The marriage podcast as been great (and clearly affordable – it’s free) for my husband and I! Cheaper than counseling – haha! I also appreciate some good music. It really works to lighten my mood. I am most grateful for my Amazon Prime Membership, did you know it comes with music?

Enjoy (and happy listening!)

Supplies:

Blue Dawn Dish Soap
White Vinegar
Spatula
Scrub brush/sponge

Directions:

Add 1/4 cup White Vinegar to a glass measuring cup and heat for 60 seconds in the microwave.
Mix in 1/4 cup of Blue Dawn Dish Soap and mix.
Starting at the top of your shower, pour your mixture down your shower.
Lightly scrub with a scrub brush or sponge and let set for at least 1 hour.
Scrub your shower vigorously.
Any remaining scum, the stuff that’s been there for years and you haven’t been able to get rid of, use the end of a spatula to scrap upwards and the remaining scum will easily scrap off.
Rinse well and see your shower sparkle.