Frugal Living Archives - Page 13 of 37

Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees

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December 15, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe

Enjoy this adorable Christmas Food Craft with the kids – Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees.

Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees

These are fun for the Christmas season. Using melting chips and pretzels, make easy Christmas Trees in this step-by-step tutorial. Looking for more ideas for the holiday season, also take a look at our Christmas Food Crafts for Kids.

Ingredients:

10 Pretzel Rods
1 cup Green Candy Melting Chips
1/2 cup mini M&Ms or other decoration for ornaments
10 Candy Stars

Directions:

Line a cutting board or cookie sheet with wax paper.
Place candy chips in a zippered sandwich bag and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir to make sure the are melted. Heat additional 15 seconds if needed.
Clip of small corner of bag to pipe.
Place several rods on wax paper with plenty of room between.
Pipe candy onto each rod starting at tip and getting wider as you go down the rod to the halfway point.
Place M&m’s or other candy around as ornaments.
Top with a candy star.
Place in freezer for 10 minutes to set candy.
Carefully peel from wax paper.

Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

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Ingredients

Scale

10 Pretzel Rods
1 cup Green Candy Melting Chips
1/2 cup mini M&M?s or other decoration for ornaments
10 Candy Stars

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Instructions

Line a cutting board or cookie sheet with wax paper.
Place candy chips in a zippered sandwich bag and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir to make sure the are melted. Heat additional 15 seconds if needed.
Clip of small corner of bag to pipe.
Place several rods on wax paper with plenty of room between.
Pipe candy onto each rod starting at tip and getting wider as you go down the rod to the halfway point.
Place M&m’s or other candy around as ornaments.
Top with a candy star.
Place in freezer for 10 minutes to set candy.
Carefully peel from wax paper.

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Also check out these Christmas Gift Ideas for the Neighbors. Pin to Pinterest.

Inspired to bake more? This round-up of 31 Days of Christmas Food Crafts are great! 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.

Natural Eye Redness Home Remedy

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December 14, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Beauty, Essential Oils, Frugal Living, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Social Media

Natural Eye Redness Home Remedy

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Always consult your doctor. I am not a medical professional.

Got Irriation? Eyes that are pink can be nothing but a nuisance. They are not pretty or fun. But it happens, so the best thing to do is to get rid of it as quickly as you can. I do my best to avoid prescriptions in favor of essential oils as a natural treatment. I find this to be a great recipe for my bathroom cabinet. Just 3 Young Living Oils and a little bit of almond oil to create this effective relief from minor redness without resorting to chemicals.

For relief from minor redness, eucalyptus radiata, lavender, and melaleuca are good oils to use – but I wouldn’t use it on children who couldn’t FOR SURE keep their hands away from their eyes all day long, because if they rub it in it will burn! This mixture goes on the outside of your eyes, away from your actual eye.

Ingredients:

15 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
7 drops Lavender
7 drops Melaleuca
1 Tbsp. almond oil
Dropper – I found this one on Amazon that would be perfect for this mixture!

Directions:

Combine eucalyptus, lavender, melaleuca, and almond oil in bottle – shake well. To use: apply a small amount under eye just above the bone. Rub around the eye area like you are painting on glasses. Repeat as needed throughout day taking care to NOT get mixture inside eye at all.

If symptoms persist, see your doctor.

Did you enjoy this post, also check out our 20 Uses for Thieves Oils. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out our Lavender Linen Spray, Homemade Vicks VapoRub and Homemade Sugar Scrub using Essential Oils.

Do not forget to check out our current Essential Oils Deals. Are you into cleaning eating and taking care of your body. Learn more about how you can get Juice Plus+ for FREE! This provides you with a daily dose off all your essential Fruits and Vegetables.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

Homemade Chest Rub

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December 14, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Essential Oils, Frugal Living, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Social Media

Homemade Chest Rub

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Always consult your doctor before use or intake. I am not a doctor or medically trained physician.

We are still in the cold and flu season and while I have nothing against modern medicine and we use medicine when needed I prefer to keep chemicals to an absolute minimum. So one thing I can do is replace over the counter items for symptom relief with my Young Living Essential Oils, Juice Plus+ and other chemical free items. While I love the benefit of chest rubs, the chemicals…not so much. So I used a fabulous trifecta of oils to create the same thing minus the icky stuff – Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint. These are great for the Winter and Fall Season!

Ingredients:

¼ cup coconut oil
8-10 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
8-10 drops Lemon essential oil
8-10 drops Peppermint essential oil

Directions:

Stir coconut oil and essential oils together until very well mixed. You can do this by hand with a spoon or spatula, or with a hand or stand mixer.

To Use:

Apply to chest, below nose and alongside nose- take care to avoid eyes. I also suggest putting this on the bottom of your feet and then slipping on some socks – trust me!

This rub is safe to apply as needed throughout the day.

I recommend storing in a glass jar like a small mason jar because lemon will break down plastic and release toxins into your mixture. This mixture will melt in hot temperatures, I keep mine in the bathroom and it has only softened very little.

Also check out these other Essentail Oil Recipes

Homemade Sugar Scrub – Pin It to Pinterst

Lavender Linen Spray – Pin It to Pinterest

… and take a look at 20 Uses for Thieves Oil (Pin to Pinterest)!

Do not forget to check out our current Essential Oils Deals. Also see how I avoided the Flu this year with Juice Plus+.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

Heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Spread – Holiday Dessert

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November 8, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe

Heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Spread
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If you are looking for a heavenly dessert, look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Spread. This makes a great side dish on the dessert tables and serves well with pretzels, cookies, crackers or is delicious with nuts and fruit. Everyone will be asking you for the recipe! Don’t forget our other Salted Caramel Recipe. This one comes with a FREE Gift Tag!

Ingredients:

8 oz Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Butter
3/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Water
1/4 tsp Coarse Sea Salt
2 tbsp chopped Walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Place cream cheese in freezer for 30 minutes.
Slice frozen cream cheese to make two layers and return to freezer.
Line bottom of a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray the paper with non-stick spray.
Cut up butter into slices and combine with cream and microwave 1-2 minutes until butter is melted.
In the medium to large saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
Stir just until the sugar is moistened and uniform, being careful not to splash sugar on sides.
Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
Cover with a lid for 1 minute (this helps wash any sugar on sides back in).
Remove lid and do not stir the after this point.
Place the pot with the sugar mixture over medium to medium-high heat.
Let the sugar syrup come to a boil without stirring.
Cook until mixture reaches 320, the syrup will begin to darken slightly.
Turn off the heat and slowly add the warm cream and butter mixture a little at a time while gently whisking (will bubble violently).
Turn burner back on to medium-high.
Let the caramel come to a boil and reach 240 without stirring.
Remove from heat add sea salt and whisk until mixture cools to 150.
Place one layer of frozen cream cheese in center of pan.
Pour caramel to completely coat layer.
Place secaon layer on top of first and poor caramel to coat top layer.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.
Place in freezer for 10 minutes to quickly cool caramel then transfer to refrigerator for 2 hours.
Transfer to platter before serving.

Also look at these Christmas and Holiday Recipes

Follow all Recipes on Frugal Coupon Living as well as FCLAsh on Pinterest.

Easy Cookie Monster Ice Cream – Sesame Street Party Idea

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July 8, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe

Cookie Monster Ice Cream

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Looking for a Sesame Street Party Idea? Looking for a yummy treat to feed your Cookie Monster? Take a look at this No Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream Recipe.

Ingredients:

2 cup Heavy Cream
14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tbsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp Blue Food Coloring
20 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreos)
15 Chocolate Chip Cookies

Directions:

Break up 15 sandwich cookies and 10 chocolate chip cookies and set aside.
Whip heavy cream, food coloring and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Beat in condensed milk until color is uniform. Add additional food coloring if needed.
Fold in broken cookies and transfer to loaf pan.
Break up all remaining cookies and use to decorate top of pan.
Place in freezer for at least 5 hours.

No Churn Cookie Monster Ice Cream

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

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Ingredients

Scale

2 cup Heavy Cream
14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tbsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp Blue Food Coloring
20 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreos)
15 Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Instructions

Break up 15 sandwich cookies and 10 chocolate chip cookies and set aside.
Whip heavy cream, food coloring and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Beat in condensed milk until color is uniform. Add additional food coloring if needed.
Fold in broken cookies and transfer to loaf pan.
Break up all remaining cookies and use to decorate top of pan.
Place in freezer for at least 5 hours.

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If you like this recipe, also check out our No Churn Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Ice Cream, what a fun recipe for the kids and for you! Pin to Pinterest.

Also consider these other Ice Cream Recipes on Frugal Coupon Living.

Follow all Recipes on Frugal Coupon Living as well as FCLAsh on Pinterest.

Neapolitan Cheesecake Brownies

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July 8, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe

Neapolitan Cheesecake Brownies

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Does Neapolitan ice cream remind you of being a kid again? Everyone wanted the chocolate and skimmed over the strawberry and vanilla. Each of these layers adds a twist on the original dessert. A layer of cheesecake between the strawberry preserves and brownie will please everyone’s tastes buds! The ingredients are simple, perfect to make for a birthday party, Mom’s night out or the next barbecue. Whatever the occasion, bite into a bit of nostalgia with these delicious treats!

Ingredients:

1 box Brownie Mix + Ingredients from box
16 oz Cream Cheese
2 Eggs
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup softened Butter
16 oz Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Strawberry Preserves (optional)
4-5 drops Red Food Coloring

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
Prepare brownie batter according to box directions.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until top appears completely set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
Cream together cream cheese, sugar and eggs until well blended.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over brownie layer.
Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until cheesecake layer is set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 30 minutes until top is no longer warm to the touch.
Beat butter (and strawberry preserves if using) while slowly add in powdered sugar.
Add in food coloring to acheive pink color, then whip to get uniform color.
Frost cheesecake layer by spreading frosting with a spatula to completely cover.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Neapolitan Cheesecake Brownie Bars

4.7 from 3 reviews

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

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Ingredients

Scale

1 box Brownie Mix + Ingredients from box
16 oz Cream Cheese
2 Eggs
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup softened Butter
6 cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Strawberry Preserves (optional)
4–5 drops Red Food Coloring

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
Grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
Prepare brownie batter according to box directions.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until top appears completely set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
Cream together cream cheese, sugar and eggs until well blended.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over brownie layer.
Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until cheesecake layer is set.
Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 30 minutes until top is no longer warm to the touch.
Beat butter (and strawberry preserves if using) while slowly add in powdered sugar.
Add in food coloring to acheive pink color, then whip to get uniform color.
Frost cheesecake layer by spreading frosting with a spatula to completely cover.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

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Are you a cookie monster? Don’t forget our Copycat Cookie Monster Ice Cream! Pin to Pinterest.

Follow all Recipes on Frugal Coupon Living as well as FCLAsh on Pinterest.

10 Things to Do in Washington DC with the Kids

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June 28, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Travel

Washington DC with the Kids

{10 Things to Do with the Kids in DC}

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If you have kids and live in the DC area, it only makes sense to get out there and explore what this awesome city has to offer. Whether you’re new to this area or just want to get out and re-explore the nation’s capital with your kiddos, here are 10 things to do with kids in DC.

Hello Bei Bei! The Smithsonian Zoo debuted their newest 5 month old Panda bear today! #pandastory #beibei

A post shared by Ashley Recio Langston (@frugalcouponliving) on Jan 16, 2016 at 1:12pm PST

1.) The National Zoo – One of our favorite things to do in the DC area with our kids is the National Zoo. This 163-acre zoological park is in the heart of Washington, D.C. They are home to 2,000 individual animals. Open to the public 364 days a year, it is free to visit but does cost to park. Try public transportation as both the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stops are within walking distance of the Zoo.

2.) National Air and Space Museum – If your kids love to learn there are two National Air and Space Museums. There is one on the mall (the area of DC where most Smithsonian Museums are located) and one out near the Dulles airport (our favorite) in Virginia. The museums maintain the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts. Take a look at Wright Flyer, Apollo 11, the Space Shuttle Discovery, and more! No matter which location you’re close to, you can check it out!

3.) National Museum of Natural History – We are huge history buffs around here, so going to the National Museum of Natural History is a no-brainer. If you’ve never been to this museum before, it’s focused on everything from bones to mammals to mummies to Human Origins. The African Elephant the exhibit most recognizable but also check out the live butterfly pavilion, Tarantula feedings, the biggest blue diamond in the world, and a Live Coral Reef.

4.) International Spy Museum – Feeling like James Bond? This is one of the most fun museums in the DC area and kids love it. There are tons of exhibitions, experiences, and educational programs to dive into. The mission of this museum is to explore the craft, practice, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It is really neat how each museum has special details for children to make the visit engaging and exciting.

5.) National Mall – Don’t be confused, this is not a place for shopping. The mall is a park in the art of the District where you can see dozens of museums, monuments, and the White House. Walk from the Capital, down the large row of Smithsonian Museums, past the Washington Monument, glimpse the White House, pass the WWII Memorial, see the beautiful Reflecting Pool and finish at the LIncoln Memorial – a great spot to catch the sunset! Although it’s called a “mall”, your brain will be the only thing receiving new inventory as it is a rich place for exploring.

6.) A National’s Game – “Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd…” Whether you’re a fan of baseball or not, going to a National’s Game is a must for any bucket list. You might even feel like a local!

Finally braving the city after the large rush of inauguration visitors. Today’s trip is to the Natural History Museum to visit Q?rious Microscope Lab. You can view dinosaur bones, insects, minerals, animals and so much more…. any idea what that yellow eye staring back at us is? It’s the lesser bird-of-paradise.

A post shared by Ashley Recio Langston (@frugalcouponliving) on Jan 28, 2017 at 9:46am PST

7.) The Spark Lab located in the National Museum of American History – We visit the Spark Lab at least once a month if not more often. It is a great place for my girls, ages 6 and 7, to try hands on experiments with the knowledge and supervision of some pretty smart volunteers. It also brings a love and passion for science and technology, something I love having instilled at such young ages. While you are in the American History Museum, be sure to see the Flag that Inspired the Star-Spangled Banner. Also take a look at The Natural History Museum and go to their hidden gem, Q?rious Microsope Lab.

8.) U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing – This is such a cool place for kids to visit in the DC area. Of course it’s unique because it’s not every day kids can see where currency is made and engraved. Whether you’re visiting or live in the DC area, you have got to check out this place. I visited as a young kid and it is the place I remember most!

A lot of history is being uncovered by these two girls at the Newseum in DC…. did you use your Bank of America card for a FREE museum entrance today? @newseum #bankofamerica #museumsonus #newseum #dc

A post shared by Ashley Recio Langston (@frugalcouponliving) on Aug 2, 2015 at 11:50am PDT

9.) Newseum – This kid friendly DC attraction is best for older kids as it features dramatic pictures and stories that made the national news. Exhibits include 9/11, the Vietnam War, and a section of gripping Pulitzer Prize winning photos. Bank of America cardholders can get free admittance the first weekend of the month. You can also buy tickets online to save 15%.

10.) The National Harbor – This awesome place to visit is located in the District in Maryland. I suggest going toward the end of the day, it is a great place to watch the sun set and grab a bite. You can literally shop, dine, play, and stay at The National Harbor. We love the Gaylord National. Seasonally, both ICE (winter) and movies and the park (summer) are great. Recently, they have added a casino, MGM National Harbor. You do have to travel a little to get to it. The best way is by car, try UBER and get your first ride free!

Since moving to DC, we have been able to experience so many places, full of rich history. We love learning and exploring, so DC is the perfect place for us. Have you ever visited any of these 10 places for kids in DC? I’d love to hear your experience!

Take a look at the list of Washington, DC Travel Tips – What To Do OUTSIDE the District. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget the List of 10 Free Things to Do in Washington DC. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out this list of these Top 10 Restaurants in Washington, D.C. Pin to Pinterest.

Looking to take it outside? This list of Outdoor Activities in DC is perfect for adventures. Pin to Pinterest.

Relaxing and Refreshing Lavender Lemonade Recipe

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June 27, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Essential Oils, Frugal Living, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Summer

Lavender Lemonade

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I am always ready for a lemonade, even in the dead of winter. This tasty beverage, with a touch of lemon and lavender, will be sure to please a quenched-thirst.

Ingredients:

1 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, pits removed, pulp added
1 cup raw honey
2 drop Lavender essential oil (add more or less as needed) – This was is safe to ingest and under $20!
2 drops Lemon essential oil
6 cups of water

Directions:

In a small saucepan, bring to a boil 2 1/2 cups of water.
Remove from burner and add raw honey. Stir until disolved.
Add two drops of Lavender essential oil
Cut lemons, remove the seeds and squeeze lemons into a glass pitcher (it is wise to use glass when using Young Living Esential Oils).
Add honey water to lemon juice in the glass pitcher.
Add another 2 1/2 cups of cold water.
Add two drops of Lemon essential oil.
Refrigerate until ready.

DID YOU KNOW!

Lemon aids in healthy skin
Lemon helps support immunity
Lemon freshens your breath
Lavender supports proper nasal function
Lavender aids in reducing bloating

Relaxing and Refreshing Lavender Lemonade Recipe

5 from 2 reviews

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, pits removed, pulp added
1 cup raw honey
2 drop Lavender essential oil (add more or less as needed)
2 drops Lemon essential oil
6 cups of water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring to a boil 2 1/2 cups of water.
Remove from burner and add raw honey. Stir until disolved.
Add two drops of Lavender essential oil
Cut lemons, remove the seeds and squeeze lemons into a glass pitcher (it is wise to use glass when using Young Living Esential Oils).
Add honey water to lemon juice in the glass pitcher.
Add another 2 1/2 cups of cold water.
Add two drops of Lemon essential oil.
Refrigerate until ready.

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Love this post, also check out our Homemade Wrinkle Cream. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out our Natural Eye Redness, 20 Uses for Thieves Oils, Lavender Linen Spray, Homemade Vicks VapoRub and Homemade Sugar Scrub using Essential Oils.

Are you into cleaning eating and taking care of your body. Learn more about how you can get Juice Plus+ for FREE! This provides you with a daily dose off all your essential Fruits and Vegetables.