30-Day No Spend Challenge and No Spend Ideas

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June 20, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media 1 Comment

Save money with this month long No Spend Challenge. Download your no spend tracker and get an bonus checklist of No-Spend Weekend Ideas printable. Who is ready to turn their spending habits into saving habits with me?

No Spend Challenge Tracker and Ideas

Did 2020 have anyone reevaluating their spending habits? I am raising my hand.

In 2020, March whipped in so quickly and stayed so long. Then March turned to April, April to May and here we are in June. We actually moved in the middle of the 2020 epidemic and our spending was unable to freeze trying to get a new home in order. We gave ourselves three months with the promise, once June came, we were going on the No Spend Challenge.

So here we are! Who is ready to tackle this 30-day No Spend Challenge with me? In addition to the 30 Day Challenge Checklist, I also have list of no spend challenge ideas for the weekend. Distractions to keep you from pulling out your wallet.

No Spend Ideas

Does not spending money sound, well, challenge? It does for me. Honestly, it brings me anxiety. The second the word “no-spend” is spoken, I begin the “what if” pattern in my head. What if I need xyz; what if we need xyz; what if I can’t do this? As the primary spender for them home, I decided to take this 30 days at a time. As a family of seven, we decided this challenge did not include groceries, essentials, medical purchases or emergency needs. The challenge only included impulse buys, non-essentials, entertainment, and restaurants.

Weekend No Spend Challenge Ideas

A few free activities to fill your weekend (and week).

Visit the Park
Make a Goodwill Run (Take our 30-day Declutter Challenge during this time)
Host a Potluck Dinner
Have a Netflix Movie Night
Volunteer
Visit the Library
Complete a Puzzle
Have a Bonfire Night
Have a Game Night (See our Family Game Night Ideas)
Go Sightseeing In Your Home Town
Read a Book
Batch Cook Frozen Meals
Clean the Car
Go Hiking
Have a Scavenger Hunt (See our long list of Scavenger Hunt Ideas)
Make Paper Kites or Paper Airplanes
Learn a New Skill
Draw or Paint
Camp in your Backyard (See our Camping Hacks and Tips)
Have a Picnic
Make Pizza
Visit a Free Museum (see our Museum Scavenger Hunt in our Stay-cation Spring Break Ideas)

When this is over, have you set new spending habits? Consider having a spend month (or spend week) with discretionary spend. After this month or week, repeat the process and watch the ability to control impulse buys become a natural habit. I bet you reach some savings goal like filling your savings account, paying down payments on student loans, and/or paying of credit and debit cards.

You can pick up a Debt Payment Tracker in our Busy Mom Binder while you are saving money!

SHOP THE BUSY MOM BINDER

30-Day No Spend Challenge Guide PDF

Download Your Free No Spend Printable

Get all of our free printables including our No Spend Challenge Template and Calendar. 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.

How to Print at Staples

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

Upload and order your printable on Staples.com.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final No-Spend Challenge Template fully checked off! Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

It’s a good time to set long term financial goals. Begin the 52 Week Savings Challenge. This 30 day no-spend challenge would give you a jump start. Pin to Pinterest.

This Monthly Declutter Challenge is perfect to pair with your no-spend challenge. Add more to the wallet and less to the home! Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Get inspired these with Back to School Ideas.

Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!

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Space Party Games

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June 15, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Birthday, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media 1 Comment

Ready for an out of this world outer space party? We have a list of seven engaging space party games for your astronauts, pilots, and galaxy visitors. Get ready for lift off with these entertaining birthday party ideas & games for kids.

Space Party Games

How do you organize organize a party? You just PLANET. Get it? Yes, I had to start with the pun.

When it comes to planning and organizing a birthday party, it is best to be prepared. We put together some of these best outer space party games including some classic ideas like musical chairs only it’s called musical planets (and with balls!)

Space Party Ideas

But before you get started, be sure to visit our Out of This World Space Party Ideas.

Space Party Decor

Before you have everyone over for cake, ice cream and of course, party games, make sure you have your party supplies and decor. Take a look at these outer space themed party ideas for your celebration.

A few frugal friendly space party decor ideas and party supplies we recommend are …

Star Shaped Tinsel Garland
Inflatable Hanging Solar System
Space Party Decorations with Happy Birthday Banner
Outer Space Theme Birthday Balloons
Glow in the Dark Stars
Space Shuttle Foam Gliders
Inflatable Astronaut & Space Shuttle
Easter Eggs wrapped in Aluminum Foil (for a space rock treasure hunt!)

Space Themed Party Games

Enjoy these seven space themed birthday party games including Star Light, Astronaut Challenge, Asteroid Crash, Alien Capture, Musical Planets, Planet Grabber and Space Pilot Practice.

Star Light

Choose two kids to be the Star Catchers. Have the other kids line up in two straight lines on opposite side of the playing area. One star catcher yells, “Star Light, Star Bright.” The other one yells, “How many stars are out tonight?” As soon as they say that, the other children try to run to the opposite line without getting tagged by the Star Catchers. The children who are tagged are out. As soon as all of the “stars” are caught, the game begins again.

Astronaut Challenge

Put candies or small prizes into a shoe box. Tape the edges shut. Wrap the box in many, many layers of wrapping paper, aluminum foil or newspaper. (Silver would be great!). Gather “astronaut gear” including some sort of hat, gloves, goggles and something to hold in each hand like a spatula or wooden spoon. One player has a pair of dice. When the timer starts, the player to the left of the child with the dice has to put on all of the astronaut gear and try to unwrap the astronaut box using only the tools. The other child is rolling the dice trying to get doubles. As soon as they roll doubles, they get to have a turn. The first player takes off all of the gear and the second player puts it on. The player to the right will then roll the dice and try and get a turn.

Asteroid Crash

Print off different “challenges” and roll them up inside of different colored balloons. Challenges could include things like: Jump 50 times on one foot, sing the alphabet backwards, etc. Turn on space music and tell all of the kids they have to keep the “asteroids” (balloons) from crashing to the floor. Stop the music and call out a color of balloon. The child holding that balloon pops the balloon and reads the challenge. If they complete the challenge successfully then they get a prize. Play again until every child has a prize.

Alien Capture

This game needs a willing older sibling or parent to help! Have them wear an alien mask and give them a bag of candy. Have several hula hoops around the yard. The alien runs around and the children try to lasso the alien by throwing the hula hoop onto them. To get released, the alien has to throw a handful of candy to the kids.

Musical Planets

This is a musical chairs game with a twist. Instead of chairs, set up balls that are sturdy enough for kids to sit on (one less than the number of kids playing). These are the planets. Have the kids walk around the balls while music is playing. When the music stops, All of the kids try to sit on a planet. The child who doesn’t get a planet to sit on is out of the game.

Planet Grabber

Put a hula hoop on the ground with balls inside of it (one less ball than the number of children). Play space themed music and have the kids walk in a circle around the hula hoop. When the music stops, all of the kids try and grab a “planet” (ball) from the hula hoop. The child without a ball is out for the next round. During the next round, remove another ball from the hula hoop.

Pilot Practice

Hang hula hoops from a tree (or ceiling) at varying heights with point values assigned to each hoop. Have each child make a paper airplane (or have some already made). Set a timer and see who can accumulate the most points by piloting their space shuttles through the hoops.

Follow these space game instructions to perfect your party or print a copy to have it accessible during your celebration.

Space Party Games Printable

We have a Space Themed Birthday Party printable so you can play these space games with your kids. Get all of our free printables including our Space Party Game instructions.

Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

Download Your Space Printable

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.

Staple Printing Services

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 Space Themed Party Games. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Party Games for Kids

It doesn’t have to be space themed to play a party game. Look at these Kids Party Games Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

3-D Paper Cactus Template + Teacher Appreciation Printable

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June 14, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media Leave a Comment

Using Cricut Design Space and a free teacher appreciation printable, we assembled and easy craft and teacher gift idea. Download this 3-D Paper Cactus Template gift this mini potted cactus to your fantastic teacher – “Thank you for being a fan-cactus teacher!”

3-D Paper Cactus Template

Sometimes classroom and indoor spaces lack the sunlight for a small potted plant. We put together this easy to make Mini Potted Cricut Paper Cactus. Follow this step by step tutorial in design space and wirelessly cut with Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker machines. After creating an adorable mini paper plant, we provide an optional teacher appreciation gift tag to thank a “fan-cactus” teacher!

Let’s get started!

Cactus Craft Materials

The following materials are needed to create your 3d cactus craft.

Torch Cactus template in Cricut Design Space (#M103661F)
Cricut Maker (or Cricut Joy) with Fine Point Blade and Scoring tool
Cricut Light Grip Adhesive Cutting Mat
Cardstock paper in light green, dark green, coral pink and cream colors
Mini terracotta pot (we used 2”)
Cricut Spatula
Smoothfoam Styrofoam Ball (we used 1.9″)
Hot glue gun with clear hot glue sticks
Glue stick
Optional: Mini Landscape Rocks

DIY Cactus Instructions

First gather your supplies. You will begin your process in Cricut Design Space, craft your DIY cacti, and then create your final potted paper cactus plant. When your craft is done, you can print our cactus teacher thank you note and tie with a ribbon.

3D Cactus SVG on Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space.

Click on the “+” sign to start a new project and open up a blank canvas.

Click on the Images button from the toolbar.

Search “torch cactus” image (#M103661F). Click the image to insert the pattern on the design canvas.

Resize grouping to double the original height to 4.5 inches high.

Click on the shape button on the toolbar to insert a circle shape.

Measure the diameter of your terracotta pot and resize the circle shape to match slightly smaller than the diameter of the top of the terracotta pot. (In this case, the circle shape is sized to 2.125”.)

Change the color of the lightest green pieces to pink and change the color of the circle shape to cream color. Move to the color sync tab to see all the pieces sorted by color.

Cutting Paper Cactus Template

With the machine set to Cricut Maker, select “Make It” in Design Space.

Set the material type to Cardstock, choosing the appropriate weight based on your paper.

Place your first paper color onto the light grip mat.

Follow prompts for loading cardstock paper into Cricut Maker and cutting. When the cut is complete, unload the mat from the machine.

Remove the cut pieces from the cutting mat using a spatula tool.

Repeat for the remaining colored paper cactus pieces and circle base.

Assembling the Paper Cactus Plant

Create a sharp fold on the cactus pieces along the score lines.

Group the similar sized pieces together to create a total of three separate cacti.

Start with the largest sized cactus pieces. Using a glue stick, glue the pieces together, sandwiching the prickly pieces between the other colors, alternating them as you go along.

Press the paper cactus sides together firmly.

Repeat with the smaller and medium sized cactus.

Allow your glued paper cactus plants to dry.

Assembling the 3D Potted Paper Cactus

First, place a dot of hot glue at the center bottom of your terracotta pot.

Lay the styrofoam ball inside the terracotta pot and let it settle on the glue dot.

Next, place a glue dot on top of the ball.

Cover the ball with the cream colored circle shape.

Lastly, attach the prepared 3-D cactus paper plants on top of the circle with hot glue and hold in place until glue sets.

Allow your final piece to dry.

Optional: Using a hot glue gun, on the flat surface of your potted plant, glue down sand and rocks.

Teacher Appreciation Printable

Using an adorable ribbon (we love this green gingham check ribbon), tie off our cactus teacher thank you note a back to school, teacher appreciation week, or end of the year teacher gift idea.

Teacher Cactus Quotes

We pulled together some punny teacher cactus quotes to use this cactus craft as a gift.

Bloom where you are planted.

Let’s stick together.

Needle’s to say you’re a great teacher!

Thank you for helping me stay sharp.

Teacher, you are always on point!

You can hand write your note (see our hand lettering ideas) using the quotes we provided or print off our free teacher printable below…

Thank you for being a fan-cactus teacher!

Download Cactus Teacher Appreciation Note

Get all of our free teacher appreciation printables including this Cactus Teacher Appreciation 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.

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.

How to Teacher Appreciation Printable at Staples

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples. First, sign in or create a Staples account. Using the Staples printing service page, you can ship your teacher thank you note printable or pick it up.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final 3-d Cricut Cactus and Teacher Appreciation Cactus Printable . Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Follow these Cricut Freebies & Tutorials. Pin to Pinterest.

Also save these Teacher Appreciation Printables to use throughout the year. Pin to Pinterest.

RV Packing List

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June 11, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media, Summer Leave a Comment

Going on a road trip? Camping at night? We have your RV Packing List so nothing is left behind. Download this camping printable before you put the rubber wheels on the asphalt. Enjoy your next family camping trip with the comforts of everything you need!

RV Packing List

There is a lot to remember before going on a road trip. Often I am packing days or even weeks in advance. Even if I am not physically packing, I have a running list on my phone sometimes as far out as a month ahead. Since as early as I could remember, I relied on a list for getting me out the door. It didn’t have to be fancy. Often it was on a torn off sheet of paper but I used it as my organized checklist.

If forgetting something on a trip would feel like a nightmare, look at this RV Packing List. Included is everything you need for your next RV trip on the road. This RV Camping List leaves nothing behind.

Enjoy life on the road!

Packing List for RV Camping

Our Packing Checklist for RV Camping includes the following.

General Camping Supplies

___Alarm clock
___Firewood and Axe
___Basic Tool Kit
___Lighters and Matches
___Flashlights and extra batteries
___ Beddings ( sleeping bag)
___Camera battery and battery charger
___Backpacks and beach bags
___Swiss army knifes
___Lanterns and lantern fuel
___Map, compass, GPS
___Sunscreen and bug spray
___Updated first aid kit and medications (Our Busy Mom Binder has a medication printable)

Camping Kitchen Supplies

___Meal plan (See our Camping Recipe Ideas)
___Camping stove and fuel
___Groceries as per meal plan
___Spices and salt pepper
___Drinking water
___Can opener
___Pots and pans
___Dishes cups and utensils
___Aluminum foil
___Trash and recycling bags
___Ziploc bags
___Dishwashing Items

Camping Toiletries & Personal Items

___Toothbrushes and toothpaste
___Body wash and shampoo
___Towels
___Shaving supplies
___Hair care systems
___Laundry bag
___Hand sanitizer
___Baby wipes
___Toilet paper
___Glasses and care items

Camping Clothing

___Warm and cold weather clothes
___ Hats and gloves
___ Undergarments
___ Socks
___ Rangegear
___Warm and cold weather foot gear

Let us know what you would add to the list by leaving a comments on this post.

RV Packing List Printable

Get all of our free printables including RV Packing List including our Camping Packing List. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download all of our free printables.

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 to access your RV checklist.

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

How to Print at Staples

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples. You can get started by signing in or creating a Staples account. Once you have signed in, go to the Staples Printing Service Page and begin your steps.

This might be a product you want to laminate so you can use every time you hop in the RV. We recommend this Scotch Thermal Laminator. I have had mine almost 10 years and it still runs strong.

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

Save these Outdoor Games for Night and Overnight Camping at Night Tips! Pin to Pinterest.

Save these Camping Hacks and Tips for your next trip! Pin to Pinterest.

DIY Party Beverage Tub with Cricut SVG Files

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June 8, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media, Summer Leave a Comment

Make your own party beverage tub with these free SVG files for Cricut Design Space. This outdoor galvanized ice bucket has two optional messages “Chillin” or “Enjoy.” Also create your own vinyl personalized beverage tub and ice bucket with this step-by-step Cricut tutorial.

DIY Party Beverage Tub

In no time you can have a perfect Outdoor Beverage Tub. Using our free SVG files, add the summertime phrase “chillin” or “enjoy” to create a summertime drink bucket to keep your beverages cool.

Fill your DIY beverage tub with your favorite ice cold drinks, chill and enjoy (all the pun!)

Galvanized Beverage Tub

For this DIY Cricut Project, we used a Galvanized Beverage Tub similar to this one at Michaels or this one on Amazon. The reason we chose galvanized for our backyard beverage tub, was because it is known to have a protective zinc coating to prevent rusting, so they’re suitable for indoor and outdoor use, as well as, water exposure.

Another popular backyard beverage cooler is the Igloo Party Bucket Cooler. This double walled cooler has a foam insulated body to keep drinks cold but it will prevent condensation or “sweat” like unlined tubs. Whichever cooler you choose for your personalized beverage holder (ice bucket), make sure it has an area with a smooth surface to apply your Cricut vinyl summertime phrases – chillin or enjoy.

DIY Beverage Bucket

Materials

Enjoy and Chillin SVG File (see below or get it here)
Cricut Maker cutting machine with Fine Point Blade
Cricut Outdoor Permanent Glossy Vinyl in white
Standard grip mat
Cricut Transfer Tape*
Galvanized Beverage Bucket
Scissors
Cricut Weeder Tool

*If you do want to use transfer tape for this project, consider using Duck Brand Peel Clear Laminate as an alternative to Cricut transfer tape. Some people prefer this brand more.

Directions

Gather your supplies and in a few simple minutes, you will have your personalized beverage tub. This outdoor drink tub is perfect for a gathering or just for storing on your patio or deck for quick family get togethers.

Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space.

Click on the “+” sign to start a new project, opening up a blank canvas.

Click on the “Upload” button from the toolbar and browse your downloaded files to insert the summertime SVG files – chillin or enjoy.

The cut image will appear on the canvas.

With the image selected, click on the “Attach” button to secure all parts of the image together for cutting.

Maintain the size or adjust to fit your ice bucket. To adjust the size, highlight the image and click on the size box in the top toolbar.

Change the measurement to suit your galvanized beverage tub size accordingly.

How to Print SVG Files

Select “Make It” in the upper right corner to proceed with cutting.

Choose the Outdoor Vinyl, Permanent from the list of options in the drop down menu.

Place the Permanent Vinyl on the standard grip mat.

Following the instructions prompted on the screen, cut out the vinyl.

Making the Beverage Bucket

Cut around the image(s) with a pair of scissors.

Using the weeding tool, peel away the excess vinyl around the cut images and discard.

Cut a piece of transfer tape a bit larger than the size of the image.

Peel away the transfer tape backing and place the transfer tape on top of the cut image. Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape.

Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the image adhered to the transfer tape. Trim transfer tape if needed.

Carefully consider the placement before applying as the permanent vinyl can’t be removed if placed incorrectly. Position the image with the transfer tape on to the beverage tub and press in place.

Press the image down with your fingers or with the Cricut scraping tool to help it to stick to the tub.

Slowly remove the transfer tape leaving the vinyl image on the tub. Repeat with the other image on the opposite side of the tub if desired.

Fill the galvanized beverage bucket with your favorite drinks, chill and enjoy (all the pun!)

Cricut Free SVG Files

Get all of our free printables including the free SVG cut files. Cut files include both phrases “chillin” and “enjoy” for you to add to your party tub. 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.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Cricut DIY Beverage Tub. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Also save these Free Cricut Craft Tutorials throughout the entire year. Pin to Pinterest.

Save these Cricut Tutorials, Projects and Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Bake and Take Recipes | Meal Trains and Meal Exchanges

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June 7, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, Facebook, Hacks, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Recipe, Social Media Leave a Comment

Tired of preparing dinner each night? Bake and take recipes might be your busy mom solution! Details on how to get a weeks worth of throw in the oven meals for your family. What is a meal train, dinner ideas for neighbors, and hosting a girls night out party with a meal exchange ideas.

Bake and Take Recipes

Bake and take can mean one of many things. It can be an opportunity where people get together for a meal exchange. A bake can take can be an easy recipe for a new baby meal train. It can be a meal recipe you for bringing dinner to neighbors who have medical issue or are experiencing tough times.

Whatever the reason, we have the best bake and take recipes for parties, meal trains, neighbors and friends.

Bake and Take Party

Fist let’s address a Bake and Take Party. This is most appropriate when you are not in quarantine. Similar to a cookie exchange, only a meal exchange. Invite 5 to 7 people (too many people can be quite challenging.)

For a meal exchange party, each person brings the same dish x number of times. For example, for five people, each person brings the same meal in five different disposable foil pans. Exchange meals among friends and at the end of the night, go home with five different dinners for your family. This meal exchange can be done by prepping or baking the dish ahead.

Another option for a take and bake party is you bring your ingredients. Together, friends can sip wine and prep five dishes. Each person goes home with a meal prepared that they can make later that week for their family.

Bonus if your final bake and take meals can be frozen for easy prep on a busy night. For for a take and bake recipe exchange party, you will need Freezer Bags and/or Aluminum Disposable Pans.

What is a Meal Train

I meal train is an effective way to organize meal giving to a person or family for births, surgeries, illnesses and during tough times. A friend group or family community comes together to coordinating dropping off a home-made meal for a family who could use help.

If cooking is not an option, alternatively, you could coordinating restaurant delivery (like pizza or a local restaurant) or send a restaurant gift card for the person/family to use at their own time and need.

Mealtrain.com is a great resource for creating a group meal sign up, organizing meal giving, and scheduling meals to a calendar.

Bringing Dinner to Neighbors

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of those in close proximity like immediate family and neighbors. Bake and take recipes are great for neighbors. You can rotate the responsibility of meals, each person assigned a different night of the week. You can also, bless an elderly, sickly or a neighbor in trouble with the gift of a home cooked meal.

Consider hosting a bake and take party for the neighborhood or create a meal train for a neighbor who could a little extra help.

Social Distance Meals

Let’s take bake and take a step further. During quarantine and times of distancing, social distance meals are an option. Again, choose 5 to 7 people and each person is assigned a day.

The social distancing parties can work one of two ways. Let’s use our party of five people again.

Option 1

Each person is assigned a day. On your assigned day, that person prepares (and bakes) five of the same dinners. They drive to five separate houses leaving the dinner on the step or front porch. This gives each party goer five nights of meals, only preparing dinner one night.

Option 2

Similar to a meal train, each person signs up for one day to bless a friend/neighbor in need with a meal. That person is assigned the job of putting a meal on the porch for the calendar date they have scheduled.

Bake and Take Recipe Ideas

For bake and take recipes, it is very important to know allergy and diet restrictions. We looked for easy recipes, casserole dishes, or throw in the oven meals that were free from many common allergies. Before hosting a bake and take party or meal train, get each persons dietary restrictions and any foods for which they may have an allergy.

This easy Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole is a dump recipe you can quickly prepare and bring to a neighbor or friend. | Neighbor Food Blog

Everything bakes together in one dish with this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. | Happy Go Lucky Blog

Want a good-for-you dinner option for your neighbors? This Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is quick and easy, a comfort dish that is like a big gentle hug. | Pinch of Yum

This savory Slow Cooker Beef on Rice with has a flavorful gravy. Serve it over a warm bed of rice. If you are exchanging with a large group of people at once, bring Uncle Ben’s 90 second rice. So easy and quick. | Le Creme de la Crumb

This nutritious minestrone soup is protein packed with red kidney beans and great northern beans. Exchange with frozen dinner rolls. | Little Spice Jar

With just 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy dinner that cooks in one dish! Cook ahead and reheat. Consider serving with a mixed salad bag. | The Seasoned Mom

Another easy prep. Try a dump and bake easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole. | Lil Luna

This kid-friendly comfort food casserole is great for exchanges. Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional Irish dish made with a saucy ground beef, peas, and carrots and topped with a mashed potato crust. Easy and tasty. | Savory Nothings

A family favorite casserole for us. This creamy tuna noodle casserole is loved by all ages – kids and adults. Goes perfect with a steam fresh veggie. | Mom Dot

Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a quick and healthy crock pot recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. Add all the ingredients in the crock pot then push on! Serve with frozen dinner rolls. | Iowa Girl Eats

This super simple chicken pot pie recipe is made with buttermilk biscuits! | I Heart Recipes

Looking for more ideas? Take a look at our printable meal plans including meatless dinners, chicken dinners, pasta dinners, Mexican dinners, Italian dinners and even salad dinner ideas.

Freezer meals are so friendly when it comes to meal exchanges. Take a look at these make-ahead Freezer Crockpot and Dump Recipes. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Busy Mom Hacks and Tips including an mom tip for making multiple meals in one night! Pin to Pinterest.

Summer Camp Hacks & Tips

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May 24, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media, Summer Leave a Comment

Ready for warmer weather? Adventures? We have the ultimate list of Sleepaway Summer Camp Hacks, Tips, and Ideas for Kids. From free printables, summer camp packing lists, what your cabin really needs, and more. This list of summer camp ideas will have you all set to go for your outdoor summer vacation adventure away from home.

Summer Camp Hacks & Tips

Our family took a crash course in all things Summer Camp last year. My girls went to a two week summer camp. One of my girls had never even had a successful overnight out of the home without a family member. So with my anxiety of her departure, I began the process of doing everything I could to prepare her (them) for summer sleepaway camp making them feel comfortable and with both needs and wants from home.

Summer Camp Packing Tips

When packing for summer camp, take a look at these tips and packing hacks.

First, you need a camp trunk. Not a suitcase. I learned this late. Our first mommy/daughter camp we went to, we brought a suitcase and it was quite a challenge to get through the mountains.

We learned our lesson on that first trip. Having a trunk to open and close every day was much more efficient for our girls. Camp Trunks are so affordable on Amazon.

This is the summer camp trunk that we got. The price was great, maybe I wish we had gotten one larger, but we are not changing because it is very personalized now with travel stickers.

I thought I did amazing things with my trunk, but woah, Ashley has done something even greater. Look at this frugal-friendly, customized summer camp trunk tutorial. | Lil Blue Boo

Summer Camp Packing List

We have a freebie for you. Download and print this kids Summer Camp Packing list by being a member of our email list. This is primarily for sleep away summer camp but you can, of course, leave off the things not needed for overnights (like sleeping bags) if you are going to to a day summer camp.

To get all of our free printables including this Summer Camp Packing List, subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download any of our free printables. Don’t forget necessities like a reading light, laundry bag, spending money, bug spray, a rain jacket, flip flops and more.

Free Summer Camp Packing List Printable

Camp Hair Don’t Care! Keeping your hair in check is quite hard when showering in the mountains. We made sure to pack hats, a lot of hair ties (for getting lost sharing a big cabin) and bandanas. Don’t forget to pick up the Camp Hair Don’t Care tees!

Every VSCO girl and summer camper needs a metal Hydro Flask water bottle to refill with their name in Sharpie underneath. Camp VSCO stickers allows kids to personalize their canteen.

For your camp water bottle, grab small stickers during your travels and add them on or grab camp Hydro Flask stickers from Amazon. Cute options! You can add these stickers to personalize your camp trunk too. | Source

Use your water bottle has a base for friendship bracelet making. Make sure to pack Embroidery Floss for yourself and a lot extra for friends. It will be very popular! | Source

There is a lot of down time! For a fun and memorable camp experience, have your child bring some printables during their free time. We love these printable Mad Libs from Woo Jr. You could also grab this summer camp Mad Libs book.

Remember that free time we spoke about. Have a book (or two for those who love to read.) My daughter worked on the Camp Confidential series while she was away at camp.

Most of the time, when it is lights out, it is lights out. However, having a battery operated book light can be good for girls who want to read later into the evening before the official “bedtime hour.”

We also suggest bringing battery operated string lights – such a cute touch to a bunk and cabin.

Make sure you have a battery operated fan. The evenings can be extremely hot (or extreme cold – pack a sweat shirt) and plugs are hard to come by. A battery operated fan should give you enough life to get through your summer camp stay. If staying for a prolonged time, make sure to pack extra batteries. | Camp Greystone

It is inevitable kids get home sick. Sleep away summer camp is sure to busy them and exhaust them so they fall straight asleep but having little photos from home will remind them of their loved ones.

Allow your kids to bring some things to personalize their space including photos, lovies, or little mementos. Washi tape will help them hang their prints. | Camp Greystone

For our two-week summer camp, the parents have the ability to email, letters are printed out and delivered to the kids. However, the children do not have access to email so snail mail it is. Make sure to pack your child summer camp stationary. Do not forget the stamps and an extra pen or two.

This is the stationary set that we ordered. It came with an address book for collecting addresses for friends. It comes in two styles.

Camp Letter Printable

We also have a free printable letter from camp! This one comes in a cute newspaper design and guides your kids with things to write – things you would likely ask them and want to hear about!

Get all of our free printables including this Summer Camp Letter Template. Subscribe and look for a link and password in our inbox. The password allows you to access and download any of our free printables.

Free Summer Camp Letter Printable

Our camp uploads photos of the kids to albums. Each day parents can visit to see what the kids are doing. I save those photos and then turn them into a fun little postcard that I get mailed from Postable. This let’s them see the fun things they have done and gives them something to hang on their bunk.

How to Make a Postcard for Summer Camp

Below is a tutorial of how to make a postcard for summer camp using Postable and PicMonkey.

Sign up for Postable
Sign up for Picmonkey.
Using Picmonkey, create a collage of photos (I chose to do something with the size ratio of 5×7.)
Save your collage.
On Postable, go to “upload your own” on the top menu of the website.
I chose size flat vertical 5×7 (you could also do horizontal layout or a folded card.)
Upload your saved Picmonkey collage.
Write your message
Address your card.
Checkout. You can $5 off any order of $20. Use promo code MRK8UR86JF at checkout.

My kids are at summer camp for two weeks, so I get these postcards made early in their stay so that they get it in time before leaving. Postable also has options (like the hiking card above) if you wish not to make your own photo collage online.

Label it all! Label all clothing, all accessories, all shoes, etc. Even label your kids underwear. We pick up a pack of Mabel’s Labels Camp Labels.

Looking inside of a trunk can be very overwhelming. Organize clothes by day of the week or type/style using Ziploc Gallon Bags or Packing Cubes (my choice!) | Kelly Elko

The KAVU Rope Bag camping backpack is great and very popular for summer camping. It can be pricey so I monitored it during the off season and gifted it to my girls for a spring holiday.

There are so many patterns on Amazon. I went through all the patterns and looked for those that were most discounted. I added those to my cart and then selected my favorite at the end. If you want something more frugal-friendly, Ambry makes a similar discounted Rope Sling Bag.

It’s always cute to send little items from home, like a little gift each day. Hit up the Dollar Tree and wrap really small items. We also came up with this Summer Camp Candy Notes (though many places will not allow you to send in candy anymore.)

Speaking of backpacks Grab a white pillow case, white t-shirt or white backpack (like we did) and download this Straight Out of Camp Iron On. Perfect for friends to sign at the end of the week!

Eliminate boredom with these Summertime Boredom Buster Activities. Pin to Pinterest.

Also save this Visual Summer Bucket List for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Plastic Easter Egg Lightning Bugs Craft

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May 23, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media Leave a Comment

Recycle and upcycled your supplies with this Plastic Easter Egg Lightning Bugs Craft. Using a flameless tea light, create a DIY firefly that really lights up. This Summer craft idea for kids is perfect for small hands and makes a cute handmade night light for their bedside.

Plastic Easter Egg Lightning Bugs Craft

Anyone else STILL picking up plastic Easter Eggs off the floor. If I do not get the kids March Easter basket put away within the first 24 hours, these little suckers end up all over the house.

This year, we twisted it up. We actually kept our plastic eggs. By kept I mean “not put away” (insert finger quotation marks) in the Easter boxes. One child sprinkled a few mismatched in the toddlers room. Another child tossed a few in the toy box. Someone one hid some behind the bathroom toilet. The sprinkling, the tossing, the hiding was not agreed upon by me. Once my little monsters managed to fill the house with broken Easter Eggs, I reached my breaking point… in May.

Plastic Easter Egg Crafts

We moved this year and there have been new excitements watching this house go through different seasons. Bulbs have sprung out of the ground, the creek has risen and lowered, but one very exciting event has been the lightning bugs that have emerged in the evenings.

My husband’s and my bedroom is on the third floor. We are high up into the trees with green leaves in the tree tops right outside our window. The other night falling asleep my husband asked if I “saw that?” Don’t you love when someone says “that” over did you “see those lighting bugs in the tree?” I looked out the window and sure enough, the lighting buts were dancing outside our window. So beautiful and magical. I wanted to wake the kids, but as an outnumbered mother of five, I knew better.

I had been researching Plastic Easter Egg Crafts and decided I had a solution for our family. Upcycled Easter Egg Fireflies.

Why Do a Lighting Bugs Light Up?

Before we began our project, we addressed a few questions about lightning bugs like why does a lightning bug light up?

Fireflies, sometimes called lightning bugs, are a unique insect. They light up and this is seen clearly in the evening sky. did you know, according to National Geographic, this was a mystery for 60 years. In 2015, scientist discovered that the light of a lightning bug is from a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound in their abdomen.

This compound is luciferin. When air transfers to the inside of a lightning bugs’ belly, it reactions with the lucierfin causing a chemical reaction that gives up a fiery glow. The firefly can control the amount of airflow to their abdomen creating a pulsating pattern or flicker of light.

You can extend your lesson on insects with our Bug Booklet Insect Journal.

Lightning Bugs Crafts Materials

Multiply these crafts as needed. The supplies below create two fireflies Easter Eggs.

Supplies:

How to Make a Firefly

It is very easy and safe for small hands to help you make a firefly Easter Egg. Careful with the hot glue gun as that should be parent lead and can burn your skin. This summer craft for kids idea will be something they can keep beside their bed.

Instructions:

First, gather your supplies. Plugin your hot glue gun to warm.

You will begin by opening your plastic egg. Each side will be slightly different. One more rounded, one with a more pronounced point.

Take your rounded Easter egg halves and use a permanent marker to make a mouth. We made a small smile on one and a half smile on the other.

After you create your smiles, cutting two of your pipe cleaners into thirds for a total of six pieces.

Twist three pipe cleaners thirds together and bend to shape the legs. Repeat for the second set of legs. Put aside.

Once your glue gun is warm, hot glue 2 wiggly eyes onto each rounded egg face. Let dry.

While your eyes are drying, cut your antennas. Take your last pipe cleaner and cut it in half. These will serve as your two sets of antenna.

Take one set and fold it in half to form a V Shape. Curl your ends slightly to shape. Repeat for the second set. Set aside.

Take your pointy Easter egg half and insert your tea lights into both eggs. Turn on your tea lights.

Add the antenna in the egg and then and tightly close the plastic eggs halves together.

Glue on your pipe cleaner legs and let dry.

Take a 2 inch piece of Duct tape and fold it in leaving 1/4 inch uncovered so you can stick it to the edge of your bug.

Use scissors and round your folded Duct tape into wings. Repeat for the second bug.

Finally, stick on your duct tape wings.

We placed ours by our kids nightstand. A cute little nightlight but have backup lights because they can burn quickly if you get a cheaper set.

We hope you enjoy making these as much as we did.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Lightning Bug & Firefly craft. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Take all those old Plastic Easter Eggs and Upcycle into Crafts. Pin to Pinterest.

Love Bugs? Take look at this Insect Journal and Booklet for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.