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Love Shack Valentine Gingerbread House

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December 28, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Valentine's Day 1 Comment

Don’t toss that Christmas holiday candy. Save it for this Love Shack Valentine Gingerbread House. Adorable ideas to create the most adorable February food craft for kids!

Love Shack Valentine Gingerbread House

Love shack, baby love shack!

Don’t toss that Christmas Gingerbread House Kit! Whether you are headin’ down the Atlanta highway or nesting in the coziness of your own home, we have the most adorable DIY Valentine Gingerbread House. We were inspired by Wilton’s Valentine Gingerbread House.

If it’s the end of Christmas, don’t toss that Gingerbread kit. I have done that. December 25th rolled around, we never made our gingerbread house and my first though was “this won’t make it until next year!” Well the truth is, it will. It will make it to February of next year with the creation of a Love Shack Gingerbread House for Valentine’s Day.

You might like: Take a look at this Valentine’s Petite Hugger Gingerbread House Cutter. Adorable with some winter hot cocoa!

Valentine Gingerbread House Ingredients

A few ingredients make this Valentine Gingerbread House. Your candy ingredients can vary, but we listed what we used.

Graham crackers
Vanilla frosting
Gummy hearts
Valentine M&M’s
Valentine heart sprinkles
Valentine nonpareil sprinkles
Mini Starburst Reds

You will also need:

Decorating bags
Small star decorating tip
8” round cake platter or plate
Spatula
Plastic knife

Save this recipe for later. Print your recipe and add it to your recipe box or recipe binder! This is my favorite Recipe Binder – I get tired of printing the same recipe over and over. A binder keeps me organized and gives me a place to store my recipes.

Love Shack Valentine Gingerbread House

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Scale

Ingredients

Graham crackers
Vanilla frosting
Gummy hearts
Valentine M&M’s
Valentine heart sprinkles
Valentine nonpareil sprinkles
Mini Starburst Reds

You will also need:

Decorating bags
Small star decorating tip
8” round cake platter or plate
Spatula
Plastic knife

Instructions

Lightly frost your cake platter or plate with a spatula.
Break three graham crackers in half width wise.
Fill a decorating bag halfway with frosting and another one half way but with a star tip in the end of the bag.
Frost the two longer sides and the bottom of the four graham cracker pieces and stick them to the frosted cake platter in the shape of a house.
Frost the other two graham cracker squares on the two longer sides and stick them on top of the house for the roof.
Carefully cut two triangles with a plastic knife to fit inside the front and back of the roof.
Frost the three triangles sides and stick them onto the frost and back of the roof.
If you want, this is a good time to set your house in the refrigerator.
Use the star decorating tip to make a ruffled border on all the edges and top with sprinkles.
Use the frosting to stick a heart gummy to the front and back of the love shack.
Use the mini Starburst to make a path to the love shack by sticking them to the cake platter.
Frost your roof and tile it using the mini Starburst.
Fill in the triangles with frosting and coat with candy heart sprinkles.
Use the M&M’s to decorating the edges of the house.

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Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Love Shack Gingerbread House recipe. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Valentine Love Shack Recipe Directions

These recipe directions can be adapted to your own style. We are sharing how we decorated our Gingerbread Home, but style to your own taste.

First, lightly frost the cake platter with a spatula.

Break three graham crackers in half width wise.

Next, fill a decorating bag halfway with frosting and another one half way but with a star tip in the end of the bag.

Frost the two longer sides and the bottom of the four graham cracker pieces and stick them to the frosted cake platter in the shape of a house.

Then frost the other two graham cracker squares on the two longer sides and stick them on top of the house for the roof.

Carefully cut two triangles with a plastic knife to fit inside the front and back of the roof.

Frost the three triangles sides and stick them onto the frost and back of the roof.

Use the star decorating tip to make a ruffled border on all the edges and top with sprinkles.

If you want, this is a good time to set your house in the refrigerator.

When then decorated our house. You can follow our steps.

Use the frosting to stick a heart gummy to the front and back of the love shack.

Use the mini Starburst to make a path to the love shack by sticking them to the cake platter.

Frost your roof and tile it using the mini Starburst.

Fill in the triangles with frosting and coat with candy heart sprinkles.

Finally, use M&M’s for decorating the edges of the house.

Save these No-Bake Edible Valentine’s Day Crafts with Food. Pin to Pinterest.

Save these Valentine’s Day Mailbox Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? How to Trap Elf on the Shelf in a Balloon or the TV. Your kids will love this!

Also access our Free Elf on the Shelf Printables! We are here to help you with your North Pole friend! Make sure to visit our Elf Store to cover you on printables for the entire season!

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No-Bake Edible Valentine’s Day Crafts with Food

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December 22, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Valentine's Day 2 Comments

Classroom Ideas and Valentine parties, we have the best No-Bake Edible Valentine’s Day Crafts (that incorporate food!) These Valentine’s Day recipes are perfect for little hands and older hands alike!

Edible Valentine’s Day Craft

Year’s ago we shared with you our Valentine’s Day Food Crafts. We decided it was time to revamp that post. To step it up. To find some newer Valentine Recipes that you want to make. That are easy and fun for little and big hands!

These Edible Valentine’s Day Crafts can be used with a preschool or elementary school classroom or can be created in your own kitchen – call it your very own Family Valentine’s Day party.

First up, graham cracker love shacks? Yep! Perfectly acceptable in February too! Try these Valentine’s Day Gingerbread Hoses (aka love shacks!) | Frugal Coupon Living

No ingredients involved in these Love Bugs Fruit Cups. So Easy for little hands, you will need some glitter pipe cleaners, foam hearts and wiggly eyes (you can switch out the fruit cups for apple sauce.)| Frugal Coupon Living

We don’t recommend this one for the classroom, but maybe a sweet breakfast treat for valentine’s Day morning; Tic-tac-toe Conversation Heart Toast with peanut butter (or use another spread for allergies!) | Frugal Coupon Living

Sign, sealed, delivered! Have stations at your Valentine’s Day party? While one group is handing out valentines, another group can be making these edible Valentine’s Day cards. | Frugal Coupon Living

We have fun (free) printable to go with these Valentine’s Day Rice Krispies Treats – I Only Have Yes for You! | Frugal Coupon Living

OREO love bugs? I mean, who can say no to an OREO. Makes me like any bug! | Sarah’s Bake Studio

See the full list of supplies you need for these Edible Valentine’s Day Robots – perfect for a preschool craft! | Crafty Morning

Of course you can make this heart Valentine craft for the birds, but it’s also edible for young mouths too. | Natural Beach Living

Love bug juice jugs – an adorable craft for the kids with a sweet after taste! | The Gifted Gabber

These energy bears are a cute, fun and healthy treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day! (Caution if you have a nut allergy.) | Haute and Healthy Living

Get pierced with love. These cupids arrows are so incredibly easy. Salty and sweet. | Craft Create Cook

Make the Valentine’s Day fruit wands. A healthy alternative to a day filled with sugar! | A few Short Cuts

Aren’t these love bugs made from apples the most adorable Valentine’s Party Snack. | Eats Amazing

Turn cutie oranges into Conversation ~~hearts~~ oranges. | Mom Always Finds Out

Valentine Candy Arrows – easy peasy and so cute! | A Subtle Revelry

Who doesn’t love a Twinkie? Two tasty Twinkies create these yummy heart treats! | Smart School House

Icing and graham crackers make these cute edible Valentine envelopes. | The Simple Parent

Icing, string and conversation hearts make this easy Valentine’s Day Necklace craft. | Cute Food For Kids

This heart man snack feels like a winner – strawberries, pretzels and marshmallows. We are in love! | Crafting Chicks

Save these Valentine’s Day Mailbox Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Get crafty with these 18 Valentine Crafts for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Teddy Grahams Valentine Conversation Heart Cookies

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December 21, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Recipe, Social Media, Valentine's Day Leave a Comment

Bear Hug Valentines: This easy Teddy Grahams Valentine Conversation Heart Cookies require only three ingredients. If you want these to be your valentines, we also included free printable bear hug gift tags. Enjoy!

Teddy Grahams Valentines

You guys. I have a confession. I am not really a Pinterest mom. I am just a creative mastermind behind the moms who really are Pinterest moms. I come up with some really creative ideas but I never implement them. I hate mess and most Pinterest crafts and recipes lead to messes. This. This, however, is something I will implement. It is so easy and takes two seconds. I also can hand all the supplies to my oldest kids and say, “have at it!” And then I feel like a winner because they feel like America’s Next Top Chef. We both win.

Teddy Grahams Valentines

These Teddy Grahams Valentines are easy. So easy, they have only two ingredients – if you even call them ingredients. I say they are ingredients because that whole America’s Next Top Chef thing.

Teddy Graham Valentines Ingredients

… and the secret ingredient is Teddy Grahams! {Bet you had no idea!} Really the ingredients include three things.

Teddy Grahams
Conversation Hearts
Vanilla icing

You will also need:

Decorating bag
Parchment paper

Teddy Grahams Valentine Conversation Heart Cookies

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Ingredients

Teddy Grahams
Conversation Hearts
Vanilla icing
Decorating bag
Parchment paper

Instructions

Carefully pour your Teddy Graham’s our onto a piece of parchment paper.
Fill a decorating bag with vanilla frosting and cut a small tip off the end of the bag.
Squeeze a small amount of frosting onto the belly of each Teddy Graham.
Stick one conversation heart onto each Teddy Graham.
I suggest you place them in the freezer or refrigerator to harden the icing and secure the conversation hearts on your Teddy Graham bears.

… and now you have a no-bake bear hug!

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Conversation Heart Cookies

These conversation hearts are really simple. I am sure you can quickly figure out the steps, but for those that are still reading…

First, carefully pour your Teddy Graham’s our onto a piece of parchment paper.

Next, fill a decorating bag with vanilla frosting and cut a small tip off the end of the bag.

Squeeze a small amount of frosting onto the belly of each Teddy Graham.

Stick one conversation heart onto each Teddy Graham.

I suggest you place them in the freezer or refrigerator to harden the icing and secure the conversation hearts on your Teddy Graham bears.

… and now you have a no-bake bear hug!

Bear Hug Valentine

To download our free Bear Hug Valentine Gift Tags, enter your name and email address. Confirm your entry with your first inbox email. Next, we will send you access to all of our free printables via link and password in your inbox.

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

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

To Order Your Printables at Staples

Please follow the steps below to print your printables at Staples. You can also follow this video tutorial.

Download and save your image from this post. (Please note these images are for personal use only and cannot be sold or used for commercial use.)
Sign in or create a Staples account on their print service page.
Return to Staples print service page.
Go to Start Project.
Go to Documents Printing. Select Browse.
Select the Buy Now Button under color.
On the left column, choose add file.
Select upload.
Select done.
Give your job a name.
Make sure your project is single sided. The orientation should be portrait (vertical).
I changed my media to 8.5×10 and the media to 67 lb cover stock (I prefer a card stock feel over printer paper feel.)
Select add to cart.
Proceed to checkout. You can choose to ship to your home or to pick up at your local store. Pay online and show your invoice when you pick up (I just show the order number on my phone at pick-up.) The order invoice will arrive in your email inbox.
Enjoy!

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

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

Save these No-Bake Edible Valentine’s Day Crafts with Food. Pin to Pinterest.

Also save these Valentine Printables for Teachers! Pin to Pinterest.

Inspiring Edible Table Runners

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November 16, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Birthday, Christmas, Facebook, Instagram, Party, Pinterest, Recipe, Seasonal, Social Media, Thanksgiving 2 Comments

These inspiring lush edible table runners will create a memorable event talked about forever. Turn you into an amazing hostess with tablescape centered with a greenery table runner surrounded by a bite-sized appetizing menu including fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, cheeses, desserts and more.

Edible Table Runners

I am not the best hostess. In fact a few years ago I created a post Holiday Hosting Tips for you all, but it was truly more for me! I treat hostesses well but I never hold an event well. I think the stress of prepping gives me more anxiety than he reason for the occasion.

Since we have not family this Thanksgiving, I started looking (far in advance) for Friendsgiving Thanskgiving Ideas. This edible table runner hosting idea was a favorite for me. I saw it as lowing my anxiety because everything was immediately displayed for my guests. There was no pulling items in and out of the oven. The pressure of a menu and tablescape overlapped, becoming one. It also was different and stood out, bringing everyone to the table for fellowship.

What is an Edible Table Runner?

There is probably not much we need to describe, as it pretty much describes itself. An edible table runner is a centerpiece full of small bites eat. The centerpiece runs down the length of the table, no food is typically passed. An edible runner should look lush and appetizing, and typically is made of fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, cheeses and desserts. An edible table runner can fit the season – winter, spring, summer and fall or it can fit the holiday and occasion – Thanksgiving, Easter, brunch and whatever!

To decorate, start with your base. It’s good to lay down a corresponding table cloth (stick with a neutral table cloth like a waterproof tan linen so the colors of your foods pop). Then lay down a runner. We are a big fan greenery table runners. After your tablecloth and runner, move your way to larger edible pieces. This includes loafs of bread or large fruits like pumpkins or cantaloupe. Next work your way down to the medium edible bites and then smaller edible items.

Greenery Table Runners

Choosing greenery as your table runner or centerpieces is a great decor option that can be dressed up or dressed down. It looks amazing with bright fruits and veggies. Use year-round in all seasons. Is it the dead of winter? Will the heat wilt your leaves in summer? Don’t fret. Amazon has plenty of greenery table runners to add a pop of color to your edible table runner.

We love these Faux Greenery Table Runners:

Edible Table Runner Ideas

Head to your local hardware store and get wood plank long enough for your table. Finish the food-safe Butcher Block Conditioner and make the ultimate table-long charcuterie board. | Source

Study everything on this edible table runner. Before the flies are out, host a spring outdoor gathering in the yard. Wooden pallets, pillows, and a neutral tablecloth. Full menu is provided by Tara. | Tara Milk Tea

Have the girls over for brunch with this edible breakfast table runner. Menu included. | A Pair and a Spare

Learn the basics of creating a fruit centerpiece. Start with the larger fruits, move to the medium sized fruits and fill in with the smallest. | Photography by Meghan McNeer Styled by Kate Berry for Domino

Listen, your table runner doesn’t have to be exotic. Grab bags of chips. Eating sandwiches? Burgers? Hot dogs? Whatever your entree, lay chips on a wood plank. We find the vegetable sliced chips to be most attractive. (Recall above you can finish your plank with a food-safe Butcher Block Conditioner.) | To Have to Host

Cheese, fruits and chocolates – how to create an edible table runner. | David Jones

Carb load with an edible bread table runner. Add butter and spreads around the table. A lot of tablescape inspiration from this wedding album. | Katie Grant Photo

This table runner is affordable, all the more affordable if you have fruit tree. Decorate with oranges, grapefruits, pomegranate and more. The fruit that is cut, really offers a pop of color (and makes for easy eating!) | Source

At your next summer gathering – three words. Fruit, Veggies, Peonies. | Paper n Stitch

Hot and juicy crawfish, shrimp broils, lobsters and clam bakes make the easiest table runner. Toss down newspaper and pour your edibles straight to the table once baked. | House of Harper

For fall, have the harvest spread. Apples, pumpkins, squash, apricots and more. | Source

Fruits that are darker and richer in tone and make an excellent runner for July 4th or Memorial Day weekend. Insert a few flags to fit your theme. We like this blue and white Gingham checked tablecloth for your background. | Photography by Meghan McNeer Styled by Kate Berry for Domino

Death by chocolate. Fill a table full of chocolate – dark, milk, white and more. We also recommend mini cupcakes, brownies, cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels and more. | Pizzazzerie

For Easter, put all your eggs in one ~~basket~~ table runner. Start collecting your egg cartons. Send home extra eggs with friends in a basket. | The House that Lars Built

For the Christmas season, a gingerbread house village makes a tasty table runner. Display with candy like candy canes, gum drops, chocolates and more. | Source

This citrus tablescape takes me home to Florida and the citrus trees in my grandmother’s and mother-in-law’s backyards. | Fashionable Hostess

Also enjoy these Party and Holiday Hosting Tips. Pin to Pinterest.

Also use some of these Wine and Cheese Party Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Jesus Birthday Cakes for Christmas

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November 10, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media 4 Comments

The Christmas Tradition of Jesus Birthday Cakes. Learn about the meaning of Christmas and the symbolism found in these inspiring nativity cakes including reasons for colors and shapes.

Jesus Birthday Cakes for Christmas

Christmas has become lost in the commercialization of the season. My family and I have worked hard to return to the reason we celebrate Christmas. The coming of Christ. One way we have done that is through a Birthday cake for Jesus.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Traditions

We began the Jesus Birthday Cake Christmas Tradition in 2012 when my girls were 3 and 4 years old. There wasn’t much on Pinterest, it was pre the dawn of Kid’s Baking Championship, and we baking that cake like a box cake mix champ. In sweet fashion, though, my girls wanted the picture shared with the world of social media. I took their photo and my daughter asked… “Mom, are you sending that picture to baby Jesus?” Yes, sweet girl. I am. Consider that cake seen and loved!

If you are in the early age of beginning Christmas traditions, cross cookies for Santa off your list and make a Birthday cake for Jesus. You could even leave a piece for Santa on Christmas Eve. It’s an excellent way to focus on the reason for the season and bring it all back home to why we celebrate Christmas.

Symbolism in Jesus Birthday Cakes

While all of these cakes might just look like another Christmas cake or nativity scene, many offer symbolism in the colors and shapes. Take a look at these cake characteristics that tell the story of Christ.

Jesus Birthday Cake Colors and Shapes

Chocolate Layer – The darkness represents all people have sinned.

Red Layer – The red color reminds us that the blood of Jesus was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

Green Layer – When we accept Jesus, we have new life in Jesus and begin to grow.

Round Cake Shape – Jesus came to the world. The cake shape is round, a circle that is never ending. Just like God’s love.

White Frosting – Righteousness and purity of Jesus covers all our sins. Our sin is covered over by the Jesus who died for our sins. Our sin is washed white as snow.

Red Heart – Christians are Jesus’ messengers and witnesses. Christ first loved us so we are called to follow His example and love others.

Gold Star – The star of Bethlehem that pointed the wise men the way to Jesus. Wise men still follow him today.

Candles – Jesus is the light of the world. Let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father in heaven.

Jesus Birthday Cake Bible Verses

Consider sharing the message and gospel of Christ when sharing about the symbolization of your Jesus Birthday Cake.

Round Cake Shape – Share John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Chocolate Layer – Share Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Red Layer – Share Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

White Frosting – Share Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gold Star – Share Luke 2:10

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

Candles – Share Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Green Layer – Share John 15:5 or Peter 3:18

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Close your Jesus Birthday Cake Bible Verses by lighting your candles and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Jesus Birthday Cakes without Fondant

Let’s be serious. Fondant is for experts. Many of these Jesus Birthday Cakes can be made with a box mix cake. You’re welcome!

So if you want all things focus on the season (year-round), you have to visit my friend Julie at The Happy Home Fairy. She really brings the meaning to every day events with her focus on Jesus in our life. Do you have a Fisher Price Manger? Use your Jesus to create a birthday cake where he is front and center! | Happy Home Fairy

This Birthday Cake for Jesus is not only yummy, the layers share the Gospel! | Katrina’s Kitchen

One of my favorite Jesus Birthday Cakes aren’t a cake, it’s cupcakes – but so incredibly cute and easy! | Source

Use Graham Crackers to make a manger for Jesus. A pipe cleaner forms the stars. | Source

Julie did a cool thing with her birthday cake for Jesus. Symbolism in the layers but also paper stars on wooden skewers. | Happy Home Fairy

Create a nighttime sky and manger scene for your baby Jesus. | Source

This Nativity Cake uses a printable template to trace a nativity scene with chocolate. | Joy Food Sunshine

Happy Birthday Jesus! This Jesus Birthday Cake is fun! See how to make this cake design using a template on Frugal Coupon Living. | Source

Perhaps add a Christmas Tree to your birthday cake. | Cindy Bultema

What may look like an ordinary Christmas cake actually has symbolism in the birth of Christ. | A Briutiful Life

A simple star reminds us to follow Jesus. | Fried Dandelions

Involve the kids in the cake creation. Let them have at it when it comes to decorating their Jesus Cake. | Jeanne Winters

This easy Jesus Birthday Cake is made out of Rice Krispies shaped into individual stars and turned into a Christmas tree – talk about talent! | Christine’s Taste of Heaven

Happy Birthday Manger with Lambs. | Source

Jesus Birthday Cakes with Fondant

Hey cake expert! You made your way toward the bottom of the page. Get inspired by these Jesus Birthday Cakes for Christmas with Fondant. Have at it! (I will be above.)

How amazing is the Fondant work in this Nativity Scene Cake. | The Cupcake Gallery

Gather the holy family in this Fondant Nativity Scene cake. | Source

Gingerbread cake with Fondant Jesus Birthday Cake. | Without Adornment

These Swaddled Jesus Cupcakes are precious. | The Cake Addict

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem…. Jesus Cake Idea. | Source

Fondant and Jesus on the hay in these Birthday Cupcakes. | Source

Savior cupcakes with Fondant. | The Cupcake Gallery

… and for the cake expert that made it this far… Get inspired by this multi tear Fondant Birthday Cake for Jesus. | Imaginative Icing

Speaking of traditions, save these 25 Christmas Traditions you should start now! Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out our Cookie Exchange Ideas or Cookies for Santa! Pin to Pinterest.

DIY Popcorn Gift Basket with Labels and Gift Tag

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November 8, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Recipe, Social Media 1 Comment

DIY Popcorn Gift Basket with Printable Popcorn Labels & a Christmas Gift Tag. These make popcorn seasoning mixes and handmade mason jar gift ideas for neighbors, teachers, friends, family and more.

DIY Popcorn Gift Basket

Remember the gift ideas from just a few years back. Candles. Mugs. I was a teacher during this season and ended up with many of both. Oh hand lotion too! I loved all the gifts I was given from my students, I have not gotten rid of any of them BUT with the evolution of Pinterest, gift ideas have stepped up. It doesn’t mean more money has to be spent. In fact, Pinterest allows us to save in a lot of ways. For example, free printables (you know we love those on Frugal Coupon Living!)

We love this DIY Popcorn Gift Basket for stepping up your Christmas gift giving. Pairing pantry supplies like popcorn kernels, canola oils, spices, seasonings and more, it’s a creative idea that can be used for friends, family, teachers, coaches and even neighbors.

Neighbor Gift Ideas for Christmas

Looking for Christmas Gift Ideas for your Neighbors? We have plenty of gift ideas for your closest friends (by proximity!) These creative gift ideas require a gift tag and then you are done. Easy-peasy. You’re welcome.

This popcorn gift basket idea, will be a perfect idea for your neighbors. Maybe they will even invite you over for one of their movie or game nights.

DIY Popcorn Gift Basket Supplies

This basket can be as frugal-friendly as you like or you can add more fixings to “jazz” up your basket.

A few popcorn gift basket supplies include:

Gift basket
Basket filler (we used red crinkle paper filler)
Small, medium, and/or large mason jars.
Seasoning shakers (you can get seasoning shaker tops for mason jars)
Popcorn kernels
Canola oil
Popcorn seasonings
Printable gift tag and popcorn labels (see below)
Hot glue gun and glue (or sticker paper)
Ribbon or twine (we used red and white bakers twine)

Extra budget? Some people do not have kernel popcorn makers. If that is the case, anyone can pop popcorn in a brown lunch bag. Add a brown bag to your basket with directions. We really suggest this Popco Silicone Microwave Popcorn Maker. it turns into a collapsible bowl and is BPA free and dishwasher safe. It also comes in 10 colors!

Additionally, consider adding a gift card. A movie theater gift card is always appreciated.

Popcorn Basket Directions

Supplying you with the basic directions.

First, fill basket with filler. (We used red crinkle paper filler.)

Pour popcorn kernels in medium mason jar and canola oil in the small mason jar. Place both inside basket.

Add popcorn seasonings to seasoning shakers.

Print printable gift tag and jar labels on card stock or sticker paper. Cut out jar labels that match the popcorn seasoning flavors in each shaker and attach with hot glue. Place seasoning shakers in basket.

Add any other popcorn accessories to your basket – brown bags, popcorn makers, bowls, etc.

Lastly, cut out gift tag around outer edge and punch a hole in the corner. Attach the gift tag to the basket with a piece of ribbon or baker’s twine. (We used red and white bakers twine.)

Popcorn Seasoning Mixes

We have a few ideas for popcorn seasoning mixes and how to make them. However, we used Kernel Season’s Popcorn Seasoning Variety Pack for our gift basket (I am all about making easy Christmas gift ideas!) Just pour the inside of the package into a cute mason jar shaker!

Ranch: one packet ranch seasoning mix.

Sour Cream & Onion: 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 3 teaspoons dried dill, 5 tablespoons onion powder, 3 teaspoon garlic powder, – 1/2 teaspoon each sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Dill Pickle: 3 tablespoons coriander seed, 3 tablespoons kosher salt, 5 teaspoons dill weed, 1-1/2 teaspoon mustard seed, 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1-1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1-1/2 teaspoon celery seed.

Garlic Parmesan: 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 5 tablespoons onion powder, 3 teaspoon garlic powder, – 1/2 teaspoon each sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Multiply all recipes as needed.

Free Printable Popcorn Labels and Gift Tag

In addition to this creative DIY Christmas Gift Idea, we have a free printable – I mean, of course we would! Print your free printable Popcorn Labels and Christmas Gift Tag.

Teacher Gift? Have a POP-ular teacher. Go here to print our popular teacher gift tags!

Our 16 Popcorn Labels include:

Butter ∙ Movie Theater Butter ∙ Kettle Corn ∙ Bacon Cheddar ∙ Buffalo Wing ∙ Ranch ∙ White Cheddar ∙ Caramel Corn ∙ Cheesy Jalapeno ∙ Cheesy Caramel Corn ∙ Sour Cream & Onion ∙ Dill Pickle ∙ Garlic Parmesan ∙ Chocolate Caramel ∙ Nacho Cheddar ∙ Popcorn Salt.

Gift Tag Reads…

Popping in to Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Poporn Gift Basket Printables

To download our free printable popcorn labels and gift tag printables, enter your name and email address. Confirm your entry with your first inbox email. Next, we will send you access to all of our free printables via link and password in your inbox.

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

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

To Order Your Printables at Staples

Please follow the steps below to print your printables at Staples. You can also follow this video tutorial.

Download and save your image from this post. (Please note these images are for personal use only and cannot be sold or used for commercial use.)
Sign in or create a Staples account on their print service page.
Return to Staples print service page.
Go to Start Project.
Go to Documents Printing. Select Browse.
Select the Buy Now Button under color.
On the left column, choose add file.
Select upload.
Select done.
Give your job a name.
Make sure your project is single sided. The orientation should be portrait (vertical).
I changed my media to 8.5×10 and the media to 67 lb cover stock (I prefer a card stock feel over printer paper feel.)
Select add to cart.
Proceed to checkout. You can choose to ship to your home or to pick up at your local store. Pay online and show your invoice when you pick up (I just show the order number on my phone at pick-up.) The order invoice will arrive in your email inbox.
Enjoy!

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your Popcorn Gift Basket and Printables. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Save these Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Neighbors. Pin to Pinterest.

Pop until your drop! Save these Popcorn Recipes for this popcorn gift basket idea. Pin to Pinterest.

…and unrelated, can I just tell you this popcorn image took me forever to make (thus you might never see round images on my site again! – haha!)

Easy Turkey Pretzels – Thanksgiving Kids Food Craft

This post may contain affiliate links or ads. Read my privacy policy and disclosure policy here.

November 1, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Halloween, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Thanksgiving

Adorable turkey pretzels. This Thanksgiving Kids Food Craft is perfect for little hands. Chocolate dipped pretzels, cookies, and candy corn make an adorable Thanksgiving treat for kids – gobble, gobble!

Chocolate Covered Turkey Pretzels

I love sharing kids food crafts with you on the Rachael Ray Show last October. This year we have another fun one – a Thanksgiving Turkey Pretzel Candy Corn Stick. It’s a great way to recycle leftover Halloween Candy!

These will be a huge hit at your Friendsgiving Thanskgiving.

Turkey Pretzels Ingredients:

12 Pretzel Rods
12 Grasshoper Cookies (or other chocolate covered cookies)
24 Candy eyes
84 Candy Corns
12 Orange Reese’s Pieces
1/2 cup Chocolate Melting Chips or Bark
1/8 cup red Candy Melting Chips

Turkey Pretzels Directions:

Lay cookies out on wax paper leaving room for pretzel rods to lay on top of each cookie without touching each other.
Using a spoon drizzle a little chocolate around on cookie to glue candy corn in place.
Heat Chocolate Chips in tall glass or cup by microwaving for 30 seconds stirring and repeating until melted. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
Dip pretzel 2/3 way in melted chocolate and roll to coat completely. Shake off excess.
Lay on wax paper on top of cookie as shown in picture.
Place candy corn in fan shape on cookie around pretzel rod.
Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set candy mix.
Using a spoon place a little chocolate to “glue in place eyes and Reese’s Piece on end for beak.
Place Red Candy Chips in corner of zippered sandwich bag and microwave for 45 seconds. Knead to make sure it is smooth and melted.
Clip corner of bag and pipe a waddle under the beak of each turkey.
Immediately place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set candy mix.

Save it! Save these Turkey Pretzels to Pinterest!

Turkey Pretzels – Thanksgiving Kids Food Craft

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Description

Scale

Ingredients

12 Pretzel Rods
12 Grasshoper Cookies (or other chocolate covered cookies)
24 Candy eyes
84 Candy Corns
12 Orange Reese’s Pieces
1/2 cup Chocolate Melting Chips or Bark
1/8 cup red Candy Melting Chips

Instructions

Lay cookies out on wax paper leaving room for pretzel rods to lay on top of each cookie without touching each other.
Using a spoon drizzle a little chocolate around on cookie to glue candy corn in place.
Heat Chocolate Chips in tall glass or cup by microwaving for 30 seconds stirring and repeating until melted. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
Dip pretzel 2/3 way in melted chocolate and roll to coat completely. Shake off excess.
Lay on wax paper on top of cookie as shown in picture.
Place candy corn in fan shape on cookie around pretzel rod.
Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set candy mix.
Using a spoon place a little chocolate to “glue in place eyes and Reese’s Piece on end for beak.
Place Red Candy Chips in corner of zippered sandwich bag and microwave for 45 seconds. Knead to make sure it is smooth and melted.
Clip corner of bag and pipe a waddle under the beak of each turkey.
Immediately place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set candy mix.

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Pin it to Pinterest

Take a look at these Thanksgiving Food Treats featured on Rachel Ray (seen here!)

Turkey Sugar Cookies (Pin it to Pinterest)

This recipe is the most simplistic. Make the attached sugar cookie recipe or grab a pre-made store brand. Use icing as glue and create decadent feathers with candy corn.

Turkey Nutter Butter Cookies (Pin it to Pinterest)

The most popular Thanksgiving Food Craft, the flexibility of this food craft is nice. How much you want to go with this cookie is up to you. You can have a stand up turkey or a lay down turkey instead. Add left over Halloween candy to spruce up the design or keep it simplistic with icing and candy corn.

Rolo Pilgram Hats (Pin it to Pinterest)

On the show we made these with chocolate peanut butter cups but you can also do with caramel cups. Pick up store bought frosted fudge cookies and glue on the top of the hat to make the perfect little snack for your little Pilgrim.

Chocolate Covered Oreo Turkeys (Pin it to Pinterest)

This turkey craft is likely for experienced and steady of hands baker. Mix colors and create bright feathers on your Oreo Turkey using a pretzel as a template. Again, how little or how much of the activity and design you want to do is up to you.

Also save these Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Save these Thanksgiving Gift Tags and Gift Ideas for Teachers. Pin to Pinterest.

Post originally published 10/25/14.

Fall Simmer Pot Recipe – Homemade Potpourri

This post may contain affiliate links or ads. Read my privacy policy and disclosure policy here.

October 12, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Thanksgiving 1 Comment

Hosting family or friends this Thanksgiving or Christmas season? This Fall Simmer Pot Recipe comes with both stovetop and Crock-Pot directions. Only five minutes to prep this homemade potpourri! Cook as long as you would like.

Fall Simmer Pot Recipe

One way to keep your home smelling good this Thanksgiving (and Christmas) season is with a Simmer Pot. A simmer pot takes natural ingredients and warms them on the stove releasing a combination of scents into the air making your home smell warm and inviting to guests.

Hostess Tips and Tricks

Because I am a terrible host, I put together our Hosting Tips and Tricks post. You guys must know the struggle is real, because you guys have pinned this post like crazy! If you are hosting a holiday gathering this fall, I suggest you take on some of these tips and tricks. A Fall Simmer Pot would be an excellent way to make your home smell inviting even if the outdoors temperature is 80 degrees and there isn’t a sign of snow on the ground.

Save this Hosting Tips post to your Party, Thanksgiving and Christmas Pinterest Boards.

Friendsgiving

This year might be the first Thanksgiving, in my almost 40 years of life, we are not with family. In fact, I will spend a good chuck of it flying my girls back and forth from Florida to Virginia, only to not celebrate with them. I am not looking forward to it. This Thanksgiving is our first ever Friendsgiving – time with friends and giving thanks for the “family” we have 1,000 miles away from family by blood.

What is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is not that old. It originated in 2009. It is a celebration of Thanksgiving among friends when you can’t be around family (or chose not to be) for the holidays.

We have the perfect post to get you started – Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Ideas with Friends. Share and Pin to your Thanksgiving Pinterest Board and grab ideas when you gather with friends!

This Fall Simmer Pot Recipe would be perfect for your stovetop if you are hosting!

Fall Simmer Pot Recipe Ingredients

The prep time for this simmer pot is only 5 minutes.

1 orange, cut into chunks
1 apple, cut into chunks
1 sprig rosemary
3 cinnamon sticks (This is a great price per stick!)
Water

Another suggestion is to keep the apple whole and press cloves into the apple. The cloves would replace the cinnamon sticks. Amazon also sells cinnamon essential oil and clove essential oil if you would prefer to add oils instead of the actual product. I think the product looks so beautiful so it would be something I would keep, but I wanted to give you the option.

You can use any pot to simmer that holds your ingredients but I fell in love with this discounted cooper simmer pot, isn’t it beautiful!?

Fall Simmer Pot Recipe

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Description

Hosting family or friends this Thanksgiving or Christmas season? This Fall Simmer Pot Recipe comes with both stovetop and Crock-Pot directions. Only five minutes to prep this homemade potpourri!

Scale

Ingredients

1 orange, cut into chunks
1 apple, cut into chunks
1 sprig rosemary
3 cinnamon sticks
Water

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Fill your saucepan with water. The water line should be about 1 to 2 cm about your ingredients.
2. Place the sauce pan on the stovetop and bring to high heat. Do not allow the water to boil. Once you see the first sign of a bubble, immediately, lower your temperature to low allowing the water to simmer.
3. Add more water to the pan as needed. This will be necessary the longer you cook.
4. Discard ingredients after use.

Crock-Pot Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in the bowl of the slow cooker. Fill your Crock-Pot with water. The water line should be about 1 to 2 cm about your ingredients.
2. Turn the slow cooker on high and allow to cook with the lid off.
3. Add more water to the slow cooker as needed. This will be necessary the longer you cook.
4. Discard ingredients after use.

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Fall Simmer Pot Recipe Directions

The prep time for this simmer pot is only 5 minutes. Prepare the pot at least an hour before your guests arrive. You can cook as long as you like as long as you keep it on low.

There are two ways to cook your simmer pot. First on the stove top, second in the Crock-Pot.

Stovetop Instructions

First, begin by placing all ingredients in a saucepan. Fill your saucepan with water. The water line should be about 1 to 2 cm about your ingredients.

Next, place the sauce pan on the stovetop and bring to high heat. Do not allow the water to boil. Once you see the first sign of a bubble, lower your temperature to low allowing the water to simmer.

Add more water to the pan as needed. This will be necessary the longer you cook.

Discard ingredients after use.

Crock-Pot Instructions

First, begin by placing all your ingredients in the bowl of the slow cooker. Fill your Crock-Pot with water. The water line should be about 1 to 2 cm about your ingredients.

Turn the slow cooker on high and allow your simmer pot ingredients to cook with the lid off.

Add more water to the slow cooker as needed. This will be necessary the longer you cook.

Discard ingredients after use.

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

Use that extra Rosemary Twig to make this incredibly easy DIY Christmas Gift – a Holiday Rosemary Wreath. Pin to Pinterest.

Cheers. Raise your glass to these amazing Holiday Cocktail Recipes. Pin to Pinterest on your Thanksgiving and Christmas Boards.

Step up your Thanksgiving Table with these Inspirational Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas. Pin to your Home and Thanksgiving Pinterest Board.

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