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.

Camping as a family or with the girls? Take a look at our Girls Clamping Ideas as well as our Camping Hacks and Tips. Also make sure you and your little girls watch American Girl Story Summer Camp (for free with Amazon Prime) before you go!

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

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!

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.

Tip: Curious about the book rating or what other thing, visit Common Sense Media to search book titles.

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

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!

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.

If you want to ship a postcard form Postable, sign up today. You can $5 off any order of $20. Use promo code MRK8UR86JF at checkout.

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.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Get inspired this Spring with Dollar Store Easter Decor.

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

Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for the Mail

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May 5, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media Leave a Comment

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for the mail plus a free donut teacher appreciation printable gift tag that can be delievered via email, over USPS or with Restaurant delivery or pick-up. Plus Virtual teacher appreciation ideas for Zoom, Google classroom and more.

Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Coming up with this Quarantine Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea took some time. I knew I wanted a punny teacher appreciation printable that could be used during Teacher Appreciation week or as an end of the year gift idea. Plus, currently we are in social isolation and many local restaurants and establishments are suffering, so I wanted to grab something would would give back to local organizations.

We came up with this easy Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea – DONUT you know how much I miss you printable gift tag for teachers. And for years, were we are not in social isolation, this teacher gift tag also comes with another quote that reads DONUT know what I would do without you.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Donut Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag

Get all of our free printables including our donut teacher appreciation gift tag. 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.

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!

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples. You can sign in or create a Staples account.

Mail a Gift Card

For our donut teacher appreciation gift card idea, we went at it two ways. First, we picked up gift cards that teachers could use at their leisure. I privately emailed teachers and asked for their best mailing address (knowing well that I might be the school address.) It was a personal question and I know some teachers would want to keep that information private. I softened it by sharing my child wanted to send them a treat. This teacher gift card idea well because it’s a gift that is not perishable. They can get it immediately at their home or when they return to school to pick up materials.

If leaving the home is not convenient for you, consider shopping Amazon for gift cards. You can have them mailed to your home and then add our printable teacher appreciation gift tag before mailing to your child’s educator.

By purchasing from a local bakery or restaurant, you are supporting small businesses during social isolation. Consider it a win/win.

Online Restaurant Delivery

Another option using your donut teacher gift tag is restaurant delivery or pick-up. We used Door Dash to deliver donuts. In this case, you can swing the gift tag to the establishment and add it to the order.

If leaving the house is not an option, consider this electronic addition. You can email the gift tag separately with a sweet message that your great teacher is expecting a delivery.

Another creative idea is to take a photo of your child holding the printed gift tag and email it to your teacher after the Restaurant Delivery arrives (track it on your phone or app.) I think this is a cute idea because it’s personalizes the doughnut delivery with a cute smile from your child and a sweet punny teacher message attached.

For this Teacher Appreciation Restaurant Delivery idea you will need your teacher’s home mailing address.

Teacher Appreciation Printables

We have years and years worth of teacher appreciation printables. Use any of these ideas and using a flat rate shipping box from USPS fill your box with a teacher gift and send it straight from your mailbox. Never leave the home.

More Unique Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Get creative with your electronic and virtual teacher appreciation ideas too.

Host a Class Zoom Party. have all the kids dress up and surprise the teacher. During this time you can share memories of the year together.
Make a Video Message. Have all the students in the class send in a 10 second clip of the reason they love their teacher. Piece those together for a sweet video message. Such a unique and priceless gift idea.
Send an Books Gift Card. One of my favorite places to shop for books is Better World Books. You can buy used or new books. I love buying used knowing I am recycling older books and finding many of my favorite authors and books for less. This also allows teachers to fill their personal and classroom library.
Thanks a Lattee. Thank a teacher a lot with a printable coffee gift card! Print and mail.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Donut Teacher Appreciation Gift Tag. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

The end of the school year is new. Save these End of the School Year Acitivites and Printables. Pin to Pinterest.

Find creative Pun-Tastic teacher gift ideas for save these Punny Teacher Appreciation Printables too! Pin to Pinterest.

DIY Cricut Father’s Day Photo Frame

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May 4, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Father's Day, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media 7 Comments

Looking for an easy and Frugal Father’s Day gift from home? This DIY Father’s Day Photo Frame is a cute gift idea from the kids. Download these five funny Father’s Day quotes and puns. Upload your FREE SVG Files for Cricut Design Space, print, and create a rock picture frame for a dad that is a rock or rock star!

Cricut Father’s Day Photo Frame

Whether your dad sports a leather vest and rocks the guitar,or is a pillar of strength that your family leans on, we have some of the ultimate Father’s Day Quotes and crafts for your super dad! Using a Cricut Maker, make dad an adorable rock frame that he can display at the office or by his bedside, reminding him of his importance. This DIY Father’s Day gift is simple and uses supplies around the house.

If you are using your vinyl cutter to create easy and frugal Father’s Day gifts ideas, make sure you download this Father’s Day SVG File for Cricut to make Homemade BBQ Seasoning Mason Jars.

Father’s Day Puns

We put together five Father’s Day puns about rocks for your rock star, the rock you lean on, your dad.

Dad Quotes:

Have a rock’n Father’s Day.

Dad, you’re our rock star! (the one we used)

Dad, you rock!

Dad, you’re the rock our family leans on!

My dad, my rock.

You can use any of these quotes about rocks & dad in your Father’s Day picture frames.

Father’s Day SVG Files

For your Rock Father’s Day Picture Frame, you will need a few materials including our free Father’s Day SVG file.

Father’s Day SVG File Download

Pick up this file by signing up for our email 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 including our two Father’s Day Gifts – BBQ Mason Jars and Rock Picture Frame for Dad.

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

Once you have your Father’s Day Rock Quotes downloaded, you can begin this process of uploading a SVG file to Cricut Design Space.

DIY Photo Frame Craft Supplies

To create this Cricut Rock’n Picture Frame for Dad this Father’s Day, have the following materials…

Materials Needed:

Rock’n SVG cut file (downloaded from Frugal Coupon Living’s Free Printables)
Wide Wooden 3.5” x 5” Photo frame (painted with chalky paint, we used Americana Decor Relic)
Cricut Maker (or Cricut Joy)
Standard grip mat
Cricut Premium Vinyl, Removable or Permanent in color of your choice (We used Light Gray Cricut Premium Vinyl in the Vibrant Value Pack.)
Cricut Deluxe Paper (we used Hostess with the Mostess Winter Sparkle collection)
Cricut Weeder Tool
Cricut Transfer Tape
Cricut Scraping Tool
Small rocks/pebbles
Hot glue gun with clear craft glue

For Circut tools, this Basic Tool Set will have what you need and more! You can also pick up your transfer tape, mat, vinyl and more at the Circut Store.

Cricut Father’s Day Craft Instructions

Follow these easy directions to make your homemade Father’s day frame.

Gather all your supplies together. You can do this in many steps, over a few days or tackle it all immediately.

Prepare the Photo Frame

Disassemble the picture frame. If needed, paint the frame with 1-2 coats of charcoal chalk paint. Set aside the photo frame dry.

Once the painted frame is dry, heat a hot glue gun with clear glue sticks.

Begin in the corner of the picture frame and apply a dab of hot glue. Quickly, place one small pebble into the glue. Repeat this process until you cover the entire surface of the frame with rocks until finished.

Put the frame aside.

How to Upload your SVG File to Cricut Design Space

Open Cricut Design Space.

Upload Father’s Day Rock’n Phrases SVG File into design space.

On the right column, click Ungroup.

Click and drag over each of the phrases separately. With the phrase highlighted, click on the “Weld” button”. Repeat for all phrases or erase the phrases you do not want to print to vinyl.

Adjust your rock phrase sizes to fit inside the photo frame accordingly (we used 3.5 x 5 but you can use a similar size frame).

Insert one square shape onto the Design Space canvas to create the photo frame backing. Size the square to match the size of the picture frame, in our case it was 3.5” wide x 5” high.

Finally, using the color sync tab. assign colors to the images for different material types: Premium Vinyl and Cardstock (Deluxe Paper).

How to Cut Vinyl on Cricut

Once your work is complete in design space you will begin the process of cutting your vinyl using your Cricut machine.

First, select “Make It” in Design Space.

For the vinyl phrase(s), set the material type to Premium Vinyl. Follow prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the Premium Vinyl.

When prompted, unload the mat from the cutting machine.

Remove the Premium Vinyl from the mat.

For the paper photo frame backing, set the material type to cardstock, medium weight. Follow prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the Deluxe Paper.

When prompted, unload the mat from the Cricut maker cutting machine.

Remove the Deluxe Paper from the mat.

How to Assemble the Rock Picture Frame

You have crafted your rock picture frame, cut your vinyl, and cut your card stock mat. Next you will begin to assemble your Father’s Day Rock Picture Frame.

How to Put Vinyl on Glass

Take the glass from your picture frame and lay it on flat surface.

First, make sure your glass is clean and wipe free any dust or streak from the surface. Let dry.

Cut around the vinyl cut phrase with a pair of scissors.

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

Next, cut a section of the transfer tape slightly larger than the size of the phrase.

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

Peel away the vinyl backing, leaving just the phrase adhered to the transfer tape.

Position the phrase with the transfer tape on to the glass and press in place.

Press the vinyl phrase down with your fingers or with the Cricut scraping tool to help it to stick to the glass surface.

Slowly and carefully remove the transfer tape leaving the vinyl phrase on the glass.

Place the glass back into the pebble picture frame. Wipe away finger prints.

Place the blue cardstock paper mat into the frame against the glass. Reassemble the backing into the frame.

Wrap this father’s day gift for dad. Gift and let him display and enjoy!

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Father’s Day Cricut Picture Frame. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Don’t forget our many Easy and Frugal Father’s Day Gift ideas using supplies from home. This includes our Father’s Day BBQ Mason Jar Craft. Pin to Pinterest.

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

FREE BBQ Seasoning Father’s Day SVG File for Cricut

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

May 2, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Father's Day, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Recipe, Social Media 11 Comments

It’s a good year when you find Father’s Day Gifts Ideas from the Kids that are actually used by dad. This June, download this FREE BBQ Seasoning Father’s Day SVG File. Upload these free Cricut files to Design Space, print to vinyl, make your mason jar craft and fill with your favorite BBQ Seasoning Recipes. Gift, use and enjoy!

DIY Father’s Day SVG Gift Idea

Buckle up because this DIY Father’s Day Idea supplies you with a lot of content including Barbecue seasoning recipes ideas, a free Father’s Day SVG file for Cricut Design Space, and directions on how to create a homemade father’s day gift using supplies from home!

Father’s Day SVG File for Cricut

To begin this process, you will need a few materials including our BBQ Father’s Day free SVG file.

Download Free Father’s Day SVG File

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

While you are in our free printables files, don’t forget to also download our free SVG Files for this Rock Photo Frame for Dad this Father’s Day!

Once you have your Father’s Day SVG File downloaded, you can begin this process of uploading a SVG file to Cricut Design Space.

DIY Father’s Day Gift Materials

Father’s Day SVG File (downloaded from Frugal Coupon Living’s Free Printables)
Cricut Maker (or Cricut Joy) with Fine Point Blade
Standard grip mat
Cricut Premium Vinyl, Removable or Permanent in color of your choice

We used Light Gray Cricut Premium Vinyl in the Vibrant Value Pack.

How to Upload a SVG Pattern to Cricut Design Space

First, gather your supplies.

Upload Father’s Day “Grill Master” SVG File into Design Space.

Once uploaded, click Ungroup.

Click and drag over each of the images separately. With the image highlighted, click on the “Weld” button”. You will repeat this for all Father’s Day seasoning phrases and clip art images.

Adjust image sizes to fit your mason jars accordingly. Measure the height and wide of your jar. For example, the largest “Grill Master” design image was sized to 3.5” high on the Design Space canvas to fit an 8 oz mason jar.

Color sync the images if needed to match the vinyl color. We used Light Gray from Vibrant Value Pack.

Once everything is prepared, begin the the Circut cutting process.

Cutting Vinyl on Cricut

You will want to begin the process of cutting your final product.

First, select “Make It” in Cricut Design Space.

Next, set material type to Premium Vinyl.

Begin to follow prompts for loading the mat into the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy and cutting the Premium Vinyl. When prompted, unload the mat from the cutting machine.

Finally, remove the Premium Vinyl from the mat.

Mason Jar Father’s Day Gift Idea

When you have your final cut, you will want to begin the process of making your DIY Mason Jar Father’s Day gifts to hold BBQ seasoning mix.

BBQ Seasoning Mason Jar Father’s Day Gift Materials

Mason Jars with lids (we used 8 oz)
BBQ Seasoning Mixes of your choice (see below for ideas)
Twine or ribbon (optional)
Weeder tool
Cricut Transfer Tape*
Cricut scraping tool
Scissors

For Circut tools, this Basic Tool Set will have what you need and more! You can also pick up your transfer tape, blade, mat, vinyl and more at the Cricut Store.

*Consider using Duck Brand Peel Clear Laminate as an alternative to Cricut transfer tape. Some people prefer this brand more.

Assembling BBQ Seasoning Mason Jars

You can pre-wash jars with soap and hot water and let them dry completely before using. Do not begin the next step until your jars are completely dry.

Michael’s has 8 oz Mason Jars for $1 each. Free shipping when you spend $50.

First, cut around each image with a pair of scissors.

Using the weeding tool, peel away your 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 backing of transfer tape and place the transfer tape on top of the cut image. Gently rub the vinyl to help it stick to the transfer tape.

Next, peel away the vinyl backing. Leave just the image adhered to the transfer tape.

In a straight position, place the phrase and clip art with the transfer tape on to a smooth area of the mason jar and press into place.

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

Finally, carefully remove the transfer tape leaving only the vinyl image and phrases on the glass mason jar.

Repeat this process for the the rest of your mason jars and free cut files.

To finish, fill the mason jars with your favorite BBQ seasoning mixes and tie a piece of ribbon or twine around the jar lid.

We used Natural Jute Twine from Michael’s. Free shipping when you spend $50.

BBQ Seasoning Recipe Ideas

If you are looking for a good BBQ seasoning recipe, we found some barbecue spice rub ideas to create the best summer recipes.

From brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, Cheyenne pepper, smoked paprika and chili powder. These grill master’s know their flavor.

Homemade Blackening Seasoning from Chili Pepper Madness
BBQ Spice Rub Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo
DIY Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Seasoning from Take Two Tapas
Copycat Trader Joe’s Smokey Coffee BBQ Spice Rub from Balanced Bites (as seen in our Trader Joe Recipes)
Homemade BBQ Seasoning from My Forking Life
Chicken Dry Rub from Seeking Good Eats

Store your mason jar gift in a cool, dry location.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final Mason Jar BBQ Spice Rub using your Cricut Maker. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

I am happy to share printables and SVG files. 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!

Don’t forget our many low-cost DIY Father’s Day Gift ideas using supplies from home. Pin to Pinterest.

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

Homemade Kids Bath Bombs – You Choose the Scent!

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

April 13, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Essential Oils, Frugal Living, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Social Media, Summer 7 Comments

An Easy Homemade Bath Bomb Recipe for kids with a surprise inside. This DIY bath bomb for kids is such a unique idea for the bath and leaves your children smelling great!

Homemade Bath Bombs for the Kids

Nowadays bath bombs are all the rage at beauty product stores like Macy’s, Bath & Body Works, and Sephora but unfortunately they cost an arm and a leg. The going rate is about $9/bath bomb. WHAT? That’s crazy considering you can make 4 to 6 of these at home in 5 minutes for 1/2 the price! You won’t believe how easy these are to make! Get the kids involved in the process. Make it a mini science lesson to show what you can create by mixing certain liquids and solids. What an awesome evening activity too, add a little Peace & Calming Essential Oil to help support bedtime wind-down. Then, they can use the bombs the next night before bed. They’ll love it!

For some people creating a large bath bomb, similar to the ones you see in the stores, is their plan! For that you will need to get on Amazon or head to Michael’s and pick up some clear circle molds. For the sake of my time and money I simply used cupcake molds I had in my pantry.

You can do so much with this recipe the possibilities are endless! Add a layer of fun – In the middle add a little magic grow animal pill and when the bath bomb dissolves it expands into a dolphin for the kids to enjoy! Super fun! These are great for adults too. Add chemical free food coloring if you are making these special for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Teacher Appreciation Gifts! Hosting a birthday party anytime soon? These would make wonderful party favors!

TIP: Have all your ingredients set out ahead of time and read through these directions first so you have an idea of how to do this accurately. This recipe is quick and super affordable. It will produce 4-6 small bath bombs in a cupcake mold or 2-3 large bath bombs in the circle form.

Bath Bombs Recipe for Kids

For this surprise bath bombs recipe for kids, you will need to following ingredients.

a Bath Bomb Mold (you can also use a cupcake tray or we love these heart and flower shapes!)
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup Epsom Salt
3 teaspoons of water
2 teaspoons of your favorite essential oil (I like to do relaxing oils so I use lavender, roman chamomile, or ylang ylang)
Optional: a couple drops of food coloring
Optional: magic grow animal pills

How to Make Bath Bombs for Kids

Just a few simple steps on how to make bath bombs for kids.

Simply combined all of your dry ingredients, and whisk.
In a separate bowl, combined all of your wet ingredients, and whisk.
Very quickly mix the dry & wet ingredients together and whisk as fast as you can to avoid a reaction.
Once you are done whisking all the ingredients together it will feel similar to damp sand.
Place the mixture into your mold and pack it very full. If you are using a secret magic grow animal pill, place it in the middle of the mold as you pack!
If they are in a flat mold (not ball) level off.
Allow these to sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Homemade Kids Bath Bombs Printable

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Scale

Ingredients

a Bath Bomb Mold (you can also use a cupcake tray or we love these heart and flower shapes!)
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup Epsom Salt
3 teaspoons of water
2 teaspoons of your favorite essential oil (I like to do relaxing oils so I use lavender, roman chamomile, or ylang ylang)
Optional: a couple drops of food coloring
Optional: magic grow animal pills

Instructions

Simply combined all of your dry ingredients, and whisk.
In a separate bowl, combined all of your wet ingredients, and whisk.
Very quickly mix the dry & wet ingredients together and whisk as fast as you can to avoid a reaction.
Once you are done whisking all the ingredients together it will feel similar to damp sand.
Place the mixture into your mold and pack it very full. If you are using a secret magic grow animal pill, place it in the middle of the mold as you pack!
If they are in a flat mold (not ball) level off.
Allow these to sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Store in an airtight container.

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Love these DIY Bath bombs for Kids? Also check out our Purple Peppermint Bath Bombs. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out our Essential Oil Aromatherapy Playdough, Essential Oils for Students, Essential Oils for the Office, Essential Oil Water Recipe, Homemade Furniture Polish, DIY All Purpose Cleaner, Lavender Lemonade, Homemade Wrinkle Cream, Natural Eye Redness, 20 Uses for Thieves Oils, Lavender Linen Spray, Homemade Vicks VapoRub and Homemade Sugar Scrub using Essential Oils.

Learn more about how you can get Juice Plus+ for FREE! This provides you with a daily dose off all your essential Fruits and Vegetables.

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How To Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

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April 11, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Easter, Facebook, Hacks, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media Leave a Comment

Intimidated by the Instant Pot? We have the easiest recipe! How To Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs in only five minutes plus a Hard Boiled Egg hack that will create easy to peal hard boiled eggs!

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

These might be many reasons you have put the Instant Pot aside since receiving it as a gift or perhaps ordering it Black Friday for yourself. Trust me, I get it. The Instant Pot cooker can be quite intimidating.

If you have been hesitant getting started with the Instant Pot, making hard boiled eggs and easy way to get started. Like really easy. Additionally, they store very easily in the refrigerator making them easy to grab for a quick low calorie snack.

We have a five minute Instant Pot recipe and a Hard Boiled Egg Life Hack that will create the perfect hard boiled eggs. Perfect because they are the perfect firmness and so easy to peel!

Instant Pot Boiled Eggs Recipe

Makes 12 eggs
Cook time: 5 minutes

Only a few simple ingredients and supplies to make the easiest hard boiled eggs ever! Never make eggs the same. Learn about 5-5-5 method for making hard boiled eggs, discover the best Instant Pot egg holder for your electric pressure cooker, and follow this hard boiled egg kitchen hack for creating perfectly easy to peel eggs.

Ingredients:

12 large farm fresh eggs
2 ½ cups water

I love to serve my hard boiled eggs seasoned with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt – so yummy!

Supplies:

Instant Pot
Bowl of ice water

Egg Holder:

Though it is not required, an Egg Holder can help create the best cooked eggs. This 18 Egg Cooking Rack fits a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot Duo electric pressure cooker.

You also can purchase an egg holder for a 3-quart pressure cooker.

Save this Boiled Eggs 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.

How To Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Scale

Ingredients

12 eggs
2 ½ cups water

Instructions

Add 2 1/2 cups of water to the bowl of the Instant Pot.
Place one dozen eggs in the water.
Put the lid on the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and seal the vent. Set to pressure cook on high for five minutes.
When the cook time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure.
Hard Boiled Eggs Hack: Remove lid from Instant Pot and transfer eggs to a bowl filled with ice water.
Allow eggs to cool in the ice bath for 20 minutes before peeling to create perfect easier to peel hard boiled eggs.

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

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs Directions

Do you have five minutes of time? If so, that is great because Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs only require five minutes. Follow these step by step directions to make cooking hard boiled eggs easy peasy.

First, add 2 1/2 cups of water to the bowl of the Instant Pot.

Second, place a dozen eggs in the water.

Put the lid on the Instant Pot and seal the vent.

Set the pressure cook on high setting a timer for five minutes on high pressure.

When your cook time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally quick release the pressure.

Next, follow the steps to this boiled egg hack!

Hard Boiled Eggs Hack

Ice is an incredible hack to creating the most perfect, easy-to-peel Hard Boiled Eggs. This is true of cooking in a pressure cooker or on the stove top.

Once your hard boiled eggs are done cooking and your Instant Pot pressure has released, transfer your eggs to a bowl filled with ice water.

Allow your eggs to quickly cool in an ice bath for 20 minutes before peeling.

This hard boiled eggs hack make easy to peel eggs. After submerging in water, the eggs peeled perfectly.

I love to serve my hard boiled eggs seasoned with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt – so yummy!

5-5-5 Method for Eggs

When cooking hard boiled eggs, some remember the 5-5-5 method. Five minutes of electric pressure cooker, five minutes of rest before opening the lid, five minutes of an ice water bath. (However, we did 20 minutes and they turned out perfectly. Consider me a perfectionist or maybe just truthfully a forgetful mother.) Both time worked perfect staying true with the 5-5-20 or 5-5-5 method.

Making eggs for Easter? Take a look at these Inside Out Hard Boiled Easter Eggs. We also have many creative Easter Egg Dying Recipes and Ideas for thinking outside the egg carton!

Instant Pot Cheat Sheet

We have a wonderful Instant Pot Cheat Sheet. This cook time chart provides the ultimate list of Instant Pot Directions. The directions list all the possible things you could want to cook in your Instant Pot including Instant Pot Eggs.

Access Instant Pot Cheat Sheet Digital Download

I keep a copy of these Instant Pot Tips in my Recipe Binder. (Another suggestion would be to laminate this cheat sheet and keep it beside your air fryer. Laminating this instant pot tip guide will keep it clean and easy to wipe.)

Figuring out which Instant Pot Duo is right for your family works best for your family can be tricky. Read more about What Size Instant Pot Do I Need? Pin to Pinterest under your kitchen and recipe boards.

You can find many Instant Pot Recipe Directions in our Instant Pot Recipes and Instant Pot Dinner Recipes. Pin to Pinterest.

End of the Year Activities and School Traditions

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March 29, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Facebook, Instagram, Party, Pinterest, Social Media 1 Comment

Fill the last day of school with memorable end of the year activities and form new last day of school tradition. End the year and start summer with a bang!

I am all about creating traditions with my family. This round-up was especially exciting for me because it brought together two side of me – the former 5th grade teacher and the mom of five. It was the perfect collision of creating memorable end of the year activities and last day of school transitions both for the classroom and for home. Get ready for summer with these end of the school year ideas.

If you are home schooling, in a traditional school or trying to come up with creative ideas during a forced stay-at-home period, these end of the year activities are perfect for all grade levels and ages.

Create traditions both with teachers, mom, and friends. Let us know what cherished memories you have turned into traditions!

End of the Year Activities

When you are teaching, the end of the year doesn’t just happen on the last day of school. Look at these end of the year activities; party ideas that make each day a small celebration.

Then and Now Photos. One fun idea is to have a then and now bulletin board. Show pictures of the kids at the start and at the end of the year. | Poet Rocks

Character Rocks. Start this end of the year tradition by decoration rocks with superlatives. Find a word that describes each student and gift it to them as and end of the year gift idea. | We Heart Teaching

End of the Year Balloon Countdown. Have an end of the year countdown the last 20 days of school. E Have a free or inexpensive activity that gets hidden in a balloon. Pop one balloon each day to create a cherished memory. | Picture from Miss5th on Instagram, Get a balloon pop countdown printable from Anna Brantley at Teachers Pay Teachers

Beach Ball Autographs. Give the students a beach ball that they can use on the last day of school. Collect autographs from classmates on their end of the year student gift! | Source

Host a Flashlight Day. Do everything with flashlights, both finger lights and regular sized flashlights. | The Sassy Apple

End of the Year Printables

You know how much we, at Frugal Coupon Living, love printables. End the school year with these last day printables and creative ideas.

Host a Year in Review Circle. On the last day of school I had the kids go through and share their favorite memory from 5th grade (the grade I taught.) This writing activity can be done earlier in the year and you can hang these memorable events on a bulletin board. In your last day of school circle, they can read aloud this writing prompts printable and bring it home as a keepsake/memory.

Welcome Summer Banner. Download this this free Welcome Summer banner printable. If you are really creative, make a run through banner and have the kids run through it when the last bell rings! | The Crafting Chicks

End of the Year Bingo Game. Remember the ice breaker you might have done at the beginning of the year? Have kids grab something to write with and then pass out an End of the Year Bingo sheet to each student. | Play Dough to Plato

KIT Contact Cards. Share keep in touch contact cards for those that want to exchange numbers. On the back students can write letters to each other like a yearbook message. You could offer paper clips or an envelope so kids can keep their cards together in one place. | Eighteen 25

Last Day of School Finish Line. For another fun activity, print this finish line. Fun a fun way to end the last day of school at home or at school! | Just Add Confetti

Summer Bucket List. Print your summer bucket list and let the summer fun begin. | Summer Bucket List Printable and also see our Visual Summer Bucket List

End of Year Memory Book. During the last weeks of school, during language arts have students create year memory books with this free printable. | Sara J Creations

Last Day of School Traditions

Schools out for summer. Enjoy these last day of school traditions. Warning: fun is required!

Silly String Bus Welcome. That yellow school bus pulls up, your giddy and excited kid steps off for the last time this year. Are you ready? Grab the silly string and welcome them home with this fun activity. | Peanut Blossom

Balloons and Streamers in the Car. Drive up to school and fill the van (car) with balloons and streamers! What a great time and memorable ride. | Oh Goodie Goodie

Hide and Seek with Water Balloons. Fill water balloons and let the sign say it all! “Hey guys, I am armed and hiding. I suggest you take off your backpacks and be prepared to get wet. Love Mom” | Yummy Mummy Club

Last Day of School Breakfast. Host a memorable last day of school breakfast. Add table decor and other summer decor to make the breakfast fun and memorable. | Source

Last Day of School Car Pickup: Decorate the car. When it’s time to get the kids from school, embarrass the kids by pulling up in the car line with a decked out car. Get car window markers. | Source

Buckets of Fun. Make a summer gift bucket for summer buckets of fun. Fill up this Anti Boredom Bucket with Dollar Store ideas. | Dating Divas

Hosting a graduate? Take a look at these Graduation Tips and Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

For me game based activities, we also love these End of the Year Kids Party Games. Get ready to get messy and have fun with fun ideas perfect for every great level. ! Pin to Pinterest.

Inspirational Homework Stations & Easy Kids Study Spaces

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March 26, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media 1 Comment

Ready to organize the home and create a DIY kids study space? These 15 Inspirational Homework Stations are Quick and Easy Homework Spaces to provide the kids with easy access to school supplies, quiet areas to work and bright colors to get the creative juices flowing.

Best Homework Stations

It’s been awhile since we shared our Homework Center Ideas. We realize the need more and more for the return of these work from home school rooms and zones. We have put together some of the Best Homework Stations to inspire you to get working!

Kids Study Spaces

It can be easy and affordable to make Kids Study Spaces and Homework Centers. Take a look at these inspirational ideas to get started with home schooling or finishing school work.

It’s possible to build a desk/homework station for under $100. Using Stackable 3-Shelf Organizers, Sarah made a desk using a $19 Ikea Counter Top. She ideally was going for butcher block and could have easy made it with Butcher Block Self-adhesive Vinyl. | Pretty Providence

Small spaces? Turn a closet into a homework center. We love the unique touches on this study center. | I Heart Organizing

Create this simple DIY Rotating Desk Organizer lazy susan for an easy school at home Homework Station in under 10 minutes! It keeps all supplies at your fingertips! Portable and perfect for moving from room to room and space to space. | Busy Creating Memories

Organizing doesn’t have to be costly. We love this frugal friendly Dollar Store Hack. Get ready for a clutter-free school zone with this simple Dollar Store portable homework station and our free printable label! | Simple Made Pretty

Create a homework station for your kids by using a metal rolling utility cart to store books and other school supplies. This allows you to move school work from room to room and space to space. | Suburble

If you are using common space like a dinning room table and need privacy, consider making homework station privacy boards using a white tri-fold project board. So easy and each child can customize and design their own space. | Mom Advice

Have a wall of clipboards you can easily rotate art work, calendars or to do lists. So easy to lift the clip and remove. | Clean and Scentsible

This was done in a classroom but can easily be done to organize a homework space at home. Check out Michael’s Belmont frames – they are affordable. | Dandelions and Dragonflies

A homework station can be as simple as a binder. Grab this one with printable sheets for organizing. | I Heart Naptime

Use a nook and chalk paint to create an inspirational space for homework. | By Dawn Nicole

Use a hanging shoe organizer to sort school supplies making an easy, tucked away homework center. | A Bowl Full of Lemons

We shared this hidden closet idea in our Homework Center Ideas but wanted to share it again. Turn a crawl space like under the stairs storage into a quiet reading nook, art center or school work area. | Rebecca Propes

It doesn’t have to be expensive. Grab a $22 Home Depot pegboard and mount over a tabletop or desk. At a touch of hanging baskets, hooks, and cups to keep homework supplies within reach. Amazon has Pegboard Organizational Sets.| Claire Collected

Turn a corner of the playroom or kitchen into an area the kids can work or create. Just grab a pre-existing table and chairs. This homework station is complete with build-in chalkboard and art display board. Love the v-groove paneling. | The Project Girl

Want to involve the kids? Grab the sewing machine and make these adorable Seat Sacks for the Kids’ study corner. | Scissors and Spatulas

Take a look at our original Homework Center Ideas (also with Family Command Centers!) Pin to Pinterest.

Create a cozy nook with these Creative Reading Corner Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.