Overnight Camping at Night Hacks

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May 31, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Frugal Living, Hacks, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Summer, Travel 2 Comments

Ready for the great outdoors? Take a look at our Overnight Camping Hacks and Tips. Save these creative camping crafts, campfire games, and recipes to complete your list of things to do while camping at night!

Overnight Camping at Night

Ready for an outdoor adventure overnight? These Camping at Night Hacks and Tips will provide you with creativity and life tips to get you through an outdoor adventure. Additionally, read through for a list of Things To Do While Camping at Night. Games, activities and traditions to start with the family on your next camp trip!

Before your camping vacation, take a look at these camping ideas including

Camping Hacks and Tips (our original post, filled with camping tips and goodness!)
Easy Camping Recipes
Foil Packet Meals including our Campfire Hot Dogs and Cinnamon Rolls Baked in Oranges

For a kids overnight or sleepaway camp, take a look at Summer Camp Hacks and Tips. For a girls weekend, enjoy these Glamping Ideas.

Overnight Camping Hacks

We took some of our beloved Camping Hacks and Tips and stepped it up with new Overnight Camping tips and ideas.

Keep your personal sleeping space clean. This shoe basket camping hack keeps all shoes out of the tent and the sleeping area free of mud and dirt. | Sunny Simple Life

To prevent cool air from escaping seal the top of the cooler with a DIY cooler cover. Recycle an old foam sleeping pad or yoga mat and cut the foam mat the exact dimension of the cooler interior. | Cabela’s

Bring solar lights to illuminate your campsite. Stake them around the campsite (especially near your tent stakes to prevent tripping) or mount in an inverted Terra Cotta pot. | Starling Travel

Speaking of lighting, freeze water jugs before you go. Use them as your drinking water as they melt. You can also illuminate water jugs with a head lamp with this creative Camping at Night Hack. | Flickr

This camping hack is perfect for your tent. Don’t trip over tent stakes by marking them off with bright pool noodles. | Source

Also consider these LED light up ten stakes to prevent tripping over stakes in the night.

Safety first with this unique camping hack. Keep sharp knives safely tucked away in pieces of pool noodles. | Kid Friendly Things to Do

Staying for awhile? Start stockpiling your bread tags for this next overnight camping hack. They make great clothespins for drying clothes or other line items. | REI

I highly recommend water boots/shoes when camping, however it can be inevitable a pair of cloth sneakers gets soaked. Have extra newspapers. Newspapers can line a table, help start a fire or speed up the drying process overnight. | According to Elle

This camping food hack is the best. Have your own on-the-go-traveling pantry. Have easy to access to your food and close the hatch at night to keep the critters out! | Mountain Campingz

For sleeping, turn a pool float into a bed and cover with a sleeping bag, blanket and/or sheets. Just like a blow up air mattress only frugal friendly. | Meg for It

Things To Do While Camping at Night

Get creative with these fun nighttime camping activities that go beyond the standard board game and ghost story.

You can partially prepare this camping arts and crafts idea at home. Write on white paper, your child’s name in sharpie. Once you go camping, collect nature (leaves, sticks, twigs, etc) to create this adorable camp art, a nature name activity. | Mrs. Jones Creation Station

Paint glow in the dark walking sticks. By day you see nothing, by night a fun glow! You can use a glow in the dark paint, glow in the dark spray or even glow in the dark tape. | Creek Line House

During the day, talk about constellations. What is a constellation? a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.

While it is light outside, make this camp craft, a Stellar Constellation Viewer for Kids. At night, stargaze around the campfire and talk about the constellations on your viewer that you also see in the night sky.

Make dessert! Everyone loves a classic s’more recipe. Once the sun goes down, twist up your camping dessert recipe with our Campfire Cones! Less messy (maybe) and fun!

Want to try something different? Make colored fire. Packages of colored fire crystals or pine cones are sold at most camping supply stores or online on amazon. If you want to make your own, you can visit these DIY colored fire ingredients.

When thinking about things to do while camping at night, don’t forget story time. Use a flashlight and your tent to make a shadow puppets show. This How to Make a Shadow Puppet tutorial is very helpful. | Fine Art America

Outdoor Games at Night

Get ready for a strike with this glow in the dark bowling game using glow sticks and 2-liter water bottles. (As seen in our Summer Bucket List.) | Growing a Jeweled Rose

Have wondered how to play Flashlight Tag outdoors? We have the answers, great for camping it is similar to Flashlight hide-and-seek.

Flashlight Tag Directions: Similar to hide and seek. Everyone carries their own flashlight but only the person who is IT has their’s on. Instead of tagging with hands, you tag with light. Once you’ve been tagged, you turn on your flashlight, point it toward the sky and stand still. Another player can free you by crawling in between your legs (or tagging you). Once everyone is frozen IT wins and the game starts.

Before everyone hides, establish a perimeter (area you cannot go past.) This is especially important for campsites or unfamiliar areas.

We have plenty of other games you can play! Print our night games for youth. This includes Glow Sardines, Flashlight Tag, Gloweyball, Ghost in the Graveyard, Firefly, Kick the Can in the Dark, and Night Statues.

To get your free outdoor games for kids at night, subscribe to our emails and look for a link and password in our inbox. The access code allows you to access and download all of our free printables, as well.

Speaking of flashlights, don’t forget our other free printable. Our Flashlight Scavenger Hunt download (see more Scavenger Hunt Ideas.)

To get your free flashlight scavenger hunt printable, subscribe to our emails and look for a link and password in our inbox. The access code allows you to access and download all of our free printables, as well.

What didn’t I think of that?! Camping Hacks and Tips for the great outdoors. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Camping Recipes for dinner, snacks, breakfast and lunch. 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!

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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 1 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.

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 12 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.

You also might want to pair this Father’s Day Gift idea for the barbecue lover with BBQ Cupcakes.

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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DIY Backyard Games

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March 22, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Summer 1 Comment

Hosting an outdoor gathering? Want to make your yard the summer attraction for the neighborhood? These DIY Backyard Games are the perfect outdoor ideas for kids and adults, day or night!

DIY Yard Games for Kids and Adults

Summer’s almost here, and you know what that means—time for outdoor entertaining! No barbecue or cookout is complete without some entertainment, and that’s where these DIY backyard games come in. They’re loads of fun for all ages! You’ll find giant versions of your favorite indoor games, lots of kid-friendly options, and games that you’ve probably forgotten about that’ll be familiar favorites when you try them again.

And you don’t have to settle for the cheap plastic versions sold in stores. Building the games yourself means that you can make them as sturdy as you like so that they’ll last for years and will hold up to lots of outdoor play.

Don’t forget to pin this list of DIY outdoor games to your spring or summer project boards. You’ll definitely want to make a few of them to make your backyard the coolest hangout spot in the neighborhood!

DIY Backyard Games

Yardzee is such a fun way to get the family up and moving. The game consists of 13 rounds to see who can get the highest score, but you have to score once in each category. It’s so easy to make your own dice for this game using 4×4 blocks of wood. Put them in a bucket to jumble them all up. Get your score cards. | A Turtle’s Life for Me

Jenga is one of our favorite games for family game night, and this Giant Jenga will make playing outdoors way more exciting. It’s easy to make this yourself with 2x4s and some paint. Just watch your toes when the blocks come falling down! It would make a great DIY gift for a family that likes to play games. | A Beautiful Mess

Cornhole is popular at family reunions and festivals for good reason—it’s a blast! It’s a great way to get people of all ages mingling because adults enjoy playing just as much as the kids do, and people get so competitive. You could even get a cornhole trophy to pass around each year to the champions! | Scrappy Geek

Get the plans to make this DIY backyard bean bag toss, complete with a board and mesh cups to catch the bean bags. Make one before summer, and your kids will have a fun activity to do with their friends outside all summer long. The boards will be great to have on hand for other outdoor family functions, too. | Thrift Diving

You can’t get much more all-American than football… except for maybe this football toss! The concept is pretty simple—toss the football through the holes to score points. The smaller hole is more points, of course. This is one for all ages to enjoy. | Cherished Bliss

Kids and adults alike will love this Outdoor Tic Tac Toe game. It’s a bigger, outdoor-friendly version of the classic game. All you need is a wooden plank and some flat rocks to make your own tic tac toe board and game pieces. | Sustain My Craft Habit

If you watched The Price is Right growing up, you’ll remember Plinko. This DIY Plinko game is just as much fun, and it’s easy to put together with foam board, glue, toothpicks, and a few other simple materials. You don’t even need power tools to make this game! | Happiness is Homemade

The 3 hole washers game is a lot like cornhole, except that you only score points when the washer lands completely in one of the holes. The first team or person to 21 points wins the game. This DIY Cornhole Game another great choice for reunions or camping. | My Crazy Good Life

This giant beer pong game is lots of fun. With big red buckets instead of Solo cups, it may just take you back to your college days. But don’t fret if drinking games aren’t your thing… this is kid-friendly despite the name and would be a lot of fun for the whole family. | Drugstore Divas

Get your neighbors and friends to join you in a friendly bean bag toss in the yard… no serious DIY skills required. You can either buy bean bags or make them yourself. The clay saucers serve as your targets. Space them out as far apart as you like to see who has the best aim. | Mod Podge Rocks

Who doesn’t love to play the match game? It’s been a favorite since childhood, and it’s simple enough that everyone understands how to play. Kids will have hours of fun matching the giant cards again and again. | Studio DIY

Make some DIY giant dominoes for the family to play with. If you think that all you do with dominoes is stand them up and knock them down, think again! You can read the real rules of dominoes here, but there are so many ways to play with them. And if you DO want to line them up just to knock them down, go for it! | Lemon Thistle

Add this rainbow paver hopscotch game to your backyard to let the kids get some exercise whenever they’re feeling a little restless. You can color coordinate them with your outdoor space if you’d like, but the rainbow colors look so fun. | Happiness is Homemade

Have you ever heard of Kubb? It’s also called Viking Chess or Skulls and Femurs. Sounds pretty tough, right? The game is actually loads of fun once you learn how. Each game requires 2-6 players, and the game goes by quickly, so it’s easy to rotate people in and out if you have a crowd. | Our Handcrafted Life

This ring toss game is extremely portable, so it’s a good idea to take it with you wherever you’ll have a bunch of kids playing together outdoors. Again, this is a simple game that toddlers and preschoolers can play as well, so it’s perfect for all ages. It’s also pretty inexpensive to make. | Mom Endeavors

This DIY ladder golf game, or ladder ball, is easy to assemble or disassemble, making it a wonderful choice for camping trips with the family. It comes apart and can be laid flat for easy transport and storage. Toss the bolas (the balls tied together) at the rungs of the ladder. Each rung is worth a certain number of points. The first to 21 without going over wins! | Homemade Heather

If you’ve never played pick up sticks, you’re missing out! It’s an easy game, but it can be so much fun, especially when you’re playing with kids. The object of the game is for someone to drop the bundle of sticks, and then you take turns picking up one stick at a time without moving any others. It’s harder than it sounds. If you move any other sticks, your turn is over. | Delineate Your Dwelling

Get twisted up and tangled up in a game of backyard bubble wrap Twister. You can find large rolls or sheets of bubble wraps on Amazon or sometimes in the moving and packing supplies at your local home goods store. Use one of the large sheets to make a fun game of backyard twister. Use paper plates to trace the circles and color them in. It’ll be a hoot listening to the bubble wrap pop as you play. | Chica Circle

Don’t forget we have a fun shaving cream Backyard Twister Game in our Visual Summer Bucket List Ideas.

Nearly every Southerner has played horseshoes at least a time or two in his or her life. It really is entertaining when you play as pairs. You can easily build your own horseshoe pit in the yard to play this fun game yourselves. And yes, you do need a pit to stop the horseshoes. They’re quite heavy, and you don’t want them flailing along the ground very far! | Creatively Southern

For another cheap and fun game to play with a group of kids, this bowl bean bag toss is perfect. This reminds me of the Grand Prize Game on the Bozo the Clown show. What fun! | One More Moore

What’s your favorite outdoor game?

Add this to you list of things to do this summer host a Backyard Movie Night. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget our list of Visual Summer Bucket List Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

ABCmouse Fall Flash Sale | Great School Supplement

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October 6, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School, Education, Entertainment, Kids, Summer Leave a Comment

How is the school year going? Before Halloween hits, want to trick your kids? Do so by “tricking ” them into ~~studying~~ ~~learning~~ playing games than this ABCmouse Fall Flash Sale!

ABCmouse.com is ready to get your little one prepared for school with this year long membership at the lowest price I have seen of $45. Typically it is $15 a month, sot hat is like paying for 3 months and getting 9 months free!. ABCmouse.com offers full online curriculum for kids Preschool and up with 6 levels, 450+ lessons, and more than 3000+ individual learning activities to keep their minds exploring – for hours!

ABCmouse Fall Flash Sale

Core Education Subjects Include:

Reading(the alphabet, phonics, sight words, children’s books)
Math (numbers, shapes, patterns, measurement)
The World Around Us (basic science and social studies)
Art and Music (drawing and coloring, tracing, paint-by-numbers, children’s songs, and more!

My household took advantage of this program for years. I can not express the fun we shared around the family desktop. With so many lessons and learning activities it kept the little ones laughing and progressing with every click. My children loved to roam from the classroom to the zoo, to the farm and back to the classroom. Their laughter even made me, the mom, happy. I was surely able to get a lot done!

Each day, after a parental login, your child will be greeted with a home-menu like the one below offering them multiple ways to start their day. They can discover what is NEW or take part in the days Feature Active, explore the classroom, or choose to work ahead on their Things To-do. Your child’s page will map his or her progress in an easy to understand method that will keep them moving along.

ABCmouse.com curriculum includes six different types of activities to address the way your child learns:

Children’s Books
Children’s Songs
Games
Puzzles
Art Activities
Printables – great for taking it to the restaurant, car, doctors office and more

ABCmouse.com offers the largest collection of online education activities for young children on the web:

More than 250 online children’s books
More than 100 online children’s songs
More than 650 online children’s art activities, including online coloring and online paint-by-numbers activities
More than 250 online educational games for children, including online phonics games, online number games and other online math games
More than 550 online children’s puzzles

For your comfort, mothers, ABCmouse.com creates a safe online learning experience with no advertisements, no pop-up ads, and no links to other websites. With the Step-by-Step Learning Path it was easy for me to allow their online teacher to progress their minds for Guided Learning, or to even turn them loose for some Independent Learning – knowing they were secure with ABCmouse.com.

A few of my favorite features I have only seen with ABCmouse; for my smallest child to be able to break each word up by syllables, record his voice, play it back, and then pronounce the word correctly was great! My oldest loved to give each lesson a try to earn tickets. Then cash the tickets in for rewards and prizes for their room, hamster, fish, and etc. Collecting tickets kept them both playing and asking for more learning time day after day!

This is a limited time offer.

ABCmouse.com Flash Sale

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!

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Crab Ham and Cheese Sandwiches for Kids Party

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June 22, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Summer Leave a Comment

Easy Crab Ham and Cheese Sandwiches for Kids Party. These buttery croissants make the most adorable crustacean for a family dinner or create a tasty party recipe perfect for a beach tablescape.

Crab Sandwiches for Kids Party

So no Beach Parties here but I love to have fun with my sandwiches for the kids, especially the younger kids. It makes dinner fun and also encourages them to eat more. You know, a win-win. One item that I always have on hand in my home, are Candy Eyes. They have so many resourceful uses. We have made endless recipes with them. Sometimes my kids just add them to break and bake cookies. Grab a few. They are cheapest on Amazon.

Perhaps you are making more than just your family’s dinner. If hosting your own celebration, we suggest pairing these sandwiches with our crab cupcakes! And for more inspiring ideas, see all of our Beach Inspired Party Ideas.

This recipe has your classic ingredients – ham and cheese. We bought pre-made croissants. I suggest getting the jumbo kind. You will need candy eyes and toothpicks and a creative item to stick the eyes. We used mustard but gave you a few other options.

Crab Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Supplies:

Croissants
Ham
Cheese
Mustard
Candy Eyes
Tooth Picks
Optional: Fondant, peanut butter, honey or white chocolate melts

Crab Ham and Cheese Sandwiches for Kids Party

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Ingredients

Croissants
Ham
Cheese
Mustard
Candy Eyes
Tooth Picks
Optional: Fondant, peanut butter, honey or white chocolate melts

Instructions

Start by prepping your eyes. Take two candy eyes and place a dot of mustard on the backs.

Lay toothpicks on the mustard and allow to dry and stick some.*

Slice your croissants to almost the opposite end, but stop slicing so the end of the croissant is still attached.

Add a thin layer of mustard to the bottom layer.

Place your ham & cheese inside the croissant. I like to fold the ham so that you get more than a thin slice when you bite.

If you want melted sandwiches, pre-heat your oven to 350. Lay down parchment paper on a cookie sheet and lay your sandwiches on the tray.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes.

Now take your eye toothpicks and poke two into each ham and cheese croissant sandwich. You will want to place the toothpicks at an angle so your candy eyes are are laying back. Less chance of the candy eyes moving!

Serve & enjoy!

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

Crab Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Directions:

Start by prepping your eyes. Take two candy eyes and place a dot of mustard on the backs.

Lay toothpicks on the mustard and allow to dry and stick some.*

Slice your croissants to almost the opposite end, but stop slicing so the end of the croissant is still attached.

Add a thin layer of mustard to the bottom layer.

Place your ham & cheese inside the croissant. I like to fold the ham so that you get more than a thin slice when you bite.

If you want melted sandwiches, pre-heat your oven to 350. Lay down parchment paper on a cookie sheet and lay your sandwiches on the tray.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes.

Serve & enjoy!

*Candy Eye Hack: Other options for getting your eyes to stock to the toothpicks are peanut butter, honey, fondant or melted white chocolate.

Life’s a Beach! Enjoy these Beach Inspired Party Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Headed to the beach? These Beach Life Hacks and Tips will save your trip! Pin to Pinterest.