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Back to School | Project Lunchbox – Happy Birthday Theme Lunch

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by Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Birthday, Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: September 01, 2013
modified datt: August 02,2014

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Happy Birthday Theme Lunch

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Welcome to the seventh post in our Back to School Series – Project Lunchbox! Today’s theme – Happy Birthday! With each series, we create a theme and strive to create fun and inexpensive lunches to give your child a little Celebration in their school day.

If your child’s birthday happens to fall on a weekday and during the school year, why not make it special? A few extra touches can really make your child feel extra loved and celebrated. Celebrate your child’s day by making a birthday themed lunch for your little cupcake.

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I went simple with the food this theme, but included my daughter’s favorites; peanut butter and strawberry jelly, Sour Cream and Onion chips, fruit snacks, and fruit. Our school has a no celebration policy in tact for the classroom (class)… but on her birthday, I decided to surprise her with a little sugary treat (this is straying from my daily healthy lunch)!

To make everyday lunch items special, I raided my birthday stash, most of us have gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, and tissue on hand – This is frugal and costs no additional money. I wrapped her sandwich loosely, don’t want them having to wrestle at lunchtime to get into their sandwich. To make a sweet message, scratch lightly on a banana with a toothpick . Carve out a notes  or picture, the air will darken the peel of your scratch, making your note extra visible. The cupcake went into a small lidded container, with a candle on top- not only does this make the lunch more festive but it keeps the cupcake from moving around if the lunchbox didn’t stay upright during the day.

Descent once more on your crafts stash and grab some stickers! With the stickies, I decorated the outside of the cupcake container and the pack of her favorite princess gummies. Finally, tying some curling ribbon to the handle of her drink container added some festivity to her lunch.  Nestle all contents into a tissue paper bed.

While we all might not have the Martha Stewart of decorating abilities, anything that comes with bows, stickers, pretty colors and gift wrap is sure to excite our little ones! Smiles all the way around, you might even hear a “You’re the Best Mom Ever!” when she jumps in the car that afternoon.

To bring a little pizzazz to your child’s lunches with minimal effort begin by designating a drawer or basket in your kitchen. Gather simple items such as a paring knife, some basic cookie cutters, and an apple corer/slicer. Pick up fun items as you go to add to the collection. As you go about your day and life, you will notice little things that can be used for fun accessories or tools when making your child’s meal!

Do not forget the FREE Back to School Lunch Printables – a sweet note is always a great addition.

Find more Back to School Series including…

More Themed Lunchboxes

1.) Introduction – Project Lunchbox – Pin It

2.) ABC School Days Theme – Pin It

3.) Shark Week Lunch Theme – Pin It

4.) Camping Theme – Pin It

5.) Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Theme – Pin It

6.) Bug Lunch Theme – Pin It

7.) Happy Birthday Lunch Theme – Pin It

Also check out Back to School Deals on Frugal Coupon Living.

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Back to School | Fun, Cheap, or FREE Teacher Gifts

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

by Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Education, Pinterest, Summer

published date: August 16, 2012
modified datt: August 01,2014

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Start the school year off on your teacher’s good side with this super sharp back to school gift!  A simple and easy craft to do with kids before that first bell rings.  Gather a few supplies around the house and be ready to show your teacher appreciation!

Items needed: 

  • A rinsed and cleaned empty spaghetti jar
  • Several packs of unsharpened pencils
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Ribbon
  • White card stock paper
  • Scissors
  • Flowers
  • Printable tags found below
  • White canvas tote*

We love that this craft involves repurposing something that would otherwise be tossed or recycled.  Of course any round vase or jar will do.  Working quickly, put horizontal lines of glue around the top portion and bottom portion of the jar.  Work to cover a little space at a time so the glue doesn’t harden.  Press the pencils, eraser end up, on the jar.  Continue until you’ve covered the circumference of the jar.  Using hot glue, make a ring around the pencils, about half way down.  Press your ribbon into the glue to adhere to the pencils.  Print the tag below on white card stock paper and tack on ribbon with a dot of hot glue.  Now fill with some fresh flowers to brighten your new teacher’s day!

PIN IT TO PINTEREST or get the FREE PRINTABLE

You can really be the teacher’s pet by printing the large circle above on iron-on transfer paper.  Pick up an inexpensive canvas bag from your local craft store and make a great tote for your teacher.

For the complete Sunny Days classroom printable kit, plus other great back to school ideas, visit  www.simplysprouteducate.com.

* Totes can be found at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. You can also pick up a FREE tote from Vistaprint. Add the teacher’s name, school name, or even a fun education quote. A simple Google search can help. Grab your Craft Store Coupons!

If You Like This, Check Out These Other Posts:

There is a lot going on in Back to School and the Back to School Series.

Also search our Themed Lunchboxes

1.) Introduction – Project Lunchbox – Pin It

2.) ABC School Days Theme – Pin It

3.) Shark Week Lunch Theme – Pin It

4.) Camping Theme Lunch – Pin It

5.) Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Theme – Pin It

6.) Bug Lunch Theme – Pin It

7.) Happy Birthday Lunchbox – Pin It


WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Back to School | FREE Keep Calm, Teach On Note and Craft

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

by Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Education, Pinterest, Summer

published date: August 01, 2013
modified datt: August 01,2014

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Start the school year off on your teacher’s good side with this super sharp back to school gift!  A simple and easy craft to do with kids before that first bell rings.  Your child will feel proud and it’s a fun way to show your appreciation for your teacher and help sharpen up her room as the year starts!

Gather a few supplies around the house and be ready to show your teacher appreciation!

Items needed: 

  • A rinsed and cleaned empty spaghetti jar
  • Several packs of unsharpened pencils
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Ribbon
  • White card stock paper
  • Scissors
  • Flowers
  • Printable tags found below
  • Fun tote *optional

We love that this craft involves repurposing something that would otherwise be tossed or recycled.  Of course any round vase or jar will do.  Working quickly, put horizontal lines of glue around the top portion and bottom portion of the jar.  Work to cover a little space at a time so the glue doesn’t harden.  Press the pencils, eraser end up, on the jar.  Continue until you have covered the circumference of the jar.  Using hot glue, make a ring around the pencils, about half way down.  Press your ribbon into the glue to adhere to the pencils.  Print the tag below on white card stock paper and tack on ribbon with a dot of hot glue.  Now fill with some fresh flowers to brighten your new teacher’s day!

 

PIN IT TO PINTEREST or get the FREE PRINTABLE

You can really be the teacher’s pet by printing the large circle above on iron-on transfer paper.  Pick up an inexpensive canvas bag from your local craft store and make a great tote for your teacher.

For the complete Sunny Days classroom printable kit, plus other great back to school ideas, visit  www.simplysprouteducate.com.

Grab your Craft Store Coupons!

If You Like This, Check Out These Other Posts:

There is a lot going on in Back to School and the Back to School Series.

Also search our Themed Lunchboxes

1.) Introduction – Project Lunchbox – Pin It

2.) ABC School Days Theme – Pin It

3.) Shark Week Lunch Theme – Pin It

4.) Camping Theme Lunch – Pin It

5.) Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Theme – Pin It

6.) Bug Lunch Theme – Pin It

7.) Happy Birthday Lunchbox – Pin It


WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Blueberry Pie Cupcakes Recipe – List of Ingredients and Directions

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

by Filed Under: Pinterest, Recipe

published date: October 29, 2013
modified datt: August 01,2014

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Blueberry Pie Cupcakes (Makes 15)
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I am sure many of us love picking up a spoon or fork and dipping into a freshly baked blueberry pie. How about topping it with a yummy scoop of ice-cream? Sometimes when creating desserts, its fun to play off some of our favorite treats and blend or fuse (fusion) flavors and ideas. Check out this blueberry pie twist with this yummy Blueberry Pie Cupcakes Recipe.

Ingredients:

Cupcakes

• 1 stick butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Frosting

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 tbsp milk
• Blue food coloring
• Caramel Duncan Hines Frosting Creation Frosting Starter Packet

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with liners.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder. Set aside
• Using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
• Add in the eggs and buttermilk.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
• Fill the liners with the batter until ¾ full.
• Bake for 15-17 minutes.
• Let cupcakes cool before frosting.
• Beat together the butter, shortening, and powdered sugar.
• Separate the frosting into two separate bowls.
• Add in the blue food coloring into one bowl and a splash or two of milk to make it easier to pipe.
• Add in the caramel flavor packet to the other bowl.
• Using a ziplock bag, add in the blue icing and snip off the corner. Fill in the middle to the outer edges of the cupcake.
• Using a decorating bag with a star tip, add in some of the caramel icing and pipe stars around the cupcake.
• Using another ziplock bag, add in the rest of the caramel icing and draw lines like you would with pie crust.

Love the Blueberry Pie Cupcakes Recipe? Don’t forget these others! Grab the Chocolate Cupcake with Peanut Butter Filling (it’s Gluten-free!)

Also enjoy the Copy-Cat Starbucks Recipes and the Pumpkin Coffee Frap Recipe!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe – A Twist on Your Dinner Entree

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

by Filed Under: Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: July 26, 2014
modified datt: July 26,2014

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Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes Reicpe
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Want to do something fun and creative for the family at the dinner table. Have fun turning your routine meatloaf into yummy cupcakes that are actually dinner entrees. Easy to do and a yummy meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Egg
  • 3/4 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Quick Oats
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/4 cup crushed Club Crackers
  • 2/3 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Mustard
  • 2 cup Mashed Potatoes

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Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven to 350.
  2. Place mashed potatoes in a zipperd bag or piping bag and set aside for later.
  3. Combine Ketchup Mustard and brown sugar and mix well. Set aside.
  4. Combine remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  5. Press this mixture into muffin pan.
  6. spread top of each with the ketchup mixture.
  7. Bake for 30-45 minutes.
  8. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, remove from muffin pan and pipe on a mashed potato “frosting”.

Check out these other Copycat Recipes!

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

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Frugal Fashion Friday Black and Blue Work Outfit

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

by Filed Under: Amazon, Fashion, Frugal Fashion, Frugal Fashion Friday, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Target

published date: July 25, 2014
modified datt: July 25,2014

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Black and Blue Work Outfit
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It’s Frugal Fashion Friday! I wanted to find something trendy and cute for those of you that hit the professional office Monday to Friday. This fun Blue and Black outfit can be taken to the 8 to 5 day and can follow-up with drink with the girls! I love the Jessica Simpson shoes that allow you to stand out!

Sheinside White Blazer $26. A classic-fit blazer style. Very simple and classy blazer for all occassions. Really soft and comfortable. Three quarter sleeve and buttonless design. French cuff and refinement pockets. It’s easy to mix and match with outfits.  Shipping adds $3.98.

Blue and Black Thick Striped Chiffon Blouse $13.99. Dress up or dress down this blouse. perfect for shorts and flat shoes or dress up with a pencil skirt and heels. Shipping adds $7.06.

Black Pencil Skirt. This skirt is sold out but there are two other skirts at affordable and low prices.

Blue Jessica Simpson Pumps.  A whole new meaning to blue suede shoes. Stand out with your shoes. This particular style is sold out, but similar blue/violet Jessica Simpson Styles are available.

Black Stuhrling Swiss Quartz Mother-Of-Pearl Watch $79 $375. Huge Savings on this black and quartz watch. The Radiant is a member of Stuhrling Original’s Gala Collection. This fascinating timepiece shows off its brilliant design with a beautiful sunray dial. The hour and minute hands are located in a sub-dial at 12 o’clock, which is inlaid with genuine Australian mother-of-pearl. The delicate style of this watch is offset by its solid stainless steel construction, which comes with a bezel studded with Swarovski crystals. The genuine leather strap fits the wrist comfortably for a stylish finish.

Black Big Buddha Kylie Satchel $39.99 $95. The Kylie Satchel exudes high fashion while adding to each ensemble. Keep everything you need with it’s large interior with a fun paisley print. FREE Shipping included.

Round Black Cateye Sunglasses $9.34 $30. Unique round metal half frame that features high pointed temples creating an elegant cat eye silhouette. Frame is made with a metal brow and plastic arms, metal wire lens lining and metal nose bridge. FREE shipping with Prime or when you spend $35 on Amazon. Don’t forget this fun Frugal Fashion Friday Sunglasses Round-Up.

Reminder – Follow Frugal Coupon Living on Instagram and Pinterest for other Frugal Fashion designs and finds! You can find more Frugal Fashion Outfits and Deals on Frugal Coupon Living.

Don’t forget – Find more Frugal Fashion Friday Outfits

Also check out this NEW Series, Frugal Fashion Friday Round-ups

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls Recipe with Printable Label

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

by Filed Under: Pinterest, Recipe

published date: October 08, 2013
modified datt: July 21,2014

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Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls Recipe
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These Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls make for a yummy Trick or Treat for moms, dads and of course the kids will love them too! These are perfect to pass out to family and friends, bring to a party, or to send to school for fall treat. You are likely to have all ingredients in your pantry already, and only need a candy thermometer for “fancy” equipment (it’s not a must but definitely helps.)

popcorn-ball-tags

FREE Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls Gift Tag

After wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, twist the end into a “stem” and tie off with raffia or twine for a fun little country pumpkin. Print off the labels to identify the flavor at parties and thread through twine. Might I suggest printing them on card stock for added stability.

Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 12 cups popped popcorn
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp. salt

Directions:

  1. Pop the popcorn your preferred way- stovetop, air popper, or even microwaved. Transfer to a large bowl, making sure to remove all un-popped kernels.
  2. Fill another large bowl with ice water, lay out waxed paper or aluminum foil for popcorn balls to set on.
  3. In a small container like a paper cup mix pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and cinnamon, set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan combine; corn syrup, brown sugar, salt and butter.
  5. Simmer over medium-high heat, stir constantly until mixture boils. Allow syrup to boil, unstirred until candy thermometer reaches 275°. Remove from heat stir in spice and vanilla mixture.
  6. Pour syrup over mixture and use a wooden spoon to coat popcorn kernels. Let cool slightly.
  7. Dip hands in ice water, shake off excess, shape popcorn into 3-4 inch balls and place on paper or foil to cool.
  8. Wrap popcorn balls tightly in plastic wrap.

Makes about 18 popcorn balls.

Like the Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls Recipe? Be sure to Pin to Pinterest and to find more Pinterest Ideas and Recipe Ideas on Frugal Coupon Living.

Save $10 off your order of $50 or more on our Delicious Popcorn Gift Tins, Towers, Baskets, and more available at ThePopcornFactory.com! Use promo Code LS10

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Frugal Fashion Friday Floral Skirt Outfit and Scallop Top

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

by Filed Under: Amazon, Fashion, Frugal Fashion, Frugal Fashion Friday, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Target

published date: July 18, 2014
modified datt: July 18,2014

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Floral Skirt Outfit and Scallop Blouse
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It’s Frugal Fashion Friday! Go with a Floral Print in this fun collection of skirts. Cute patterns for under $10 shipped!

Scallop Tank Top Solid Blouse in Green $4.99. The edging detail of this shirt makes a statement while not taking away from the busy pattern of your skirt.  Shipping adds $3.99. Shirt runs small.

Chiffon Mini Skirt with Belt (in Red Style) $2.99 $50.99 When steppng out this season, add the feel of fun with a bold, pretty floral skirt. Shipping adds $5.99. Skirt does run small. See Similar Skirts HERE for $8.59 shipped. Find MORE Skirts in our post this week.

Roxy Juniors Dancing Shores Light Indigo Denim Jacket Jacket $38.50 $89.50.Jean jackets can be found everywhere – Kohls, Macys, Amazon, Target and more. I really fell in love with this Roxy Style with the Aztec lining on the buttons.  FREE Shipping included.

Floral Beige Sandal $19.90 $39. We’re so in love with these adorable sandals! Featuring an open toe, t-strap construction at vamp, rhinestone daisy embellishment, chain details, crystal daisy center, slingback strap, and buckle closure. Shipping adds $6.99.

Nine West Vintage “Open Sea” Gold 18″ Necklace $17.42 $36. The gold metal, mixed with the kelly green top is the perfect pop for your collar bone area. Inspired by a rich American heritage and the craftsmanship of objects loved and collected over time. Nine West Vintage America Collection reflects a life well lived through an aged appearance, design details and a worn feel.

GUESS Gold-Tone Textured Dome Stretch Ring $10.99 $22. Give your look a shot of high-faceted shine with this textured dome ring from GUESS. Set in gold-tone mixed metal. Stretches to fit.

Tan Envelope Clutch Purse $4.98. Bring to your local monogram shop and spend about $10 for a 3 initial monogram. Shipping is FREE.

Reminder – Follow Frugal Coupon Living on Instagram and Pinterest for other Frugal Fashion designs and finds! You can find more Frugal Fashion Outfits and Deals on Frugal Coupon Living.

Don’t forget – Find more Frugal Fashion Friday Outfits

Also check out this NEW Series, Frugal Fashion Friday Round-ups

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WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.