Frugal Coupon Living

Stretching Your Pennies, Saving Your Dollars

Kids Scented Paint Recipes for Christmas Season – Pantry Ingredients

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Holiday2010, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: November 04, 2013
modified datt: November 04,2013

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Kids Scented Paint Recipes for Christmas Season (Pin it to Pinterest)
Sugar Cookie, Hot Chocolate, Candy Cane and Gingerbread Cookie

Whatever the reason….

you are looking for a quick activity for the kids
you have no paint on hand
you  want to make the eco-friendly paint from scratch

… this homemade paint is a fun two-fold activity that is sure to please. Make this activity once and they will always be asking for the “yummy smelling paint that mommy makes!” This recipe uses basic ingredients from your pantry and is super easy to vary for the season, activity or celebration. If doing this activity with a preschooler, painting with a brush or even finger painting are fantastic activities for fine motor development. To make this paint gluten free simply sub corn or potato starch for regular all-purpose flour.

Paint Base:

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 Tbsp. Salt

In a medium bowl whisk ingredients together well until smooth, add water until you achieve your desired consistency. Add more for paint to use with brushes and less for finger painting. When you dry spices or liquids for scents it will change the consistency. I like the make up a large batch of base and then divide it up to create individual colors and scents. These are fantastic paints for numerous holiday crafts, the smell stays long after the paint dries.

Paint Scents:

To create these yummy Christmas scents combine ¼ cup of paint base to the following spices/extracts. I recommend mixing them in a medium sized bowl, and transfer to the container your child will use to paint from. Mixing in larger bowls will make you grateful for the mess prevention.

Sugar Cookie:

  • 1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. Almond extract

Hot Chocolate

  • 1 Tbsp. Unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract

Candy Cane

  • 2 tsp. peppermint extract
  • 3-5 drops red food coloring

Gingerbread

  • 1 Tbsp. ginger powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. all-spice

While these are food grade ingredients and are safe to eat, don’t let the the divine smell fool you. I wouldn’t recommend eating them. They do not taste good and mixing paintbrushes with homemade paint would introduce other ingredients.

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If looking for storage or paint brush tools, I picked up a 3 pack of dip cups from the Dollar Tree and they were the perfect size for each scented color paint. I also found a 4 pack of small lidded plastic containers. These would be fabulous in squirt bottles as well. I also love these jumbo handled paintbrushes, they are perfect for toddlers or older children, we use them on most all of our paint projects.

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.

Dinners for the Week with Weekend Prep – Easy and Budget Friendly

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by Filed Under: Frugal Living, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: October 18, 2013
modified datt: October 28,2013

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Five Dinners for the Week with Weekend Prep
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The school year can be hectic and when life isn’t settled, it is very easy to to let your budget and money-management go by the wayside.

This week we are going make 5 delicious and simple dinners. We’ll start with a shopping list for all ingredients, and then move on to weekend prep.  Dinners include minimal dishes to wash and delicious meals to savor. This round we are going a to travel around the world and not even need a passport. We have Chinese , Italian, Greek, and American dishes. No abnormal or expensive ingredients here either!

Menu for the Week:

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Shopping List:

  • 1 pack bacon
  • 2-1 pound packs of chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1½ pound thin sliced sirloin steak
  • 1-20 oz. can pineapple tidbits
  • 1 bag frozen stir fry vegetables
  • 1- oz. jar spaghetti sauce
  • package farfalle pasta
  • package of linguine or fettucini pasta
  • 1 can or 1 bag frozen peas
  • Tub fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 bag shredded mozzarella
  • 2 small onions
  • 1 tomato
  • Cucumber
  • Rice, instant or slow cooking
  • Tub plain greek yogurt
  • Ginger, fresh grated or paste
  • Cheese sticks, mozzarella or cheddar
  • Package pita bread

Pantry Ingredients*:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • ½ and ½
  • Soy Sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic
  • Cornstarch
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Eggs
  • Honey

* If you don’t have these add them to your shopping list!

These meals are based on 4 people with a little leftovers – perfect for a lunch the next day-double duty meals! They are easy to adjust to take out or add in ingredients based on your family size and needs.

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

You might enjoy the Easy and Budget Friendly Freezer meals!


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.

No Sew T-Shirt Blanket Tutorial #DIY #Pinterest #Craft

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by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: October 12, 2013
modified datt: October 14,2013

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No Sew T-Shirt Blanket Tutorial
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This No Sew T-Shirt Quilt is a GREAT way to re-purpose old t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore but you still like.Many of us have too many T-Shirts and they are found overflowing in a drawer.  These are great to pull together as a theme (for examples baseball shirts over a few seasons or civic club shirts from Freshman to Senior Year) By turning them into a memory blanket it’s a great way to hold on to those momentous that you just won’t put to use anymore!  This particular blanket was made using old baseball t-shirts. If you also are a horrible sewer, this project is perfect for you as it requires no needed and thread and is VERY easy to do!

Money Spent: roughly $4
Time Spent: a few hours

Materials needed:

  • T-Shirts. In this example, I used 6 t-shirts (this made 12 squares using the front and the back of the shirt)*
  • Scissors
  • Fleece to fit the square foot of your shirts laid into a square pattern.

Directions:

  1. Clean and Wash your t-shirts.
  2. Measure your shirts into a square. You can decide on the width and height but make sure all squares are big enough to fit the largest logo and are all the same size.
  3. Once cut, lay all out your shirts and measure the size so that you know how much fleece or fabric you need for the back and cut that to size.
  4. Cut the ends of your t-shirts into 1 inch slits around the perimeter.
  5. Double not your t-shirts together into your square pattern. DO NOT DO the outer perimeter of your 12 shirts (you will tie this to the fleece backing at the end.)
  6. Once all the inner edges of the t-shirts are tied, take your backing to the t-shirt square. Double knot all outter edgest of t-shirt square and fleece square together.
  7. Voila! There you have it, a easy but time consuming no sew blanket! Keep it for yourself, or give it as a gift! I hope you enjoy this!

*You can use as many or as few t-Shirts as you would like! I found that only having 12 squares does NOT make a very big blanket.

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WATCH IT! Lost on the No Sew T-Shirt Blanket Tutorial direction? Make a similar Fleece blanket with a YouTube No Sew Fleece Blanket Tutorial by Frugal Coupon Living. This will walk you through the steps.

Also, check out the…

Be sure to Pin to Pinterest and to find more Pinterest Ideas on Frugal Coupon Living.

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.

Caramel Apple Fluff Recipe – Great Fall Treat with Snickers

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by Filed Under: Pinterest, Recipe

published date: October 27, 2013
modified datt: October 03,2013

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Caramel Apple Fluff Recipe
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Can you ever eat enough caramel and apples during the fall season? Probably not, which is why this simple recipe for Caramel Apple Fluff is sure to come in handy! Whether you need a potluck dish or just want a fun after dinner dessert, this Caramel Apple Fluff is a quick and inexpensive solution. You only need a few ingredients, and even the kids will love helping. Take a peek at how you can whip your own batch up.

Caramel Apple Fluff

Ingredients:

  • 6 large apples, your choice of color
  • 6 Snickers candy bars
  • 1 tub of Cool Whip
  • 1 small package of vanilla pudding
  • ½ cup of milk
  • 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows
  • Caramel topping

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in your packet of vanilla pudding, milk, and Cool Whip. Stir well until the mixture is well blended and fluffy.
2. Dice your six large apples and stir them into the mixture.
3. Dice the Snickers bars (this is easiest if they are a tad bit warm. Just set them in a window for a few minutes to soften them up) and stir them in.
4. Add the 1 ½ cups of marshmallows. For a fluffier mixture, you can bump the amount up to 2 cups.
5. Continue to stir well until all of the ingredients are coated in the Cool Whip and Pudding mixture.
6. Scoop a spoonful of fluff into a dessert glass or bowl. Top it with a drizzle of caramel dessert topping as shown.

See how easy it is to be enjoying this tasty and sweet treat in just minutes? It tastes even better if you allow it to set in the refrigerator for an hour before eating, but you may not be able to wait that long!

Gather up your ingredients and give this fun fall dish a try. It is sure to be a favorite in your home.

Like the Caramel Apple Fluff Recipe? Be sure to Pin to Pinterest and to find more Pinterest Ideas and Recipe Ideas on Frugal Coupon Living.

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.

Children’s Party Aprons Deal – 12 for $8.62

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

by Filed Under: Amazon, Online Shopping, Pinterest

published date: August 28, 2013
modified datt: October 01,2013

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Children’s Party Aprons Deal

Grab the 12 Pack Children’s Artists Aprons in Assorted Colors for $8.62. This would be GREAT for a cooking party or class, a great party favor!

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The 12 pack includes an assortment of 6 different colors. I searched Pinterest and liked how Sweet P Parties had her fun cooking party. Find more party ideas on Pinterest (FCLAsh).

Head to Amazon for a look. Find more Amazon Deals on Frugal Coupon Living.

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 | The Importance of Routine with Children

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by Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Free, Pinterest

published date: September 21, 2013
modified datt: September 20,2013

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 Back to School – The Importance of Routine with Children
Lessons from a Former Teacher and Current Mother

If you have kids, chances are you already know what happens when they don’t get enough rest, then there is a shift in schedule or when something doesn’t go just as planned. Kids can get cranky, irritable, inattentive and loud at the flip of a switch. If we have a child that wakes up with those symptoms, while we can be excited to drop them off and get a break in behavior for ourselves, it doesn’t present a very fair day to our child’s teachers or classmates. Routines are vital for young kids in many ways beyond the sleep factor. In fact, routines can be the backbone of a kid’s future habits.

Sleep is the most obvious example but it is not the only one by a long shot. Another important routine for kids is to have homework time. When a kid first starts school, he develops (or doesn’t) the habits that will follow him through his entire school career.While the fight of making your child complete their homework, is never fun, some children need this guidance. Setting aside a time each afternoon for homework to be accomplished allows your child to learn respect of structure, as well as develop proper study habits.

Routine is also important as far as nutrition. Kids that sit at school hyped up on sugar and caffeine all day are not learning at the optimum levels and the chances are pretty good that they are also hindering other kids from learning their best. Giving your child a food routine that consists of healthy proteins, veggies and fruits will boost their learning power and keep their attention more focused. Keeping them off the soft drinks and other caffeine laden items will help them as well. Nobody needs a sugar rush during the school day except perhaps the teachers and staff.

Routines show up in your child’s social skill set as well. Finding ways to ensure your child is social is often overlooked, but necessary. Scheduling “social hour” gives it power and makes it a priority for both you and the child. For example, in my home we schedule time to go do something as a family every single Saturday, and the kids know they are welcome to invite a friend. This gives them a social pattern that they can count on and it keeps them seeking friends. This is very important to a young child who is learning about the importance of family, life and relationships.

Consistency is key. Healthy consistency will produce good habits. Good habits will produce great character! Structure allows your child to not be caught off guard or surprised about a “rule” or “expectation” in the home or the classroom.

What other ways do you create routines for your children? Share successful stories in the comments down below!

Find more on Frugal Coupon Living in the Back to School Series.


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.

Gift Jar Recipes – Three Easy Recipes for Your Holiday Season

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

by Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

published date: October 05, 2013
modified datt: September 17,2013

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The Holiday season is often the most stressful time of year for many due to the costs involved and the financial strain.  For many years I have helped ease the burden in our home by assembling a handful of these 3 Easy “In A Jar” Gift Recipes to be used as Christmas gifts that are both budget friendly and appealing to those who receive them.  These are especially great to create for your kids teachers at school, coaches in extra-curricular activities and all of those miscellaneous helpers, babysitters and Sunday School teachers that impact their daily life.

BEAN SOUP IN A JAR

  • ¾ Cup Dry Kidney or Red Beans
  • ¾ Cup Dry Black Beans
  • ¾ Cup Dry Great Northern Beans
  • ¾ Cup Dry Pinto Beans
  • ¾ Cup Slit Green Peas
  • ¾ Cup Dry Red Lentils
  • 2 Tablespoons Dry Onion Flakes
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
  • 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning Blend
  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

In quart size Mason jar, layer beans in order listed.  In snack sized Ziploc bag place dry seasonings.  Place bag in top of Mason jar on top of layered beans.  Cover with lid.  Attach direction below printed on pretty paper with ribbon.

Directions: Set aside seasoning packet.  Rinse bean mix in large colander and place in large stockpot.  Cover with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Add one 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes and seasoning packet.  Continue to boil on low heat for 2 hours stirring occasionally.  Additional water may be needed to prevent burning.  Add salt as desired.  May include 1 cup cubed ham or 4 slices bacon for additional flavor while cooking.

SPICED TEA

  • 1 Cup Instant Lemon Tea Mix
  • 2 Cups Tang Mix
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
  • ½ Teaspoon Ginger
  • ½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1 Packet Lemon Kool Aid Mix

Mix all ingredients together in small bowl.  Pour into pint sized mason jars or clear jar with lid closure.  Cover with lid, attach recipe with desired ribbon.

Directions: Use 2 Tablespoons Mixture to 1 Cup Hot Water.

SNICKERDOODLE IN A JAR

  • 2 ¾ Cups Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 ¾ Cups Sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon

In a medium bowl mix ingredients together until well blended.  Pour into quart sized Mason jar.  Attach directions below with ribbon.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.  Set aside.  In a large bowl mix together 1 cup butter, 2 eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.  Pour in Snickerdoodle mix gradually until dough forms.  Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls.  Roll balls in cinnamon sugar mix and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown.  Allow cookies to cool and serve with milk.

Like Gift Jar Recipes? Find more Recipes on Frugal Coupon Living.

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.

Monthly Onesie Stickers – Bellies Baby Monthly Milestone Stickers!

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by Filed Under: Amazon, Baby, Birthday, Kids, Online Shopping, Pinterest

published date: September 14, 2013
modified datt: September 14,2013

Monthly Onesie Stickers1

Monthly Onesie Stickers makes for the perfect way to celebrate each milestone.  I adore Sticky Bellies monthly milestone marker! I so wish I was this creative when my babies were younger!  This is the perfect way to remember each month- and not just recall it but really the memories that made that milestone so special!

Grab the complete set now at Amazon for just $9.99, plus that will ship FREE with prime!

Sticky Bellies Baby Onesie Monthl

Sticky Bellies details:

  • Easy to use, simply Peel ~ Stick ~ Snap!
  • Set includes 12 stickers
  • Opaque, heavy-duty stickers can be removed and reapplied for several photo shoots
  • Stickers measure 4″ in diameter
  • Makes a great Baby Shower gift!

 

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So how do they work?

  1. Remove sticker from backing
  2. Apply sticker to shirt
  3. Take pictures…lots of them!
  4. Remove sticker
  5. Share, display and enjoy adorable milestone photos!
  6. Repeat each month
  7. Thank Sticky Bellies for making your life easier and your pictures cuter!

Adorable!  Head to Amazon today and get your monthly onesie stickers from Sticky Bellies!

Find more Amazon Deals on Frugal Coupon Living!

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.