Travel Archives - Frugal Coupon Living

Every Kid in a Park – Free National Park Pass

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November 7, 2019 by Frugal Coupon Mom Filed Under: Travel Leave a Comment

See the national parks for free with your Every Kid in a Park pass! Every year, beginning September 1, all kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid in a Park pass! This pass provides free access to national parks across the country.

Every Kid in a Park is a federal public lands youth initiative to get all 4th graders and their families to experience the places that are home to our country’s natural treasures, rich history, and vibrant culture.

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Cox Farms Fall Festival

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September 19, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Travel Leave a Comment

Cox Farms Fall Festival and Field of Fear. Hours of operation, dates of the fall festival, ticket savings, and employment opportunities.

We moved to Virginia from Florida in 2014. Since moving here, Cox Farm Falls Festival has become our annual tradition. We don’t miss a year. It’s best for me to describe this place, through the eyes of my 2014 self. In 2014 we had two children (we have quickly multiplied to 5 – that’s another post!) A Florida fall festival included 90 degree days, usually a bounce house or two, hay swarmed by mosquito, and pumpkin photos in take tops and flip flops. It was all I knew, it was all my kids knew. Cox Farms Festival completely took me straight into a Hallmark movie scene!

Cox Farms Fall Festival

So our first experience was amazing. So amazing we went a second, third, fourth, and soon a fifth. Being from Florida, the only thing I could compare it to was a Disney-inspired Fall Festival. Admission includes Giant Slides, World Famous Hayrides, Farm Animals & their Babies, Cornundrum Cornfield Adventure, Imaginature Trail, Rope Swings, Kiddie Zone, Goat Village, Straw Tunnels, Themed Play Areas, Live Entertainment, Local Apples & Fresh Cider, Foamhenge, and you even get a pumpkin to take home! Yes, your very own pumpkin!

Plan to spend hours visiting all the attractions and activities. Watch music on stage, swing your arms, lift your legs and do a little jig as you clap along. See real life animal demonstrations – this is a working farm, you guys. Exhaust the kids with their very own farm chores, maybe they won’t complain next time about having to life their cereal bowl and spoon and place it in the sink. Enjoy a hayride, slide down some amazing, slippery slides, go mining for rocks.

Create memories that keep you coming back year after year and turn into your own family tradition.

Cox Farms Hours

The grand opening of Cox Farms Fall Festival is the weekend of Speedometer 14 and 15th. This weekly is lovely as all their workers are present and rather helpful. It also is not too busy. We really enjoy opening weekend. Bonus: it’s a value day, more on that below!

Cox Farm Fall Festival will close after September 15th but will re-open September 21 and run all the way until November 5, 2019.

Cox Farms is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In November, the closing time changes to 5 p.m.

Cox Farms 2019 Hours

Sept. 14 – 15 and Sept. 21 – Nov. 5, 2019
Open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (5 p.m. in November)

Cox Farms Tickets

Tickets are $7 to $20 depending on the day you visit.

Cox Farms Promo Code

Cox Farms does not have a promo code, but they know discounts. There are multiple ways to save!

Take a look at the Cox Farm Calendar. It is easily displayed in a color format providing Discount Days (green $7), Value Days (blue $11), Regular Priced Days (yellow $15), and Peak Price Days (orange $20). Cox farm is closed on red days. If you are looking to save, it is worth visiting during a color day that fits your schedule.

I have been at both Peak Days and Value Days and I felt the difference. Not only did I save money in my wallet, but Value days had a smaller number of visitors. We were not able to make a value day work for a schedule one year and a peak day was lovely, but rather busy.

Cox Farm Special Offers

Again, no coupon codes, but Cox Farms also has Special Offers.

Last Call Tickets: Need to get the kids out? Have them run off their steam before dinner. Get $6 tickets when you arrive from 4-5 p.m. on weekday afternoons in October (not including Indigenous Peoples Day, October 14). This does not include a small patch pumpkin.
Senior Tuesdays: Family in the area? Send the grandparents with the kids on Tuesday! Seniors over the age of 60 win free on Tuesdays after noon with each accompanying paid admission. Additionally, get ready to shop! Seniors also get 10% off purchases every Tuesday in our Festival Market and Seasonal Corner Market. Make sure you have your ID!
Public Servants Weekend: Are you a public servant? Visit the weekend of Sept. 21 to 22 and save $5 on admission on up to four tickets. Just bring your valid badge or ID to any Fall Festival ticket booth for your special discount. This includes local, state and federal government employees, EMS, Firefighters, Teachers and Educators (private too), police and Law Enforcement, Active and Retired Military.

Cox Farms Field of Fear

I have to admit, I am still in the juvenile stage of exploring the farm. Getting to the Cox Farm Field of Fear hasn’t happened yet, but trust me, it’s on the family bucket list. If you are too grown for the Cox Farm Fall Festival, see how grown up you really are at Fields of Fear on Friday and Saturday nights this fall.

Fear Deluxe Admission includes one entry to the Firegrounds, Dark Side Hayride, Cornightmare and the Forest: Back 40. Plus, since getting scared makes you hungry. There are all of your fall favorites, donuts, nachos, root beer, cotton candy, kettle corn and more. Scare that Keto diet straight out the ~~door~~ corn maze!

Field of Fear Hours and Dates

Visit the Field of Fear Sept. 20 – Nov. 2, Friday and Saturday nights only. You can also visit Sunday, Oct. 13, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The last entry is at 10 p.m. just in time for the last ghoul to appear, but warning, some attractions may sell out before 10 p.m.

Field of Fear Tickets

Visit the Cox Farm Calendar for pricing options. There are four levels of pricing. Visit discount days for $20, Value Days for $25, Regular Days for $30 and Peak Days for $35 per head (we hope you have your head at the end!) A Cox Farm Halloween weekend visit will actually be on a value day!

Cox Farm Employees

You guys, the Cox Farms Employees are amazing. This crew must get a hard lesson on being kind and helpful when hired. I felt that from the start. On our fourth visit to Cox Farm (this was a first time going with five kids – you know, new parents and all), we lost a kid. Like legit lost a kid. It’s easy for kids to get distracted with all the exciting activities. My child was not missing more than a minute when my phone rang from an employee. He walked my child over to me who was bawling from feeling she lost her humongous family of seven (I have a few that would gladly walk away form this large family, she was not the one.) The employee made her feel safe, immediately got her parents’ number, and returned her safely back to me. Make sure your child knows your phone number, but if not, there are many safety points and so many employees to make your reunion as heart warming as mine. You can also pick up safety tattoos to include your number on your child’s hand or arm. If you are looking for Cox Farm Job, you can apply here. But don’t click there if you aren’t kind, they won’t take you!

Cox Farm Address and Social Media

I shouldn’t have you give you the address. Listen for the screams of laughter and fun or the terrifying cries in the night at the Field of Fear. In case your hearing aids are turned down low, enter this address in your GPS.

15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120

Also Follow Cox Farms on Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoxFarmsVa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coxfarmsva/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coxfarmstweets
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CoxFarmsTV

Follow Cox Farm Field of Fear on Social Media…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fieldsoffear
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldsoffear/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FieldsofFear

Disclosure: My family was hosted for a Cox Farm visit. All opinions are my own.

4 Reasons to Head to Gaylord National SummerFest

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May 9, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Travel Leave a Comment

If you are in the Washington D.C. area this summer, be sure to add the Gaylord National SummerFest to your family bucket list. Whether traveling to the District area or enjoying a staycation, we have four reasons you should visit!

4 Reasons to Head to Gaylord National’s SummerFest

Traveling is always a good time. However, when you’re traveling to Gaylord National’s SummerFest, you know you’re going to have a great time. The National Harbor has a piece of “great” for family members of all ages! This summer is Gaylord National’s SummerFest. This annual tradition continues on!

SummerFest, presented by Aquafina®, will be running from May 24 through September 2. If you are looking for memories that will be discussed years later, this will be the event for your family. I have four reason you want to add Gaylord National’s SummerFest to your summer bucket list for travel or a staycation.

#1. Nightly Laser Shows and Endless Family Time

Just outside the District of Columbia, Gaylord National Resort is located in the area’s beloved National Harbor. This is home to Maryland’s signature waterfront community and it’s safe to say that there is a ton for families to do in the area. From nightly laser shows to scavenger hunts, families enjoy time together each day at Gaylord National. Let’s not forget about the resort’s junior Olympic-size pool and splash pad. Mom and dad can regroup while the kids are distracted with laughs!

#2. Independence week Block Party Bash

Another reason to hit up SummerFest is because of the Independence week Block Party Bash. This bash runs from July 2nd until July 6th. During this time period, families can enjoy SummerFest activities all week. Don’t forget you can also participate in trivia nights at National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill, a kids craft corner, games, and more. Celebrate the birth of our Nation with your red, white and blue attire. There is no better place to be, than in the capital area of Washington, D.C., during this week!

#3. Check out Relâche Spa

PARENTS! You’ll want to jump in the chance to check out Relâche Spa, especially during Gaylord National’s SummerFest. You can get a seasonal massage, facial, and pedicure. This full-spa experience is something you won’t want to miss out on. Especially after all those family outings you’re going to experience. Did you know Relâche means “to take a break” in French? I have been fortunate to try some of their express services and let me tell you, it was a heavenly break from five kids! If you pick up a resort package, a $50 credit will give you every excuse to take a break in this spa – Bye kids!

#4. Gaylord National’s Resort Package

Are you wanting to take advantage of Gaylord National’s SummerFest? You’ll want to sign up for their resort package. If you book an overnight stay in advance starting at $179 or Gaylord National’s resort credit package including:

One (1) night room accommodations
$50 resort credit for on-site dining or Relâche Spa

The package starts at $229 and is available May 24 through September 2.

Have questions? You can learn more info about Gaylord National Resort’s SummerFest celebration and to book an overnight package or room, visit www.GaylordNational.com, call 301-965-4000 and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Happy travels!

Staycation or Washington D.C. travel, be sure to add the @GaylordNational SummerFest to your family bucket list - 4 reasons you should visit @nationalharbor #VisitSummerFest #GaylordNational

About the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is the largest, non-gaming hotel and convention center on the East Coast, located along the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland and part of Marriott International, Inc. Opened in April 2008, Gaylord National is an AAA-Four Diamond resort that is only eight miles from Washington, D.C. The resort offers nearly 2,000 rooms including 110 suites; a 19-story atrium; 600,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; acclaimed restaurants including Old Hickory Steakhouse; a full-service resort spa, Relâche Spa; and Pose Rooftop Lounge.

Camping Hacks, Tips and Tricks

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April 1, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Summer, Travel

Camping Hacks, Tips and Tricks on Frugal Coupon Living. Creative camping ideas to simplify your memorable family outdoor trip.

Camping Hacks, Tips and Tricks

Camping? Going to the great outdoors. Whether you are an expert camper or a novice, like me, anyone can use a little camping hacks, tips and tricks. Learn the best way to store eggs, see how to keep that toilet paper dry, or see how much light expands when you create a lantern out of a gallon jug (no cutting required!) You might love these tips so much you are taking some of them to the home, beach or your next picnic. Happy Camping!

Create your own Camping Survival Kit from The Benson Street. We see some great goods like duct tape, bandages, hand sanitizer and more!

Make your own Camping Toilet with this Tutorial from A Thrifty Mom. To me, this trick is genius. Bring a lot of plastic grocery bags – double bag if they have holes!

Organize your Kitchen with this Rolled Up Kitchen Guide from Today’s Creative Life. It looks like your entire ktichen neds are there!

Camping Packing List and Meal Planner Printables on Frugal Coupon Living. Personalize to your own family.

Make your own Campfire Bombs from Inspired by Family Mag. The will come in handy when you are ready to start the fire!

Also try this Pinecone Campfire Starter Recipe from Today’s Creative Life. This idea appears a little bit more nature friendly.

Store Toilet Paper in a Coffee Can from Life Hacker. Genius!

Stay Organized with a Mesh Hanging Organizer from Mama Momtourage. Nothiong worse than stuff all over the floor. This is a great way to be organized.

DIY Outdoor Candle Stakes from a Subtle Revelry. This is great for a little glow.

Turn a Water Jug into a Lantern Source. I have seen this used before – so genius. It makes an immediate lantern.

How creative is this Hand Washing Station from Do It and How? Well there you go – clean hands for all!

Instead of Ice, use Frozen Water Jugs – they make cold water later! Idea from Camping Blogger. That is smart, you have a nice gold drink later.

Store your snacks in these DIY Snack Containers from Stockpiling Moms. Start saving the old coffee creamers.

Stay clean with this DIY Soap Pouch from Whimsy Love. Rub a dub dub, get clean outta the tub!

Looking for easy storage, how about this DIY Plastic Bag Keeper from Curbly. This goes great with the camping toilet.

Avoid the Bulky Duct Tape Roll and Wrap the tape around objects for easy access. Idea from Happy Money Saver. This idea is genius!

Create a game for the kids with this Camping Scavenger Hunt from Creative Homemakers.

Bring a Welcome Mat to keep Dirt Out of the Tent from My Clever Nest. This will keep the mess out of the tent – I hate sand all over my floor – dirt is only for the outdoors!

Place Matches in a Mason Jar and place sandpaper on top for a strike from Like to Love. Looks like this will last awhile.

A Yoga Mat makes a Great Cushion for your sleeping bag from The 3 Day. Make sure it is thick!

Keep Scrambled Eggs in an Old Coffee Creamer Container from Lifehacker. This is truly genius. Breakfast anyone?

If going near the water, place a Cork on Your Keys so they float from Green Moxie. (this is also in our Beach Tips & Tricks!)

Repurpose an old Ketchup Bottle for Pancake Mix from Real Simple. Save your old ketchup bottles!

Turn your Storage Bin into a Toddler Tub from Living on Latte. I have seen this used at the beach too. At a public beach, fill up before going down to the sand. Play all day and when you get back, your tub of water will be nice and warm for a bath before going home!

Make Individual Shower Lanyards from The Pop Up Princess. Everyone can easily identify their bath supplies! I could see this as a fun gift if a large group of friends are camping together. The lanyard all keeps the loofah out of the dirt and off the ground.

Camping? Let’s share with you some breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert ideas for your trip. You might enjoy these Campfire Cinnamon Rolls Baked in Oranges. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out these Camping Hot Dogs Recipe for the Campfire. Pin to Pinterest.

We think these Fritos Bagged Walking Tacos are delicious. Pin to Pinterest.

For dessert, enjoy these S’mores Campfire Cones. Pin to Pinterest.

Also enjoy these Camping Recipes Your Family Will Love. Pin to Pinterest.

We love these Foil Packet Meals for the Grill, Oven or Campfire. Pin to Pinterest.

Original publication April 16, 2017.

20 Creative Ways to Enjoy a Spring Break Staycation

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February 17, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Spring, Travel 3 Comments

Over twenty ways to enjoy a Spring Break Stayation. Holistay and ideas within driving distance of your home and activities and fun within your home.

Spring Break Staycation

What is on the list of things to do this spring break? Are you looking for some creative ideas for your child’s spring break? Look at these staycation ideas. Enjoy a holistay within your home town. Find ideas of activities to keep your child busy over the break. From star gazing and sleeping on the trampoline to museum scavenger hunts that will education and fill your days, we have a full is of ideas to explore and enjoy your holistay.

Add in the Science

During the week, have a day at home. Add in as many five minute science experiments as you can. The kids will have fun while learning. Some of these ideas will be a good reason to get outside on a nice day.

Backyard Movie Theater

Pop some popcorn, plop together some pillows, put up a tent, string some lights… whatever it takes to make the coolest at home movie theater in your yard. Follow this DIY Backyard Movie Screen (from Simply Sprout) or pick up an outdoor movie screen for your evening.

Play Tourist

Play tourist in your home town. Start by visiting the visitor center and get creative with what new activities can fill your day. What new things do you want to see? Feel like a real tourist by staying at a local hotel for a night! Search places like Groupon for discounts and savings.

Baking Championship

Host a Kids baking championship. This can include your own kids or neighborhood kids. You can have certain ingredients they can use or let them search the web for a recipe they want to make. You judge, determine the winner, and get lunch done all at the same time… sounds like your’re winning! Adorable ideas for a baking party or championship from ikatbag.

Backyard Fire Pit

Your entire meal must be made outside in a fire pit. Find camping recipes and make everything without using your kitchen. Two recipes we recommend are Camping Hot Dogs and Campfire S’mores Cones.

Go Geocaching

This activity is so fun, it will fill your day! Geocaching is the act of hunting for and finding a hidden objects using GPS coordinates. Download the app and find hidden “treasure” in your town’s area. Learn more about how to geocache as a family on Frugal Mom, Eh.

Arts & Crafts Day

Host and arts and crafts day – arts and crafts all day long. Take a look at some of these ideas – upcycled cereal box crafts, paint chip crafts, and rainy day activities. You also could pick up a craft supply set for a bunch of resources to help you get creative.

Picnic and a Discussion

Deepen relationships and get to know those you already know so well. Have a picnic. Away from the home might be less distraction to things like the doorbell, phone ringing, dog parking etc. Bring dinner conversation cards to start discussion and help you get to know your child and/or spouse better.

Backyard Campout

Have a backyard campout. At night study the sky. Download the Sky Map App and study planets, stars, and constellations. Frugal Mom Eh has some creative ideas for backyard camping, as well.

Travel Abroad

Travel abroad and never leave home aka armchair travel. Choose a country you have wanted to travel to. Eat food, plan activities, listen to music, watch a movie. Pick up a DVD from the library or perhaps watch something on Amazon Prime of the area you are visiting for the day. Rick Steves has some great movies. Live, Life and Learning has a free printable passport you can use for your adventure with the kids.

Sleep Outdoors

Fill a truck or trampoline with pillows and blankets and have an outdoor campout under the stars! You can also see this idea in our Visual Summer Bucket List for Kids. Source and Source

Memories

Tired of keepsakes piling up. Get Marie Kondo inspired and get organized. Make a memory or keepsake box with the kids. This can be organized by school year or can not have filed folders and just be a place you toss in old lovies, concert tickets, photos, and more. A Bowl Full of Lemons can help you get started.

Family Game Night

Have a family game night or even a family game day! Craft a trophy for the winner, come up with some tasty Family Game Snacks, let everyone choose a game of their choose!

Take a Hike

Take a hike can carry along this nature scavenger hunt. You can collect what you find and make natural art with your all your collections.

My Town Rocks

Rock hunting is the newest community adventure since Pokemon Go. Search your local town and area for rocks hidden by citizens just like you. Join local community boards to see places where rocks might be hidden and discover areas of your town, you might otherwise not be familiar with. Paint rocks to “hide” around your town and surrounding area to spread joy and brighten people’s day. More ideas on My Town Rocks.

Visit a Museum

Have a printable scavenger hunt as a guide to visit a museum. Consider it a treasure hunt of portraits and paintings!

Get this free scavenger hunt printable and all of Frugal Coupon Living’s Free Printables. Enter your name and email address and we will send you a link and password for access to your free downloads.

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!

Over twenty ways to enjoy a Spring Break Stayation. Holistay and ideas within driving distance of your home and activities and fun within your home. #FrugalCouponLiving #Staycation #SpringBreak

Visit the Library

The list of ideas you can do in the library are endless. Take a look at these 10 Quiet Library Games from Book Shark.

Virtual Museum Tour

Did you know many major museums offer virtual tours online! That means you can visit famous museums and feel up front and part of the action by never leaving your home. Popular virtual tours include…

Be a Summer Travel Agent

What is the plan for summer. Make plans, plan ahead for summer travel and bucket list item. Research itineraries, daily activities and more just as if you were a travel agent. Check out our Visual Summer Bucket List for some ideas. Pick up this free travel planning kit from Pinch a Little, Save a Lot.

Painting Projects

Getting painting. Incorporate the kids into some of the projects you have been putting aside. Paint that dinning room table, redo that dresser, or spruce up that chair. Tackle a family project or redo an entire bedroom. We love these farmhouse weekend projects that can done in a few days. Not only will you get things accomplish, have fun bonding and perhaps squeezing in some pride from accomplishments and laughs from bonding.

Get ready for summer! Take a look at these Visual Summer Bucket List Ideas for the Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

No more moans of “I’m bored mom” when you prepare for your summer with these Summer Boredom Busters and Activities for Kids! Pin to Pinterest.

Gaylord National Christmas at the Potomac – Cyber Monday Savings!

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November 26, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Travel Leave a Comment

Gaylord National Christmas at the Potomac 2018

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.…” After this weekends visit to the Gaylord National, I really can’t get the song out of my head… I am ready for Christmas!

Visiting the Gaylord National was an amazing way to get into the holiday spirit. The resort and convention center were beautifully decorated. This year, the Christmas activities and spirit is magnified with Cirque Dreams Unwrapped performance in the Gaylord National atrium! Truly spectacular!

We were down a few members of the family this year. The boys were sick, so only the girls went. It was sad without the little ones, seeing Christmas through their eyes, but it was snow much fun to enjoy it with the girls! As always, ICE! was our favorite!

ICE!—our signature holiday attraction—is back with a new theme. Watch Charlie Brown rediscover the meaning of Christmas as the beloved story unfolds through two million pounds of ice sculptures and displays.

As always, our favorite part of ICE! is this ice slides. The kids enjoy that even their mom gets a spin in this winter wonderland of a playground. This year the sculptures were incredibly bright! Amazing colors that really stood out telling the story of Charlie Brown and his friends at Christmas.

Fascinating details about ICE!

Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
Two million pounds of ice sculptures hand-carved by 35 artisans from Harbin, China. Learn more about The Making of ICE!
Four ice slides
Colorful ice sculptures depict the story of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
A stunning crystal clear ice sculpture scene of the Nativity – our favorite!

Dress warmly, but don’t fret. You are given a Blue Parka for your comfort. We wore our ski hats, ski gloves, wool socks, and scarves with our parka. I even had the girls put their ski coat below their parka. This native to Florida girls had to stay warm, 9 degrees is cold!

Something new this year is a 25-minute Cirque Dreams Unwrapped performance in the Gaylord National atrium. This was pretty incredible! All the great things of Cirque with ah beautiful Potomac backdrop!

This Christmas, the Garden Atrium at Gaylord National comes alive with Cirque Dreams Unwrapped. Be dazzled with this spellbinding production of Seasons Dreamings combining breathtaking artistry, music and showmanship from around the world. The entire family can enjoy this uniquely inspired 25-minute Christmas fable performed on our atrium stage and in the air with spectacular costumes and soaring imagination. Don’t miss this new intimate entertainment extravaganza that will have everyone on the edge of their seat and feet!

This is a FREE performance, anyone can attend. First come, first seated! When can you say you ever attended a Cirque performance without spending a dime!?

For the first time ever, the girls and I sat down to have cookies with Mrs. Claus. It was an adorable performance with the best tasting cookies (and milk!) The performance includes the audience and is very interactive. Very cute and both Mrs. Claus and the elf did an excellent job.

Christmas on the Potomac comes to Gaylord National Resort featuring ICE!
November 16, 2018 – January 1, 2019

If you are shopping Cyber Monday, take a look at these discounts including 30% off rooms and steep discounts on ICE!

ICE! Ticket Pricing:

Prices vary depending on packages, ages, and dates. Take a look at all the options here.

Christmas Village Activities Include:

Ice Skating
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Gingerbread Decorating Corner
Photos with Santa
Potomac Express Train and Carousel

Also consider staying the night. Extend your fun, enjoy rest in the comfort of a hotel bed, and have a tasty breakfast with Charlie Brown and his friends.

Visit Gaylord National also on Twitter and Instagram. This season be sure to use hashtag #BlueParka and #ChristmasonthePotomac.

Disclosure: I was provided tickets for this event. All opinions are mine and should not be used as your own.

Outlet Shopping in Washington, DC – Shop and Stay

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July 30, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Travel 1 Comment

Looking to go outlet shopping in Washington, DC? We have the best tips to help you save a dime. Shop and Stay with Tanger Outlets and Gaylord National at one of D.C.’s most popular spots, the National Harbor. Enjoy your stay!

Outlet Shopping in Washington, DC

Well this blog has done nothing but prove I love to shop! It has proved I love to shop frugally and I love to share my deals and finds with you. Since having five kids, finding a deal, running from store to store and using a coupon has been a bit of a challenge. It was easy with one child when I started the blog 10 years ago. I would jump in the car and hit about 5 stores in a day trying to save my family a dime. Since the birth of my last two, the twins, it has been hard to load the entire family and drive around town to get the best deals so my visit to Tanger Outlets at National Harbor was eye opening and freeing… let me explain why.

First, you guys, I found some quality clothing for less. I mean for a lot less. The clothing was not only extremely affordable, but it also was quality fabric and textiles. How did my adventure begin? It began with a challenge! Myself and nine other DC Metro bloggers were sent on a mission to find an outfit for $250 or less. Our mission was to share the best outfit, with the most accessories and see who saved the most money! I spent about $240 after the challenge.

Tanger Outlets has a mobile app. Download their mobile app and save on your favorite brands and designer fashions. One of my favorite things about the Tanger Outlets is their Best Price Promise. That means if you find it for less, they will pay you back the difference meaning no matter what you buy, you are guaranteed the lowest price around! Additionally, stay in the know. Every day Tanger features a different deal. If you know you are into saving, be sure to text NATIONALHARBOR to 55695. If you are shopping at other locations, text TANGER to 55695 to sign up for text deals! You might find something at your favorite store.

What I bought in my $250 Challenge:

Coach Purse $69.59 ~~$295.00~~
Charlotte Ruse Aviator Sunglasses $0.00* ~~$6.99~~
Charlotte Ruse Straw Bag* $19.19 ~~$23.99~~
Charlotte Ruse Booties $10.00 ~~$30.99~~
Charlotte Ruse Golden Suede Stilettos* $29.59 ~~$36.99~~
Banana Republic Eyelet Shorts $20.24 ~~$49.99~~
Banana Republic High Waist Navy Shorts* $10.93 ~~$49.99~~
Banana Republic A-line Shirt Dress $16.19 ~~$39.99~~
Banana Republic Stripe Scarf* $5.66 ~~$13.99~~
Banana Republic Shift Dress $18.21 ~~$44.99~~
H&M Floral Blouse* $5.00 ~~$24.99~~
H&M Blue Stripe Blouse $5.00 ~~$24.99~~
H&M Orange Jacket* $31.99 ~~$79.99~~

I spent a total of $241.59 and saved a total of $722.88. All my items were a retail value of $964.47. This was a grand savings of 75% off all my purchases!

* These pieces were part of my outfit challenge.

Are you a frequent shopper? Take a look at the TangerClub. Purchase a lifetime membership at this or any Tanger Outlet location for only $10. This membership gives you exclusive perks and access to additional savings. You also can turn in your receipts and early exclusive rewards like a tote or even $25 Gift Card! With each visit to Tanger Outlets, be sure to stop at Shopper Services with your TangerClub card and pick up your coupon booklet.

Your day doesn’t have to end there! Make your way about a mile downhill and enjoy a stay at Gaylord National, located at National Harbor. Immerse yourself in the luxury of this memorable hotel located on the Potomac river. Just steps away enjoy an evening of entertainment, a ride on the Capital Wheel, additional shopping or a visit to the new MGM National Harbor.

Is shopping exhausting… I have five a kids and a day of shopping was probably more exhausting than being home and taking care of them – why is that? On your vacation, or stay-cation, you deserve to relax. With all that outlet shopping savings, you should absolutely indulge in yourself! Be sure to book and appointment at Gaylord National’s Relâche Spa & Salon. Did you know that relâche means to release. Release all your tension with one of their treatments and amenities… Facials, lip treatments, couples massages, hair & scalp treatments and more. Are you on the go or limited on time. Enjoy the spa’s new Express Bar with a walk-in appointment. Treatments are 25 minutes or less and all are under $65!

This spa does not disappoint. The staff is amazing, the smells are divine and your ambiance is relaxing. The Relâche Spa & Salon was named one of the “Top 100 Spas of 2013” by Spas of America. Reserve our one of their massages, manicures/pedicures, body scrubs and make-up sessions during your National Harbor stay.

I was able to visit and had so many treatments. I got my makeup done, a mini facial, and my hair done. My patchology facial included a 15 minute LED eye treatment, eye and lip treatments (15 minutes) and a Hydrating Patchology Flashmasque (5 minutes.) My hair treatment was perfect, perfecting frizzy curls into beautiful spiral with the help of a BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Miracurl Machine – oh my goodness, you guys, have you tried this little piece of magic! I am a believer!

Spa Hours are Sun: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM, Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM, Sat: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM.

Outlet shopping in Washington, DC? We have the best tips to help you save a dime. Shop and Stay with @TangerOutlets and @GaylordNational. #TangerOutlets #GaylordNational

Follow the following Social Media Handles:

Tanger Outlets National Harbor on Facebook
Tanger Outlets National Harbor on Instagram
Gaylord National on Facebook
Gaylord National on Instagram
Frugal Coupon Living on Facebook
Frugal Coupon Living on Instagram

Also take a look at these Things to Do Outside the District of Washington. Pin to Pinterest.

There is a lot to do in DC that costs very little. This list of Free Things To Do IN DC will help! Pin to Pinterest.

We love this list of 10 Things to Do in Washington DC with the Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Altoid Tin Craft | Tic Tac Toe Travel Game

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June 30, 2018 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Travel 3 Comments

How fun is this Altoid Tin Craft? We created a Tic Tac Toe Travel Game using an upcycled Altoids Tin Box.

Altoid Tin Craft – Tic Tac Toe Travel Game

Are we there yet?! Familiar with the tune of this common question? We put together a cute DIY Altoids Tin Game you can make with your child. Not only is this a great rainy day activity for the kids, it could result in some bought time on your next car ride and help you avoid the age old question – Are we there yet?!

Using supplies you likely have around the home – card stock, washi tape, buttons, glue and magnets, create your own DIY Tic-Tac-Toe Travel Game! This is a very simple craft and requires a little supervision from an adult. It oculd be a fun DIY gift to give a friend. Pair with some other Travel Game Ideas and make a Road Trip Bucket as a birthday present.

Are you the one traveling? You will want to check out these posts as well!

Airplane Bingo Printable (or Tic-Tac-Toe)
Road Trip Bingo Printable (or Tic-Tac-Toe)
Airplane Activities for Kids
Road Trip Hacks and Tips

Tic Tac Toe Travel Game

Supplies:

Altoids tin
Colorful cardstock
Colorful buttons (at least two colors)
Small magnets
1/4” washi tape
Scissors
Pen/pencil
E6000 glue
Glue stick

Directions:

Trace the bottom of your Altoids container on two different colorful cardstock sheets. ( We did a solid for the bottom and a colorful pattern for the top).
Cut out your traced Altoids container card stock paper.
Use your washi tape to make a tic tac toe pattern onto the solid sheet.
Glue the colorful pattern to the inside top of the Altoids tin and the solid color to the bottom with your glue stick.
Carefully glue one magnet to the bottom of each button until you have 2 sets of the same 5 color button magnets.
Let your magnets dry overnight.
Store your magnets in the tin, they will stick to the inside top or bottom for a great travel tic tac toe game.

*Keep magnets away from small children, always supervise while using

How fun is this Altoid Tin Craft? DIY tutorial on a Tic Tac Toe Travel Game using an upcycled Altoids Tin Box. #FrugalCouponLiving #travel #tictactoe