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Goldfish Hooked On You Valentine

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December 26, 2020 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, Pinterest, Printable, Valentine's Day

Goldfish Hooked On You Valentine – free printable for Valentines’ Day. Gift with America’s favorite snack, tiny orange fish!

Goldfish Hooked On You Valentine

Do you need a cute non-candy Valentine to pass out for your child? Well, who can resist a bag of Valentine’s treats that smile at you? An adorable alternative to candy for Valentine’s Day this cute printable and treat idea ideas is perfect for classmates, neighbors, or family. Use any variety of goldfish you prefer, sweet or salty. I personally love the look of the traditional little orange guy! For less than $10 you can make enough bags for an entire class, and don’t forget the teacher! Simply print the bag topper and let your little one help you to fill the bag, assemble and go! Anyone your child comes in contact with in the course of day to day would appreciate one of these bags; bus driver, crossing guard, room mom, teacher, principle, or even a ballet or karate teacher.

Supplies:

Hooked on You Printable (see below)
Goldfish
4×6 Cellophane bags (available at Hobby Lobby and Michaels)
Stapler/staples
Cardstock

Directions:

Print off the FREE Frugal Coupon Living bag topper HERE on cardstock for a sturdier topper, 4×6 is a perfect size for bags.
Cut topper out of cardstock using scissors or a paper slicer – I use mine for scrapbooking but if you do any paper crafts at all its a great item to have on hand, one like this does just fine.
Fold topper in half, creasing the middle.
Scoop ¼ to ½ cup of goldfish into bag, roll down to keep fresh, seal with a small piece of tape.
Place bag topper over bag and secure with 2 staples.
Repeat till you have enough for the entire class!

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Don’t forget the teacher. Take a look at these 20 Teacher Valentines! Pin to Pinterest.

Collect your valentines with these DIY Valentine Mailbox Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Ready to party? Enjoy our 28 Days of Kids Food Crafts. Pin to Pinterest.

We love freebies! Don’t forget the FREE Printables for Valentine’s Day – Pin to Pinterest.

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 Money Saving Tips

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September 4, 2013 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Free, Pinterest

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Back to School Money Saving Tips
Lessons from a Former Teacher and Current Mother

There was a time when a back to school list consisted of a box of crayons, a pencil and some paper. It seems the “needs” of your child’s school supply lists can at times feel ridiculous. The bottom line, knowing how and when to shop for Back to School Supplies, might not make you dread the never ending list of supplies.

Take inventory before you go shopping

Nothing stinks worse than paying full price for something that you have tons of up in the closet. Go through the list carefully and find out what you can use from the previous year. Also take a look on what you have in supplies. I keep a bin in my gift closet labeled arts and crafts and school supplies. This saves on future lists. You might be surprised what you have on hand.

Take advantage of mark downs

Don’t shop right away! Wait. When the school year gets rolling, retailers are ready for Halloween and Christmas – they have to clear the shelves and will begin to see back to school merchandise go on “mega-clearance.” Grab what you can at reduced prices and put them away at home for the coming years or to replenish your supplies halfway into the year. Focus on the staples and not the peripherals. Book bags may not be in style the next year, but pencils, pens, paper and notebooks will always be needed. When items go this low, this is when I stock up for next year. Next August, you might find you need nothing on your list because you have it all already.

Save larger purchases for tax-free sales

If you intend on buying higher ticket items like a laptop or a scientific calculator, make sure you save those purchases for tax free day if possible. That alone can save you hundreds depending on what you buy. Also consider looking for big purchase items on Craigslist or Consignment Area Facebook Groups. *Use wisdom when buying from these places online. Never meet someone at your home or alone.

Stick to a list

Take the grade list that is provided by your school and stick to it like glue. What kills parents during back to school shopping are the funky extras that kids are excellent at begging for. If your child comes to you begging for that troll pencil topper with neon green hair, just say nay! They will get over it, I assure you. Stick to the budget and list and you will save money.

Invest in quality

When it comes to certain items, it pays off to buy quality. Book bags that are simply a base color are great examples. If you buy a high quality one, you might get extra years out of it. The same goes for calculators and other electronics. Pencils and paper can be any quality and it won’t really matter. They will be lucky to still have those at the end of the first day. I also tell my shoppers, it is better to buy one quality pair of shoes than three cheap pairs.

Saving money on back to school is simply about paying attention and taking advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Use wisdom, buy then then price is right, and stock up!

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

Back to School | Project Lunchbox – Happy Birthday Theme Lunch

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August 2, 2014 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Birthday, Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

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.

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.

Back to School | Project Lunchbox – Bug Theme Lunch

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August 2, 2014 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

Bug Theme Lunch

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

Your little one will go buggy for this sweet and silly lunchbox. Make a PB&J a little more special using a cute butterfly sandwich cutter. You can find these most anywhere, but I picked mine up at Target Dollar Spot-they also had fun dinosaurs. The little red Baby Bell cheese makes the perfect little lady bug. You may prefer to use a food grade marker to make your spots like these. But since the wax layer is so thick I felt comfortable using a sharpie.

Blueberries on a cut down skewer make an adorable caterpillar. Be sue to cut any points off the tips to prevent accidents and cuts. I thought it looked adorable resting on a lettuce leaf leftover from dinner the night before. I haven’t had Ants on a Log in forever, how about you? I wanted to try this traditional favorite with a twist, my little one loves Craisins so they became my ants. Another healthy option is nuts – adds a pit more protein to the meal. Almonds work great!

To include a little dessert, what else could I put in but dirt and worms in this bug themed lunch? I split a chocolate pudding cup between both of my kiddos, a crushed Oreo each, and a gummy worm. If your school doesn’t want sweets at school, consider doing sugar free pudding and perhaps breaking up graham crackers. It still is a tasty treat, without going overboard on junk.

Finally, I raided my art bin; a scrap of yellow paper with black stripes colored in with a sharpie, a piece of black construction paper, two google eyes, and a pipe cleaner. I think this little bee really finishes off the theme don’t you? You could do a butterfly, or even a creepy spider the same way. Keep it all cool with these darling bug freezer packs.

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.

Back to School | Project Lunchbox – Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Lunch Theme

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

August 2, 2014 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Lunch Theme

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

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room? To contain the cuteness of today’s lunch? This popular childhood favorite is a hit with kids and parents alike.

Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or early elementary kids, they will love seeking out letters in this fun box. Our tree trunk is a PB&J made of “Texas Toast” since I was only including less than half a sandwich I went with thick bread, and my Kinder loves bread. Use whatever you have on hand for branches; celery stalk ends, fresh spinach, iceberg, or romaine lettuce (ours is made from romaine hearts leftover from last night’s salad) Grapes make great mock coconuts, spread some up and down your tree. To carry on the alphabet theme we used Alpha-Bits cereal for a snack, and used a sharpie to draw those impish lower case letters climbing up the coconut tree on a stick cheese. We chose cheese curls because they mimicked the coconut shape and that seemed to round off the theme well.

You could also use Scrabble Cheez-its, alphabet graham crackers, or a small bowl of alphabet soup to carry out the theme further (grab a few thermoses on sale!) Also consider some ABC cookie cutters for cutting out sandwiches, cheese shapes, and more.

The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book Series can be found on Amazon. Books as low as $3.59.

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.

Giveaway | Carolina Pad Studio C Back to School Items #WinGiveaways

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

August 27, 2013 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Giveaways, Review, Win Giveaways

This giveaway is closed. Congratulations goes to ALPA!

If you have been with me from the beginning of this site, you know what a HUGE fan I am of Carolina Pad. Whether it is on the shelf at Walmart or on the front step of my door, every time I get a new Carolina Pad Product I get as giddy as a school girl! I don’t know if it is the child in me reverting back to new school supplies, the teacher ready for the start of a new school year, the couponer with a new organizer, or if it is the girl who enjoys cute things – regardless, I am a fan of Carolina Pad!

Carolina Pad is not your newest pop-up. Created in 1945 in Charlotte, North Carolina, it started as a school supply manufacturing company. It began it’s fashion line in 2000 and from there it has grown. Found in Walmart, Office Depot, Target, Kroger, Publix and more it is taking many kids and moms captive. No only are their products very adorable, they are very affordable. In addition, they are accessible to everyone. If you local store does not have their products, you can always shop online at Carolina Pad’s website.

Right now Carolina Pad has everything for your back to school needs at VERY AFFORDABLE prices. Notebooks, Pens, Laptop Sleeves, Binders, Folders, and so much more. These products are easy on your wallet. Check out the as Studio C featured products for $.50 at Kmart! Head quickly to your Local store because these items quickly leave the shelves! Be sure to check out Carolina Pad on Facebook and Twitter.

To Win: Carolina Pad is giving One Frugal Coupon Living reader a Back to School Pack!

Kit Includes…

• Studio C Spring Fling 5 Subject Notebook, $4.97 available at Walmart stores nationwide
• Studio C Value Notebook, $1.00 available at Walmart stores nationwide
• Studio C 1-Subject notebook available at various retailers nationwide, prices vary (Walmart, Staples, OfficeMax, Walgreens)
• Studio C 1-Subject Premium notebook available at various retailers nationwide, prices vary (Walmart, Staples)
• Studio C Zip-it Comp Book Storage Jacket, prices vary (Walmart, Staples, OfficeMax, Walgreens)
• Studio C Zip-it 1 Subject notebook, prices and retailers vary (Walmart, Staples, OfficeMax)
• Studio C Fashion Filler Paper, prices vary (Walmart, Staples, OfficeMax, Target)
• Studio C 1.5” Hot to Trot Collection Binder, $4.47 available at Walmart stores nationwide
• Studio C Tutti Collection Laptop Sleeve available at Best Buy store nationwide or online at BestBuy.com

Please note that patterns will vary, but format will remain consistent.

To Enter the Giveaway:
You can enter up to four times – that would mean, leave one to four comments. You do not have to enter more than once.

1.) What is your favorite Organization Back to School or Office Product.

Bonus Entries:

2.) Sign up for Frugal Coupon Living Emails.

3.) Follow Frugal Coupon Living and Carolina Pad on Facebook. Makes sure to share on Facebook about the giveaway.

4.) Follow Frugal Coupon Living and Carolina Pad on Twitter. Makes sure to share on Twitter about the giveaway.

This giveaway ends on Monday, August 19 at 3 PM EST. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond. If I do not hear from the winner by that time, a new winner will be selected.

Please Note: Email entries will not be accepted. If you are reading this giveaway in a reader or in your inbox, please select the post to direct yourself over to the site. Due to time constraints, I am not able to enter email, Twitter, or Facebook entries on my own. Thanks!

Disclosure: I was compensated in product for review for this post. All opinions expressed are my own and should not be substituted as your own.

For more opportunities to win, visit:

Giveaway | Fellowes Saturn 2 95 Laminator #WinGiveaways

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

August 27, 2013 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Giveaways, Review, Win Giveaways

This giveaway is closed. Congratulations goes to Joann.

As you know, I LOVE laminating things in our home. I use them for our chore chart, I laminate photos for longevity, I laminate great art work done by the kids and so much more.

Designed for use in the classroom, home or or small office, the Fellowes Saturn 2 95 9.5-Inch Laminator is INCREDIBLY user-friendly. Choose among 3 heat settings, depending on your products, the laminator heats up within five minutes. You can laminate items UP TO 5 mil thick. The paper smoothly went through the process and came out immediately in pefect condition. While the product does get hot to ensure a tight seal, the HeatGuard Technology traps heat inside the laminator, so the outside is always comfortable to touch.

The Fellowes Saturn 2 95 Laminator Details:

Designed for small office applications
9-1/2″ entry width accommodates multiple document sizes
Hot lamination for 3-mil or 5-mil pouches; ready in 5 minutes
Cold setting for laminating self-adhesive pouches
HeatGuard Technology keeps heat inside so laminator is cool to touch
Release lever disengages pouch for re-centering or removal
Includes laminating starter kit

On Fellowes Website , find ideas for Home, School and Work. I simply love the schooling ideas.

laminator-ideas

Way to use for school – preserve important documents, like schedules, calendars, flash cards, charts, certificates, and more. I like the flash card idea!

Be sure to check out Fellowes on Facebook . Grab ideas on Pinterest too. Find on Amazon or at Staples. Fellowes is great for more than lamination. Find shredders, binders, and more.

Buy It:

Amazon: $65.61 from $169.95.
Staples: $109.99 from $159.99

Win It: Fellowes is giving One Frugal Coupon Living a The Fellowes Saturn 2 95 Laminator Details.

To Enter the Giveaway:
You can enter up to four times – that would mean, leave one to four comments. You do not have to enter more than once.

1.) What are you dying to laminate?

Bonus Entries:

2.) Sign up for Frugal Coupon Living Emails.

3.) Follow Frugal Coupon Living and Fellowes on Facebook. Makes sure to share on Facebook about the giveaway.

4.) Follow Frugal Coupon Living on Twitter. Makes sure to share on Twitter about the giveaway.

Disclosure: I was compensated in product for review for this post. All opinions expressed are my own and should not be substituted as your own.

For more opportunities to win, visit:

Back to School | Project Lunchbox – Camping Theme Lunch

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

August 2, 2014 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Back to School Series, Crafts, Pinterest, Recipe

Camping Theme Lunchbox

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Welcome to the third post in our Back to School Series – Project Lunchbox! This week’s theme – Camping Theme! With each series, we create a theme and strive to create fun and inexpensive lunches to give your child a little SPARK in their school day.

Want happy campers at lunchtime? Treat them to this cute campsite themed lunch. They can imagine that they’re roughing it while sitting in the cafeteria. I think your average bear (and boys and girls) would agree it’s a fun pastime, even if you’re just pretending. I think this lunch would also be great to serve for a camping themed birthday as individual camp lunches, don’t you?

Of course ,we had to start with hot dogs on a stick, remember those days of finding the perfect straight stick to roast your dinner on? Let’s recreate that in a fun, safe way. Use skewers, but don’t forget to cut off the pointed end, and I use a bit of sandpaper to smooth the rough edge down a bit. Another option is using popsicle or lollipop sticks. I “grilled” a bunch of hot dogs on my George Foreman mini grill, and froze the extra, you can cook them anyway you want, but I love the way the little grill lines look.

Next up, you can’t have wienies without the beanies can you? As much as I don’t like canned foods, Pork N Beans have really got it down pat in the flavor department, so I cave a little. They also go on sale and you can occasionally fine coupons so it might be something you already have on stockpile. Lastly, If you’re gonna cook up some grub you must have a good campfire – Pretzel nuggets make great logs and sliced cheese can be cut into flames with a good pair of kitchen scissors (you might remember this pair from our Shark Week lunch!)

And finally, you wouldn’t send your scout off to school the great outdoors without a s’more to finish of their tasty meal – use 1 large marshmallow. A fun size Hershey( better yet buy a large, break off a piece for the s’more and keep the rest for your afternoon pick me up), and a whole graham cracker-broken in half for top and bottom. I heat in microwave for about 10 seconds just so it will stick together.

I’m sure this lunch will get the stamp of approval from your backpacker. Like the little camping set? Check out one of our favorite toys, the LEGO Duplo Fishing Trip.

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…