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Make Money From These Secondhand Clothing Tips

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February 23, 2016 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Fashion, Frugal Fashion, Frugal Living, Instagram, Online Shopping, Pinterest, Social Media

Make Money From These Secondhand Clothing Tips

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If you’re looking to make some extra money, consider selling secondhand clothes. Don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome taking your used and unwanted clothing and donating it to places such as Goodwill, but if you’re looking to earn (and have some extra spending money), hold off on donating and check into selling online! It doesn’t matter if you want your own online thrift store or you want to stretch your creative muscles and make a store selling handmade items made from used clothing – with either one, you could find your new favorite side job.

Ebay –

There are many sites online to sell used clothing. The sites that are strictly selling secondhand clothes, usually have a lot of requirements to meet before you can even list the items. Certain sizes, the quality of the clothing, and the big one being, the brand.

You can definitely make money with those sites if your clothing meets those requirements, but if you want less stress and a bigger group of buyers, try eBay. EBay has been around for years, it’s trusted, and people are going there searching for killer deals on items such as clothes.

Tip to Make More: If you don’t have many of your own clothes to sell, check out the thrift stores in your area. Many stores run weekly specials on different items. Find when your stores run sales on clothing – you can score some great pieces at low prices, then go home and list them on eBay – you can easily make good money selling secondhand clothing in your own eBay store. Be sure to do some research and see what brands sell best.

Local Facebook Yard Sale Groups –

Check to see if your area has a Facebook yard sale group. Local people post what they have and sell to local buyers. You can get rid of your items, get cash in hand, and skip on shipping! You also get to see someone’s profile which might give a little more insight into your buyer. Usually Facebook groups have group rules to make sure to look them over before selling.

Tip to Make More: Often larger, speciality brand names have their own re-sell group. Two of my personal favorites are LuluLemon and Mini Boden!

Etsy –

There are numerous ways to upcycle/recycle secondhand clothing into awesome, one of a kind items. Craft supply prices can be high, but when your medium is used clothing, it’s good not only for your budget, but the planet as well! Take an old t-shirt and make a rug or even yarn! Sweater can turn into boot cuffs, coffee cozies, stuffed animals and more! Turn men’s button up shirts into cute baby bibs.

Tip to Make More: When I say there’s numerous ways to turn clothing into new crafts, I’m not exaggerating. Utilize the web to help with your creativity. A quick Pinterest search and you will see many ideas on how to use t-shirts, sweaters, socks, ties, you name it!

ThredUP –

ThredUP is the place I sell my unwanted clothes. I also use the money I make selling my clothes to buy future clothes for my girls and for myself. You can order a bag on thredUP and have it shipped to your house. I keep my empty bag under my kid’s bed and as they outgrown quality clothing I toss the clothing in the bag. Eventually the bag is full and I ship it to the company!

Tip to Make More: Buy online in good condition, resell in good condition. This is what I do. Are you not making money fast enough to purchase more used clothing? Refer your friends for a credit of $10. You get $10 and they get $10 with a referral too!

Whether you’re selling used clothing as it is or turning it into unique, one of a kind items, you’ll be able to make money. With these ideas you’re able to capture two big groups of people, those wanting to save money and shop frugally for clothing, as well as those who are willing to spend extra money to get something handmade. Now, go scour the clean laundry for unwanted clothes and make that money!

Don’t forget Stitch Fix – Become Fashion Forward from you Couch! 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.

2016 Audible Best Sellers for February

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February 15, 2016 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Amazon, Online Shopping

2016 Audible Best Sellers for February

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Whether you’re picking a book because it’s your turn to host Book Club or because you want what’s on the Hot Read List, you’ve come to the right place! I shared with you some of my favorite Audible Reads numerous times on Instagram, I figured I’d share them here too! I read all the time as I fall asleep using my Audible App. Some are classics, some new and all are on the ‘thumbs up’ list! I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

Take a look at some of these Audible Best Sellers for 2016:

1.) Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

2.) Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Alan Dean Foster

Set years after Return of the Jedi, this stunning new action-packed adventure rockets us back into the world of Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Luke Skywalker, while introducing a host of exciting new characters. Darth Vader may have been redeemed and the Emperor vanquished, but peace can be fleeting, and evil does not easily relent. Yet the simple belief in good can still empower ordinary individuals to rise and meet the greatest challenges

3.) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

With courage, grace and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of WWII and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France–a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

4.) All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel by Anthony Doerr

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is 12, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

5.) Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good? Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut.

6.) See Me by Nicholas Sparks

Colin Hancock is giving his second chance his best shot. At 28, he’s focused only on walking a straight line – getting his teaching degree, working out at the gym religiously, and avoiding all the places and people that proved so destructive in his earlier life. The last thing he’s looking for is a serious relationship. But when Maria Sanchez crosses paths with him on a rainswept night in North Carolina, his plans are upended in a way that will rattle the foundations of his carefully structured life.

7.) The Martian by Andy Weir

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive – and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plainold “human error” are much more likely to kill him first.

8.) The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever.

9.) The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. Habits aren’t destiny. As Charles Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.

10.) Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

In this stunning new book, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of “outliers”–the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing.

Take a look at these Audible Books I shared earlier on Instagram. I read all of them and can’t complain about any!

Goldfish Valentines $.79 Each + FREE Valentine Printable

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November 29, 2016 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Amazon, Online Shopping, Valentine's Day

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Cheddar, 1.5-ounce bags (pack of 24) for $16.99. This makes each $.70 per pack!

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Pack:

Cheddar Cracker Baked with Real Cheese
0g Trans fat, low cholesterol
Crackers are Goldfish Shaped
Delightful, heathly snack for Kids
24-1.5oz convenient snack packs (36oz)

This deal is for PRIME Members, so either GRAB your FREE Trial or use your membership.

In addition, the savings goes PERFECT when paired with the FREE DIY Goldfish Valentine.

This deal would be perfect for the DIY Goldfish Valentine Day Craft – Grab the Printable for FREE!

As always, get FREE shipping on Amazon when you spend $35 or with Prime Shipping. Learn how you can grab a FREE Trial to Amazon Prime for FREE 2 Day Shipping! Prices on Amazon change on a regular basis. Make sure of the price before checking out.

Get more Amazon Deals at 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.

Dr. Seuss Cupcakes – One Fish, Two Fish

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February 5, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Summer

Dr. Seuss Cupcakes – One Fish, Two Fish Theme Party for Dr. Seuss Day on March 2 or a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party.

Dr. Seuss Cupcakes – One Fish, Two Fish

Hosting a Dr. Seuss Party? Ready for Dr. Seuss Day on March 2nd. Whatever the special occasion, we all love the classic book One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. When we’re celebrating one of our favorite Authors the way to do it up right is by adding vibrant colors and whimsical characters anywhere we can! Don’t just serve an ordinary cupcake, make these delicious cakes topped with little fish atop fun frosting that is sure to mark your special day! We’ve taken the guesswork out of hosting a Dr. Seuss soiree with several recipes and printables, scroll to the bottom to see all of the fun goodies you can make!

Also check out our Dr Seuss Day Recipes, Printables and Crafts.

Yield: 14 to 16 cupcakes

Ingredients for Chocolate Cupcakes:

2 eggs, room temperature
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – we used Hershey’s
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whole milk

Ingredients for Yellow Buttercream Icing:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Yellow Gel Food Color
2 teaspoons cold milk
Swedish fish of various colors for garnish

Directions:

Directions for Chocolate Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°.
Grease cupcake pans or line with cupcake liners.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs to the butter, one at a time, beating well with each addition.
Stir in the vanilla.
Add half of the flour and half of the milk and beat well.
Add the rest of the flour and milk and beat until well-incorporated.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
Bake 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool in pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to finish the cooling process.
Ice the cupcakes when completely cooled.

Directions for Yellow Buttercream Icing:

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter.
Add half of the sugar and mix well on medium speed with a mixer.
Add the rest of the sugar and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add 2-3 drops of yellow food gel until you reach your desired color of bright yellow (matching the color of the Dr. Seuss book)
If needed – to thin icing, add 1 tablespoon milk and to thicken icing, add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
Using a decorating tip and disposable bag or Ziploc bag, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.
Garnish with Swedish fish.

ENJOY!

Dr. Seuss Cupcakes – One Fish, Two Fish

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 16 mins
Total Time: 31 minutes
Yield: 15 cupcakes 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 eggs, room temperature (for cupcake)
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for cupcake)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda (for cupcake)
2 teaspoon baking powder (for cupcake)
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – we used Hershey’s (for cupcake)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for cupcake)
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cupcake)
1 teaspoon vanilla (for cupcake)
1 cup whole milk (for cupcake)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (for icing)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for icing)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for icing)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Yellow Gel Food Color (for icing)
2 teaspoons cold milk (for icing)
Swedish fish of various colors (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Directions for Chocolate Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Grease cupcake pans or line with cupcake liners.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs to the butter, one at a time, beating well with each addition.
Stir in the vanilla.
Add half of the flour and half of the milk and beat well.
Add the rest of the flour and milk and beat until well-incorporated.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
Bake 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool in pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to finish the cooling process.
Ice the cupcakes when completely cooled.
Directions for Yellow Buttercream Icing:
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter.
Add half of the sugar and mix well on medium speed with a mixer.
Add the rest of the sugar and mix on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add 2-3 drops of yellow food gel until you reach your desired color of bright yellow (matching the color of the Dr. Seuss book)
If needed – to thin icing, add 1 tablespoon milk and to thicken icing, add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
Using a decorating tip and disposable bag or Ziploc bag, pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.
Garnish with Swedish fish.

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Don’t forget our Cat in the Hat Rice Krispie Treats – Pin to Pinterest.

Ready for Dr. Seuss Day on March 2nd? Pick up our FREE Dr. Seuss Party Pack Printable! Pin to Pinterest.

Want another Dr. Seuss Idea. These FREE Printable Dr. Seuss Bookmarks are great party favors or for Dr. Seuss Day. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget our Dr. Seuss Crafts, Printables and Recipes, Pin to Pinterest.

Digital Kitchen Food Scale only $19.99! (Reg. $51)

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February 2, 2016 by Frugal Coupon Living Writers Filed Under: Amazon, Online Shopping

Get this Digital Kitchen Food Scale for just $19.99! Originally $51. This product has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Amazon customers!

Details:

With a capacity of up to 11lb (5kg), the scale can take on the role as your assistant chef, so you can enjoy the leisure of refining your kitchen crafts with efficiency and quality. The high precision strain gauge sensors ensure accuracy each time you add an ingredient to your meals with a low graduation of 0.1oz (1g). Get to the dinner table faster with the included hassle-free tare and auto-zero functions. This scale stands out from the crowd of competition with the included surrounding temperature sensor and alarm timer, giving you the freedom to remove clutter from your kitchen counter.

Remember you get FREE Shipping on Amazon when you spend $35 or FREE shipping with Prime.

Grab a FREE Trial of Amazon Prime!

As a reminder, Amazon prices can change at any time. This price was current at publishing time. Be sure to confirm the price before purchasing to ensure this deal has not changed or expired.

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.

FREE Dr. Seuss Party Pack Printable

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July 5, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Free, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

FREE Dr. Seuss Party Pack Printable

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There is so much fun to be had with these awesome Dr. Seuss Party Printables! Decorate in Red and Blue, Print these goodies out, add a snack or two and some cupcakes and you’re all set for a fantastically fun party to remember! We’ve even added a delicious drink recipe that everyone will go bonkers over!

Look at all of the goodies that you can print – – ->

Dr. Seuss Party Pack Includes:

Cake Toppers
Cupcake Wrapper
Straw Flags
Party Favor Tags
Small Bag Topper

Get this Dr. Seuss Party Pack 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.

By downloading you are accepting the terms that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions.

Ready for Dr. Seuss Day on March 2nd? Hosting a Dr. Seuss Party? Don’t forget our Copycat Sonic Ocean Water! We made our a Dr Seuss theme! Pin to Pinterest.

Want another Dr. Seuss Idea. These FREE Printable Dr. Seuss Bookmarks are great party favors or for Dr. Seuss Day. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget our Dr. Seuss Crafts, Printables and Recipes, Pin to Pinterest.

Planning a party? Also check out our FREE Birthday Party Planner – Pin to Pinterest.

Disney Cruise Tips, Hacks, and Tricks

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December 20, 2019 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Hacks, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Travel

Disney Cruise Tips, Hacks, and Tricks

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Going on a Disney cruise is one of the most exciting things you will do for your family! From the oldest to the youngest, there will be something special and memorable to enjoy. Everyone loves Disney! A Disney Cruise is no exception and for good reason… It is the cruise that dreams are made of. Imagine sleeping below a twinkling sky, enjoy eating in a room in which the wall paintings change as you eat, now envision yourself in an adult only spa as the supervised kids enjoy the time of their life in one of the many incredible kid zones! Check out our Tips, Hacks and Tricks to make your cruise go smoothly.

Ready to go, take a look at these 25 Disney Cruise Tips that will help you navigate the waters and get the most out of your vacation!

1. Remember that on Disney Cruise Lines (DCL), your food and sodas/teas/coffees are included. Dine in their lavishly themed Main Dining restaurants, enjoy a poolside buffet, or take a break in your sleeping quarters with 24-hour room service. There are a couple spots, including their 5-star Palo or Remy Restaurant (reservations required) that will cost, but these eating locations are optional. Enjoy all you can eat food, 24-hours a day!

2. Disney loves to celebrate. When a major theme or event is near, you can be sure they included it in a Deck Party. Look for Halloween on the High Seas, Star Wars Day at Sea, Very Merrytime Cruise, or Pirate Night. These events are usually attached to deck parties and fireworks. Seeing your own private stage entertainment and fireworks show out over the ocean is impressive to say the least. Take a look at that reflection in the water! There also are character meet and greets. When you board, visit the Activities Desk for these special times and locations. Some require RSVPs and tickets.

3. Put a premium on the nightlife as far as Disney shows. You are after all on a Disney cruise so why would you not attend the Disney entertainment? These extravagantly live shows are every night of your cruise. Afterwards, send the kids to the kids club and go out to an adult-only night club or lounge. If after a long and busy day you find yourself too tired to enjoy the Broadway-style entertainment, watch the shows on your stateroom television.

4. Get up early for a powerful sunrise. It’s not every day you get to see the sunrise in the middle of the ocean. One of the most incredible aspects of a Disney cruise line experience is getting to see amazingly painted picture. It is worth a little less sleep, you can nap on the deck later! If you enjoy getting up early, run the 5k on Castaway Cay. You can burn off all those extra calories!

5. If you’re trying to save money, consider a interior state room. With all the activities and fun that are found all over the ship, your time inside is going to be very limited anyway. Booking a year or two ahead will also save you money. Mark your calendar!

6. Sign the kids up for Kids Club or Disney’s Oceaneer Club when you check-in at the terminal. It will be well worth the efforts when you get on board. You are not required to use their facility, but if you decide to at any point in the trip, at least they are already signed up.

7. Carry on your own alcohol to save a great deal of money if you like to have a bit of wine. Enjoy these glasses in your room as there is a $25 corking fee in the dinning room. As of September 30, 2015, Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage. I also suggest bringing some bottled water bottles. These items must be carried on, they cannot be packed. More on their Liquor Policy.

8. Prepare ahead of time for a reasonable tip count. On average you will be tipping between $200-$300 across your trip. I suggest saving for tips a few months before you board so you don’t feel the unexpected pain at the end of your tip. Tipping is a suggestion for exceptional service but not expected. It takes place the last night of the cruise. Disney Cruise Line offers a chart of suggested tips and to whom.

9. As if the magic of the cruise wasn’t enough, be sure to not let this tip slide. Log into your Disney Cruise Account set up a character call for the little ones. It’s free and fun to do. We like doing it the day of departure but if you have a special occasion, save it for that day too! Choose from a couple different characters and schedule the time and date that work best.

10. Make sure you pack at least one warm outfit regardless of the time of year. Being out upon the ocean can get chilly no matter the season. A cardigan, blazer or jacket should be enough for the evenings or in a chilly restaurant or lounge. In the case where you are not cold, but have a cold make sure you pack medicine. This includes medicine if you are prone to motion sickness!

11. Be sure to bring along a good-sized tote to keep with you at all times. A good beach bag does the trick nicely and can house your sunscreen, cell phone, books and paper as well as camera. You never know when there will be a photo op! A larger tote is also nice as your luggage is placed out in the hallway the final evening. Having a tote or larger bag you will carry off the boat will allow you to store pjs, toothbrush, make-up and extra clothing. The opposite is true too. When you board, you will not have your suitcase until it arrives in your stateroom. Board with a bag and make sure you have your swim suit. It’s no fun watching everyone else play in the water while you wait for luggage.

12. Bring along a watch as there seems to be a shortage of clocks on board when you need them. After all, when your on vacation – time doesn’t matter! A waterproof watch is ideal with all the water fun.

13. Sign up for the Detective Agency and you will get to solve a mystery or two while on board. This is loads of fun and great for the entire family. This is for Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. This is good for all ages – Teens, Preschoolers, Tweens, Kids, and Families. Also check with Guest Services for a Hidden Mickey Challenge while on the ship.

14. Be sure to inquire about the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App in advance of your trip. It would be great to download before you board and depart. This is extremely helpful for navigation and for communicating with others. Check daily weather, character appearances and activities. The Onboard Chat Feature allows you to stay in touch with family and friends, even if everyone happens to be on different parts of the ship.

15. Take advantage of room service! It is exquisite and included and 24-7. It might make getting those extra 5 minutes of rest worth it. Keep in mind, the buffet and restaurants will have different food options. It is vacation, one fun way to keep the magic alive is to order cookies and milk while the kids are getting ready for bed – how memorable is that!? You also can order Mickey Ice Cream Bars!

16. Put aside a little bit of money for the gift shop on board. There are some things that you simply cannot find anywhere else and on board a cruise ship certainly qualifies. I always like to go to DisneyStore.com a few weeks before our trip. This allows me to buy the kids surprise souvenirs before our trip and lower costs! One suggestion is buying your lanyard and pins (for pin trading) on Ebay.

17. Consider booking via a travel professional. There are so many ins and outs of booking these types of cruises that a professional can certainly be worth the fee. In some cases, the travel agent makes commission via Disney and it is no cost to you.

18. Inquire with your agent about the secret cabins. These are Uber rare opportunities to get outer cabins at an inner cabin price. This website gives more detail.

19. Consider booking in September for a fantastic off-season deal. You can also snag them in October, early December and January. These are times when people travel less and suddenly there is a dip in the booking fee and price.

20. Use the spa and fitness center bathrooms if your bathroom needs overflow. Most families really struggle with the single bathroom set up and these bathrooms are available. It’s no fun carrying a shower caddy in the hall, also creating a shower schedule can help! Check to see what your state room offers. You likely can leave some toiletries (shampoo/conditioner) as well as the blow dryer at home!

21. Decorate your door! This exciting past time is one of the coolest parts of the trip. Just remember that everything is magnetized and no adhesives are allowed. Note: some of the fancier cabins have wooden doors that are not magnetized.

22. Plan your trip ahead of time. Booking in advance is the best way to get what you want at the price you want. The good cabins always sell out quickly so you need to be ahead of the curve. Book up to years in advance for low prices!

23. Consider taking the trip insurance. There is nothing quite like the peace of mind of knowing that you are covered just in case. This becomes particularly important as the price of the vacation increases.

24. Take advantage of the free souvenirs! If you want a really cool one, drop off a T-shirt (pillow case, frame or other memento) and some sharpie pens with guest services the first day. When you pick it up at the end of the cruise it will be covered in Disney character autographs. (It looks like DCL has taken away this free service.)Take my ad advice of Tip 16 about shopping at DisneyStore.com a few weeks before the trip.

25. Embrace the experience! Disney is only Disney if you allow yourself to truly dive into the fun and act like a kid. Let yourself go back in time and remember the magic!

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Don’t forget our FREE Disney Cruise Planner Printables. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t go on the cruise without decorating your door – Disney Cruise Door Printables! Pin to Pinterest.

Check out our FREE Countdown to Disney Printable. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Copycat Disney Recipes. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out our FREE Disney Printables. Pin to Pinterest.

Outdoor Activities in Washington DC

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February 24, 2017 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Frugal Living, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, Travel

Outdoor Activities in Washington DC

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The Nation’s Capital is an amazing place to live and a great place to visit. You have probably heard me talk about the museums, monuments, kids activities and free things to do in DC. Well friends, there’s lots more to do than you ever imagined. And in just case you needed more options, you’ll want to check out these 10+ things to do outdoors in Washington DC.

There never is a terrible time to visit DC. Summer is pretty crowded with tourist. In winter, you could find yourself stranded in a foot of snow. While every season holds excitement, you will find a smaller crowded and amazing outdoor atmosphere in both Spring and Fall. In Spring, enjoy the city painted in Cherry Blossoms. In Fall, enjoy the touch of cool air and a city brushed in golds, oranges, and reds.

You’ll notice the opportunities in DC are amazing. You can do so much in such a short period of time. If I could give you advice, it would be to try everything on this list at least once.

1.) Biking the Capital – To be honest, our family loves to bike. Biking is one of the best ways to get around the Nation’s Capital. There’s an awesome Bike Share Program, it’s a program in which you sign up, take any available bike, ride when you want, and return the bike at any station. It’s a great service and stations are located all over the city. If you would rather rather have a Bike Tour, then there are companies, like Capital Bike Tours, that will take you around the district.

2.) Segway Tours – Another option for getting around DC, is by a Segway Tour. This appears to be the most popular around the mall (area of DC where the monuments and museums are located) and they get you around quick! You probably see Segway’s in the news and kind of laugh, but they are a real thing and all the range in big cities as an alternative for a city tour.

3.) Smithsonian National Zoo – If you follow my Instagram account and see DC activities, you know this is a favorite of ours. We love seeing the animals and getting to see them on a weekly or monthly basis. One of my favorite parts of the National Zoo is that it is at no cost to the consumer. Win. You can read more about the National Zoo in our list of 10 Things to Do in Washington DC with the Kids.

4.) Hike Great Falls Park – If you’re looking for a great way to exercise and see DC, then consider hiking Great Falls Park or Theodore Roosevelt Island. Both are great options for someone who loves to see natural beauty. We have hiked both and the falls are beautiful. You can also take a long trail from the falls that navigates all the way to Georgetown and into the city. We have snuck away from the kids enjoyed a Potomac River hike on Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. This trial has a path, but isn’t often taken as many do not know about it! I love when I enjoy what I am doing and am burning calories at the same time – two birds, one stone!

5.) DC Duck Tours – This is an incredible way to view DC by water. You can actually take a tour of DC in and out of the water. That’s right, this bus turns into a boat! We have not done this in Washington, but we did enjoy this Tour in San Francisco and it was one of the kids’ highlights.

6.) Visit the National Arboretum – If you have never seen the National Arboretum, then you need to head to Google and search “National Arboretum” and take in its natural beauty under images. The government webpage does not do this place justice and it’s a must see. There are tons of plants and various national beauty in all forms. A lot of wedding and family photos take place here. For the beauty and love of nature, I definitely encourage you to check it out.

7.) Visit Eastern Market – Is a must experience market in Washington DC for crafts, produce, clothing, pottery, jewelry, art and more. We love to take advantage of the many great outdoor cafes to grab breakfast or lunch. There are cute and quaint cafes. What can we say, we love food and you can’t go wrong YELPing the reviews of local stops.

8.) Visit the United States Botanical Gardens – This is a great place to visit in DC just for its natural beauty. My kids love seeing all of the beautiful flowers and plants at the USBG. Established by Congress in 1820, the United States Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in North America. This is another spot to search the Google images before you visit – the grounds are beautiful!

9.) Take a Boat Tour – While on the boat tour, visit Mount Vernon, Alexandria, or even George Town. A boat tour can take you places you would never be able to experience by land. We’ve taken this tour and had a great time. If leaving from Alexandria, take a look at the Torpedo Factory before you leave. You might find yourself with a souvenir of art from a local artist.

10.) Visit Mount Vernon – While there is no metro stop at Mount Vernon, you can take a taxi, drive or even use UBER (your first UBER ride is FREE!) Mount Vernon is where the first POTUS (President of the United Sates), George Washington and his wife, Martha lived. It’s a beautiful home located on an amazing plot of land – be sure to visit that view of the river. If going out to the plantation, give your visit some time. The museum is larger than you would think and very interesting. Mount Vernon is located about 15 miles south of Washington DC.

11.) Watch planes take off from Reagan National Airport – You can do this from Gravelly Point along George Washington Memorial Parkway. Head on over to Google Images to get a great insight to the true experience of how close you are to the airplanes as they take off. They take off along the river too, so it is pretty cool to see. This is a great price to utilize the Bike Share Program we shared with you above. Also grab a picnic lunch (bring it, there is not place to buy) or bring a football for a quick game of toss.

12.) Arlington National Cemetery – This is a great place to visit when the weather is great. Such a neat way to show your children all who have sacrificed for this great country. The Cemetery spans 624 acres, which is roughly the size of 472 football fields. The Cemetery is the resting place of more than 400,000 service members. See more detail about Arlington under 10 Free Things to Do in Washington DC.

Exploring DC isn’t just another city, it’s our Nation’s Capital. So many awesome things from history have occurred here. I love taking my kids to visit these places and they thoroughly enjoy it as well. I’d encourage you to get out there and explore Washington DC, it’s well worth it.

Take a look at the list of Washington, DC Travel Tips – What To Do OUTSIDE the District. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget the List of 10 Free Things to Do in Washington DC. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out the 10 Things to Do in Washington DC with the Kids – Pin to Pinterest.

Looking to eat well? Take a look at this list ofTop 10 Restaurants in Washington, D.C. Pin to Pinterest.