Gardening Hacks and Tips for the Wannabe Gardener

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May 15, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Hacks, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Calling all black thumbs! Make it green with these DIY gardening hacks and ideas for the wannabe gardener. Easy, creative, and beautiful gardening hacks that will turn you into a pro in no time!

Gardening Hacks and Tips

Guys, I have always wanted to be able to say I have a green thumb. But to be honest, I’ve never been very successful with my gardening attempts. No matter how much I want a dream yard with a beautiful garden, I just can’t find the motivation or my black thumb gets in the way. We can’t all be gardening experts, but there are some amazing gardening hacks out there that make it a little easier for all of my black thumbs!

Recently, we were lucky enough to move into a new home with the most beautiful and spacious yard. Even more, the previous owners were gardeners, so the yard was in amazing shape when we purchased it. I thought that it shouldn’t be too hard to keep up their amazing gardening work. Boy, was I wrong!

As time went on after we purchased our home, I quickly realized that it wouldn’t be as easy as I thought. The weeds came in quickly, and while I wanted to restore the yard to its former glory, I had no clue where to start. I had a hard time distinguishing the difference between what was supposed to stay and what was supposed to head straight to the trash. Needless to say, I needed a LOT of help from my friends on the internet.

How do you make a garden more attractive?

When you boil it down to the basics, attractive gardens have plenty of well-tended plants, controlled weeds, and the perfect decorative touches. If I learned one thing from these DIY gardening hacks, it’s that you don’t have to spend a ton of money or hire a professional to make your garden look its best. I’ve spent a lot of time gathering these DIY gardening hacks, so I figured I should share my findings with all of you! After making your way through these gardening hacks, I hope you will leave with the inspiration to try some out and turn that thumb green. Good luck out there, and happy gardening!

Also visit our Inexpensive Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget with Gardening tips!

Save your time and sanity with this Wine Bottle Waterer. Get your Garden Nanny Bottle HERE! Not only is it a time-saver, but it looks cute in your planter, too!

This DIY gardening hack is GENIUS! Use diapers to retain moisture in potted plants. | Sand Paper and Silly Putty

Got some old newspapers lying around? These biodegradable pots are good for the earth AND will help you get rid of the extras. | The Things We’ll Make

Keep your garden tools clean with this cute AND functional tool holder. The sand is abrasive and helps keep the tools sharp as you remove and reinsert them! | One Good Thing by Jillee

Switch up your plants instantly with these plastic plant holders! Such a genius way to quickly move plants around without digging them up. | Florida Friendly Plants

If you want a non-toxic way to get rid of fungi, just mix 4 teaspoons of baking soda with a gallon of water. It’ll get rid of that pesky fungi without extra chemicals. So easy! | Gardening Soul

Rope lights make great borders for gardens and flower beds for a perfect ambiance in the evening. | Hometalk

I love DIY gardening ideas that keep things looking natural. Turn an old log into a planter! | A Proverbs 31 Wife

This lovely and simple wooden planter is both cute and functional! The planter on top conceals the storage space for your hose or other garden needs below. | Jaime Costiglio

This easy tutorial for making seed bombs is a great DIY gardening idea for areas that get less of your attention. Just plant them and wait for the magic to happen! | Hello Nature Blog

Looking to start a vegetable garden? Many plants prefer the moisture at their roots as opposed to overhead watering. You can make your own water bottle drip feeder out of recycled materials! | Source

If you have a lot of plants that need protection from the cold, using fancy cloches can get expensive. Use an empty soda bottle instead to protect your plant babies on the cheap! | eHow

These DIY self-watering planters don’t just look amazing — they ensure that your plants get the water you need, even if you can’t check on them daily. They prevent over-watering, too! | DIY Projects

You don’t always need a compost heap to use food scraps in your garden. Check out these easy ways to improve your garden soil without a compost heap using three kitchen scraps you’d normally throw away! | Whole Food Home

Use your old wine bottles for garden and lawn edging! Just turn them upside down and line them up. I love how low-cost and creative this DIY gardening idea is. Try it with colorful bottles for a more stunning look! | Planted Well

Don’t fill your large planters all the way up with soil! It makes them heavy and difficult to move, and your plants don’t always need all that space. Bury milk jugs at the bottom of your planters to save soil and keep them light. | The Bean Sprout Notes

Make your own weed killer! Mix up Dawn soap and vinegar to keep those pesky weeds at bay. It’s a great way to avoid using toxic chemicals that may harm the environment or your family. | One Good Thing by Jillee

Go vertical! This garden uses clay pots, wire, and an arbor for a unique way to display pots without taking up a ton of space. | Aka Design

Got some unwanted backyard visitors? Keep pests and animals out of your garden by putting plastic forks into the ground. It will deter animals from eating your plants! | Source Unknown

Love these Gardening Hacks and Tips?

You will also love these Midsummer Night Patio Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Now it’s time to give your front porch some attention. Check out these Front Porch Ideas to Inspire Your Welcome. Pin to Pinterest.

Looking to update your home value? Take a look at these Curb Appeal Hacks to Increase Your Home Value. Pin to Pinterest.

Lastly, complete your outdoor look with these Inexpensive Backyard Ideas for Landscaping on a Budget. 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.

Front Porch Ideas – Inspire Your Welcome This Spring!

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May 14, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Seasonal, Social Media, Spring

Inspire your welcome this spring. Cute and creative front porch decor ideas and curb appeal inspiration to make your house pop! Get all of these great ideas for front porch decor on Frugal Coupon Living.

Front Porch Ideas

Spring cleaning season is just around the corner, and soon our house will be busy getting everything in order. As they say, out with the old, and in with the new! I love deep cleaning our house in the spring to refresh our space.

Once the pollen clears up a bit, we move outside and take spring cleaning to our yard and front porch. For a little extra spring refresh inspiration, I love these front porch decor ideas! All of these ideas for front porch decor are both creative and budget-friendly. Your neighbors will be so impressed!

How can you decorate your front porch?

Your front porch is the first thing people see when they approach your house, so it’s important to give that area special care. But livening up your front porch design doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Breathe new life into your front porch and jazz up your curb appeal with fun pops of color, lovely plants, and your pick of these front porch decor ideas that you can do yourself. Enjoy, and happy decorating!

Also visit our Inexpensive Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget with ideas that can be transitioned to the front yard too!

Upcycle Old Furniture! Drawer Porch Planters from Beyond the Picket Fence and Drawer Porch Planters from My Love 2 Create

Recycle a Pallet! Looking for 4th of July themed front porch decor ideas? Try out this American Flag Pallet from The Pink Punk (this doesn’t appear to be the original source, but this link provides a great tutorial.)

Get Creative with Planters! This Planter Chandelier from DIY Show Off can be customized with any paint color to fit your front porch’s color scheme.

Accent a Small Corner! DIY Corner Welcome Sign from McCall Manor and Branch Ladder with Climbing Yellow Flowers from Ashbee Designs are beautiful front porch decor ideas that let you use every inch of your space.

Make a Porch Swing! This Headboard Porch Swing from The Rustic Pig makes it possible to make your own fun seating, perfect for relaxing. Love it!

Renew Your Front Door! Your front door is a visitor’s first impression. Make sure it looks its best with Howard Products SunShield Outdoor Furniture Wax with UV Protection. It’s such a simple tip, but it makes doors look brand new! From Frugal Coupon Living

Design Your Patio Floor! Try this DIY Pattern Floor Design from Home Talk. So beautiful and creative!

Chairs that Pop! Find inspiration in these Apple Green Porch Chairs from Redbird Blue and Vintage Red Patio Chair from Addicted 2 DIY. I love a good pop of color!

Go Vertical! Incorporating beautiful plants and herbs into your front porch design doesn’t have to take up lots of space. Craft this Vertical Herb Trellis from Home Talk!

Show Off Your House Number! I love front porch decor ideas that are personalized for your home. Take a look at this Home Address Flower Pots from DIY Showoff, Home Address Bucket Planters from My Wonderfully Made, and Home Address Flower Pots with Brass Numbers from Curb Alert Blog. This Framed Home Address (not pictured) from Kojo Designs is a great related option, too.

Create a Unique Table! This Milk Can Table and Top from Fussy Monkey Biz looks adorable and professionally made.

Make Your Own Seat! Try crafting this DIY Farmhouse Bench from The Creative Mom and Ceddar Bench from Daily Randomness. The supplies are cheap, and the tutorial is easy to follow!

Make Your Own Flower Pot! Put those unused fabric scraps to work. Make this Fabric Flower Pot from Homemade Interest for a cute personalized touch!

Brighten Up Entry Corners! I love the rustic look of these Galvanized Tub Flowers from Samplers and Santas.

Create a Place to Relax! I could stretch out with a good book on this DIY Day Bed from Apprentice Extrovert for hours!

Design Your Own Bright Planters! I love the classic design of these DIY Black & White Planters from Dimples and Tangles.

Personalize Your Entry! Yay for more personalized front porch decor ideas! This DIY Monogrammed Door Mat from Live a Little Wilder adds a classy welcome for visitors to admire.

Are you inspired yet? Share your crafting achievements with us by adding “tried it” on Pinterest. Go here and upload your images!

Looking for more ways to brighten up your home from the outside? Take a look at Curb Appeal Hacks To Increase Your Home Value – Pin to Pinterest.

Make sure to check out our Inexpensive Backyard Ideas for Landscaping on a Budget. Pin to Pinterest.

Give some love to your back porch, too! Our Midsummer Night Patio Escapes are fun, frugal and creative. Pin to Pinterest.

Easy Veggie Fritters – The Kids Will Love Them!

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May 14, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media

Eat more veggies! Zucchini and carrots get mixed with a batter and pan-fried to golden perfection in this easy and delicious veggie fritters recipe. Your kids will be asking for seconds of these perfect veggie fritters! Enjoy!

Easy Veggie Fritters

Pin to Pinterest

Trying to get your kids to eat more veggies? These easy veggie fritters are the solution! They are chock full of veggies and pan-fried for that perfect crunch. If you’ve ever wondered how to make fritters, let me tell you that it’s easier than you think! We opted to mix zucchini, carrots, and scallions into ours, but feel free to substitute whatever veggies you have in the fridge. All that veggie goodness gets mixed up with an egg batter to hold it all together. I highly recommend topping these veggie fritters with sour cream, Greek yogurt, chives and/or extra scallions. Seconds of these, please!

What are fritters, anyways?

If you’re not familiar with these tasty snacks, a fritter is a fried patty. They can be sweet, like apple fritters, or savory, like these delish and healthy veggie fritters! Usually, you’ll find that they are made with chopped ingredients with an egg-based batter to bind everything together. These veggie fritters are similar to vegetable pancakes. The great thing about fritters is that you can fill them with good-for-you veggies while the fried component will have your kids asking for seconds. I’d call that the perfect balance!

Easy Veggie Fritters

Yields: 10-12 fritters
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded zucchini
2 cups shredded carrots
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup chopped scallions
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Optional: Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for dipping. We like to add chives too!

Directions:

Place the zucchini in a strainer over a bowl. Gently press down to squeeze the excess liquid out.
In a medium bowl, add the strained shredded zucchini, shredded carrots, flour, scallions, eggs, garlic and salt and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
Place paper towels over a large plate, set aside.
Add the olive oil to a large sauté pan on medium-high heat. Once the oil is shining in the pan, add about ¼ cup of the mixture into the pan, flattening it just a bit with your fingers. Continue adding the mixture as stated, spacing the fritters about 1 inch apart.
Allow the fritters to cook for approximately 3 minutes, and then flip to cook the other side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Place the fritters on the prepared plate to allow the excess grease to drip off.
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Continue this process until all of the vegetable mixture is used.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. You can also top with chives.

Note: These veggie fritters are best enjoyed immediately after they are prepared for the crispiest result!

Easy Veggie Fritters – The Kids Will Love Them!

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded zucchini
2 cups shredded carrots
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup chopped scallions
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Optional: Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for dipping. We like to add chives too!

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Place the zucchini in a strainer over a bowl. Gently press down to squeeze the excess liquid out.
In a medium bowl, add the strained shredded zucchini, shredded carrots, flour, scallions, eggs, garlic and salt and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
Place paper towels over a large plate, set aside.
Add the olive oil to a large sauté pan on medium-high heat. Once the oil is shining in the pan, add about ¼ cup of the mixture into the pan, flattening it just a bit with your fingers. Continue adding the mixture as stated, spacing the fritters about 1 inch apart.
Allow the fritters to cook for approximately 3 minutes, and then flip to cook the other side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Place the fritters on the prepared plate to allow the excess grease to drip off.
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Continue this process until all of the vegetable mixture is used.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. You can also top with chives.

Recipe Card powered by

Hungry for more easy veggie recipes? Try our creative Corn Lollipops. Pin to Pinterest.

While you’re here, check out our Weight Watchers® Recipes and Their Point Values too! Pin to Pinterest.

BBQ Grill Cupcakes – Father’s Day Idea!

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May 12, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Father's Day, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media, Summer

Looking for a fun dessert this Father’s Day? Perhaps a chocolate dessert on a lovely day? We love these easy to make BBQ Grill Cupcakes made with everyone’s favorite Betty Crocker Cake Mix and Icing!

BBQ Grill Cupcakes

Cupcakes are fun, individually wrapped treats we all know and love. We wanted to twist your typical cupcake for the BBQ grill. These make great desserts for picnic, Father’s Day, summer backyard events and more. Best of all, these cupcakes are easy, fun for little helpers, and will look like you slaved all day in the kitchen making them!

Don’t forget our inspirational Father’s Day Cake Designs too!

Pair this idea with our Fathers’ Day BBQ Mason Jar Gift Idea with free SVG Files.

BBQ Cupcakes

Ingredients:

You will also need

Directions:

First, preheat your oven and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

Prepare your cupcakes as directed on the box. (Gotta love this easy step!)

Separate your can of frosting into two separate cups.

Place a couple drops of yellow food coloring in one cup and a couple drops of red food coloring in the other cup and mix.

Place your star tip in the bottom of a large decorating bag.

Scoop your yellow frosting into one side of the bag and the red frosting into the other side of the bag.

Frost a swirl onto each cupcake and top off with your yellow sugar sprinkles.

Melt two cups of your chocolate melting candy in a microwave safe dish on 50% power for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.

Scoop your all the chocolate into a decorating bag and cut a small tip off the end.

Next, lay your parchment paper out on the table and draw small 4 inch circles with lines across with your melted chocolate bag and let harden.

When your chocolate grill tops have hardened, place them gently on top of your cupcakes.

Cut small squares from your gum drops, place them on a toothpick to look like a skewer, and set it gently on top of your chocolate grill.

Add a couple orange mike and Ike’s and/or Junior Mints to each grill.

Finally, to make the grill marks on your hot dogs, dip the end of a toothpick into brown food coloring and press gently onto each orange Mike and Ike.

BBQ Grill Cupcakes – Father’s Day Idea!

Author: Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Betty Crocker chocolate cake mix
Betty Crocker whipped vanilla frosting
Wilton chocolate melting candy
Gumdrops
Mike and Ike’s
Junior Mints
Yellow sugar sprinkles
Brown, red, and yellow food coloring

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Instructions

Preheat your oven and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Prepare your cupcakes as directed on the box.
Separate your can of frosting into two separate cups.
Place a couple drops of yellow food coloring in one cup and a couple drops of red food coloring in the other cup and mix.
Place your star tip in the bottom of a large decorating bag.
Scoop your yellow frosting into one side of the bag and the red frosting into the other side of the bag.
Frost a swirl onto each cupcake and top off with your yellow sugar sprinkles.
Melt two cups of your chocolate melting candy in a microwave safe dish on 50% power for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
Scoop your all the chocolate into a decorating bag and cut a small tip off the end.
Lay your parchment paper out on the table and draw small 4 inch circles with lines across with your melted chocolate bag and let harden.
When your chocolate grill tops have hardened, place them gently on top of your cupcakes.
Cut small squares from your gum drops, place them on a toothpick to look like a skewer, and set it gently on top of your chocolate grill.
Add a couple orange mike and Ike’s and/or Junior Mints to each grill.
To make the grill marks on your hotdogs, dip the end of a toothpick into brown food coloring and press gently onto each orange Mike and Ike.

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Making a cake for dad? These Father’s Day Cake Designs are inspirational. Pin to Pinterest.

If you are doing the Donuts with Dad thing, you have to make our Golf Donuts for Dad. Pin to Pinterest.

Take a look at these DIY Father’s Day Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Also enjoy our most recent Father’s Day Craft Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Golf Donuts for Dad | Father’s Day Dessert

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May 12, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Father's Day, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media

We love these Golf Donuts for Dad! We made an easy Father’s Day Dessert that is creative and fun and personalized just for dad. It’s a hole in one idea!

Golf Donuts for Dad | Father’s Day Dessert

Looking for a Hole in One idea this Father’s Day. We love to celebrate donuts for dad and thought this idea was so much fun! Create a mini golf course for your next donuts for dad event. We made ours with a silicone donut mold, some green frosting, candy shreds, and white Sixlets!

Don’t forget our Father’s Day Cake Designs.

Father’s Day Donut Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 Egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
Green candy shreds (if you do not have this, shake coconut flakes in a Ziploc bag with 2 drops of green food coloring)
White Sixlets
Green frosting (buy green or mix with one to two drops of green food coloring or gel)

Supplies:

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350° and grease your silicone donut mold with a nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together your cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until combined.
Place a large freezer bag inside a mixing bowl, fold the edges over the bowl, and pour your cake batter into the freezer bag.
Cut a small tip off the corner of your freezer bag and use it to dispense the batter into your donut molds.
Bake for 15 minutes and let fully cool before you remove.
Place a half a cup of your green frosting into the bottom of a cereal bowl, heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, and mix.
Dunk the top of your doughnut into the green frosting and immediately coat with your green candy shreds.
Dip the bottom of a sixlet into your frosting and press onto the top of your donut.
Cut two small matching triangles from your white paper and glue a toothpick in between the two to look like a flag.
Press the bottom of the toothpick flag into the top of the donut by the ball.

Golf Donuts for Dad | Father’s Day Dessert

Author: Ashley Langston
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 Egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
Green candy shreds
White Sixlets
Green frosting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350° and grease your silicone donut mold with a nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together your cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until combined.
Place a large freezer bag inside a mixing bowl, fold the edges over the bowl, and pour your cake batter into the freezer bag.
Cut a small tip off the corner of your freezer bag and use it to dispense the batter into your donut molds.
Bake for 15 minutes and let fully cool before you remove.
Place a half a cup of your green frosting into the bottom of a cereal bowl, heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, and mix.
Dunk the top of your doughnut into the green frosting and immediately coat with your green candy shreds.
Dip the bottom of a sixlet into your frosting and press onto the top of your donut.
Cut two small matching triangles from your white paper and glue a toothpick in between the two to look like a flag.
Press the bottom of the toothpick flag into the top of the donut by the ball.

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Celebrating doughnuts for dad? Enjoy this FREE Donuts with Dad printable! Pin to Pinterest.

Making a cake for dad? These Father’s Day Cake Designs are inspirational. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out these FUN Father’s Day BBQ Grill Cupcakes. Pin to Pinterest.

We are pretty crazy about these Father’s Day Crafts for Dad too! Pin to Pinterest.

Take a look at these DIY Father’s Day Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

We love these Father’s Day Crafts for Kids: Preschool, Elementary and More! Pin to Pinterest.

Cute Cupcakes For Kids for the Entire Year!

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May 12, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Easter, Facebook, Father's Day, Instagram, Pinterest, Recipe, Social Media

Making Cute Cupcakes For Kids with Fun Designs: Mom and Kids Bonding Time

If you are thinking of a fun way to spend time with your kids or planning to have a quality time with them on the weekend, then look no further. Nothing beats bonding with your children with a little baking fun. Not as complicated as making Easter Bunny Bread. Just making simple cupcakes so that the kids can join the fun.

Instead of laying around on the couch all day on movie marathons, doing something together in the kitchen is productive and really fun. You get to have your children learn a thing or two about baking and give them a sense of accomplishment once they see and taste the result of your teamwork.

For starters, I will give you two recipes for cupcakes. One is for oven cupcakes in which you can also use a convection oven, and one is for microwave cupcakes. And then, I’m going to provide you with instructions on how to decorate the cupcakes using fun ideas. Before you get started, also check out our Easter Resurrection Cupcakes. Both are very easy to do.

Give your kids some tasks along the way and make sure that they are hands-on with the decorating. Don’t forget to give them pointers about safety and sanitation.

Easy oven cupcake recipe

Ingredients

250g butter, unsalted
250g sugar
250g flour (self-raising)
4 medium-sized eggs
4 tbsp. milk
1 pinch of salt
2 12-cup muffin tray lined with paper cupcake cases

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C

In a large bowl, put the butter in to beat until it softens. Add the flour, sugar, salt, milk, and eggs. If you want to make chocolate cupcakes, use two tablespoons less flour and replace it with two tablespoons of cocoa powder. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth.

Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to put a portion of the mixture to the paper cases. Make sure to put just the right amount each case to fill all the 24 cases.

Place the cupcakes in the oven and bake. After fifteen minutes, swap their places and bake for another three to seven minutes or until the cupcakes have light golden color.

Take them out of the oven and let the tray cool for a few minutes. Then take the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool. Now they are ready for the decorations.

But before we go to decorating, I’ll give you the recipe for microwave oven cupcakes.

Easy microwave cupcake recipe

This cupcake version is easier and faster to do. The challenge here is to be successful in preventing the kids from eating the ingredients before the cupcake gets done. You will see why soon enough.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons of full-fat vanilla or chocolate ice cream, depending on your preference of flavor. (I told you it is going to be a challenge for the kids not to eat it up)
2 tablespoons of cake flour
1/8 teaspoon of baking powder
Silicone cupcake molds

Directions

For starters, be sure to use cake flour and not all-purpose flour. It makes the cupcake drier and have a bread-like texture rather than cake.

Put all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk it until the batter is smooth. Make sure that there are no chunks of flour visible in the batter. Put it in two medium-size or four small-size cupcake molds. Put them in the microwave about thirty seconds. Set aside to cool and be ready for the decorations.

Here comes the fun part! I have three kinds of fun decorations to do with your kids. If you want to look for more, you can search fun and easy ideas here.

Rainbow Decoration

Everyone loves rainbows! Especially kids. This is very easy and fun to do.

Ingredients

Your favorite frosting
Blue food color
Rainbow berry candy belt (like Airheads Xtremes)
Small white marshmallow (optional)

Directions

First, put a few drops of blue food coloring to your frost. Mix and add until it reaches a pale blue color. Apply it on the cupcake.

Bend a rainbow berry candy belt and stick the ends to the frosting. You can add small marshmallows as clouds to the part where the candy sticks.

Your rainbow cupcake is done.

Bunny Decoration

This cupcake topping is a bit more challenging than the first one, but cuter as well. This is good for Easter or for kiddos who just can’t get enough of our furry little friends.

Ingredients

White frosting
Brown M&M’s minis
White marshmallows
Pink decorating sugar or pink sprinkles
Pink ball sprinkle
Black licorice laces

Directions

Put the white frosting over the cupcake. This will be your canvas for the bunny face

For the ears, cut a marshmallow in half. Add the pink sugar or sprinkle on the center area of the cut part avoiding edges. Do this on both of the marshmallow halves. Place them on the top part of the cupcake where the ears should be.

For the eyes, use the brown M&M’s minis and put them where the eyes should be.

For the nose, put the pink ball sprinkle on where the nose should be.

Use the black licorice laces for the whiskers. Put three on each side.

Your bunny should be looking at you right now with its cute chocolate eyes.

Mustache Decoration

If you want to let your kids give their good old dad a treat for father’s day or for his birthday, then this is an easy and fun thing to give him.

You actually have three options here. You can use toothpicks and construction paper, fondant and icing writers, or chocolate molds.

Ingredients

Frosting
Fondant, Chocolate mold, or construction paper and sticks
The mustache mold which you can download here from Queen.com

Directions

Put the frosting on top of your cupcake. You don’t have to download the mustache mold if you’re going to use the chocolate mold. Just put the mustache mold directly on the frosting.

If you prefer to use sticks and paper, print out the mustache mold, and put it on the construction paper. Cut away the mustache and put it on one end of the stick with glue. Make sure that the end won’t stick out on top of the mustache. Stick it on the cupcake.

If you’re going to use fondant, get black and white ones. Make small round white ones with the same diameter as the cupcake. This will be your canvas for the mustache. Use the printable mold as a pattern for the mustache using the black fondant. Cut it out using a paring knife or a kitchen shear.

Wait till daddy sees your masterpiece.

There you have it. Two easy recipes for cupcakes, and three easy decorating tips for you to choose from. This will definitely make your weekends fun and exciting. If you know someone that needs this recipe, go ahead and like and share. What do you think? Feel free to comment below for any questions or suggestions.

Hi friends, I’m Susan from http://www.cookthestone.com. I spent most of my time in the kitchen to make tasty meals for my family. The feeling when your husband and your kids are full with food cooked by you is amazing. I understand and want to share my experience with you. Hope they can help in your daily life. I will very appreciate your encouragements in the comment section below. Thank you!

For more cute cupcakes for kids, take a look at our Seasonal Decorative Cupcakes Ideas you can make the entire year! Pin to Pinterest.

Making a cake for dad? These Father’s Day Cake Designs are inspirational. Pin to Pinterest.

Hosting a gathering? Keep the kids not only fed, but entertained. Grab this bundle of 50+ Party Games for Kids.

18 Creative IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hack Ideas

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May 12, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Hacks, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Eighteen Creative IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hacks and Ideas. Get inspired with these low cost IKEA home decor ideas for those with million dollar taste.

IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hacks

IKEA Billy Series

The IKEA Billy Series has been around over 50 years. Developed in 1979 by the Swedish designer Gillis Lundgren, IKEA has sold over 60 million units of the bookcases worldwide. Obviously it’s a popular series. Well the world has gotten more creative and the platform of Pinterest has been created. This media sharing has inspired many Billy Bookcase creative designs with an IKEA low-cost price tag.

IKEA BILLY Bookcase Ideas

We have found same amazing Billy bookcase IKEA ideas. Enjoy this list of the top 18 IKEA BILLY Bookcase ideas. Show us what you design after being inspired by these IKEA hackers. Before you start getting crafty, make sure also look at our Bookshelf Styling Ideas!

If you want a floor to ceiling custom built in, get started with this BILLY Bookcases cheat sheet and stacking formula. Turn IKEA BILLY Bookcases with glass doors into the most perfect built in you’ve ever seen with this full tutorial. | Vintage Revivals

Turn your shelving unit into a craftsman dream by adding trim. Adding molding to IKEA BILLY bookcase makes it look like an expensive built in unit. | Blesser House

Get crafty for the kids! Turn a white bookshelf into a life size DIY dollhouse. Touches of paint, wallpaper, craft paper and dollhouse furniture and you have a complete home. | The DIY Village

This BILLY bookcase lighting hack adds illumination to any space! Best of all, Jamie doesn’t even have to flip a switch this this remote control lighting trick! | Southern Revivals

This BILLY bookcase hack closet idea is perfect for someone who lacks the IKEA closet PAX wardrobe space. Lauren has quite the experience with IKEA storage units too. Her entire room has intricate plans! | Blesser House

Make your book shelf pop with this DIY hack with billy bookcase drawers. Turn your BILLY book shelves into a colorful dresser. | Infarrantly Creative

This built-in day bed and reading nook transformed this playroom. The hidden gem is created form two different sizes of IKEA bookcases. | House Homemade (Also seen in our Reading Corner Ideas for Kids)

I gave my husband these plans and begging him to make this IKEA billy bookcase entertainment center for only $300! It would resolve our “no entertainment center” problem by 1,000s! | Amanda Katherine

Look at this home improvement hack! Cover an ugly AC Wall Unit with an IKEA bookcase hack. | Design Evolving

This BILLY Bookcase bedroom idea is perfect for a little girls room. Combining a dresser and IKEA book shelf and then paint for the most adorable pop! | Designer Trapped

Need more storage in the kitchen? Custom build a pantry with this IKEA bookcase idea. Compare the price! You can buy IKEA pantry cabinets for around $400 or buy a 15” BILLY bookcase (with a door) for just around $100! | Run to Radiance

Look at this great idea! Take an IKEA bookcase and install over a door or entryway! | The Accent Piece

Revamp your playroom with this painted IKEA bookcase storage unit. Perfect for organizing – so easy on the eyes. | Blesser House

Paint the background of your custom bookcase like this IKEA playroom idea. Love that pop of green! | Centsational Style

Think outside the box and transform your kitchen island by adding a billy bookcase island with IKEA butcher block. | Golden Boys and Me

Revamp your entryway or even your garage with this custom mudroom built ins From IKEA white bookcases for $300! | The Kim Six Fix

Find a similar IKEA mudroom hack using white bookcases with full design inspiration and links. | House homemade

This might be my most favorite BILLY Bookcase hack. It is so easy and really makes your shelf look like a million bucks. Hide the holes in your BILLY Bookcase with DryDex Spackling. Goes on pink and dries white. How satisfying! | Centsational Style

IKEA BILLY Bookcase Planner

Inspired? Become your own interior designer with the help of the IKEA Billy Bookcase Planner Tools. Create your perfect storage and home improvement solutions. Plan online at IKEA and you’ve completed your design you can add it to your cart and order it online – easy.

Visit IKEA Planning Solutions

Shelfies! Learn how to Style Bookshelves with these Bookshelf Design Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Speaking of these IKEA BILLY Bookcase ideas, take a look at these Reading Corner Ideas for Kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Claim more home project ideas with these Older Home Improvement Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

5 Minute Science Experiments for Kids

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May 11, 2021 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

5 Minute Science Experiments for Kids

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When I think about all the exciting experiences I had in school, it doesn’t matter how long I’ve been out of the classroom — it sparks a passion in me to pass that love of learning onto my kids. One of my favorite ways to do so is to find the best fun science experiments that I can share with my children. Rather than them spending their time behind a screen, these fun experiments for kids are a productive use of their time. Since they’re so quick, they’re super easy for mom to put together. Everyone’s happy!

With three kids, I’m always pressed for time and I always have my hands full. After discovering that experiments for kids at home don’t have to be a hassle, I’ve been on the hunt since for fun experiments for kids that are also super quick! These five minute fun experiments for kids have been just as enjoyable for my children as they are for me to witness.

Make it an event on a rainy day — you could even grab some inexpensive lab coats and goggles for your kids to really make them feel like experts! It’s also a great and educational theme for your little ones’ next birthday party. The other parents will be surprised they didn’t think of it first, and impressed to boot!

Read on to find out how you and your kids can watch water travel, learn to make a geometric bubble, watch a plant grow toward the sunlight, and see raisins dance with experiments at home! These five minute science experiments for kids at home teach valuable lessons and create amazing memories for both you and your children!

How can I make science fun for my kids?

You might be surprised at how much your little ones love these simple science experiments for kids. Children have a natural curiosity for how the world works, so while science experiments might seem a little boring at first, they’ll be asking for more before you know it! It’s so fun to see the looks of wonder on your kids’ faces once you try these science activities. If you’re not sure where to start, these fun experiments for kids are guaranteed to keep your kids entertained. Who knows, you might have a future scientist in your house!

What are some cool science experiments?

Did you know that your everyday household items can create some of the most fun science experiments for kids? Glue, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and eggs are just a sample of the few ingredients needed for all of these amazing science activities for kids. Even the classic volcano science experiment can be done easily, and packs a punch in the wow-factor department! Your kids will definitely be rushing to tell their friends about their time in your home lab. Cheap ingredients means you can play around with as many experiments at home as you want while keeping costs low — and trust me, your kids will be on board too! Read on to discover the coolest science experiments that will impress the kids while keeping things quick and simple for mom. That’s a win-win!

Stem Challenges for Kids

Before you begin, also look at these Stem ideas for Kids!

Glow in the Dark Eggs

Glow in the Dark Eggs | Frugal Coupon Living

Geometric Bubbles

Geometric Bubbles | Babble Dabble Do

Cloud Science Lab for Kids

Kids Cloud Science Project | Alice and Lois

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment | Frugal Coupon Living

Glow in the Dark Volcano Science Experiment

Glow in the Dark Volcano Science Experiment | Frugal Coupon Living

How to Make an Eggshell Disappear

How to Make An Eggshell Disappear | Go Science Kids

Walking Water Science Lab for Kids

Walking Water | Coffee Cups and Crayons

Oil and Water Science Experiment for Kids

Oil and Water Science Experiment for Kids | Frugal Coupon Living

Erupting Rainbows Science Lab for Kids

Erupting Rainbows Science Lab for Kids | Frozen in Time

Exploring Colors and Chlorophyll in Fall Leaves

Exploring Colors and Chlorophyll in Fall Leaves | A Little Pinch of Perfect

Glowing Volcano Science Lab for Kids

Glowing Volcano Science Lab for Kids | Growing a Jeweled Rose

Magnetic Slime

Magnetic Slime | Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Slime Sun Catchers

Slime Sun Catchers | Babble Dabble Do

Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment

Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment | I Heart Crafty Things

How Arctic Animals Stay Warm

How Arctic Animals Stay Warm | The Science Kiddo

Ocean Currents Science Experiment

Ocean Current Science | Live Over C’s

Sprout House Kids’ Science Experiment

Sprout House | The Stem Laboratory

Soap Clouds

Soap Clouds | Our Best Bites

Easy Skittles Rainbow Science Experiment

Easy Skittles Rainbow Science Experiment | Fun with Mama

Dancing Raisins Experiment

Dancing Raisins | 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Bicolor Flowers Science Lab for Kids

Bicolor Flowers Science Lab for Kids | Playdough to Plato

Balloon Rocket Experiment

Balloon Rocket | KroKroTak

Shoe Box Maze

Shoe Box Maze | Herbarium (Get more directions HERE)

Why is the Sky Blue?

Why is the Sky Blue? | Rookie Parenting

I’m so excited to be able to share these fun experiments for kids with you, and I’d love for you to leave a comment if you try any of them out. Happy experimenting!