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Lunch Box Valentine’s Ideas – Using Pantry Staples!

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Using stickers, glue sticks, double sided tape and construction paper thatI always have around, I turned 3 everyday drink items into Fast, Simple, and ADORABLE Valentine’s Day Treats.

Even better, these are kid friendly and little helpers have no trouble managing the assembly of these!

📌Pin here for later!

Valentine, You are SUNSational

Capri Sun Juice Pouches lend a fun pun for these Valentines.  Simply attach a note with double sided tape to the front leaving the logo exposed!  Find a 4 pack of 10 pouches of Capri Sun on Amazon HERE!

Note: I tried using hole punch and slipping it over the straw, but the cellophane wrapper made the paper tear very easily!

 

Valentine, you are KOOL

Using Kool Aid single serve packets and a simple printable you have a fun and SIMPLE gift.  I just used double sided tape to stick the packet onto the printed note.  A six pack was ONLY 99¢!!

Valentine, you’re BERRY special to me

Any berry juice box or pouch will work for these.  Again, just a quick printable note and some double sided take turn Tropicana Mixed Berry (find on Amazon HERE or check out these HONEST Kids Organic Juice Drink, Berry Berry Good Lemonade on Amazon, too!) into adorable Valentine Gifts!

More Valentine’s Day Ideas

S’More Valentine’s Day Treats!

Valentine’s Oreo Pops Recipe

price & availability accurate as of
Jan 13, 2019 @ 8:20 pm CST 

Disclaimer: Midwest Coupon Clippers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated above and are subject to change.
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Paint Chip Christmas Tree Ornaments

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Paint Chip Christmas Tree Ornament

Whether looking for a classroom project, a grandparent’s gift or just something to keep the kids busy these VERY SIMPLE Christmas Trees will be a hit.  After raiding your local home improvement store and using mostly things you have on hand, things will come together in a snap!  You could even have the kids make these up and use them as gift tag labels!

Be sure to ask your store before taking the chips! I got mine from Lowes, and they had no problem with me taking as many as I needed!

Pin this idea HERE

What you need:

  • Sectioned Paint Chips in GREENS
  • Brown Paint Chips or Construction Paper
  • Hole Punch
  • String or Ribbon
  • Elmer’s Glue
  • Stickers, Sequins, Buttons, glitter glue, metallic sharpies, etc to decorate
  • I grabbed a few other paint chips (pinks, blues, purples, reds, yellows, oranges) and used the hole puncher to make colored ‘ornaments’ to glue on.

To make:

  1. Angle cut the long sides of the green paint chips to make tree shape
  2. Punch a hole at the top and string your ribbon through
  3. Cut the brown chips or paper into strips for the tree trunk and glue onto the back with the color side facing out
  4. NOW onto the decor! Go to town with whatever you have.  Use glitter glue to draw tinsel, glue on ornaments, and add stickers.  These trees can be anything kids can imagine.  Metallic markers work great for drawing ‘strings’ for lights.

Since I was doing this as a classroom party project I used a sectioned Rubbermaid container and set up the craft for easy access to a small group during center time.

More Christmas Ideas:

Children’s Book Advent Count Down

Easy Christmas Candy Bark

Whenever I am crafting, I keep my container of wipes handy for clean ups! Look how I make my own

Homemade Baby wipes

Children’s Book Advent Count Down

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This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. You can view MCC’s Full Disclosure Policy HERE.  

Children’s Book Advent Count Down

This year, I was wanting to do an Advent style count down to Christmas.  Looking for a way to start a new tradition that both kids would enjoy and find interactive, I found several ideas for a book count down.

Using a combination of books we already have and adding a few new ones, we are going to do a book a night leading up to Christmas Eve.  We have already established the tradition of a new Christmas Book and new Pajamas under the tree on Christmas Eve so this plays into that PERFECTLY.

 

Find a basket or bin to hold your books.  Wrap up each one individually with a number attached counting down the days to Christmas.  The kids can unwrap one book each night leading to Christmas.  Since we have a nightly school commitment of 15 minutes of reading this is perfect for helping Nolan stay motivated with his reading minutes.

Below see a list of our top 5 favorite Christmas Books.  I am using many of books we have on hand and are long time favorites, but also grabbing a few new ones to keep the kids guessing!  Plus, I am mixing Christmas Books with our favorites so I do not have to buy a whole new library!

 

 

Here are my TOP FIVE Favorite Christmas books I am including in my basket this year

  1. Don’t Push the Button! A Christmas Adventure
    $6.99
  2. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
    $9.00
  3. Christmas Farm
    $7.99
  4. Froggy’s Best Christmas
    $6.19
  5. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
    $9.79

price & availability accurate as of
Jul 11, 2020 @ 8:31 pm CST 

 

Disclaimer: Midwest Coupon Clippers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated above and are subject to change.
Keep Reading…

Starbucks: Get a FREE Reusable Holiday Cup!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. You can view MCC’s Full Disclosure Policy HERE.

 

Starbucks: Get a FREE Reusable Holiday Cup!

On Friday, 11/2 at Starbucks score a FREE reusable cup with the purchase of any holiday beverage.  Starbucks is giving customers who order a holiday beverage on Nov. 2  a reason to celebrate all season long with a free, limited-edition iconic red reusable cup.  Find one at participating stores while supplies last.  You can read more HERE!

Starting Nov. 3, customers who bring their reusable holiday cup to a participating Starbucks store in the U.S. or Canada after 2 p.m. will get 50¢ off their handcrafted grande (16-ounce) holiday beverage through Jan. 7, 2019.

Note: This is a limited quantity offer.  Each store has a limited quantity.  You may want to get to your local store early to snag this sweet freebie!

A few more TOP DEALS you may like

https://midwestcouponclippers.net/home-depot-black-friday-appliance-deals-are-happening-now-free-delivery/

https://midwestcouponclippers.net/get-25-off-toys-sporting-goods-or-craft-activities/

Mummy Juice Boxes

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. You can view MCC’s Full Disclosure Policy HERE.

Turn ordinary juice boxes into easy an fun Halloween Treat.  Such a great inexpensive item to hand out for a classroom treat or for a trunk or treat event!  Get the kids involved and have a fun time decorating these mummies!

What you need:

  • Juice boxes
  • Scissors
  • Hole Punch
  • White Vinyl Electrical Tape (or medical gauze tape if not keeping chilled)
  • Googly Eyes
  • Hot Glue Gun

To Make these:

  1. Remove the straw from juice box and set aside.
  2. You will need to cover the top first.  Using 3″ pieces layer across the top.  When you reach the spot for the straw to be inserted, use a hole punch to put a hole into the tape.  Carefully line it over the straw punch hole.
  3. Using your roll of tape, start at the bottom and work your way up wrapping it up tightly.  Overlap slightly and use some angles to give a good ‘mummy’ effect.
  4. You can use a hot glue gun to apply the googly eyes or look for self adhesive ones!  Take one more 3″ strip of tape and angle across the eyes to give the peeking eye look.
  5. Reattach the straw to the back with a narrow piece of tape.

You can find the juice boxes on Amazon HERE.

Thanks Clipper Erin M. for the photos!

Pumpkin Crunch Bars

Easy Halloween Monster Krispy Treats & Pretzel Eye Balls, Pumpkins & Ghosts!

School Lunchtime Struggles…. How we survived!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. You can view MCC’s Full Disclosure Policy HERE.

School Lunchtime Struggles…. How we survived!

School lunches were a big struggle for me.  A big factor is my kids are only given 25 minutes to eat. Because of the tight time constraints, hot lunch was not a good fit for them, by the time they got their food and sat down, they only had a few minutes to eat! We decided our best option would be having them take their own lunches, but that lead to a whole new challenge seeing as they are picky eaters!

The time it takes to prep, disagreements on what to put in, getting a good balance of nutrition, but including ‘good tasting’ things, and having a rotating variety made it a constant battle in our house.  The meal has to be immediately appealing and easy to eat.  After trial and error during the first month of Kindergarten, we finally hit our groove and learned what works best for us.

I REFUSED to pay the price of “Lunchables” so what I did was order a few Bentgo Boxes for personalized compartment lunches.  This did the trick and helped Nolan actually eat his entire lunch.  I do mix it up and send sandwiches and wraps, too.

I have compiled a list of some of my lunch box fillers!  These have really worked for us, plus Nolan can help pack his lunch and encourages a variety of food!  We do repeat the fruits often.  He really loves mandarin oranges, but I try and give fresh fruit whenever possible.  I also include a frozen Gogurt tube or Danimal and a drink most days.

For taking to school, Nolan uses an insulated style lunch bag.  I pack the Bentgo with an ice pack, silverware, and his drink.  It stays cool and they DO NOT LEAK or mix together!  The Bengto I use has a small center compartment and I usually put a small dessert/treat in for him.  Jelly Beans, Swedish Fish, Gummies, and M & M’s are a few of the things I drop in.

📍 Pin HERE

  • Rotini Pasta Tossed in sauce, oranges, cheese and salami
  • Lunch meat, cheese, cheese its, oranges
  • Pizza cut into narrow strips, strawberries, carrots & ranch

  • Small Cold Cut Sandwich, Pretzels, Cheese Spread Wedge for dipping and oranges
  • Cheese & Meat Cubes, Pretzels, Cheese Spread Wedge for dipping and blueberries
  • Left Over Pizza Roll Ups, Marinara for dipping, carrots and oranges

  • Meat & Cheese, Animal Crackers, Almonds & Peaches
  • Flatten a piece of bread (use a can of soup to roll it) & Smear with peanut butter, place 1/2 a banana and roll up, Pretzels and cheese, Peaches
  • Tortilla with ham & pickle, cheese curds, animal crackers, raisins, pineapples.

  • Leftover pasta, cheese stick, peanuts, pineapple
  • Lunch meat, pretzels, cheese, peanuts, peaches

 

 

Weekly Meal Plan 9/9 – 9/15

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Weekly Meal Plan 9/9 – 9/15

Sunday – Pulled Pork
I am going to pressure cook pork loin and use it this week in a few additional meals.  You can find my basic pulled pork recipe HERE.

Monday – Enchiladas
Using some of the left over chicken from last week’s crockpot meal I am making an easy dinner!

Tuesday – Breakfast for Dinner
I have been including this weekly because the kids get excited for ‘breakfast’ at night.  Whether its eggs and toast or pancakes, its always a hit!

Wednesday – BBQ Pork Sliders
Using the pork I made earlier in the week, we are going to have bbq sliders.  Quick and easy and something the kids LOVE!  I am going to serve them on Hawaiian rolls.  

Thursday – Quesadillas 
Since it is a running night with Tumbling, I am going to make it nice and easy!  No prep and no hassle!

Friday – Pizza
We will be out of town and Pizza is on the menu while we visit with friends!

Easy Pizza Roll

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Easy Pizza Roll

Frozen bread dough has long been a freezer staple for me.  I use it for cinnamon rolls, fresh bread for soups, or this long time family favorite.  The hardest part of this recipe is remembering to set out the dough in the a.m. to rise!  

Pin HERE for later!

What you need:
1 loaf frozen bread dough
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar marinara sauce
pizza toppings of choice *

Make It:
Allow bread dough to thaw and rise on a greased parchment lined cookie sheet for the day.  (usually about 6 hours).  You can get it out in the a.m., spray with some non stick oil on top, put a piece of saran wrap or parchment over and cover with a towel.  Let it rise all day!

When ready to prep, punch down the dough and shape into a rough rectangle on the cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with toppings and cheese.  Carefully roll up and seal the ends very well.  Place seam side down on the baking sheet.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes until brown and it sounds ‘hollow’ when tapped.  Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing into individual spirals.  Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

* I LOVE to use leftovers in this.  Meatballs, shredded chicken, steak, pulled pork, taco meat or sloppy joe filling is EXCELLENT!  Add whatever cheese you like.  Pepperjack, cheddar, colby-jack, anything goes!

Weekly Meal Plan 9/2 – 9/8

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Weekly Meal Plan 9/2 – 9/8

Alright, let’s do this again! I am getting comfortable with knowing I have lots of options for meals and can pull off a dinner almost every night.

Sunday: Crock Pot ‘Rotisserie‘ Chicken
Meijer had boneless chicken on sale for $1.49 pound so I STOCKED UP.  I am going to make a bunch in the crockpot to stash in the freezer for some meals and lunches.  I will type up my recipe later for this!  It is a great seasoning blend and just toss in the crockpot.  I shred it and use it later for tacos, chicken & noodles, salads, etc.  

Crock Pot Rotisserre Chicken 

5-6 large Chicken Breasts
1 T. Paprika (not smoked or hot)
2 t. Kosher Salt
1 T. Dried Minced Onion
1/2 t. Garlic Powder
1/2 t. Black Pepper
1/8 t. Cayenne Pepper

Blend all the spices together.  Put 1 layer of chicken into crock pot.  Cover liberally with spice blend.  Put rest on top and put remaining spice blend on top.  Cook on low for 6 hours or until tender and easily pulls apart.

Can be eaten as is or shredded and served in tacos, chicken & noodles, in salads, etc.

Monday: Labor Day Holiday
Not sure on our plans for the day, so I am going to leave this open and flexible.  It may be a day of new home work and a order for pizza delivery!

Tuesday: Creamy Potato Soup Left Over Remix
Remember those mashed potato bowls last week?  I am going to use the leftover potatoes for SOUP! Yup, it doesn’t get much easier than this.  Potatoes, milk, salt, pepper, garlic, heat to desired consistency.  Add extra veggies you have stashed plus some ham or bacon.  INSTANT SOUP!!!

Wednesday: Tator Tot Casserole
Classic cream soup, ground meat, green beans and tots! Oh yes, its so good!

Thursday: Hot dogs and mac & cheese. 
Tumbling night so easy it is! I don’t do this too often, but I like to reserve it for busy nights and my kids think its a special treat!

Friday: Bread Dough Pizza Rolls
We did leftovers a few times last week I didn’t get this made, so I am going to repeat it this week because its a true family favorite!

12 Minute Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

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12 Minute Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a STAPLE for family meals at my house.  I always dread the process of boiling the water, watching for boil overs, and then CLEANING UP the inevitable starchy mess created when the pot does boil over.  Come on, we know it ALWAYS happens!

Since getting my Instant Pot, making mashed potatoes has become easy peasy!  Set it and forget it has never been a more true statement!  Did I mention they are done in 12 minutes? 


Ingredients:
4 pounds (appx. 8 medium) Potatoes, Peeled and Chunked
1 T. Salt
4 T. Butter
1/2 c. milk
2 T. Sour Cream (optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Make it:
After peeling and cutting potatoes (I cut mine into eighths), add to Instant Pot (no trivet).  Add cold water, just until all potatoes are covered.  Add 1 T. salt.  Cover and seal pressure cooker and make sure vent is set to seal.

Set cooker to High Pressure Cook for 12 minutes.  After it comes to pressure, the timer will start.  Once the timer goes off, you can either let it naturally release or after a few minutes do a manual release.  I usually let mine naturally release while I finish the rest of my meal prep!  With a spoon lift up release valve, turn half a turn counterclockwise (be careful of any extra steam that may be left).  NOW, all the steam and pressure is released and you can take off the lid.

CAREFULLY lift out the Instant Pot insert and drain the water.  Add potatoes back into insert and add butter, milk and sour cream.  Mash to desired consistency, add more milk if needed, and salt and pepper to taste!

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