Midwest Coupon Clippers

Cudding Coupons and Saving You Some Moolah


Pasta Easter Egg Craft

By Leave a Comment

If you love Online Shopping as much as we do, make sure you come over and join our “Online Deals – Check them out” Group on Facebook HERE, Where we share some of our favorite deals we find!
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.

Are your kids cooped up and looking for something to do? Don’t worry, we are right there with you, too!  In an effort to find things to keep minds busy and avoid more screen time (we already are doing extensive e learning), I found this SIMPLE idea to make Decorated Paper Easter Eggs.

Using items you probably already have, turn the kids loose with some construction paper and glue! Talk about colors, shapes, sizes, textures, and encourage them to cut their eggs and sort the pasta.  There are endless ways to incorporate learning opportunities with this one!

What you need

  • Ziplock Baggies
  • Pasta in Different Shapes
  • Food Coloring
    I prefer gel colors because less is needed to get deep, true colors, but ANY will work! One brand I like are THESE.
  • Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar
  • Construction Paper or Card Stock
  • Glue
  • Scissors

To color pasta

  1. Put a small portion of pasta into a ziplock bag (about 1/3 c.) Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the bag and a few drops of food coloring.  You don’t need much alcohol to spread the color around.  Just enough to make it slightly fluid.  I would say about 1/2 tsp.
  2. Seal the bag up tight and shake it around.  Once pasta has taken on the color, pour it out onto a sheet of newspaper or parchment paper.
  3. Repeat for each additional color – be sure to space dyed pasta on the paper so they don’t run together until dry.
  4. After a few hours you can shake the paper around to turn the pasta to make sure it gets evenly dry.
  5. Allow to dry overnight.  The rubbing alcohol will evaporate and leaves the pasta a rich color and still completely dry and hard.
  6. If pieces stick together, gently roll with dry fingers and they break loose.
  7. Vinegar would also work in place of the alcohol, but will not evaporate as quickly.
  8. We used penne, bowties, stars, broken spaghetti, and a short cut tube pasta I had.

Make the eggs

  • Using construction paper or card stock, cut out an egg shape.
  • Paste the pasta onto the egg in any pattern you like.  Be sure to talk about the shapes and patterns as you work.  Encourage your crafters to be creative and spot the patterns whether a shape or color!
  • Note, we used q-tips to apply the glue to the paper and then placed the pasta on top.  Putting the glue on the pasta proved (1) hard to manipulate (2) made the color start to bleed.
  • OVERALL, this was nearly mess free.  If the pasta got too much glue, it did bleed a little but putting the glue to the paper first seemed to keep this under control.

 

Mess Free Easter Egg Coloring!

Easter Egg Pops

 

Preschool Counting Busy Activity

By Leave a Comment

If you love Online Shopping as much as we do, make sure you come over and join our “Online Deals – Check them out” Group on Facebook HERE, Where we share some of our favorite deals we find!
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.

Preschool Counting Busy Activity

Pin HERE

Welcome to quarantine, social distancing, and self isolation! Words I never thought I would say in a blog post.  BUT, since that is our current life we are making the best of it.  Both of my kids are expected to maintain some level of learning while we are on their extended period off school.

Nolan has been provided a well put together curriculum, however Carlie is expected to do 2 learning activities, away from screen time, per day. Her teacher provided a few ideas but the rest is up to us!

This a.m. I needed something to keep her occupied so one of the kid’s could take a test.  This EASY task bought me a solid 2 hours of entertainment for her and was a perfect age level skill drill.  Even better, no special items needed! You have everything you need!

Using just a muffin tin, sticky notes, and counter toys she played happily and quietly.

Make one:

  • Grab a muffin tin (or ice cube tray, some paper cups, or draw a chart on a sheet of paper)
  • Using post it notes, write and spell out the numbers 1-12
  • Put one number sheet inside each muffin cup
  • Now your preschooler can count their ‘counter’ figures into each muffin cup.

I had the automotive shapes stashed away for a day of boredom and glad I could pull them out!  There are tons of other options you probably have right at home!  Q tips, cotton balls, craft pom poms, pasta (penne, bowties, etc), jelly beans, m&ms, buttons, dried beans, or hair ties, to name a few!

Now because I had colors and shapes with this set, it quickly went from let’s count to… just use red, or just use green, to find all the trains or cars! These counter sets are between $10 & $15 but for the entertainment value – PRICELESS!  Occasionally, Target has these in small bins of 30 count in the ‘Buck Spot’ for $3.  Be on the lookout!

Look a few sets I spotted on Amazon HERE

 

Make Your Own Detangling Spray for PENNIES!

By Leave a Comment

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.

Make Your Own Detangling Spray for PENNIES!

As couponers & bargain hunters we are ALWAYS looking for ways to save money!  One of the more expensive items I seem to buy often & end up paying full price for is detangling/leave in conditioner spray.  It’s a luxury item that just seems to be worth every penny.  STOP PAYING FOR IT RIGHT NOW!  Using any brand of conditioner you can make a bottle for just PENNIES.  Let’s be honest here – I rarely pay more than a buck for a bottle of name brand conditioner!  Now using that cheap bottle of conditioner to make a WHOLE BUNCH of detangling spray – that is a LOT OF BANG for YOUR BUCK!

📌 Pin it HERE for later!

What you need:

  • 1 c. distilled water
  • 1 Tbsp. Conditioner – Any Brand/Scent
  • few drops of essential oils (optional – just for scent if you like)
  • Spray Bottle (these glass ones HERE or HERE are also a great option for long term use)

Add the water, conditioner and oil to the spray bottle.  Secure lid in place and shake!  That is it! You now have a bottle of detangling spray that works as well as the expensive store bought kinds!

I also recommend purchasing a wetbrush for combing through wet or dry hair.  It helps cut through the tangles and makes the task far less painful for little ones, especially!  I have found it to work exceptionally well for my naturally curly and frizzy hair!  Find them HERE at Kohl’s or HERE at Walmart!

 

Simple Hack to KITTY PROOF your cords!

By Leave a Comment

kitty proof your cords

Simple Hack to KITTY PROOF your cords!

Do you have a cat that likes to chew cords? Or in my case TWO CATS that like to chew cords? My home’s “IT WASN’T ME!” list so far this year consists of cell phone cords (x3), a video game console cord, and an essential oil diffuser cord (the unit was a whole TWO DAYS OLD)

WELL GOOD NEWS, no more yelling “KITTY WHAT DID YOU DO!” as your cat FLIES up the stairs because you are using “THAT VOICE” while you hold a teeth marked, wire exposed cord in your hand wondering “HOW THE HECK did they not shock their little furry butt?” as it was still plugged into the electrical outlet.

All you need is some Automotive Wire Covering, it works like a charm and even better, IT IS CHEAP! You can pick it up for less than $1 a foot HERE on Amazon.  I got twenty feet for about $7 (that covers a couple of phone charger cords) and is MUCH cheaper than purchasing NEW ONES all the time, ESPECIALLY if you have a cat that PREFERS the white RAPID CHARGER cord (TWICE) over any other cord in your house. Those are NOT CHEAP. (okay yes, I am still a bit upset with  my cat about this one, WHY, of any cord could it have not been the NORMAL plain old black charger cord)

So there you have it, it really is that simple, will save your cords, save you some money, and save kitty from finding a new home! (Who am I kidding, mine could eat every last cord in this house and I would still love them to pieces, just do not tell them that!)

Pinterest Fans: Pin this tip HERE to your board!

 

 

 

Homemade Baby wipes

By Leave a Comment

homemade baby wipes

Homemade Baby wipes

Pin It: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/420101471471254801/

What you will need:

wipes 6

  • 1 roll select a size paper towels
    (Bounty is best but Up & Up works well also; generic thin towels will not work)
  • 2 c. tap water
  • 1 TBSP Baby Wash
    (any brand or scent works; whatever is used in the bath)
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil OR 1 TBSP baby oil
  • Prepared Container
    (I upcycled a pretzel rods tub, but one can be purchased for use. Large plastic coffee can work also!)

Directions:

wipes 7wipes 9wipes 5

Bring the water to a rolling boil in a microwave safe bowl. Set aside to cool for at least 1 hour. Do not skip this step or the wipes will mold and smell musty.

Using a serrated knife, cut the paper towel roll in half. A clean hack saw blade also will work for this task. Takes a little elbow grease, and it is okay to smash the roll a bit in the process. Neatness is not required.

After water has cooled, add oil & shampoo. Mix.

Place paper towel roll, cut side down, in the storage container.

wipes 4wipes 3wipes 2

Pour liquid over toweling and let rest for 30 minutes.

The cardboard core will now easily lift out. Carefully reach in and pull out the innermost paper towel. Feed the starting wipe through your container lid. Wipes will easily dispense one at a time like store bought. Store out of direct sun.

To prepare container lid:

Using a sharp utility knife, make small slits in a circular pattern in the middle. Trim the middle just a tiny bit to make a small circle for the wipes to feed thru. It does not need to be a large opening, the wipes will quickly dry out otherwise.

wipes 8

 

How To Make Colored Carnations

By Leave a Comment

flower

How To Make Colored Carnations

Looking for an easy way to decorate tables for the holidays or a graduation party?  Turn ordinary white carnations into gorgeous colored decorations in 1 easy step!

Supplies

  • White carnations
  • Water
  • Food coloring
  • Mason jars or vases

Directions:

  1. Place a few drops of food coloring into a mason jar or vase filled with water.  Snip the ends of your flower stems and add them to the colored water.
    flower
  2. Watch as the colors begin to show on the outer edges of the carnation petals.
    3 flowers
  3. The longer you let the flowers sit in the colored water, the more prominent the colors will be!

    yellow flowergreen flowerblue flowe


All-Natural Easter Egg Dye Recipes

By Leave a Comment

all natural easter egg dyes

All-Natural Easter Egg Dye Recipes

Did you know you can dye your Easter egg’s with Natural products you have in your kitchen? No need for dye tablets, KEEP it Natural. You can get some beautiful colors! I do suggest putting down newspaper in any areas you will be working to avoid permanent stains on your counter tops.

  • Bluish-Gray

Mix 1 cup frozen blueberries with 1 cup water, bring to room temperature, and remove blueberries.

  • Blue

Cut 1/4 head of red cabbage into chunks and add to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 Tbsp. vinegar. Let cool to room temperature and remove cabbage with a slotted spoon.

  • Jade Green

Peel the skin from 6 red onions and simmer in 2 cups water for 15 minutes; strain. Add 3 tsp. white vinegar.

  • Faint Green-Yellow

Peel the skin from 6 yellow apples. Simmer in 1-1/2 cups water for 20 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar. Simmer 4 oz. chopped fennel tops in 1-1/2 cups of water for 20 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar.

  • Orange

Take the skin of 6 yellow onions and simmer in 2 cups water for 15 minutes; strain. Add 3 tsp. white vinegar.

  • Faint Red-Orange

Stir 2 Tbsp. paprika into 1 cup boiling water; add 2 tsp. white vinegar.

  • Yellow

Rich yellow: Simmer 4 oz. chopped carrot tops in 1-1/2 cups water for 15 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar.
Mustard-yellow: Stir 2 Tbsp. turmeric into 1 cup boiling water; add 2 tsp. white vinegar.
Various shades: Steep 4 bags of chamomile or green tea in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes.
Pale yellow: Chop 4 oz. goldenrod and simmer in 2 cups water for 20 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar.
Faint yellow: Simmer the peels of 6 oranges in 1-1/2 cups water for 20 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. vinegar.

  • Brown-Gold

Simmer 2 Tbsp. dill seed in 1 cup water for 15 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar.

  • Brown

Add 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup strong coffee.

  • Pink

Faint pink: Chop 4 oz. amaranth flowers and simmer in 2 cups water; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar. Simmer the skins from 6 avocados in 1-1/2 cup water for 20 minutes; strain. Add 2 tsp. white vinegar. Mix 1 cup pickled beet juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar.
Dark pink: Cut 1 medium beet into chunks and add to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 Tbsp. vinegar and let cool to room temperature; remove beets.

  • Lavender

Mix 1 cup grape juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar.

From Better Homes & Gardens Magazine!

DIY Lava Lamp For Kids

By Leave a Comment

DIY Lava LampDIY Lava Lamp For Kids

Supplies

  • Empty Water or Soda Bottle
  • Food Coloring
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Alka Seltzer tabs

Directions

  1. Fill empty bottle 2/3 full with vegetable oil
  2. Fill bottle to the top with water
  3. Add 10 drops of food coloring (one color)
  4. Break Alka Seltzer tab into 4 pieces
  5. Drop the Alka Seltzer pieces into the bottle one at a time and watch the magic! (Do not add a new piece until the first stops bubbling or your bottle will get cloudy)

 

Guardian Angel Ornament

By Leave a Comment


Guardian Angel Ornament

Items Needed:

  • Clear ornament
  • Feather
  • Glitter
  • Ribbon
  • Paper

Directions:

  • Put 1 feather and a small amount of glitter in glass ornament. Attach poem below (author unknown) to ribbon and then tie off.

“Guardian Angel Feather”

I’m from your Guardian Angel
Whose been assigned to you.
She dropped this in her struggles
As she protected you.
Each time you feel alone,
Each time you nearly fall,
I’m here to remind you
You’re not alone at all.

Make Your Own Busy Container For Kids!

By Leave a Comment

Make Your Own Busy Container For Kids!

You’ve seen them in stores, the over priced busy containers full of little objects for kids to find, right? My son was looking at them in the store the other day and I realized how completely simple it would be to make my own!  Just as fun for them, and extremely inexpensive for me!

Items Needed:

(1) Empty container – I used an empty Apple Juice plastic container, washed & dried completely.
(1) Box of white rice
Anything small around your house that you aren’t using, small bouncy balls, pieces of puzzle that have lost their mates, hair bands, jacks, broken pieces of crayon, dried beans, you can use anything!

Instructions:

Take your dried out container and dump in half a box of white rice.  Then start putting in your random pieces of items that you’ve found around the house.  I honestly went through my junk drawer and found a ton of things that I had put up that were too small for my son to play with, they worked perfectly!  Put them in and put the lid on and shake to mix.  Dump in more rice if needed and the rest of your items.  Shake again until mixed completely.  Put your lid back on the container and you can use super glue if you want to make it completely secure.

That’s it! I saved myself about $15 by making this myself, and my 1 year old still loves it as much as the store bought one!  He will sit there for quite awhile turning it around looking for the pieces and shaking it back around to hear the fun noises!

Deals

More Deals

Coupons

More Coupon Posts

Sweeps & Giveaways

More Sweeps & Giveaways