Sweet Pennies from Heaven

Popsicle Stick Puzzle for Valentine’s Day – “Let’s STICK Together”

by 660 Comments

 

Popsicle Stick Puzzle for Valentine's Day

Popsicle Stick Puzzle for Valentine’s Day

 

Popsicle Stick Puzzle crafts are so awesome because you can make them for any holiday! You can even make more general ones for colors, shapes, alphabet, and much more! Every mom and crafter has most, if not all of the supplies needed to make these!!

With Valentine’s Day so close, I wanted to re-share this awesome kids Valentine’s Day Craft! The kiddos will love making their popsicle stick puzzle! If you’re looking for a super cool classroom exchange idea…this is the perfect one! The kids in the class will love them!

Popsicle Stick Puzzle for Valentine's Day

Supplies:

 

Click NEXT for the Popsicle Stick Puzzle Instructions

next

 

Plan Your Best Valentine’s Day Ever with this Exclusive Online Magazine

by 105 Comments


Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Coupons.com. All lovey-dovey and sweet opinions are however, 100% my own and honest as always!

valentines-magazine-cover

{Just click on the magazine above to view page by page}

 

Valentine’s Day is almost here and I’ve got this really fun Valentine’s Day Magazine on The Good Stuff by Coupons.com. Whether you’re making plans for your sweetheart, your kids or your girlfriends – you’ll find tons of great ideas! Fun recipes, ideas for date night, crafts and ideas for a full “Galentine’s Day” brunch with your besties.

You’ll even be able to save with these Coupons.com Valentine’s Day Deals including free shipping on some! A few of my favorite deals that I (ahem!) may have to accidentally hint around to my husband are Kay Jewelers, Shari’s Berries and The Popcorn Factory!

 

Here are some things you’ll find inside:

  • Aphrodisiac foods (hubba hubba)
  • Date Night ideas inspired by the movies (Pretty Woman, Chocolat, etc.)
  • Valentine’s Day coupon printables (i.e. this coupon is good for one morning of uninterrupted sleeping in)
  • VDay tote bag DIY you can do with your kids
  • How to throw a Galentine’s Day Brunch (who doesn’t love brunch!)
  • Recipes for heart waffle sandwiches, skinny champagne parfaits and more
  • Gift Guides
  • And a link (on pages 2-3) to enter the Coupons.com Share the Love Valentine’s Day Sweepstakes (Daily cash prizes of $100 for the winner and $100 for the winner’s friend – until 2/28)

 

What fun ideas do you have planned for Valentine’s Day?

 

9 Awesome Valentine’s Day Ideas for Classroom Exchanges #MomsCheckIn

by 32 Comments

Valentine's Day Ideas

 

9 Awesome Valentine’s Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day will soon be here and we’ve got some really awesome ideas to share. If your kids have classroom Valentine exchanges then you’ll love all of these ideas. Share the looveee!!! Our “Moms Check In” crew and I are sharing our ideas below…enjoy!

 

 

Amanda-626x1024“Every year we make homemade Valentines to pass out at school. We try to do something more than just candy and something super fun. A few years ago I made these printable tags to attach to mini boxes of cereal. They were a HUGE hit! This year we are sending in lip balms for the girls and bags of chips for the boys.”

– Amanda is the mom to Joshua and owns It’s a Fabulous Life. If you are looking for a one stop place for all things mom, It’s a Fabulous Life is it! Full of recipes, fashion, DIY projects, recipes and parenting articles it’s the place for all of Mom’s favorites to come together! Follow her on Twitter here!

 

 

Jenni-Eaves1-213x300

“Valentine’s Day is just the coolest. We love to make our own Valentine’s Day cards for little man’s classroom exchange. They’re just always a bit more unique and fun, I think. Here are some really great Valentine’s Day printables for cards, treat toppers and more. We also make up baggies of these strawberry muddy buddies to pass out in his classroom. That stuff is SERIOUSLY addictive – so beware!! xoxo“

– Jenni is the mom of one and the author of Sweet Pennies From Heaven. A hearth and home website, Sweet Pennies From Heaven focuses on recipes, crafts and creating a comfortable home. Follow her on Twitter here!

 

 

LindsayHeadShot3Border-300x300“Valentine’s Day is so much fun for us. I mean…chocolate, right? And love. What could be better? One of our favorite homemade Valentine’s are these Rainbow Loom cards. Just print out the free template and attach the bracelets my daughter can make in her sleep. She gave them out last year and the kids loved them. On Valentine’s Day we have to have dessert too (of course)! This Valentine’s Day Pudding Parfait is so easy, pretty, and totally delicious! Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!“

– Lindsay is the mom of 2 and author of See Mom Click. She shares great deals, Disney happenings and recipes. You can follow her on Twitter here!

 

 

stephanie“I LOVE Valentine’s Day. It’s fun to create special memories with Sam including home made crafts and treats. We always have a great time together. I also try to do a special dinner date with Mike each year. Our favorite Valentine’s Day ideas are these Minecraft themed Valentine’s Day cards and these Lego Valentine’s Day cards and activities! “

– Stephanie is the mom to Sam and the author of Spaceships and Laser Beams. If you ever need party ideas her site is the place to visit! Specializing in all things boy, it’s full of inspiration! Follow her on Twitter here!

 

 

moms-check-in-1 What is Moms Check In?

Who are the moms of Moms Check In? We’re 4 moms who are also professional bloggers. We chat about a new topic each week. We talk about things from dirty diapers to date night, and everything in between. Moms love to talk to other moms and let’s face it…MOMS know everything!! If you happen to be a blogger also, and want to be a guest host one week, please fill out this form. We’d love to have you join us!

Before you leave, let us know…

Do you have any favorite healthy recipe hacks?

 

Easy DIY Valentine Snack and Candy Bouquet

by 1,519 Comments

Valentine’s Day is almost here!! I’m one of those who wonder around the store forever looking at things to get the husband. Something besides a sappy card. Coffee mugs?! He has a gazillion.

T-shirt?! Have you SEEN our closet?! Like he needs more clothes, pfft. A gift card? Too impersonal, especially for V-day. I shoud pay him back for the year he bought me a dust buster for Valentine’s Day (true story!) but I love his guts out so I won’t do that to him.

He’s a snacker so I thought it’d be fun to put together a Valentine Candy Bouquet. Well, it’s more of a candy/snacky bouquet but you get the drift. Everything he loves, and since I love him…he’ll love ME for buying him everything he loves. Love, love, love!

candy bouquet

I made a quick trip to the Dollar General before picking little man up from school. My intention was to quickly grab a few things, but then that turned into an oooh and aaaaah fest over in the housewares aisle, I got side-tracked and almost didn’t make it to the school in time but I made it. Got home, then realized…

I Forgot to buy a basket to put his candy bouquet in. Ugh.

Soooo….what’s a girl to do? Take an Easter basket and cover it with girly pink heart-shaped sticky notes! Well, that’s what I did.

Candy BouquetOnce I got home, I ransacked the house looking for something to put his stuff in. I found my son’s Easter Basket which was red (oh, thank goodness!) but it had baseballs all over the rim of it. I had NO pink or red ribbon to cover it but I got creative and stuck these heart shaped sticky notes all around the edge with tape. I never claimed to be Martha Stewart! 🙂

 

candy bouquetOhh AND I couldn’t find any skewers or popsicle sticks at the Dollar store so I grabbed a pack of cute Valentine’s Day pencils. I figured that would work! There’s one attached to a mini box of Russel Stover candy. 🙂

Okay, now that I’ve given you all the details of my morning – and I’m apparently a pro at doing the best with what I have – let’s get to it.

How to make a DIY Candy Bouquet

  • Any basket (or a cute bucket) will work…you can even spray paint an old one if you need to.
  • Add styrofoam to the inside…this is what you’ll stick the skewers or popsicle sticks (or pencils) into. My piece of styrofoam filled the basket a little over half way. Since I was using pencils vs. long skewers, I knew I had to have more height.
  • Glue or tape a skewer or popsicle stick to each item, leaving enough room so that the food will show above the basket edge. Like you would with a flower bouquet, you’ll start out shorter in front and taller towards the back.
  • Just keep adding and layering until you’ve A. ran out of space or B. used everything you have.
  • If all else fails or you don’t trust your own skills, you can always buy an already made Candy Bouquet on Amazon.

 

Here are a few shots of his cute lil’ candy bouquet!

candy bouquetI really want to dig into his bag of cashews…but I’ll leave them be.

 

candy bouquet

candy bouquet

I know he’ll love it and I hope he doesn’t see this post before he gets it….eeeeeeeep!!

Happy Heart Day!!!

Lots of Free Valentine Printables – Cards, Treat Toppers, Crafts and More

by 1,578 Comments

Valentine Printables

Valentine’s Day is almost here and I know everyone is looking for fun Valentine printables. I’ve rounded up several fun ideas, including cards and treat ideas for classroom Valentine’s Day parties. I know you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Please make sure to click the links to download the files. If you try to print just the photos as shown below, you will not get the right size or quality. You must click the links to download the appropriate files before printing.

 

Valentine’s Day Cards/Treats

fox valentine printableFox Valentine Cards by Frugal Living Mom

 

valentine printable

Rainbow Loom Valentine Cards by Pandora’s Deals

 

a58d67ec-c6ea-4346-9eb1-ef04afd400e3

Pirate Valentine’s Card/Class Treat by Living at the Whitehead’s Zoo

 

free-printable-valentines-to-colorPrintable Valentine’s to Color by Do Small Things with Love

 

lilysvalentines-1024x682Friendship Bracelet Valentine Cards by Pandora’s Deals

 

Valentines-Day-Mini-Cards-Collage-311x4003 Free Valentine’s Day Cards by Farmer’s Wife Rambles

 

Gogosqueez ValentinesGo Go Squeeze Applesauce Valentine Printable by Mama Challenge

 

Valentine-Treat-Toppers-ImageYou’re Beary Sweet Valentine’s Treat Topper by Thrifty Jinxy

 

Goldfish-ValentinesYou’re a Great Catch Card or Treat Topper by Mission to Save

 

free-vaBee My Valentine Cards by More Than a Mom of Three

 

bee-mine-cupcake-toppers-FWR-smValentine’s Day Cupcake Toppers by Farmer’s Wife Rambles

 

Free-Printable-Valentines-No-PinkValentine Cards That Don’t Use Lots of Ink by Carrie Elle

 

Other Fun and Free Valentine Printables

Valentines-Day-Coupons-2Free Printable Love Coupons for Kids by Madame Deals

 

printablepackFree Heart Preschool Printable Pack by More Than a Coupon Queen

 

VALENTINES-DAY-WORD-SEARCH-PictureValentine’s Day Word Search by Jinxy Kids

 

cpncover-550x291Create Your Own Valentine Coupon Booklet Template by Frugal Living Mom

 

banner21Valentine Heart Mini Banner by Frugal Living Mom

 

 

I also wanted to share some of the Valentine’s Day treats and desserts that I’ve posted here on my blog

Strawberry Muddy Buddies Valentine's Day RecipesStrawberry Muddy Buddies

 

Valentine's Day CupcakesRed Hot Cupcakes

 

trail mixValentine’s Day Trail Mix

Valentine's Day Crafts and Recipes
…and last but not least. Here are some fun Valentine’s Day Crafts and Recipes using heart shaped cookie cutters and molds!

Happy Heart Day!!!

Strawberry Muddy Buddies – Fun Valentine’s Day Recipe

by 1,487 Comments

Okay ya’ll…I have this serious addiction to Muddy Buddies. Have you ever had them? My first encounter with them was back at Christmas time when my little guy’s class made them and passed them out during their school Christmas party with the parents.

I’d seen them all over the web, but had never had them before. I’m addicted to the sweet crunch and can polish off a bag in NO time flat!

Yes, seriously…a whole bag! I hang my head in shame.

These Strawberry Muddy Buddies are yummy to have any time, but I thought they’d be fun to share for Valentine’s Day. These are great to make up for classroom treats too!! Easy to assemble, the kids can help…it’s a win/win!

Strawberry Muddy Buddies Valentine's Day Recipes

The printable recipe is further down below if you’d like to print it out and put in your recipe box. Believe me, this one’s a keeper!

 

Strawberry Muddy Buddies Valentine's Day Recipe

INGREDIENTS

6 cup Rice Chex cereal

12 oz White Melting chips

2 cup Strawberry Cake Mix

1 cup Powdered Sugar

Valentine’s Day Candy Corn, M&M’s, Decorations or Sprinkles (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a large zippered bag combine the cake mix and powdered sugar and shake to mix well.

Melt the white chips in the microwave by heating for 30 seconds then stirring and repeating until melted and smooth.

Put the cereal in a large bowl, pour the melted chocolate over it and mix until well coated.

Add the cereal mixture to the plastic bag and shake until the cereal is completely covered.

Add any additonal candy decorations if desired.

Strawberry Muddy Buddies Valentine's Day Recipe

Strawberry Muddy Buddies Valentine's Day Recipe

Strawberry Muddy Buddies – Fun Valentine’s Day Recipe
Recipe Type: Snack, Dessert
Author: Jenni
Ingredients
  • 6 cup Rice Chex cereal
  • 12 oz White Melting chips
  • 2 cup Strawberry Cake Mix
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • Candy, Decorations or Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
  1. In a large zippered bag combine the cake mix and powdered sugar and shake to mix well.
  2. Melt the white chips in the microwave by heating for 30 seconds then stirring and repeating until melted and smooth.
  3. Put the cereal in a large bowl, pour the melted chocolate over it and mix until well coated.
  4. Add the cereal mixture to the plastic bag and shake until the cereal is completely covered.
  5. Add any additonal candy decorations if desired.

If you’re looking for more fun Valentine’s Day recipes check out the posts below.

Make Your Own Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar

by 2,741 Comments

Are you looking for a seriously easy and delicious Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe and/or gift idea? Look no further!!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar

I remember back years ago when the Gifts in a Jar or Recipes in a Jar were popular! They’re definitely making their way back. They’re just so pretty, fun and make great gift ideas. They’re also a very frugal gifting option!

This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar recipe below is super easy to put together.

 

Make sure to click HERE for the printable PDF label file that you can download to make labels for the front and back of your jars! The label look like this:

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar Labels

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar Ingredients

 

Gather your ingredients…which are all listed below in the printable recipe box!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar ingredients

 

Begin layering…the order of layers are listed below in the printable recipe box.

Just add some pretty ribbon, the labels, and the ingredients to some mason jars and you have a quick and easy gift that is thoughtful and everyone will love them! Consider giving these to your girlfriends, kids’ school teachers, bus drivers, therapists, grandparents, Sunday School Teacher. The sky is the limit. Mason jars aren’t very expensive so you could buy up enough ingredients and jars to make several up! The kids will also love helping you assemble these.

There are lots of options for Gifts in a Jar. This Peppermint Hot Chocolate is just one of many awesome ideas. Stay tuned because I’ll be sharing some more fun Gifts in a Jar ideas soon! Do you have some favorite ones that you’ve made before? If so I’d love to hear about them. Leave us a comment down below.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Gifts in a Jar
Author: Jenni
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Milk
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed Candy Canes (about 3)
  • 1/4 cup Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
  1. Layer ingredients in order listed above, pressing firmly after each layer.
  2. Seal with lid and decorate with ribbon and labels. Use cute scalloped crafting scissors to cut out the labels for added character.

 

the chick behind this blog! I'm your ordinary, everyday wife and mom to an incredible pair of stinky guys! I am a self diagnosed coffee addict with a ginormous sweet tooth, preferably baked goods!! My hope is to help you, teach you, and entertain you on your way to a more thrifty and frugal lifestyle! Along the way, you'll find awesome recipes, great tips, and tons of randomness! We have loads of fun, so ya'll come back now, ya hear?!

Quick Links