It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re celebrating the final day before Christmas with something special! As we wait for Santa to drop down the chimney and leave lots of gifts under the tree, the elves are up to a little magic of their own. This fun annual holiday tradition is one that Kristy and her family love and cherish. Read all about the Christmas Eve elf boxes below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

One of my favorite traditions is our “Elf Parting Box” that we do every year. On Christmas Eve, the elves leave a special box for my kids, filled with items that represent their favorite character of the year. Some of the goodies inside include holiday pajamas, a book, an ornament for the tree, a plush toy, and hot cocoa with candy. I love how their tree has become a collection of meaningful ornaments, each marking a different phase in their lives, and it’s always so nice to look back on those memories. Even after they stop believing in the elves, I’ll keep this tradition alive. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of pajamas and some chocolate on Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?

These gingerbread man boxes are just adorable! They’re a festive way to store all the little goodies you’ve got. This year’s themes are Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Cozy pajamas are a must! This Hello Kitty set is purrrr-fect for Christmas morning, and these Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas are delightful treat.

A holiday-themed book is always a good idea! Meet the Scout Elves and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were this year’s choices.

Cute companions! These sweet plushes (Sonic and Hello Kitty, accordingly) will be their new besties, always ready for a little snuggle.

And, of course, new ornaments for the tree! Grab your themed Hello Kitty and Sonic ornaments and add them to the collection for the kids’ tree (if you have a dedicated one).

It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re celebrating the final day before Christmas with something special! As we wait for Santa to drop down the chimney and leave lots of gifts under the tree, the elves are up to a little magic of their own. This fun annual holiday tradition is one that Kristy and her family love and cherish. Read all about the Christmas Eve elf boxes below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

One of my favorite traditions is our “Elf Parting Box” that we do every year. On Christmas Eve, the elves leave a special box for my kids, filled with items that represent their favorite character of the year. Some of the goodies inside include holiday pajamas, a book, an ornament for the tree, a plush toy, and hot cocoa with candy. I love how their tree has become a collection of meaningful ornaments, each marking a different phase in their lives, and it’s always so nice to look back on those memories. Even after they stop believing in the elves, I’ll keep this tradition alive. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of pajamas and some chocolate on Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?

These gingerbread man boxes are just adorable! They’re a festive way to store all the little goodies you’ve got. This year’s themes are Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Cozy pajamas are a must! This Hello Kitty set is purrrr-fect for Christmas morning, and these Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas are delightful treat.

A holiday-themed book is always a good idea! Meet the Scout Elves and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were this year’s choices.

Cute companions! These sweet plushes (Sonic and Hello Kitty, accordingly) will be their new besties, always ready for a little snuggle.

And, of course, new ornaments for the tree! Grab your themed Hello Kitty and Sonic ornaments and add them to the collection for the kids’ tree (if you have a dedicated one).

White elephant gifts are a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends, family , or coworkers. It takes the pressure off of having to find the perfect gift, because the expectation is that the gift is meant to be lighthearted and fun. Whether you like to go the gag gift route or you enjoy gifting something a bit more practical, these white elephant gift ideas from Amazon will do the trick! See our roundup below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

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1. Add a little dark humor to your every day with this daily calendar!

2. And watch your last nerve go up in flames with this funny candle.

3. Who doesn’t love a good dad joke?! Keep ’em coming with this Dad Joke 3000.

4. Want to know what the future holds? Consult Mr. Predicto for a glimpse of what’s coming.

5. Spread the positivity with this adorable positive duck!

6. The tool that does it al! This multitool is great for anyone to keep handy.

7. Take your drinking games to the next level with shot roulette!

8. Scritch-scratch! Get those hard-to-reach spots with this telescopic back scratcher.

9. Snuggle up like a little burrito with this burrito blanket!

10. Fling those frickin’ chickens! The fun never stops with this silly game.

11. When you just can’t take it anymore, this screaming goat will be there for you with a sympathetic scream.

12. Time doesn’t exist on the toilet . . . until now. Gift this toilet timer to the person who spends way too much time on the john.

13. What makes a better white elephant gift than a pair of comfy cozy elephant slippers??

There’s not much that beats a day at the pool in your own backyard oasis. In-ground, above ground, Intex – no matter what kind of pool you have, you can never have enough pool floats, toys, and entertainment, and I’ve got the 4-1-1 on all of this summer’s pool essentials!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

This is a must-have, the versatility of being able to lay down or use in multiple ways. Kristy says she’s able to help her son learn how to swim all while relaxing on this water hammock.

Use in or out of the pool since they won’t clog your filter like regular water balloons can and don’t leave a mess around the yard. The fun doesn’t stop once out of the pool…these reusable water balloons are a hit -and they’re 30% off right now when you clip the digital coupon and use code HILIOPWR.

Waterproof playing cards for the lake, beach or poolside. Enjoy a friendly game of poker, solitaire, or war without worrying about getting the cards wet or ruined.

Water Barbies with pools and boats are always a hit – they’re great for imaginative play and sibling play if you’re like me and have three daughters. We like to pair our Barbies with our Ariel mermaid dolls, and don’t forget a water soaker!

My kids love these Banzai mermaids! They play in and out of the water with them, and they will let their two-year-old brother throw them in the pool for them to retrieve for him as a game. It promotes underwater swimming and imaginative play.

3/4 of my kids are swimmers now, but we have always used the puddle jumpers for our non-swimmers when we aren’t actively teaching them how to swim. It eases our mind to have this available and gives our kids a sense of safety and independence when around the pool area.

My kids enjoy using their kick boards for getting around the pool or just taking a minute to hang out and relax without having to kick kick kick. Kick boards really help with strengthening core and legs too. These mini split ring pool floats are also a hit – they are the perfect float for toddlers and bigger kids too.

Swim googles are a must as being able to open your eyes under water brings a whole new element of fun to swimming. These diving mask googles are a kid favorite. They are anti-fog and good for kids who are learning to swim and explore under water.

This watermelon ball is a group favorite! I am still waiting for mine to arrive, but this ball floats, sinks and rises so you’re able to play with it above and below the water. The ball is filled with water and air so it floats like a melon and plays like a ball for loads of fun.

This pool side basketball system brings a classic game of basketball to the pool, adding an element of fun to any pool day. Play H.O.R.S.E or P.I.G to keep it fun!

Diving toys are great for keeping the kids busy for hours of pool play, throwing, diving and collecting rings and sharks over and over again. Diving toys help with underwater swimming and motor skills.

This underwater seek and splash game is one for the whole family to participate in. This game comes with waterproof cards and gems. The gems are placed at the bottom of the pool, and you call out a sequence of gems to find and the first person to bring up all of the gems in the sequence gets a point – the first to 5 wins! Play over and over again!

Nothing gets more classic that a good ole’ super soaker water gun battle! Play in or out of the pool for a friendly game of water tag.

Safety is key, and if you have a multi depth pool, you’ll want to separate the deep end clearly so that your kids or guests know where the deep end begins. This floating pool rope helps clearly divide the pool from shallow to deep end.

I love fun and eye-catching pool floats! The imaginative play of being able to float above the water leads to lots of pool time fun. This unicorn float adds a bit of sparkle to the water, and floats like this are super popular.

Lastly, when you’re ready to wrap the day up, grab yourself a mesh bag to throw all of the toys in! This will allow them to fully dry before storing them inside or in a pool deck box. They come in all different sizes so you can customize to your amount/sizes of pool entertainment.

There’s not much that beats a day at the pool in your own backyard oasis. In-ground, above ground, Intex – no matter what kind of pool you have, you can never have enough pool floats, toys, and entertainment, and I’ve got the 4-1-1 on all of this summer’s pool essentials!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

This is a must-have, the versatility of being able to lay down or use in multiple ways. Kristy says she’s able to help her son learn how to swim all while relaxing on this water hammock.

Use in or out of the pool since they won’t clog your filter like regular water balloons can and don’t leave a mess around the yard. The fun doesn’t stop once out of the pool…these reusable water balloons are a hit -and they’re 30% off right now when you clip the digital coupon and use code HILIOPWR.

Waterproof playing cards for the lake, beach or poolside. Enjoy a friendly game of poker, solitaire, or war without worrying about getting the cards wet or ruined.

Water Barbies with pools and boats are always a hit – they’re great for imaginative play and sibling play if you’re like me and have three daughters. We like to pair our Barbies with our Ariel mermaid dolls, and don’t forget a water soaker!

My kids love these Banzai mermaids! They play in and out of the water with them, and they will let their two-year-old brother throw them in the pool for them to retrieve for him as a game. It promotes underwater swimming and imaginative play.

3/4 of my kids are swimmers now, but we have always used the puddle jumpers for our non-swimmers when we aren’t actively teaching them how to swim. It eases our mind to have this available and gives our kids a sense of safety and independence when around the pool area.

My kids enjoy using their kick boards for getting around the pool or just taking a minute to hang out and relax without having to kick kick kick. Kick boards really help with strengthening core and legs too. These mini split ring pool floats are also a hit – they are the perfect float for toddlers and bigger kids too.

Swim googles are a must as being able to open your eyes under water brings a whole new element of fun to swimming. These diving mask googles are a kid favorite. They are anti-fog and good for kids who are learning to swim and explore under water.

This watermelon ball is a group favorite! I am still waiting for mine to arrive, but this ball floats, sinks and rises so you’re able to play with it above and below the water. The ball is filled with water and air so it floats like a melon and plays like a ball for loads of fun.

This pool side basketball system brings a classic game of basketball to the pool, adding an element of fun to any pool day. Play H.O.R.S.E or P.I.G to keep it fun!

Diving toys are great for keeping the kids busy for hours of pool play, throwing, diving and collecting rings and sharks over and over again. Diving toys help with underwater swimming and motor skills.

This underwater seek and splash game is one for the whole family to participate in. This game comes with waterproof cards and gems. The gems are placed at the bottom of the pool, and you call out a sequence of gems to find and the first person to bring up all of the gems in the sequence gets a point – the first to 5 wins! Play over and over again!

Nothing gets more classic that a good ole’ super soaker water gun battle! Play in or out of the pool for a friendly game of water tag.

Safety is key, and if you have a multi depth pool, you’ll want to separate the deep end clearly so that your kids or guests know where the deep end begins. This floating pool rope helps clearly divide the pool from shallow to deep end.

I love fun and eye-catching pool floats! The imaginative play of being able to float above the water leads to lots of pool time fun. This unicorn float adds a bit of sparkle to the water, and floats like this are super popular.

Lastly, when you’re ready to wrap the day up, grab yourself a mesh bag to throw all of the toys in! This will allow them to fully dry before storing them inside or in a pool deck box. They come in all different sizes so you can customize to your amount/sizes of pool entertainment.

pexels-photo-61129.jpeg

There’s not much that beats a day at the pool in your own backyard oasis. In-ground, above ground, Intex – no matter what kind of pool you have, you can never have enough pool floats, toys, and entertainment, and I’ve got the 4-1-1 on all of this summer’s pool essentials!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

This is a must-have, the versatility of being able to lay down or use in multiple ways. Kristy says she’s able to help her son learn how to swim all while relaxing on this water hammock.

Use in or out of the pool since they won’t clog your filter like regular water balloons can and don’t leave a mess around the yard. The fun doesn’t stop once out of the pool…these reusable water balloons are a hit -and they’re 30% off right now when you clip the digital coupon and use code HILIOPWR.

Waterproof playing cards for the lake, beach or poolside. Enjoy a friendly game of poker, solitaire, or war without worrying about getting the cards wet or ruined.

Water Barbies with pools and boats are always a hit – they’re great for imaginative play and sibling play if you’re like me and have three daughters. We like to pair our Barbies with our Ariel mermaid dolls, and don’t forget a water soaker!

My kids love these Banzai mermaids! They play in and out of the water with them, and they will let their two-year-old brother throw them in the pool for them to retrieve for him as a game. It promotes underwater swimming and imaginative play.

3/4 of my kids are swimmers now, but we have always used the puddle jumpers for our non-swimmers when we aren’t actively teaching them how to swim. It eases our mind to have this available and gives our kids a sense of safety and independence when around the pool area.

My kids enjoy using their kick boards for getting around the pool or just taking a minute to hang out and relax without having to kick kick kick. Kick boards really help with strengthening core and legs too. These mini split ring pool floats are also a hit – they are the perfect float for toddlers and bigger kids too.

Swim googles are a must as being able to open your eyes under water brings a whole new element of fun to swimming. These diving mask googles are a kid favorite. They are anti-fog and good for kids who are learning to swim and explore under water.

This watermelon ball is a group favorite! I am still waiting for mine to arrive, but this ball floats, sinks and rises so you’re able to play with it above and below the water. The ball is filled with water and air so it floats like a melon and plays like a ball for loads of fun.

This pool side basketball system brings a classic game of basketball to the pool, adding an element of fun to any pool day. Play H.O.R.S.E or P.I.G to keep it fun!

Diving toys are great for keeping the kids busy for hours of pool play, throwing, diving and collecting rings and sharks over and over again. Diving toys help with underwater swimming and motor skills.

This underwater seek and splash game is one for the whole family to participate in. This game comes with waterproof cards and gems. The gems are placed at the bottom of the pool, and you call out a sequence of gems to find and the first person to bring up all of the gems in the sequence gets a point – the first to 5 wins! Play over and over again!

Nothing gets more classic that a good ole’ super soaker water gun battle! Play in or out of the pool for a friendly game of water tag.

Safety is key, and if you have a multi depth pool, you’ll want to separate the deep end clearly so that your kids or guests know where the deep end begins. This floating pool rope helps clearly divide the pool from shallow to deep end.

I love fun and eye-catching pool floats! The imaginative play of being able to float above the water leads to lots of pool time fun. This unicorn float adds a bit of sparkle to the water, and floats like this are super popular.

Lastly, when you’re ready to wrap the day up, grab yourself a mesh bag to throw all of the toys in! This will allow them to fully dry before storing them inside or in a pool deck box. They come in all different sizes so you can customize to your amount/sizes of pool entertainment.

Summer break has arrived for mine and Kristy’s family, and that means an immense amount of time is spent outdoors! I have lots of entertainment right in my own backyard. Our pool is a big source, and the Jersey heat…IYKYK! We have a huge play set and playhouse so that comes in handy during intermittent pool breaks! There are a lot of fun activities that can keep the kids entertained…here are some of our favs to share with you – a mix of purchasable items and ways to get creative!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Sprinkler Fun – We purchased the kids a trampoline a couple years ago and we were later gifted a trampoline sprinkler and boy does it take the trampoline, which is already a backyard outdoor fav, to another level! A great alternative to beat the heat if you don’t have a pool!

Water Table Play – My littlest guy isn’t too into our pool just yet and isn’t a fan of sprinklers, but give him a water table and he’s set to go. He loves to pour and dump the water and uses the “tools” to make a welcomed water mess, since it’s outdoors of course!

We have gone through a lot of splash pads – they are very much well-loved and get a lot of use during the warmer summer days when the kids aren’t quite ready to be fully submerged in the pool or when they just need a quick cool down!

Balloon Volleyball – This one is fun for the whole family and is pretty simple – grab a jump rope or hose and make a line to separate your courts – first one to 21 wins! If you have young kiddos and tend to be competitive, just tell them it’s like the keepsy upsy game from Bluey!

Hot Day? Try using water balloons (underhand toss) – don’t drop or squeeze the balloon too hard – first team to pop 21 balloons loses!

Treasure Hunt – Kristy’s kids love this activity and it’s considered one of their favorites. Kristy usually creates her own scavenger hunts based off of what she has in eyesight for her kids. Take a clip board or binder and some crayons or pencils and you have a fun yet simple activity! With the treasure hunts, she will grab fun bulk items from our group page and will hide them in the backyard. She recently had extra stars from her son’s birthday party so that’s what she hid the other day. Whoever collects the most gets to choose the game or movie the family watches that night – and of course keep their findings. 

Sun Melted Crayons – Most kids come home at the end of the year with all of the leftovers from their school desk, with 75% of it being broken crayons. Start by ripping the paper off and putting them inside a cookie cutter sitting on tin foil and place them out in the sun. Have the kids take turns checking the progress of their new crayons in the making. Voila! Now they’ll have fun new crayons for summer! 

Rock/Seashell Art – Kristy lives by the beach so they go a lot, both during the on and off season (so you can imagine the collection of rocks and shells they’ve built over the last 6 years). On rainy days or as a boredom buster, they pull out their paint and markers and start creating masterpieces on the rocks and shells. Over time the rain can wash some things away, but it gives them the opportunity to color again and again! 

Outdoor Movie Nights – If you’re like us we take every opportunity to get outdoors in the summer and that even means winding down for bed!! I mean who wouldn’t love movie nights on a cool summer night, enjoying some s’mores?! Grab some old blankets, outdoor pillows, your favorite snacks {mine is popcorn} and a portable projector and you’ll have endless memories for many summers to come! You can use your vinyl fence (if you have one) as a screen, but you can also grab a portable screen off Amazon or get creative with a sheet, clips and siding hooks!

Some of the best memories are made during the summer months so get outside, enjoy the sun and have some fun!

girl sitting on grass and showing dirty hand

Summer break has arrived for mine and Kristy’s family, and that means an immense amount of time is spent outdoors! I have lots of entertainment right in my own backyard. Our pool is a big source, and the Jersey heat…IYKYK! We have a huge play set and playhouse so that comes in handy during intermittent pool breaks! There are a lot of fun activities that can keep the kids entertained…here are some of our favs to share with you – a mix of purchasable items and ways to get creative!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Sprinkler Fun – We purchased the kids a trampoline a couple years ago and we were later gifted a trampoline sprinkler and boy does it take the trampoline, which is already a backyard outdoor fav, to another level! A great alternative to beat the heat if you don’t have a pool!

Water Table Play – My littlest guy isn’t too into our pool just yet and isn’t a fan of sprinklers, but give him a water table and he’s set to go. He loves to pour and dump the water and uses the “tools” to make a welcomed water mess, since it’s outdoors of course!

We have gone through a lot of splash pads – they are very much well-loved and get a lot of use during the warmer summer days when the kids aren’t quite ready to be fully submerged in the pool or when they just need a quick cool down!

Balloon Volleyball – This one is fun for the whole family and is pretty simple – grab a jump rope or hose and make a line to separate your courts – first one to 21 wins! If you have young kiddos and tend to be competitive, just tell them it’s like the keepsy upsy game from Bluey!

Hot Day? Try using water balloons (underhand toss) – don’t drop or squeeze the balloon too hard – first team to pop 21 balloons loses!

Treasure Hunt – Kristy’s kids love this activity and it’s considered one of their favorites. Kristy usually creates her own scavenger hunts based off of what she has in eyesight for her kids. Take a clip board or binder and some crayons or pencils and you have a fun yet simple activity! With the treasure hunts, she will grab fun bulk items from our group page and will hide them in the backyard. She recently had extra stars from her son’s birthday party so that’s what she hid the other day. Whoever collects the most gets to choose the game or movie the family watches that night – and of course keep their findings. 

Sun Melted Crayons – Most kids come home at the end of the year with all of the leftovers from their school desk, with 75% of it being broken crayons. Start by ripping the paper off and putting them inside a cookie cutter sitting on tin foil and place them out in the sun. Have the kids take turns checking the progress of their new crayons in the making. Voila! Now they’ll have fun new crayons for summer! 

Rock/Seashell Art – Kristy lives by the beach so they go a lot, both during the on and off season (so you can imagine the collection of rocks and shells they’ve built over the last 6 years). On rainy days or as a boredom buster, they pull out their paint and markers and start creating masterpieces on the rocks and shells. Over time the rain can wash some things away, but it gives them the opportunity to color again and again! 

Outdoor Movie Nights – If you’re like us we take every opportunity to get outdoors in the summer and that even means winding down for bed!! I mean who wouldn’t love movie nights on a cool summer night, enjoying some s’mores?! Grab some old blankets, outdoor pillows, your favorite snacks {mine is popcorn} and a portable projector and you’ll have endless memories for many summers to come! You can use your vinyl fence (if you have one) as a screen, but you can also grab a portable screen off Amazon or get creative with a sheet, clips and siding hooks!

Some of the best memories are made during the summer months so get outside, enjoy the sun and have some fun!

Ever wonder what all the hype is about when it comes to the Bogg Bag? I don’t own one…yet…but the word is that the Bogg Bag is durable, leak-proof, it doesn’t tip over, and probably the best-selling point is that it’s washable! The original Bogg Bag averages around $90.00, which for me isn’t a price point that I would initially feel comfortable spending, but it does come with a set of two clear insert bags to hold items like a phone, keys, some snacks, etc. Both of the insert bags actually connect to the Bogg Bag holes which is a neat factor. Kristy does own one and she’s got the 4-1-1 on the bag and her favorite accessories!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

A Bogg bag can be intimidating with the amount of space it has (especially the extra large ones) and if you’re like Kristy, you’re famous for throwing everything in there and then losing half of it. She’s found accessories to make the most out of your bag! I mean trays?! That’s a no brainer! She loves being able to put her drink, phone or lunch down without including the sand.  The dividers also allow for keeping items organized – her obsession. 

Now this slim drink holder is a MUST-have if you have a family with you! It can hold 10 cans or 6 bottles and the slim ice pack helps keeps it all cold for you!! It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag – it’s small and light enough to carry alongside your bag!

Kristy loves that she can also hide all of her belongings under the tray! Add the wallet organizer (great for your money or Wet Wipes like Kristy has below), a key holder (which can also be used for necessities like lip balm and hair ties), and a sunglasses holder!

Check out this BOGG Bag carabiner clip which is great for holding keys or your waterproof mini Bluetooth speaker. These tassel hangers also work well if you have lots of things to hang!

These clear bags keep her organized for the beach and are perfect for storing snacks, sunscreens, and accessories like sunglasses or hair clips! The see-through material makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, so no more digging around in the dark! They even come with fun, sparkly labels (snacks, sun, and stuff) so it really takes the guesswork out of it!

The Bogg Bag is the perfect bag for basically all things outdoors and makes a great gift especially for end of year teachers’ gifts! {Peep those cute tags she’s attaching – and stay tuned for our post on EOY gifts for teachers!}

The Bogg Bag is the bag to have and is well worth the price point with all of the features, accessories and versatility. A bag of all bags that is perfect for the single lady or the busy on-the-go mama!

Ever wonder what all the hype is about when it comes to the Bogg Bag? I don’t own one…yet…but the word is that the Bogg Bag is durable, leak-proof, it doesn’t tip over, and probably the best-selling point is that it’s washable! The original Bogg Bag averages around $90.00, which for me isn’t a price point that I would initially feel comfortable spending, but it does come with a set of two clear insert bags to hold items like a phone, keys, some snacks, etc. Both of the insert bags actually connect to the Bogg Bag holes which is a neat factor. Kristy does own one and she’s got the 4-1-1 on the bag and her favorite accessories!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

A Bogg bag can be intimidating with the amount of space it has (especially the extra large ones) and if you’re like Kristy, you’re famous for throwing everything in there and then losing half of it. She’s found accessories to make the most out of your bag! I mean trays?! That’s a no brainer! She loves being able to put her drink, phone or lunch down without including the sand.  The dividers also allow for keeping items organized – her obsession. 

Now this slim drink holder is a MUST-have if you have a family with you! It can hold 10 cans or 6 bottles and the slim ice pack helps keeps it all cold for you!! It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag – it’s small and light enough to carry alongside your bag!

Kristy loves that she can also hide all of her belongings under the tray! Add the wallet organizer (great for your money or Wet Wipes like Kristy has below), a key holder (which can also be used for necessities like lip balm and hair ties), and a sunglasses holder!

Check out this BOGG Bag carabiner clip which is great for holding keys or your waterproof mini Bluetooth speaker. These tassel hangers also work well if you have lots of things to hang!

These clear bags keep her organized for the beach and are perfect for storing snacks, sunscreens, and accessories like sunglasses or hair clips! The see-through material makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, so no more digging around in the dark! They even come with fun, sparkly labels (snacks, sun, and stuff) so it really takes the guesswork out of it!

The Bogg Bag is the perfect bag for basically all things outdoors and makes a great gift especially for end of year teachers’ gifts! {Peep those cute tags she’s attaching – and stay tuned for our post on EOY gifts for teachers!}

The Bogg Bag is the bag to have and is well worth the price point with all of the features, accessories and versatility. A bag of all bags that is perfect for the single lady or the busy on-the-go mama!

Memorial Day: honoring our veterans and celebrating what many might say is the official start of the summer season! School is winding down and everyone is scheduling their pool openings, cleaning their grills, and filling their propane tanks, gearing up for yet another BBQ season! A friend of mine says that if she can’t put it on the grill, it’s not getting cooked, and I love that! I just happen to be the grill master in my household as well, so I am always on the lookout for BBQ-related deals to keep it fun and yummy for the family and simple for me! Hosting a Memorial Day BBQ this year? I’ve got some of your essentials covered!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

I have had my eye on a Blackstone Grill for a while now…it is so versatile, and I love that I would be able to cook breakfast using the breakfast kit and make fun hibachi-style meals. The 10-year anniversary of owning our home is coming up on the 30th of May, so the house may or may not be getting one…SURPRISE hubby (because I know he’s reading this) it’s happening! I can’t just get the grill without getting all of the accessories for it, so I have also been checking out the much-needed grill cover, and of course, the griddle master kit and spatula griddle set to get me started – ya know, the necessities!

My kids LOVE making s’mores, and honestly there is nothing like an old-fashioned s’more with the graham cracker, marshmallow and Hershey chocolate on a roasting stick, but have you heard of Tuck-ins? Oh-Em-Gee! Tuck-ins are the newest obsession and are perfect for your Memorial Day BBQ, summer festivities, AND little hands (LESS MESS)! It is an inside out s’more on a stick!!! Each one contains a crunchy handmade graham cracker, covered in decadent flavored chocolate inside of a fluffy marshmallow! There are a variety of different flavors to choose from including the classic OG flavor! The best part?? Use our exclusive code FRUGAL_AND_THRIVING to grab 20% off your order!  

There is just something about the American flag decor that I have always enjoyed seeing and now use in my own home and when I host. I love a good garden flag in the yard as well as a door wreath showing off patriotic spirit. The patriotic flare carries on with decorative beverage coolers, dinnerware sets and fun photo backgrounds.

It’s all fun and games…no BBQ is complete without games! Backyard games are the best friendly casual entertainment among friends and family! I am such a fan of the giant-sized games. There’s giant yard dice to play yardzee and farkle and other crowd favs; there’s also always the favored giant tower stacking game, Tic-Tac-Toe, and ring toss – just don’t forget about good ol’ cornhole!

Of course there is no BBQ without the food…give me all the pickies! Keep it fun and give yourself an easy clean up with paper-lined BBQ baskets for serving. I am a fan of all the foods, but I am definitely a sides girl – my two fav sides are sweet, buttery, crunchy corn on the cob and baked beans! Pair them with a nice loaded burger and a glass of ice-cold iced tea and you got me. Did you know that you can ramp up a can or two of baked beans with just 8 added ingredients? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll eat beans straight out of the can, but add these ingredients and it is a game changer for sure: all ingredients are to taste!

No matter how you spend your MDW this year, whether you’re heading to the shore, attending or hosting a BBQ, or just hanging out in the yard with your fam, we hope that you have great weather, stay safe, and have a great time with family and friends. And of course, thank you to all of the veterans out there!

pexels-photo-8523533.jpeg

Memorial Day: honoring our veterans and celebrating what many might say is the official start of the summer season! School is winding down and everyone is scheduling their pool openings, cleaning their grills, and filling their propane tanks, gearing up for yet another BBQ season! A friend of mine says that if she can’t put it on the grill, it’s not getting cooked, and I love that! I just happen to be the grill master in my household as well, so I am always on the lookout for BBQ-related deals to keep it fun and yummy for the family and simple for me! Hosting a Memorial Day BBQ this year? I’ve got some of your essentials covered!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

I have had my eye on a Blackstone Grill for a while now…it is so versatile, and I love that I would be able to cook breakfast using the breakfast kit and make fun hibachi-style meals. The 10-year anniversary of owning our home is coming up on the 30th of May, so the house may or may not be getting one…SURPRISE hubby (because I know he’s reading this) it’s happening! I can’t just get the grill without getting all of the accessories for it, so I have also been checking out the much-needed grill cover, and of course, the griddle master kit and spatula griddle set to get me started – ya know, the necessities!

My kids LOVE making s’mores, and honestly there is nothing like an old-fashioned s’more with the graham cracker, marshmallow and Hershey chocolate on a roasting stick, but have you heard of Tuck-ins? Oh-Em-Gee! Tuck-ins are the newest obsession and are perfect for your Memorial Day BBQ, summer festivities, AND little hands (LESS MESS)! It is an inside out s’more on a stick!!! Each one contains a crunchy handmade graham cracker, covered in decadent flavored chocolate inside of a fluffy marshmallow! There are a variety of different flavors to choose from including the classic OG flavor! The best part?? Use our exclusive code FRUGAL_AND_THRIVING to grab 20% off your order!  

There is just something about the American flag decor that I have always enjoyed seeing and now use in my own home and when I host. I love a good garden flag in the yard as well as a door wreath showing off patriotic spirit. The patriotic flare carries on with decorative beverage coolers, dinnerware sets and fun photo backgrounds.

It’s all fun and games…no BBQ is complete without games! Backyard games are the best friendly casual entertainment among friends and family! I am such a fan of the giant-sized games. There’s giant yard dice to play yardzee and farkle and other crowd favs; there’s also always the favored giant tower stacking game, Tic-Tac-Toe, and ring toss – just don’t forget about good ol’ cornhole!

Of course there is no BBQ without the food…give me all the pickies! Keep it fun and give yourself an easy clean up with paper-lined BBQ baskets for serving. I am a fan of all the foods, but I am definitely a sides girl – my two fav sides are sweet, buttery, crunchy corn on the cob and baked beans! Pair them with a nice loaded burger and a glass of ice-cold iced tea and you got me. Did you know that you can ramp up a can or two of baked beans with just 8 added ingredients? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll eat beans straight out of the can, but add these ingredients and it is a game changer for sure: all ingredients are to taste!

No matter how you spend your MDW this year, whether you’re heading to the shore, attending or hosting a BBQ, or just hanging out in the yard with your fam, we hope that you have great weather, stay safe, and have a great time with family and friends. And of course, thank you to all of the veterans out there!

Mother earth…planet earth…earth mother…earth land are just some of the names of endearment for where us humans live. There is one single day on the calendar that honors this earth and encourages humans to give back in different types of ways. If you are looking for unique ways to participate or celebrate, I am literally going to spell it out for you! See our Earth Day fun ideas below.

planet earth first poster on a concrete post
Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

E = Eats – Eating clean or at least upping your veggie intake is one way to participate on Earth Day. If you’re anything like me, I love food especially when it is in the form of a charcuterie board! The fruit and veggie options are endless paired with some healthy hummus and homemade guacamole…are you salivating yet? Add some gourmet cheeses, nuts and of course something sweet and voila, a whole Earth Day-inspired charcuterie board!

A = Activity – There are so many activities to participate in that are Earth-friendly or geared towards Earth Day. Planting of trees and flowers is always encouraged, but if you’re anything like me and lack the green thumb or just want to get the kids involved, there are a lot of options to choose from. The butterfly garden is always a great way to go and is educational! If you are looking for a faster way to get results or have an artistic interest, then there are other options like a sunflower garden or a birdhouse!

R = Reusable – As I get older and more self-aware of the waste that is produced, I try to find ways to limit the trash that my family and I accumulate. We are on the go a lot, especially in the summer with trips to the lake and beach. I used to grab a Styrofoam cooler…insert cringe face emoji…which I never realized was so harmful, but now I can grab a reusable cooler from Target which is made from biodegradable materials. It is the guilt-free way to keep your items cool for road trips or outdoor use and is legal in every city, county, state and country!

T = Trash Cleanup – A good cleanup goes a long way! There are always places in the community that can benefit from a trash cleanup and it is very simple to do – just grab some disposable gloves or, even better, reusable gloves that can be washed and some trash bags and an hour or two of your time! If you’re looking to find a good cleanup spot, be sure to reach out to your local public works office and ask them for specific locations…they may even have a scheduled community/town cleanup to participate in!

H = Habitat Enhancements – Have you ever visited an alpaca farm? If you have one in your area, I highly suggest scheduling a visit to one and if you have kids, they will love it! If you have been to one, you may have noticed bird nests around the farm made from alpaca fur! The birds seem to love the soft and cozy homemade nesting wreaths, and they attract such beautiful birds to the area and build a wonderful space for their babies adding to their habitat!

D = Drink – Ditch the soda for a day, look for a festive way to celebrate Earth Day! One idea is with a tasty iced butterfly pea and matcha tea latte or, if you need to warm up, try it hot with sweet cold foam. Just a few ingredients are all you need and it’s aesthetically pleasing too! You can check out how to make this here!

A = Action Steps – Taking these 5 action steps can make such a difference. Eating sustainable seafood: did you know that over-fishing puts the survival of penguins at risk? Recycle your electronics: the materials can be used to reduce mining in chimpanzee habitats! Don’t idle your car: idling pollutes air in and around vehicles affecting animals such as birds and squirrels. Since it is springtime, look into planting pollinators and of course, don’t forget to recycle when possible!

photo of person holding pen

Y = Youth Involvement – “Children are the future,” so exposing the younger generation to the importance of Earth Day and opening their minds to the endless possibilities of ways they can help make an impact is so important. Teachers do such a great job of helping students learn about the earth and have very creative methods of demonstrating ways to get their attention. I highly encourage parent participation as well – kids are often compared to sponges, so the more that we can instill in them the importance of doing our part and getting involved, the higher the likeliness of them actually doing it! My suggestion to you is to create an Earth Day tradition that can be carried on in your family through future generations. The possibilities are endless, so what are you waiting for?! Happy Earth Day!

girl sitting on grass and showing dirty hand

Be sure to check out last year’s Earth Day post for more ideas and inspo!

person holding a green plant

Mother earth…planet earth…earth mother…earth land are just some of the names of endearment for where us humans live. There is one single day on the calendar that honors this earth and encourages humans to give back in different types of ways. If you are looking for unique ways to participate or celebrate, I am literally going to spell it out for you! See our Earth Day fun ideas below.

planet earth first poster on a concrete post
Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

E = Eats – Eating clean or at least upping your veggie intake is one way to participate on Earth Day. If you’re anything like me, I love food especially when it is in the form of a charcuterie board! The fruit and veggie options are endless paired with some healthy hummus and homemade guacamole…are you salivating yet? Add some gourmet cheeses, nuts and of course something sweet and voila, a whole Earth Day-inspired charcuterie board!

A = Activity – There are so many activities to participate in that are Earth-friendly or geared towards Earth Day. Planting of trees and flowers is always encouraged, but if you’re anything like me and lack the green thumb or just want to get the kids involved, there are a lot of options to choose from. The butterfly garden is always a great way to go and is educational! If you are looking for a faster way to get results or have an artistic interest, then there are other options like a sunflower garden or a birdhouse!

R = Reusable – As I get older and more self-aware of the waste that is produced, I try to find ways to limit the trash that my family and I accumulate. We are on the go a lot, especially in the summer with trips to the lake and beach. I used to grab a Styrofoam cooler…insert cringe face emoji…which I never realized was so harmful, but now I can grab a reusable cooler from Target which is made from biodegradable materials. It is the guilt-free way to keep your items cool for road trips or outdoor use and is legal in every city, county, state and country!

T = Trash Cleanup – A good cleanup goes a long way! There are always places in the community that can benefit from a trash cleanup and it is very simple to do – just grab some disposable gloves or, even better, reusable gloves that can be washed and some trash bags and an hour or two of your time! If you’re looking to find a good cleanup spot, be sure to reach out to your local public works office and ask them for specific locations…they may even have a scheduled community/town cleanup to participate in!

H = Habitat Enhancements – Have you ever visited an alpaca farm? If you have one in your area, I highly suggest scheduling a visit to one and if you have kids, they will love it! If you have been to one, you may have noticed bird nests around the farm made from alpaca fur! The birds seem to love the soft and cozy homemade nesting wreaths, and they attract such beautiful birds to the area and build a wonderful space for their babies adding to their habitat!

D = Drink – Ditch the soda for a day, look for a festive way to celebrate Earth Day! One idea is with a tasty iced butterfly pea and matcha tea latte or, if you need to warm up, try it hot with sweet cold foam. Just a few ingredients are all you need and it’s aesthetically pleasing too! You can check out how to make this here!

A = Action Steps – Taking these 5 action steps can make such a difference. Eating sustainable seafood: did you know that over-fishing puts the survival of penguins at risk? Recycle your electronics: the materials can be used to reduce mining in chimpanzee habitats! Don’t idle your car: idling pollutes air in and around vehicles affecting animals such as birds and squirrels. Since it is springtime, look into planting pollinators and of course, don’t forget to recycle when possible!

photo of person holding pen

Y = Youth Involvement – “Children are the future,” so exposing the younger generation to the importance of Earth Day and opening their minds to the endless possibilities of ways they can help make an impact is so important. Teachers do such a great job of helping students learn about the earth and have very creative methods of demonstrating ways to get their attention. I highly encourage parent participation as well – kids are often compared to sponges, so the more that we can instill in them the importance of doing our part and getting involved, the higher the likeliness of them actually doing it! My suggestion to you is to create an Earth Day tradition that can be carried on in your family through future generations. The possibilities are endless, so what are you waiting for?! Happy Earth Day!

girl sitting on grass and showing dirty hand

Be sure to check out last year’s Earth Day post for more ideas and inspo!

Spring has sprung and that means it’s out with the weeds and time for some seeds! You may be asking yourself, “when is a good time to schedule a flower bed or general garden cleanup?” Some say around mid-April to mid-May, depending on your geographical zone. Two good natural markers for an initial garden cleanup are the emerging of bees, and when overnight temps consistently hover in the 50’s. When these two natural markers coincide, that’s when you’ll know in the words of The Lion King’s Rafiki “it is time!” Whether you have a seasoned green thumb or you’re just getting down to basics, here is a helpful guide for getting started.

Frugal & Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

First thing’s first – the garden debris…it’s got to go! Gather your supplies from the garage or shed – we recommend a rake and/or an electric leaf blower which both work great for clearing the garden and surrounding areas of any detritus! Don’t forget the haul-away supplies like a wheelbarrow or utility cart and Hefty trash bags! These come in handy for any leaf and stick cleanup you may have.

Next on the list, you’re going to want to grab those garden gloves and garden tools…ya know, the hand rake and fork, trowel, and the all-important weeder for the dead foliage. This tool set was an amazing deal that we posted on our Facebook page, and our F&T team member who grabbed them for her garden said, “the tools work great!”

Now let’s get to the “root” of a good garden cleanup – the weeds! (See what I did there!) No, but seriously, get the weeds by the roots and get them out of there. A good weed cleanup will make such a drastic difference in the overall appearance of your garden. Check out some before, during, and after shots below!

You may be thinking about, or already have, plans for adding new foliage such as flowers or plants to your garden. Now is the time to put those plans into place! Head to the store so you can get down to business and start planting your bulbs/seeds or transplanting your nursery/store-purchased additions to your desired area(s)! Whether you like pops of color or you like to keep your garden area simple and clean, your garden cleanup is almost complete!

OOOooohhh that smell, can you smell that smell? (in my Lynyrd Skynryd singing voice). Yep, that’s mulch! It enhances curb appeal and has many benefits, but it can also be a bit of a hassle for some. There is organic (think woodchips or shredded bark) and inorganic (plastic and geotextiles), and it also comes in a bunch of different forms and colors. You’ll have to do some research to see which mulch/if mulch works for your garden plans!

If you currently use or plan to use mulch post-cleanup, a nifty little “garden hack” is the use of mulch dye! Mulch tends to be a mid-May garden asset, but if you’re looking for a quick fix early on in the season or notice mid-summer that the sun has scorched your mulch and you want to have more of a freshened-up look, just add the dye in a sprayer with water and voila – you will have the appearance of freshly laid mulch, without the oh-so-appealing manure scent! Check out the difference it makes!

A good garden cleanup takes hard work, a little bit of time, and a can-do attitude, but the results are well worth the effort! You garden will look gorgeous and you’ll feel good for getting some fresh air and taking pride in your home!

gardening tools on the wooden table

Spring has sprung and that means it’s out with the weeds and time for some seeds! You may be asking yourself, “when is a good time to schedule a flower bed or general garden cleanup?” Some say around mid-April to mid-May, depending on your geographical zone. Two good natural markers for an initial garden cleanup are the emerging of bees, and when overnight temps consistently hover in the 50’s. When these two natural markers coincide, that’s when you’ll know in the words of The Lion King’s Rafiki “it is time!” Whether you have a seasoned green thumb or you’re just getting down to basics, here is a helpful guide for getting started.

Frugal & Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

First thing’s first – the garden debris…it’s got to go! Gather your supplies from the garage or shed – we recommend a rake and/or an electric leaf blower which both work great for clearing the garden and surrounding areas of any detritus! Don’t forget the haul-away supplies like a wheelbarrow or utility cart and Hefty trash bags! These come in handy for any leaf and stick cleanup you may have.

Next on the list, you’re going to want to grab those garden gloves and garden tools…ya know, the hand rake and fork, trowel, and the all-important weeder for the dead foliage. This tool set was an amazing deal that we posted on our Facebook page, and our F&T team member who grabbed them for her garden said, “the tools work great!”

Now let’s get to the “root” of a good garden cleanup – the weeds! (See what I did there!) No, but seriously, get the weeds by the roots and get them out of there. A good weed cleanup will make such a drastic difference in the overall appearance of your garden. Check out some before, during, and after shots below!

You may be thinking about, or already have, plans for adding new foliage such as flowers or plants to your garden. Now is the time to put those plans into place! Head to the store so you can get down to business and start planting your bulbs/seeds or transplanting your nursery/store-purchased additions to your desired area(s)! Whether you like pops of color or you like to keep your garden area simple and clean, your garden cleanup is almost complete!

OOOooohhh that smell, can you smell that smell? (in my Lynyrd Skynryd singing voice). Yep, that’s mulch! It enhances curb appeal and has many benefits, but it can also be a bit of a hassle for some. There is organic (think woodchips or shredded bark) and inorganic (plastic and geotextiles), and it also comes in a bunch of different forms and colors. You’ll have to do some research to see which mulch/if mulch works for your garden plans!

If you currently use or plan to use mulch post-cleanup, a nifty little “garden hack” is the use of mulch dye! Mulch tends to be a mid-May garden asset, but if you’re looking for a quick fix early on in the season or notice mid-summer that the sun has scorched your mulch and you want to have more of a freshened-up look, just add the dye in a sprayer with water and voila – you will have the appearance of freshly laid mulch, without the oh-so-appealing manure scent! Check out the difference it makes!

A good garden cleanup takes hard work, a little bit of time, and a can-do attitude, but the results are well worth the effort! You garden will look gorgeous and you’ll feel good for getting some fresh air and taking pride in your home!

Nicer weather is upon us and that means a lot more outside time with my kids, which they live for! They especially love playing with outdoor chalk, so I always keep at least one container of it stocked in our garage. Recently, my 5-year-old specifically requested we bring out the chalk and get creative, and that was a no-brainer for me…chalk play it was! See our creative learning with chalk play below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

I happened to have a ½ box of the 192 count Scented Chalk Sticks by Scentos, so I grabbed those and headed outside on our deck with the kiddos! They love drawing pictures and writing their names, adding on to each other’s designs, and letting their imaginations run wild – it usually always ends up being an easy 30-45 minutes of creative busy time.

My 1st grader and Kindergartener actually really enjoy it when I incorporate what they are currently learning in school and apply it to their chalk fun! For example, I will take their current sight words/trick words and write them in different colors to make a learning game out of it for them! I started doing this last year when we realized my one daughter struggled with her sight words and learning to read. This activity with the chalk really helped her and she was excited to play while learning. I even take photos or a video and send them to their teachers…they love it and praise the “extra” practice!

I love this form of play with the kids not only because it is done outdoors, but because it ignites creativity and personality, and it is just plain and simple fun! It can be done with math and other subjects as well. The options are endless!

close up photo of assorted colored chalks

Nicer weather is upon us and that means a lot more outside time with my kids, which they live for! They especially love playing with outdoor chalk, so I always keep at least one container of it stocked in our garage. Recently, my 5-year-old specifically requested we bring out the chalk and get creative, and that was a no-brainer for me…chalk play it was! See our creative learning with chalk play below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

I happened to have a ½ box of the 192 count Scented Chalk Sticks by Scentos, so I grabbed those and headed outside on our deck with the kiddos! They love drawing pictures and writing their names, adding on to each other’s designs, and letting their imaginations run wild – it usually always ends up being an easy 30-45 minutes of creative busy time.

My 1st grader and Kindergartener actually really enjoy it when I incorporate what they are currently learning in school and apply it to their chalk fun! For example, I will take their current sight words/trick words and write them in different colors to make a learning game out of it for them! I started doing this last year when we realized my one daughter struggled with her sight words and learning to read. This activity with the chalk really helped her and she was excited to play while learning. I even take photos or a video and send them to their teachers…they love it and praise the “extra” practice!

I love this form of play with the kids not only because it is done outdoors, but because it ignites creativity and personality, and it is just plain and simple fun! It can be done with math and other subjects as well. The options are endless!

We love a surprise snow day! There’s nothing better than waking up to a world of white and finding out school and work are cancelled. If you’re home with the kids on your next snow day and are looking for some entertainment inspiration, look no further! These snow day activities will keep the fun coming. See our roundup of snow day fun from Amazon below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

If you’re itching to get outdoors and smell the cool, crisp air and feel the fluffy snow underfoot, these activities will provide hours of entertainment! Get building with these snow block molds, a snowman accessory kit, this Sno Bucket of fun complete with tools and snow dye, or a handy dandy snow shovel for all of your digging needs. Feel the need for speed with these inflatable sleds or this super cool Ski Skooter, and prepare for the battle of a lifetime with this snow blaster gun and snowball makers!

If staying indoors is more your thing, read up on the science of snow with this book, make your own inside snow with this insta-snow powder, or have a snowball fight around the house with these perfectly plush snowballs!

Shop Snow Day Activities

Ski Skooter
Ski Skooter
Inflatable Sleds
Inflatable Sleds
Snow Toy Kit
Snow Toy Kit
Sno Bucket of Fun
Sno Bucket of Fun
Snow Shovel
Snow Shovel
Snowman Accessories
Snowman Accessories
Snow Block Molds
Snow Block Molds
Plush Snowballs
Plush Snowballs
Insta-Snow Powder
Insta-Snow Powder
Book
Book
Ski Skooter
Ski Skooter
Inflatable Sleds
Inflatable Sleds
Snow Toy Kit
Snow Toy Kit
Sno Bucket of Fun
Sno Bucket of Fun
Snow Shovel
Snow Shovel
Snowman Accessories
Snowman Accessories
Snow Block Molds
Snow Block Molds
Plush Snowballs
Plush Snowballs
Insta-Snow Powder
Insta-Snow Powder
Book
Book
dwarf gnome on snow

We love a surprise snow day! There’s nothing better than waking up to a world of white and finding out school and work are cancelled. If you’re home with the kids on your next snow day and are looking for some entertainment inspiration, look no further! These snow day activities will keep the fun coming. See our roundup of snow day fun from Amazon below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

If you’re itching to get outdoors and smell the cool, crisp air and feel the fluffy snow underfoot, these activities will provide hours of entertainment! Get building with these snow block molds, a snowman accessory kit, this Sno Bucket of fun complete with tools and snow dye, or a handy dandy snow shovel for all of your digging needs. Feel the need for speed with these inflatable sleds or this super cool Ski Skooter, and prepare for the battle of a lifetime with this snow blaster gun and snowball makers!

If staying indoors is more your thing, read up on the science of snow with this book, make your own inside snow with this insta-snow powder, or have a snowball fight around the house with these perfectly plush snowballs!

Shop Snow Day Activities

Ski Skooter
Ski Skooter
Inflatable Sleds
Inflatable Sleds
Snow Toy Kit
Snow Toy Kit
Sno Bucket of Fun
Sno Bucket of Fun
Snow Shovel
Snow Shovel
Snowman Accessories
Snowman Accessories
Snow Block Molds
Snow Block Molds
Plush Snowballs
Plush Snowballs
Insta-Snow Powder
Insta-Snow Powder
Book
Book
Ski Skooter
Ski Skooter
Inflatable Sleds
Inflatable Sleds
Snow Toy Kit
Snow Toy Kit
Sno Bucket of Fun
Sno Bucket of Fun
Snow Shovel
Snow Shovel
Snowman Accessories
Snowman Accessories
Snow Block Molds
Snow Block Molds
Plush Snowballs
Plush Snowballs
Insta-Snow Powder
Insta-Snow Powder
Book
Book

Hurricane season is upon us and if you live in an area prone to these potentially disastrous weather phenomena, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for any storm that may come your way. We’ve rounded up some essentials to have on hand so when the next hurricane hits, you can feel a little safer knowing you’re prepared and protected. See our list of hurricane survival essentials below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

A first aid kit is a must-have in any household. Medical emergencies happen, even in the calmest of conditions, and having fully stocked first aid kit is a safety essential during a treacherous storm.

Keep lots of dry goods on hand like peanuts, granola, protein bars, and dehydrated foods. These snacks come in handy if you lose power and can’t keep perishables. Also, keep water bottles on hand! Not only do you want them to stay hydrated, you can also use the water for cleaning and boiling.

Stock up on thermal blankets and grab a match kit, too. The waterproof blankets help retain heat to keep you warm and dry, and the match kit ensures you can light a fire in even the most severe conditions.

If you lose power, these electric LED lanterns will light the way! The bright LED bulbs easily cut through darkness, and the compact lanterns are durable and waterproof. Tip: keep lots of batteries on hand for your battery-powered essentials.

A solar weather radio will alert you of severe weather updates so you can safely track the storm and current conditions…plus it’s equipped with a safer rechargeable battery so you can even use it to charge your phone!

A solar-powered generator and portable solar panels will allow you to power your essentials like phones, laptops, portable freezers, and more. Use the panels to charge up the generator…perfect if you don’t have access to batteries or gas!

Shop Hurricane Essentials

Camping Hammock
Camping Hammock
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Portable Solar Panel
Portable Solar Panel
Solar-Powered Generator
Solar-Powered Generator
Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies
Solar Weather Radio
Solar Weather Radio
Electric LED Lanterns
Electric LED Lanterns
Match Kit
Match Kit
Thermal Blankets
Thermal Blankets
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit
Camping Hammock
Camping Hammock
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Portable Solar Panel
Portable Solar Panel
Solar-Powered Generator
Solar-Powered Generator
Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies
Solar Weather Radio
Solar Weather Radio
Electric LED Lanterns
Electric LED Lanterns
Match Kit
Match Kit
Thermal Blankets
Thermal Blankets
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit
survival kit on white background

Hurricane season is upon us and if you live in an area prone to these potentially disastrous weather phenomena, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for any storm that may come your way. We’ve rounded up some essentials to have on hand so when the next hurricane hits, you can feel a little safer knowing you’re prepared and protected. See our list of hurricane survival essentials below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

A first aid kit is a must-have in any household. Medical emergencies happen, even in the calmest of conditions, and having fully stocked first aid kit is a safety essential during a treacherous storm.

Keep lots of dry goods on hand like peanuts, granola, protein bars, and dehydrated foods. These snacks come in handy if you lose power and can’t keep perishables. Also, keep water bottles on hand! Not only do you want them to stay hydrated, you can also use the water for cleaning and boiling.

Stock up on thermal blankets and grab a match kit, too. The waterproof blankets help retain heat to keep you warm and dry, and the match kit ensures you can light a fire in even the most severe conditions.

If you lose power, these electric LED lanterns will light the way! The bright LED bulbs easily cut through darkness, and the compact lanterns are durable and waterproof. Tip: keep lots of batteries on hand for your battery-powered essentials.

A solar weather radio will alert you of severe weather updates so you can safely track the storm and current conditions…plus it’s equipped with a safer rechargeable battery so you can even use it to charge your phone!

A solar-powered generator and portable solar panels will allow you to power your essentials like phones, laptops, portable freezers, and more. Use the panels to charge up the generator…perfect if you don’t have access to batteries or gas!

Shop Hurricane Essentials

Camping Hammock
Camping Hammock
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Portable Solar Panel
Portable Solar Panel
Solar-Powered Generator
Solar-Powered Generator
Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies
Solar Weather Radio
Solar Weather Radio
Electric LED Lanterns
Electric LED Lanterns
Match Kit
Match Kit
Thermal Blankets
Thermal Blankets
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit
Camping Hammock
Camping Hammock
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Emergency Sleeping Bag
Portable Solar Panel
Portable Solar Panel
Solar-Powered Generator
Solar-Powered Generator
Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies
Solar Weather Radio
Solar Weather Radio
Electric LED Lanterns
Electric LED Lanterns
Match Kit
Match Kit
Thermal Blankets
Thermal Blankets
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
3-Day Emergency Food Supply
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit

There is nothing better than getting together with your best gals for an evening of strong cocktails, yummy snacks, and entertaining games. We’re putting a summer spin on GNO with a night of fun on your front porch, back deck, or balcony with a view. Plan a memorable girls’ night out(doors) with our suggestions below!

The Scene

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Set the scene for your girls’ night with comfy outdoor seating, snacks and drinks, and a boardgame or two (we love this escape room boardgame)! Create a relaxing ambiance with a couple of candles and decorative lanterns so you can keep the party going as the sun sets and the stars come out. And if you’re looking to refresh your outdoor space, check out Kristy’s front porch makeover for some inspiration!

The Drinks

A spiked strawberry Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade) is the perfect summer beverage to sip on with your besties. Add a little mint for an extra boost of refreshment and toast to good times with great people.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Vodka of choice
  • Strawberry lemonade
  • Iced tea (you can use sweetened or unsweetened)
  • Strawberries
  • Mint leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries and mint leaves
  • Add ice
  • Pour in equal amounts lemonade and iced tea
  • Add vodka and shake well
  • Pour mixture into glass over ice
  • Garnish with strawberry slices and mint leaves
  • Enjoy!!

The Snacks

A charcuterie board filled with Italian meats, savory cheeses, and crispy crackers is the ideal snack for girls’ night. Light bites pair perfectly with your cocktails or wine and are easy for everyone to enjoy!

Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorites for girls’ night? Let us know in the comments xo.

There is nothing better than getting together with your best gals for an evening of strong cocktails, yummy snacks, and entertaining games. We’re putting a summer spin on GNO with a night of fun on your front porch, back deck, or balcony with a view. Plan a memorable girls’ night out(doors) with our suggestions below!

The Scene

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Set the scene for your girls’ night with comfy outdoor seating, snacks and drinks, and a boardgame or two (we love this escape room boardgame)! Create a relaxing ambiance with a couple of candles and decorative lanterns so you can keep the party going as the sun sets and the stars come out. And if you’re looking to refresh your outdoor space, check out Kristy’s front porch makeover for some inspiration!

The Drinks

A spiked strawberry Arnold Palmer (half iced tea, half lemonade) is the perfect summer beverage to sip on with your besties. Add a little mint for an extra boost of refreshment and toast to good times with great people.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Vodka of choice
  • Strawberry lemonade
  • Iced tea (you can use sweetened or unsweetened)
  • Strawberries
  • Mint leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries and mint leaves
  • Add ice
  • Pour in equal amounts lemonade and iced tea
  • Add vodka and shake well
  • Pour mixture into glass over ice
  • Garnish with strawberry slices and mint leaves
  • Enjoy!!

The Snacks

A charcuterie board filled with Italian meats, savory cheeses, and crispy crackers is the ideal snack for girls’ night. Light bites pair perfectly with your cocktails or wine and are easy for everyone to enjoy!

Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorites for girls’ night? Let us know in the comments xo.