It seems like someone we know is always getting married. Whether you’re a loyal member of the bride tribe or the blushing bride-to-be, honoring the big day consists of a lot more than just the wedding ceremony. From the bachelorette party to the bridal shower, planning memorable pre-marriage celebrations doesn’t have to be stressful! See our bridal celebration ideas below.
If you’re looking to plan an epic bachelorette party, why not an adults-only trip to Disney?? Kristy celebrated her sister-in-law’s upcoming nuptials with a weekend in the happiest place on Earth and had a blast! She recommends going without kids to Disney at least once in your life, because the experience is so different when you don’t have to worry about the little ones.
Make sure you grab matching magical tees, fun coordinating mouse ears, and, if you really want to get crazy, princess-themed outfits for going out at night!! We all know the bride is royalty, so what better occasion to show off your queenship.
After all of that celebrating, you’re probably going to want a little help recovery. These bachelorette party survival kits make the perfect gift for all the gals! Your bride and bridal party will be as good as new in no time with these essentials.
For a bridal shower, you’re going to want to gift something practical but something the bride wouldn’t necessarily buy for herself. How about this: a mini wine fridge with a customized wine subscription! Who wouldn’t want delicious wines delivered right to their door, especially with all that stress of wedding planning?! Don’t forget your “Miss to Mrs.” banner in case anyone forgot who all those gifts are for.
A “bride” silk robe is a must. Whether she wants to wear it on her wedding day or lounging around her house while she dreams of being the future Mrs., this is one bridal tradition you don’t want to forgo.
Games are a bridal shower must! This ring game is a fun way to get everyone involved and share a few laughs over some healthy competition.
These party favors are perfect for your bridal shower guests! Kiss the miss goodbye with Hershey’s Kisses and champagne lip balm. Pucker up!!
Want more bridal inspiration? Head to our Amazon storefront and get to planning!
It seems like someone we know is always getting married. Whether you’re a loyal member of the bride tribe or the blushing bride-to-be, honoring the big day consists of a lot more than just the wedding ceremony. From the bachelorette party to the bridal shower, planning memorable pre-marriage celebrations doesn’t have to be stressful! See our bridal celebration ideas below.
If you’re looking to plan an epic bachelorette party, why not an adults-only trip to Disney?? Kristy celebrated her sister-in-law’s upcoming nuptials with a weekend in the happiest place on Earth and had a blast! She recommends going without kids to Disney at least once in your life, because the experience is so different when you don’t have to worry about the little ones.
Make sure you grab matching magical tees, fun coordinating mouse ears, and, if you really want to get crazy, princess-themed outfits for going out at night!! We all know the bride is royalty, so what better occasion to show off your queenship.
After all of that celebrating, you’re probably going to want a little help recovery. These bachelorette party survival kits make the perfect gift for all the gals! Your bride and bridal party will be as good as new in no time with these essentials.
For a bridal shower, you’re going to want to gift something practical but something the bride wouldn’t necessarily buy for herself. How about this: a mini wine fridge with a customized wine subscription! Who wouldn’t want delicious wines delivered right to their door, especially with all that stress of wedding planning?! Don’t forget your “Miss to Mrs.” banner in case anyone forgot who all those gifts are for.
A “bride” silk robe is a must. Whether she wants to wear it on her wedding day or lounging around her house while she dreams of being the future Mrs., this is one bridal tradition you don’t want to forgo.
Games are a bridal shower must! This ring game is a fun way to get everyone involved and share a few laughs over some healthy competition.
These party favors are perfect for your bridal shower guests! Kiss the miss goodbye with Hershey’s Kisses and champagne lip balm. Pucker up!!
Want more bridal inspiration? Head to our Amazon storefront and get to planning!
If there’s one thing we know how to do at Frugal and Thriving, it’s shopping a really good sale. Our job is to be on top of the hottest and latest deals from all across the internet, and we’re rounding them up and putting them all in one place for you! See this week’s best sales from some of our favorite retailers below.
Aerie
Shop up to 30% off almost everything at Aerie!
Carter’s
Grab 40% off new arrivals from Carter’s!
Gap
Take 50% off your purchase at Gap
Michael Kors
Shop the End of Season Sale at Michael Kors and get up to 70% off!
Nike
It’s the Back to School Sale! Take 25% off select styles from Nike with code SPORT25
Old Navy
Back-to-school stock up!! Shop kids $5 tees & leggings, $6 polos & graphic tees, and $8 dress & active from Old Navy
Target
Grab college essentials starting at just $2 from Target!
Venus
Get up to 80% off thousands of styles from Venus!
Victoria’s Secret
Buy two, get one free everything at Victoria’s Secret!
School is out for the summer! These next few months will be filled with pool parties, beach days, and family vacations, but also lots of free time for the kiddos. Help keep them active and occupied with fun and interactive games and toys so they can create, play, and imagine all summer long. See our roundup of summer activities for kids below.
Cook up some fun with this Science of Cooking Ice Cream kit and this Kitchen Explorers recipe book! Learn about the science behind how ice cream forms and make your own ice cream and sorbet, or dive into this book of kid-tested and kid-approved recipes for endless afternoons of fun experiments and art projects in the kitchen.
Have a blast with this rocket launcher and these super soaker water guns! Load up your rockets and count down to takeoff or don a water-activated target vest and grab your super soaker for a game of water tag in the backyard.
Grow your garden with this herb kit and flower kit. Paint and decorate your own pots and then plant your seeds and watch your botanical beauties come to life!
Make a splash with this splash park and adventure pool! Inflate, fill with water, and stay cool in the pool all day long.
Buckle up for a bubbly good time with this foam machine and build-your-own bubble machine! Turn your backyard into a foam-filled playground or build your own bubble machine and become a bubble boss.
Grab your friends and grab a game like Twister Splash or this Busy Idea card game. Put a splashy twist on your classic Twister game for a fun way to cool down in the heat or grab your Busy Idea cards to beat boredom and make the most of outdoor play.
Shop Summer Activities
School is out for the summer! These next few months will be filled with pool parties, beach days, and family vacations, but also lots of free time for the kiddos. Help keep them active and occupied with fun and interactive games and toys so they can create, play, and imagine all summer long. See our roundup of summer activities for kids below.
Cook up some fun with this Science of Cooking Ice Cream kit and this Kitchen Explorers recipe book! Learn about the science behind how ice cream forms and make your own ice cream and sorbet, or dive into this book of kid-tested and kid-approved recipes for endless afternoons of fun experiments and art projects in the kitchen.
Have a blast with this rocket launcher and these super soaker water guns! Load up your rockets and count down to takeoff or don a water-activated target vest and grab your super soaker for a game of water tag in the backyard.
Grow your garden with this herb kit and flower kit. Paint and decorate your own pots and then plant your seeds and watch your botanical beauties come to life!
Make a splash with this splash park and adventure pool! Inflate, fill with water, and stay cool in the pool all day long.
Buckle up for a bubbly good time with this foam machine and build-your-own bubble machine! Turn your backyard into a foam-filled playground or build your own bubble machine and become a bubble boss.
Grab your friends and grab a game like Twister Splash or this Busy Idea card game. Put a splashy twist on your classic Twister game for a fun way to cool down in the heat or grab your Busy Idea cards to beat boredom and make the most of outdoor play.
Shop Summer Activities
School is out for the summer! These next few months will be filled with pool parties, beach days, and family vacations, but also lots of free time for the kiddos. Help keep them active and occupied with fun and interactive games and toys so they can create, play, and imagine all summer long. See our roundup of summer activities for kids below.
Cook up some fun with this Science of Cooking Ice Cream kit and this Kitchen Explorers recipe book! Learn about the science behind how ice cream forms and make your own ice cream and sorbet, or dive into this book of kid-tested and kid-approved recipes for endless afternoons of fun experiments and art projects in the kitchen.
Have a blast with this rocket launcher and these super soaker water guns! Load up your rockets and count down to takeoff or don a water-activated target vest and grab your super soaker for a game of water tag in the backyard.
Grow your garden with this herb kit and flower kit. Paint and decorate your own pots and then plant your seeds and watch your botanical beauties come to life!
Make a splash with this splash park and adventure pool! Inflate, fill with water, and stay cool in the pool all day long.
Buckle up for a bubbly good time with this foam machine and build-your-own bubble machine! Turn your backyard into a foam-filled playground or build your own bubble machine and become a bubble boss.
Grab your friends and grab a game like Twister Splash or this Busy Idea card game. Put a splashy twist on your classic Twister game for a fun way to cool down in the heat or grab your Busy Idea cards to beat boredom and make the most of outdoor play.
Shop Summer Activities
What’s a better way to spend Valentine’s Day than making and sharing a sweet treat with the ones you love most?? These adorable and delicious heart-inspired snacks (and a yummy drink, too!) are a perfectly festive way to feel the love and make special memories together. See the recipes below and start some new Valentine’s Day traditions.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Lollipops
How cute are these chocolate-covered strawberry lollipops?! This snack is a little healthy, a little indulgent, and a whole lotta delicious.
INGREDIENTS:
- Container of fresh strawberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 1 bag Hershey’s milk chocolate chips
- 1 bag Valentine’s sprinkle mix
- Reusable cake pop sticks
DIRECTIONS:
- Wash strawberries and let soak in 3 cups water and 1 cup of vinegar for 15 minutes (this will also help them last longer in the fridge)
- Cut tops off strawberries and then cut in half
- Cut a small “v” at the tops of the strawberries to make into a heart shape
- Put sticks into bottom of strawberries
- Melt chocolate chips in 20 second increments (you can put a small amount of milk – about 1.5 Tbs – with chocolate chips to prevent burning) and stir until melted
- Dip strawberries in chocolate first and then into sprinkle mix
- Place on cookie sheet with wax paper and put in fridge for about 20-30 minutes to allow chocolate to harden
- Enjoy!!
Heart Hug Pretzels
Salty meets sweet with these heart hug pretzels. They’re super easy to make and look as good as they taste!
INGREDIENTS:
- Square pretzels
- Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses
- M&M’s (any Valentine’s ones will work)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Place pretzels on a parchment-lined cookie sheet
- Put Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses on top of pretzels
- Bake for 1 to 2 minutes (until chocolate is soft enough to press M&M’s into)
- Press M&M’s into chocolates – (if chocolate is too soft, let harden a bit before continuing)
- Allow chocolate to harden completely and enjoy!
Sweetheart Buddies
This crunchy delight is perfect for sharing with your sweetheart! Make your mix, put on your favorite romantic movie, and enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5oz white chocolate chips
- 5oz Red Candy Melts
- 1tsp shortening
- 5 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 bag Valentine’s M&M’s
DIRECTIONS:
- Divide Chex cereal into two bowls (2 1/2 cups each)
- In microwave – melt chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp of shortening (to help evenly spread) in 30 sec increments (careful not to burn chocolate)
- Melt the red candy next with other 1/2tsp of shortening
- Pour over each bowl of Chex cereal
- Use a large zip lock bag or Tupperware container with lid to mix 1/2 cup of strawberry cake mix and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (for each bowl) together – add Chex cereal – close lid and shake until completely covered
- Repeat previous step for the second bowl of Chex mix
- In a large bowl mix together both bowls of Chex cereal and add 1/2 bag of M&M’s – stir together and then enjoy!
Love Bug Cocktail
This Love Bug Valentine’s Day drink can be kid-friendly or adult-friendly and is so much fun to sip on! Pair with one of the festive snacks above or have it on its own as a yummy happy-hour treat.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3oz white cranberry juice (can also use regular cranberry juice)
- 2oz Sprite (or lemon lime soda)
- 1oz grenadine syrup
**Adults – add 1oz vodka to spice things up!
DIRECTIONS:
- Fill glass with ice
- Add grenadine syrup
- Pour juice and soda into glass (adults can add vodka here if desired)
- Stir up and sip away!!
Thanks for reading! Which of these love-inspired treats will you be trying this Valentine’s Day? Let us know xo.
What’s a better way to spend Valentine’s Day than making and sharing a sweet treat with the ones you love most?? These adorable and delicious heart-inspired snacks (and a yummy drink, too!) are a perfectly festive way to feel the love and make special memories together. See the recipes below and start some new Valentine’s Day traditions.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Lollipops
How cute are these chocolate-covered strawberry lollipops?! This snack is a little healthy, a little indulgent, and a whole lotta delicious.
INGREDIENTS:
- Container of fresh strawberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 1 bag Hershey’s milk chocolate chips
- 1 bag Valentine’s sprinkle mix
- Reusable cake pop sticks
DIRECTIONS:
- Wash strawberries and let soak in 3 cups water and 1 cup of vinegar for 15 minutes (this will also help them last longer in the fridge)
- Cut tops off strawberries and then cut in half
- Cut a small “v” at the tops of the strawberries to make into a heart shape
- Put sticks into bottom of strawberries
- Melt chocolate chips in 20 second increments (you can put a small amount of milk – about 1.5 Tbs – with chocolate chips to prevent burning) and stir until melted
- Dip strawberries in chocolate first and then into sprinkle mix
- Place on cookie sheet with wax paper and put in fridge for about 20-30 minutes to allow chocolate to harden
- Enjoy!!
Heart Hug Pretzels
Salty meets sweet with these heart hug pretzels. They’re super easy to make and look as good as they taste!
INGREDIENTS:
- Square pretzels
- Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses
- M&M’s (any Valentine’s ones will work)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Place pretzels on a parchment-lined cookie sheet
- Put Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses on top of pretzels
- Bake for 1 to 2 minutes (until chocolate is soft enough to press M&M’s into)
- Press M&M’s into chocolates – (if chocolate is too soft, let harden a bit before continuing)
- Allow chocolate to harden completely and enjoy!
Sweetheart Buddies
This crunchy delight is perfect for sharing with your sweetheart! Make your mix, put on your favorite romantic movie, and enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5oz white chocolate chips
- 5oz Red Candy Melts
- 1tsp shortening
- 5 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 bag Valentine’s M&M’s
DIRECTIONS:
- Divide Chex cereal into two bowls (2 1/2 cups each)
- In microwave – melt chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp of shortening (to help evenly spread) in 30 sec increments (careful not to burn chocolate)
- Melt the red candy next with other 1/2tsp of shortening
- Pour over each bowl of Chex cereal
- Use a large zip lock bag or Tupperware container with lid to mix 1/2 cup of strawberry cake mix and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (for each bowl) together – add Chex cereal – close lid and shake until completely covered
- Repeat previous step for the second bowl of Chex mix
- In a large bowl mix together both bowls of Chex cereal and add 1/2 bag of M&M’s – stir together and then enjoy!
Love Bug Cocktail
This Love Bug Valentine’s Day drink can be kid-friendly or adult-friendly and is so much fun to sip on! Pair with one of the festive snacks above or have it on its own as a yummy happy-hour treat.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3oz white cranberry juice (can also use regular cranberry juice)
- 2oz Sprite (or lemon lime soda)
- 1oz grenadine syrup
**Adults – add 1oz vodka to spice things up!
DIRECTIONS:
- Fill glass with ice
- Add grenadine syrup
- Pour juice and soda into glass (adults can add vodka here if desired)
- Stir up and sip away!!
Thanks for reading! Which of these love-inspired treats will you be trying this Valentine’s Day? Let us know xo.
Great gifts come in all shapes and sizes. On Christmas morning, it’s normal to think that bigger is better, but that’s not always the case! While the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree usually steal the show, the stockings hung from the mantle can be a treasure trove of hidden gems, too. Check out these items from Amazon that make perfect stocking stuffers, and then get to stuffing!
For Her
Beauty and wellness products are great stocking stuffers for her. Face masks, hair accessories, and cozy accoutrements are all highly coveted, yet still inexpensive!
Shop Stocking Stuffers for Her
For Him
For him, a mix of unique and useful items make perfect stocking stuffers. Utility tools, food and beverage commodities, and self-care products are all sure to please.
Shop Stocking Stuffers for Him
For Kids
The kiddos probably have the most gifts under the tree (ah, to be young again) and stuffing their stockings with more toys may seem redundant. Solution: stuff them with these gifts that are stimulating and will get the brain working and the creativity flowing.
Shop Stocking Stuffers for Kids
And if you want to check out even more stocking stuffers from Amazon, view our roundup here!
Great gifts come in all shapes and sizes. On Christmas morning, it’s normal to think that bigger is better, but that’s not always the case! While the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree usually steal the show, the stockings hung from the mantle can be a treasure trove of hidden gems, too. Check out these items from Amazon that make perfect stocking stuffers, and then get to stuffing!
For Her
Beauty and wellness products are great stocking stuffers for her. Face masks, hair accessories, and cozy accoutrements are all highly coveted, yet still inexpensive!
Shop Stocking Stuffers for Her
For Him
For him, a mix of unique and useful items make perfect stocking stuffers. Utility tools, food and beverage commodities, and self-care products are all sure to please.
Shop Stocking Stuffers for Him
For Kids
The kiddos probably have the most gifts under the tree (ah, to be young again) and stuffing their stockings with more toys may seem redundant. Solution: stuff them with these gifts that are stimulating and will get the brain working and the creativity flowing.
Shop Stocking Stuffers for Kids
And if you want to check out even more stocking stuffers from Amazon, view our roundup here!
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