Whenever I host casual get-togethers, whether they're for adults or my little one, I always try to come up with fun and frugal games and activities. If the weather is nice this is typically pretty easy, but the closer we get to cold, rainy and snowy ...
Whenever I host casual get-togethers, whether they’re for adults or my little one, I always try to come up with fun and frugal games and activities. If the weather is nice this is typically pretty easy, but the closer we get to cold, rainy and snowy days the harder it becomes. One idea I recently came up with was a raffle and hence these free printable raffle tickets.
For little ones, I thought these free printable raffle tickets could be used to give away inexpensive toys and treats. Obviously, the kids wouldn’t have to pay for a ticket… each attendee would just get one and I would make sure there were enough goodies for everyone to get one. It’s just a fun little activity to disburse party favors versus just handing everyone something or putting it on the table at their place setting.
For adults there are even more possibilities for these free printable raffle ticket templates. For example, maybe I’ll host a get-together where I sell raffle tickets to promote my son’s school or extracurricular activity or some charity I volunteer with. You could also just have fun with these free printable raffle tickets and draw to see who gets to pick the party music or to give away a bottle of wine. Anything to help set your party apart. The air of competitiveness and anticipation will soon have everyone getting in the social spirit.
If you had a small company, these free printable raffle tickets could be used at the company party to give away a prize. You don’t even necessarily have to buy an item in this case… you could give away an extra day of vacation or the opportunity to leave early one day.
If you’re a mom-prenuer you could use these free printable raffle tickets for giveaways. For example, if you sell Mary Kay, you could give a ticket to someone for each contact they provide you (the name and info of someone else who might be interested in Mary Kay) and then draw for a prize after a certain period of time.
See, these free printable raffle tickets have a myriad of uses… you just have to get creative!
Now, I will say, if you’re having some huge charity fundraiser (such as selling tickets at a bake sale, school festival, or football game), it’d probably be cheaper to go out and buy a big roll of raffle tickets than use these free printable raffle tickets. However, for small occasions these free printable raffle tickets are well, just the ticket!
Are you one of those “lucky” individuals who loves spending time outside but is a 5 star feast for mosquitoes? Yep, me too. It’s horrible! Being sucked dry every time you set one toe outside kind of puts a damper on summer, in my opinion. The remedies for this problem are just about as bad as the problem itself.
You can coat yourself with sticky bug spray that smells like a vat of chemicals or hover near a citronella candle that lets off weird black smoke and also smells like unpronounceable ingredients. This year, I was determined to find a better alternative, and I did, in the form of homemade bug repellent.
I’ve been experimenting with essential oil recipes for a while now and have managed to make everything from homemade beauty products to homemade cleaning products… so I thought “why not homemade bug repellent?”
This homemade bug repellent is pretty awesome. It’s super fast and easy to make. In fact, I’m pretty sure if I timed you you could make this homemade bug repellent in under 5 minutes. I also like that the only “heavy” equipment it requires is a knife to slice up the fruit and a measuring cup.
You aren’t going to dirty half your kitchen or have to figure out how to work that food processor you only use once a year to make this homemade bug repellent.
In addition to its simplicity, this homemade bug repellent rocks because it’s not filled with chemicals whose names contain two-thirds of the alphabet. Being able to pronounce (and spell) all of the ingredients in a recipe are big pluses in my book, how about you?
Lastly, this homemade mosquito repellent is kind of pretty. You’ve got a clear Mason jar, with pops of yellow (lemon) and green (lime) floating around in it. It’s the perfect decoration for summer. This homemade bug repellent looks so much like well, not bug repellent that I think you could easily use it as a centerpiece at a picnic or garden party without feeling like it wrecks the setting.
Personally, the next time my family and I get invited to some kind of picnic or outdoor gathering, I’m going to volunteer to bring some of this homemade natural mosquito repellent as our contribution. It may not initially be as popular as say rainbow fudge, but I know people (and their waistlines) will come to appreciate this homemade bug repellent a lot!
Making a homemade bug repellent was way easier than I thought it would be, so I’m a little bummed out that I never tried it sooner! You will be too… so don’t wait. Make this homemade bug repellent today!
And, if this homemade natural bug repellent Mason jar project makes you crave other Mason jar crafts and recipes, I’ve got you covered:
2. Place 3-4 slices of lime and lemon in each Mason jar.
3. Place 4 rosemary sprigs in the large jar and 2 in each smaller jar.
4. Fill a measuring cup with 32 oz of water, add 40 drops of rosemary essential oil, and stir.
5. Pour water into Mason jars.
6. Take tea lights out of the silver containers and place them on top of the water.
7. Light candles, place the homemade insect repellent jars outside around the area you’re using, and watch your homemade bug repellent work wonders!
Mason Jar Luminaries: Homemade Bug Repellent
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Tired of getting eaten alive when you step outside? Instead of lathering yourself with sticky bug spray or hovering near a citronella candle, take a few minutes to whip up this all natural homemade bug repellent. These mason jar luminaries are not only an effective way to repel mosquitos, but they are pretty too. They could easily serve as beautiful centerpieces for your barbecue or backyard party.
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Materials
2-8 oz Mason jars
1-16 oz Mason jar
40 drops rosemary essential oil
1 lemon
2 key limes or 1 lime
8 fresh rosemary sprigs
3 tea light candles
32 oz water
Instructions
Slice lime(s) and lemon.
Place 3-4 slices of lime and lemon in each Mason jar.
Place 4 rosemary sprigs in the large jar and 2 in each smaller jar.
Fill a measuring cup with 32 oz of water, add 40 drops of rosemary essential oil, and stir.
Pour water into Mason jars.
Take tea lights out of the silver containers and place them on top of the water.
Light candles, place the jars outside around the area you’re using, and watch your homemade bug repellent work wonders!
Where are you going to use this homemade bug repellent remedy? Please share in the comments!
Whether you’re just getting started with calligraphy or looking to take your already formidable skills to the next level, these calligraphy alphabet letters can help. Choose from 5 free full alphabets, from calligraphy letter A to Z!
If you aren’t familiar with it, calligraphy is pretty great. It’s:
Relatively inexpensive.
Relaxing (similar to coloring).
Pretty but also useful.
Oh, and calligraphy can make the jump from hobby to side hustle if you get good at it!
If you’re brand new to calligraphy, it might be helpful to read “Learn How to Write Calligraphy” before you go any further. However to sum it up, getting started with this hobby is as simple as tracing the alphabet, calligraphy letter A to Z.
Yep, tracing. Makes sense though, right? How did you learn to write your letters in the first place? You probably engaged in some kind of tracing or mimicry, and learning calligraphy is no different.
How to Write Calligraphy Alphabet
In this post, I’ll share 5 different calligraphy font printables that you can use to learn to write different styles of calligraphy. Each of these are full printable calligraphy alphabet templates, meaning you get letters A through Z.
To use, simply print the letter you want, such as calligraphy letter A, put a thin piece of paper over top, and trace. Keep at it; you’ll develop muscle memory (and confidence) and be able to transition to free-hand calligraphy in no time!
Uppercase Alphabet Calligraphy Letters
This free printable uppercase calligraphy letters alphabet is a bit more formal than some of the other calligraphy printables I’ll share. These uppercase calligraphy letters to trace are perfect for a variety of projects such as anything having to do with a wedding—save the date announcements, bridal shower invites, reception place cards, and memory scrapbooks. Turn to this calligraphy letters template any time you want to add a little touch of elegance to a project you’re working on!
In addition to adding elegance to any project, this free calligraphy template can also be super relaxing. One of the reasons that coloring is so mentally beneficial is because it promotes mindfulness. I think tracing the letters in this calligraphy printable does the same thing. Yes, you have to focus on tracing or drawing the letters (vs. whatever else is going on in your life), but these letters just sort of flow; you don’t have to be focused to the point of frustration, if that makes sense.
Bonus: If you like the swooping flow of this printable calligraphy alphabet template, consider introducing traditional cursive into your calligraphy hobby. Haven’t written cursive since grade school? No worries, refresh your memory with these cursive calligraphy letters to trace:
If you’re planning to use calligraphy to create things, you probably won’t get far without a calligraphy lowercase lettersalphabet printables. No worries! I’ve got you covered. This lowercase printable calligraphy alphabet practice template mirrors the elegance of the uppercase alphabet above.
That means this free calligraphy template is also great for weddings, special occasions like anniversaries, or making décor and invites for the tea party your daughter is hosting for her stuffed animals.
If you’re on the hunt for letters that are a little less formal, this printable calligraphy alphabet template is ready to kick off its shoes and get comfortable! This modern calligraphy alphabet is a bit more bold and overall, great for making a statement. Use it for fun and thoughtful projects, like homemade cards.
Psst! If you are making a card, here are some other free calligraphy templates that might come in handy!
This modern calligraphy letters template is hip and fun. (Just like you, right? ) If you’re looking for more fun and fresh letters to add to your lineup, you’ve got to check out bubble letters. Below are some of my favorite bubble letter alphabets.
This style is a bit more complicated than the others, so be prepared to use this printable calligraphy alphabet practice sheet a little longer before you move to free-hand. Also, for a little extra help, read “Learn to Write in Gothic Calligraphy“.
This calligraphy letters printable is great for anything that you want to feel super official. For example, you could use it to decorate first and last day of school scrapbook pages or printables featuring your kid. These first day of school template free printable and printable last day of school signs may also come in handy!
Lowercase Gothic Alphabet Calligraphy Letters
Just like with the formal calligraphy letters template, if you’re using the gothic letters, you’re probably going to need a gothic calligraphy lowercase letters alphabet. Below are all 26 calligraphy letters to trace!
Nothing hits the spot on a long hot summer day better than ice cream, am I right? I have to confess that even though I’m all grown up, when I hear the ice cream truck I’m tempted to run after it. Unfortunately, ice cream truck habits are expensive. Recently, I discovered how to make homemade freezer bag ice cream which is more budget friendly.
Homemade freezer bag ice cream is an easy treat that you can concoct in just 15 minutes. Maybe less. The hardest part of making freezer bag ice cream is shaking a gallon sized bag filled with ice for 5 minutes straight. However, shaking probably burns off some of the ice cream calories, so it isn’t all bad… I guess. It helps that this freezer bag ice cream is totally delicious!
In addition to really hitting the spot on hot days, freezer bag ice cream is a fun DIY project to tackle with the kids. They’ll love getting to make their very own ice cream. To make freezer bag ice cream an even bigger treat, consider setting out a variety of toppings the kids can choose from such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, fresh fruit, etc. Trust me, once they’ve had the chance to make and decorate freezer bag ice cream they’ll never scream for the ice cream truck again.
Plus with all the demand for freezer bag ice cream, you’ll have killer arms. Seriously, like Michelle Obama arms!
How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag
INGREDIENTS/MATERIALS
1 Cup half and half 2 Tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 Cup coarse sea salt Ice Sprinkles (optional) Gallon and quart sized freezer bags
DIRECTIONS
Follow these step by step directions or follow along with this video to learn how to make homemade ice cream in a bag:
1. Fill a large (gallon) Ziploc bag halfway with ice.
2. Add sea salt to the bag.
3. Pour half and half, sugar, and vanilla into the smaller (quart) freezer bag and seal.
4. Place the small Ziploc bag in the larger bag, seal the larger bag, and shake for 5 minutes. Tip: Try singing Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off while you do this… it’ll help the time pass.
5. Remove the smaller bag and rinse off the salt.
6. Scoop ice cream out of the bag with a spatula, top with sprinkles, and enjoy!
Tip: If you want, you can add a few drops of food coloring to this freezer bag ice cream recipe to give the ice cream a little color. In fact, you could make a variety of different colored ice creams to choose from.
For more fun recipes, like homemade freezer bag ice cream, to make with kids try:
Who are you going to make this homemade freezer bag ice cream recipe with? Please share in the comments!
Homemade Freezer Bag Ice Cream In Just 15 Minutes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Do you love homemade ice cream? If you have not made it in a freezer bag you are missing out. Homemade freezer bag ice cream is a delicious and easy to make sweet treat that you can whip up in minutes. Plus it is a fun recipe to make with kids. Simply grab a handful of ingredients (half and half, sugar, vanilla extract, coarse sea salt, ice, and a gallon and quart sized freezer bags) and you’ve got everything you need to make yummy soft serve ice cream.
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Ingredients
1 Cup half and half
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 Cup coarse sea salt
Ice
Sprinkles (optional)
Gallon and quart sized freezer bags
Instructions
Fill a large (gallon) Ziploc bag halfway with ice.
Add sea salt to the bag.
Pour half and half, sugar, and vanilla into the smaller (quart) freezer bag and seal.
Place the small Ziploc bag in the larger bag, seal the larger bag, and shake for 5 minutes. Tip: Try singing Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off while you do this… it’ll help the time pass.
Remove the smaller bag and rinse off the salt.
Scoop ice cream out of the bag with a spatula, top with sprinkles, and enjoy!
Notes
If you want, you can add a few drops of food coloring to this freezer bag ice cream recipe to give the ice cream a little color. In fact, you could make a variety of different colored ice creams to choose from.
What kind of summer vacation are you dreaming up? A tropical paradise with white sand, sparkling clear water, and luxurious golden rays? If the beach is calling your name (and after the horrible winter many of us had, I think it’s calling a lot of people’s names), what are you waiting for?
A beach vacation can be just the thing to help you relax and build quality bonds with your loved ones-all while working on a gorgeous tan.
However, the process of getting from your everyday life to that sun drenched paradise can be enough to make you need a vacation in the first place. All the planning, bargaining, packing…ugh! It’s enough to drive a busy mom stark raving mad. While this site can’t take care of all those organizational pitfalls, it can help you with one: Packing.
Before it’s time to start packing, take some time to get organized and think about the items you’ll actually need or won’t need. In other words, put together a beach vacation packing list. A beach vacation packing list will be especially helpful when you’re handling the arrangements for multiple people or have limited space.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive printable beach trip packing list that tries to account for everything you and your family may need for a fun, successful vacation. Here’s a quick video showing you how I put this printable beach vacation packing list to help you decide what to pack for a beach vacation.
The printable beach vacation packing list organizes items to take alphabetically by:
Print out a beach vacation packing list for each member of your family, write his or her name on the top, and then cross out items you won’t need multiples of (ex. hair dryer).
With the packing under control, you’ll be free to find the best bargains on hotels, entertainment, and transportation or give yourself a mani/pedi to get yourself beach ready.
More Vacation Freebies & Hacks
In addition to this free packing list for vacation, check out these vacation freebies and hacks.
While this site can’t take care of all those organizational pitfalls, it can help you with one: Packing.
