makingfrugalfun on LTK

Easter basket… but make it something she’ll actually use. 🐣✨ If you’re shopping for a tween girl this year, skip the flimsy basket and use a cute spring bag instead. Here’s why I love this idea: • Doubles as her Easter “basket” • Perfect for church, sleepovers, pool days & summer camp • Holds WAY more than a regular basket • Feels trendy and grown-up (which tweens love) Just fill it with: • Fun beauty finds • Sunglasses or hair accessories • A cute devotional or book • Swimsuit or pool towel • Her favorite candy It’s festive AND functional... which means you’re not spending money on something that gets tossed the next day. I’m linking several cute bag options that make fun Easter baskets! Comment EASTER and I’ll send you the links. 💕 LTKSeasonal LTKHome

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Red, white, & bougie… on a budget 🇺🇸✨

Target’s Americana fashion this year is SO good. The gingham, the knits, the preppy little patriotic details… it’s giving expensive summer vacation vibes without the expensive price tag 😂

And the best part? Everything I tried on was under $35 👏

Perfect for:
✨ Memorial Day weekend
✨ Fourth of July outfits
✨ summer vacations
✨ backyard BBQs
✨ lake days
✨ baseball games
✨ just living your best preppy summer mom life

As a frugal mom, I fully support looking bougie without spending bougie money 😌

Comment SUMMER and I’ll send links to everything!

I loved the faux hydrangea planters at Costco… but they’re $139.99 each and sold out almost everywhere.

So I made my own for way less.

Here’s how to recreate this high-end spring porch look:

Step 1: Grab realistic faux hydrangea trees
I found tall, super full faux hydrangea trees on Amazon — 2 for $159.

Step 2: Upgrade a $5 planter
Dollar Tree sells large plastic planters for $5 each.
Spray them lightly with Rust-Oleum Stone spray paint in “Bleached Stone” to give them a textured, stone-like finish.

Step 3: Plant them
Place the faux tree inside the planter and fill around it with potting soil to weigh everything down and keep it sturdy.

Total cost breakdown:
• Hydrangea trees (2): $159
• Planters: $10
• Spray paint: $20

Total for TWO planters: $189
That’s $94.50 each.

Compare that to Costco’s $139.99 each ($279.98 for two).

Savings: about $91 for the pair.

Same beautiful spring porch vibe… for way less.

Comment FLOWERS and I’ll send you the links for the hydrangea trees, spray paint, and similar planters.

Follow for more frugal home ideas that look high-end.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

I grabbed this outdoor mud kitchen for my toddler… and was surprised how much ALL my kids love it! 😍 #samspartner #affiliatelink

Here’s why it’s so good:
• Hooks up to your garden hose for a REAL working sink
• Comes with pots, pans, and gardening tools
• Built-in chalkboard for pretend play
• Flower pots for planting + sensory play
• Turns into a full backyard “restaurant,” mud kitchen, or garden station

We set ours up as a little garden area and it keeps them busy forever. Like… actual independent play 🙌

Perfect for spring and summer if you want kids outside, creative, and off screens.

Save this toddler gift idea and tag another toddler mom!

Follow along for more fun ideas for every season!

HAPPY Mod Podge Month!
I wanted something cute and festive for all of our summer gatherings, so I made these DIY patriotic mason jar centerpieces using Mod Podge.
How to make them:
1️⃣ Start with clean mason jars
2️⃣ Cut out designs from patriotic napkins (I used popsicles + cupcakes for a fun summer vibe)
3️⃣ Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the jar and place your napkin pieces
4️⃣ Gently smooth them down, then seal with another thin layer of Mod Podge
5️⃣ Let dry completely
I made a set of 3 and added faux hydrangeas for the cutest table setup that is just perfect for Memorial Day, backyard BBQs, and the 4th of July.
These are so simple, but they make your whole table feel styled and ready for summer.

@Plaid Crafts @walmart #ad #MakeItWithWalmart #PlaidCrafts

These lanterns are so cute for your patriotic front porch!

This oversize patriotic coir welcome mat is summer front porch perfection!

Adorable patriotic Americana summer wreath!

Obsessed with this summer patriotic Americana front door wreath!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

Target is doing Americana on a budget better than ANYONE else right now. @Target

Love these finds for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and all your summer backyard BBQs.

#LTKOver40 #LTKootd

Went to Target today to try on some red, white, and blue finds and this one is a FAV! I brought it home with me.

Wearing a medium on top and small bottoms, 5’2” 130 lbs.

@Target

Storage and organization ideas for the garage mudroom sports equipment backyard.

#LTKHome

Save this budget-friendly party hack for your next sports night, tailgate, or team celebration!

I loved the look of those trendy turf table runners for my Kentucky Derby party, but not the price tag…so I made my own version for way less by cutting up a large 6’x8’ turf rug that was under $25. It gave me multiple runners for less than the cost of buying just one pre-made version, and added the perfect sporty vibe to the setup.

This would be so fun for:
• Football tailgates
• Super Bowl parties
• World Cup watch parties
• Baseball birthdays
• End of season team parties
• March Madness setups
• Golf-themed parties
• Soccer snacks for game day
• Little league celebrations
• Sports banquets
• Backyard BBQs
• Fantasy football draft nights
• Graduation parties for sports lovers

One of those little hosting details that makes everything feel extra fun without being complicated.

Follow for more ways to celebrate more and spend less!

I’m obsessed with this because we eat so much watermelon in the summer, but I never have space to store it!

The pitcher makes it easier to store and you can pour out the juice to keep it from getting soggy.

Also my husband accidentally bought a yellow watermelon 🍉 like, what?! 😆 Still pretty good though!

SAVE this idea to try this summer!

Follow for more summer fun ideas and mom hacks!

#LTKHome #LTKmomlife

The cutest lemon tote bag for summer! Zips closed, has a lap top sleeve inside and lots of room and pockets! Oh and it’s UNDER $20!

#LTKmomlife #LTKMothersDay

SAVE THIS 🍉 fun summer snack idea for the kids because they will ask for it again and again this!

These watermelon “fries” with strawberry yogurt dip are easy, refreshing, and take just a few minutes to make.

Here’s how I made them:

Slice watermelon into thick fry-shaped sticks with a crinkle cutter.

Blend:

* vanilla Greek yogurt (about 1 cup)
* honey (2-3 tbsp)
* chopped strawberries (about 1 cup)

Cold, fresh, fun, and perfect for:
☀️ pool days
☀️ summer playdates
☀️ backyard BBQs
☀️ movie nights
☀️ afternoon snack time

One thing about me…I’m absolutely going to make ordinary snacks feel a little more fun.

Follow for more easy summer ideas, budget-friendly fun, recipes, DIYs, and mom life!

#LTKmomlife

SAVE THIS —> Grad gift idea PLUS free printable!

This is such a fun way to gift money and gift cards to your graduate (especially high school grads going off to college).

Free Printable says: “You can’t live on PIZZA alone, so here’s some DOUGH.”

Free printable in my blog making frugal fun.com

Follow for more fun ways to celebrate more and spend less. 🎉🎓

I wanted to make something a little different for Teacher Appreciation this year, so I turned these mini globes into custom hand-painted gifts!
How I made them:
1️⃣ I started with a coat of Waverly Chalk Paint in Snow White to fully cover the original globe
2️⃣ Once dry, I used a variety of Apple Barrel paints to add bright, fun colors and paint simple floral designs
3️⃣ Then I used Apple Barrel paint pens to write each teacher’s name for a personalized touch
They’re such a cute little keepsake for a teacher’s desk and feel so much more special than a store-bought gift.
If you love giving something handmade and meaningful, this is such a fun one to try.
If you want the full tutorial + supply list, comment GLOBE and I’ll send it to you 🌍
@Plaid Crafts @walmart #ad #MakeItWithWalmart #PlaidCrafts

#LTKHome

Save this for Teacher Appreciation Week + end-of-year parties 🎉 these edible pencil treat bags are the cutest little gift!

You need:
9 pink starbursts
7 chocolate kisses in wrapper
1/3 cup goldfish
4 mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon mini chocolate chips

Here’s how to make them:

1. Start with clear treat bags and add mini chocolate chips to the bottom (this is your “pencil tip”).
2. Add mini marshmallows on top for the silver section.
3. Fill the bag with Goldfish crackers for the “pencil body.”
4. Drop in chocolate kisses near the top.
5. Finish with pink Starbursts for the eraser.
6. Tie it off with a ribbon and shape the bag slightly to give it that pencil look!

Super simple, budget-friendly, and such a fun little detail for:
• Teacher appreciation gifts
• Last day of school treats
• Classroom parties
• Graduation parties

Comment PENCIL and I’ll send you the full supply list + links!

Follow for more ways to celebrate more and spend less 💕

#LTKmomlife #LTKHome

A softball win, a baseball win, and the cutest little backyard DIY Derby party! 🐎🐎🐎

Such a fun day!

I ended up moving my balloon garland/arch to the side gate entrance of our backyard and was amazed how easy it was to move and clamp right on to the gate with this party stand!

Also, I bought one of the turf table runners from Michael’s and it was like $30, but then I realized you can just get a giant like 8x6’ turf rug from Home Depot for under $30 and just cut it into a BUNCH of table runners! This is my new favorite budget party hack for sports themed parties or tailgating!! It made the red roses stand out everywhere!

Comment DERBY for any links, I’ll link everything that I can find.

Make sure to check my page for all the DIY ideas like the centerpieces, fascinator, and balloon arch, and follow for more fun 🤩

#ad Let’s turn our home into Churchill Downs to celebrate the Kentucky Derby! This balloon setup completely transformed the space… and it was WAY easier than it looks.
Here’s how to do it:
Grab the Balloon Time air inflator to blow up all the balloons FAST
Tie balloons in sets of 2, and then twist them into a cluster of 4, alternate colors and keep building until you have the desired length and fullness of your garland.
Hang it on the wall using painters tape, or use a table stand like I did! (no wall damage, no tape, no stress)
This is perfect for:
• Parties
• Birthdays
• Baby showers
• Backyard hosting
Balloon Time helium tanks and inflators are such an easy way to completely transform your party space right at home, and I love that they’re celebrating 40 years as a trusted partner for celebrations big and small.
You can totally get a professional balloon display look, without needing to hire it out.
Follow for more ways to celebrate more and spend less 💕
Comment BALLOON and I’ll send you where to find everything!
@balloontimeheliumtanks #balloontimepartner #kentuckyderbyparty #partydecorideas #balloongarland

#LTKHome

Easy weeknight resets with the BISSELL PowerClean DualBrush 🙌

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKHome

Turning basic butter into the prettiest little detail on your table 🌸✨

All I did was press softened butter into a silicone mold and chill… and now I’m never serving butter the same again.

Use these for:
• pancake + waffle toppers at your Mother’s Day brunch
• butter for dinner rolls at graduation parties
• spring charcuterie boards
• baby or bridal showers
• garden parties or girls brunch
• even just making a weeknight dinner feel a little extra

It’s such a simple, affordable way to make your table feel styled and special without spending more.

Comment BUTTER and I’ll send you the mold I used!

Follow for more frugal hosting ideas that look anything but 💐

#LTKHome

Packing a quick and easy toddler lunch in her @OmieBox today 👇

When that end-of-school-year fatigue hits… we’re keeping it SIMPLE but still fun 💛

Today’s lunch:
• Tortilla + turkey roll-ups
• Mandarin oranges
• String cheese
• Go-Gurt
• Pirates Booty

What are YOU packing for preschool right now?? I need fresh ideas!!

Comment LUNCH and I’ll send you my lunch box + favorite finds 🥪✨

And don’t forget to follow for more easy, fun mom-life ideas 💕

This is quickly becoming my favorite spot in the backyard!

I found these solar flower lights at @dollartree and they are the CUTEST addition to our outdoor play space.

They charge during the day and glow at night, and my toddler is OBSESSED. It makes her little garden feel so fun and special. ❤️

If you can’t find these in-store, I’ll link similar ones + all of our favorite toddler outdoor play finds for warmer weather. 🙌

Comment GARDEN and I’ll send you all the links!

Follow for more fun, affordable ideas for everyday mom life ✨

#LTKHome #LTKmomlife #LTKSeasonal

We created the cutest little painted rock garden to enjoy by our patio, and it might be one of my favorite easy outdoor projects yet!
I used the new FolkArt Outdoor Paint to bring these rocks to life with bright and fun colors!
What I love most about this is that it’s not just decor, it’s an activity. I set aside a space in our yard where we can keep adding new rocks to it all season long.
It’s creative, easy, and will be so much fun to watch it grow over time.
If you want to make your own:
🎨 Grab some rocks and clean them
🌸 Paint simple designs with outdoor paint
☀️ Let dry and add them to your garden space
This is your sign to make something colorful, creative, and a little bit magical this spring.

@plaidcrafts @walmart #ad #MakeItWithWalmart #PlaidCrafts

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

Packing for a family trip just got SO much easier (I don’t think you’re supposed to pack them QUITE this full though…oh well 😝)

Here’s what actually worked for us:
• Each kid had their own packing cube
• I made one cube just for swim
• One cube for our Disney day outfits

Everything had a place, and I always knew exactly where it was 🙌

They do save space… but the real magic is the organization.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is 100% worth it.

#LTKTravel

If you’re building an Easter basket for a toddler… skip the candy and add THIS instead 🐣✨ #ad

MESS-FREE EASTER BASKET IDEA:
1. Start with a giant clear egg
2. Fill it with toddler-friendly goodies + creative fun
3. And make the ⭐️ star of the basket: the Crayola Color Wonder Coloring Set with Ms. Rachel

This has been SUCH a win for us because:
✔️ The Color Wonder markers ONLY work on the Special Color Wonder paper (no mess on hands, clothes, or furniture 🙌)
✔️ It keeps them busy with screen-free play
✔️ It’s perfect for on-the-go, travel, or quiet time

Plus it’s safe, nontoxic, and made for little ones 3+... totally mom-approved 💛

Such a fun (and practical) non-candy Easter basket idea they’ll actually use again and again!

#CrayolaColorWonder #Sponsored @crayola

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKKids

Can confirm…she played with all of this! My 10 year old daughter also had fun with these travel toys!

🧸 Mickey Sticker Stamper
🎨 Mess free color wonder finger paint
🏠 travel Magna tiles
🖍️ doodle board
🖌️ wiki stix

#LTKTravel #LTKKids

Love this cozy floral romper!

5’2” 135 lbs wearing small

Perfect vacation outfit, travel outfit, spring outfit, summer outfit

So comfortable! Also wearing with my favorite bra tanks.

#LTKPetite #LTKOver40

Loving these floral overalls! So cute! Light weight material perfect for sunny days!

Amazon finds
5’2” 135 lbs wearing small

#LTKootd #LTKPetite

Make your Easter brunch look EGGS-tra adorable with this easy hosting hack 🐰✨

I turned regular butter into the sweetest little bunny + carrot shapes and they turned out so cute!!

Here’s how to do it:
1. Let your butter soften at room temp
2. Press it into silicone molds (bunnies, carrots, anything spring!)
3. Smooth the back so they pop out clean
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better)
5. Pop them out and place on pancakes, waffles, rolls, or your brunch board

So simple but it makes everything feel extra special 💛

Perfect for:
• Easter brunch
• Hosting guests
• Kids who think this is the cutest thing ever
• Making your table look way more “put together” with zero effort

Save this for Easter so you don’t forget 🐣

Comment BUNNY for links to the silicone molds.

Follow for more fun + frugal ways to make everyday moments feel special ✨

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Super cute outdoor Easter decor finds from @Oriental Trading Company 🐰🐣

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Walmart has a bunch of the clear eggs in different sizes if you are having trouble finding them!

Easter baskets

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

These faux hydrangeas are so good 👏
Perfect spring front porch refresh find

#LTKHome #LTKSpringSale

Super cute romper! Love summer outfits! Bring on the sun.

#amazonfinds #ootd
Summer outfits
Vacation outfits
Rompers
Amazon outfits

#LTKootd

I always thought Kinder just made the classic Kinder Eggs, but I found a whole collection of Kinder treats at Five Below! 🐰Kinder Bueno, chocolate bunnies, adorable mini animals… basically an entire Kinder section. I also found the cute basket at Five Below.

My kids have been obsessed with Kinder eggs since the beginning of time, so I know they will love to try these! They’ve always been our go-to stocking stuffer and holiday treat, so turning it into a whole Easter basket theme just felt right.

Everything in this basket came from Five Below, which made it such an easy (and affordable) Easter basket idea if you have a Kinder fan at home.

If you want to recreate this basket or find the Kinder treats I used, comment KINDER and I’ll send you the links I can find!

Follow @makingfrugalfun for more fun ideas to celebrate more and spend less.

#LTKKids #LTKHome