February 7, 2019 by Krista

Couples Jenga: The Perfect At Home Date Night Game

This Couple’s Jenga Game idea was originally published in 2015. This article has been republished to maintain relevancy and usability.

Oh, date night. Having date night is the best. Planning date night, not so much. But, relationships take work and skipping date night isn’t the best long game solution. Cue up the at home date! Add a fun game and date night is exciting again. And this Couples Jenga Game is PERFECT. Simple, inexpensive, fun and intimate. Just what date night should be!

AT HOME DATE: COUPLE’S JENGA GAME

COUPLE’S JENGA – AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT GAME THAT WILL HELP YOU DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Life gets busy. Date nights and alone time are often sporadic. I love my kids and they make our family complete; but, I also treasure the relationship I have with their dad, my husband.

The young adults from years ago who were still discovering the world, themselves and each other are still here. It can be hard to find that woman sometimes in the mess of responsibilities and obligations she has now.

This Couples Jenga Game is perfect for rediscovering the excitement in your relationship. Reminisce and even learn new things about your sweetie while having fun together!

COUPLES JENGA IS THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT GAME FOR COUPLES LOOKING TO GET AWAY FOR A BIT

As nice as it would be to run off for the weekend, that’s not really an option, right? If you’re looking for a way to escape all the responsibilities and stress for a little while, this Couples Jenga date night is perfect! Are you:

stressed out?
tired of people wanting things from you all day?
looking to relax a bit?
a board or card game enthusiast?
on a budget?
wanting a different kind of date night?

If any of those were yes answers, you need a Couples Jenga Date Night!

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR COUPLES JENGA GAME

Truth bomb. Ready? The hardest part of this project is coming up with ideas of what to write on each block. But, there is a silver lining. Two, actually.

One: I made a set of 60 questions and activities that are ready to print. If you want an easy peasy project, you can find those in my Etsy Shop. There’s even an editable PDF file to help you customize your game as simply as possible.

Two: You can make this game as sweet or saucy as you want. I included a mix of naughty and nice, but you can do whatever would benefit your relationship most.

Okay, let’s do this!

COUPLES JENGA GAME MATERIALS:

Jenga Block Template – Download this from the button below. If you want the Editable PDF template or the Ready-to-Print labels, get them in my Etsy shop.
Jenga Game – Get it on Amazon. You can find knock off versions and they will work (I used a knock off version), but the quality isn’t as good and the blocks may not line well.
Paper and Printer – I recommend standard printing paper* and a laser printer. Ink jet will work too.
Paper Cutter or Scissors – love my Swingline SmartCut. I used both it and a pair of scissors.
Glue – wood, white glue or tacky glue will work best. I used white glue.
Pen or Marker or image editing software – If you’re going to write the questions and activities by hand, I recommend Sharpie Art Pens. The ink is smooth, doesn’t bleed and won’t smear if it gets wet. You can also open the Jenga Block Templates in an image editor and type out your questions and activities before you print.

* Make this project even easier by printing on sticker paper instead. Forget the glue, just peel and stick!

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

Download the free printable templates with the green button below. Save the file to your computer and print with the “actual size” setting. This file is designed to fit a name brand Jenga block, but will work on other blocks too. You will need 2 copies of the template to cover an entire set of Jenga blocks.

* PRO TIP: If you’re going to fill in your block template digitally (on the computer), do it BEFORE you print your template.

* PRO TIP: Check your game for a count of how many blocks you’ll need to cover. Name brand Jenga has 54 blocks. My knock-off set had fewer. Each template page has 30 rectangle labels. You’ll need 2 pages (give or take a few) to cover an entire game set.

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

If you are writing your game prompts out by hand, write one question or activity on each rectangle. You can make these questions and activities as sweet and sentimental or as saucy and sexy as you would like. I did a combination of both sweet and saucy.
Cut out enough labels to cover every block. I used both my paper cutter and a pair of scissors.

STEP #3: GLUE THE COUPLES JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

Glue one game prompt label on each block. A thin strip of glue on all 4 edges of the blank side of each label will give the best results. Smooth out the label with your fingers and let the glue dry completely. This part isn’t hard, but it does take a little time.

* PRO TIP: You just need a thin strip of glue. Don’t use a lot or your labels will wrinkle.

* PRO TIP: Clean up any glue that seeps from under the edges of the labels with a damp cloth or paper towel before it dries.

* PRO TIP: If any of your corners come unglued, secure them back down with a little bit of glue stick or white glue.

COUPLES JENGA: AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT THAT WILL REKINDLE YOUR FIRE!

In just 3 steps and an afternoon, you’ll be ready to light some fireworks on your next date night. Couples Jenga is the PERFECT simple, inexpensive, fun and intimate night you’ve been wanting. So, what are you waiting for? Light those fires, check out of reality for a couple hours and enjoy an evening with your favorite sweetie!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH READY-TO-PRINT COUPLES JENGA BLOCK LABELS!

February 4, 2019 by Krista

Kids Love Coupons are a DIY Gift That Will Last Forever

Hey there, do you have a favorite kid – or two or three – in your life? Do you know any kids that are hard to get gifts for? Maybe you’re struggling with giving meaningful gifts versus gifting more stuff? These cute Kids Love Coupons are perfect for kids that don’t need more toys.

Give those kids something they really want and that will last forever – and you’ll love it too! Give them some of your time and make some fun memories with them. Because, what kid wouldn’t want a special date or activity and to be the center of your attention? Carve out some special time for your favorite activities together with these printable Kids Love Coupons.

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: A MORE MEANINGFUL GIFT

As a mom of 4, I know all too well what it’s like when kids have plenty of stuff. Mine definitely don’t need more toys and things to leave on the floor. Because of this, I try to give my kids meaningful and worthwhile gifts. And, as a busy mom, time is one of the most precious things. I would much rather spend more time doing fun things with my kids than picking up more toys.

And I love that these kids coupons are perfect for every budget. The actual coupons cost some ink and paper. The outing redeemed with the coupon can be as expensive or frugal as you want or need it to be. My kids get just as excited about going to the park as they do about going to the movies.

They don’t need fancy, they just need you.

Things come and go. Toys break. Fun and memories can last forever.

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: THE PERFECT GIFT ANYONE CAN GIVE ANYTIME

These Kids Love Coupons are a perfect gift to receive from anyone. What kid wouldn’t love to get some fun dates and special activities from one of their favorite people? Anyone can give someone their time: Parents to children, grandparents to grandchildren, favorite aunt or uncle to niece or nephew, even friend to friend.

And Kids Love Coupons are great for lots of occasions:

holidays
birthdays
big life events
as rewards for accomplishments and exceptional behavior

It can be hard to juggle life’s demands. Love coupons are one way we help ensure our kids get some quality one-on-one time. If they need some extra attention, they redeem a coupon. It’s a great non-confrontational or mom-guilt-inducing way for them to say “hey, I need a little extra right now.”

MAKING YOUR OWN KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3

A good homemade gift is the best. But life is busy and there aren’t always hours to spend putting together something for every gift that comes along. This kids love coupons book is simple, quick and will look great when you’re finished.

With just a handful of materials you probably have already and a half an hour, you will be ready to hand your favorite kid some memory-making magic in the form of 9 awesome things to do with you.

KIDS LOVE COUPONS SUPPLIES:

Kids Love Coupons – free download below. There is a full set of 28 ready-to-print coupons, plus editable files to easily create your own custom coupons in my Etsy shop, if you want a larger set of coupons.
Printer and Paper – I recommend cardstock
Paper Cutter or Scissors
Washi Tape or Ribbon and Hole Punch
Craft Knife (optional)

KIDS LOVE COUPONS DIRECTIONS:

1. DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR COUPONS

Step #1a: Download your free printable coupons by clicking on the green “Click to Download” button below. Save the file to your computer.

Step #1b: *If you upgraded to the full set of coupons in my Etsy shop, make sure you personalize the cover and fill in any of your own special coupons before you print! Follow the directions on the Printing Guide.*

Print your coupons. This file is designed to print at “actual size” on 8.5″x11″ paper. I recommend printing on cardstock for added durability. Personally, I use THIS CARDSTOCK for most of my projects. I prefer a 110 lb weight and a brightness of at least 90.

This file is intended to be printed on a single piece of paper. If your printer has the option to print double sided, use it and flip on the long edge. If your printer does not print double sided, you will have to manually flip the page and put in back in the printer before printing the 2nd page.

PRO TIP: When manually printing double sided, I put a little ‘x’ in pencil at the bottom left corner of the page before I print anything so I know how to put the page back in the printer when I print on the back side. The ‘x’ will need to be at the same end of the printer, facing down when you put the page back in.

2. CUT APART YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS

Step #2a: Cut the coupons apart. I love my Swingline SmartCut paper cutter for this stuff. Makes cutting straight lines a breeze and so, so fast. And I love that the blade is fully enclosed with all the little fingers around my house.

PRO TIP: Your coupons may not have printed perfectly straight on the page. Make sure you check the edges of the coupons on your cutting line before you cut so your coupons don’t get cut crooked.

You could also use a ruler and craft knife or scissors to cut the coupons apart.

3. BIND YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK TOGETHER

Step #3a: Gather your coupons together and arrange them in the order you want them. Line up all the edges on the side you’re going to bind. The easiest way to do this is to hold the coupons loosely in your hand and knock the side you’re going to bind against the table a few times.

Step #3b: Cut a piece of washi tape a little longer than the length of the edge you’re going to bind. It doesn’t need to be precise, the tape just needs to cover the entire length of the edge. Place the tape on the edges of the coupons, pressing firmly. Wrap the excess tape around the front and back of the coupon book. Press each coupon firmly into the washi tape binding. Use your craft knife or scissors to trim the ends.

PRO TIP: If your coupons aren’t sticking to the washi tape and staying in the book, put a thin zigzag of white glue across the full length of your washi tape. Because washi tape isn’t a permanent tape, some kinds won’t be sticky enough to hold the coupons in place. A small line of white glue should help with that, without making the coupons hard to remove from the book.

That’s it! You’re ready to wrap and give those love coupons to your favorite kid. And get ready for some awesome good times and memory making!

GIVE YOUR FAVORITE KIDS A GIFT THAT WILL LAST THROUGH THE YEARS: KIDS LOVE COUPONS

Theodor Seuss Geisel, maybe you know him better as Dr. Seuss, said “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

It might seem like building a fort or going to the library isn’t a big deal, but when your kids look back on their childhoods they will remember the people and the fun. They will remember the forts and the story times. They won’t remember the things.

Go make your favorite kids their very own Kid’s Love Coupons Book and give them something to remember.

Want to expand your Kids Love Coupons collection? Check out my Etsy Shop for the full set of 28 ready-to-print coupons and an editable file that will help you make your own personalized, custom coupons in just minutes!

January 28, 2019 by Krista

DIY Scratch Off Cards that will Spice Up Date Night

Hi there! Are you looking for a fun way to spice up your love life that won’t break the bank? Or maybe you’re searching for a fun DIY gift? Do you ever play the “Well, whatcha wanna do?” game on date night? Do you love scratch off cards – or maybe know someone who does? Then these DIY scratch off cards are just what you are looking for!

In just 8 super easy steps and an afternoon, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind set of DIY scratch off cards that will add a little fun and mystery to date night. They are perfect for romantic gifts or just for a little change of pace.

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS: SPICE UP DATE NIGHT WITH A LITTLE FUN AND MYSTERY

The best part about these DIY scratch off cards are that you can customize them to fit your needs. If date night has become predictable and lost it’s excitement, then something like a Date Night Lotto card would liven things up! Scratch off a square and you have a great date idea without adding a ton of stress or prep to date nights!

Or maybe you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your sweetie or to spice things up in the bedroom a bit? Then a set of Lover’s Lotto or Spicy Lover’s Lotto cards might fill your needs best. Scratch off one of those squares and forget your boring, old routine! Right at your finger tips is a great new romantic idea to fill your evening!

And I’ll give you the blank templates in just a minute! Doesn’t get much easier than that!

(But, if you do want it to get easier, I have pre-filled, ready-to-print cards as well as an editable PDF you can just plug your own ideas into in my Etsy Shop.)

ARE DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS YOUR KIND OF PROJECT?

This project is pretty simple, but it’s not for everyone. So, how do you know if it’s the kind of thing you’re looking for? Who is this post written for? What demographics will benefit from this information? Make an emotional connection and hit a pain point.

Do you enjoy a good, simple DIY project?
Are you looking for a way to liven up your love life?
Do you need a romantic gift idea that doesn’t cost a lot, doesn’t take a ton of time to put together and is something your gift receiver will love?
Are you trying to stick to a budget?

If you said yes to those – or any combination of those – then this project is exactly what you’re looking for.

However, if you’re looking for something RIGHT NOW or don’t like DIY projects this might not be what you’re looking for. (My printable Date Night Jar or printable Truth or Dare: Couple’s Edition bedroom card game might fit your needs better right now. They are literally print and cut and done.)

HOW TO MAKE DIY SCRATCH OFF LOTTO CARDS

With just a few simple supplies and an afternoon, you’ll have custom DIY scratch off cards perfect for your needs. A quick print job, some trimming and laminating, and a splash of paint is all you need to get one step closer to a spicier love life.

And don’t worry, most of the project time is waiting for the paint to dry. While it will take a few hours for your DIY scratch off cards to be all ready to go, you don’t need to carve out a whole afternoon to spend slaving away.

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD SUPPLIES:

Blank scratch off card templates – Print your free blank templates HERE or you can grab all the pre-filled, ready-to-print cards and the editable PDF files to fill in yourself RIGHT HERE)
Printer and Paper
Scissors or paper cutter
Clear contact paper, cold laminating pouches or a thermal laminator and thermal pouches (I absolutely LOVE this thermal laminator starter kit – works great and totally affordable. I have the older model and it still works like a charm.)
Acrylic paint and paintbrush – any color will work, but a metallic paint will look most like a typical scratch off card. Follow your colorful heart, there is no wrong choice.
Paint palette or something to mix your paint on
Dish soap – the kind you hand wash dishes with, not the kind you put in the dishwasher.
Skinny 3mm washi tape – optional

PRINT & FILL IN YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF TEMPLATES

Step #1: Download and print your blank lotto card templates. I recommend printing with a laser printer and on card stock for durability. Ink jet and regular paper will work just fine though.

*If you choose to grab my editable PDF files from my Etsy shop, you’ll want to fill those in before you print them.

Step #2: Fill in the blank templates with a pen or marker. Leave some space around your writing to make sure it won’t stick out from under the paint when you cover them up. You don’t need to leave a lot of space, but try not to write all the way to the borders of the boxes.

COVER AND CUT YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

*If you use laminating pouches or a thermal laminator, you will want to switch steps #3 and #4. Cut the cards apart first and then laminate each individual card. After each card is laminated, cut it apart and trim the cards, if desired.*

Step #3: Cover the front of your lotto card templates with the clear contact paper. You can cover the back too, if you want, but it’s not necessary. This cover will help protect the cards and is how the paint will scratch off your DIY scratch off cards.

Step #4: After the contact paper is on the cards, cut the cards apart. The files are formatted to cut an 8.5″x11″ paper into quarters. You absolutely can cut the cards smaller though. I did trim mine smaller for neater edges and smaller margins.

PREPARE YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS FOR PAINTING

Step #5: If you choose, mask off the edges of the cards. 3mm washi tape is perfect for this! Just put a line of tape on all the grid lines on the card. It’ll keep your paint lines nicer. Repeat with each card.

Step #6: Mix your acrylic paint and dish soap with an approximate 2:1 ratio – 2 parts paint, 1 part dish soap. It’s not rocket science and you don’t have to have precise measurements for this to work, so don’t stress over it.

PAINTING YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

Step #7: Apply a thin layer of paint over the words on your card. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step #8: Repeat step #7 until you can no longer see the text through the paint. Depending on what color paint you use, you may need 3-5 coats. Let dry overnight once you can no longer see text through the paint layers.

That’s it, your ready to spice things up!

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD TIPS & TRICKS

** A laser printer will keep your ink from smudging, should the cards get wet. Using laminating pouches will also accomplish this. An ink jet printer will work just fine, just be cautious not to get the cards wet if you don’t laminate them with pouches.

** Skinny 3mm washi tape is perfect for masking off your grid lines while you paint, however it is NOT a necessity. It will keep your paint lines neater, make painting easier, and make your cards look better overall, but free-handing the painting process is definitely an option and will save some time if you don’t have to mask off your grid lines. You could also cut down and use masking tape or scotch tape, if you prefer.

** Use fresh paint. By that, I mean not paint you’ve had in a cupboard for a few years… As you can see in that last photo, I started using silver paint. But it was old. It was clumpy and kept separating and didn’t mix well with the dish soap, so I ditched it for the red and pink paints. Newer, non-clumpy paint will give you a much better result with far fewer coats of paint.

** The painting and waiting to dry process is the longest part of this project, but it will turn out so much better if you do thin layers rather than a thick, globby one. You can use a blow dryer on low heat, low air flow to speed this process up.

** If all this masking off and painting thing is more than you want to deal with, you can use scratch off stickers to cover your date ideas instead. Take this cute idea and simplify! Find scratch off stickers on Etsy or on Amazon.

Got more questions? You’re always welcome to leave a comment or shoot me a message!

READY TO MAKE SOME DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS AND SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE?

In just an afternoon you can spice up date night and add some fun and mystery to your romantic life. This project is simple and fun. It’s a great romantic gift idea that is customizable to fit your exact needs. And who wouldn’t love to get some DIY Scratch Off Cards like these?!

Turn on some mood music, grab a coin and start scratching off those fun ideas!

If you want more romantic gift and date night ideas, check out the Date Night Jar (or HERE is a printable version!)

January 22, 2019 by Krista

Spa Date Night and Massage Kit for an Awesome At Home Date

Looking for a romantic gift idea for the sweetie in your life? Or need a special date night that won’t mess with the budget? A good, at home spa date night will leave you and your sweetheart feeling relaxed, reconnected and rejuvenated. Put together a simple and super effective Massage Kit – complete with massage coupons, lotions, oils, hot stones and all good things massage – for a night you and your sweetie will enjoy!

RECONNECT WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

Life gets crazy sometimes, am I right? I’m a huge believer in “date night”, but I’ve honestly don’t remember the last time I went on an actual date with my husband. Between work, kids, church, chores, errands and all the other things that make up life it can be hard to fit everything in. And, if your budget is tight, it can complicate things in a whole new way. Finding a sitter for starters, right?

But, reconnecting with your dream boat doesn’t have to cost a lot. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of time either! You probably have all the things you need to put together a spa date night and massage kit already. And, trust me, you’ll both be thankful for the pampering and quality time. And you don’t even have to leave home.

IS A SPA DATE NIGHT WORTH IT?

A spa day with lots of fancy treatments sounds nice, but the small detail of wandering around in nothing but a robe with strangers touching me gives me second thoughts. And spas are expensive. But, I can get behind doing that with, and for, my husband. Especially if it doesn’t cost a week’s paycheck.

Is an at home spa night something you’d enjoy? Are you:

looking for a romantic gift idea for the sweetie in your life?
in need of a special date night that won’t mess up the budget?
wanting to reconnect with your sweetheart without leaving home?

Then YES! This is the perfect date for you! Because it’s simple to organize, easy to do, it doesn’t cost a lot and you don’t need a sitter for the kids. Quality time to pamper and reconnect with your special sweetie. Who wouldn’t want that?

THE PERFECT GIFT: AN AT HOME SPA DATE NIGHT AS A GIFT

An at home spa date night makes a great gift. A massage kit with some great coupons (who doesn’t love to cash in a coupon?) and some massage basics are the perfect tangible gift. Pair it with a scheduled night to get to use those coupons and the goodies in the kit, and you’ve got a romantic gift you’ll both look forward to using!

CREATE THE PERFECT AT HOME SPA DATE NIGHT

Whether you decide to give the spa kit and massage coupons as a gift and do the date night later or whether you choose to plan a whole special spa date night, just remember to focus on your sweetheart. Relax, reconnect and rejuvenate each other because that’s what this whole thing is about!

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT:

Massage Coupons your sweetie will love. You can grab the coupons I used in my massage kit from my Etsy shop. There’s even an editable PDF file you can use to create your own coupons super easy.
Comfy bath robes (my favorite women’s robe | my favorite men’s robe)
Favorite body butter or body lotion (my favorite hand repair cream and it smells like cake!)
Favorite massage oil or personal lubricant (I personally prefer lube and recommend this brand of lubricant. It’s smooth, not greasy and safe for all body parts, if things get carried away during your massages…)
Favorite sparkling beverage and chocolates
Relaxing music – I like this Spotify playlist
Smooth stones. You can get a small bag of decorative stones at Dollar Tree and they work great so grab a bag of those next time you’re there!
Rice bag or heating pad to warm up your stones or relax tense muscles.
Massage tools – this is totally optional and definitely not a must-have for a successful evening.
Favorite bath salts or bath bombs or make your own (My DIY Bath and Body Recipes Pinterest Board has some great ideas so come check those out and follow me while you’re there!)
Favorite bubble bath

GATHERING TOGETHER YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT

Step #1 – Make any DIY products if you’re going to do that. Or rummage through your body care

stash and see what you can use that you already have because free is the best price, right? But, if you need to make any purchases, now is the time to do it. Just remember, simplicity is good too. This is all about your time together!

DESIGNING YOUR MASSAGE COUPONS

Step #2 – Make your massage coupons. While you definitely don’t HAVE to include any coupons, it would be fun to know that this isn’t necessarily a one-time deal. My husband and I have a deal that once one of us redeems the coupon I used Photoshop but you can make them with whatever you’d like. Open your favorite word processing program, image editing software or go old-school and grab some paper and pens.

Some ideas for your coupons:

scalp and neck massage
back massage
foot massage (with or without a hot water soak)
hot stone massage (if you do this one, keep it safe. We use a small rice bag heated in the microwave and sandwiched over our rocks for a couple minutes to warm them. This is perfect because we can easily keep and eye on them and make sure they aren’t too hot. And, remember, different parts of the body have different heat sensitivities.)
hydro-massage (hot shower or tub, especially nice if you have a shower head with a wand and adjustable pressure settings)
full body massage

If you don’t want to bother with making your own, don’t forget you can get a copy of the massage coupons I designed in my Etsy Shop, along with the editable PDF file that will let you design your own really quick.

I also included an “exclusive members” coupon that pulls out all the big spa-like treatments. Hot soak in a bubble bath with bubbly beverage, full body massage with lotions and oils, facial, his choice of other massage technique. Something super special for after a rough day… or week.

YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT IS ALMOST READY TO GO!

Step #3 – Gather your massage goodies and put them in a basket or other container so everything is together and neat.

If you’re going to give them as a gift, you can dress them up fancy with a bow. If you’re going to use them as a date night, you can just use the basket so everything is in one place.

Cue up your music, put your bubbly beverage on ice (or in the fridge) and let the romancin’ begin!

A NIGHT TO RELAX, RECONNECT AND REJUVENATE WITH YOUR SWEETHEART

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a crazy grand gesture that takes a lot of time and planning and supplies. Your at home spa date night should be about reconnecting with your dream boat so .

Keep it simple. Make sure you reciprocate equally. And enjoy each other.

Relax. Reconnect. Rejuvenate. And you don’t even have to leave home.

CHECK OUT MORE DATE NIGHT IDEAS TO KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE, EVEN WHEN LIFE GETS CRAZY!

September 25, 2018 by Krista

Amazing Fall Simmer Pot Recipes – All Natural Ingredients!

Welcome and hello! I’m so glad you’re here! Autumn is creeping in on us here in the desert. Our days are still in the 70º’s, but there’s a definite chill that comes with the night and lingers just long enough for sweaters in the morning. There’s so many amazing things about Fall, but the smells are arguably some of the best. If you want to bring those amazing scents into your home, you need these Fall Simmer Pot Recipes! And they are made with all natural ingredients – nothing hard to find and definitely no chemical smells!

These 12 Fall Simmer Pot Recipes - made with all natural and easy to find ingredients - will bring the best autumnal aromas to your home all season long!

MAKE YOUR HOME COZY AND INVITING WITH FALL SIMMER POT RECIPES

I am the first to admit that, with three young boys in my home, it doesn’t always smell like roses. Let’s be honest, if I didn’t make my boys wipe down the toilet on an almost-daily basis (and sometimes two or three OR FIFTY times a day), my house would smell like pee.

#boymomproblems

Thankfully, simmer pot recipes have helped me control what my house smells like. Because that kind of stuff makes an impression and “lady with the pee house” isn’t exactly how I want people to remember me.

One of my criteria for simmer pot recipes is real ingredients that are easy and inexpensive to get my hands on. And that is exactly what you’ll find in these recipes.

These fall simmer pot recipes use 12 real ingredients – no weird things you can’t find at your local grocery or out in nature and definitely none of those chemically smelling wax melts! There are 12 different combinations to bring the best things of Fall into your cozy home, so you’re sure to find one that will suit you.

Because Fall smells like cinnamon, not cinnamon scented chemicals.

These 12 Fall Simmer Pot Recipes - made with all natural and easy to find ingredients - will bring the best autumnal aromas to your home all season long!

A SIMMER POT MIGHT WORK BEST FOR YOU IF:

Sure, there are lots of ways to make your home smell better. Deodorizers, cleansers, candles and other aroma diffusers are widely available. Because, who wants the gym stank to hang around or the funky game day laundry you haven’t had a chance to do yet?

I’ve tried a million ways – I swear it feels that way – to try to keep the stink and funk under control. Living with a bunch of boys can be a real stinker, especially in the winter when we keep the house closed up and heated. A simmer pot works best if you’re looking for:

a set and forget method to make your home smell amazing that is easy to turn off and on.
no open flames or melted wax to worry about – a huge perk with little ones wandering around!
inexpensive options that don’t bring a lot of chemicals into your home.
options that don’t clutter your electrical outlets.

HOW DO YOU SIMMER? WHICH METHOD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There is more than one way to simmer a pot. I’m going to present you with three ways and leave it to you to choose which method fits your life best.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of a small simmer pot or candle/wax melt warmer, a small slow cooker, or a pot on the stove.

SIMMER POT

A simmer pot is electric and you plug it into a wall outlet. It uses a light bulb to heat whatever you put in the small bowl.

If you want a simmer pot, I suggest this ceramic one that you can find on Amazon. The ceramic will make it easier to clean up and this one has pretty good reviews. It has a decent size bowl for a simmer pot, but you’ll need to keep an eye on the water and refill it more often since the bowl is small. (You can also search wax melt warmer or candle warmer and see some other options.)

I personally don’t own a simmer pot currently, but have in the past. My biggest complaints were having to change the light bulb when it dies, constantly refilling the water and inconsistent heating.

SMALL SLOW COOKER

Personally, I like to simmer in a small slow cooker like this one. I have this pot and it works great! Why do I recommend a small slow cooker over an actual simmer pot? Here’s why:

It can hold more water and ingredients, which means you can scent more square footage with just a single simmer pot. And there are fewer water refills to keep your pot simmering.
The adjustable temperature control. Almost every single simmer pot I’ve researched – and definitely every budget simmer pot – one of the biggest complaints is how hot or not hot they get. Adjustable temperature takes care of that.
It’s super easy to clean. Clean it out, rinse and put it in the dishwasher. If you forget to clean it out or don’t have time when you turn it off, just clean out the loose stuff, soak the removable crock and wash. Easy peasy.
Budget-friendly and multi-functional. Off brand small slow cookers usually cost less than a decorative simmer pot; sometimes, you can find them for less than half as much. I simmer in my kitchen, so a small slow cooker on the counter is no big deal. And, because I only simmer with natural ingredients, I don’t worry about putting food in my slow cooker after it’s been cleaned.

STOVE TOP IN A POT

This is great if you need a large batch that you can set up in the morning and then just leave it alone all day. If you have company coming that evening, but still have cleaning to do, a large batch on the stove top is a great option. Again, just make sure you don’t run out of water.

My biggest hang up with this method is that it heats the house (which is fine in November, but less desirable in September here in the hot desert) and it takes up a burner on my stove. But my biggest issue is that I have to leave the stove on and, with all my little kids around, I just cringe at all the things that could go wrong with that scenario.

SIMMERING IS SUPER EASY WITH THESE NATURAL INGREDIENT FALL SIMMER POT RECIPES

If you’ve never simmered anything before, let me tell you how easy it is. Pretty much if you can boil water, you can simmer. Actually, I think boiling water is harder. In just 3 simple steps, you’ll be ready to simmer your way into Fall aroma heaven.

Gather natural ingredients in your pot
Fill pot with water
Place pot on warmer and turn the warmer on

Yep, for real, it is THAT easy.

The only thing you have to remember is to keep the water topped off. You can even reuse your pot for 7 consecutive days if you put it in the fridge overnight, which can help your pennies stretch even further without giving up those Fall scents we all love.

ALL NATURAL FALL SIMMER POT RECIPES PRINTABLE

Keep your home smelling amazing all season long with these 12 Fall simmer pot recipes. All 12 recipes use 3-5 all natural ingredients. Your home will be cozy and inviting with the best scents of Fall greeting guests and visitors. Kick the funk to the curb and instead fill your home with the cozy smells of Fall.

Click the image or link below to get your printable copy of my favorite 12 Fall Simmer Pot Recipes. The download page will open in a new tab. Just click the download button and then save the image to your computer. Print a copy to keep near your simmer pot. Be sure to follow those steps so you get the full resolution image and not a grainy web version.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE

BANISH THE FUNK AND ENJOY THE BEST FALL AROMAS ALL SEASON LONG

Whether it’s boy bathroom stink, Halloween costume sweat or ski trip laundry funk, banish the nose-scrunching smells and fill your home with the sweet and savory smells that we all love about Fall. Invite visitors in with warmth from the moment you open the door this Fall season. These Fall Simmer Pot recipes will make your home a place everyone wants to escape from the chilly air.

Happy Fall!

These 12 Fall Simmer Pot Recipes - made with all natural and easy to find ingredients - will bring the best autumnal aromas to your home all season long!

AT HOME DATE: COUPLE’S JENGA GAME

COUPLE’S JENGA – AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT GAME THAT WILL HELP YOU DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

COUPLES JENGA IS THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT GAME FOR COUPLES LOOKING TO GET AWAY FOR A BIT

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR COUPLES JENGA GAME

COUPLES JENGA GAME MATERIALS:

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

STEP #3: GLUE THE COUPLES JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

COUPLES JENGA: AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT THAT WILL REKINDLE YOUR FIRE!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH READY-TO-PRINT COUPLES JENGA BLOCK LABELS!

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: A MORE MEANINGFUL GIFT

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: THE PERFECT GIFT ANYONE CAN GIVE ANYTIME

MAKING YOUR OWN KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3

KIDS LOVE COUPONS SUPPLIES:

KIDS LOVE COUPONS DIRECTIONS:

1. DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR COUPONS

2. CUT APART YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS

3. BIND YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK TOGETHER

GIVE YOUR FAVORITE KIDS A GIFT THAT WILL LAST THROUGH THE YEARS: KIDS LOVE COUPONS

Want to expand your Kids Love Coupons collection? Check out my Etsy Shop for the full set of 28 ready-to-print coupons and an editable file that will help you make your own personalized, custom coupons in just minutes!

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS: SPICE UP DATE NIGHT WITH A LITTLE FUN AND MYSTERY

ARE DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS YOUR KIND OF PROJECT?

HOW TO MAKE DIY SCRATCH OFF LOTTO CARDS

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD SUPPLIES:

PRINT & FILL IN YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF TEMPLATES

COVER AND CUT YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

PREPARE YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS FOR PAINTING

PAINTING YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD TIPS & TRICKS

READY TO MAKE SOME DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS AND SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE?

If you want more romantic gift and date night ideas, check out the Date Night Jar (or HERE is a printable version!)

RECONNECT WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

IS A SPA DATE NIGHT WORTH IT?

THE PERFECT GIFT: AN AT HOME SPA DATE NIGHT AS A GIFT

CREATE THE PERFECT AT HOME SPA DATE NIGHT

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT:

GATHERING TOGETHER YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT

DESIGNING YOUR MASSAGE COUPONS

YOUR SPA DATE NIGHT KIT IS ALMOST READY TO GO!

A NIGHT TO RELAX, RECONNECT AND REJUVENATE WITH YOUR SWEETHEART

CHECK OUT MORE DATE NIGHT IDEAS TO KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE, EVEN WHEN LIFE GETS CRAZY!

MAKE YOUR HOME COZY AND INVITING WITH FALL SIMMER POT RECIPES

A SIMMER POT MIGHT WORK BEST FOR YOU IF:

HOW DO YOU SIMMER? WHICH METHOD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

SIMMER POT

SMALL SLOW COOKER

STOVE TOP IN A POT

SIMMERING IS SUPER EASY WITH THESE NATURAL INGREDIENT FALL SIMMER POT RECIPES

ALL NATURAL FALL SIMMER POT RECIPES PRINTABLE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE

BANISH THE FUNK AND ENJOY THE BEST FALL AROMAS ALL SEASON LONG

Ever wish you could focus better? Check out these Essential Oil recipes that will help improve your focus!

Privacy Policy