I don’t know about you, but I love to have parties during the summer, and laying out a snack bar for everyone to help themselves can alleviate quite a bit of stress in finding everyone’s favorite foods. My husband’s go-to snack is always popcorn, and it’s a great snack to use as a base in a mix! However, mine is homemade ice-cream. I love a cold bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day! In the summer, I always mix ice cream with different types of candy like my absolute favorite, Sour Patch Kids! Whether it is making an ice cream bowl mixed with candy or another type of snack mix, there is always one for everyone. Here is a great mix to make below that I just recently made for my family that I’m sure you’ll love!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of air-popped popcorn
• 1 pack Bite Size Cookies
• 1 cup extra small mini pretzel twists
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup mixed jumbo raisins

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Mix well.
• Serve & Enjoy!

This simple recipe only calls for five ingredients and all you have to do is combine them together – that’s it! It’s also the perfect on-the-go snack if you are traveling for vacations or family get togethers. This popcorn mix is an easy snack to make and you can throw it into a baggy.

Find Out More with MyMilitarySavings.com and Food & Drink!

Vinegar:

• This first mask I found was in The Healthy by Reader’s Digest and uses Vinegar! A staple we can all find in our home, for cooking, cleaning and so much more…but did you know, it also works perfect as a toner or face mask?! It is so easy to make and only involves two ingredients – apple cider vinegar and water!

Oatmeal:

• I also found this great soothing oatmeal mask in The Healthy by Reader’s Digest!  I love oatmeal! It tastes good! It is good for your insides and now your outside!  Follow their recipe for an amazing oatmeal mask!

 Avocado:

• I LOVE avocado for eating and now I discovered this amazing mask at Self that is made from just 3 ingredients – avocado, yogurt, and honey!

Perhaps you’re not wanting to make your own mask but want an inexpensive, yet luxurious mask! Girl, I got you…I LOVE these face masks and they are super cute & fun to wear!! They are so easy to use! So, if you’re not in the mood for concocting a mask of your own, I highly recommend these!

Happy Pampering!

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Supplies:

• Colored Permanent Markers
• Rubbing Alcohol
• White T-shirt
• Piece of cardboard
• Small Dropper
• Cup (optional)

Directions:

• Place the cardboard between the front and back of your T-shirt to prevent the Markers from soaking through and create dot patterns making sure not to place the dots too closely together because the ink will spread and you want to be able to see and enjoy each color.

• Be mindful of colors that will look good when bled together – yellow and orange, blue and purple, etc.
• Using complimentary colors too closely together may end in a muddy looking mess.
• My favorite color combinations were fuchsia with red and turquoise with green!

• We threw in some lines and swirlies but the dots turned out the best.
• Use a variety of large and small dots!

• Once you are done with your drawing, you will drop Rubbing Alcohol onto the middle of your designs to get the colors to spread out into a tie dye effect!
• Using a cup may make this process a bit easier for you if you made circular patterns.
• Secure the T-shirt around a cup using a rubber band (or just hold it taut with your hands) and drop a few splatters of Rubbing Alcohol smack dab in the middle of the design.

• To get the colors to spread out farther, add more Rubbing Alcohol to the center of your design.
• The faster you drop, the easier the ink will spread without being absorbed by the cotton.

• Once you are satisfied with your tie dye job, remove the cardboard and put your T-shirt in the dryer for 20 minutes to set the marker.

• Then, put it on and ROCK IT!

Notes:

• The fun part is coming up with any wild design your heart desires!

This was a fun task for me and my kiddos! I hope you family enjoys their new designs!

Find Out More with My Military Savings and DIY & Crafts!

These little bunny behinds are so cute, easy and inexpensive to make!

What You Need:

-Commissary paper bags OR brown paper lunch  bags

-This Bunny template

-Twine or string

-Cotton balls

-Tape or glue

-Scissors

-Hole punch

Directions:

Print out template, cut out and use  to trace onto the paper bags.

 Trace as many you want on your garland and then cut out!

Grab your cotton balls and either glue or tape the cotton balls onto the  bottoms.

Then use a hole puncher and punch a whole on the top of each bunny ear, and thread the twine though to make it a garland

And now you have a cute little bunny garland, that is perfect for Springtime!

Here is what you will need:

1 medium onion

2 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons of butter

2 cups of ketchup

6 ounces of Pepsi

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire

1 teaspoon mustard

2 tablespoons of vinegar

Chop up the onion and garlic. Make it fine if they are too big you’ll have chunks in your sauce.

Add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt it.

Add the onion and garlic to the saucepan and let it cook down. About 5-10 minutes while continuously stirring.

Add all the other ingredients and stir.

Let the sauce simmer for an hour while stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken some. Once you are done enjoy. You can use this sauce immediately or store it for later. I enjoy a mustard vinegar sauce like this one. I want to try the recipe again and add a little more Pepsi to give it a little more sweetness. Whether your a grill master or you want a homemade sauce for your nuggets this is a great one to give a try.

What You Need

• 1 tsp of Petroleum jelly or Vaseline
• 1 tsp of Simply Orange
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt all 3 ingredients in microwaveable bowl for 30 seconds
2. Pour mixture into a lip-gloss container
3. Let it set for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator

That’s it! When I said it was simple, I meant it. It only took 10 minutes to make 2 lip balms for my son and my daughter. I plan to make more for home and some to take with me to work. Simply Orange® is my little ones favorite juice, so when Zion found out I was making lip balm with it, he was the first in line to try it!  He was pretty excited that he got his own container of lip balm and loved the hint of orange. My daughter also loves any “lipstick” in her words, so she was all about trying out her lip balm.

For this and more amazing recipes, coupons, and savings visit www.cocacolamilitary.com. Also, look for this special coupon offer below in a commissary near you!

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles

Truffles: 

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons milk

Topping:

• 16 ounces almond bark, melted
• Cinnamon sugar (2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

Begin by creaming your butter and brown sugar together. Add the cinnamon, salt, flour, and milk and combine gently.

This is a great edible cookie dough base! Try not to eat it all with a spoon. Chill your dough for about 15 minutes and then scoop into balls. I use my trusty cookie scoop, but you can use a tablespoon.

Chill again for at least 30 minutes.

Melt your almond bark and in a separate dish, mix your cinnamon sugar. You can use melted white chocolate as a coating, but I really enjoy the almond bark. It hardens nicely and doesn’t melt in your fingers while you’re eating the truffles. It also has a nice snap when you bite into it!

Dip each truffle into the almond bark and coat it completely. I use two forks to finagle it out and set it back on the cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top. Repeat for the rest of the truffles!

They should go back into the fridge for at least another 30 minutes to harden completely. Try not to eat them all at once!! I *may* have had a few with my coffee this morning for breakfast. They are just the BEST!

No bake truffles are really inexpensive and would make a great homemade gift for those special someones in your life! For more recipes (including lots of truffle ideas!) head on over to mymilitarysavings.com and sign up for your FREE membership!

Happy Holidays!

I have been stitching for years. My mom taught me when I was around seven, and I was hooked from there. I started with simple projects, and then worked into my major WIPs (Works In Progress) that of course never seem to get finished. That does not mean that I am not going to start new ones… I just rest easy with the knowledge that I will always have something to work on. Okay, I am working on getting them finished, but sometimes you find a project that screams ME ME ME! I have managed to finish four old WIPs this year. But of course, this Halloween stitch was something that I wanted to get done RIGHT NOW. I can literally spend hours just looking at patterns, patriotic and outdoor themes are huge favorites of mine.  Right now, I have a stash that will extend into my grandchildren’s life expectancy (along with my massive to read list), and keep me busy for the next 80+ years. That does not mean I will NOT buy anything new, cause honestly, who can resist awesome projects??? I have a cute little freebie to share with you here, and it was pretty quick to put together. I don’t want ya’ll to think you can sit down and whip this out in two hours, but its a great rainy day activity, that at the end of the day will be done. Here is one that I bought and completed about four years ago, while recovering from hip surgery:

Jack Sprat was really simple to put together. Easy to follow pattern (I used a magnifying glass to make the symbols larger), and adorable! Who could say no to this little guy? I am not sure how I am going to finish him out completely yet.. I might just find a cute frame, or make him into a pillow for my couch.

What you need:

• Aida cloth – I used 18 count fabric
• Needle
• Scissors
• Hoop or Q-Snaps to hold your fabric
• Floss as called for on the bottom of the pattern – 7 colors total
• Pattern (located below)

Directions:

1. Find the center of your fabric and mark. I used pencil for this so that the small mark would not be noticeable.
2. Place your hoop and pull your fabric taut. I always think of the saying “pretend you are playing the drums.” Pull it tight, but not to tight as you do not want to rip the aida cloth.
3. Figure out where you are going to start. I find it easy to find the center of the pattern, and then count to the end of the nearest line. You can go left to right or right to left. Everyone stitches their own way!
4. Stitch, stitch, stitch.. and of course binge watch your favorite movies or T.V. shows while you stitch away!
5. Enjoy your finished item!

Time from start to finish – 9.5 hours

Cost: $7.54 total!

Satisfaction: PERFECTION!

Pattern: Freebie from www.farmhousenotforgotten/blogspot.com

In our family, our pets are as near and dear to our hearts as our very own children. I mean, they don’t talk back, they ask no questions, they’re always happy to see you, they never seem to be in a bad mood, and they pass no criticism! If you are having a bad day, cuddle up with a fur baby and I guarantee you’ll feel a bit better afterwards. It’s just the way it is. <3

My father has two dogs, Dora and Thor, that he wouldn’t know what to ever do without. He told me that they basically hold the position as my brother and sister but that didn’t seem quite right to me – I argued that they are more like my niece and nephew… a little less related. But I feel like I should have a bumper sticker that says “I love my goddogs” because just like a godparent, I have been requested to take in the canines if anything should happen to my dad. And I do love them dearly.

Between he and I, we are always looking for the healthiest food and treat options we can find for them, because they deserve the best. The problem with store bought treats is that if you aren’t careful about reading the ingredient lists, it is easy to believe something may be tasty for your pups but it isn’t the least bit healthy for them. Wheat flour is a common ingredient that is horrible for dogs – it breaks down as glucose (sugar) and can cause many health issues including dog diabetes. Corn syrup and other sugars are also typical in store bought treats and shouldn’t be consumed for the same reason as wheat flour, and these sugars can also lead to tooth decay and obesity. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is known to cause cancer in humans so why would it be okay to feed our pets? And many treats include meat-by-products which are essentially the “other” parts of the animals (brains, eyes, kidneys, bones, etc.) – and most often the ingredient list doesn’t specify WHAT kind of animal. Ground yellow corn is a cheap filler and brewer’s rice has very little nutritional value. I could go on and on… but if you’re interested in more information then visit The Dog Digest.

You know what IS good for dogs? Peanut butter! It contains heart healthy fats, vitamins, and is a good source of protein. Canned pumpkin (unsweetened) is also great for canines because it is full of fiber and it converts into vitamin A as it’s broken down. So guess what the main ingredients are of my goddogs absolute favorite homemade treat?? You got it!

I made these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Balls and Dora and Thor literally annihilated them. They can keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed container but we decided to freeze them so they’d last longer and just let them thaw for a few minutes before serving them. Frozen or not, our pups had no preference. Either way, they were gulped down quickly!

These take 10 minutes to whip up and require 4 ingredients:

• 3 cups of old fashioned oats, divided
• 1 cup of canned pumpkin (plain, pureed, without spices or sugar)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk

Step 1) Beat the pumpkin, peanut butter, and milk until mixed well. Add 2 1/2 cups of oats until just combined.

Step 2) Form the mixture into small balls 1-2 inches in length and then roll in the remaining 1/2 cup of oats to coat.

Step 3) Cover and refrigerate until firm. Freeze if desired. This makes for a wonderful treat on hot days!

You can see below that Dora (the big hound and jack russell mix) and Thor (the miniature dachshund) really enjoy these all natural, healthy, simple, homemade treats. I had to zoom in on Thor licking his chomps – he is such an excited little guy when these treats are brought out!

Please give these Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Treats a try, and let me know if your dogs approve!

“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.” – unknown

This also makes a fun sleepover activity or birthday party craft when you have a handful of people over! All you need is:

• Petroleum jelly
• Kool-Aid® packets
• 5 gram plastic cosmetic container jars with lids (such as these here)
• Microwave-safe bowls and spoons for mixing/stirring

I researched and found the most common DIY lip balm was simply mixing a powdered drink packet with petroleum jelly and using it as is. The rough grains from the drink mix would drive me crazy though and I was curious if the flavor would be too concentrated that it’d taste gross as well. So I decided to melt my petroleum jelly down and dissolve the Kool-Aid® in it, which also creates a much nicer, solid, finished product rather than a whipped mix of gooey jelly just scooped into a container.

But first things first. You have to choose your Kool-Aid® flavors! When they are dissolved and mixed the color of the powder does change so be aware that grape Kool-Aid®, for example, turns out a grey-ish color. Our favorites were tropical punch that created a dark red/purple gloss and watermelon that created a light pink. But hey, orange or blue lip gloss would be cool, too!

Scoop a couple of tablespoons of petroleum jelly into a microwave safe bowl and heat in one minute increments until it is fully melted. BE CAREFUL as both the bowl and jelly will be HOT HOT HOT! Add a Kool-Aid® packet using as little or as much as you’d like to create the color you desire and stir well to dissolve. All of the flavored powder will not completely dissolve and there will be some grains that sink to the bottom of your bowl. This is fine.

Use a spoon and scoop from the TOP of the bowl to fill the plastic containers. This will leave the grains behind and your lip balm will be smoooooooth!

Set the containers aside and let them become solid again. Then share with your friends!

Super easy, right? And who doesn’t have Kool-Aid® and petroleum jelly laying around!? The lip balm containers, well, that may require a bit of planning ahead.

And, even if your kiddos think they know it all, a little reminder that this is NOT an edible product won’t hurt!

How did yours turn out? I’d love to hear about it!!

For more fun family crafts and DIY projects, visit MyMilitarySavings.com!

MyMilitarySavings.com was not compensated by the company, service or product mentioned in this blog. This is strictly the honest opinions, findings, beliefs, and/or experiences of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely the bloggers’ own. Any claims, statistic, quotes or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. MyMilitarySavings.com is not liable for any risks injury or illness that may occur if you choose to act upon the bloggers’ suggestions stated in this blog.