Dollar Store Bunny Bar

Today I am sharing a super-simple Easter idea. I picked up a few supplies from the dollar store, and I put together this easy Easter hot chocolate bar in less than 5 minutes! This idea is perfect for an intimate family Easter, and it's fun if you are hosting a bunch of people too. You could even add some "adult" drinks for the grown ups. A "bunny bar" can be as simple or elaborate as you want.

I purchased this adorable crate from the dollar store (for $4), and I added a simple sign that I designed. I also purchased three dollar store jars (for $1.50 each) to hold my "bar" ingredients.

I filled my jars with hot chocolate, candy coated chocolate mini eggs, and mini marshmallows.

Cute, right?

To download the "bunny bar" sign: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.

Of course, you'll need to serve a batch of festive Easter cookies to go with the hot chocolate. I am loving these soft and chewy mini egg cookies, and they would look fantastic next to the bunny bar.

I think a "bunny bar" is the perfect way to serve treats to your Easter guests. It's an easy and inexpensive idea, and it's guaranteed to "up" your hostess game!

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Find more easy and inexpensive Easter Ideas HERE.

Funny Valentine... "Thanks for putting up with my CRAP!"

Maybe I have lived in a house with four boys too long, but I think this is a silly and funny idea for Valentine's Day. It's kind of the "anti-Valentine". Isn't this a clever, non-mushy, not-too-sentimental idea for Valentine's Day? I love this roll of toilet paper packaged up with ribbon and a note that says, "Thanks for putting up with my crap. Happy Valentine's Day!"

Funny, right? This would be fun for a friend, a parent, or a spouse.

To print the note I designed: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.

Then, stick the note and a roll of toilet paper in a clear cellophane bag... and tie it with a ribbon.

Do you know someone that would appreciate receiving this funny Valentine? Who would you give this silly gift to?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Simple Neighbour Gifts... and free printable tags

I have the greatest neighbours, so I like to give them a small gift at Christmas. This year, I am sharing homemade, fresh potpourri that they can simmer on their stoves. It's simple to make, and it really smells like Christmas. I'm also sharing the free printable tags I designed so you can share this little gift with your friends and neighbours.

I purchased some clear cellowphane bags, and I filled each bag with the following:

• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1 tbsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

I tied the bags with red curling ribbon, and I added a cute "It's Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas" tag.

To download the tag I designed: right-click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.

Doesn't the potpourri look pretty all packaged up?

These packages are wonderful for giving to neighbours, but they are great for teacher and hostess gifts too.

Do you think you will make these potpourri bags to share with friends and family? A homemade gift from the heart is always special and much appreciated.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (Click here for more easy and inexpensive Christmas ideas and recipes.)

Warm Wishes Gift Ideas... and free printable tags

I love a thoughtful and well packaged gift, don't you? Today, I am sharing a gift that contains elements that are handmade, practical, and fun. I especially love these ideas for teachers! Keep reading to see my "warm wishes" gift ideas and free printable tags.

Of course, when you think about "warm wishes", you can't help but think about hot chocolate, and chocolate spoons are the perfect companion to this popular hot beverage. And the good news is... chocolate spoons are adorable and could not be easier to make. The kids can even do it!

Start with baker's chocolate and wood spoons (or plastic if you can't find wood ones). Melt the chocolate in the microwave (according to package directions), dip the spoons, sprinkle with sugar or candy (if desired), and place on wax paper until the chocolate hardens. 

I wrapped my spoons with candy wrappers and added names with alphabet stamps. Cute, right?

I included my spoons in a "warm wishes" package that included a beautiful blanket scarf, some hot chocolate, and a coffee gift card.

To download the "warm wishes" tag (for free): right-click on the picture below, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 4X6 photo.

I also packed the spoon in a cozy sweater mug with hot chocolate, a coffee gift card, and the world's largest chocolate.

Don't you just love these "warm wishes" gift ideas? You can tailor them to any budget, and they make wonderful gifts for anyone on your list.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

2017 Elf on the Shelf Calendar

Anyone else find it hard to come up with Elf on the Shelf ideas every day? Well... I have you covered with a full month of Elf on the Shelf ideas and FREE printable props and notes. I put everything in a simple calendar (below), and I have included helpfullinks to all the info you'll need to make this month magical.

To print the calendar: right click on the picture above, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8X10 photo.

And, here are the details you'll need to complete each of the items outlined on the calendar.

Before the elf arrives - Santa sends a letter letting the kids know that the Elf is coming soon.

Then...

December 1 - Elf on the Shelf brings a "Welcome Breakfast".

December 2 - The Elf on the Shelf wraps books and movies for a countdown to Christmas.

December 3 - Elf on the Shelf gets his own key.

December 4 - Elf on the Shelf draws a self portrait or builds an Igloo.

December 5 - Elf on the Shelf brings donuts.

December 6 - Elf on the Shelf hides in the light fixture (far away from the bulb that could burn him/her) or he covers all the family photos with pictures of himself.

December 7 - Elf on the shelf brings a candy cane scavenger hunt.

December 8 - Elf on the Shelf hides in a Christmas wreath.

December 9 - Elf on the Shelf brings a gingerbread house for the kids to build and decorate.

December 10 - Elf on the Shelf brings hot chocolate from the North Pole.

December 11 - Elf on the Shelf takes a nap in a kleenex box.

December 12 - Elf on the Shelf brings "Elf Kisses" or he could build his own Elf on the Shelf Kissing Booth.

December 13 - Elf on the Shelf plays with blocks or Star Wars toys.

December 14 - Elf on the Shelf brings "North Pole Treats".

Or he could host his own Elf on the Shelf bake sale for charity.

December 15 - Elf on the Shelf builds a chair out of LEGO.

December 16 - Elf on the Shelf brings supplies to decorate "sugar cone trees".

December 17 - Elf on the Shelf brings a letter from Santa.

December 18 - Elf on the Shelf takes a marshmallow bath.

December 19 - Elf on the Shelf makes snowman donuts from mini donuts, mini chocolate chips, and candy corn.

December 20 - Elf on the Shelf hides in the Christmas tree.

December 21 - Elf on the Shelf hangs from the cupboard doors.

December 22 - Elf on the Shelf brings a Christmas movie.

December 23 - Elf on the Shelf builds a snowman out of marshmallows, and brings a tiny note answering questions the kids have been asking about him.

December 24 - Elf on the Shelf brings magic "Elf Seeds".

December 25 - Elf on the Shelf leaves a good bye note and a special movie.

Or he can write a goodbye message with spray snow.

I hope you try some of these ideas with your little ones, and you if you have some other fun ideas, I'd love to hear about them.  Feel free to share some of your Elf on the Shelf adventures in the comments below.

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)