Water Beads

Have you ever seen a product and wondered if there was anything you couldn't do with it? Kind of like Duct Tape, you can literally use it for everything. Water Beads have the exact same affect on the world, they are so versatile and affordable that you just can't get enough of them. 

Here I have a huge list of some of my favorite things that feature Water Beads!

These awesome guns called Xploderz use Water Beads!

Water Beads inserted in an ornament. Reuse for years.

Beautifully displayed rainbow Water Beads.

Baby shower Water Beads.

Educational sensory play.

Many decor ideas.

Imagine the fun with a pool full of Water Beads.

Water Beads would make perfect marbles!

Right now Water Beads Canada is donating 50 cents from every purchase of Water Beads to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. So not only are you getting an amazing deal for a terrific product but if you enter Jump Rope For Heart in the checkout menu when paying you will be donating to a fantastic charity! Go to http://www.waterbeads.ca/shop/ when ordering please put “Jump Rope for Heart” in instructions to merchant when completing your order!

Reading Adventures Treasure Hunt Giveaway

So as a way of celebrating the release of my new product geared at getting kids excited to read I have decided to give a couple away. I am so excited to be able to share this with you that I am giving away two sets of Reading Adventures Treasure Hunt your choice of boy, girl, or a combination. If this is your first time hearing about Reading Adventures I urge you to head over to this page: http://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/p/reading-adventure.html

Good luck and I can't wait to hear your opinions about my product.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Funky Frugal Mommy's Stuffed Mushrooms

These are absolutely fantastic! I started with a basic recipe I found on the web and changed it to my own taste preferences. I hope you enjoy!

Stuffed Mushrooms

• 20-30 mushrooms 
• 2 packages of cream cheese (softened, which can be done in the microwave) 
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup artificial crab meat, or real crab meat
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tsp salt
• 1 Tsp pepper
• 2 Tbsp butter or margarine

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Clean your mushrooms by wiping with a damp cloth and cutting off the tips of the stems, throw away the chopped off tips. Clean out the inside of the mushroom using a small spoon, save for next step. I scoop out the remainder of the stem and some of the inside to form a large cup for the stuffing. Rub the bottoms of each mushroom with butter or margarine.

2. Chop the mushroom bits you just scooped out. Dice them small by running your knife over them the same way you would chop a herb. Put the mushroom bits in your mixing bowl. If your cream cheese has been sitting out and has softened, place it in the bowl with the mushroom bits, if you just took it out of the fridge place it in a separate bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes. 

3. Put all of your ingredients in the mixing bowl except for 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, set the cheese aside. Stuff your mushrooms with the filling, it is OK if it is overstuffed. Once all your mushrooms are stuffed, sprinkle each mushroom with the Parmesan you set aside. 

4. Place all of your mushrooms on a sheet pan or baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and the tops begin to turn golden brown. 

5. These wonderful appetizers are great on their own or served with lemon juice or tartar sauce.

I want to try making stuffed morel mushrooms next, but these sautéed morels are amazing: https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2024/04/sauteed-morel-mushrooms.html?m=1

Copyright Your Work

I am thrilled to announce that I have just completed my copyright for my product "Reading Adventures"! That's right, it is officially my property and nobody else can take it from me.

Why should you copyright your work? Well believe it or not the world can be an evil place and large businesses would absolutely love to steal your idea without having to pay for it. So having a copyright legally filed will forever keep your work in your hands. A copyright is a legal documentation of your work that can be used in court to protect your business from thieves. 

How do I get my copyright? It is as easy as applying online and paying a small fee.

• Canadian Copyrighting
• Copyright U.S.

So get your poop in a group and protect yourself. It takes very little time and is totally worth it if you are serious about your business! 

Please check out my fabulous product: Reading Adventures

And watch for more amazing versions *coming soon*

How To Begin Networking When Starting a Business

If you want to be successful in running your business you must work your butt off and never stop trying to make your dream a reality. The beginning will always seem like a never ending money pit,  stressful and extremely time consuming but that is what it means to make a dream reality. So unless you have a ton of cash or a helping hand in some way you must begin taking these steps with me.

I have a dream of creating an exciting world of reading for kids of all ages. I want to become a household name when kids think of fun ways to learn to read. I am just barely getting into the test stage of my product and attempting to build a business out of thin air but I know I can do it. 

What is networking and how do I do it? Among many other skills and steps needed to run a business networking is one of the most important. Networking is something we do everyday but never take full advantage of it. Networking can be summed up as making connections with future customers and finding out how to get your product in their hands. 

You don't need to know tons of people to begin with, you just need to begin nurturing the connections you have and grow them. Get the word out to your friends and family that you have this dream and what your intentions are. People will help, the world can be a giving place when it has the right opportunity. 

Get over your fear of rejection or being shot down because your never going to get anywhere if you don't power through the negativity. Not everyone is going to love your idea. Get over it and move on, time is everything.

Make your dream visible and easy to see. If you have a friend or acquaintance offering to introduce you to a new connection make sure you do everything in your power to provide an easy visual or explanation so there is no confusion or difficulty in securing that connection. This can be as simple as an email that can be forwarded or as complex as a power point introduction. Either way make it simple, direct, and straight to the point.

Show appreciation to the connectors. If your friend got you there, give thanks! Make it a point to fill them in on what went down and let it be known that you appreciate the help. Every relationship is important no matter how small.

Product Launch - Reading Adventure Treasure Hunt

Today is the day I have my product launched and ready for purchase. I am very excited to introduce to you Reading Adventures! Reading Adventures consists of instructional flashcards instructing your child to complete an adventure. The first test adventure I have available is Reading Adventure Treasure Hunt, which is by far one of the best ways I have gotten my son excited to read. 

Your child will have a blast reading the cards and following directions to find their hidden treasure. The kit comes with everything you need, flashcards, instructions, prizes, and a treasure box. Everything is put together by my own two hands for your family to enjoy. 

Depending on how well received Reading Adventures Treasure Hunt is I have plans to add additional versions such as, The Artist Reading Adventure, The Baker Reading Adventure, Nature Reading Adventure, The Traveler Reading Adventure, and many more. Each adventure will include instructional flashcards, themed items (measuring cups, dry erase board, bug collector, etc.) as well as a nifty box to hold all their goodies. 

Please go and take a look at my new product page Reading Adventures

I currently ship to Canada & U.S. and will have your package ready to go within 2 days. If you have any questions or comments about the product please don't hesitate to ask. 

Keep Your Rooster, No More Crowing!

Roosters are certainly an interesting addition to any flock. I know from experience that chickens will live just fine without one and still lay beautiful eggs. But what are the benefits of keeping a rooster around? 

• They protect the hens, no questions asked
• Fertilize eggs so you can have chicks
• Keeps the hens in check
• Finds hens food
• Look really cool

So what are the downsides of having a rooster?

• They can be aggressive, depending on breed
• You may not want fertilized eggs
• Roosters can injure hens during mating
• Having more then one rooster can cause severe fights
• And last but not least they crow all the time

But wait, what if you chose a docile breed of rooster or raised him from a tiny chick. He would be a lot less aggressive. Fertilized eggs are the same as non fertilized if your going to eat them, there is no difference. You can remove the roosters spurs to eliminate some injury to your hens. And if you have one rooster there will be no rooster fights. Now about the crowing, did you know there is such a thing as a NO CROW Rooster Collar?

I had no idea this thing even existed until I was given the gift of chicks. I was thinking I would keep a rooster but I am not allowed a rooster here because they crow too much. So I stumbled on this creative product. If you are contemplating having a rooster with your flock but can't stand the crowing here is the answer. 

Visit http://nocrowroostercollars.com/collections/all for more information and to buy your own.

Last Minute Birthday Gift

Have you ever suddenly looked at the date and realized it was a family members birthday? This happened to me today and I was just on my way out the door. I could have very easily put some money in an envelope and been done with it, but I am not the kind of person who does things that simple.

Being my quirky self, and the fact that this birthday was for a tween girl I knew cash was a quick fix. But how to present it in a neat way?

Bingo! Stuff the bills in a balloon and attach to a pretty weight. It took less then five minutes and cost nothing more then the two five dollar bills I had given her. 

This could also fit in with an Alice in Wonderland themed party or gift if you were to fill the balloons with small items, coins, etc. and have a whole bunch for the birthday recipient or even the guests at a party. You could even invent new ways to get the gift out, such as writing sit on me, squeeze me, stomp on me, and many other fun and silly ways. 

So next time your in a rush or want a new creative way to deliver a gift just place something in a balloon and have a popping good time!

Alice In Wonderland Themed Garden

I have been super busy this past four weeks designing, building, and decorating my garden. I absolutely love the wonder, mystery, and true extraordinary foolishness of Alice in Wonderland. Everything about it makes me smile, I remember watching the 1950's version when I was a kid and still love it today and the new one that came out in 2010 is so amazing I knew I just had to use it as inspiration towards my garden. 

I am not quite finished yet but here is what I have done so far.

The signs were made using old plywood I had laying around when my chicken run and duck house were being made.

I found an old tea set at a thrift shop for less than $2 that I thought was perfect.

 I drew and painted this wonderful portrait of Cheshire Cat from the 1950's version of Alice in Wonderland. 

Everything you see I have made with my own two hands. The fence and arch were made using sticks, branches and logs that were in my side yard and some of it came from a dead tree I had to chop down in my backyard. I have a few more things I want to do yet, but so far I think it is wonderful. What do you think?

Take a look at our social media accounts for more DIY ideas and helpful articles. 

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Ting - a - ling Cookies AKA Beaver Lodges

Last year I had written this post about one of my favorite no bake cookies. This weekend I was invited to a party and it was potluck but I never even thought about what an awesome idea it would have been to bring these cookies. It was a fishing themed party so you know what I could have done?!? Made these and a sign that says "Beaver Lodges"!

They are a no-bake drop cookie absolutely perfect for making any time of year and leaving the batch in your fridge to snack on as you please. Leaving them in the fridge keeps them from getting stale, and from melting. These cookies freeze wonderfully for months as long as they are tightly sealed. 3 simple and cheap ingredients and you can do it all in the microwave!

Ting a Ling Cookies

That's right all you need is chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chow mein noodles! All you do is:

•  Use a large microwavable bowl and dump in both bags of chocolate and butterscotch chips. Begin microwaving for 30 seconds, then take them out and stir do another 30 and take them out and stir again, continue doing this until all of your chips are melted, you need to do it this way so you don't burn them. 

• When everything is melted dump in the entire bag of chow mein noodles. Fold everything together and make sure everything is well combined and all the noodles are coated. Take a tablespoon and begin dropping little stacks of noodles onto wax or parchment lined baking sheets and then place them in the fridge until they harden. 

• Once they harden remove them from the sheets and place them in a large air tight container and store them in your fridge. 

Makes about 25-30 cookies depending how big you make them.