Tips for Organizing Kids Clothes for Fall... and our NEW Gongshow Gear

*sponsored post*

Switching seasons can be a pain when it comes to kids' clothes. When summer comes to an end, my growing boys never seem to have any pants or hoodies that fit. I wonder if their arms and legs will ever stop growing? lol Getting organized for heading back to school can be tough, but I have a few tips for organizing kids' clothes that you are going to make your life a little easier!

1) Get rid of what you don't need - Take everything out of your kids' drawers, try things on, and only put back things that still fit... and that they will wear. Anything left over can be donated or sold on a "buy and sell". 

2) Buy second hand - If you are looking for Fall / Winter clothes for kids, make sure to check out consignment shops and "buy and sell" sites. There are many opportunities to buy quality clothes at reduced prices. You can use the money you save to buy a few NEW high quality pieces.

3) Organize drawers - If drawers are organized, it is easier for kids to see what you have, and they are more likely to wear more than just a few of their favourites. I always fold my clothes this way (see below) so that my kids can see what they have without ripping everything out.

4) Buy what they like - There is no point spending money on clothes that kids are not going to wear. Get them involved in the buying process, and let them pick out the things they like. I prefer shopping online with my kids. It is much easier... and if they take a long time to make a decision, I don't go crazy! lol

Gongshow recently gave my boys the opportunity to check out their new Fall / Winter 2020 line, and my boys LOVE the items they received. The hockey themed clothing is a favourite in our house.

My youngest (who is a goalie) picked the Crease King Junior Hat. I love the smaller fit of these hats. They fit my 11 year old perfectly!

My middle son chose the Snow Shower Jr hoodie. I love the quality of this sweatshirt and the subtle tie dye design.

My oldest son chose the Jr Comfy Hour joggers. The material and style are both top shelf. I love the hockey lace detail too.

And, of course, no 2020 back to school wardrobe would be complete without the season's hottest accessory... the Gongshow adustable face mask. 

Are ready for the transition from summer to fall? We still have a bit of clearing out to do, but my boys are pretty happy with the new additions to the wardrobe. If you are looking for a few new quality pieces for your hockey fan, I highly recommend checking out the new Gongshow line.

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure - I was given GONGSHOW products for free in exchange for my honest review and promotion of the products. As always, the views expressed on this blog are 100% my own... and my boys genuinely loved everything they received.

You may also be interested in seeing how excited my boys were when they received their new clothes from Gongshow. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by East Coast Mommy (@eastcoastmommy) on Sep 3, 2020 at 12:09pm PDT

Preschool Theme: Fall

I teach a weekly class of 3 and 4 year olds, and each week we have a fun Preschool theme. Today I am sharing three easy and inexpensive Fall crafts that Preschoolers are guaranteed to love!

To make a beautiful fall tissue paper wreath:

1) Cut the centre out of a paper plate.
2) Cut several one-inch tissue paper squares in lovely fall colors.
3) Have the Preschooler crumple the squares of tissue paper, dip them in white glue, and attach them to the paper plate. Continue until the entire plate is covered.
4) Punch a hole in the top of the wreath, and insert a ribbon for hanging.

To make a simple Cheerios bird feeder:

1) Attach a button to the bottom of a pipe cleaner (to prevent the Cheerios from falling off).
2) Have the Preschooler thread Cheerios onto the pipe cleaner.
3) Make a loop at the top of the pipe cleaner, and hang in a tree for the birds to enjoy.

To make an adorable scarecrow puppet:

1) Print the template that you can find here for only $0.99US.* (You can use a photocopier to enlarge it to the desired size.) 
2) Have the Preschooler color the puppet, and use glue to attach two googly eyes.
3) Cut out the puppet.
4) Use tape to attach a dowel or craft stick to the back of the puppet.

And check out this simple video...

Aren't these three Fall crafts totally adorable? I think they are perfect for Preschoolers (and older kids too). What's your favorite thing about Fall?

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Fall Programs {2015}

I love the idea of kids being creative, and I believe that learning should be fun. With that in mind... I will be offering some fantastic classes (in my home in Antigonish, NS) in September.  I have three classes available, and the details are included below.

Tuesdays - 1, 2, 3 Learn with me
This is a class that I offered in the Spring of 2015, and the kids had a lot of fun with it.  Each week focusses on a different number. You can read about the types of activities we do here.  This class is best suited for 4 and 5 year olds.  This is a drop off program.  (Note: Children must be able to go to the bathroom unassisted.)

Wednesdays - Alphabet Adventures
This is a class that I initially offered in the Fall of 2015, and it is a fantastic program.  Each week focusses on a different letter. You can read about the types of activities we do here.  This class is best suited for 4 and 5 year olds. This is a drop off program. (Note: Children must be able to go to the bathroom unassisted.)

Mondays - 1, 2, 3 Read and Craft with Me - FULL (email EastCoastMommy@gmail.com to put your name on a waiting list)
This is a NEW class that I am offering in response to several requests for a class for younger children.  This class is best suited for 3 and 4 year olds.  We'll be doing some free play, a story time, and some simple crafts.  Parents are welcome to stay for the class or drop the child off.  (Note: Children must be able to go to the bathroom unassisted if the parents are not able to stay.)

Pre-registration is required for all programs (and space is limited), so please complete and return the registration form(s) below ASAP.

123 Learn with Me registration form. (for 4/5 year olds)

Alphabet Adventures registration form. (for 4/5 year olds)
123 Read and Craft with Me registration form. (for 3/4 year olds) (This class is currently FULL, but you can email me to have your child's name put on a waiting list.)

If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at EastCoastMommy@gmail.com.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Simple Handprint Trees for Fall

My boys are back to school, Fall is in the air, and the leaves are starting to turn beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange.  Inspired by the beautiful colors around us, my boy and I recently made these adorable handprint trees.

We made two versions of the handprint trees... a simple version for younger children, and a slightly more difficult one for older kids.  You can find full tutorials for both versions at CBC Parents {here}.

Happy Fall!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

5 Backyard Camping "must haves"

Sometimes heading out on a road trip with the family isn't possible and a "staycation" becomes the only viable option.  When this happens, why not pitch a tent and do some backyard camping?

For our backyard camping adventures, we always have:

• s'mores
• sparklers
• an outdoor movie
• stories and games in the tent
• sleeping under the stars

Backyard camping is always a lot of fun, and you don't have to travel far or pack a suitcase. Do you have a little one who would like to "camp" this weekend?  Enjoy!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

10 Fantastic Outdoor Fall Activities for Kids

The weather is getting cooler, but there is still plenty of time to get outside and have some Fall fun before the snow flies.  So, today I am sharing a little collection of my favorite outdoor Fall activities for kids.

Here are 10 of my favorites:  
(Click on the links for additional details.)

1) Go Geocaching - What could be more fun than a high tech treasure hunt?  Click here to find out everything you need to know to get started.

2) Make Bird-feeders - Spend an afternoon outside crafting a tasty treat for your feathery friends.  You can find full instructions for three different types of bird-feeders here.

3) Head out on a Scavenger Hunt  - Looking for a simple scavenger hunt that even little kids can take part in?  You can download a free printable scavenger hunt here and here.

4) Fly a Kite - What's more fun a windy Fall day than flying a kite?  Buy a pre-made kite, or make your own (from a paper bag) following the tutorial that you can find here.

5) Fly Paper Airplanes {in the yard} - Using the tutorial you can find here, make some paper airplanes and head outside to let them soar.

6) Ride Bikes - Fall is the perfect time to squeeze in a few more bike rides.  And... for little ones that are ready to tackle a two wheeler, now is the perfect time to teach them.  With a summer of bike riding behind them, they'll be confident and ready to learn.  Here are some tips on teaching children to ride a two wheeler.

7) Go for a Hike - There is no better way to enjoy nature than a nice hike, and if you want to collect treasures along the way, you can find a tutorial for a DIY bucket here.  Then, click here to find out how you can use some of the treasures you find to create your own unique nature artwork.  

8) Go on a Backyard Safari - What could be more fun than running around the backyard in search of wild animals?  Click here to find out how easy it is to plan a backyard safari for your little ones.

9) Visit a Pumpkin Patch - An annual trip to a pumpkin patch is lots of fun, and is a great family fall tradition.  You can read about our pumpkin patch adventures here.

10) Jump in Leaves - What could be more simple and more fun?  Rake up a bunch of leaves and jump in!

What is your favorite outdoor fall activity?  Did it make my list?

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy) 

Pumpkin Loaf... with a cream cheese filling

Fall is in the air, so this afternoon I made pumpkin loaf with cream cheese filling.  Yum!  It turned out great, and my house smells heavenly.  This recipe is a great one for this time of year, and it's sure to put you in the mood for Fall.

For the Loaf, you'll need:
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp all spice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling, you'll need:
1 block (8oz) light cream cheese
2 tbsp white sugar
1 egg white

Directions:
1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2)  In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, sugars, egg whites, milk and oil.
3)  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
4)  Combine the wet and dry ingredients... just until moistened.
5)  In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, white sugar, and egg white... just until well mixed.
6)  Spoon half the loaf mixture into a greased loaf pan.  Top with the cream cheese filling.  Cover with the other half of the loaf mixture.
7)  Bake for 60-70 minutes (until a tooth pick inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean).  (I left mine in for 70 minutes.)
8)  Cool in pan for 15 minutes, transfer to rack, and allow to cool completely.

Trust me... you won't be disappointed with this one.  If you give it a try, let me know what you think.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Note:  I based my recipe on one I found here.

Peanut Butter Teddy Bear Cookies

Every summer, my boys and I have a "Teddy Bear Picnic", and we always eat homemade peanut butter "Teddy Bear" cookies.  We bake them and decorate them together, and the boys love them.

Want to make them for your own picnic?  Here's what you do:  

Cream together: 

• 1 cup butter 
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Then, beat in two eggs.

In a separate bowl, mix:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Mix wet and dry ingredients together.  Then, let the kids roll a 1 inch ball {for the face} and two smaller balls {for the ears}.  Flatten slightly. 

Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for about 10 - 11 minutes or until cookies begin to brown. Do not over-bake. 

Once they have cooled slightly, you can add the eyes (chocolate chips) and nose (a Smartie or M&M).  Then, after they have cooled completely, you can add an "icing" mouth.

Cute, right?  All you need are these cookies, a blanket, some teddies, and some cute kids to have a picnic with.

Enjoy!

♥

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Simple Fall Checklist {free printable}

It's September 1, and in our house, thoughts are turning from Summer to Fall.  So, this morning I put together this simple Fall checklist.  Each year we put together a list of fun Fall activities, and we check things off the list as we complete them.

You can download a free 8X10 .jpeg version of this checklist here.

What is your favorite thing about Fall?  Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch holds a special place in my heart.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

{Fall} Book Page Banner

Don't you just love an easy, inexpensive, and fun craft you can do with the kids?  This simple {Fall} Book Page Banner makes a great Fall/Thanksgiving decoration.

You can make your own banner in three easy steps:

1)  Draw or print out pumpkins for the kids to color and cut out.

2)  Trim a book page, and cut a "V" shape out of the bottom.  Then, punch two holes at the top of the page.

3)  Use tape or glue to attach the pumpkins to the book pages.

String together with twine, and that's it!  Cute, right?

Are you decorating for Fall?  I would love to hear what you are making.  :-)

 ♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.


Update October 11, 2012.... look how my clever boys transformed our Fall Banner into a Halloween Banner.  Sweet, right?

5 {Easy and Inexpensive} Fall Crafts and Activities

The kids are back to school, the weather is getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter -- Fall has definitely arrived.  But... don't despair... "embrace" Fall with these 5 {easy} and {inexpensive} crafts and activities. 

Click on the links {below} for full tutorials and free printables.


1)  Homemade Birdfeeders {3 ways} - Kids will love making these simple birdfeeders, and they'll be helping the birds get ready for winter too!

2)  {Printable} Fall Checklist - Print off this list, hang it on the fridge, and have fun completing all the Fall adventures.

3)  5-Minute {no-sew} Pumpkin - Kids and adults will love making this simple piece of Fall decor. It's easy, inexpensive, and totally adorable!

4)  {Easy} Paper Bag Kites - It's a craft and a fun excuse to get outside. Your kids are going to love this one!

5)  DIY Fall Wreath - This is a perfect craft for moms. All you need is a glue gun and little bit of patience. You don't have to be super-crafty to make this one!

What is your favorite thing about Fall?  I think mine is our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. 

Happy Fall!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.

Fall Wreath {with Monogram}

I guess it is time to accept the fact that summer is over {sigh}, so in an effort to "embrace fall", I made this beautiful Fall wreath for my front door.

Isn't it pretty?  It is actually a combination of two projects I did before.  I have included links to the tutorials {below}.

Click here to find out how to make the Twine Monogram.

Click here to find out how to make the Felt Flower & Grapevine Wreath.

How do YOU embrace Fall? Do you have a Fall wreath hanging on your front door?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Fall Checklist {with free printable}

Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of September???  It makes me sad to see summer come to an end, but I know that Fall is filled with fun activities too.  So... to get us in the mood, here is the Fall Checklist {2012 Edition} that I put together for our family.

Sound fun?  You can download and print a free copy here.

You can use it "as is", or you can make a fall activity tree {like we did last year}.  You can find all the instructions you need here. 

What is your favorite fall activity?  Did it make my list?

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (If you have never heard of "Booing/Ghosting", you can read about it here.)
 

** If you haven't already "liked" me on facebook, I would love to have you join me here.


Sharing the fun with:

Fall Tradition... a Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

For our family, one of the highlights of Fall is our annual trip to a pumpkin patch.  It is a great adventure for the boys, and they love running around trying to find the perfect pumpkin.

 

Not only is it a great family outing, it is a perfect photo op.  :-)  Check out some of our pics over the years:

2007

2008

  

2009

2010

2011

I highly recommend doing a "google" search and finding a pumpkin patch in your area.  I guarantee you'll have a great time, and make wonderful memories with your kids.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)