{Halloween Decor} from a Dollar Store Frame

How adorable is this simple Halloween decoration made from: a $2 frame, some leftover scrapbook paper, and a glittery {purple} spider from the dollar store?

Want to make one in four easy steps? 

1)  Remove the glass from a cheap {dollar store} frame.
2)  Cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit the frame.
3)  Use Mod Podge to attach the paper to the back of the frame.  Let dry, and then add a coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper {to make the decoration more durable}. 
4)  Use hot glue to attach a spider to the middle of the paper. 

Easy, right?  Doesn't it look cute on my hall table?

Are you crafting any cool Halloween decorations this year?  I'd love to hear about them.  I am always looking for new ideas.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 
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BOOING.... the tradition continues

Last year, we started a Halloween tradition with the boys --  "Booing" the neighbours.  "Booing" {or "Ghosting"} involves leaving treats, a note, and a "You've been Booed/Ghosted" sign for your neighbours.... secretly.... kind of like a "Secret Santa" for Halloween.  If you haven't tried it, you totally should because it is a ton of fun!  

Here is a picture of my boys heading out on their "secret mission" this year.  I found some adorable ghost buckets at the dollar store, filled them with mini chocolate bars, and off they went!

... and here they are last year.  {I swear they enjoy this more than trick-or-treating.}

There are tons of different {free} printables on the web that you can use.  I designed one that you can find here, or you can google "booing" and you will find a bunch.

Do you think this is something your littles ones would like?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy) 

Dollar Store {Halloween} Sign

Last Halloween I made a cute purple sign out of a $2 wooden plaque from the dollar store.  {You can find the tutorial for it here.}  I was so happy with how it turned out that I decided to make another one this year.

Want to make this adorable "Along Came a Spider..." sign?

First, get the plaque ready for decorating. 
  a)  Lightly sand the rough edges.
  b)  Paint the edge of the plaque black.  {You don't have to be neat because you will be applying scrapbook paper next.}
  c)  Cut some festive scrapbook paper to fit the top of the plaque, and apply using Mod Podge.

Then, decorate the plaque.
  a)  Create a label that says, "Along Came a Spider...".  {I used Picmonkey, but you can use whatever you are comfortable with.}
  b)  Apply the label to the top of the scrapbook paper using Mod Podge, and apply another layer on top of everything to seal it.
  c)  Apply some embellishments using hot glue.  {I used purple, glittery spiders from the dollar store.}

I love purple Halloween decorations, don't you?  Or, do you prefer the traditional orange and black?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Originally a guest post at Plaid Crafts on October 3, 2012. 

Non-candy Halloween Treats {Glasses}... with free printable bag toppers

My three year old attends a preschool {one morning a week} that has a strict "no candy" policy.  I still wanted him to have something to pass out to his friends for Halloween, so I came up a cute and inexpensive "non-candy" Halloween treat.

I found some crazy plastic glasses at Walmart {6 pairs for $2}, which my boys think are hilarious.  :-)  I put a pair of glasses in a "snack bag", added a tag that says, '"Eye" am lucky to have a friend like you!', and stuck on a googly eye for an extra touch of fun.  {You can find the free, downloadable tag I designed here.}

I think they are adorable Halloween class treats, don't you?  Do you have a great "alternative to candy" you want to share?  I would love to hear about it.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

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Review and Giveaway {Yoplait} - CLOSED

Contest closed.  The winner is Jennifer DeLorey.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

Did you know that "Yoplait" products are now part of the General Mills family {made in Canada since 1971}?  This is exciting news for me {as a Life Made Delicious Ambassador} because my family loves Yoplait products.

Now that September is here, we are slowly getting into our "Back to School" routine, and Yoplait products are definitely a part of our daily lives.  

Personally, I am making an effort to not "skip breakfast" and to get more calcium into my diet.  So, I have started to have a bowl of yogurt and granola each morning.  I really enjoy the strawberry Yoplait Source.  {It is only 35 calories per serving and has no added sugar.}

And, my boys love Yoplait MiniGos and Tubes in their school lunches.  They make great after school snacks too.  {You have to love a snack that contains no gelatin, no artificial flavours, and no artificial sweeteners.}

How do you get into a "Back to School" routine?  I have a great prize package (valued at $50) that will help:  4 free coupons to re-discover some of Yoplait’s yummiest products around, a lunch bag, a Post-it note dispenser, a journal, and a pen.

To enter, just leave a comment answering this question: "What is your favorite yogurt flavour?"  {Don't forget your email address if you don't have one linked to your profile.}


The rules {I am a mom... I can't help it.):

1) Contest closes on October 15th at midnight.
2) I will use Random.org to choose the winner.
3) The winner will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
4) Make sure that you log in {with a profile linked to an email address} or that you include your email in your comments because if I can't contact you, you won't be able to win!
5) Contest open to Canadian Residents only.  {Readers may enter across multiple blogs, but may only win one prize.} 

Good luck!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure – I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.

{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?

Quick Tip {for Halloween}

I know Halloween is still more than a month away, but I wanted to share a quick tip that will save you a little money.  {And don't we all like a money saving tip?}  Last year, I made this for my son's lunchbox.

It is a box of Smarties wrapped in gauze {that you buy at the pharmacy}.  Cute, right?  This year, I plan to wrap the entire contents of the lunch boxes like this, but gauze is expensive.  

However, when I was at the grocery store last week, I saw a package of cheesecloth for $1.99.  Once I cut it into strips, won't it make great inexpensive wrapping for my Mummies?

I was so pleased with this discovery... I just had to share it.  I can already think of some other fun projects I can use it for.  I will be sure to share them with you soon.  :-)

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

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

Review and Giveaway {Pillsbury Chocolately Crescents} - CLOSED

Contest Closed:  The winners are Glogirl, Nicolth pickle, Tanya H. and Brenda Penton.  Thanks to everyone that took the time to enter.  :-)

As a Life Made Delicious Ambassador, I was recently sent a box of  the {new} Pillsbury Chocolatey Crescents to try.  I was excited because, now that two of my boys are in school, I am serving after- school snacks each day.  Most days we have something healthy, but sometimes a rainy afternoon calls for a "special treat".  :-) 

The verdict:  these chocolatey crescents are delicious, and received "three thumbs up" from my boys.

And... what is a treat if you can't share it?  So, I have four coupons to give away to four {Canadian} readers who would like to try a box of Pillsbury Chocolatey Crescents for {free}.  Just leave a comment below, and I will pick four people {at random} on Monday morning {September 24}.  The coupons expire on October 31, 2012, so I will send them out as soon as I pick the winners.

Don't forget to leave your email address.  If I can't contact you, you can't win.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure – I am participating in the Life Made Delicious Ambassador Program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Scarecrow Paper Doll & Scarecrow Paper Bag Puppet

How adorable is this Scarecrow Paper Doll? You can beat a simple, old-fashioned paper craft, and your kids / students are going to love this one. Download the template, print it, colour it, cut it out, and play with it for hours. It's the perfect fall craft.

I love that you can change its clothes too! Just print the scarecrow onto card stock. You can download the template I designed from my Etsy Shop for 99cents US here.) You'll also need a craft stick for the back, a couple of googly eyes, and a piece of foam core for the nose.

OK, let's get started.

1) First colour the scarecrow and his shirts.

2)  Cut out the pieces.  {Be very careful you don't cut off the "tabs" on the shirts.}

3)  Tape the craft stick onto the back of the scarecrow.

4)  Use glue or tape to attach the eyes and nose.

Now the scarecrow can be used as a puppet, and you can change his shirts {using the tabs} whenever you want.  Fun, right?

Isn't it adorable? Kids will love designing the clothes for this scarecrow paper doll. I remember playing with paper dolls when I was a little girl... and I may have played with this one too! ;-)

You may also love this adorable SCARECROW paper bag puppet. It is soooo cute, and you can download the template to make it here.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

You may also be interested in these FALL crafts for kids.

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.

Simple Side Dish {oven grilled veggies}

Am I the only one who struggles to come up with dinner ideas every night?  If you're like me, you'll love this {simple} side dish -- oven grilled vegetables.

It is super-easy {especially if you cut up all the vegetables ahead of time}.  I usually cut up a red pepper, a small/medium zucchini, and a small container of fresh mushrooms... but you can use whatever vegetables are popular in your house.

Put all the vegetables in a large glass baking dish, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Then, add some spice... I add pepper, basil, and oregano.  Mix together and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes {stirring once about half way through the cooking time}.

That's it!  Easy and delicious!  What is your "go to" easy side dish?  Thanks for sharing... I can use all the inspiration I can get.  :-)

♥
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)

5 Back to School Traditions

Today was the first day of school for my two oldest boys.  It was a sad day for me {and their little brother}, but a very exciting milestone for them. 

Here is what the day entailed...

1)  Special Pancake Breakfast {complete with colored milk in a wine glass}

2)  First Day Photo {holding a photo from the first day of school the year before}

3)  Gift for the Teacher {tutorial can be found here}

4)  Gift for Classmates

5)  After School Treat

Do you have a special "Back to School" tradition at your house?  I would love to have you share it with me.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 

Ice Cream for Supper {Party}

As many of you know, my boys and I have been working on our Summer Checklist over the last couple of months.  Last weekend, we completed the last item ... an "Ice Cream for Supper" party.  Here are a couple of pictures:

Fun, right?  The boys looked forward to it all summer, and it was a good way to transition into Fall/Back to School.

Now, it is time for us to get to work on our Fall Checklist.  Have you printed off a copy?  {It's free!}

♥

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 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:

Backyard Camping

Fall is fast approaching, but it isn't too late for a little "backyard camping" adventure.  We recently set up a campsite in our backyard, and we had a fantastic time.

We didn't have a fire pit, so we improvised with a fire projected onto a screen, and a "real fire" of lit candles.

We even had S'mores... because really, what is a camp out without S'mores?  :-)

Have you ever camped in your backyard?  If not, what are you waiting for?  The cool fall evenings are just around the corner.

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 

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