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)