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)

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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

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! ;-)

♥ 

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)

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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)