9 Easy and Inexpensive GHOST Crafts and DIYs / Dollarama Halloween DIYs You NEED to Try

I have a super-fun collection for you today. I've created NINE easy and inexpensive GHOST crafts and DIYs that you are going to love. AND... most are made with dollar store supplies.

1) Paper Bag GHOST Luminaries -- These are soooo easy and inexpensive to make. You can use them as luminaries or treat bags. You'll need Sharpies, crayons or Cricut decals, and you can see the "how to" here.

2) Re-purposed Lamp Shade GHOSTS -- I'm obsessed with how cute these are! Grab some shades at the thrift store, and check out the tutorial here.

3) Paper Cup GHOSTS -- These cups are perfect for holding party treats (like popcorn) or a cup of hot chocolate after trick or treating. Adults and kids will love creating these cute cups. Find the instructions here.

4) GHOST Candy Dish -- Cute treat containers make fun holiday decor. I grabbed this glass container at the dollar store, but you could also use one you already have. See how I made mine here.

5) Cotton GHOST -- This dollar store vessel makes the cutest vessel for crafting a cute ghost. It looks even better sitting on a dollar store candle stick. Find the "how to" here.

6) Stuffed GHOST (made from dollar store wash cloths) -- All you need to make this "no sew" ghost pillow are: car wash clothes, felt scraps, the insides of an old pillow, a glue gun, and the instructions here.

7) GHOST Halloween Wreath -- A wreath is easy to DIY, and store bought versions can be super-pricey. Find my budget-friendly ghost wreath tutorial here.

8) GHOST Suckers -- This is a craft my mom taught me -- one I made when I was a little girl. It's an easy treat that kids will love. Find the instructions here.

9) GHOST Bars -- Chocolate bars can easily be transformed into ghostly goodies. I've been making these for many years, and they are always a hit! Check out the instructions here.

For a closer look at all NINE ghost crafts and DIYs, check out the video I made...

I hope you liked the nine easy and inexpensive GHOST crafts and DIYs I shared with you today. Let me know which one is YOUR favourite!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Easy, inexpensive and fun DIY Pirate Party... with FREE downloads for you to use

Today I am sharing a super-fun DIY pirate party that you are going to love! I'm including ideas for: pirate party invites, pirate party decor, pirate party activities, pirate party, pirate cakes, and pirate party favors. I also have FREE downloads for you to use.

Here's a video I made to show you all the elements of the party.

And here are the free downloads mentioned in the video. 

To download the tags, signs, and map I designed (for free): click on one of the photos below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular photo. The tags are 4x6s photos, and the signs and map are 8x10s.

I hope you incorporate some of these ideas into your own party. Have fun!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You can find the step-by-step instructions for the Pirate cake in the video here.)

FREE simple & serene BATHROOM ARTWORK... that looks great in DOLLAR STORE frames

I recently updated my ensuite bathroom, and I couldn't find any artwork I liked. I was looking for a simple, serene, minimalist look. As always, when I can't find what I'm looking for, I try to DIY something that works. Check out my budget-friendly solutions below... and download my prints for FREE.

I designed three pictures, popped them in frames I purchased at Dollarama, and hung them on the wall. I wanted something that looked good (and balanced) when the door was open AND when the door was closed. Here's what it looks like when the door is open.

And here's what it looks like when the door is closed.

Want to download the pictures I designed for FREE?

Click on the photo that you like below. Then: right-click, save it, and print it like a regular photo. I sent my pictures to Staples to be printed on cardstock, and I was really happy with the quality.

Here's the 12" X 16" inch print I designed:

And here are the 8 x 10s I designed. You'll see there are a few extra, as I wasn't 100% sure what I wanted until I saw them in the space.

To download the free bathroom artwork: click on the photo you want, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.

Which prints are your favourite? I hope you find something you can use in your bathroom. Enjoy!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

First Day of School 2024

This school year, our family is experiencing a lot of firsts and lasts. 

• First time not taking a "first day of school" photo of my oldest son. (He's going into his second year of university, so I gave him a pass. It was a good run! lol) 
• First day of grade 10 for my youngest son.
• First day of grade 12 for my middle son... and his last "first day" of school ever. (Cue the tears!)

The older my boys get, the more I treasure our photos and traditions. Here are few snapshots from this morning.

Have a great school everyone!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Moist and Delicious BLUEBERRY LEMON LOAF

I'm usually a "chocolate" girl when it comes to dessert, but I'm also a sucker for the combination of blueberries and lemon. Recently, I made this loaf, and my husband said that it was the best thing I've ever baked. Pretty high praise! Give the recipe a try and let me know wheat you think.

Ingredients for loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp real vanilla
• zest of one lemon (approx. 2 tsp)
• juice from one lemon (approx. 2 Tbsp)
• 1/2 cup cream (you can use milk instead, but I like the richness of the cream)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (cleaned and mixed with 1 Tbsp flour)

Ingredients for lemon glaze:

• 2 Tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 - 3/4 cups powered sugar
• juice from one lemon (approx. 2 Tbsp)
• 1/2 teaspoon real vanilla

Directions:

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. (You can use butter to grease the pan, but the parchment paper makes it a lot easier to get it out of the pan in one piece.)
2. Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder) together.
3. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Once it is combined, start adding the cream and flour mixture -- alternating and adding a bit at a time. Don't overmix. You just want to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Gently fold in the flour coated blueberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check readiness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the loaf. It's done when it comes out clean.
6. Cool bread in the pan for about 30 minutes, and move to a wire cooling set on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. (The baking tray and parchment will catch the glaze that drips of the loaf and make clean up easier.)
7. Prepare glaze by whisking ingredients together. Add 1/2 cup powered sugar, and add more until desired consistency is achieved. 
8. Poor glaze over the loaf, allow to set, and enjoy!

This loaf is absolutely delicious! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

You may also be interested in trying this yummy cookie recipe:

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

10+ NEW Dollarama DIYs with cheap blanks! / Cricut beginner vinyl decal projects

If you like creating DIY gifts and DIY home decor (on a budget), you are going to love the dollar store finds and Cricut blanks I'm sharing today. Take a look at the video I made, browse the pictures below, and let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!

What did you think of the video? Here are a few more pictures of my favourite projects...

Did you have a favorite find or project? I'd love to know which things you liked the most!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Simple DIYs for FALL and BACK TO SCHOOL

Last week, I popped into the dollar store to check out the new Fall items. I grabbed some great things... and I was inspired to do a couple of DIYs. Scroll to the bottom of this post to watch the video I made. It's a good one!

I'm obsessed with the double sided rolling pin. I can use it for Fall AND Halloween!

And you won't believe how easy it is to customize gift bags for the first day of school!

Check out al the fun here:

Have you found any good and inexpensive Fall items lately? Are you planning any Fall DIYs? I'd love to hear about them. :-)

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)