Simple Halloween Decor... with "Pops of Pink" / Dollar Store Crafts and DIYs

I love the idea of taking inexpensive supplies, getting creative, and making them beautiful. So today, I have some easy and inexpensive Halloween DIYs to share. As a mom of three boys, I'm partial to a "pop of pink", so I think these projects are super cute! (However, you can use whatever colours you like.) Take a peek below, and let me know what you think! 😁

1) Tiny ghost shelf sitters - Why are tiny things so cute? I'm not sure... but these little framed ghosts are adorable. Grab some wooden blocks from the dollar store, and get crafty. Find the step by step instructions here.

2) Rock ghosties - Rocks are a fantastic FREE canvas... and they are adorable when they are crafted into little ghosts. You can see how easy they are to make here. (And you can access the Cricut decal design here.)

3) Funny wood round sign - Can you believe I made this adorable sign with a $2 wood round from Dollarama? I'm absolutely obsessed with how cute this is! You can find the full instructions here. (And you can access the Cricut decal design here.)

Ready to make all these adorable crafts? Have a look at the YouTube video I made (below).

Let me know (in the comments) which one of these pieces of decor is your favourite. Are you a fan of pink, or do you prefer more traditional Halloween colours?

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

7 Simple (and adorable) FALL crafts for Kids / Dollar Store Crafts

In a world where kids spend too much time in front of screens, I love when kids get the opportunity to craft and get creative. Seasonal crafts that use a variety of materials are perfect for keep kids engaged. Today I am sharing 7 adorable FALL crafts for kids. They are easy to make, and the supplies won't be difficult to find. Check them out below.

Click on the titles for all the DIY details and instructions.

1) Yarn wrapped popsicle frame

2) Tumbling tower block apple shelf sitter

3) Pumpkin magnet

4) Paper bag scarecrow puppet (with template)

5) Yarn tassel keychain/bag tag

6) Scarecrow cookie (with recipe for the BEST Fall cookie)

7) Paper doll scarecrow (with template)

For a closer look at all 7 FALL CRAFTS, check out the YouTube video I made below.

Let me know in the comments, which craft is YOUR favourite? I hope you have fun making them!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Quick, easy and DELICIOUS Apple Crisp

If you like a quick, easy and delicious dessert, THIS recipe is for you. I absolutely love how simple it is to throw this apple crisp recipe together... and it makes your house smell AMAZING!!! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

You'll need:

• 9-10 cups of peeled, cored and sliced apples
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp water
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup melted butter

I've included the instructions below, but you can also check out the video I made here:

***note - The video says 350 degrees C, but it should be 350 degrees F. 

Instructions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then, peel, core, and slice apples. Place in the bottom of a greased baking dish.

2) Mix together 1 cup white sugar, 1 tbsp of flour, and 1 tsp cinnamon.

3) Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Then pour on the water.

4) To make the topping: mix 1 cup oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp baking soda. Once combined, mix in 1/2 cup melted butter.

5) Spoon mixture over apples, and bake in oven until top is golden and apples are bubbling (40-45 minutes).

6) Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!!!!

Sweet and Simple Summer Crafts (for all ages)

These crafts are perfect for all ages. The supplies are easy to find (mostly from the dollar store and the recycling bin), the crafts are simple, and the results are super-cute! If you want an afternoon of crafting at home, these crafts are perfect. They are also wonderful for craft classes and parties.

For the instructions for these adorable (and fun to make) crafts, check out the video I made here.

Fun, right?!?

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Set up your own ROCK LIBRARY / A fun idea for spreading KINDNESS

I recently posted about a fun idea for spreading kindness (which you can read about here). I had so much fun with it, that I decided to try something else. I set up a ROCK LIBRARY and placed it on a trail near my house.

Want to see how I did it? Check out the short video I made below.

Pretty cool, right? If you set up one of your own, let me know. I'd LOVE to see it! You could also use my hashtag... #EastCoastMommyKindnessProject

Thanks for sharing!

💗

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

PS (You might also be interested in the fun idea here.)

Birthday Letter to my Middle Son on his 18th Birthday

When my three boys were little, I was too busy to keep up with their baby books, so I started writing them "birthday letters". The idea was to capture "snap shots" of their personalities each year until their 18th birthdays. Today my middle son turns 18, so this will be his last birthday letter. Time really is a thief. 

My Dearest Boy,

This past year was a big one for you as you graduated from high school and played your last year of U18 hockey. You are moving onto new opportunities and adventures, and I couldn't be more proud of you. Here's how I see you as you step into adulthood:

• You have the kindest heart. I have never seen anyone who supports others the way you do. You genuinely rejoice in the success of others (especially your brothers and friends) without an ounce of jealously.
• You love sports... especially golf and hockey. You've decided to go to university part time next year so that you can continue to play hockey at the highest level you can. I know it was a hard decision for you (and you are terrible at making decisions lol), but I'm proud of you for following your heart.
• You have a lot of friends, but your brothers are your best buddies (which makes my heart happy).
• You love frozen lemonade, chocolate chip pancakes, cereal, gummy bears, and chicken broccoli pasta... and you eat A LOT! lol
• You are a quiet leader, smart, kind, stubborn, competitive, and loyal.

As you step into this new chapter of your life, I want you to know that I will allows be your biggest fan and supporter. You may be "legally" an adult, but you will always be my little boy with crazy hair and a twinkle in your eye. I love you to the moon and back!

Love,

Mom xo

Happy 16th Birthday to my "Baby" Boy

When my boys were small, I was too busy to keep up with their baby books, so I started writing them "birthday letters". The idea was to capture "snap shots" of their personalities each year until their 18th birthdays. Time is flying by, but as my youngest son turns 16 -- the tradition continues.

To my "baby" boy,

In my heart you are my "baby", but in my head I know that you are now a "young man". I want you know that I couldn't be more proud of you. 

As a young boy, new situations made you anxious, but you pushed through and continued to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. With every year, I have seen you get more independent and confident, and I am looking forward to seeing where the future takes you -- as long as you always remember to come home and spend time with your mother. 😁

Here's how I see you as you step into your 16th year:

• You love all sports, but hockey is definitely your first love. You work hard, and you are looking forward to going to Mooseheads camp next month.
• Your brothers are your best buddies and you enjoy spending time with family... which makes my heart happy.
• You have a quick wit, a goofy sense of humour, and a way of making Dad and I laugh often.
• You started your first job this year, and you love having money to spend on hockey equipment and golf clubs.
• You love memes, crackers, video games, and Crispers.
• You are smart, kind, unpredictable, hardworking, and fun.

I love you to the moon, and back... and even though you are going to be driving soon, you will ALWAYS be my baby.

Love,

Mom xo