Santa Hat Pretzels

Here's another fun holiday snack!  Click here for the tutorial...

Advent Christmas Tree Countdown

If you are looking for an advent craft, calendar idea; here you go!  Click here for the actual link.  It's time to begin the countdown and celebrate our Savior's birth!
 

Smores on the Go!

Love this idea to treat the kiddos!  Not sure where it came from, the link was corrupted but the image still has a great idea. 

All you need:

• Golden Grahams
• Mini Marshmellows
• Chocolate Chips

Leaf Garland

I know it is a little past Thanksgiving, but keep this in mind for next year!  Or you could made Christmas felt holly...

This precious garland was too cute to not post!  It's also a chance to start teaching your kids the basics of sewing.  If they are too young, it will be a fun late night craft for you; one your kids will be sure to enjoy.

Click here for the original post and blog regarding this craft.

Fall Tree Craft

 

This fingerpainted tree is too fun!  How easy and affordable this project seems.  Just save those used toilet paper rolls!

If you want specifics for this craft, click here for the original website and post.

Scarecrow Cupcakes

Here we go, for a cute, cute dessert.  FamilyFun has the full tuturial for the cupcakes.  Click here for more detail.

 

Ingredients:

• Cookies (ours were about 2 1/2 inches in diameter)
• White frosting
• Assorted sugar wafers (ours were about 2 1/2 inches long)
• Candy corn
• Mini chocolate chips
• Bran cereal (we used Kellogg's All-Bran Extra Fiber)
• Chocolate sprinkles

Thanksgiving Corn Craft

 

This Thanksgiving craft is perfect for teaching your kids about the origins of this upcoming holiday.  Though this craft seems fairly straight forward, click here for the link listing craft needs and directions.

Free Target Gift Cards

You can enter to win a $25 Target gift card; here is a chance to win one of 250 gift cards that will be given away over a 10 day period.  (This has been going for a few days, not sure how much longer it will continue.)  You can enter to win every day too.

Exciting, eh?  Click here to go to the link and sign up.

Dollar Cinnabons (Burger King)

Right now, November 12-18, $1 Cinnabon Minis from Burger King.  If you like Cinnabon, they're a pretty close version and only $1 this week.  Enjoy!

 

 

Edible Tepee

This picture is from familyfun.go, now spooful.com.  They made this tepee by surrounding a cupcake with a fruit roll-up.  I wonder if you could just make it with orange fruit roll-ups and large pretzel rods.  Probably not the same effect.  Click here if you want the actual link.

Since this was posted, the main link and craft have changed.  It started with fruit roll-ups and is not sugar cones.  Guess that means you get to be creative!  The link to click on, above, will take you to the new link.

Dr. Seuss Pop-Up Craft

Alright folks!  Everyone has got to love Dr. Seuss books.  Some of his books have been the most catchy and easiest to follow for our little gal, even being so young still.

These Dr. Seuss pop-up hats are too cute.  This picture and craft are from the following link.  Click here for the full tutorial.

Pillsbury Members: Free 2013 Calendar

 

For those of you that are Pillsbury Members, you can score a FREE 2013 calendar, but you’ll need to be quick as these never last long! If you’re not a member, you may want to sign up now for future freebies!

Click here to go to the ad and link for this give-away.

Cookies & Cream Pudding

from: click here for one version of recipe

 

So, I've tried "Jell-o's" version of this and just didn't think much of it.  But we went to a kiddy pizza place today and I found this on the salad bar.  I thought I'd treat our little one to some of this, and my husband and I thought it was pretty tasty ourselves.

 

I asked the restaurant what their recipe was.  I'll share with you below.  I have also added a recipe, to go along with the picture above.  I've not tried the recipe above, but it seems almost like the one we had.  Although, I have to say, what made it so wonderful were large pieces of soft oreo, rather than crumbled oreo. 

 

 

Here's my recipe below (as told by the restaurant staff):

• Cool Whip
• Vanilla Pudding (or you could by the "Cookies & Cream" pudding)
• Oreos (in halves)

Mix the pudding as directed.  Fold in cool whip and oreos.  Let set over night, for oreos to soften a little.

Coupons

Anyone have any coupon sights to recommend, so I can share with everyone on the blog.  Either that or any great coupons?  I'm running shy on great leads and am not seeing great coupons on the sights I normally browse.  Please leave a comment in the "Comment" field below.  Help me out!

Hand Wreath

from: education.com

 

Looks like there is writing on these hands.  You could add the names of kids in your Sunday School class for a Sunday morning craft, or make this at home and write things your children are thankful for... food for thought.

 

Fall Leaf Turkey

from:  http://www.mycreativestirrings.com/2011/11/fall-leaf-creations.html

This turkey, above, is the cutest "leaf" craft I've seen.  I mean, out of real fall leaves.  First, go collect leaves.  Then have some fun!  Go to the link above for the full tutorial.

Homemade Kool-Aid Taffy

My goodness, doesn't this taffy look delicious!  I was drooling the minute I saw this picture.  This is a must make in my book.  And the kiddos will love it too!  Our little girl calls dessert, "coco", in effort of saying "cookie".  The term now extends to all dessert.

She is going to love trying this.  I can't wait to eat some myself.  Click here for the full tutorial.

Free "Dorito Loco Tacos" Today Only (Taco Bell)

Today only, October 30, between 2:00 - 6:00 pm.  That means this is happening now!  Go get your free taco.  Click here for the facebook link advertising this deal.

 

 

Fingerpaint a Fall Tree

from: picture from pinterest

 

Get busy with fingerpainting!  Your kids will love it and this fall tree is adorable.  What a fun fall craft.  Take it a step further and turn it into a family tree.  This could even be a sweet gift for grandma and grandpa this Thanksgiving!

Needed:

Finger Paint
Paper
(You might need to make the tree trunk for your kiddo)

Carmel Apple Bites

from: pinterest

So, I've not made caramel apples in forever... but I'm guessing all you need to do here is SLOWLY melt your carmel (if it is like chocolate at all) and dip in your apple bites.  I love this cause I hate caramel apples for the fact that they are too hard to bite into and too much.  This is a perfect remedy!

Ingredients:

Apple (cut into small bites)
Toothpicks
Caramel

Noah's Ark Crafts

So, it's been a while since a weekly teaching time.  I'm sure most mom's wanting to do this craft know the story of "Noah's Ark".  Start by reminding your child of this story and God's promise to the world.

This initial craft can be found by clicking here.  You will need adobe acrobat to pull up the document.  You will see two links, click on "CraftNoahsArk.pdf", the bottom of the two links.

This next one is from http://sweetandsimplethings.blogspot.com/2011/03/fruit-loop-rainbow.html.  I saw a lot of versions of this froot loop rainbow on google.  You could use cotton in stead of marshmellows for the clouds.  Have fun being creative!

General Mills Free Movie Ticket Offer

from: Raining Hot Coupons, http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/general-mills-free-movie-ticket-offer/

There is a great new offer from General Mills. When you buy 2 specially marked General Mills cereal you can score FREE movie tickets! This is a great way to get free tickets just buying something your family would grab every day!

After you buy 2 specially marked boxes, enter your codes here and they will give you instructions on how to redeem your free tickets!

Table Fun!

from: Pinterest

This is as easy as putting paint in ziplock bags and taping it to a table.  This is too cute an idea and looks like tons of fun for kids.  The only think I don't know about, as I have not tried this is whether the tape would hurt your table.  If you have any ideas or feedback to make this table friendly, please leave a comment in the comment field below.

Owl Cake

I have to confess my new love of owls.  I have not really decorated a kids room as we have lived in small rentals since we had our daughter.  However, I could very easily be tempeted to make her a room with owls, were I to have the chance right now.  So, why not settle for her next cake?!

This cake template is awesome.  How helpful to know how to make one.  Click here if you want to see the full tutorial and the final picture.

Painted Rocks

Too fun, eh?  Next time you are near a river bank gather smooth, flat rocks.  I've also seen these for sale at places like Walmart, and I want to say even the Dollar Store.  Use this as a craft and as a means to teach your child new words, how to spell his/her name or how to work with sentences.

For the full, original blog, click here.

Construction Paper Pumpkins

from:  http://www.richardsartsandcrafts.com/ProjectSheets/Seasonal/PROJECTS-HALLOWEEN.html



These cute pumpkins were found at the website above.  I didn't see any instructions, so you'll have to get creative!

Corn Dogs Muffins

from: http://iowagirleats.com/2012/01/30/super-bowl-recipe-week-mini-corn-dog-muffins/

Don't know why I didn't think of this.  I would use a Jiffy cornbread mix.  (Following oven temp, cooking time, just adding pieces of hot dog to the muffin mix.)  They are inexpensive and so good.  If you are a cornbread connoisseur, Jiffy is a little sweet.  I initially did not prefer the hint of sugar, but I actually might like it more than the savory recipes.  Key word being, "might".  I still haven't decided.

If you want a homemade recipe that will take longer, you can go to the website where the picture is from.  Just click the link above.

Custom Halloween Bags

Ink Garden is offering custom trick or treat bags for only $1!  This is a savings of $7.99.  Shipping is $4.99 for the first bag and $1.49 for each additional.  Click here to order your personalized Halloween bag.

Sun, Earth, Moon Model Craft

from:  http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/sun-earth-moon-model-craft.html

This craft here will help the kiddos understand the rotation of the earth around the sun and moon.  What a great way to make this topic tangible. Go to the link above for the full tutorial.

Old Navy Coupon (30% off): This Weekend

If you can't read the ad below, every Facebook fan gets 30% off their entire purchase this weekend.  Valid through October 12-14.

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

from:  picture from Pinterest and recipe from Food.com

(This low calorie, weight watchers recipe varies per website.  I have seen it with the yellow or spice cake mix.  And with our without water.  My thought is that with water it would be more moist and that the spice cake mix would add the spices you'd want.)

Ingredients:

     * 1 box Spice Cake Mix
     * 15 ounce Can of Pumpkin
     * 1 cup Water

Directions:

     * Mix all ingredients in mixer
     * Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
    

Leaf Magnets

from: http://kidscraftsandthemes.blogspot.jp/2009/10/paper-autumn-leaf-magnet.html

So, let's be honest for a minute.  Kid's crafts are cute, but after they've been on the fridge a while, they go to the trash or cardboard box for when your child is an adult, who will then choose to throw the craft away.  But, these leafs are so cute, that I'd use them as a fall magnet every year!  Go to the link above to find the full tutorial.

Pumpkin Bowling & 99 Other Fall Activities

Here is just one of 100 cute ideas for fall.  Click here for the list of all these fall festivities, ranging from craft to activity.

Graham Cracker & Cool Whip Sandwiches

from: http://www.southernplate.com/2009/07/low-sugar-ice-cream-grahamwiches-and-a-hamilton-beach-mixer-giveaway.html

Try a healthy spin on ice cream sandwiches.  Looks so good; I'm drooling right now!  The ingredients and tutorial are at the website above.

If you try it, follow up with a comment.  I'm curious if this would make the graham crackers soggy.  I did not see any concern of this in the tutorial and they were made, so it must be fine.

Leaf Sunprint Mural

This is too cute an idea.  Can't believe I had not thought of this.  Click here for the link with a full tutorial.  Gotta enjoy the fall and all its pleasures!

"Kid's Eat Free" List

This is too good to not check out if you have kids.  Their is a disclaimer that these listings were contributed by uses, so you'll want to verify with your local restaurants.  I can't believe all these listings would be wrong though!  Click here to go to this pretty extensive list of restaurants with details of when and how kids can eat free.  Oh yes, and I added the logo of my favorite joint listed... mmmm!

5 Natural Responses to Ease Nausea During Pregnancy (& Medication Insight for Extreme Cases)

(Please note that I am not a physician.  All of my insight comes from personal experience.  For further questions, please contact your physician.)


Can you count on your hands the number of nights you were up visiting the toilet?  How many date nights did you spend on the couch curled up in a ball?  And, did your husband give you grief over the crinkling of food wrappers during the night?  Oh goodness, did you develop a deep loathing of food, though you LOVE good meals?

Four "Yes"es from me and a thousand more to follow!  With my miscarriage, I notice my stomach was a little uneasy, but when I had our daughter, I started throwing up before my 8-week ultra-sound.  Note that this time frame will vary for everyone and every pregnancy.  However, I was sick well into the second trimester.

My lifeline, Zofran.  I was offered both Zofran and Phenegran from my OBGYN, but the Phenegran made me too tired.  As a working mom, Zofran was the way to go.  If you can afford Zofran, rather than the generic, it tastes much better considering your stomach is already sensitive.  The unfortunate part about Zofran is you have to disolve it in your mouth and the taste gets old.

While medicine is a wonderful relief when your stomach is too far gone, there are other ways I found helped easy my stomach. 

1. Eat:  This is ironic, as one usually eats less with an upset stomach.  However, I noticed when my hunger pains started, I needed to get something in my belly.  Is this ideal, "No".  You will gain more, but I chose this over throwing up for months.
2. When Nature Calls, Go:  Don't hold your bladder or a bowel movement too long.  The longer you wait, the more uneasy your stomach will become and lead to the inevitable.  (There were times I was sitting on the toilet while throwing up on the floor.)  Avoid my mishaps if you can.
3. Rest:  Give notice to your body and when it needs sleep.  I had to go to bed by a certain time or it would send me over the edge.  I found sleeping in later and taking naps helped wave the nausea.
4. Lay on Your Back:  I have not done any research on this, but I have noticed when I get upset and I cannot use the restroom or do not need to eat, laying on my back immensely helps my stomach.  Too help further, I sleep on my back at night.  (Note:  If you are further in your pregnacy, you should not be sleeping on your back.  Check with your physician if questioning when this becomes a problem.)
5. Take Deep Breathes In & Out:  If you are about to throw-up, trying breathing in and out slowly and deeply.  This helped me wave off the nausea or at least slow it down until I could get to a restroom.

If you are sick and so tired of feeling this way, I am truly sorry.  Though it is not fun, be reassured that this means your baby is healthy.  On the flip side, don't worry if you are not feeling nauseas and your baby has a healthy heartbeat.  Every pregnancy is different. 

Orange Pumpkins

from: not sure where... but not my picture

Look at these little cuties.  How fun.  It's a perfect way to let a kid decorate their own pumpkin, just without a knife or a mess.  Try making orange or tangerine pumpkins this October.

Then eat these "pumpkin" oranges for a healthy snack. Make fruit fun for your kiddo.

Tissue Paper Jack-O-Lantern

from:  http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.com/

SUPPLIES:

     * Paper Plate    
     * Orange Tissue Paper

          (You don't need same colors; try orange printed scrapbook paper even!)

     * Green & Brown/Black Construction Paper

DIRECTIONS: 

     * Tear or cut tissue paper

     * Glue on tissue paper
     * Cute stem, leaves, and face
     * Then glue on

Children's Place Photo Opportunity

I'm not much into kid's modeling, but submit you kids photo, vote and possibly win $500 (toward's Children's Place).  Not a bad deal for a one time opportunity.  You could win your kid's wardrobe for the next few years.  Click here to go to the link for this opportunity.

Jello Orange Tutorial

from: http://sugarsoiree.deviantart.com/art/Jell-o-Oranges-Tutorial-208112749

The tutorial can be found at the link above.  Pretty creative and fun for a new kiddo snack.  Please tell us how it goes if you try this out.

Water Bottle Penguins

from:  Pinterest (Could not locate original source)

So, again, I've tried to locate the source of another craft, unsuccessfully.  I've even gone through every blogpost in the linking site.  I'll do my best to give you a guideline of what would be needed for these water bottle penguins.  And, again, feel free to leave follow up in the "Comments" section below.  You may have a better way of crafting this as these are not the actual instructions.

WHAT'S NEEDED:

• Water Bottles
• Eyes
• Orange Felt or Construction Paper
• Cotton Balls
• Glue
• Black Feathers
• Black Construction Paper
• Permanent Black Marker

HOW TO:

• Piece of black construction paper inserted into back half of water bottle
• Infront of paper, cotton balls are inserted and cap is put on
• Color top of cap with a permanent black marker
• Feathers are glued to back of cap
• Cap and stem of feathers are covered with black construction paper
• Eyes and beak are glued on
• Wings and feet glued on
  
  (Of course, you'll also need to cut these pieces as needed.)

Baked Mozarella Sticks

from:  justaddasliceoflove.blogspot.com

BAKED MOZARELLA STICKS

Ingredients:
     * String Cheese
     * Milk
     * Bread Crumbs
     * Marinara Sauce

Directions:

String cheese chopped into bite size pieces, then dipped in milk and bread crumbs. Bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes and serve with marinara sauce. It's baked not fried!

I see some spices on these, anyone want to take a guess at what combination would make these great?  Please share in the comment field below, to help us out.  (My first thought was Basil, Oregano, or Italian Seasoning.)

Next Bake Sale

from: birdonacake.blogspot.com

Hey moms!  Here's an idea for the next bake sale you help with.  Put cupcakes in short, clear cups.  So cute and mess free.  Why didn't I think of this on my own?

Free 8x10 Canvas Print (Just pay shipping)

(Note:  This is not hassle free)

Click here to get your free 8x10 canvas print.

Alright, after an hour plus, I officially ordered our free canvas by only paying for shipping.  I must tell you it was an extreme hassle as their website is on overload.  I kept getting "Error" screens.  As a result, I found in my email that they were not errors and I've ordered multiple of one canvas.  I don't know that you should really call this a bargain.

If you want a print, I suggest, once entering your card information; wait at least a half hour before checking your email to see if the order processed.  You may have to start the whole ordeal over multiple times, it just matters how much you want your print.

Their customer service is on overload, as is their website, so I will not know if I get a refund for at least 48 hours.  And, it appears if it prints and was a free print before your request is processed, you will not be refunded.  All to say, I think I lost money instead of getting a great bargain.  Make sure you check your email after submitting your card number.  Do NOT think "error" means your payment was not processed.

Worst case scenario, I have gifts for Riley's grandparents this Christmas!

Free Carseat Canopy (Just pay shipping)

from:  ad found at http://babycouponsandstuff.com/2012/09/18/free-carseat-caopy-just-pay-shipping/
(ad found separate from website giving item away)

Use code MYSAVINGS to score a free carseat canopy from CarseatCanapy.com ($50 value)!  Just pay $12.95 shipping and handling which is still a great price for these.  Or take $50 off The Whole Caboodle (just $42.90 with code and shipping).

The Whole Caboodle is a complete matching set of all five Carseat Canopy™ products! Each Whole Caboodle fits most makes and models of infant car seats*

• Slip Cover
• Head Support Pillow
• Baby Lap Blanket with matching Underside
• Replacement Umbrella with matching Lining
• Car Seat Canopy with matching Interior and 100% Cotton Outer

Click here to claim your carseat canopy. (I do not know how long this ad is good for, but I tried it the evening of 9/23/2012 and it worked fine.  Enjoy!)

The Very Hungry Catepillar

from:  picture and instructions from http://www.crafts-for-preschool-kids.com/more-crafts.html

If you love the book, why not make the craft!  If you've not read the book, it is also a good read.

How To:

• Paint 6 small paper plates green and one paper plate red (or just by colored dessert plates).
• Attach using a hole puncher and yarn.
• Add legs made from brown construction paper, googly eyes, pom pom for nose and a pipe cleaner for the antennaes.
• You can have children draw the food the caterpillar ate through, have them color and cut out food and glue onto the caterpillar like shown in the picture below.

Teaching Time: 

• Take it a step further and teach your child about catepillars.  If you have the book, this is a helpful and fun source to do just that.

Green Grape Catepillars

from: picture from princessandthefrogblog.blogspot.com

I could not find the recipe, but I am only assuming the following would be the ingredients needed for this kids snack...

• Green Grapes
• Chocolate Chips
• Tube of White Frosting
• Kabob Sticks

If you try this and have feedback; I love to hear it!  Just leave a comment in the "Comment" field below for the benefit of others, as well.

10 Recipes for Homemade Art Supplies

from: photo from Stock Xchange

The following recipes can be found by clicking here.

• Fingerpaint
• Watercolor paint
• Puffy paint
• Playdough
• Flubber
• Bath crayons
• Lick & stick stickers
• Bubble mix
• Sidewalk chalk
• Chalkboard paint

2013 Healthcare Changes: What this Means for You

A long awaited, restful Friday evening was brought to an abrupt halt when my husband showed me an email from his employer.  Due to the healthcare reform, his employer is trying to find ways to make the additional costs more absorbable.  And what we read made our spirits drop.

But first, I want to say that we completely support our employer.  I believe the are doing what they can to afford these new costs.  I am just expressing the difficulty this healthcare plan will cause our family and many others, and that it would be wise to do your research so you can prepare for the upcoming future, especially if you are a mom on a budget.

Now, back to our Friday night wake up call.  Rather than celebrating Friday, we were dwelling upon the fact that we are already struggling to make it when emergencies hit, but thinking about tax hikes or additional out-of-pocket medical expenses are more than we can handle (especially wanting another child sometime soon).  The email from my husband's employer outlined the new insurance policy starting January 2013, just a few months away.  It shows that our out-of-pocket expenses will double due to healthcare reform.  There are other changes as well that make it appear as if the "almost doubled" deductible and "doubled" out-of-pocket expenses will be met much quicker, since the plan will not cover as much as before. (Note:  This is how our insurance benefits change, not necessarily yours.)

If you are pregnant, hoping to have a child or thinking this reform is free, you are in for a surprise.  I would encourage you to check with your or your spouses employer to see what changes they intend to make to your insurance plan come 2013.  Another item to check is if your baby's shots are covered or if they fall under your out-of-pocket expenses.  I'm not clear on how this affects us, but I know some of our daughter's well child check-ups with shots can quickly run a few hundred dollars.  This is a scary thought, especially if you will have a newborn getting frequent immunizations.  Again, I do not know how your insurance plan will change, which is why it is important for you to ask how the healthcare bill will affect you.

Help Childhood Hunger: Dine Out!

from: http://join.strength.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GADO_homepage

The "2012 Dine Out For No Kid Hungry" is September 16-22, 2012.

Click on the link above, which will take you to the homepage.  If you go to the "Find a Restaurant" tab, it will give you a number of restaurants in your area.  If you live in Williamsburg, the only restaurant within a half hour is Arby's in Jellico.  If you go to Knoxville on a "Date Night", you'll have a few more options.

Ask the restaurant about the "No Kid Hungry" opportunity.  I am not sure if this includes buying certain items and am having trouble finding more specifics.  If you are aware of more details, please share in the comment field below.