Creative Corner...{trick or...}

I think this little Changito Mummy is way cute! Hope you have a blast with your little trick or treaters! {Don't eat too much candy!}

Creative Corner...Limelight Sketch Challenge

It's time for a Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge!! The focus is BUTTERFLIES. There are all kinds of butterflies over at Limelight: Stamps, Papers, Embellishments...

Join in and play along and you could win TWO butterfly stamps! Check out the details here.

Recipe:
Paper ~ kraft, riding hood, basic grey lemonade
Stamps ~ unity becoming butterfly
Ink ~ brown
Accessories ~ various punches, rhinestones, glue dots, sakura stardust pen

Halloween treats...

How about some fun {and mostly free} treats on Halloween:
Taco Bell is offering a free Black Jack Taco from 6PM to Midnight on October 31st. No other purchase required.

Sonic is serving 50¢ corndogs from 5 to 10 PM on 10/31.

Dress like a burrito on Halloween and head to Chipotle from 6-10 PM, you’ll get a free burrito.

Free Trick R Treat Parade at Toys R Us from noon to 3 PM.

Free Halloween Event at Michael’s Stores from noon to 2 PM. Free trick or treat pail, craft activities, candy and balloon.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

This cake turned out so moist and yummo! Another great pumpkin treat for the season!!! {...even better topped with cool whip!}

Ingredients:
1 15 oz can pumpkin
3 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 can evaporated milk
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp brown sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spices and canned milk. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the dry cake mix. Sprinkle brown sugar over butter. Bake about 50-60 minutes.

Apples, Acorns & Animals...Oh My!

We have recently started doing some "activities" with Little Bit. Last month I tried to do some things with the letter A. Our main focus was on apples, acorns, and animals. Basically I'm trying to do things that correspond with the seasons...that are fun and also educational!

Activities:
string a necklace....apples cut out from patterned paper, colored straws cut into 4ths, pipe cleaners cut and spiraled, lacing.

apple plate...red construction paper cut into small pieces and glued onto a paper plate.
acorn hunt...searching the back yard for fallen acorns, then using tongs to transfer from plate to a bowl

little people animals....just a fun time to focus on different animals and their sounds

puzzle time...we have several wooden animal puzzles that Little Bit loves working on {including these from Melissa & Doug...farm cube puzzle and bear dress up!}

Snacks:
apple slices {plain, with nutella or peanut butter}
applesauce
apple bars {nurti-grain or kashi}
animal crackers

Reading:
Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss
The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett
The Oak Inside the Acorn by Max Lucado

{utilize your local library for reading material!!!}

Old Navy $2 costumes!

Stop in your local Old Navy on October 30th or 31st for some cheap costumes and goodies! If you already have your costume for this year...think about getting a jump on next year. I am sure these will go fast....so get there quick!

Creative Corner...Autumn Baner

I was in the mood for more "autumn" decor so I decided to make a banner. I have seen several of these around lately...{mostly made from fabric}....but I decided to make mine using paper. I chose the Mellow paper pad from Basic Grey....{one of my favorite paper companies!!!}.

I just cut the pendants using pinking shear type decorative scissors. I cut circles from the scraps to adhere to the middle of each pendant and put felt American Crafts thickers in the centers. Then I faux stitched around the circle with my brown marker! {I just love how much that can add to any project!} To finish it off, I punched holes and added eyelets to thread the twine through. I used large glue dots to adhere the banner to my mantel.

Meijer at a glance... 10/25 - 10/31

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Hershey’s, Mars or Nestle Candy (Snack/Fun Size Bags)... $2.00
$1 Nestle (11.5 oz or larger) Printable here
$.55 Reese’s in the 8/23 SS
$1 Hershey Kisses in the 9/13 SS
$1/3 Hershey’s in the 10/18 SS
$1/2 Mars Candy in the 9/27 RP
$1/2 Mars Candy in the 10/11 RP
PLUS $1/3 Mars via Meijer Mealbox

Nabisco Oreos Cookies... $2.49
$1/2 in the Kraft Back to School Booklet

Kellogg’s Cereal... $1.88
{Includes: Raisin Bran (15 oz), Rice Krispies (9 oz), Frosted Mini Wheats (16 oz), Apple Jacks or Froot Loops (8.7 oz)}
$1.50/2 Printable at RedPlum

Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix (10 ct)... $1.49
$1/2 Printable here

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter... $1.29
$1/2 in the 9/13 RP
$.75 Printable here

Green Giant Boxed Veggies (7-10 oz)... $.99
$.50/3 in the 10/4 SS
$.50/2 Printable here

Snuggle Fabric Softener... $3.39
$3 in the 10/4 RP
$1 Printable at Coupons.com

Huggies Diapers or Pull Ups (Jumbo Pk)... $8.99
$1 in the 10/25 SS
$1.50 Printable at Coupons.com, SmartSource AND CoolSavings *print 2 at each site*
$2 Printable here

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ broccoli cheese soup, salad, bread

Tuesday ~ honey coconut salmon, corn, rice, bread

Wednesday ~ take out

Thursday ~ chili, peanut butter sandwiches, cheese slices, apple

Friday ~ leftover buffet

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Barnes & Noble Treats...

Yesterday Little Bit and I went out to do some shopping. One stop on our list was at Barnes & Noble for a FREE cookie and hot chocolate that I posted about here. Little Bit gobbled up her chocolate chunk cookie {should have gotten a pic of her messy mouth!} and I drank the hot chocolate. While we were sitting there enjoying out treats, they announced that storytime would be starting in a few minutes. Little Bit was excited about that...{she loves library storytime!} They read one Halloween story and then let the kiddos make treat bags. Next, they got to "trick or treat" from one of the staff members. She got a few pieces of candy and ANOTHER COOKIE! Wow...made the stop even more worth while!

Freebie Friday!

If you are a resident of one of the following states...IL, KS, MI, MN, MO, OH, OK, WI...you could get a free Red Gold tote bag just for signing up for their e-newsletter.

Check out this printable coupon for a free cookie and child size hot chocolate at Barnes & Noble. Valid 10/24 only.

Need some quick and easy crockpot recipes for the Fall and Winter months? Download a free e-cookbook featuring 50 pages of simple slow cooker recipes here.

Sign up now to get a free BeingGirl Sample Kit. Included in the kit are: 2 Tampax Pearl Tampons, 1 Compak Pearl Tampon, 1 Always Infinity Maxi-Pad, 2 Always Pantiliners, and 1 Always Feminine Wipe.

Creative Corner...hair accessories

Ok...so I forgot to take a before picture...but you can just use your imagination. The big purple, orange & black bow was attached to the black headband. I bought it at Target in the Dollar Spot. Gotta love Target!!!

I thought the bow was cute but knew Little Bit wouldn't wear the headband...but for a buck I could figure something out! So, I took the bow off the headband and attached it to an alligator clip...{found these at Hobby Lobby}. Then I just had this plain headband with a little dried glue spot from the where the bow was. I thought "I shouldn't just throw this away"....so I used some ribbon and a button I had on hand to make a headband that I can wear...{for Halloween at least!}

{i love fall!}

Today the weather was awesome...so we had to take advantage of some outside time. Little Bit and I ventured to Washington Park. I just let her run...{directing her where to go ever so slightly!}...and snapped some great pics! We both had a blast! Afterward I let her play on the playground for being such a good sport.

Meijer at a glance... 10/18 - 10/24

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

Meijer Gallon Milk... $1.75

Homegrown Russet Potatoes (10 lb Bag)... $1.69

Totino’s Pizza Rolls (15 ct)... $.99
$.40/2 from the 9/13 GM

Kellogg’s Cereal or Pop-Tarts: FREE Milk (purchase 4)... $2.49
Includes: Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, Apple Jack, Froot Loops, Strawberry & Blueberry Harvest
$.55 Pop Tarts from the 9/13 RP
$.55 Pop Tarts Gingerbread Flavor Printable here
$1.50/2 Mini Wheats Printable at RedPlum

Barilla Pasta (Whole Grain or Piccollini 12-16 oz)... $.89
$1/2 from the 8/23 SS

Campbell’s Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup... $.59
$.40/4 from the 9/13 SS

Classico Pasta Sauce... $2.00
$1/2 Printable here
AND $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Jell-O Gelatin... $.50
$.50/2 from the September Kraft Food & Family
AND $1/5 via Meijer Mealbox

Ore Ida Potatoes (Select Varieties 22-32 oz)... $2.49
$1.50/2 from the 9/27 SS
$1.50/2 Printable at Coupons.com
AND $1/3 via Meijer Mealbox

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ fish sticks, mac & cheese, sauteed zucchini, baked potato

Tuesday ~ southwest roll-ups, rice, corn

Wednesday ~ chicken ceasar burgers, homemade fries, salad

Thursday ~ broccoli cheese soup, salad, bread

Friday ~ leftover buffet

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Creative Corner...Limelight Sketch Challenge

It's time for a Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge!!! The focus is RIBBON. I had leftovers from my Scrap Club layouts...so I used the Limelight Sketch to whip up a card.

Creative Corner...Scrap Club

Here are the layouts for September Scrap Club. We decided to use the title "celebrate" this month. Both Jamie and I have kiddos with birthdays in September so that worked out great! You could also use the title to scrapbook an anniversary, school event, or just plain life in general!
To check out Jamie's samples or for more info on scrap club stop by Jamie's blog.

Meijer Super Saturday Sale

Meijer Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast, 40 oz pkg..... $3.99

Fresh Apple Cider, gallon... $1.99

Honeycrisp apples, 3 lb bag... $1.99

Meijer Split Top White or Wheat Bread... .79 cents {limit 4}

Kleenex Facial Tissue... .89 cents {limit 5}

General Mills cereal Booberry, Count Chocula, Frankberry... $1.89
$1.00/2 printable

...Check out all the Saturday Super Sale deals here.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds...

It's that time of year again....the time for PUMPKINS!!! {or "cumpins" as Little Bit would say!} We decided to try our hands at carving a pumpkin this year. Little Bit enjoyed walking around the Apple Barn, looking at all the pumpkins and helping to pick one out. We just got a small one to experiment with for our first carving. While cleaning out the seeds, I thought...why throw these away...I'll try roasting them.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds
1 Tbsp butter, melted {or Olive oil could be used instead}
salt to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300º F.

Rinse seeds, cleaning off any major chunks of string and pulp. Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the melted butter or oil and salt {and/or seasonings of your choice}. Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally or until golden brown.

{I just did plain salted seeds this time...but I think garlic or cinnamon would be yummo too!}

Meijer at a glance... 10/11 - 10/17

Sorry I am not able to post the Meijer Deals today but I have no Internet access for a few days. Please check out the weekly ad here and deal match ups from Mommy Snacks. Leave me a comment if you find a deal I should NOT pass up!

Huggies...

You can add 1 more point to your Huggies Enjoy The Ride Rewards account by entering this new code I found on Freebies4Mom.

BCBZP BKPXP DHPGB (1 pt)

Don't miss this free sample of Huggies Pure & Natural diapers {only newborn & size 1 available}.

Also, check out this NEW printable for $2 off Huggies diapers! It is a pdf and doesn't expire until 12/31/09!!!

Birthday on a Budget...

1. Because I am cheap....but mainly
2. Because I couldn't find any Veggie Tales birthday theme stuff!

Since Little Bit is so into Veggie Tales, I decided that's what we do for her birthday. Then I started to look for theme stuff to use for her party. When I came up empty handed with my searches, I decided to see what I could make.

We did travel to have her family party, so I didn't need a whole lot of decor. I ended up making a Bob and Larry out of cardstock. I used circle and oval cutters when I could and freehanded the rest. Then I taped them on wooden skewers and stuck them in a pot filled with dry beans! I used red plates, green cups and white napkins....alot cheaper than buying themed stuff anyways!

We also had a little friend get together at the park. I wanted to give each kiddo a little favor keeping with the Veggie Tales theme. So, thinking ahead, I got some school supplies on the cheap. I got free folders at Office Depot and 20 cent crayons. Then I found a Veggie Tales coloring book at Dollar General for $1. I took the coloring book apart so each folder could have about 5-6 pages. Then I put a few crayons in snack baggies and added them to the folders. I printed a picture of Bob & Larry for the front and added each kiddos name to it. Who doesn't love to color?!For an easy snack at the park we had 100 Calorie Pack Oreo cookies, juice boxes and Veggie Tale fruit snacks!!!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ chili, peanut butter sandwiches, cheese slices

Tuesday ~ pita pizzas, salad

Wednesday ~ biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage

Thursday ~ leftovers

Friday ~ creamy mushroom & chicken soup, salad, bread

Visit Org Junkie for more recipes!

Meijer at a glance... 10/04 - 10/10

Here are just a few of the deals at Meijer this week. Be sure to check out the Meijer Mealbox for extra savings on various items. Also, for more deals check out your local ad here!

The 10 for $10 get the 11th Item FREE is going on this week. The majority of these items are Meijer Brand items.

Meijer Lean Entrees... $1.79
$1/4 via Meijer Mealbox

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts... $1.80
$.55 in the 9/13 RP
$2/2 in the 8/30 RP

Kashi TLC Bars... $2.49
$1.50 Printable here

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes... $2.49
$.50 in the 10/4 RP
PLUS $1/2 via Meijer Mealbox

Creative Corner...Limelight Sketch Challenge

It's time for a Limelight Papercrafts Sketch Challenge!! The focus is TEXTURE. Limelight has some fabulous items that would fall into this category...including fuzzy dot ribbon, fun flock...and MORE!! I chose to use fibers on my card.

Recipe:
Paper ~ white, artichoke, kiwi, basic grey offbeat
Stamps ~ basic grey clear stamps
Ink ~ brown, artichoke, celery markers
Accessories ~ buttons, pop dots, fibers, circle punch, scallop punch