Things to Make - Decorate Your Own Trick-Or-Treat Bag

A few weeks ago, AC Moore had a $1 sale on plain tote bags, so I bought some for the kids, figuring they could decorate their own Halloween bags with fabric markers. On the upside, everyone loved this cheap, easy project, but F was the only kid who wanted to decorate for the holiday, as P insisted that rainbows and flowers are necessary for every occasion ("who likes scary stuff anyways?" - P). F eventually caved and turned over her jack-o-lantern drawing for a butterfly.

Oh well, now the bags work for multiple occasions. I hoped to take some better pictures of the final project, but then this hurricane got in my way. Stay safe and dry everyone!! Hopefully there will still be costume wearing tomorrow.

If you're interested in trying a similar project, this kit from Oriental Trading looks fun.

Things to Do - Jump in a Leaf Pile

Go ahead, jump in the pile, you KNOW you want to!!

Happy Monday everyone!

Here are some great links from around the web -

*This recipe full of seasonal ingredients (all available at Trader Joe's) sounds yummy. In addition, I used farmer's market kale to make this recipe last week and wow was it good.

*If you haven't had a chance to check out Lonny Magazine yet (an online decorating magazine similar to what Domino used to be), the October/November issue is definitely worth your time.

*This DIY wine bottle light is just beautiful. I was thinking of making one myself until I read "put on your gloves and goggles and start drilling." (um, no goggles here). Still I want one. (courtesy of Design Mom)

*I want these shoes. Plus, they're for a good cause. And Tom's are super comfy in general. But do I really need another pair? Ugh, decisions, decisions.

*And, as always, the photos on this blog never cease to amaze me.

Things to Make Tuesday - Leaf Etchings

So lately, F's been really into making leaf etchings (i.e. I have received over thirty leaf etching as presents and there is no reason to think the trend is nearing an end). I wish I could take credit, but apparently Special Agent Osso taught her this skill. I should, as measure of solidarity in the mommy blogger community, use this opportunity to write about how ashamed I am that my children watch TV (or, even better, keep them from watching it). And, honestly, we really do try to limit TV to just a few hours a week. But some of the TV out there is just so good that I can't complain. She walked around all afternoon spelling slide after watching WordWorld. And, yes, I realize that TV is no excuse for actual parental involvement. But some days, it just works. Enough said. However you feel on the kids/TV issue, hopefully everyone thinks leaf etchings are fun. So go grab a leaf, put it under a piece of paper and rub a crayon over it. It's fall, after all (I do love a cheesy rhyme).

Things to Make Tuesday - A Painted Pumpkin

I realize most people don't paint pumpkins, they carve pumpkins. But in order to carve a pumpkin you need a knife (or a similar sharp utensil) and I have three children under the age of five. And Knives are dangerous (remember The Outsiders?). So, all things considered, one day I would love love love to carve pumpkins with my children. But that day hasn't come yet. Kudos to you who are more brave. If you want to take the easy route, however, painting is really fun. My kids loved it. We used 10 ct. 2 oz. Bottles - Assorted Color Washable Kid's Paint, which worked pretty well, but does rub off once dry, so be careful. Now we're ready for Halloween. and fall. Good times.



The finished product. I think the stripe of red really adds something special.