More Halloween Fun!

Here are some more ideas that I have found while looking around the web.




Kitty Litter Cake

This was a hit at all my halloween party's.

1 (18 oz.) box spice or german chocolate cake mix...
1 (18 oz.) box white cake mix
1 pkg. white sandwich cookies
1 large box vanilla instant pudding mix
12 small tootsie rolls
1 litter box (preferably a NEW one!)
1 plastic scoop
green food coloring
 

See more... http://www.kidskuisine.com/kitty-litter-cake/


Spider Cupcakes
www.holidaycottagepage.com/spider-cupcakes/





Candy Corn Pizza
www.holidaycottagepage.com/halloween-cookie-pizza/






29 gross-out halloween party recipes!
 

http://www.cutefoodforkids.com/2011/09/29-creepy-spooky-scary-gross-and.html




Make the shape with bottle, ball and wire. Drape over cheesecloth and spray with starch. Once dry remove supports. So clever... Great project for entire family

then spray lightly with glow in the dark paint. Hang in trees with black lights. lol cute
Recipes, Tips & Crafts Oh My



http://cookiesandcups.com/skeletons-and-scenes-from-a-playground/


Monster Toes!


http://spoonful.com/recipes/monster-toes






Candy corn DIY tree. shared from The Gardening Cook

directions: http://thegardeningcook.com/creative-ideas-for-fall-decorations/


crayon drip pumpkin!
full tutorial ---> http://diycozyhome.com/crayon-drip-pumpkins/
 

Halloween decor idea! so easy




Painting leaves to look like ghosts... fun little fall craft.
Want to see more crafts? visit www.pinterest.com/m0msgotink !!

Brunswick Stew - from the Country Cook !

Brunswick Stew - from the Country Cook !
 
 

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2012/11/brunswick-stew.html

Dollar Store Kickin' Chili

By: Karen from 365 Days of Slow Cooking

If you're looking for slow cooker chili recipes that can be made on a budget, try this recipe for Dollar Store Kickin' Chili. It's made with three ingredients--all of which can be found at a dollar store!    

Dollar Store Kickin' Chili

This image courtesy of 365daysofcrockpot.com

For the recipe:
Read more at http://www.allfreeslowcookerrecipes.com/Slow-Cooker-Chili-Recipes/Dollar-Store-Kickin-Chili/#W07AWbO88G5R4IUi.99

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole



For the recipe: http://gurusmancave.com/pepperoni-pizza-casserole/

Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake

Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake



For the recipe: http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com/2010/06/chicken-spinach-pasta-bake.html

Fun and Frugal Kids Activities - Part Three

I have a lot of fun looking for ideas of fun and frugal activities to do with my grandchildren.  Here are some ideas I've collected.




Awe! How cool of an idea is this for keeping those busy toddlers occupied.

Teach Them Diligently Convention

How cute is this way to play checkers....cats one side, dogs the other.

via pinterest



DIY Organic Calming PlayDoh with Lavender and Magnesium
via Health Home and Happiness

Find out how to make it here: http://www.healthhomehappy.com/2013/09/organic-calming-playdoh.html

 

Paper plate hats





A Doctor's Kit
.
http://sevensistersinchrist.blogspot.com/2011/01/doctors-kit-for-real-play.html


Story props - Goldilocks & Three Bears!
 

http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/9024


A way to reuse scrap fabric!

Such a great gift idea! Make 50 copies of a paper doll on cardstock, save up scraps of fabric, and include scissors and glue sticks!
 

http://thismamamakesstuff.com/2009/08/making-stuff-fabric-scrap-paper-doll-kit/


Toddler friendly sewing basket


http://childhood101.com/2010/09/our-toddler-friendly-sewing-basket/




Word and Color Match

Monster Finger Cookies for Halloween!

Monster Finger Cookies!
 Roll out sugar cookie dough into a thin line (dough will spread when baking), score at knuckles and... apply an almond shard at the tip.
Bake as directed on package.
Brush cooled cookies with a little cocoa-powder to add contrast.

Alisha Taylor or The New Healthy You with Alisha Taylor for more great posts!

Halloween Frugal Fun!

Frugal Ideas that I've collected.  Hope you enjoy them!



Spider Pops

 

http://housewifetipsandmore.com/kids_private/spider_pops






Recipe: notmartha.org/archives/2007/10/26/spider-cakes/

Thrift Store dolls could be used to make this scary sculpture.
  

Cool Products & Ideas

Freeze plastic spiders in water in your ice cube trays for the drinks for Halloween.

Cool Products & Ideas

halloween-mummy-jars
 
http://dailysavings.allyou.com/2012/10/23/goofproof-diy-halloween-mummy-jars/?crlt.pid=camp.A5xEgYHl3EBY

Halloween idea...

Marshmallow Witches

Ingredients

1/2 cup vanilla frosting, divided
36 miniature semisweet chocolate chips...
12 large marshmallows
1 drop each green, red and yellow food coloring, optional
1/4 cup flaked coconut
12 chocolate wafers
12 miniature peanut butter cups
12 milk chocolate kisses

Directions:

For the face of each witch, place a dab of frosting on the bottom of three chocolate chips; press two for eyes and one for nose onto each marshmallow.
For hair, combine green food coloring and a drop of water in a small resealable plastic bag; add coconut and shake well. Spread a small amount of frosting on sides of marshmallows; press coconut hair into frosting. Place 3 tablespoons of frosting in a small heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; tint orange with red and yellow food coloring. Set aside.
For hats, spread some of the remaining frosting in the center of chocolate wafers; press peanut butter cups upside down into frosting. Lightly spread bottoms of chocolate kisses with frosting; place on peanut butter cups. Cut a small hole in the corner of pastry or plastic bag; insert a small star tip. Fill the bag with frosting and pipe stars around the base of each peanut butter cup. Secure a hat to each witch with a dab of frosting. Yield: 1 dozen.

 

Christmas & Halloween Rolled Together

 

 

 

http://cutediypins.com/2013/02/07/pinner-said-i-used-surgical-gloves-you-can-find-them-at-walgreens-walmart-rite-aid-for-the-fingers-i-used-smarties-then-i-filled-them-rest-of-the-way-with-mini-hershey-candy-bars-and-mini-ree/

 

Fun Halloween place setting

 

 

milk-jug-craft-jack-o-lantern
 

http://www.squidoo.com/milk-jug-craft-jack-o-lantern

 

 

 

glowing-severed-hand-halloween-punch
 

http://www.chow.com/recipes/30137-glowing-severed-hand-halloween-punch

 

how-to-roast-perfect-pumpkin-seeds
 

http://ohsheglows.com/2012/09/17/how-to-roast-perfect-pumpkin-seeds-easy-crunchy-addictive/

 

 

Make Your Own Fake Blood for Halloween

MYO Fake Blood

MYO Fake Blood
by Budget101

• 1/2 bottle of light corn syrup
• very hot water
• 1 tsp of liquid dish soap (Dawn)
• red food coloring
• blue or green food coloring (optional)

In a small bowl combine the corn syrup and water (just add a little add a time till the correct consistency is achieved. Add your red food coloring, it can be made darker by adding the blue/green.
Store in the fridge. Prior to applying to the skin, apply cold cream. To use: drip, spray or smear as your ghoulish heart desires.....

OR

For blood use blue liquid laundry starch with red food coloring added. It sticks well, it gives the coloration of blood, and dries with the consistency of real blood. Or a mixture of cocoa and water with food coloring, placed in squeeze bottles drips marvelously. Very gory.

OR

For a simpler simulation of blood: mix catsup and face cream!

Read more: Budget101.com - - MYO Fake Blood http://www.budget101.com/special-effects-halloween/myo-fake-blood-2704.html#ixzz2ehW2cMHr

Duck Punch

My daughter had a Rubber Duck theme for her baby shower and this Duck Punch was perfect.  If you want to do something like this for a baby girls shower, just use pink ducks.  The punch still looks really pretty even if everything else around it is pink. 

Here is the link that will give you the recipe and instructions:

http://tidymom.net/2011/ducky-baby-shower-punch/

Oven Dried Sweet Potato Dog Chews

Oven Dried Sweet Potato Dog Chews

Recipe by Happy Healthy Homemaker

 

Ingredients:
1+ fresh raw sweet potato
1 baking sheet with parchment paper
...
Directions:
1. Wash the sweet potatoes and leave the peels on.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into approximately ¼ inch thick slices.
3. Place the sweet potato slices on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a 250 degree oven for two hours. (Do NOT season.)
4. Turn potato slices over and bake for two more hours (less if you want them chewy instead of crisp).
5. Remove the dried sweet potatoes slices from the oven and allow them to cool completely before giving this treat to your pooch.

Store the dried sweet potato chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Healthy and inexpensive treat.See More

Photo by Happy Healthy Homemaker

Natural Flea and Tick Remedy

Its getting that time again...Flea & Tick Remedy

8 oz apple cider vinegar
4 oz warm water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
...
Mix dry ingredients first then slowly add to wet as the vinegar and baking soda will react slightly. Put into spray bottle and spray pets down. Be careful not to get in pets eyes.

Use Borax throughout the house, sprinkle it on the carpets and let sit for a few hours, then vacuum. This should kill all the fleas and ticks in your home and on your pets.

Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

2 eggs
1/2 c...up canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.

Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.

* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.
 

Macaroni & Cheese Salad Recipe

By CookEatShare Cookbook

 

• 1 box Macaroni and Cheese Dinner
• 3 hard boiled Large eggs
• 3 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet basil
• 1/8 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise

Directions

1. Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed on box and cold. Mix remaining ingredients with cooked dinner. Refrigerateand serve.

 

Mac And Cheese Beef Pot Pie Recipe

By CookEatShare Cookbook

 

Cost per recipe $10.21

• 2 frzn pie crusts
• 1 box macaroni and cheese
• 1/4 c. lowfat milk (or possibly to taste)
• 1/4 c. butter (or possibly to taste)
• 19 ounce can chunky beef soup or possibly stew
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese  (optional)

Directions

1. Home made pot pie has never been so easy! And the flavorful mac and cheese topping adds another dimension to this dish. The basic recipe makes 2 individually sized pot pies - sufficient for 2 big eaters, or possibly 4 smaller appetites. It's not hard - really, it's not!
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.Thaw pie crusts 15 min. Make the macaroni and cheese according to box directions, or possibly your favorite variation.
3. While macaroni is cooking, heat soup in a saucepan. After thawing shells, press each carefully into an individual size oven-proof bowl or possibly soufflé pan, smoothing it out and patching any cracks.
4. Cut off excess around edges. Pour soup into pie shell.
5. Carefully place spoonfuls of macaroni and cheese on top of pie, covering it evenly. Scatter cheddar cheese on top of the pie.
6. Bake 35 min, or possibly till cheese is melted and starting to brown.
7. Chicken or possibly turkey pot pie: Substitute a different filling. You can use any thick and chunky style canned soup or possibly stew.Thicker filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, there are two approaches. A) Boil the soup over low heat to reduce it, stirring occasionally. B) Use a slotted spoon to put the soup chunks into the pie crusts. Cover with as much of the sauce as you like.
8. Family size pot pie: Use one deep dish pie crust and make a 9" pie. Follow rest of recipe as normal.
9. Added top crust: Use a second frzn pie shell for the top crust. Let it thaw 15 min, roll it to flatten, place on top of the filled pie, and crimp edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust, and brush with lightly beaten egg white before baking.
10. Serves 2 to 4.

 

Meaty Macaroni and Cheese

Meaty Macaroni and Cheese

by Simple Daily Recipes

 

When I think about, if I could replicate a non-processed macaroni and cheese to taste like the box stuff my kids love so much, I could really have an organic meal on my hands. However, I haven’t made a fresh macaroni and cheese recipe, yet, that my kids will award the Kid Seal of Approval. Oh sure, I’ve made some incredible tasting recipes loved by adults but the kids are…well, their kids.

HERE’S ALL IT TAKES

to feed a family of 4

• 1/2 pound fresh, lean ground beef or pork
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 to 8 whole garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rubbed Sage

• 1 regular box macaroni and cheese
• 1 cup fresh, whole milk, warmed

• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (14 ounce) can black eye peas OR black beans, drained

Start by heating a large skillet over medium to medium high and cooking the meat, onion, garlic cloves, oregano and sage together until meat is browned and there’s no sign of pink. Cooking and stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
In the meantime, start a medium saucepan of water to boil the macaroni. When the water comes to a boil, add the dried macaroni. Stir pasta, reduce heat to medium and cook for 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender to the bite. Drain off water. Add powdered cheese and warmed milk to pasta . Stir until smooth and creamy. It may look a little soupy but don’t worry. The milk makes it easier to reheat as a leftover.
Once the meat is fully cooked, add the drained tomatoes, and black eye peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook until the tomatoes and peas are heated through.
Now as for serving, you could lay a bed of cheesy macaroni in the bowl first and top it with the meaty mixture, as shown in the photo above. Or you can toss the pasta together with the meaty mixture and serve it up like a goulash. Either way, it tastes great.

This is a very good make-ahead-meal recipe for work lunches.

Mac And Cheese With Tuna Recipe

 

Cost per recipe $1.68

• 1 box macaroni and cheese
• 1/4 stick of butter
• 1 healthy pinch of pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 c. lowfat milk
• 1 sm. can tuna, liquid removed

Directions

1. Follow directions in cooking macaroni, drain. Add in lowfat milk, butter, pepper, salt, and package of cheese. Heat over medium heat. Add in tuna and stir. Heat till it comes to a boil and serve.

 

Dressed Up Macaroni and Cheese

Dressed Up Macaroni and Cheese    

This delicious recipe is a great way to feed three people for just 63 cents a serving.

 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter or rmargarine
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (5.5-ounce) box macaroni and cheese mix
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1-2 tablespoons mustard or ranch salad dressing
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained or 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes.Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add macaroni from package and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain macaroni and return to pot. Stir in powdered mix from package, cooked onions with butter, milk, mustard or salad dressing, and peas, if using, and stir until sauce is creamy and mixture is hot. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Serves 3 for 63 cents a serving.From The Everything Meals on a Budget Cookbook, copyright 2008, F+W Publications, Inc. All rights reserved

Beef And Mushroom Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

• 1 box Macaroni and Cheese
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
• 1 lb grnd beef
• Shredded Cheddar cheese.

Directions

The ingredients have been scaled to 1 servings. These directions are for 1 servings.
1. Cook the macaroni and cheese according to package directions, add in shredded cheddar cheese (I use 1/2 c.) Brown the grnd beef and drain. After mixing the macaroni and cheese, add in the grnd beef and the mushroom soup and mix well.

 

Breakfast Cookies

 Breakfast Cookies

3 mashed bananas (ripe)
1/3 cup apple sauce
 2 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats
 1/4 cup skim milk
 1/2 cup raisins (or any other dried fruit you want to add)
1 tsp vanilla
 1 tsp cinnamon
 1 tbsp Splenda , sugar or other sweetener.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a bowl really well. Let this mixture stand for at least 5 minutes to let the oats become good and hydrated. Heap the dough by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes and let cool.

Variations: If you add some chopped nuts, you have a grab and go breakfast that includes protein as well as fruits and grains. Dried cranberries are also a great addition if you don't care for raisins, which some people don't. Cardamom fans may want to substitute that spice for the cinnamon.

You can make a huge batch of these and then freeze some, leaving a few to be snagged each morning while you and your other family members are on the way out the door.

It's important to note that this is not a dessert type of cookie, so it will not be what you are used to eating when you think cookie. These are also very moist, due to both mashed bananas and apple sauce being included. It's basically oatmeal with add-ins for breakfast that you can eat from your hand.

By Myscha Theriault