Last Minute Halloween Decorations

I've been a little lazy when it comes to Halloween decorations. They're all the way up on a shelf in the garage. And getting to them would require getting a ladder out and actually climbing up the ladder. So it just hasn't happened.

But since it's Halloween today and I needed a little something to keep the kiddos occupied, I decided to pull out the construction paper and dress up the house a bit.

And this is what we ended up with...

We started with a spooky spider family with inspiration from simple as that. And it really is simple as that. This project doesn't really require step-by-step instructions, but I'll give them to you anyway.

Supplies: Construction paper, glue, scissors and googly eyes.

(Quickly check wikipedia to verify that spiders have 8 legs.) Cut 8 strips of paper and fold them accordion style. Cut out a large spider body as well.

Give the boy some paper and crayon to keep him occupied.

When that doesn't work, send him to bed. (It was nap time anyway.)

Take a picture of your little cutie. And move on to the gluing...

Glue on the legs, eyes, noses and any other parts your kid wants to add. Finley drew a mouth and a tongue on this baby spider and a mustache on the daddy spider.

Now for the next part. I found this printable Boo Banner from Pick Your Plum. So cute and so easy -- print it out, cut it out, and staple it to some ribbon. (Can you tell I don't do fancy around here?)

I stapled some ribbon to the spiders and the pumpkin we made for my pumpkin loving boy and hung those on the mantel with the banner. Not too bad for a last minute craft/decorating project. I'm sure we'll be looking at them until I pull out the ladder to get at the Christmas decorations!

Home Depot Kids Workshop: Veterans Day Picture Frame

The Home Depot offers free, hands-on activities for kids age 5 - 12 on the first Saturday of each month. Each workshop teaches kids do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Along with creating a fun craft, kids will take home a free Home Depot Kids Workshop apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

Take your kids to Home Depot this Saturday for a Veterans Day Picture Frame!

Details ---
Where: Home Depot
When: Saturday, November 5th 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Here.
Details: For kids age 5 - 12. Check with your local Home Depot to verify they are participating.

Kirkland Indoor Playground

When the weather gets wet and the kids get a little restless things can get a bit crazy at home. The city of Kirkland is here to help. They've set up an Indoor Playground for you and your tots. Take them for a few hours of safe and dry fun.

I'll be taking the kids there to try it out soon. I'll give you my signature Play, Stay Away or Just Okay rating. Check back soon!

Details ---
Where: North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave NE Kirkland, WA)
When: Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $3 per child or $25 for a 10 visit punch card; no charge for babies under 12 months
More Info: Kirkland Parks & Recreation Guide
Details: For ages 1 - 5 years. See the guide for closures.

Snohomish County YMCAs: 5 Visit Guest Pass and No Joining Fees in October

I realize that the end of October is tomorrow but this is a great deal if you'd like to join the YMCA or you want to check it out and see what it's all about. (It's all about good, by the way. Good for you and the kids!)

Head to their website to get a Guest Pass for 5 visits. Even if you're not interested in joining for yourself, get the free passes and take your kids to Tot Time. Free fun? Yes, please! We went to the Mukilteo Tot Time last week and the kids had a great time. Check out the schedules at the YMCA near you for other times/locations.

They are also waiving their joining fees this month. Just bring in your membership application to any of the Snohomish County YMCA's by tomorrow to get in on the deal.

Halloween Fun at the Indoor Playground in Shoreline

The Indoor Playground is getting spooked out for Halloween tomorrow. They'll have games and hands-on art for kids aged 1 - 4. So dress those kids up and head to Shoreline for some fun.

Details ---
Where: Spartan Recreation Center (202 NE 185th St. Shoreline, WA)
When: Monday, October 31st 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $2 per child
More Info: Here

Free Juanita Bay Wildlife Tour

Photo by Lip Kee

Join the Juanita Bay Volunteer Park Rangers for a free tour of the park and learn about the hundreds of plants and animals that call the park home.

Don't forget your binoculars!

Details ---
Where: Juanita Bay Park (2201 Market Street Kirkland, WA)
When: First Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. - April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th, October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd
Cost: Free!
More Info: No registration necessary. See the Kirland Parks Guide for more information.

Mukilteo Papa Murphys: Free Mini Pizza

I stopped by the Mukilteo Papa Murphys this afternoon for one of their Halloween Pumpkin Pizzas and noticed this in the store. I love PMs, so I love, love this little deal. Pick up one of their pumpkin coloring sheets, have your kid color it in and bring it back for a free mini pizza. Yum!

(I asked if this was going on at other locations and they said no.)

Details ---
Where: Mukilteo Papa Murphys (12721 Mukilteo Speedway Mukilteo, WA)
When: Through Monday, October 31st
Cost: Free!
More Info: Contact the store for more info - 425.353.0734

Greenlake Kids Denistry: Candy Buy Back

Photo by Adam Kalsey

For those of you who don't raid your kids' Halloween candy and leave only wrappers behind, you might want to check this out. Greenlake Kids Denistry is offering kids $1 per pound of candy they bring in (up to 10 pounds per kid). The candy will be donated to Operation Gratitude and then packed up and sent to service members overseas in care packages.

So if your kids get loads of candy and you can't possible consume it all, take it to Greenlake Kids Denistry on November 1st between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. It's a great way to get that extra candy out of the house and donate it to some men and women that will really appreciate it.

Details ---
Where: Greenlake Kids Denistry (6900 E Green Lake Way N. #H Seattle, WA)
When: Tuesday, November 1st 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: Earn $1 per pound of unopened candy (up to 10 pounds per kid)
More Info: Here
Details: For kids 12 and under, accompanied by an adult

Living Social: 3-2-1 Bounce - 3 Visits for $9

Here's a fun deal for your kiddos. Living Social is offering 3 drop-in play sessions at 321 Bounce for only $9. The sessions are typically $6 each so this is a great deal. We haven't tried out this bouncy house place but we have been to Jump Planet in Bothell and Finley loved it. We might have to check out this place, too!

Details ---
Where: 321 Bounce (Bellevue - 13434 16th St. Suite 110 and Everett - 1111 80th St SW Suite 200)
When: Various times at each location. See the website for more info.
Cost: $9 for 3 visits
More Info: Limit 1 per person. Up to 2 additional as gifts. Valid for ages 2 and up. See the Living Social website for all the details.

LEGO Store: Build a Mini Turkey

Take your LEGO lovers to the LEGO store on Tuesday, November 1st at 5 p.m. for the Mini Model Build. This month it's a LEGO turkey!

Details ---
Where: LEGO Store at Bellevue Square (check the LEGO website for other locations)
When: Tuesday, November 1st 5 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: LEGO website
Details: One day each month you can learn how to build a cool LEGO mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. Check with your local LEGO Store for dates and times.

Thanks, Coupon Connections!

Friday Five - My Google Habits

It seems like a lot of blogs have a catchy little post they do every week. What I Wore Wednesday is the first thing that pops into my head. You don't want to see me in my monkey PJs or my t-shirt and jeans momiform so we'll skip that one. How about we try the Friday Five? I may or may not make this a weekly thing. I can't make any promises. I come from a family that does something once (and never again) and we still call it a tradition. We're weird like that.

The other night Daniel was watching Kipper the Dog with the boy (yet again) and we got to talking about Pig and Arnold. What's up with those two? Are they father and son? Father and daughter? A totally unrelated grown pig with an unusual interest in a juvenile swine? Before Google (or B.G. as I just started calling it right this second) we probably would have spent an entire evening analyzing the situation. Thankfully, I was able to quickly end the discussion with a few tippity taps on the mac. (If you're still reading and interested in the slightest, Arnold is Pig's toddler cousin. Never would have guessed it.)

Anyway, that got me thinking about the strange things I have googled over the years. So here is this weeks Friday Five.

Five things I never thought I'd Google

1. Kipper relationship between Arnold and Pig (as described above)
2. 3-year-old sucks thumb and sticks finger up nose (Don't ask, we're working on it. It may or may not be better than number 3...)
3. Toddler sucks thumb and touches nipple (Am I sharing too much here? My daughter's going to hate me one day.)
4. Difference between sewer smell and dead animal smell (I wish I was making this up. It was the latter. And I don't want to talk about it.)
5.  Why is my kids poop green (Answer: blueberries)

Funny that those searches just about sum up my life most days - Kipper, fingers up the nose, bad smells and poop. A day in the life of a stay-at-home mom!

If my Google search habits don't entertain you, take a look at Google Trends. Here are the top searches for October 27, 2011. I wonder when baby books will be updated to include the top 3 searches along with the price of bread and a gallon of milk on the day your baby is born.

So now you a little bit about me. What about you? What have you googled recently? Anything funny you'd like to share?

Old Navy Sale: $3 Halloween Costumes and More

 

Are you still wondering what your little ones are going to be for Halloween? Well, head to Old Navy for some super duper good deals. The Halloween costumes are $5 through October 30th (for the toddler sizes at least, not sure about the older kids ones). Halloween clothing is 75% off. And if you use your Old Navy card today you can save an extra 40% during their Stuff & Save sale! Only $3 for that super cute cupcake costume! If you don't have an Old Navy card, you can still save 25% using this coupon.

The Stuff & Save sale continues through November 3rd. After tomorrow the savings go down to 30%. Oh, and did I mention that everything on clearance is an extra 50% off? And did I also mention they are offering a Super C-A-S-H promotion right now? The deals just keep on comin'.

While I was scouting things out for you all, I picked up a little something for myself today - jeans for $2.69 and a couple of shirts for $5.70 each. And a ridiculously cute winter coat for Grady. I didn't think he could get any cuter. But with this coat, he can.

Play: North Creek Trail in Mill Creek

This morning we met up with some friends for a walk along the North Creek Trail in Mill Creek. I love this little trail. It runs all the way from 164th Street to McCollum County Park. It's 2.5 miles long but we've never done the whole trail. I have one in a stroller and one on her feet (and sometimes none in the stroller and two on their feet) so we don't travel far or very fast. But I'm ok with that. We weren't there for the exercise. We were there for the walk.

Oh, wait. Lookie there, a Starbucks. Better stop in for a coffee and a tasty treat before our walk. (If you want to keep this frugal outing completely free while still enjoying a cup of joe, take your empty Starbucks coffee bag into the store for a free tall drip. Ok, it's not a Pumpkin Spice Latte. But sometimes free tastes better than a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sometimes.)

Back to the trail...

There's lots to see along the way -- ponds and birds and I'm sure other wildlife if your kids let you stop long enough to look. And people walking doggies which is always a toddler crowd pleaser.

Look, a crane!

And ducks. Lots and lots of ducks. I think Grady chased down every one of them. It was definitely the highlight of the trip for the kids.

Play, Stay Away, or Just Okay
This little outing gets a big Play. The trail is great for little ones that take their time and don't watch where they're going. (And moms that get too busy chatting to notice the other people on the trail. Or maybe that's just me.) I didn't see a single person on a bicycle (if you walk trails with your kids you will appreciate this) and everyone who passed us was happy to smile and weave their way through the gaggle of kiddos.

Details ---
Where: North Creek Trail
When: Anytime!
Cost: Free!

$2 For Grande Seasonal Drinks at Safeway Starbucks

Photo by Rudolph Schuba

Here's a deal all us caffeine addicted moms can get excited about! Cheap drinks from Starbucks! Head to a Starbucks location inside a Safeway store and pick up one of these delicious, delicious beverages for a thrifty $2. The deal is good anytime after 2 p.m. Friday - Monday.

• Pumpkin Spice Latte (my favorite!)
• Salted Caramel Mocha (will be trying tomorrow!)
• Tazo Chai Tea Latte (never had one, but will do!)

The only question is, how many of these drinks can I consume in 4 days between the hours of 2 p.m and approximately 7 p.m. (Without overdosing on caffeine and still managing to fit into my jeans.) I will keep you posted.

Thank you, BMIM! You just made my weekend a little bit nicer!

Redbox Increasing Prices

Looks like Redbox is following in Netflix's footsteps and increasing their prices. On October 31st prices will go from $1.00 to $1.20 per DVD rental, an increase of 20%. (Blu-ray and games prices will not change.)

We quit cable almost 2 years ago and are now a Netflix family. We do use redbox on occasion (usually when I get a code for a free rental). It's not a huge increase so I'm sure we'll still pick up a movie once or twice a month. How about you? Do you use redbox instead of having cable or Netflix?

IHOP: Free Count Spatula Pancake for Kids on Friday

I want to eat your face!

Kids 12 and under can enjoy a free Count Spatula Scary Face Pancake at IHOP on Friday from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. What kid doesn't enjoy a pancake with a face on it? And what parent doesn't like free?


Details ---
Where: IHOP (Call your local IHOP to make sure they are participating.)
When: Friday, October 28th 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free! No purchase necessary.
More Info: Here

Birthday Freebie from Aveda - For You!

You work so hard. You deserve a little something special on your birthday. And here it is. A free, full size bottle of Aveda lotion, perfume, or massage oil blended with the aroma of your choice ($25 value). Just sign up for the Aveda Birthday Program and you'll receive a postcard voucher around your birthday. Take it to your local Aveda store and pick out your free product. I went to the Alderwood Mall Aveda this morning to pick up my lotion and got a nice hand massage as well. The woman who helped me was so friendly and there was no pressure (or even mention) about buying anything.

Go sign up now! Consider it my little birthday gift to you. You're welcome. ;)

Halloween Happenings: October 28th, 29th, 30th

Lots of Halloween fun leading up to Trick-or-Treating on Monday.

Museum of Fright
October 28th 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Mill Creek YMCA Harvest Festival
October 28th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Barnes & Noble Halloween Storytime
October 29th 11 a.m.

Fall Festival at Bellevue Arts Museum
October 29th 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Autumn Fest at the Woodland Park Zoo
October 29th and 30th

Imagine Children's Museum - Halloween with the Lights On
October 30th 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Boo Bash at Rosehill Community Center
October 30th 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Boo Bash at Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo

Photo by William Warby

Lots of fun happening at the family friendly halloween event this Sunday:

• Mad Science Booth
• Storytime
• Pumpkin Carving Contest
• Teen Digital Photo Scavenger Hung (bring your phone or camera)
• Trick-or-Treating
• Arts & Crafts
• Free Photos by Vicki Derks Photography
• Family Friendly Haunted House
• Games and more!

Details ---
Where: Rosehill Community Center (304 Lincoln Avenue Mukilteo, WA)
When: Sunday, October 30th 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free! (Donations to the Mukilteo Food Bank are appreciated)
More Info: Here

Mukilteo YMCA: Tot Time

After spending Monday doing the required chores of life - grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, dishes, etc., it was time to get out of the house and let the kids play.

We decided to check out the Tot Time at Mukilteo YMCA. And I'm so glad we did. This will be going on my "Oh my gosh. I'm going crazy at home. We need to go somewhere." rotation.

Time to bounce

The Mukilteo YMCA opens up the gym for playtime twice a week. They have quite a few cars, bicycles, play tents, balls, cones, bean bags, and best of all - a bouncy castle.

I promise she had a good time. This is her "say cheese" smile.

Both kids had a great time. There was enough to keep them entertained for an hour and a half. There were quite a few other kids that came and went but it wasn't too crowded at all. If you have a YMCA membership and you're looking to get out of the house and run your kids around I definitely recommend Tot Time. Maybe we'll see you there!

Details ---
Where: Mukilteo YMCA (10601 47th Place West Mukilteo, WA)
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Call or check the website for current days/times)
Cost: Free for members; $3 for Program Participants
More Info: Here
Details: Tot Time is not supervised by YMCA staff. You must stay with your children. Ages 5 and under. 

GYMagine: Free Session For New Members

Hoping your child will be the next Olympic Gold Medalist on the uneven bars? Start 'em while they're young at GYMagine's open gym sessions. GYMagine offers 5 sessions each week so there are lots of opportunities to get those kids moving and tire them out! Each session is $3 for members and $5 for non-members (siblings receive a 5% discount). You can also purchase a 10 visit punch card - $27 for members and $42 for non-members.

And before you head out the door, be sure to print out this great coupon for a free session! I sent an email to GYMagine to check on this. It turns out the coupon is not good for their open gym sessions. :( It is good for their classes though so check out their schedule and try out one of those!

Details ---
Where: GYMagine (3616 South Road #B3 Mukilteo, WA)
When: Tuesday 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.; Wednesday 9 - 10 a.m.; Thursday 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.; Friday 9 - 10 a.m. and 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Single session - $3 members, $5 non-members or 10 visit punch-card - $27 member, $42 non-member.
More Info: GYMagine website
Details: Ages 1 - 12. Parents must remain with children 1 - 5 years old. No more than two young children per adult.

Amtrak Special: 50% off Kids and 10% off Adults

Photo by Adam E. Moreira

Planning a Winter or Spring getaway? Why not skip the traffic and take the train? Amtrak is teaming up with HAPPY FEET TWO and has a family friendly deal going on. Save 10% on adult tickets when you bring your kids along (kids tickets are always 50% off the adult rate). Tickets must be purchased by November 6th, 2011 for travel between January 4th - May 24th, 2012. Check out the Amtrak website for all the details and exclusions.

While you're dreaming of a vacation, head on over to the Amtrak Facebook page and enter to win a family vacation to Los Angeles and San Diego and tickets to attend the red carpet premiere screening of HAPPY FEET TWO on November 13th.

All Aboard!!!

Fall Festival at Bellevue Art Museum

Photo by FHKE

Here's another fun and free activity for the weekend. Bellevue Arts Museum is opening their doors for a Fall celebration. Learn about Dia de los Muertos, Halloween and get involved in some fun projects. This is a great way to see the museum and also enjoy some fun activities. And all for free! My kiddos aren't old enough for this one yet but I'm putting it on my calendar for 2014 when I can take them both!

Details ---
Where: Bellevue Arts Museum
When: Saturday, October 29th 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: BAM event website
Details: Appropriate for ages 4 - 12

Harvest Festival at the Mill Creek YMCA

Photo by Samantha Bilodeau

The Mill Creek YMCA is welcoming the public to some ghostly fun this Friday night. Bring the family for some fun and games, tricks and treats!

Details ---

Where: Mill Creek YMCA (13723 Puget Park Drive Everett, WA) When: Friday, October 28th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Cost: Free! (Donation to the food bank is appreciated) More Info: YMCA website

Museum of Fright Halloween Party

Photo from Museum of Flight

Beware! The Museum of Flight is closing and the Museum of Fright is opening. Meet ghosts of aviations past and hear frightful stories of flights long ago. Bring the whole family and celebrate Halloween with treats, games, and more!

Details ---
Where: Museum of Flight (9404 East Marginal Way S Seattle, WA)
When: Friday, October 28th 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Check out the Museum of Flight website 

Your Guide to a Happy Halloween

Lots of opportunities to fill those kids with candy at these free Trick-or-Treat events in the area!

Treats on Main Street
Where: Mill Creek Town Center
When: Monday, October 31 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: City of Mill Creek Parks and Recreation

Trunk or Treat
Where: Mill Creek City Hall Parking Lot (15728 Main Street Mill Creek, WA)
When: Monday, October 31 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: City of Mill Creek Parks and Recreation

Safe Halloween
Where: Country Village and Bothell Main Street
When: Monday, October 31 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Country Village) and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Main Street)
Cost: Free!
More Info: City of Bothell
Details: Along with the trick-or-treating, you can take your kids aged 4-12 to the Halloweeny Haunted House at Country Village (admission is $1.00).

Crossroads Bellevue Annual Mall-o-ween
Where: Crossroads Bellevue Mall
When: Monday, October 31 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Here

Bellevue Square Halloween Family Fun Fest
Where: Bellevue Square
When: Monday, October 31 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Bellevue Square Mall website
Details: Enjoy trick-or-treating at select shops, dance to Recess Monkey in the Center Court, check out the Mad Science Booth on the second floor, and find one of the many clowns creating balloon animals for the kiddos.

Edmonds Halloween Extravaganza
Where: Downtown Edmonds
When: Monday, October 31 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Edmonds Chamber of Commerce

Trick-Or-Treat at Alderwood Mall
Where: Alderwood Mall
When: Monday, October 31 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free!
More Info: Alderwood Mall website
Details: For kids 12 and under

Free Family Trick-Or-Treat at Everett Mall
Where: Everett Mall
When: Monday, October 31 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free! (Food bank donations are appreciated.)
More Info: Everett Mall website

Frozen Fright Night at Comcast Community Ice Rink
Where: Comcast Community Ice Rink
When: Monday, October 31 6 p.m.
Cost: Adults/Kids - $5; 5 & under - $3.50 (Wear your costume, bring a can of food or call 425.322.3629 to book your group and save $1.00 per ticket.)
More Info: Comcast Community Ice Rink
Details: Halloween skating and activities - pumpkin bowling, costume contest, DJ, goodie bags and door prizes

Painting Pumpkins

I was really excited when I found this painting pumpkins post at Young House Love. Finley had fun painting her little pumpkins from Flower World and I loved the idea of using painter's tape to make them look a little more Halloween-y.

Let me just say that my children were not blessed with the Young House Love decorating genes (they've got the programmer genes, poor things). If you're looking for pumpkins that could be sold at an art gallery, go here. (Honestly, check out their pumpkins. They're gorgeous!) Otherwise, keep on reading...

Tools Required:

• Pumpkins
• Painters
• Painter's Tape
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Exacto Knife (I couldn't think of a "p" word for that. Darn, I was on a roll there.)

The idea is to put tape on the pumpkin and use the exacto knife to cut out the face shapes. Then you peel away the extras and you're left with a cute little pumpkin face. 

Apparently, that was above my crafting skill level or my knife was a little dull. It didn't work for me at all so I just cut the shapes with scissors and taped them on.

And since that took longer than the 30 seconds of patience the kids had, I quickly did some stripes on one pumpkin and some squares on another.

All ready to paint!

This was Grady's first time painting. The boy thinks everything is food so of course the paint brush went straight to the mouth. I guess I'll be brushing his teeth tonight. ;)

Finley had a lot of fun painting her rainbow pumpkin. She's very serious about her art.

It was at this point I was feeling pretty good about getting through a painting project without a huge mess or a meltdown (from me or the kids). I patted myself on the back, put the completed pumpkins on the kitchen counter to dry, and took the 3-year-old doing a strange little dance to the bathroom. Then I realized... it's quiet. Too quiet. That can't be good. And it wasn't.

I walked into the kitchen and found this mess. Using my CSI skills, my prime suspect was a small child, about counter-height, missing a binky and covered in paint.

It didn't take long to find him. Book 'em!

But who can stay mad at that cute face?

Back to the pumpkins... After the paint has dried, start peeling away at the tape and you're left with this...

They're kinda cute aren't they? If you have little ones this is a great way to do the Halloween pumpkin thing without a trip to urgent care.

Happy Halloweenie!