21 Halloween Candy Alternative Ideas

Halloween is a fun time for kids. As a child, I remember how much I love trick or treating, especially when I would get home and empty out my bag to see all variety of candy I received. But what got me really excited, where the Halloween treat bags I would open that did not have candy in them, but some sort of toy or other item that was not candy. It was like my Birthday or Christmas. Here is a list of 21 items you could give out to the trick or treaters in your town...

1. Juice Pouches
2. Granola Bars
3. Fruit Snacks
4. Cheese & Cracker Packages
5. Pencils With Halloween Erasers
6. Fun Books
7. Stickers
8. Playdoh (Halloween Colors)
9. Temporary Tattoo's
10. Small Bottles of Bubbles
11. Microwave Popcorn
12. Coins
13. Pre-Package Rice Krispie Treats
14. Fruit By The Foot
15. Post It Notes
16. Pre-Package Goldfish Crackers
17. McDonalds $1 Gift Certificates (Buy At McDonalds or Online)
18. Comic Books
19. Party Favors
20. Fortune Cookies
21. Glow Sticks

Aloha Friday - October 2, 2009

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

What is your child's favorite book?

My children have 2 books that they love, The Monster at the End of This Book
& 10 Little Ladybugs.

Aloha Friday - September 25, 2009

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

How Often Do You Do Kid Crafts With Your Children?

I've been slacking, but am trying to get back into doing some cute crafts with my children.
They love it and have lots of fun!

Aloha Friday - September 4, 2009

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

What is you child's favorite snack?
If you don't have a child, what was your favorite snack food when you were a kid?

My children love homemade chocolate chip cookies.
It's a treat, because I only make them no more than twice a month.

Muffin Tin Monday - Circus

Today's Muffin Tin Monday Theme Is:
Circus


Top Roll: Bag of Popcorn & Box of Barnum's Animal Crackers
Bottom Roll: Coated Animal Crackers, Hot Dog & Soda

The bag of popcorn I printed off from Family Fun.

You can join the fun too!
Click on the MTM Button!

Aloha Friday - August 28, 2009

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

Do You Bring Your Children To The County Fair?

We use to bring my oldest son when he was 1 & 2 years old, but not any more. We prefer going to Amusement Parks just because in the long run they are cheaper and if you go on the right day they're not that packed with people all over. Plus, I always hated going through the mid-way at the fairs because of all the carnies that would yell at you to play their dumb games.

Muffin Tin Monday - People & Faces

Today's Muffin Tin Monday Theme Is:
People & Faces

Top Roll: Dora Fruit Snacks, Banana with Cheetos & Peanut Butter Cracker and a Kool-aid face cup filled with Orange Juice.
Bottom Roll: Tristan loves Cottage Cheese so using a smiley french fries I made an old man with the cottage cheese, Dora Face Spaghettio's & French Fries Smiley Faces.

You can join the fun too!
Click on the MTM Button!

Aloha Friday - August 21, 2009

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

Do you have kids that are going to school this year?

And if so, are you ready for it?

My oldest is 4 and will be going to preschool for the school year. I'm nervous and excited about it. He did a 1 month program this summer and he loved it! Still have to do school shopping, so we're not ready for it yet.

Muffin Tin Monday - Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Today's Muffin Tin Monday Theme Is:
Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Top Row: Sugar Cookie Stop Light, Cottage Cheese as Smoke for the Train & OJ
Bottom Row: Grilled Cheese Airplane Sandwich, Banana & 100 Calorie Oreos as the Train & 100 Calorie Hershey Sticks as the Train Tracks.


You can join the fun too!
Click on the MTM Button!

Muffin Tin Monday - Celebration/Party

Today's theme is Celebration/Party

Top Roll: Ginger Ale, Chocolate Ice Cream & A Cupcake
Bottom Roll: Pretzel With Chocolate & Sprinkles, Cottage Cheese & Hotdog

Join the fun...click on link below

Muffin Tin Monday

Today there was no theme, so we did numbers:

Top Row: 1 cup of juice, 2 cheese sticks, 3 chocolate chip cookies
Bottom Row: 4 slices of a grilled cheese sandwich, 5 sliced up bananas & 6 goldfish crackers

Join the fun...click on link below

Muffin Tin Monday - Dips & Sauces

Today's theme is dips & sauces
.
Top Roll: Ketchup, Gold Fish Crackers & Cool Whip
Bottom Roll: Hot Dog, Yogurt & Chocolate Ice Cream

Join the fun...click on link below

Friday Fun-Day #3

Friday Fun-day is a recap of all my favorite blogs throughout the week
that have some fun ideas to do with your children!

1. Allie @ No Time For Flash Cards creates a shopping list scavenger hunt!

2. The Masked Mommy shows does a 4th of July craft.

3. Dollar Store Crafts show how to make a Gift Bag Robot Costume.

Tristan's First Day Of School

Today is Tristan's first day of school. Well, it's a pre-school program for children ages 3-5 for 2 days a week. This is only for 1 month, so that's good for me. As a parent, this is a very nerve wrecking moment. Tristan has never been to a pre-school or play group before with out me. He is a very outgoing little 4 years old, so I knew it wouldn't be a problem for him, just for me.

This morning we packed his bag and got him ready for school and he was so excited. Of course I've been trying to think of excuses why he shouldn't go to school. I know, that's pretty lame. Anyway, we got into the car and drove to the school. One of his teachers, that have been coming to our home through out the school year greeted us outside. He started to head to the teacher and I yelled, hey how about a hug. So he turned around and ran back to me and gave me a tight hug, and say bye mommy!

I went back home and started watching the clock. 45 minutes after I dropped him off, the phone rings. I read the caller Id and it was the school. The first thing I thought of was on no what happen. But it was just his teacher calling to reassure me that he's doing great, playing with the other kids and even used the bathroom. So after the phone call I felt more at ease.

At 11:00 I arrived at the school to pick him up. He was outside playing with a little girl. His teacher approched me and told me he had a really good time and that he was very good. I felt so happy for him. After about 5 minutes before he even noticed I was there, I waved to him. He yelled "Hi Mommy! Go to McDonalds?" Which I did promise him that I would bring him to McDonalds, so we did.

Teaching Children About Money

As adults we all know how important money is and how much trouble it can cause if we are not responsible with it. We need to take the time to teach our children just how important money is and how to use it. I want my children to be knowledge and hope they make the right decisions on spending it and let them also know that credit is not always the answer. I remember an episode from the TV series Little House On The Prairie, where Charles said when he bought something it was always "Cash On The Barrel". I want my children to have that attitude. If you don't have the money for something then you can't get it.

Here is what I'm doing with my children...

As soon as Tristan was able to count, we introduced him to coins. It was just putting and counting the coins into a piggy bank. He counted how many coins we had then we taught him what each coin is called. Soon we will be teaching him the value of each coin. I tell him that this money is what you use if you want to buy something from the store.

For Christmas this year, Tristan will be doing some purchasing with his money. Even if it is from the dollar store, it'll be very fun, educational and teaching the importance of giving.

My children also know that just because we go to a store for a few items don't mean we're going to buy something for them every time. We have a list and we go by. Sometimes when we do go shopping we'll add "Shoes For Tristan". Since he knows it's on the list, we'll get that special "Tristan" item.

Another way to get children involve with saving money for something they want, we've set up a chart for Tristan to use for a "Goal". If he wants a certain toy we have the chart with the toy listed on it with how many $1.oo bill's he will need to buy it. Once the goal is completed then the next time we go shopping, it get's put on our list so he can purchase it. After Tristan has purchased the item we keep the chart so he can have his own records of what he has saved up for and bought with his earned money. By keeping these visual charts, it will make him more aware and careful on his next item he wants to buy. This may help him become more "Wise" on purchases.

Tristan earns his money by doing certain chores around the house. Chores I feel are worth a money value. Money also get's added by birthdays, gifts and good 'ol Grandma.

You can get a "Childs Money Saving Chart" that I created here.

First Swim Of Summer 2009

Thursday my boys' had their first swim of the season. Tristan loved it. He got right in and started swirling and splashing. I had to put Brayden & Jayden in the pool because they were unsure about it. It was 87 degrees and humid so it was hot. I even got my head wet.


Brayden liked it, but didn't stay in too long.


Jayden had more fun running around in his swimming trunks.


Tristan would go in and out through out the evening.


They all had a blast when Tristan started splashing.
All were laughing and having a grand time.

Friday Fun-Day #2

Friday Fun-day is a recap of all my favorite blogs throughout the week
that have some fun ideas to do with your children!

1. Janne @ Janne's Jabberwockey shares 35 swimming pool games for summer

2. Jolanthe @ Homeschool Creations is doing a "School's Out! Challenge" to keep her son on top of school work & house work. He earns points for prizes. Awesome idea.

3. Mandi @ Organizing Your Way put together cool "Ready To Go Craft Boxes" so the children will be ready to have something to do when boredom hits.

4. Marie @ Make And Takes shares a way to paint your toast and eat it too! How fun is that!

5. Over @ Creative Party Themes & Showers gave ideas on an Airplane Theme Birthday Party!

6. The Crafty Crow revisits Gardening Without Skills and shares a Photo Treasure Hunt.

7. Allie @ No Time For Flashcards show's us how to make a Recycled Mailbox.

8. Amanda @ Funny Days With Mommy and Maddie shares a counting card game.

9. Sandy @ Just For Fun shares a way to make bath paints.

10. Amanda @ Funny Days With Mommy and Maddie shares a cute number book they made using paper bags.

11. Jedda @ This Little Project shares how to make wooden people.

12. Megan @ Brassy Apple shares a really cool I Spy tutorial.

13. Shannon @ Of Cabbages & Kings shows how she created a Busy Jar to help with summer vacation boredom.

14. Amanda @ Funny Days With Mommy and Maddie created some counting boats.

Creating An Online Wii Mii Character

I have been doing some research online for my son's birthday in November. Yeah, I know it's still awhile, but I need to find everything that will make his birthday fun and memorable! We're going to be having a Wii Bowling Birthday party. One of the things I want to do is to create Mii Characters for all the guest, but I just couldn't figure out how to do it. I want to print them out and make them for cupcake toppers or name badges. I still haven't quite figure it out what I'm going to use them for, but anyway I finally found a website that helps create Mii's just like on the Wii. Do you want to know too? Ok, here's the link http://www.myavatareditor.com/. Hope this helps others who have been looking for the same thing. If you create a Mii, share it with me. I'd like to see it. Just leave a link in the comments.

I'll be updating periodically on what I'm doing or finding for Tristan's Birthday Party.

Muffin Tin Monday - Copycat Theme

Today's MTM theme is "Copycat Theme "
I copied from Mama Said There Would Be Day's Like This
who had Build A Bear theme. This is so cute.

Top Row: Bread Cut Into Bear Heads, Jimmies; Chocolate Chips & Candy Corn.
Bottom Row: Shredded Coconut, Peanut Butter & Marshmallows.

Here is Tristan's creation

Yummy!

Join the fun...click on link below

Friday Fun-Day #1

Friday Fun-day is a recap of all my favorite blogs throughout the week
that have some fun ideas to do with your children!

1. Amanda @ Funny Days With Maddie and Mommy put together a cool passport for her daughter whenever they are out on the town.

2. Sandy @ Organize With Sandy give's out a great idea on how to get your children involve with cleaning.

3. Carisa @ 1+1+1=1 explains how she keeps her children occupied and happy while out and about.

4. Kirsty @ Momedy also gives a fun way to get your children involved with routines.

5. @ It Feels Like Chaos has a great idea for Dad on Father's Day.

Muffin Tin Monday - May 25, 2009

Today's MTM theme is "No Theme "

Top Row: Chocolate Chip Muffin, Cottage Cheese & Milk
Bottom Row: Banana, Fish Sticks & Ritz Crackers.

Join the fun...click on link below

What My Son Really Thinks Of Me

This is cool. I saw this at The Crafty Classroom, and thought I'd give it a try with Tristan. My other two boys don't talk yet, so I couldn't have them participate.

Tristan just turned 4, and his speech & comprehension is a little behind, so we'll see what happens...

1. What is something your mom always says to you?

Be Careful You'll Get A Boo Boo

2. What makes your mom happy?

Tristan, Brayden & Jayden

3. What makes your mom sad?

When Mommy Misses Me

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

When Mommy Laughs

5. What was your mom like as a child?

Tiny

6. How old is your mom?

24 (I wish..LOL)

7. How tall is your mom?

Tall like me

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

---Didn't Quite Understand The Question ---

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?

Stay Here

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

---Didn't Quite Understand The Question ---

11. What is your mom really good at?

---Didn't Quite Understand The Question ---

12. What is your mom not very good at?

---Didn't Quite Understand The Question ---

13. What does your mom do for her job?

On The Computer

14. What is your mom’s favorite food?

Eat Supper At Grandmas

15. What makes you proud of your mom?

---Didn't Quite Understand The Question ---

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?

---Didn't Quite Understand The Question ---

17. What do you and your mom do together?

Go Outside

18. How are you and your mom the same?

Big Boy and Big Girl

19. How are you and your mom different?

I'm little

20. How do you know your mom loves you?

Kiss

21. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?

Exercising With Carrie

He didn't do to bad, there were a few question's he just didn't understand what I was asking, but for the most part he did pretty good.

Join the fun...lets see what your kids think of you!

Muffin Tin Monday - May 11, 2009

Today's MTM theme is "Children's Literature "

One of my son's favorite books is "I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly"
So I did my best, I kind of winged it today...LOL

Top Row: Chocolate Chips (Fly), Hot Dog With Toothpicks (Spider),
Banana with Chocolate Chips (Bird)
Bottom Row: Cheerios ("Cat" Food), Hot Dog (Dog),
Goat & Horse Shape Animal Crackers (Goat & Horse) & Cup of Milk (Cow)


Join the fun...click on link below

Special Exposure Wednesday/Wordless Wednesday - April 28, 2009

I took this picture yesterday. I was having fun taking snapshot with my camera and didn't realize I had a black & white option. I thought this looked classic. Love it!

Muffin Tin Monday - April 27, 2009

Today's MTM theme is "Under The Sea"

Top Row: JellyBelly Blueberry Pudding, Fish Sticks & Ocean Spray Cran-Raspberry Juice
Bottom Row: Miracle Whip, Gold Fish Crackers & Shark Fruit Snacks.

I have to say, my boy's have never had fish sticks before, but they ate them!
Thank you MTM!!

Join the fun...click on link below

I Can Do That Games

I just stumbled on Supermom Central Blog and they're giving away one of they're readers any game of there choice from I Can Do That Games. I liked The Grinch, Sing Your Heart Out game. My sons love The Grinch book. I have to read it every day, plus they like to sing. I believe we all could have fun with this game!

Mother's Day Gift - Woven Basket

Tristan is still working on some Mother's Day gift for Grandma. Today we worked on clay woven basket. Before we made the basket we had to make the salt dough. The recipe for the salt dough is listed here.

Tristan wanted the woven basket to be purple, so we used food coloring to dye the dough purple.
What we used:

1 batch of salt dough
Rolling pin
Toothpicks
Table knife
Cookie sheet
Food Coloring (you could just paint it afterwords)

1. Tristan rolled out the salt dough about 1/4" thickness.

2. Cut out a 3" circle for the bottom of the basket, and place it on a cookie sheet.

3. Around the edge of the clay circle, he inserted toothpicks about 1/2" apart

4. Then we cut the remaining dough into strips, about 1/2" wide.


5. With some guidance, we weaved the strips in and out of the toothpicks


6. To create a rim and handle by making twisted clay ropes and attaching them to the top of the basket. We actually didn't attach the handle until later.








7. We then shaped the handle and just sat it on the cookie sheet.


8. Place the cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven and cooked it for about 15 minutes.
Then with some extra dough we had, I took the cookie sheet out (be careful, this part can be very hot), and attached the handle to the basket. Then placed it back in the over for another 30 minutes.