Dare to Share #188

It is Friday night, and you know what that means. 

It is time to Dare to Share!  

What a crazy week we have had! 

Since the last Dare to Share party, a lot has happened at our house. 

I took my daughter Trick or Treating in the pouring rain. (I actually did not take any pictures of her in costume that night, which I did not realize until later) 

She also got her braces off 6 months later than planned. (she was unable to wear bands for a time because of her migraines, which caused treatment to go longer.  

On Wednesday I noticed my views were higher than normal, but I was not sure why. It turns out my Snow Owl Ornaments were shared on two big Facebook sites. Since then my views have been way, way up, and my post has been shared on Facebook about 100,000 times. These owls have always been one of my favorite crafts, so I am thrilled to see them being liked by so many.  This Christmas season, I plan on a few more Woodland animal ornaments.  

Earlier this week I shared some personal reasons why I am staring a new series of posts on my blog on Celebrating the Holidays on a Budget. 

The very next day I heard of a great way to save money at Target this holiday season.  They will be having a special deal each day through their Cartwheel app until December 24.  You can read more about it in my post Great Deal Alert on Toys

My co-host Kim from KandyKreations.net has been sharing a lot of Thanksgiving ideas this week.. My favorite are these sweet Thanksgiving Wall Art Printables .

Now it is times for this week's party.  You are welcome to link up anything that you would like to share. If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be featured on the blog and my social media.  This party will be seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses links to feature on her blog and social media. 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

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Great Deal Alert on Toys

*Disclosure, this post contains an affiliate link.  

If you saw my post yesterday about how I want to start a series on Celebrating the Holidays on the Budget you would have seen I will be sharing great deals on gifts when I hear about them.   I just heard of  great one if you buy kids toys at Target. Each day between now and Christmas there will be 50% OFF a hot toy of the day with your Cartwheel app.   

Today's hot toy of the day is the Monster High Student Disembody Set.  It is normally $49.99 for a set of 5 dolls today only $24.99 . I am not 100% if you can use both together, but you might also be able  to use the 25% off coupon from the Target Toy catalog for Toys, Sporting Goods or Art/Craft Item.     The final price for the set of dolls would only be $18.74. This deal is in store only. 

  

If you would like to see more information  about the dolls, you can see them here on Amazon

                                                      

I would would like to know more about Cartwheel, and other great ways to save at Target be sure to read my post Ways to Save at Target You Might Not Know About

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Celebrating the Holidays on the Budget (a new series)

I am going to start something new between now and the end of the year. I will be sharing a lot of tips on how to celebrate the holidays on a budget.  I don't normally talk a lot about my family life  on my blog, but there is a personal reason why I want to start this series of posts. I will be honest and say, I am not really looking forward to the holidays this year. In fact, I am feeling anxious about them. There has just been so many changes this year that we are still adjusting to.  We moved to a very small space less than half of the square footage of our house. We barely have enough  room for a Christmas tree. (I had 3 at the house)   I will not be able to bring out  my decorations, which are all pretty much in the back of  the storage unit  anyway.  We no longer have our beautiful fireplace and mantle, which makes me sad.  My oldest daughter moved across the country at the end of September, and will most likely not be able to come home for Thanksgiving or  Christmas.  This will be the first year we will be apart for the holidays. Many of our usual traditions will have to be totally different this year.  My family (parents, siblings, nieces and nephews) live too far for us to go visit. Money is tight, and I am not sure how we are going to afford many presents.  I know there are other people who  also not really looking forward to the holidays.  Two of my best friends have lost both of their parents, and do not have much family close enough to see for the holidays. These special "family" days are also  hard for them.  This time of year it is when friends become your family. 

Since I know that many others may have similar struggles, I thought it would be good to share tips on saving on food, great gift deals I find, how to decorate frugally in a small space, and basically how to simplify the holidays  I am hoping as I share the ways I am adjusting to our new circumstances, that others will also be able to benefit as well.  I don't want to sound like I am being a downer. I really am not.  I am happy and optimistic person by nature. I know there is a reason for  this season, and lessons to be learned. So follow along and we will get through these next two months together. 

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Dare to Share #187

It is Friday night, and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share! 

It has been kind of a crazy week.. My daughter is really struggling with her migranes again. We had a 504 meeting at school this week,  because they are bad enough they are affecting her school attendance and school work.  I worked a couple of days this week, and it was also my birthday.  I had a very special day yesterday which you can read about in It;s a Happy, Happy Birthday.  We are hoping to have some Halloween fun tomorrow, but are expecting rain and not so great temps. Luckily we did get to do something fun last weekend in case it is a total washout. We will also be having a long weekend this weekend since today was the end of the quarter.  Even are days "off" will be busy.  Kara gets her braces off after a little over two years, and we also have a Dr's appt. This month few by so quickly, and now the holidays are right around corner.  I know I am not ready for them, are you? 

I had small group at my church tonight, and did not have the chance to select Dare to Share Features.. I hope to do that this weekend.  

My co-host Kim has a great last minute decor idea.  A printable for a Jack-O-Lantern Mini Pennant Banner.  You can see this and other great Halloween ideas over on her blog Kandy Kreations. 

It is now time for this week's party. You are welcome to share anything you would like to share.  If you are chosen as the Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be promoted on the blog and social media. This party will also be seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses features that she shares on her blog and social media.  

LInk up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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It's a Happy, Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday.  I was working on this post before bed. I had it about 75% done when I some how did something and the entire post disappeared.  It was too late to do the entire thing over again then, so I am trying again today.  

I normally do not get to do a lot of things for myself.  I am one of those moms that seems to always be taking care of something or someone.  A good friend of mine said for my birthday we were going to do things that were all about me for a change. She is like my older sister, and is always looking out for me.   Our day started off  early. The plan was to meet at IHOP after bringing our kids to school.  Originally my friend said she would get there a little after 8. I thought I would have enough time to go back home and get ready after dropping off the kids.  While I was getting ready she sent me a text at 7:45 saying that she was already there.. Ooops! I quickly finished getting ready, and was on my way.  Once there I had a birthday coupon for a free breakfast.  I found out I could have any breakfast on the menu, and they would take the $6.49 off the check.  I chose the egg and bacon combo with strawberry crepe. It was really good! 

I really, really needed a haircut.. Our next stop was Fantastic Sams. I had been sent a birthday coupon for 25% off any service.  I love how good my hair looks after having someone else do it for me.   We took a few selfies before we left salon. It was hard to get a good shot, because we were laughing so hard.

We had some time before our next appointment, so we stopped at Target. Both of us need a few things, and we knew we could easily spend an hour looking around the store. We also go another treat while there..  I chose a Strawberry Frappe, she got a Pumpkin Spice Latte..

I did pick up an unexpected item at Target. In the Dollar Spot section, I found this unicorn headband.  It is a running joke in my family that I am unicorns and rainbows, and  the rest of them are doom and gloom. (my teens and their dad)  I just had to bu it, and then I wore it the rest of the day. I even picked up the kids from school wearing it.  My son asked me "Why are you wearing that thing mom?" . I answered.. "Because I can."   I am sure he thought it was weird, but he should be used to it by now.  ;) 

Next up was the nail salon for mani-pedis.  I have only had one other manicure ever and have never had a pedicure, so this was a new experience.  I had my pedicure first, while my friend got her manicure.  It felt so good to soak my feed in the warm water.  

While I was relaxing, I was given a plate of meats, cheeses and fruit. This was a great snack since it was now about lunch time. 

Admiring my freshly painted toes. I still need to get used to the toe spacers. 

Because it was my birthday, they gave me a delicious white chocolate and berry muffin. I do have to laugh when I look at this picture though, because it reminds me of what happened right after. Do you see that light in the picture?  When I stood up, I accidentally ran into the light almost knocking it over, and  then  I almost dropped my lit muffin on the floor.. I swear I can be such a klutz sometimes. LOL!  The keyword here is ALMOST.   I was able to catch the light. and keep a hold of my muffin.    

It was then time for my manicure. I picked a really pretty purple shade.  Diane from AvaShay did a fabulous job. My nails look nicer than they have in a very long time. I am still getting used to having them polished.   If you are in the Livingston County area of Michigan, I really recommend you stop by AvaShay. They were so nice there, and really did make my birthday feel extra special.  

After are mani-pedis it was almost time to pick up the kids from school.  My all about me day was over, and it was back to reality. 

It was  one of the best birthdays that I remember having.  

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Dare to Share #186

It is Friday night and you know what that means.. 

It is time to Dare to Share!  

This week I am still adjusting to my new work schedule. I am loving it though.  This I was working as a parapro and subbing in the 5th grade.  I realized that when my kids were in the 5th grade they seemed older and bigger than they actually were.  Now that we are several years passed 5th grade, actual 5th graders seem a lot smaller and younger than I remember.     in the post I shared this week, I shared some of my very inexpensive Halloween ideas in How to have a Frugal Halloween.

I had planned on having a separate Feature of the Day post but got called in to sub kind of on the late side today. Instead I am sharing some of my favorites from #183 and  #184 here. 

  Pumpkin Pie Gooey Butter Bar  by The Gold Lining Girl  look like a fun treat 

Bombshell Bling  shares how to make Halloween Pops of several different kinds. 

Made With Happy  made this fun Eyeball Wreath  using items from the dollar store 

 What a fun costume idea? C.R.A.F.T  hows how to make your own stick person figure costume. 

 If your child likes TNMT, check out this Super Easy Ninja Turtle  costume by Crystal & Co

Sugar and Soul  shared how to make Goosebumps Punch,

My co-host  Kim  from Kandy Kreations  has a different kind of post this week.  She shows you how to make Monster Brain Cupcakes on Periscope. 

Now it is time for this week's party. You are welcome to share anything you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be featured on the blog and social media.  This party is seen on Kandy Kreations for double the exposure.  Kim also chooses posts to feature on her blog and social media.  

Link up and HAVE FUN! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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How to Have a Frugal Halloween

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It is only a little over a week to Halloween.  While I LOVE this time of year, if you are not careful it can cost a lot of money especially if you have more than one child.   Here are some ways you can have a Happy Halloween and not break the bank.  

Instead of buying an expensive costume, we have always made ours. Over the years we have had a lot of great memories and it became a yearly tradition.  My son's favorite costume was his Flying Chameleon.  We used sweats we already had in his closet, a T shirt one sale at the craft store and a couple of yards of felt.  Almost anything can become a costume.  I am putting mine together this year for under $5. I found a green tutu on sale for only $2 at Claires, a pair of dollar store butterfly/fairy wings, and a will be making a head piece that will be on the blog soon with supplies I already have on hand. I will be wearing to the local Halloween festival if the weather holds out.  

If you need some ideas for easy homemade costumes,  just do a search for Inexpensive DIY costumes and literally hundreds will come up.  I found this buzzfeed post with some really good ones that anyone can do. 

Some of our favorite Halloween decorations were homemade.  Last year I had a several Glowing Alien Heads leading up to our front door.  We used recycled milk jugs and glow sticks from the dollar store.  Total cost $2. 

I made this fun Witch Themed Halloween Wreath using just a few items from the dollar store.   

I made this Black Feathered Owl  using a $1 placement and a small bag of feathers.  I love how it turned out.  

Want an easy an inexpensive treat idea.  These Spider and Cat Cupcakes are made with a box of cupcake mix, a bag of Oreos, and a few pieces of candy and licorice.  

Do you need to take a treat to the class party?  You can make these Halloween Treat Boxes  for just pennies a piece.  You can find the containers in packs of 10 at the dollar store.  You will have enough for the entire class for $2-$3.  Make the faces with google eyes (also at the dollar store) and some cardstock.  

Is there anything frugal you do for Halloween? I would love to hear about it. 

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Dare to Share #185

It is Friday night, and you know what that means..

It is time to Dare to Share!  

Wow, lots of big changes for me this week. I went "back to work" for the first time in a long time. You might have seen me mention in past posts that I was going to start working in our school system as a substitute teacher.  I was actually accepted a few weeks ago, and was supposed to get my ID number a day or two later.   After a week without hearing anything, I contacted the subbing company to see why I had not received my number. They realized that my file was accidentally overlooked.  I was told that it was flagged to be put in the system ASAP, and I should have my ID number the next day.  At 5:30 the next morning, I was startled out of sleep by my phone ringing.  I was put in the call system right away just as she said, but I still did not have my number, so I could not take a job that morning.  On Sunday night, I was called again.  On Monday morning, several more  early calls none of which I could take yet.  A little before 8 am, I got the email with my number. I logged into the system and saw that there was a job available that morning for one of my favorite teachers and my elementary school where all three of my kids used to go.. YES!  I took the job and quickly got ready.  It was so great being back where I felt at home.  I used to volunteer there so  much, that many of the kids thought I worked there.  I worked in the art room for a few days (another huge YES, as I love to be creative) and this morning I was with a room of 1st graders.. I really miss the little guys now that my kids are growing up.   Several people told me that our district really needs subs, so I should easily be able to get jobs most days of the week.  This should not change my posting scheduled much, it might actually HELP me post more.  Having specific times to post will actually help keep me on track. 

I have found one down side to working though.  I am TIRED!  Standing on your feet all day with a room full of boundless energy is a lot when you are used to working on the computer by yourself.  I will get used to this new change though.  

Also this week, my daughter went to her first Homecoming dance.  I was cracking up at her best friend. Can you tell she takes a lot of selfies.. LOL! The camera came out she went into pose mode.  I was happy to hear when they got home that had a great time.   

After Homecoming, I found that she used some of the balloons she brought home for the Ice Ball Experiment.

I was hoping to get the features from both party #182 and #183 post. Starting my new job, I was only able to get #182 which you can see on this post HERE.

Frozen Sven Granola Bars by My Thoughts, Ideas and Ramblings

Ghost Chocolate Cream Pie Bites by Sugar and Soul

Lego Star Wars Birthday Party by The Scrap Shoppe

Easy Olaf Costume by Crystal and Co.

My co-host Kim from Kandy Kreations  has a lot of Halloween fun on her blog this week.  If you are looking for a fun activity with your kids how about a Hocus Pocus and Dinner Party.

Now it is time for this week's party. You are welcome to link up anything that you would like to share. If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your post will be featured on the blog  and social media.  This party is also on Kandy Kreations  for double the exposure. Kim also chooses features for her blog and social media.  

Link up and HAVE FUN!! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

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The Ice Ball Experiment

Sometimes posts just happen, and are not planned.  

That is the case with the Ice Ball Experiment that happened because of my daughter.  A few weeks ago I saw online that someone had made an ice ball, and given it to their pets.  I shared it with her because we have cats that always seem to be thirsty.  

On Saturday night she went to Homecoming, and when she came home she had some balloons with her. The next day, I did not notice that the balloons were missing.  That is, until my son asked me why was there a giant ball of ice in the freezer.  I had no idea.  After I went to bed, she had used some of the balloons to make the ice ball.  A couple of them were knotted too tightly and popped.  One though, she was able to untie, and fill with water.  While it was being frozen the ice ball expanded popping the balloon. I can see why my son was confused, there was literally a ball of ice on top of the frozen veggies.   If you want to make an ice ball of your own, you can find balloons at the dollar store.  

We sat the ice ball out to see what would happen.  Within a few minutes, we had our first curious kitty.  

Success!  She loved it.  

This one was not quite as sure what to make of it.  She looked rather confused.  

We will call this an almost success.  While she never did lick the actual ice ball, she did drink the water on the side of it.  

You will need a large bowl or container to put the ice ball in when you set it out for your pets.  It did not melt for several hours. but when it did, there was good amount of water left in the bowl.  Now that we know how easy it is to make, and that the cats will use it, we will make an ice ball again. It would be good for when you know you are going to go away for a couple of days, or if your pets always seem to need their water bowls filled up. 

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Dare to Share Features #182

I promised during the last  Dare to Share Party that I would be sharing features from party #182 and #183.  Sorry to be a little late, but things did get a bit hectic this weekend. There was a bit of happy news, and some sad news. I started to share about it, but this post is about the features.  Look for another post this week with news on what has been happening.  

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you know that I LOVE the movie Frozen.  I fell in love with these Frozen Sven Granola Bars by My Thoughts, Ideas and Ramblings. 

The fun dessert are Ghost Chocolate Cream Pie Bites from Sugar and Soul

Have a child who loves LEGO Star Wars and need some party ideas?  Check out this super fun party from The Scrap Shoppe Blog

Do you want an easy costume on a budget?  Check out this fun Olaf Costume from Crystal and Co.  I have a feeling that Frozen costumes are still going to be huge this year.  

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