Lovable Labels Spooktacular Weekend Sale

Guess what I'm finally doing?? Yup, labeling new thermoses and containers because my boys are finally starting kindergarten (see previous post about the strike). I'm soooooo happy I have Lovable Labels on hand. 

I will be ordering new labels soon because it hit me that while I suspect Corwyn will be the only one with his name in the whole school, let alone his class, Nathan will not. Our first name only labels are great for telling their things apart but I've had to add a label with our last name to Nathan's (which happily I have).

But enough about me and my love for these labels, I'm here to tell you about the big SALE this weekend. From today (Friday, September 19) until Sunday September 21 at 11:59 PM PST you can get $10 off any purchase of $25 or more!!! You need to use code SPOOKY2014 to get this deal.

What will you get? You can get the Back to School pack to ensure your kids come home with the containers, jackets and shoes that you send them with. But I think I'm going to be getting some of the limited Halloween sticker sets. 

There are 4 sets with options in each. 

The Halloween pack will allow you to look like a Pintrest mom with half the time. 

The Halloween Fun Stickies are a fun way to label things not just for the fall, but all year round to make them stand out. 

The Halloween Party Packs are one of my favorite. You can host a party and give loot bags without any extra sugary foods.

There are 3 new limited additions to Sweet Notes for Halloween. These are great if your child needs to send cards or write thank you notes. 

Get one, get them all!!!!

I still think you can never go wrong with the Back to School pack. Even if you've labeled this year's stuff, there will be more coming at Christmas to get labeled. These labels don't expire so use some now and keep the rest for the next thing. 

And if you have twins, there is even a split pack.  1 Large Value Pack, 1 Design, 2 Names. So many things to choose at a discount!

Remember, this deal is limited to this weekend only. Use SPOOKY2014 to get up to 40% off (10 off a 25 order).

If you happen to miss it, you can still get 10% off using my custom code ChrisFLB3. But I'd act now for a better deal.

Make sure you go to http://www.lovablelabels.ca/ and check them out. 

Did the Halloween Fairy Come to Your Place?

No idea who that is? Probably not, I made her up and I'm hoping she catches on.

Last year, after a night of Trick or Treating, the boys played with their candy, ate a couple of pieces then went to bed. I took it to work the next day and they never asked about it. I knew that I couldn't count on that every year. Even if they forget, for the next week or so, every other kid and adult will remind them (what did you wear? how much candy did you get etc). Some parents let their kids "buy" something with their candy but my kids just don't get the concept of value or buying things yet. In stepped the Halloween Fairy.

The Halloween Fairy comes at night and takes all the candy you leave and gives you a toy (kinda like the Tooth fairy who gives money for used teeth). And if you're really lucky, she may leave you one or two candies/treats.

This year the Halloween Fairy got the boys remote controlled cars. I tried to find the ones for the younger kids, but in the time I had and the locations I could get to, I couldn't find these. So I took a chance and got them 6+ vehicles. One had to be exchanged right away (factory defect, not kid issue) but otherwise they are doing great with them.

When asked, Nathan will say the Tooth Fairy took his candy. Close enough. There were no fights, arguments or pleading involved.

Some people say just give the kids the candy. Not in my place. I'm not a sugar Nazi, but I like to limit the consumption. Add to it, the chocolate is almost all dairy (a no-no in our place) and everything else is all chemical food coloring. I wish I had a video of it, but Nathan was actually bouncing off the walls (and the bed and the floor and everything else) after on a few pieces of candy. Then he crashed, hard, falling asleep while still talking and goofing off. So candy in our place will remain a treat.

So what happened to the candy? I divided it into 3 piles. One to come to work to share with my coworkers and one that contained my favorites that would either be shared with my coworkers or consumed by me! One to stay home with treats they could be given over a long period of time. 
 

More photos of the Halloween Season will follow in a different post along with our observations around this years understanding of trick or treat.

Printable Halloween Games - Review

I like worksheets, coloring sheets and other printables. And I LOVE Halloween. When I was given the chance to review Printable Halloween Games from Python Printable Games I jumped at it.

I knew that there would be a mix of activities for all ages but was still impressed by how much there really was. Some I've used with the kids and others we'll continue working with as the month continues on. But there are so many fun adult ones in here that I'm going break out as I get together with friends this holiday season (yes, to some of us Halloween is a holiday).

So far, a favorite with the boys is Pin the Head on the Monster. Now I know what you're thinking. Simple and easy to make. Maybe, if you have the time. But this is more than just a simple picture of monster with a an extra sheet with a head to cut out. They offer 4 different versions of this game. Two are large versions, one in color and one for the kids to color! Then there are two smaller versions for table top play, again one in color and one in black and white. But it doesn't stop there. There isn't just one head to 'pin on' , there are several to choose from, letting the kids be creative. Mine loved to try each head on and enjoyed coloring the monsters in a variety of options (they are such non-conformers).

I really liked that the graphics in the kids pages carried through the printables. The characters in the Halloween Match Game (another favorite of ours) matched the coloring page characters and the crafty pumpkin decorating ideas (knife free pumpkin decorating for kids).

For those with a food associate with Halloween there is a Name that Candy Bar game. For those trying to teach kids proper eating around Halloween (good luck) there is even a Naughty or Nice Food facts game.

Once you purchase the printables, they are yours. So you can keep them for years, and I'm sure you'll find a use for most of them over time. There are matching games, coloring pages, lots of trivia, multiple sheets that would be great at teen or adult Halloween Parties. I know I had fun with, but got stumped on the Scary Synoposis Horror Movie Trivia (and even found a couple new movies I want to watch). I'm hoping to use the Halloween Party Invitations next year.

For a full list of the 40 amazing games please go to Halloween Party Games.  They are only 19.95 for all 40! If you're tempted but not quite sure, you can download some fall printables for free to try out at
http://www.python-printable-games.com/fun-printable-games-ezine.html

If you're still on the fence, maybe I can push you over it by mentioning that there is a mystery discount code in affect. Enter MYSTY at check out for a mystery discount amount!!!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday - Jack-o-Lanterns

Please remember to vote for me on Circle of Moms

Reusable felt Pumpkins and face 'pieces'. Fast and easy to make.

Mickey Mouse Halloween Event - Giveaway!

Welcome to the Mickey Mouse Halloween Event!

Hosted by Mom Blog Society

This adorable 3' Tall Airblown Inflatable Halloween Mickey Mouse self-inflates in seconds. It's easy to set up and store. Stakes and tethers are included.

3' Tall Airblown Inflatable Halloween Mickey Mouse Features:

• Measures 3'H
• Lights up
• Weather-resistant design
• Self-inflates in seconds
• Deflates down for easy storage
• Quick and easy set-up
• Stakes and tethers included

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Clubhouse Hunt is an Halloween themed DVD premiere based on the popular series on the Disney Channel. Mickey takes you on the ultimate adventure to find his friends and to put back together the clubhouse, which has mysteriously broken into parts and disappeared with his friends inside! Featuring favorite characters Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy Duck. Have the happiest candy haul ever this Halloween night carrying the glowing Disney Store Light-Up Jack O'Lantern Mickey Mouse Trick or Treat Bucket. The frosted features of Mickey's pumpkin face light-up in rotating red, green, and yellow tones. $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card

Halloween Costume Review - Plus Size Costumes Super Center

So my post includes "Halloween" in the title because it's rapidly approaching and when most people think of costumes, it's around this time. Me, I love costumes and dressing up and think there should be more reasons to do it (without getting arrested). And in fact, for many months of the year, there are themed days that lend themselves to at least some aspect of a costume (Christmas, Easter, Talk like a Pirate day).

When I was given a chance to review a costume I broke with my norm and actually picked something for myself. While I could have picked another site, I chose PlusSizeCostumeSuperCenter.com. In general, I'm not plus size but I am larger. I have been frustrated buying an adult Women's costume in size large only to find that parts or all of it doesn't fit, or having to squeeze the extra flap of tummy skin from having twins into something never meant for anyone who's had kids, or even hit puberty.

I was really excited when I started checking out Plus Size Costume Super Centre. They  have fabulous costumes to fit real women. And they are not just 'tents' or those meant to hide a larger size, these are the same costumes you find in the non-plus sized section and then some. They range from sexy, to flirty and playful to just plain fun.

One of things I really liked when browsing the costumes was that each contains a comment about what sizes they fit. As with those not plus sized, people within the plus size category, vary. There are one-size type costumes that range from 16-24 or 18-22, among others. Some more form fitting have multiple sizes like 16-18, 18-20, 1x-4x.

The costumes are organized by theme like 60's, Angel, Superhero, Pirate and even couples. Yes, that's right, they have not forgotten about the men here. Want to go with your mate as Popeye and Olive Oyl or matching "greasers"? This is your one stop shop for costumes.

Along with the costumes they include links to accessories that can complete the costume.

With all that, I had a hard time picking a costume. In the end, I settled on a 50's Poodle Skirt Set. I've always wanted a poodle skirt!!!

When the package arrived, I knew before I opened it that this wasn't a flimsy department store costume, this was the real thing. And on opening it, I was not disappointed.

The outfit included a Poodle Skirt (Yeah!!) in an very, very thick black felt with an adorable poodle in pink rhinestones, a pink satin jacket and a wonderful pink and black top. All of it is really comfortable and well made. The zipper in the jacket can handle even preschoolers pulling it up and down for me. And I love the top. I might wear it and the jacket, on their own, as regular wear. And I think both would look great paired with jeans to extend the costume.

The costume fit and although on the loose side as expected, I could dance all night without worrying about it falling off. The skirt was also a bit long on me, but I was able to just pull it higher than my waist and it still looked great. I couldn't help myself, after I put it on I found myself dancing around singing 'Hopelessly Devoted to You'.

Halloween is quickly approaching and here is a chance for you to get a great costume at a great price.
Check them out at the link above or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PlusSizeCostumeSuperCenter?ref=hl

And if you're like me, don't forget all the other dress up days, a bunny for Easter, Elfs or Santas at Christmas and of course you can't miss out Talk Like a Pirate Day next year! Whatever the occasion, you'll find a costume here.

Disclaimer: The costume was provided to me free for the review. The pictures and opinions are all mine.

Wordless Wednesday - Halloween

Allan Candy - Not So Tricky Halloween

I LOVE Halloween! How could I not love a time when I can dress up, play with food and eat candy!!! While they are only going to be 2.5 this Halloween, we already have some wonderful Halloween Traditions and will be adding more as they get older each year.

Their first Halloween, they dressed up adorable costumes and we went Trick or Treating at a local mall. This was less for the candy, since they had only just started solids, and more to start the tradition and get them involved.  We also went to a few of the buildings in the neighborhood who knew the boys.

The next year to the above, we added a trip to the pumpkin patch and some hauling out of pumpkin guts. We also did much more door to door trick or treating. While candy was (and is) of course still limited, what would Halloween be without some indulgence. They were allowed to try a little of each kind of treat (except gum). Surprisingly enough, Nathan is not a sweets fan. He spit out chocolate (seriously, still does most of the time). Corwyn on the other hand takes after me with a sweet tooth. Choking was a bit of a concern so what they could try was limited.

This year I had hoped to continue last years traditions and add more active participation in the pumpkin carving/decorating process. Unfortunately, the school bus that takes their playgroup on field trips died yesterday so I'm not sure we'll get to the pumpkin patch this year. But they are more 'into' the season this year already. I know they will have more fun going door to door and checking out all the costumes. And Corwyn has taken a like to gummy type of candy (which leaves more chocolate for mommy). Nathan is still a bit of a take it or leave it on the sweets type of guy, but he's more game to try.

Trick or Treating is not the same as when I was a kid. Back then, my mom would take out any apples and bake with them (fear of a razor blade) but we could eat anything else, even the home baked or repackaged food. Unfortunately those days are gone. Candy now has to be prepackaged. More than that, many more kids have allergies and need to also know the contents. Luckily we have companies like Canada's own Allan Candy.

Allan Candy is celebrating its 77th year in Canada. They make several peanut free, individually wrapped treats to give parents piece of mind while still giving the kids a fabulous treat. My favorite is Peach Slices and I've been known to snack on these even when it's not Halloween.

Allan Candy has packaged up the individually wrapped treats into the following combinations for the season:

• Allan Intense Jubes & Jellies – delivering an intense sour flavor and a soft & chewy bite.
• Allan Chewy Rascalz – these childhood favourites will keep your taste buds happy! Packed in one bag, and of course, peanut free – you’ll find Big Foot, Sour Big Foot, Green Thumbs and Hot Lips!
• Allan Fruit Buddies - offering a variety of fruit flavoured candies that are also peanut free! Indulge in 5 great fruit flavours: Sour Watermelon Slices, Peach Slices, Sour Cherry Slices, Tangy Wild Strawberries and Sour Grape Slices.

 Allan Candy can be found at key retailers including Walmart and the Loblaws family of stores.

 

What are some of your Halloween traditions?

 

 

Disclosure – I am participating in the Allan Candy Company program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

 

Wordless Wednesday - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Costume Preview

Wordless Wednesday - First Trip to Pumpkin Patch

What did you get?