Saving & Simplicity

Smart Money, Simple Living

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Going Green & Saving Money

Green living can save you money. Opting for a less waste lifestyle can save the planet and save you money. Click to learn 7 green living money saving tips.

Green living. 

Is a sustainable lifestyle centered on using less and making less waste.  Preserving the Earths resources all while living well.

A common example of green living is recycling and reusing goods. Or choosing reusable storage containers versus single use items.

Frugal living. 

Is about living well on less. Cutting out the extras and saving money. Making smart choices with your hard earned paycheck.

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Going green and saving money. 

You can save the planet, live green and save money all at the same time. And it is reasonably easy to do. You just need to make some minor changes to your daily activities.

For example instead of buying bottled water, swap it up for a stainless steel reusable bottle and refill as needed.   Note that bottled water is a multi-billion dollar industry and some companies are simply re-bottling the water straight out of the tap.

Another great way to save money and go green is to bring your cloth shopping bags from home. Where we live they charge five cents for every plastic bag you use – they cost the store way less. But most of the time the plastic bags end up in the garbage after a single use.

Green it up by bringing your cloth bags from home.  You are saving money and saving the environment.

Frugal living and green living go hand in hand.

They are both about living well on less. Less money (money saved) and less waste (money saved).  You will find that frugal families opt for homemade cleaners, cloth shopping bags, pre-made meals and travel water bottles.

All of which will save you money and help you live a greener life.

Green living can save you money. Opting for a less waste lifestyle can save the planet and save you money. Click to learn 7 green living money saving tips.

Simple ways to live greener and save money: 

1. Plant a tree.

Did you know that you can help your energy costs, add more oxygen to the air we breath and make your yard more beautiful just by planting a tree.  Trees will shade your yard in the summer and help keep the heat in during the winter. Fruit trees can help cut your grocery budget.

2. Turn off the tap. 

Do you get charged for your water use? Save yourself some money and help preserve the water by turning off the tap.  When you are brushing your teeth turn the tap off. Washing the dishes, turn off the tap.  Install low flow toilets and shower heads to further save you money and preserve the water.

3. Grow your own food. 

Planting even a small garden of lettuce, tomatoes and herbs can save you money.  You save the planet by not adding to the carbon foot print, less chemicals are used on the vegetables and you know what you are growing and what you are eating.

4. Cleaning green. 

Chemical cleaners are huge business.  The company marketing teams have us believing we need this cleaner for floors, this cleaner for counters and these other ones to clean the bathroom.

But in reality all you need is baking soda, vinegar, castile soap, water and some essential oils to clean every inch of your home.

A common cleaner in our home is a 50/50 water and vinegar solution with a small squirt of castile soap and a few drops of essential oils. This solution will clean your whole home and the essential oils will help disinfect.

5. Personal green. 

Did you know that most of your personal hygiene products are made with chemical that harm the planet and aren’t that great for you either?  Think about it, what is in your make up or body lotion?

Most soap products that are on the market contain petroleum products or chemicals that make that silky lather. Opting for natural based personal products can help save you money.

Yes, most natural based products are more expensive but they tend to last longer so dollar for dollar you are still winning with a natural based product. My favorite natural line is Burt’s Bees.

6. Green your decorating. 

If you are painting opt for a more natural based paint and the cost should run you about the same.  You will also be thankful for the low odor.

If you are decorating a room opt for vintage, natural products instead of brand new.  Also opt for real wood products.  Vintage decor, real wood and natural based decor will save you money and help the environment.

7. Recycle and reuse. 

Do you recycle your pop containers and glass? Did you know you can get money back from your local recycle depot?  What about reusing all that scrap paper for kids crafts.  Or those old shirts for cleaning rags.

Save yourself the money. Checkout what you have before you shop.  Do you have something that can be re-purposed and reused? Save yourself the money.

Our favorite green living money saving items: 

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia

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Beginner Sewing Projects

7 amazingly simple but great beginner sewing projects. Make for yourself or give as a gift. Learn to sew, be frugal and save money.

Learning to sew.

Sewing is a frugal tool that will stay with you always and save you a ton of money.  Even if you just learn the basics like sewing on a button or fixing a tear in your favorite shirt.

Being able to hem a pair of pants is also a great skill.  Or fix your child’s favorite teddy bear.

Below you will find some great beginner sewing projects that will help save you money and provide you with something very useful.

7 Beginner Sewing Projects: 

1. Simple Tote Bag – Crazy Little Projects

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Note this project is a sewing machine project but could be sewn by hand.

2. Jumbo Receiving Blanket – Happy Hooligans

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Note this project is a sewing machine project but could be sewn by hand.

3. Pillow Case -Polkadot Chair

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  • 1 1/2 yards of fabric for pillow case
  • seam tape

Note this is a sewing machine project.

4. Sunglasses Case – Sew DIY

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Note this project is a sewing machine project but could be sewn by hand.

5. Baby Bibs – Life With My Littles

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Note this project is a sewing machine project but could be sewn by hand.

6. Pencil Case – Crazy Little Projects

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Note this is a sewing machine project.

7. Drawstring Gift Bags – Positively Splendid

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Note this project is a sewing machine project but could be sewn by hand.

7 amazingly simple but great beginner sewing projects. Make for yourself or give as a gift. Learn to sew, be frugal and save money.

Additional sewing materials a beginner may require: 

Making money with your basic sewing skills. 

If you can learn to sew a blanket edge or baby bib you can create an additional income for yourself.   This past week I purchased a baby blanket and bibs from a local vendor.

She creates these wonderful blankets in her spare time and she uses the money to help support her family.   And yes they require a little bit of skill and time but they are not hard to make.

If you have the time and willingness to learn you could create a great side income for yourself.   For example the blanket I purchased cost over $50 given the detailing.

The vendor only markets locally and generally by word of mouth and she is pretty busy.  She sets aside select time to work on sewing projects and creates a great income for herself.

If you are wanting to create a sewing or crafting income for yourself start with something small and spread the word.

Create a business card so others can contact you.  If you have the time develop a simple website with examples of your products.   Or create an Etsy site if you want to reach a more global audience.

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Learning to sew could open up possibilities. 

You could learn to create beautiful projects for yourself, your family and your friends.  You could also find a hobby you truly enjoy.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia

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7 Amazing Knitting Projects For Beginners

7 amazing knitting projects for beginners. Blankets, hats, dishclothes, headbands, baby slippers and more. Knit for yourself or give as gifts.

Knitting is a great way to create, de-stress, invest in you and the people you care about. 

Knitting is a pass time enjoyed by many. I am amazed at the knitting projects I have seen people make. Hats, scarfs, blankets and sweaters.

Knitting is a great way to create something for yourself and others.

Handmade items are always better than store bought and they generally last longer. I still have hats my Grandmother knitted over 20+ years ago.

Frugal DIY and knitting. 

If you are looking for a frugal do it yourself project to pass the time while you wait at dance lessons, soccer practice or simply while you watch television knitting is a bought as frugal as they come.

You will require knitting needles, yarn and patterns.   All of which are very cheap to purchase.   You can even get yarn on discount at most craft stores and thrift shops.

I have also seen knitting supplies available at dollar stores.

Knitting for others and knitting to make money. 

Knitting projects depending on your skill level and the size of the project can be completed relatively quickly. You might be able to knit a scarf in a day or a hat over a couple of days.

Locally we have knitting groups and people who knit for a living.  Making hats, scarfs, blankets and so much more to earn an income to support their family.

These items are sold locally, but you could sell them on crafting sites as well to make additional income.  Knitting patterns are another great way to make a great income online.

7 amazing knitting projects for beginners. Blankets, hats, dishclothes, headbands, baby slippers and more. Knit for yourself or give as gifts.

7 Amazing Knitting Projects For Beginners: 

1.  Knitted Beanie Hat – All Free Knitting

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2. Arm Knit Blanket – Flax & Twine

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3. Confetti Scarf – Purl Soho

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4. Chunky Leg Warmers or Boot Toppers – All Free Knitting  

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5. Easy Baby Booties – Gina Michelle

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6. Knitted Dish Cloths – All Free Knitting

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7. Bow Headbands – Green Bird

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DIY gifting or money making guide. 

If you are looking to gift your knitting projects or create an income for yourself.  Some of the most practical of items are the best ideas.  Such as knitted dish cloths, bow headbands, blankets, scarfs and hats.

An arm knitted blanket makes a great gift and can also be sold for $75-$125 depending on the size and design.  Hats make great gifts for the millennial on your gift list.

Baby booties and blankets make great shower gifts or crafting shop income ideas.

Happy crafting,

Cynthia

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Girls Night 10 Frugal & Fun Ideas

When was your last girls night? Gather your friends and plan an amazing girls night or girls weekend with these 10 frugal and fun money saving ideas.

When was your last girls night? 

If you are like most moms it has been a while.  With family responsibilities, work and finding a few moments to yourself.

Finding a whole night to hang with your friends doesn’t happen that often.

Making girl time important. 

Finding time to hang with your friends, your sisters or your group is important. It lets you relax, mellow and have a bit of fun. It also gives you people to talk to who understand.

For example, I could talk mom stuff to my non-mom friends, but it just isn’t the same as talking to my mom friends who just get that mama needs to blow of some steam.

Let’s talk making time.

The guys can make time to go camping or fishing, so the girls should be able to take the time.  It doesn’t have to be a night or a weekend.

Get the girls together while the kids are at school and plan an afternoon. Or let the husbands know they are on duty, you are taking the whole day to relax and refresh.

Honestly, the whole family will benefit from mommy having some down time. Relax, unwind, let the stress go and face life renewed.

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Girl time doesn’t have to break the bank. 

I am sure we have all heard stories about a group of friends heading off for an expensive weekend away and someone opted out because they couldn’t afford it.

Below you will find some great frugal and fun girls night activities that won’t break the bank.

Who said a spa day, appetizers and wine can’t be done on a budget?

When was your last girls night? Gather your friends and plan an amazing girls night or girls weekend with these 10 frugal and fun money saving ideas.

Girls night 10 frugal & fun ideas: 

1. At Home Spa Day

Spa time doesn’t have to be in the hundreds or even in the fifties.  You can have a great spa night with friends.

All you need is a few pedicure kits, some facial masks, chocolate and maybe some martinis or cucumber and mint spa inspired water.

2. Movies, Popcorn and Potluck

Get your friends together.  Everyone brings their favorite dinner dish and host a potluck and movie night.

Pop the popcorn and order a great movie or maybe binge watch the last three episodes of your favorite DIY show.

Enjoy the chance to sit down and eat with adults and actually watch a show from beginning to end.

3. Game Night, Appetizers & Wine

Prepare your favorite appetizer platter, maybe it is meat and cheese or a selection of small bites.  Grab a cheap bottle of wine or your favorite non alcoholic go to.

Set up a few different games depending on your party guests. Maybe Pictionary, Scrabble or a card game. Relax, unwind and have fun.

4. Book Club, Coffee & Chocolate

There is something about a good book, coffee, chocolate and great friends that just makes an amazing night. Brew up your favorite coffee, pull out a box of chocolates or bake something yummy.

Gather up a few friends and read one of these best selling books.

5. Crafting Fun

There is something about crafting and being a mom. But we aren’t talking popsicle sticks and white school glue.

Get your girls together and plan a scrap booking night or maybe someone has an event coming up and some DIY centerpieces are needed.

6. Foodie Fun

It’s a foodie fun night.  Whether it is appetizers, main course or just dessert and coffee amp it up a bit.

Who says you can’t cook maple infused carrots to have with your peppercorn roast that you have been cooking in the slow cooker.

Or if you and the girls only have time for triple chocolate cheesecake and lattes, grab your milk frother and make it memorable.

7. Out & About

Get out and enjoy nature. Grab your friends and your favorite running shoes, go for a hike or a walk through the park.  Maybe an afternoon game of tennis is what you need.

8. Coffee, Conversation and Yummy Desserts

This combination of fun is great for an afternoon or evening with friends and won’t break the bank. Pick your favorite local coffee shop, grab a coffee and catch up with friends.

Or host coffee and dessert at your place. There is something about good coffee and great friends.

9. Who Says The Girls Can’t Go Camping

Grab the girls and the camping gear and head out for the night or the weekend. There is just something relaxing about being in the woods away from it all.

10. Cooking & Planning

Have you ever hosted a cooking night?  The idea is to get a bunch of people together and make a bunch of freezer meals or casseroles for the weeks to come.

The idea kind of follows a cookie exchange.  A bunch of meals are made and everyone involved takes home several meals for their family.

Planning your next girls night. 

Send out an email, note the nights or days you are available and get the ideas and suggestions rolling.

Maybe you want to host the next girls evening and it’s a wine and appetizer night for your book club.

Or an afternoon out with your girls, window shopping antiques with a coffee and chocolate stop. Set the date, plan the activity, keep it on budget and have fun.

Have an amazing day,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

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7 Amazing Crochet Patterns For Beginners

7 amazing crochet patterns for beginners. Hats, scrafts, blankets slippers and more. Crochet for yourself or give as gifts.

Crocheting is a great way to create, de-stress and invest in you. 

I am amazed at the crocheting projects I have seen people make.  Crocheting is a great way to create something for yourself or for others.

Handmade items are always better than store bought and they generally last longer.   I have a crocheted blanket that my Grandmother made for me over 20+ years ago and it still gets used on chilly days.

Frugal do it yourself and crocheting. 

If you are looking for a crafting project to pass the time while you wait at soccer practice or music lessons or while you watch television crocheting is as frugal as they come.

You will require a crochet hook, yarn and patterns.  All of which are very cheap to purchase.  You can even get yarn on discount at most craft shops and thrift stores.

Crocheting for others and crocheting to make money. 

Crocheting projects depending on the size and your skill level can be completed relatively quickly.  I remember how my Grandmother and Mom would make multiple hats and slipper sets in a week to gift to friends or donate to our church.

But because of the detail and the practicality of most crocheted items like hats, slippers, dish clothes and blankets there is a market for them.  You could make money off your designs.

I know of a lady locally who crochets slippers, dish clothes and scrubbies to make an extra income for her family.

Now she sells them locally, but you could sell them on crafting sites as well to make additional income. Crochet patterns are also a great income source online.

7 amazing crochet patterns for beginners. Hats, scrafts, blankets slippers and more. Crochet for yourself or give as gifts.

7 Amazing Crochet Patterns For Beginners:

1.Twisted Crochet Headband – Mama In A Stitch

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2. 15 Minute Coffee Sleeve – I’m Frayed Knot

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3. Super Soft Crochet Blanket – Dabbles & Babbles

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4. Slouch Hat – Live Craft Love

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5. Crochet Owl Basket – Pattern Pile

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6. Easy Scarf – Craftsy

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7. Simple Slippers – The Spruce Crafts

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DIY gifting guide. 

If you have a coffee lover in the family the 15 minute coffee sleeve is the perfect gift. And the twisted crochet headband is great for the women in your life.

The crochet blanket is a perfect gift for the kids in your life.  It is super soft and great for cuddling up with a good book.  The slouch hat and the easy scarf would be great gifts for the millennial on your list.

Simple slippers would be a great gift for both the men and women on your list, simply swap up the colors for the right recipient.   Crocheted slippers are always on the request list in our household.

Happy crafting,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity


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21 Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

21 delicious Thanksgving dinner recipes. Appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, sauces, desserts and drinks. Food is better when shared with family & friends

Thanksgiving is a time to come together. 

For great food with family and friends. It’s a time to give thanks for all that you have and the year ahead.

In our house it means lots of people, lots of talking and lots of yummy food.  It is all better when shared.

Below you will find a great list of 21 Thanksgiving dinner recipes covering appetizers, side dishes, main course, desserts, sauces and drinks.

This list is big and there is a lot of food here but everything is so good and you will have leftovers. Isn’t that the best part of the Thanksgiving?

21 delicious Thanksgving dinner recipes. Appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, sauces, desserts and drinks. Food is better when shared with family & friends

21 Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes:

Cauliflower Soup – Good Housekeeping

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Roasted Artichokes & Caesar Dip

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Roasted Asparagus & Ricotta Tart – Good Housekeeping

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Sage & Orange Roasted Turkey – Woman’s Day

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One Pan Roasted Turkey Breast & Root Vegetables – Good Housekeeping

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Apple & Potato Gratin – Woman’s Day

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Maple Bourbon Gravy – The Suburban Soap Box

Maple syrup makes everything better.

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Rosemary Monkey Bread Stuffing – Country Living

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Pecan Pie Glazed Carrots – Woman’s Day

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Best Coriander Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Woman’s Day

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Apricot Glazed Green Beans – Woman’s Day

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Maple Cranberry Sauce – Two Peas & Their Pod

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Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts – Woman’s Day

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Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes – Woman’s Day

There is something about mashed potatoes and Thanksgiving.  They pair well together.

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House Rolls – Women’s Day

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Maple Butter – Woman’s Day

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Pumpkin Pie – Woman’s Day

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Double Pecan Chocolate Pie – Woman’s Day

Everything is better with chocolate.

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Blackberry Mint Moscow Mule – Good Housekeeping

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Hot Buttered Rum – The Food Network

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Chai Latte – The Food Network 

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Do you sense a theme?

I am loving all the fall recipes this year that are using maple syrup.   This year especially you will find an incorporation of maple syrup in Thanksgiving recipes like the maple cranberry sauce and the pecan pie glazed carrots.

There is just something about maple syrup and its natural sweetness that pairs well with a fall dish.

I wish you an amazing Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends,

Cynthia
Saving & Simplicity

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10 Easy Halloween Crafts For Kids

10 easy Halloween crafts for kids. Halloween is a time for creation and imagination. Ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and more. Trick or treat bags and decorations

Halloween is a time for creation and imagination.

Don’t get me wrong I think all year round is a great time for DIY and crafting but Halloween is a great time to bring out the pumpkins, the bats and the ghosts.

There is something fun about Halloween crafts with the kids.  It brings out the creator and imagination in all of us.

For example, five of us may all be carving pumpkins but not one of them will be the same. Each one will be a unique creation.

Below you will find some really great Halloween craft ideas for the kids in your life.  All of these crafts are easy to make and require minimal supplies.

Have fun, get creative and enjoy some crafting time.

10 easy Halloween crafts for kids. Halloween is a time for creation and imagination. Ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and more. Trick or treat bags and decorations

10 Easy Halloween Crafts For Kids

1. Vampire Corner Book Marks – Easy Peasy and Fun

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2. Clothespin Button Bats – I Heart Crafty Things

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3. Halloween Broom Bags – Women’s Day

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4. Ghost Lollipops – A Beautiful Mess

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5. Eyeball Door Garland – Paging SuperMom

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10 easy Halloween crafts for kids. Halloween is a time for creation and imagination. Ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and more. Trick or treat bags and decorations

6. Spooky Spider Soap – Happiness is Homemade

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7. Halloween Spider Slime – The Tiptoe Fairy

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8. Glittery Trick Or Treat Bags – HGTV

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9. Peak A Boo Pumpkins – HGTV

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10. Painted Ghost Rocks – Easy Peasy Fun

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All of these crafts are great and to be honest my son has already asked to make the spider slime and the spider soap in the coming weeks.

Personally, I am not so much a fan of spiders nor slime. Call it a Mom thing. But the painted ghost rocks or the lollipop ghosts and the trick or treat bags those look cool.

I wish you a happy afternoon of crafting and a great day,

Cynthia

Saving & Simplicity