Santa Claus is Coming to ToysRUs!

Saturday, December 04 ● 12pm - 3pm

Bring your camera and take pictures with Santa and Geoffrey.

- Enjoy story time (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and Decorate your own
- Gingerbread cookie!
- Receive FREE giveaways!
Event intended for children ages 3 and up. Parental supervision required at all times. All giveaways and event materials available while supplies last and distributed to participating children only. Limit one per child. Quantities limited; no rain checks.

Don't forget to checkout all the fun at Bass Pro Shops Winter Wonderland.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", Lowe's Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Can't make it to the clinic?  Don't worry you can purchase the projects and build them together at home.
You don't want to miss the upcoming clinics.  This is part one of a three part train kit! During the workshop on Saturday, December 4th kids will build the caboose. They will complete the train in future sessions. Workshops start at 10:00 am.  Be sure to register in advance.

FREE Video Card from Santa

My granddaughter, Riley, is going to love this.   Just enter the requested information about your child (what they like, what they want to be,...) and you will receive a FREE personalized video e-card from Santa!  I was able to watch it immediately and it is cute. 
Note:  It requested a picture of the child but it is NOT required. 
Thanks Savannah's Mommy

Pumpkin Pie Playdoh

Before you begin preparing your Thanksgiving dinner whip up this quick, easy recipe for playdoh.  It will keep your kids busy so you can cook up a storm.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup water
4 Tablespoons  of pumpkin pie spice (or other spices)
orange food coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)

Instructions:
Combine all dry ingredients in a saucepan. Stir in vegetable oil and water. Add food coloring drop by drop until the desired color is achieved. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning. When the play clay has the consistency of mashed potatoes and pulls away from the sides of the pan, remove it from the heat (if you pull it away too soon, it won’t set properly). Knead for one minute, and let cool thoroughly. Store in an airtight container (I like Ziplock bags).


Give the kids cookie cutters, pie tins, rolling pins, plastic knives, or other playdoh tools to keep the creative juices flowing.

Turkey Feather Hunt

Need to keep the kids busy while you put the finishing touches on dinner and the guys are hanging out watching football (that is where I would be, too)?  Buy a bunch of colorful "turkey" feathers at a crafts store and hide them around the yard, then do a Thanksgiving Day version of an Easter-egg hunt. Kids can use the feathers they collect to design a Native American headdress to wear during dinner.  This is sure to be a hit with the kiddos.

From Parenting

Land of Nod

Land of Nod offers a wide variety of Christmas gifts that will interest your child no matter their personality. They are offering free shipping on most items.
Sportsman - Air hockey table 79.95
Artist - Easel  $129 or Art clips 14.95
Chef - Cookies -19.95
Crafty - I am Not Bored Jar  19.95
Princess - Adorable Tutus 29.00

Yummy Pilgrim Hats

As a former teacher, I used to love to have "my kids" make cute themed snacks.  This one was always a big hit. 
Ingredients:

24 chocolate-striped shortbread cookies

12-ounce package of chocolate chips

24 marshmallows 

tube of yellow decorators' frosting

Instructions:

Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripe side down on a wax-paper , spacing them well apart. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave, periodically stirring.  One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie. Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick. Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorators' frosting buckle on the front of each hat.

Alternative:  Use Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of marshmallows.  You will only need about 1/4 cup of melted chocolate chips.  Dip the top (wide part) of Reese's in chocolate and place on cookie. and finish as above.

Picture from Family Fun

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

This is a snack mix designed just for Thanksgiving, with each little treat symbolizing a different aspect of the Thanksgiving holiday. When I came across this on The Kitchn blog I thought this would make a great gift to give your guest or hostess for Thanksgiving.
Note:  If I knew how to add an attachment to this post I would have attached a copy of the card. If you post a comment with your email I will send it you.

LeapFrog Tag Books BOGO

Target is going to have LeapFrog Tag Books on sale Buy One, Get One Free beginning Sunday, November 21, 2010. Select titles will be marked at just $9.99, so you should be able to get two books for $9.99. 


You are going to want to print this now!!   Watch this video first and  enter the sweepstakes to print $5.00 off manufacture coupon.  Depending upon your store’s policy, you might be able to use two coupons and get both books for free. If not, you’ll at least be able to use one $5/1 coupon and get two books for just $2.50 each.  Also, be on the lookout for $3.00 off  tearpads.
Thanks Mojo Savings

$10.00 off The Search for Santa Paws from Disney

Just in time for Christmas!   The Search for Santa Paws (will be released on 11/23) Blu-ray Combo Pack $10.00 off coupon from Disney Movie Rewards.  You may print two coupons while supplies last.  The coupons expire 11/28/2010.  Be sure to check the ads Sunday for the best price so you can get the best deal. 
There are a few rebates and offers available too for purchasing this movie…
$10 MIR wyb a Butterball Turkey & Disney’s A Christmas Carol or Search for Santa Paws.
$5 MIR wyb A Christmas Carol OR Search for Santa Paws & 2 Kernel Seasons Products 
FREE Santa Paws Charm (must pay Shipping) wyb Disney Search for Santa Paws

Thanks Mojo Savings

Turkey Place Cards

I love easy crafts that the kids can create that use their fingerprints.  They make nice keepsakes.  This is easy enough that they can do while you are preparing dinner.

Materials:

Blank place cards or cardstock
Washable Markers - brown, gold, black, red

Instructions:
Color thumb with a brown marker and then place on paper to print a turkey's body. Use the same technique with fingertips to create a head and feathers using the gold marker.  Of course, you could use a variety of colored markers to make the feathers.  Add the details; a beak, wattle and feet. Complete the cards by writing in guests' names.

Alternative:  You could use inkpads or paint to make the prints.

Picture and idea from Family Fun

Build a Bear Deals

There are some fantastic offers at Build-A-Bear Workshop®  that you can take advantage of right now.  If you happened to grab the Groupons deal a few days ago you can use that to get more bang for you buck.

*  $5 off a Bear that is $10 or more when you use coupon code 95421. This offer is only good online through December 31st.
* Free stocking with a $30.00 purchase. Expires November 24th
* 20% off Hanukkah bears, enter code 95464 at checkout.
* Buy any 3 Misfit Doll, Charlie-In-The-Box or Spotted Elephant for $18! Enter code 95614 at checkout
* Free economy UPS shipping on orders over $50.00. Discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

Lowes Build And Grow Clinic

Saturday, November 20th at 10 AM at Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic your child can learn how to use a few tools while building this snowman. I think this is a gift card holder.  If so this would be a great Christmas gift for dad or grandpa.  Registration in advance is required.

What are you doing this weekend?

Do you need some ideas for a fun family activity this weekend?  Maybe you can checkout one of these great kid friendly events. 

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Make a pumpkin centerpiece at Michael's

Border's Build a Bear Storytime

Visit Santa at Bass Pro Shop

Bakugan Battle League

Visit AC Moore Saturday (11/16) between 1 and 3 pm for a Cardmaking Make ‘n Take

or plan a picnic, bike ride, trip to a local park to enjoy the beautiful, crisp fall weather. 

Swag Bucks

 
 It only takes 450 swagbucks to get a $5.00 Amazon gift card.  Since Oct 31st I have earned 363 swagbucks.  I should have enough for a gift card by the end of MegaSwagbucks Friday.  

Want to earn money, gift cards or prizes for searching the web?  Does it sound too good to be true?  Well,  I started using Swagbucks just a few short months ago and have made $155.00.  You want get rich but a few extra bucks never hurts and all you have to do is use Swagbucks as your search engine instead of Google, Yahoo etc...
How do you get started? It is so simple. Become a member on Swagbucks. Go Here to sign up. Then download the toolbar and use Swagbucks it to do your searching  . Throughout each and every day (2-4 times a day), you will earn swagbucks which you put towards gift cards or merchandise.   I feel the $5.00 Amazon gift card to be the best bargain. I use gift cards to purchase merchandise and gifts.

 I use Swagbucks mainly for searching but here are other ways to earn.
1. Sign up Here or use the SwagBucks icon at the top.
You will receive Swagbucks for signing up.
2. Download the toolbar. Use Swagbucks to search each and every website you go to. I’ve found that I will earn swagbucks 2 -4 times each day by doing nothing more then my regular internet searches.  Fridays are Mega Swag Bucks days and  sometimes you earn larger amounts.  In my experience this is not always true.
3.  Codes. Almost everyday they post a code. It can be found in the blog, toolbar, swidget, facebook etc...  Check the facebook page throughout the day and they usually let you know when a code is posted.
4. Special Offers.  Click through (do not need to sign up) the special offers daily for 1 swagbuck.  There are other offers that you can do to earn larger amounts.  If you do these set up a separate email account because you will get a ton of SPAM mail.
5. Watch videos.  This is an easy way to get additional bucks.  These can be found in the special offers.
6.  Daily poll.  It takes only a second to answer the daily poll and you will get 1 Swagbuck.
7.  Surveys and Profiles.  Complete these when you qualify or just visit daily for 1 Swagbuck. 
8.  Referrals.  When your friends sign up you receive a Swagbuck for everyone they win SEARCHING.! (Up to their first 1000 swagbucks earned).  
9. Swagbucks TV.  You can earn up to 5 swagbucks just for watching videos.  Some are pretty hilarious.
Do you use Swagbucks?  What do you think about it?

Bakugan Battle League at Toys R Us

Saturday, November 13 ● 12pm - 2pm
The Bakugan Battle League is an action packed series of Bakugan gameplay events taking place July - November at participating Toys''R''Us stores. Now is your chance to battle against other brawlers and show off your Bakugan skills!  Check here for participating stores.

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

These mini cornucopias make great little additions to your holiday table.  You can add them to place cards, place them around the base of a candle, or just set them on a table for a sweet treat. 

Ingredients:
Bugle snacks
Runts Fruit shaped Candy or Trix cereal
Vanilla icing

Instructions:  Place a dab of icing inside the Bugle and around the open rim.  Place various "fruit" pieces on the icing, covering as much of the icing as possible.  These should resemble cornucopias.

Alternatives:  You could use peanut butter or cream cheese instead of icing.  Replace the Bugle with a sugar ice cream cone to make a larger version. 

This is a good activity for all ages.  I used to make this with my preschoolers and they were able to accomplish the activity with very little assistance.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Lowe's offers these great how to clinics for the kiddos a couple times a month.  They are a great way for children to learn new skills.  When you bring your child to Lowe's on Saturday, November 13 at 10 AM and they can build this cool working periscope!  Wouldn't it be a cool gift to give to have your child give to a friend for a birthday or Christmas gift? Be sure to register in advance.

Michael's Free Family Event

 Pumpkin Centerpiece

Pumpkins are a colorful, traditional fall symbol. Kids can easily create a beautiful seasonal decoration to grace your Thanksgiving table at Michaels on Saturday, November 13th from 10 AM - noon. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up welcome. Powered by Crayola®

Fall Leaf Wreath

The other day I needed to do something with my 2 1/2 year old to keep her busy for awhile. So we headed outdoors and went on a nature walk to collect leaves, acorns, twigs and pinecones.

When we got home I took a paper plate and used a glass to trace a circle out of the middle of the plate to create wreath. Then with some Elmers glue (if your child is older I suggest a hot glue gun instead) we glued our findings on the plate to make a fall wreath. You can then punch a hole at the top and loop string or ribbon through the hole so you can hang it up. This is a quick and easy fall craft that kids of all ages can do.

She got bored after awhile so we didn't completely finish our wreath:)

And the winner is...

Using Random.org we selected a winner of the Betty Crocker Prize Pack: LOUIS H!!

Congratulations!

Toys R Us Deals

I went to Toys R Us to try to pick up this deal so I could have some inexpensive items to donate to an area toy drive but our store was out of the games I needed to get the best price.  I will try again later in the week when they restock.
 So if you haven't hit the stores yet I would head out soon and pick up these great deals.
Deal 1: Get a $10.00 gift card when you buy $35.00 in Hasbro games. Combine this with the Hasbro mail-in rebate that you can print online or pick up in stores, and you can score 7 Hasbro board games for as low as $13.00 after $10.00 gift card and $12.00 in rebates.
Deal 2: Buy 2 PS3 or Xbox 360 games for $59.99 and get a $25.00 gift card, plus a $10.00 gift card for a purchase over $75.00.  This makes the games $30.00 each.

Borders Build - a -Bear Storytime

Check here to see if a store in your area is participating.

Disney Wii Games for $9.99

I don't know if it is just me or not but I always have a hard time finding great video games for little girls.  So if you have a little princess on your Christmas list here is a great bargain. Amazon is offering Disney's Princess Enchanted Journey and The Princess and the Frog Wii Games for just $9.99 each.  Spend $25.00 and shipping is FREE.  This is a great way to use your Amazon gift cards from SWAGBUCKS.

Thanks PPP

Half Off Build A Bear from Groupons

Through 11/6 you can snag a $20.00 Build A Bear voucher for only $10.00 from Groupons.  The voucher can be used in the store for merchandise or a party ($25.00 for a $50.00 voucher) and online but does not cover shipping. How to get this deal:
Go to Groupon and sign up or log in.


Click on Houston  and it will pull up a deal for a $20 voucher to any Build-A-Bear location for only $10. 
Your Groupon voucher will show up in your account within 24 hours. 
This Groupon is good at ALL Build-A-Bear locations. The fine print says Limit One Per Order or visit, but it appears you can purchase multiple vouchers to use at different times.
The voucher expires March 31, 2011.
Note: Read the fine print ( it is titled that though the print is not really fine and it is very straight forward) for all the details.

Michaels FREE Family Events

Sunday, November 7th at Michael's from 1:00 -3:00 PM your kids can use their artistic skills to make a couple of different holiday decorations. 

They can make this cute turkey placecard holder to dress up your Thanksgiving table.

or

They can make a yarn wreath to add to your Christmas decorations.

 These free family event are open to kids ages 3 and up while supplies last. 

Target Toy Coupons

Rumor has it that the Target Holiday Toy book has been arriving in the mail.  I have not received a copy yet but I am not worried because Target has posted all 48 coupons on their website along with codes if you want to order the items online.   YEAH!!!  Also, tomorrow I am headed to Target to pick up a few things and I will see if I can find the catalog in the store. 
Did you get your Holiday booklet?

Santa at Bass Pro Shop

We are still trying to figure out what to do with all the Halloween candy and trying to plan our menus for Thanksgiving but guess what?  This weekend Santa is coming to town, at least at Bass Pro Shop. If you haven't been  to Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop I highly recommend it.  It is fantastic.  I can't imagine taking my granddaughter anywhere else.  They offer FREE pictures with Santa, each week they feature free crafts, and  a coloring table where they can write letters to Santa. This year they will offer a different Santa Bandz every week. Check out the complete list of events and hours here.  HO! HO! HO!

Ultimate Kickoff to Christmas at Toys R Us

Kickoff the Christmas season at Toys R Us on Saturday, November 06 from 12pm - 3pm.  Meet Geoffrey, try out this season's hottest toys, create your Holiday Wish List, and take home a FREE giveaway!
Note: This event is intended for children ages 3 and up. Parental supervision required at all times. All giveaways and event materials available while supplies last and distributed to participating children only. Limit one per child. Quantities limited; no rain checks.

Shutterfly Cards on Sale

Now that it is November, the count down to Christmas is on!  Every year I always plan on sending Christmas cards out before Christmas Eve and come a week till Christmas I am scrabbling to order them and get them mailed before New Years. Last year they never even went out.

I am planning on ordering mine in November this month to make sure I'm not rushing to order them in December. I was looking at the Christmas photo cards on Shutterfly and they have so many cute designs. I plan on ordering a photo card that has a spot for several photos. I take so many photos throughout the year it is great to be able to highlight them on a Christmas card. I really like the brown and red colored cards that seem popular this year.

Right now all cards at Shutterfly are 25% off and you get free shipping on all orders over $30. Sale ends tomorrow! You don't have to order Christmas card either, you can get thank you cards or Thanksgiving cards.

Michael's FREE Family Event - Veteran's Day Thank-A-Soldier Star

On Saturday, November 6th from 10:00 AM - noon(While supplies last) kids can show their appreciation by making a Thank-You Star  to give to a veteran or soldier. This event is for children ages 3 and up. Powered by Creatology™

Pampers Gift to Grow Code

New Pampers Gifts to Grow code worth 10 points. Login or Register and enter the code NOVFACEBOOK2010.  The code expires 11/30/2010.  Look on the right side bar for additional post with other valid codes.  

Free Juno Baby DVD

Sign up for a free Juno Baby DVD from Heard It From a Mom.  It is fun and educational.
Note: I tried signing up and did not get a confirmation code.  I have sent them an email and hoping to hear back from them soon.  Let me know if you get through the registration process.  I may try it again later.  I will keep you posted.
I finally got my confirmation code and my  FREE DVD is on the way.
Thanks Deal Seeking Mom.

25% off Select Toys on Amazon

If you are getting started on your Christmas shopping or maybe you are ahead of the game and finishing up your list you might want to check out the toy sale on Amazon.  You can get 25% off select toys and free 2 day shipping today.  Don't forget to use your Swagbucks to reduce your out of pocket expenses.

Free Admissions to Select Museums for Bank of America Customers

On the first full weekend of every month, get free admission to participating museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and more just by showing your Bank of America Card. This is such an incredible deal. Since this is the first weekend of the month, plan a weekend trip to visit a nearby museum for free! Click HERE for more info.

Thanks Frugal Life.

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot offers workshops where children can make useful projects that teach them do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.  In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Saturday, November 6th from 9:00 AM - noon kids 5 -12 can make this great spice rack.  This would make a nice gift to give a cook on your Christmas list.  Aren't homemade presents from kids the best?

Candy, Candy, Candy

Halloween is over and  I bet you are wondering what to do with all that candy.  I know the best way to enjoy all those treats is just to unwrap and eat but here are a few other suggestions:

Save the wrappers from all the candy you eat and then sort them.  Depending on your child's age you can sort them by brand, color of wrapper, first letter, flavor ...  Glue to a poster and hang in bedroom for a colorful display.  This environmental art work is a great way for kids to start to read.

Practice predicting skills. Have kids guess how many pieces of candy will be in a pack of Skittles, m&m's, or other multi piece pack.  Count to see if they are close.  Compare two packs to see if they have the same amount.

Sort m&m's or Skittles by color.  Which color had more? Less?  Work on probability skills by placing in a brown bag and guessing what color you will pick.  Of course, you must eat it once you take it out of the bag.  The probability will change as you begin to eat various colors.  Who knew learning could be so much fun?

Do this fun science experiment on density using Skittles from candyexperiments.com . Place 2 red, 4 orange, 6 yellow, 8 green, and 12 purple Skittles in separate cups. Add two TBSP. of water to each cup. Let sit for 2 hours so the candy can dissolve (you can microwave for faster results).   In a clear bowl, pour in the purple water.  Holding a spoon upside down over the purple water SLOWLY pour the green water over the back of the spoon.  Repeat with yellow, orange, and red.  You should have a beautiful rainbow.  It should last for an hour or two before it becomes muddy.

Chop up your favorite candy bar and place it on top of ice cream.  Or add it to a milk shake, or to cookie, brownie or cake batter.

Make candy bar fudge. 

Add a piece of chocolate to your cup of coffee.

Give some away - to local shelters, children's home, nursing home or Operation Shoebox.

Area dentist will buy back your candy and send it to deployed troops or donate it to the Children's Miracle Network.  To find a dentist in your area that is participating in this National program click here.
What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy all that candy?