Kids Eat Free at Chili's

Chili's has to be one of my family's favorite places to dine.  They are giving you a great reason to take a break from cooking this weekend. Saturday and Sunday, October 30th-31st kids under the age of 12 that wear their costume to Chili’s will get (1) free kids meal with each adult entree.  This offer is good for both dine in and to-go orders.  Go here for all the details.  ENJOY!!!

Tactics for Limiting Sugar without Feeling Like the Halloween Grinch

Do you worry about all the sugar your kids will eat after a night out trick or treating?  Here is a great article posted on Simply Organic with a few ideas that should make the whole family happy.

Pumpkin Wand

Every little girl needs a wand to make them feel like a fairy princess, it is a rule. My daughter is not into "dressing up" very much, she puts the outfit on, does a few twirls and she is done. But she does love the wands that accompany these dress up outfits. So I made (with a little help from my girl) her a pumpkin wand. It is too cute and very easy.

You'll need:

• Template for Fairy Godmother Halloween Wand
• Long-handled wooden spoon ( found a set of four at Dollar Tree)
• Craft paint (gold looks especially nice)
• Small paintbrush or foam brush
• Scissors
• Craft paper (two shades of orange and brown for the pumpkin stem or any color you want your wand to be)
• Glue stick
• Glue dots
• Glitter glue and/or faux gems
• Curly ribbon and/or curled green floral wire

Instructions:
1. Paint the wooden spoon and set it aside to dry. ( I skipped this step and it looks just fine)

2. Print the template and use the pieces to cut out the shapes in the specified colors of paper. Note: younger kids may need some help cutting the grooves in the pumpkin overlay pieces.

3. Glue the overlay pieces and then the stems onto the pumpkin bases, keeping in mind that the pumpkins will be glued back-to-back so they should look like mirror images.

4. Place the wooden spoon with the handle facing down. Use glue dots to stick one of the pumpkins to the bowl of the spoon. Glue the other pumpkin to the flip side, matching up all of the edges with the first one. Use additional glue dots to stick the perimeters of the pumpkins together where needed.

5. Now your child can embellish the pumpkins with glitter glue and/or faux gems. For the finishing touch, glue or tie on curly ribbon "vines."

 

Pictures & idea from Disney Family

Toys R Us Halloween Event

I have been posting various fun, FREE Halloween events all week.  If you have not decide on what to do yet here is one more you might check out.  On Saturday, October 30 from 12 pm - 3 pm celebrate Halloween with Toys''R''Us! Kids can personalize a Halloween bag with Crayola's Glow Explosion. Make a Safety Pledge get a free giveaway!

Borders Halloween Event

Borders invites you to attend their annual Spooktacular Halloween Party on Saturday, October 30th at 11:00 AM. Children 3 - 8 can enjoy storytime and join in on a costume parade.  Events and details vary by store so check your location before leaving home.

Toys R Us Christmas Big Book

Toys R Us will be releasing their Big Toy Book ad on Sunday, October 31st. Submit your email and you will  be one of the first to know what is going on sale for Christmas.

Bass Pro Shop Halloween Activities

Bass Pro Shop is offering free activities this weekend.

Friday, October 29th you can make a Trick or Treat bag from 4-6 PM, 6 - 7PM is a costume parade and Trick or Treating last until 8 PM.
Saturday and Sunday, October 30 -31, kids can make a pumpkin birdhouse  from 2 -3 PM and participate in a marshmallow roast.  Check your local store for all the details.

Also, don't forget about all the creative activities happening at Michael's this week.

Decorating Pumpkins

Need something to keep the kids busy for awhile? Grab a pumpkin (any size), some paint, glitter, paper, and whatever else you can come up with and let them decorate a pumpkin. You can get pumpkins for 89 cents so this is a very economical activity too!

Ages: 18 months & up

Betty Crocker Potato Buds Review & Giveaway!

 While not as good as homemade mashed potatoes, Betty Crocker's New & Improved Potato Buds are as close as you can get. My family enjoyed them for dinner tonight and we had no leftovers. I love to add garlic salt & extra butter to ours to give them that kick all mashed potatoes need! I fixed enough for 3-4 people and we still have a ton of potato buds left. This box should last us for several meals. Another great thing about these potatoes is there are lots of things you can make with them besides the usual mashed potatoes like Potato Crusted Salmon & Cheesy Brocolli Potato Soup. You can find more recipes at www.bettycrocker.com.

 

Betty Crocker® Potato Buds® mashed potatoes are made with 100% real potatoes and are also gluten-free. And ready in just five minutes, they’re a perfect choice for busy weeknights and last minute dinner ideas! Want to try them for yourself? Click here to print a coupon for $0.55 off one package of Betty Crocker Potato Buds.

You can win a prize pack from of our blog containing the items you see above! To be entered just leave a comment on our blog telling us what you like to put in your mashed potatoes. You can earn an extra entry by becoming a follower of our blog, just leave a comment telling us you are a follower. Deadline to enter is November 7th. 

Betty Crocker provided me with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark.

Leaf Rubbing

Leaf rubbings are a fun, inexpensive and attractive craft that kids of all ages can do.  These can be as simple or decorative as you and your children want to create.
So gather some leaves, fall colored crayons (remove the wrapper) and blank paper or tissue paper (be careful it will rip easily).
Instructions:
Place the leave vein side up under a piece of paper on a flat surface. Rub with the side of the crayon in a back and forth manner on the white paper over the leaf.  Repeat this on the same sheet of paper using a variety of different leaves and colors of crayons to create an interesting piece of art.

Free Scary Face Pancake at IHOP

On Friday, October 29th at IHOP for all children ages 12 and under can get a Free Scary Face Pancake!  Also, there is a special All You Can Eat Pancake offer in October! Check out the details for all offers and contest here.

Fisher-Price Games and Printables for Preschoolers

I was on the Fisher-Price site checking out a new computer game for 3-7 year olds that I think my granddaughter would love, the IXL.  I discovered they have some great online games, activities, and theme printables and cards.  So if you are looking for something new to do with your kids you might check it out.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Bring your child to Lowe's Saturday, October 23 at 10 AM and they can build this awesome Flapping Bat! This kit comes with Glow in the Dark stickers!  Advance registration is required.

Apple Nachos

Ingredients:
36 caramels (or caramel topping)
1 Tablespoon of water
30 large marshmallows (or marshmallow fluff)
1/3 cup of butter, cubed
4 tart apples, cored, peeled and sliced into 1/4 slices
1/3 of chopped peanuts, walnuts or pecans
1/3 of cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Halloween sprinkles

Instructions: In a microwave safe bowl melt caramels with water, in 30 second intervals; stir until smooth.  In a large suacepan, melt marshmallows and butter. Arrange apple slices on a platter.  Drizzle with caramel. Top with marshmallow mixture.  Sprinkle with nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. 

Note:  This recipe can be made with a variety of toppings according to your taste.  Some other suggestions would be peanut butter, Nutella, coconut, raisins, chocolate syrup... let your taste buds decide.

Recipe from Taste of Home

Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns

Betty Crocker has pumpkin carving templates from your kids favorite cereal box characters that you can view once you sign up or login.  Patterns include Count Chocula, Franken Berry, the Trix Rabbit, Lucky Charms, and more.  Your kids are sure to love these. You can save the PDF patterns to your computer and print at a later time.
You can find other free pumpkin carving templates at:
Better Homes and Garden
Hershey's
Family Fun

Thanks Totally Target and Deal Seeking Mom

Nature Walk Crafts for Kids

Fall is a great time to get outside and explore nature with your children.  You can go to a nearby state park or just take a quick walk around the neighborhood.  Have your children bring along a bag to collect their "treasures".  When you return home and are warming up, read one of these books to kick the imagination into high gear.

Then let them create their own project using the items they found while on your walk.  They could make a wreath by cutting out the center of the paper plate and gluing items around the edge, Modge Podge leaves to canvas, make a collage, or turn rocks into pumpkins or ghost with a little paint. Let them be creative.

Alternative: Turn the walk into a scavenger hunt. Make a list (include pictures for you preschoolers) of items for them to look for such as: an acorn, pinecone, different color and size leaves, twigs, rocks, pebbles....

Need some additional ideas, check out these links:

Leave Lantern

Twig Trivet

Twig Frame

Michael's Free Family Event

October 22- 30 Michael's is hosting a variety Halloween events in their stores, many of them are free.  You can make Halloween mask, trick or treat bags, costumes and T-shirts.  Go to the Michael's website for a complete list and additional details.

Free Lesson in a Box for Teachers

PETCO is giving away a FREE Carefresh Lesson in a Box Small Animal Pet Care Classroom Kit to teachers! The program is designed to be used in 4th-7th grade.

Each classroom kit includes everything you need for up to 30 students.  The kit includes learning essentials for teaching your students about small animal pet care, money saving coupons for teachers & students and a fun classroom pet care poster with stickers. 

Please note, there is a limit of one Carefresh Lesson in a Box Kit per teacher, per year. School affiliation will be varied before the kit is shipped. No homeshools.
Thanks Good Deal Mama

Free Flashlight from Radio Shack

If you are planning to go Trick or Treating this Halloween here is a freebie that will help light your way.   The Radio Shack ad in your Sunday paper (10/17) should have a coupon for a FREE Flashlight, no purchase necessary.

Pampers Gift to Grow Code

There's a new 10-point Pampers code available! Just head over to Pampers Gifts to Grow and enter PAMPERS4MOMSOND. Expires 6/30/11.
Check out the right side bar for additional codes. 

Thanks Deal Seeking Mom

Free Blockbuster Express Code

Order a pizza, pop some popcorn and plan a Family Movie night this weekend.  Use the code DRGN1 to get a free movie rental from Blockbuster Express!  Expires 10/17. 

Free Breakfast for Kids at Sweet Tomatoes

Sweet Tomatoes restaurants are hosting a pajama party for kids this Sunday, Oct. 17. Children 12 years and younger can get a free breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon if they come dressed in their pajamas (shirt and shoes required). Each child can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

 To find a location near you, go here. 
Thanks Todd and Erin

Peek A Boo Pumpkin Bread

Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner are teaming up to support Save the Children and help make sure that more children have access to nutritious foods this holiday season and all year long. You can join Frigidaire by setting a place at a virtual kids' table. When you do, Frigidaire will donate $1 to help kids in need and you'll be entered for a chance to win the daily prize, $50 toward your holiday spread, and the grand prize, a new Frigidaire Professional® freestanding gas range.
And make sure to check out the great kid-inspired holiday recipes - they're sure to be popular with your own kids.
Here is just one of the delicious recipes you can find when you play.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 oz low fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
1 tsp grated orange zest

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8"x 4"x 2" loaf pan with non stick cooking spray, line with parchment or waxed paper and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and mix well. In a medium bowl combine the oil, eggs, sugar, honey and vanilla, mix well. Stir liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients just until batter comes together. Don’t over mix. In a small bowl add 2 tablespoons of the batter to the cream cheese, mix well and set aside. Add the pumpkin, cranberries, oats and zest to the large bowl of batter and mix gently until combined. Spread 1 cup of batter into bottom of prepared pan and, using a teaspoon, dot with half the cream cheese mixture. Spoon an additional cup of batter over, dot with remaining cream cheese mixture and top with the last cup of batter. Place bread in preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in center of loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Remove bread from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove loaf from pan and cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.

Servings: 12     Calories per serving: 215

Babies R Us Coupon

Here is a nice printable coupon for Babies R Us stores  -  Save 30% on your total clothing purchase through 10/24!  When I was in our store last week the clearance racks were full of good deals.  So hopefully you can score some great bargains.

Thank Baby Good Buys

Free Toy Story Potato Head from Amazon

The Christmas deals just keep on coming.  For a limited time, you can get a choice of a FREE Toy Story Mr. Potato Head with any $30 purchase of the select Playskool products at Amazon.  To even sweeten the deal a little more your order will qualify for FREE shipping. If you are a Swagbucks user you can use your $5.00 gift cards so you have little or no money out of pocket.

Special Events at Toys R Us

Toys R Us is hosting two exciting events this weekend for the kiddos. 

Chuggington is a fun animated TV series for your preschooler. Learn all about trains as Chugginton the train and his friends ride the rails of life and experience fun new adventures. With its wide assortment of collectible characters and exciting play sets, your child can recreate favorite Chuggington episodes or imagine new adventures.
Play with Chuggington! Get on board for fun at your favorite Toys "R" Us store, Saturday, October 16th from 12 -2 PM. Checkout the newest Chuggers, enjoy storytime, coloring and giveaways!

Also, on Saturday immediately following Chuggington from 2 -4 PM you can enjoy the Disney Princess & Me Royal Event!  Decorate your own tiara! Learn your princess personality and enjoy a Disney Princess Story!

 This both sound like lots of fun!

Toys R Us Deals

With Christmas fast approaching, it is a great time to check out all the deals going on at Toys R Us.   Here are a few highlights. 
* 30% off Disney costumes for Halloween
* Buy two video games get one FREE
* Free Disney Princess and Me PJ set when you buy a Princess and Me doll.
* BOGO Little Tikes Toy when you buy one at $25.00+
*Free Lego Bucket with a $20.00 Lego purchase
* Free case of PlayDoh with any PlayDoh purchase
* Buy two Bratz dolls get one FREE
* Free Shipping on purchase over $100.00

Don't forget Toys R Us offers layaway. 

For Educators: Six Free Children's Books

Pacific Learning is offering six free children’s books to public or private school teachers at the level of your choice when you register for a new account. Shipping is FREE, too.  After you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Just click on the link in your email and you’ll be able to choose your books and confirm your address.

This offer is available through December 31, 2010.
* Books will vary from those pictured.

Thanks Good Deal Mama

Children's Place Sale

Print this coupon for 20% off your entire purchase at The Children's Place.

Stride Rite Deal

Get 20% off a $50.00 order at Stride Rite.  If shopping on line at Stride Rite use the code Fall2010 and recieve free shipping when you order 2 or more pairs of shoes. Heading to the store print this coupon  to get the same deal.  This offer expires 10/31/2010.

Thanks Baby Goodbuys

Pampers Gift to Grow 50 Point Code

I learned about a new Pampers Gifts to Grow Code worth 50 points on Swag Bucks’ Facebook page. The code is 2BEGINEARNING50.  If you haven’t joined Pampers Gift to Grow you can sign up and begin earning points towards gift cards, contest entries, baby items etc... I have 440 points in just 3 months and I don't even have a child in diapers.

Family Fun Magazine Deal for $3.75 a year

Best Deal Magazines offers some of the lowest prices on the internet for popular consumer magazine subscriptions - 75+ magazines at $4.69 each and 50+ magazines at $5.95 plus 900+ magazines at savings up to 91% off the cover price. This week you can snag a year subscription to Family Fun for $3.75 when you use the code WKLYSPEC. Check out this and other great magazine deals here.

Free Origami Paper

Are you interested in trying your hand at origami or think your child would like to learn?  Well, hurry over to Everything in Paper to get 50 sheets of paper FREE!!  It is always fun to learn something new and when you can do it for FREE it is even better.  Not sure how to get started. Well, don't worry they even have tutorials to help you out. 

Thanks Hey, It is Free

Children's Place Columbus Day Sale

Halloween costumes are on sale 50% off today at The Children's Place. Plus, get an extra 20% off your entire purchase when you use Coupon Code C3CKF4J710A or click here for a printable version. Both expire 11/15. Shipping is a flat $5.

Thanks Retail Helper

Happy Columbus Day

Columbus Day is celebrated today, to commemorate Christopher Columbus historic sailing of the ocean blue to America in 1492.  Help your children create their own ocean with this cool science project that doubles as a fun craft. 

Materials:

Empty plastic water bottle with lid

Clear baby oil or mineral oil

Water
Funnel
Blue food coloring
Small plastic fish, shells and other sea creatures
White or silver glitter
White craft glue
Hot glue gun
Optional: sand

Instructions: Remove the labels from the water bottle.  Use a funnel to pour a cup full of baby oil (or 1/2 way full) into a clear plastic water bottle. Then fill the bottle the rest of the way with water. We give the liquid a chance to settle, then add a few drops of blue food coloring. The kids will have fun watching the blue as it drops through the oil and "explodes" into the water. Last, add the plastic sea items. Apply white craft glue around the rim and screw on the cap.  Use a layer of hot glue around the outer edge of the cap for added protection from leakage. Turn bottle on its side and gently rock the bottle to create a “wave” inside your ocean habitat!

Tip: Use lightweight starfish, shells and other sea creature toys that can float. Test them first in a bowl or glass of water. Find these at your local craft supply store or discount department store.

Note: I have made these for many years in my classroom. Sadly, I do not remember where I got the idea from.

S'more Popcorn Balls

This S'more Popcorn balls are a twists on a fall favorite.  You can get a bit of a reminder of those long forgotten summer days with this treat.
Ingredients
10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup butter
12 full-size graham crackers, coarsely chopped
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups cold chocolate chips (keep in refrigerator until ready to use)
parchment paper or nonstick foil

Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to warm or 175 F. Place the popcorn on a large rimmed cookie sheet and place it in the oven to keep warm.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and marshmallows together over medium-low heat. When the marshmallows are completely melted, gently stir in the popcorn and graham crackers, and mini marshmallows. Remove the chocolate chips from the refrigerator and quickly stir them into the mixture. Let the mixture set until cool enough to handle, then using buttered plastic sandwich bags on your hands or with buttered hands, form the mixture into balls. Set each ball on the prepared baking sheet to cool.  Store in an airtight container.

Makes about 12 baseball size balls or 30 golf ball sized balls.

Recipe form Chefs Catalog
Picture courtesy of Family Fun

Hasbro Toy Coupons

Check out all these great coupons you can print right now at Coupons.com.  I would print these now before they are gone.  You should be able to snag some great deals as these items go on sale. 

•$2.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL MR. POTATO HEAD Classic
•$2.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL LULLABY GLOWORM
•$5.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL BUSY BALL POPPER
•$5.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL SIT N’ SPIN
•$2.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL WHEEL PALS Mini 4-pack
•$2.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL WHEEL PALS Playset
•$5.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL EXPLORE ‘N GROW
•$5.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL WEEBLES TREEHOUSE
•$2.00 off (1) PLAYSKOOL WEEBLES 2-pack
•$5.00 off one (1) MLP Rainbow Dash Plane
•$4.00 off (1) U-BUILD MONOPOLY
•$4.00 off the purchase of (1) MONOPOLY Electronic
•$5.00 off any total CHUCK & FRIENDS purchase

Borders Teacher Appreciation Day

Borders Bookstores is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Days now through Sunday, October 10th. Teachers and homeschooling parents will receive 25% off the list price when they show proof of their educator’s status. This offer is valid in-store only.  They are holding a special reception just for you on Saturday, October 9th from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Thanks Money Saving Mom

Free Halloween Portrait Collage from Sears

 Print this coupon and you can get a FREE Halloween Portrait Collage from Sears.  This is a $44.98 value free, no session fee, no purchase necessary.  Call 1-888-portrait to schedule your appointment. Deal is available until 10/31/10.

Disney Beauty and the Beast $10 off Coupon

With the release of Beauty and the Beast Disney is offering $10/1 Beauty & the Beast Blu-Ray Combo Pack coupon. Go HERE to get yours.  Hurry though this offer expires 10/12/2010.  You can also print a $5.00 off Tinker Bell combo pack. 

NOTE:  If you purchase/purchased Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, Disney Movie Rewards has a special offer for a free bracelet and charm.  Inside that movie there will be a code inside that you will need to enter in your Disney Movie Rewards Account and you will get 125 points.  You will also then be prompted to order the Tinker Bell charm and the bracelet.  Purchasing The Beauty and the Beast will allow you to now add another Rose charm to your bracelet, also by entering the code. One more charm offer will follow when The Search for Santa Paws is released.  Keep in mind you will have to pay a shipping & handling charge for these offers. You can go HERE to get more information and details on the bracelet & charms offer.
Thanks Totally Target

Halloween Candy Coupons

With Halloween just around the corner who isn't looking for a way to save some money on treats to pass out to those little gobblins.  Head on over to Coupons .com right now and you can print these **HOT** candy coupons: 

$2.00 off Wonka Best on the Block 20, 28 or 40 pack.
$2.50 off 2 of the Nestle Variety Bags 20 oz or larger
$2.00 on 1 bag of Nestle, Butterfinger, Crunch or Wonka Variety Bags
$1.50 on 1 bag of Wonka Mix Ups Candy 18.7 oz or larger

Also, check out Target.com for additional coupons that you can stack for some really great deals.

Read for the Record

Every year, the Read for the Record campaign encourages reading by bringing together hundreds of thousands of families to read the same book on the same day "for the record". Last year's record was 2.1 million people, and you could be part of the new record today by logging on to WeGiveBooks.com to read this year's selection, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, for free. For each person who reads the book online, We Give Books will donate a brand-new book to a Jumpstart preschool classroom.  Be sure to check out the learning activities on the bottom left hand side of the page.

Thanks Deal Seeking Mom

Pampers Gift to Grow 50 Point Code

There is a new Pampers Gifts to Grow Code worth 50 points. The code is GIFTSTOGROW4MOM. You may want to enter it soon. I do not know when it will expire.
Check the side bar for additional codes.

Thanks Addicting to Savings!

Make a Halloween Craft at Michael's

Free Strawberry Shortcake Sweetest Styles at Toys R Us

Toys R Us has the Strawberry Shortcake Sweetest Styles playsets priced at $9.99.  Use your $10/1 Strawberry Shortcake product coupon from Smart Source (9/26/2010) and the item is FREE!!!  This will make a great birthday gift.
I have seen these sets priced around $20.00 in other stores so this is a great deal. 

Coupon expires 10/18/2010.

Thanks Ohio Coupon Connection

A new 10 point code is available for Pampers Gifts to Grow. Enter  10PTSFREECODE4U here. Be sure to check out the Toy A Day Sweepstakes while you there.
Check the sidebar for other Pampers Gifts to Grow post for additional codes.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Halloween is right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe's on Saturday, October 9th and they can build this spooky bat complete with glow in the dark stickers!  Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Clinics start at 10:00 AM and you must register in advance. 

Pampers Gift to Grow Code

A new 10 point code is available for Pampers Gifts to Grow.  Enter FacebookOct2010 here.  Be sure to check out the Toy A Day Sweepstakes while you there.

Check the sidebar for other Pampers Gifts to Grow post for additional codes.

Ghostly Luminaries

Aren't these the cutest things? It is not often you find a project the whole family can do together but this is one everyone can enjoy. It is easy, inexpensive and only takes about an hour(gotta love it).  Won't your Halloween guest be thrilled with this "spooky" greeting?

Materials:

Clean plastic gallon milk jugs (start saving now)
Black permanent marker
Craft knife
String of 50 clear low-wattage holiday lights

Instructions :
Draw ghost eyes and mouths on the jugs. Leave the caps on while you do this, so the jugs don't dent. Use the craft knife to cut a half-dollar-size hole in the back of each jug (a parent's job). Arrange the ghosts near each other and string the lights between them, stuffing several bulbs into each of the jugs.  That's it.  Easy right?

Alternative: Place a few drops of orange acrylic paint in the jug and shake to coat the inside of the jug.  Draw jack o'lantern faces on the jugs instead of ghost. 

Original post from Family Fun Magazine