Easy #Halloween Monster-mallow Treats

It's the MONSTER_MALLOWS!

I recently did some online searching for fun, quick, easy ideas for Halloween treats to try something new - there are so many great ideas from every creative corner... I found tons! I saved all my favorite ideas to my Pinterest board (check it out here: http://pinterest.com/sprout5/halloween/ ) then revisited the ideas with my kids to decide what to make.  The loved the decorated marshmallow creatures and it fit my requirements of quick and easy (and very few ingredients / needs).

Here is how we created them:  We purchased large marshmallows, a tube of decorating frosting and some food safe markers.  I had some left over colored fondant (I always have a stock in the freezer!) and rolled some small balls to use for eyes plus we used cheerios which are always on hand as well.  We "glued" the eyes on with a generous amount of icing (used the small circle tube attachment on the frosting tube) and placed the Cheerios over the icing so the icing pushes through the center of the Cheerios.  We used fondant as well to make eyes on some and used black food-safe markers to dot the eyes.  The rest of the facial features were also drawn on with markers.  This was a 20 minute activity so it was the perfect time frame for 3 and 6 year olds and when we were done, we had a pile of fun monsters treats for Halloween!

These monsters can be used to top cupcakes, cake, or cookies and make excellent pops by simply sticking a lollipop stick in the bottom.

Note - for better performance of the markers, let the marshmallows sit in the open to dry slightly on the outside.  If the marshmallows are too soft, it is harder to draw a line.  Also, don't press too hard with the markers.  Storage: keep them in a closed container until ready to eat.

Enjoy!
~Sprout

Purchase these items to make your own:

Reuse your old socks - make #Halloween Sock Spiders!

Green Halloween Craft Idea: Sock Spiders!

Do you have single socks or worn-out socks taking up space in your closet or dresser?  For some reason, I have a mound of these and even though I use them for cleaning - they just seem to multiply!  Since I have a lot of black socks, I thought I would reuse them and create "Sock Spiders" to use as Halloween decorations.  This past weekend, we walked over to Michael's Craft Store and purchased some black pipe cleaners and what my son calls, "googly eyes" then came back and collected all those socks.  We stuffed the end of the socks with other socks or old ripped t-shirts (you could use cotton, paper or tissue) and folded the open end of the sock over the whole thing and tucked it into the open end.  Then we poked through the bottom with 4 pipe cleaners to form the legs.  I sewed the end of the folded sock top to make a smooth bottom.  My son stuck the googly eyes onto the top then I pulled some thread through the top using a needle and hung one over the doorway to the kitchen.  They turned out so cute!  We can use these every year now AND I got rid of all those lonely socks!  Way to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!

If you have black, purple, red or brown socks that have patterns or colors on them. you can have some fun - here is a sock spider using argyle socks!

 If you make your own recycled Halloween decoration, please share by posting a comment and if you have a photo, please send it to me and I'll post it here!

Thanks!
Happy GREEN Halloween!

Want more Green ideas? Go to  http://greenhalloween.org/`

Feel Better with Natural Cold Care #ecowed

Feel Better Naturally!

It's that time of year again... cold and flu season. Protecting yourself against the inevitable by getting enough sleep, eating right and reducing stress never seems like enough when you get sick... So I thought I would share five great natural remedies that will help you get by and make you feel better - NATURALLY.



1. Boiron Coldcalm
Take Coldcalm at the First Sign of colds! Coldcalm temporarily relieves cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny rose, nasal congestion and minor sore throat. It is a homeopathic medicine that works naturally and is Fast-acting when taken at the onset of symptoms.  Coldcalm does not have side effects,  drug interactions, or contraindications, and does not just "mask" symptoms  This is a Non-drowsy formula and is regulated as a OTC (Over the Counter) drug by the FDA.  Amazon's current price is an unbelievable $8.25 for a 3-pack plus you can save even more by signing up for "Subscribe and Save". Click here to buy now
Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Coldcalm Tablets for Colds, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)

2. Ricola Cough Drops
Great tasting. Naturally soothing and refreshing. Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint throat drops combine refreshing, natural Lemon Mint and Ricola's delicious mixture of Swiss alpine herbs. For over 75 years, Ricola has been making pleasant tasting natural herbal products for natural relief of the discomfort due to sore throat and minor irritation due to coughs, hoarseness, dry throat, and loss of voice. Ricola is nature's way of calming coughs and soothing sore throats. This item is also offered through Subscribe and Save from Amazon - Ricola Cough Drops, Natural Herb , 21 Drops (Pack of 12)

3. Bioron Chestal Cough Syrup
Chestal Cough Syrup is an effective homeopathic cough syrup that naturally brings relief to a wide array of coughs. Safe and natural, with no side effects, Chestal treats all kinds of coughs, does not interact with other medications, does not contain stimulants, non-drowsy, great honey taste, honey and sugar base soothes the throat.  I like it because it tastes great and works well!


4. Traditional Medicinals Tea
Nothing is more soothing than a cup of herbal tea - especially when you are sick.  Traditional Medicinals has an incredibly great line of organic teas that are highly effective, taste great and even are produced with solar power!  Try this sampler that includes Throat Coat, Echinacea Plus, Breathe Easy, and Gypsy Cold Care varieties.  This is also available by the case (of 6) with Subscribe and Save to save more:
Traditional Medicinals Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler 16-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)


5. Nature's Way Echinacea Supplements
Echinacea herb supports the Immune System and promotes general well-being in cold and flu season. Echinacea (comon name is Purple Coneflower) grows wild in the midwest, and was used by Plains Indians more than any other herb. Echinacea supplements are a great preventative measure to help boost your immune system before you get a cold, but it may also help during a cold as well.  (Please discuss this with your doctor before taking)  Amazon also offers this item through Subscribe and Save!

For more homeopathic children's remedies, check out my past post:
http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2010/06/top-5-homeopathic-natural-remedies.html 

Have a great week and Be Well!
~ Sprout

Get a Free Kids Konserve Reusable Lunch Tote!

Annie's Homegrown has teamed up again with Kids Konserve to help eliminate lunchtime trash at school!  They are giving away One free 100% recycled cotton Kids Konserve reusable lunch sack is available with TWO PROOFS OF PURCHASE from any of the following companies’ eligible items: Annie’s Homegrown (any item), Honest Kids (8-pack carton or 64oz. bottle), Seventh Generation (disinfectant sprays and wipes), OR Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt (yogurt 6-pack or 4-pack, or Squeezers). Products must be purchased between August 1, 2012 and October 31, 2012.

If you have more than one kid you can get up to 3 free bags (as long as you have 2 receipts / barcodes for each bag)!

All you have to do is go to the following weblink, fill out the form and send along with the TWO required proofs of purchase per lunch sack in the form of an original receipt with products listed or a physical cut-out of the UPC barcodes from any TWO of the above qualifying packages, to: Annie's Lunch Sack, 1610 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. Offer good in U.S and Canada only. Limit three lunch sacks per household or address. Must be 18 years or older. Supplies are limited to 15,000 bags. Offer expires October 31, 2012 or while supplies last. Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

http://www.annies.com/backtoschool

What products are eligible?
You'll need to purchase any TWO items from the following companies’ eligible items: Annie’s Homegrown (any item), Honest Kids (8-pack carton or 64oz. bottle), Seventh Generation (disinfectant sprays and wipes), OR Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt (yogurt 6-pack or 4-pack, or Squeezers). The two items can be from the same company as long as they are qualifying items.






Need to buy these products: Click below.

 

Stock up the pantry with these organic deals!

Organic products make far less impact on the Earth as no synthetic pesticides fertilizers or antibiotics are used and no chemicals are added to the food afterwards. It means less pollution in your world and in your body. Organic goes further towards giving you what nature intended--clean, pure, and real food.  Amazon.com offers hundreds of great organic products at fantastic prices, especially small bulk items to fill your pantry in preparation of the new school year!

Here are a handful of products at some amazing prices to get your school year off to a great start:

• Nature's Path Organic Mesa Sunrise Cereal, 10.6-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6) only $14.22 - grab this now while supplies last!


• Annie's Homegrown Organic Vegan Fruit Snacks Variety Pack 24 Pouches only $12.91 


•  Earth's Best Kidz Organic Apple Sauce Cup, 6-Count 4-Ounce Units (Pack of 6)  $18.35 when ordered thru Subscribe and Save


• Cascadian Farm Organic Chewy Granola Bar, Chocolate Chip, 6-Count Boxes (Pack of 6) $21.03 when ordered thru Subscribe and Save 


• Barbara's Bakery Puffins, Peanut Butter & Chocolate, 10.5-Ounce (Pack of 4) only $13.76 when ordered thru Subscribe and Save

 

Get a FREE sample filled tote plus more back to school deals at Drugstore.com

Drugstore.com has some great promos going on right now that are not to be missed!

Save more when you buy dorm-room and back to school essentials like pens, markers, batteries and more.  Click here to see the best deals:
Save up to 50% on Back to Campus basics at drugstore.com! Offer ends 08.31.2012.

Another great deal:
Save up to 40% on Tide laundry detergent at drugstore.com! Offer ends 09.30.2012.

By far the best is their sample filled tote FREE with any $40 purchase in the sports and nutrition department.  Stock up on Balance, Zone and Cliff bars - perfect for on-the-go meals for you and your students!  Optimize your workout with sports nutrition samples that include nutrition bars and protein and performance supplements! Offer ends 08.31.2012 or while supplies last. Click here to shop for eligible items to get your freebie now:
Get a free sample-filled FRS tote ($40 value) with any $40 purchase in the sports and nutrition department at drugstore.com! Offer ends 08.31.2012 or while supplies last.


Don't miss out on these great deals - And if this is your first purchase on Drugstore.com, New Customers – spend $50 at drugstore.com and get free shipping + a $100 Restaurant.com gift code! Offer ends 12.31.2012.

or: New Customers – spend $25 at drugstore.com and get free shipping + a $50 Restaurant.com gift code! Offer ends 12.31.2012.

Little Miss and Mr Steel Waterbottles new at Amazon

We love the Little Miss and Little Mr. characters and books  by Roger Hargreaves so I was so excited to find that Amazon.com is now selling these adorable steel water bottles!  These 20 ounce durable bottles are stainless steel and include a carbiner to attach to backpacks. Steel water bottles reduce the need to purchase disposable containers and can be reused many many times.  The steel is not only durable, but helps to keep beverages cool longer.  But most of all, who can resist the adorable designs of these bottles!  Amazon's prices are also right on the mark - similar water bottles range in price from $14-18 but if you are an Amazon.com Prime member, you get free shipping!

Here is more of the collection - get yours today and send your kids to school with some personality!

    
     

Amazon's Back to School Event - don't miss these deals!

 
Amazon.com's Back to School Event has everything they need to furnish dorm rooms, stock up on school supplies, dress kids in style and more.  You will find a wide selection of offers in clothing, books, electronics, musical instruments, books, supplies, storage, and other stores. Amazon has all the greatest products at the best prices and quick shipping to get you ready for the new school year! Check out these links for all the best deals and make sure you get everything on your back to school or end of summer lists:

Here are the links:

 Shop Amazon - Back to School - K12 School Essentials

 

If you can't go organic, at least choose these "Clean 15" healthy foods

The Environmental Working Group just released it's 2012 "Clean 15" list of fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide contamination.  With the economy as it is today, many people feel that organic produce may not fit into the budget and are buying more conventional items.  The good news is this list of Clean 15 items will allow you to safely eat produce and not blow your budget.  We grow our own as much as possible on our balcony in NYC (like the peas in the photo to the left!) but I admit that we have been buying more conventional produce lately so sticking to this list will help.

For more info, read this article from The Huffington Post. 

Here is their list:

Clean 15™

Lowest in Pesticide

1Onions

2Sweet Corn

3Pineapples

4Avocado

5Cabbage

6Sweet peas

7Asparagus

8Mangoes

9Eggplant

10Kiwi

11Cantaloupe - domestic

12 Sweet potatoes

13Grapefruit

14Watermelon

15Mushrooms

 Source: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/