This shop, Halloween Candy Baskets DIY Craft To BOO It Forward, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, MARS Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #BOOItForward #CollectiveBias
BOO it forward with these DIY Halloween Candy Baskets in eight fun Halloween-themed shapes. Craft your own using the free printables.
Halloween-Themed Shaped Candy Baskets
DIY Craft To BOO It Forward with FREE Printables!
Hooray, it’s October! I love Halloween, and I am always trying to think of fun things to make it special for those around me. So, today, I am sharing this easy DIY craft that is perfect for spreading some spooky cheer! Let’s do Some Friendly Neighborhood BOO’ing.
Who to BOO
We always love to BOO the neighborhood kids, but we also plan to BOO Luke’s 86-year-old dad and his friends down at the donut shop. They have been meeting there each morning for decades.
These Halloween candy baskets are great for a classroom party, any group get-together, you name it. BOO your local fire department, police station, or hospital. BOO It Forward and get everyone in the Halloween spirit. The FREE Printables make them a snap and come in pre-colored or color-your-own options.
It’s easy to purchase the MARS® Variety bag for your BOO Kit. Just hover over the shoppable image above to click through to Walmart.com and buy it! Now, what good would a candy basket be without some candy to fill it? My choice is the 400 piece MARS® Spider-Man Chocolate/Sugar Variety Bag! This bag is loaded with SNICKERS®, Skittles®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, Starburst®, and 3 MUSKETEERS® — can we all say, YUM?! You can find some cute stickers, tissue paper, bags, and cards from American Greetings too.
Cut out the shapes leaving a flat edge at the bottom, and an edging around the shape. These shapes will be the sides of your candy basket.
Measure and mark cardstock. You will need two pieces cut for each basket — one for the basket (3-1/2 inches x 7 inches) and one for the handle (7 inches x 1 inch).
Cut the cardstock for all the baskets you will be making.
On the cut out Basket card stock, measure in 1/2 inch from the long edges on each side. Draw a line with a pencil, then score each pencil line with a bone folder or other flat-edge.
Fold the scored long edges inward.
Cut notches into the 1/2 inch folded edges to make it easier to fit the basket onto the shapes.
Lay the notched basket cardstock flat and place glue on notches, both edges.
Fold the notches to a right angle so the glued sides are on the outside of the basket.
Attached glued notches to a pair of matching Halloween-themed shapes in a U-type shape, so there is an opening at the top. You will be able to move and adjust the notches to fit each shape as needed. Make sure that your shapes are turned the same way with the flat edge at the bottom.
Let glue set.
Dab glue on both ends of the handle, and attach to the top inside of the basket cardstock. Let glue set.
Don’t forget you can get the Spider-Man Homecoming DVD & Blu-Ray on October 17th at Walmart.
Want to send some Halloween spirit to loved ones across the country? No problem, Create your own BOO Kit online and have it sent to them. Then, they can BOO It Forward too!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Constellation Brands. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #CervezaCelebration #CollectiveBias
Mexican style #CervezaCelebration with Cilantro and Lime Beer Rice! Grab a Corona or Modelo, and start the fiesta with a quick and easy recipe plus a fun DIY craft.
Beer Rice with Cilantro and Lime Recipe
DIY Mini Piñata Garland Craft
What do you think of when Cinco de Mayo rolls around? Around here, it is just another reason for a Corona to get its lime! So, we are throwing a fiesta with great food and some festive decorations. Saber Vivir (knowing how to live) and making the most of every moment.
In the spirit of keeping things light-hearted and easy, I’ve got a couple of things to share with you. The first is a super simple and tasty recipe — Beer Rice with Cilantro and Lime. Oh, YUM! Then, I’ll show you how to make the cutest mini piñatas that can be used in several different ways.
Beer Rice with Cilantro and Lime Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Cups – Rice (I used a quick or instant rice)
1 Bottle – Corona or Modelo Beer
Water
Fresh Cilantro
1-2 Lime
Salt
Directions:
Pour the bottle of Corona Beer into a 2-cup measuring cup
Add enough water to the beer to bring the measurement to 2-cups
Place the liquid into a medium pot
Toss in several full sprigs of Cilantro (I used about 6-8 sprigs)
Squeeze the juice from the Lime into the pot
Bring to a boil
Add Rice and salt to taste, mix well
Remove from heat
Cover the pot
Let stand for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice (or follow directions on your box of rice)
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges
This unique rice recipe is perfect as a side dish or used as an ingredient for tacos and burritos -- ¡delicioso!
from: Life With Lorelai
Type: Side Dish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 Cups - Rice (I used a quick or instant rice)
1 Bottle - Corona or Modelo Beer
Water
Fresh Cilantro
1-2 Lime
Salt
Directions:
Pour the bottle of Corona Beer into a 2-cup measuring cup
Add enough water to the beer to bring the measurement to 2-cups
Place the liquid into a medium pot
Toss in several full sprigs of Cilantro (I used about 6-8 sprigs)
Squeeze the juice from the Lime into the pot
Bring to a boil
Add Rice and salt to taste, mix well
Remove from heat
Cover the pot
Let stand for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice (or follow directions on your box of rice)
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges
Notes
Corona Extra or Corona Light will add a light refreshing taste Modelo Especial or Modelo Negro will provide a richer full-flavored taste
3.5.3226
If you are having friends and family over for your fiesta, check out this super cute, super easy decoration. This DIY craft makes a fun decor, or you can even use them as party favors.
Mini Piñata Garland DIY Craft
Supplies:
Tissue Paper (I used Red, White, Green, Yellow – 2 sheets each)
Empty Tissue Paper Tube
Clear Glue Pen
Tape
Scissors
Ribbon (smooth or ribbed curling ribbon works well)
Candy – Individually wrapped pieces that will fit inside the tube
Instruction Slideshow:
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 1
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 2
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 3
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 4
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 5
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 6
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 7
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 8
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 9
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 10
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 11
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 12
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 13
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 14
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 15
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 16
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 17
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 18
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 19
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 20
Mini Piñata Garland DIY 21
Instructions:
Decide how many Mini Piñatas you want to make.
Pull Streamer – Cut a 24-inch piece of Ribbon for each piñata.
Handle – Cut a 6-inch piece of Ribbon for each piñata.
Trim – Cut a 6-inch piece of Ribbon for each piñata.
Take two sheets of each color Tissue Paper, open them up and stack them together neatly. (I had one color of tissue that was larger, so I used the excess for my squares — next step.)
Using the excess mentioned above, or another sheet of tissue paper, cut out a 2-inch square for each piñata.
Stack the squares and lightly fold them in half corner-to-corner. Cut a small slit in the middle of the fold. Then, fold the square again to the other corners and cut another small slit, making an “X.”
Take a 24-inch ribbon and slide one tip through the X, tape the ribbon on both sides of the tissue. Be sure you have taped the ribbon well, so the X will rip open when the ribbon is pulled to release the candy from the piñata.
Tape a square and ribbon set to one end of the Tissue Paper Tube. This will hold the candy in place. Make sure the ribbon is on the outside of the tube. It will hang down to be the pull streamer.
Now, cut your stacked sheets of tissue lengthwise into 1-1/2 to 2-inch strips. (I got six strips out of my sheets).
Stack strips. Cut narrow slits about 3/4 of the way through the strips to make fringe.
You will use 3 or 4 fringe strips per tissue paper tube. Carefully separate the fringe strips (two piñatas at a time).
Using the glue pen, lay a thin bead of glue on one side of the solid band on the fringe strip.
Adhere the fringe to the tube starting at the bottom (with the tissue square and ribbon), and working your way around the tube with a slight upward spiral.
Continue adding fringe this way until you get to the top, but DO NOT glue down the end of the last fringe strip. Leave enough to go around the tube a full turn, at least.
Tape a 6-inch Ribbon piece to the outside top of the tube for a handle. Then, finish gluing the rest of the fringe strip to cover up the taped handle ends.
Finish off the Mini Piñata with another 6-inch piece of Ribbon glued around the top edge of the tube as trim.
Let dry.
Fill with candies.
To make a Garland – thread mini piñatas over ribbon or string. Tape in place if needed.
Now that you have your Beer Rice recipe and a great decor idea, it’s time to head out and stock up on Corona and Modelo for your big fiesta! Corona Extra and Corona Light have a smooth crisp flavor with superior ingredients that is perfect for someone like you and me. They make moments more enjoyable. Modelo Especial is a Pilsner-style Lager, rich and full-flavored, and the Modelo Negro offers slow-roasted caramel malts for a remarkably smooth taste and rich flavor.
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ListerineBOLD #CollectiveBias
Summer Survival Kit
Be Bold, Slay the Dragon Breath!
Are you ready to Bring Out the Bold this summer?
Summer is just around the corner, and I’m going to help you get ready for those fun days on the go. I have a Summer Survival Kit that is easy to put together and will make sure you have what you need to make the most of your outings.
Will you be doing any of these things this summer?
Summer BBQs – is there anything better? Maybe not, but all those spices, sauces, and rubs can leave you with some pretty fierce dragon breath.
Heading out on a road trip? After you are all set with your Summer Car Care & Basic Road Trip Kit, you’re hitting the long road and stopping for greasy diner food along the way. Mmm…tastes great, but it leaves your mouth feeling a bit on the scuzzy side.
Spending your day cavorting at the beach? Fishy water, salty air, not to mention all the sand, leaves your mouth doing its best snaggletoothed pirate imitation.
A romantic kiss at sunset? YIKES not with bad breath!
What are you to do?
Well, let Listerine® help you out. LISTERINE® COOL MINT® Antiseptic Mouthwash and LISTERINE® POCKETPAKS® Cool Mint are perfect for everyday use at home and on the go!
Listerine Cool Mint is our daily mouthwash, and we love the easy-to-carry Pocketpaks. Our morning swish gives us the bold confidence to live our lives to the fullest.
Used twice daily, Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash provides you with 24-hour germ protection killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria that lead to bad breath and gum disease. It is also the only nationally branded antimicrobial mouthwash to receive the ADA Seal of Acceptance for fighting plaque and gingivitis.
The Listerine Pocketpaks are the right choice for those active summer days. Keep your breath fresh and your mouth feeling great while you are on the go. These tiny strips dissolve instantly in your mouth and kills 99% of odor-causing bacteria in 30 seconds. Plus, they are super easy to carry with you. Just tuck them into your pocket or purse, or make yourself a Summer Survival Kit.
Summer Survival Kit
Here’s What You Need:
LISTERINE® POCKETPAKS® Cool Mint
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Antibacterial Hand Wash
Hair Bands
Lotion
Hand Wipes
Sunglasses
Zippered Pouch
Travel sized items make this kit easy to fit in a small zippered pouch so you can tuck it into a bag, stick it in your car, or carry it on it’s own. You can also customize this kit with other items–things like, tissues, eye drops, cotton swabs, etc. Whatever your heart desires.
I was lucky enough to attend the Listerine Mobile Tour Event at my local Walmart. It was a lot of fun. Zanya and Darren are traveling the country to Bring Out the Bold with Listerine. You can get samples and COUPONS, play Corn Hole, and take a BOLD Selfie to post on your social media. I won a pair of sunglasses! LOL
You don’t have to run into one of the mobile tours to get your coupon… be bold, PRINT your COUPON here!
While I was at Walmart, I popped in to grab my Listerine Mouthwash and Pocketpaks supply. They are easy to find, right there on the Oral Hygiene aisle.
Stay in the know, and get the great deals — Follow Listerine on Facebook and Twitter!
How will Listerine and the Summer Survival Kit help you Bring Out the Bold this summer?
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze. All opinions are mine alone. #YouGottaBeKittenMe #CollectiveBias
The Litter Master Recommends
Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze
They call me, The Litter Master.
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Cats are known for having unique and quirky personalities, and honestly, my adopted family finds me a little on the wacky side. But, they cannot argue with my superb selection in litter, Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze.
Some may say I am obsessed with litter. Just because I monitor the litter box, investigate when anyone is nearby, and have to jump in and check things out when people are messing with my box, does not mean I am obsessed. Can I help it if they don’t rake the new litter like I want it, and I have to climb in and rearrange the granules to perfect feline specifications? I take my litter seriously, don’t you? Do you like to use a dirty, smelly bathroom? Of course, not. So, go ahead, call me obsessed, call me The Litter Master; after all, I have a doctorate in litterology.
When our family adopted Josie and me as cuddly little kittens, we had a regular plastic litter box with no lid. Josie was so tiny she had trouble climbing into the box, but she did manage. I, on the other hand, thought that box was a great place to play. The litter box was my personal sand box—especially if it was freshly cleaned and filled with new litter. Such fun I had doing flips and somersaults, scratching and throwing about the litter. I was in heaven playing in my sand box. But, all that my family saw was the so-called mess. Was it really a problem to have litter strewn everywhere?
That constant mess led to the purchase of a deeper litter box with a lid! I was told my shenanigans had to be contained. The new higher-sided box meant the revival of Rory’s childhood step to reach the sink. Josie needed a boost to get in and out of the new litter box. LOL I have to admit, watching her try to get in or out before we gave her the step was hilarious, take it from a brother. Josie was a trooper, and she was determined to use the litter box and not go anywhere else.
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Kitty life went along just fine, until one day when we had a litter change…
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My family had me neutered! Think of all the litterology prodigies I could have spawned. Now, I must focus on sharing my expertise with humans to help better the lives of my fellow felines. But, I digress, when I returned home to recover (and believe you me, I worked the sympathy ploy to be royally pampered), the veterinarian recommend we use shredded paper instead of litter for the 10 days of my recovery. My precious Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze! Did he realize what he was asking? BIG MISTAKE! Neither Josie nor I was happy, and it led to this…
Skeptics may say this was a diabolical plan to get our favorite litter back, but Josie and I are tight—we will never admit to it. So, mission accomplished… I mean, mom and dad decided to give us back our litter, and just take extra care of me, when I had to use the facilities. The next problem at paw was how to clean the couch! Well, the doctor is in; let me help.
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What is the Best Way to Get Cat Urine Out of Your Couch?
Well, let’s learn a little science, so we can best understand the issue. Cat urine is waste fluid of protein metabolism. Its color and staining potential may vary with dietary habits, age, health, and sex of the cat. Since cat diets are typically richer in protein than that of dogs, cat urine can cause harsher odors, and are more likely to stain. See, cats have good reason for being finicky.
But, there is some good news. You can get the smell out of your couch. It is all in the science. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), will damage the protein and lipids in the cat urine that lead to bacteria and odors. (There goes the vet’s plan to boost sales at the family sofa factory).
Keep in mind that cat urine can easily penetrate and saturate absorbent materials such as, carpet, upholstery, padding, etc. In fact, Josie’s accident soaked all the way through the couch and onto the flooring. The sooner you find and take care of the accident the better–while it is still wet is best.
DO NOT mix this until you are ready to apply it. Hydrogen Peroxide stays active for only 15 minutes.
DO TRY this on a small, inconspicuous area to be sure it is color safe on your upholstery, carpet, etc.
USE gloves to protect your hands.
16 0z – 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (if using 6% H2O2, dilute 50/50 with water)
1 Teaspoon mild Dishwashing Liquid
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
How to Clean and Apply:
Remove as much stuffing or padding, upholstery coverings, etc., as you can.
Completely Soak the saturated areas (plus a little more for good measure) with cold water.
Use clean white cloths or paper toweling to pat dry the area. Use deep pressure to draw as much of the urine out as possible. Do not rub or scrub.
If your padding is removable, soak with water and squeeze it out good.
When you have removed as much cat urine as you can, Mix the cleaning solution (H2O2, liquid soap, baking soda).
Wearing gloves, immediately saturate the areas with the solution. Use a white clean cloth to help you squeeze the cleaner into hard-to-reach places. (Place your padding in a large sink or tub, and soak thoroughly).
Once everything is fully soaked through, allow the cleaning solution to stand for a minimum of 15 minutes before sopping up as much liquid as you can.
Let air dry completely. This may take a while, maybe even a day or two–do not rush the drying.
Then, vacuum.
This works great! It has been nearly two months since our little accident, and we have had no recurrence of odor, and no staining.
16 0z - 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (if using 6% H2O2, dilute 50/50 with water)
1 Teaspoon mild Dishwashing Liquid
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
Directions:
Remove as much stuffing or padding, upholstery coverings, etc., as you can.
Completely Soak the saturated areas (plus a little more for good measure) with cold water.
Use clean white cloths or paper toweling to pat dry the area. Use deep pressure to draw as much of the urine out as possible. Do not rub or scrub.
If your padding is removable, soak with water and squeeze it out good.
When you have removed as much cat urine as you can, Mix the cleaning solution (H2O2, liquid soap, baking soda).
Wearing gloves, immediately saturate the areas with the solution. Use a white clean cloth to help you squeeze the cleaner into hard-to-reach places. (Place your padding in a large sink or tub, and soak thoroughly).
Once everything is fully soaked through, allow the cleaning solution to stand for a minimum of 15 minutes before sopping up as much liquid as you can.
Let air dry completely. This may take a while, maybe even a day or two--do not rush the drying.
Then, vacuum.
Notes
1. DO NOT mix this until you are ready to apply it. Hydrogen Peroxide stays active for only 15 minutes.
2. DO TRY this on a small, inconspicuous area to be sure it is color safe on your upholstery, carpet, etc.
3. USE gloves to protect your hands.
3.5.3208
So, why does The Litter Master recommend Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze?
For one thing, Red Fox and Mr. Mouse give the new 42lb. bag, found only at Sam’s Club, a thumbs up! Jinx, The Litter Master, is a huge fan of the antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of odor producing bacteria, and the Borate Technology for superior ammonia control. Josie loves the odor controlling power of Febreze with the fresher aroma of the lemongrass citrus scent and lower dust.
Mom and dad like the resealable bag and stretchy handle that make handling and storing so much easier. PLUS, be sure to check the May Instant Savings Book – $3.50 off at Sam’s Club 5/11-6/5. This offer is already loaded to the member’s card. Remember, Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze is only available at Sam’s Club
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As The Litter Master, I have fully inspected this cat litter, and am confident your kitties will approve!
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Jinx and Josie give Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze a 5 Meow Review!
Pamper your kitties with easy to make DIY Yarn Balls Cat Toys!
Josie and I are so excited to share with you something that our sissy, Rory, has made for us, Yarn Balls! They are great fun, and Rory says they are pretty easy to make. She and mom put together a little video tutorial to walk you through making these amazing Cat Toys for your kitties. There are written instructions for download available here.
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Caring and Sharing with other Cats in Our Community!
As much as we LOVE this kitty litter, it was an even greater thrill to donate $100 to our local pet charity, Second Chance Pet Adoptions, as part of this campaign on behalf of Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze. It makes us happy to help other kitties find loving homes like we did. We hope you will be inspired to donate to a local charity of your own!
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Get your Fresh Step Total Control with the Power of Febreze NOW! It can be purchased in store or online. Take it from me, The Litter Master, your cats will thank you!
