October: Halloween Fun On The Web

I wanted to find some appropriate sites for my own kids (ages 5 and 9) to look at for some fun and safe Halloween "surfing". Here is what I came up with so far that meets with my kid's approval! Or should we say "Kid tested and mom approved"!!

www.KidSites.com
A great site that has been screened safe for kids. Fun activities, games, costume ideas and pumpkin carving tips. My five year old's favorite is the "Ben and Jerry's" (yes, like the icecream) link that gets you to fun FREE interactive online games!

www.yahooligans.yahoo.com
I like this site in general and I was not disappointed to see what was up on it for Halloween. Scroll down the left side to the calendar and click on Halloween. Next, click on Spooky Stuff and you will have choices of games, a mini-movie, printables and lots of other kid friendly links.

www.justkidsrecipes.com
Since my son's birthday falls close to Halloween we are always looking for fun recipes for parties! When you check out this site, click on the Halloween category and you will have your choice of recipes from Bat Brew to Edible Monster Goop and many more!!!!

www.pumpkinnook.com
Just a very basic site with teacher/parent ideas for fun Halloween Activities. However, my nine year old loved the Jokes and Riddle section, check it out for a good laugh!

Back To School Thoughts

The first quarter is flying by and I am falling into the fast food rut! No time to think about what's for dinner, just hit the drive-thru. In the past, several teachers and my self have found a way to do a better job of putting home-cooked meals on the table. We would spend a weekend making meals that could be frozen and then easily prepared in the oven or crockpot. Doing this saved us all time and money! Plus my family was impressed with some of the great meals waiting for them when they arrived home. With the fall season upon us, it's time to dig out some of my favorite recipes and get cooking! Here are a couple of sites I love to use!

www.reynoldskitchen.com
I love to do the packet recipes. They freeze very well and are quickly cooked in the oven or on the grill. (Make up the individual packets and freeze 4 to 6 in a gallon ziplock for easy storage)

www.recipegoldmine.com
I love this website! The crockpot recipes are perfect for the cold winter months. You can cook just about anything in the crockpot...breakfast, dinners and even dessert!