Our Monster Bash! - A Toddler Friendly Halloween Party

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I thought I would share our Monster Bash Halloween Party we threw this past weekend.

I wanted to host a fun toddler friendly Halloween Party... and working through the back contractions I had the entire day..it came together! It was a fun night..

Hope you enjoy the photos from our budget friendly-toddler approved-Halloween Party.

I think the adults had just as much fun as the kids.. The highlights of the night were seeing everyone arrive in their costumes and watching the kids play with the felt monsters we made!

Maybe next year you'll want to throw your own monster bash! :)

I created and e-mailed out an Invite for the Party..

(I also blogged my Inspiration Board for the party)

The Monster Bash Dessert Table

was a mix of Target Discount Bin Finds,

Michael's Clearance items and things I already had!

My main splurge on this table was the $10 white spider web from Target.

Totally worth it... it made the table! And the girls loved it..

It was something spooky without being weird.

I used my DIY Cement Tube Birch Stands I made for the girls' party last year.

Green Sparkle Pumpkins - Target Discount Bins ($2.50 each)

Orange Sparkle Spider - Target Discount Bin ($1)

Orange Sparkle Leaves - On Sale/With Coupon at Michael's

I spray painted white, the leftover burlap from their vintage circus party,

and wrapped 2 boxes with it for table height.

Being 36 weeks pregnant with back(and regular) contractions limited my baking time...

so we ordered cupcakes from our grocery store and then decorated them!

We had Monster Cupcakes, Owl Cupcakes and Dirt Cupcakes with worms!

I kept catching sienna stealing the worms off the cupcakes...classic.

I made oreo truffles into little monsters! (eyes from JoAnns on sale)

Didn't turn out as "pretty" as I had seen them.........haha.

BUT..they were AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS.

(Note to self: Next time use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate.)

I also filled up some dollar store vases I had with pumpkin candy corn

and leftover candy from baking, gummy worms & reese's pieces.

On the Pot luck table I also put out a bowl of Cheese Puffs, Candy Corn and Monster Mix! (Pretzels, Popcorn, Reese's Pieces, Candy Corn and Marshmallows)

DIY FAVOR - FELT MONSTERS

I had made up some Felt Monsters a while back for my girls...

and then my mom gave me the idea of using the same idea but making puppets!

My girls loved them so much that I thought I would make them as favors for the party.

Each monster took one sheet of felt..with the felt being something crazy

like a quarter a sheet, it was a budget friendly favor idea for sure.

Sophie had fun with me choosing what the faces should look like!

And we made up adoption certificates to make it even more fun.

It was sooo fun seeing everyone get into their costumes!

Our little family went as Cowgirls and a Cowboy.

Our costumes are from CostumEexpress.com (posted here)

I kept the decorations simple..

I found this banner at Target for $4. Can't beat that!

The rest was our Fall Decorations that we already had out:

--I had made up a "Keep Calm and Eat Candy" Print

--I had sewed a garland with the leftover burlap and yellow fabric from their Vintage Circus Party..

--and I filled up our empty (non working) fireplace with pumpkins!

--I had also grabbed up a clearance leaf garland from Michael's with a coupon.

(put it across our fireplace mantle)

For something easy and big that we could use on the pot luck table...

I had gathered up some branches from our back yard... spray painted them white...

and then taped on some white leaf/branches I had used in the "enchanted cookie forest" from their Storybook Princess Party last year. I also covered the pot luck table with white linens.. and then black cheese cloth material from the dollar store. (not photographed)

For crafts..we were planning on painting pumpkins...

BUT... my mom reality check kicked in... and I realized that would be

entirely too messy for this pregnant mama to handle. AND it was too cold/wet outside.

So instead.... I grabbed up a pack of foam pumpkins from target....

a pack of stickable foam sheets from JoAnns with a coupon.. cut out shapes..

(eyes, lips, hats etc) And let the kids decorate on the floor in the girls' room.

It was a perfect little craft for them!

One of my favorite parts of the party... was the Mac N' Cheese Bake Off!!

It was so fun seeing the variety..and taste testing them all!..I mean all. ;)

I made up some printables to go with the theme.

As you can see...the garland ended up being taped..because...

I felt pregnant that day. haha.

 

Hope you have a wonderful and safe Halloween.

Because of the storm our trick or treating has been postponed...

but I look forward to seeing everyone's trick or treating fun that they blog about...

And I'll be sure to share ours when it actually happens! ;)

Baby Book - 36 Weeks Bump

BLANQI Mama

I'm 36 Weeks (and a few days) Almost full term!

Thanks for following along my pregnancy journey..

I love hearing your comments via my blog and

especially all our chit chat on my blog's facebook page!

Getting to the end of my pregnancy..and with labor fast approaching...

along with it comes pregnancy symptoms that are sometimes TMI.

SO......

if you don't want the details. Stop Reading! haha.

but If you want to hear how I'm progressing than keep reading...

I know I liked hearing how other people experienced

their pregnancies, so... sharing my journey! :)

Because the baby has dropped so low, my previous sciatic

nerve/back/leg pain has gone away. yay! Very excited about that.

Still sore..but nothing like it was.

Now, you know those lists you get of "Signs of Labor"...

well, I pretty much have experienced all of them..

but that means nothing with my body! Labor is still holding off.

Saturday I had excruciating back contractions ALL DAY.

Regular front contractions were happening as well..but the back pain was the worst.

I thought that my water broke sunday. We did the whole trip to the Hospital..

kids picked up by our friends and everything. It was a good practice run! ;)

The test ended up coming back positive and negative..with the 2 most reliable tests coming back as negative. so they sent me home. We were a little bummed, but not too much because we didn't feel ready yet! We really wanted to get past 36 weeks.

One of the most confusing labor topics is your water breaking...

It seems everyone says if your water breaks it will gush!!

But that never happened with me.

With sophie it was just a trickle..and then she stopped it up with her head!

But I also learned with this pregnancy that you can have watery cervical discharge..

which can seem like your water breaking. But it's better to get tested then wait..

because you can risk infection or go into labor really fast within 24 hours.

Yesterday(monday,) I put myself on unofficial bed rest. The contractions were just too painful..and taking a toll on my body. Every time I move I have them..and even though they get time able up to every 6 minutes for almost an hour....they always space out. They are only getting more painful. which is good....but also makes me sooo sore!

The back contractions are still coming off and on as well.

So yesterday I did nothing. it was hard. and by the afternoon I was going stir crazy..

so when the hubby got home we went to run a couple errands

that were on my "do this before the baby comes" list. :) (return library books...

get flashlights for storm.. deposit a check in the bank..etc)

I seriously thought I was going to give birth in a store haha.

The WORST contractions of my life. It felt like when they had to give me petocin with sienna...and the contractions got super strong. They were every 6 minutes for almost an hour..and then spaced out. false alarm again.

Had an appointment today.. I'm 2.5 cm dilated. 80% effaced.

My doctor said she didn't understand what was holding that baby in haha.. lovely.

I just don't see how these contractions aren't giving enough pressure to break my water.. they are insane. Ben was joking that with this baby I'm going to be "that lady"..

Let me explain. When I had sophie.. I was checking in and wasn't in much pain at all.. but then this other pregnant mama comes rolling in with her husband and I seriously thought she was going to choke her husband and give birth at the same

time right in front of me... "Youuu...can go ahead"  I said.

So yeah...that will probably be me this time around with

how bad these contractions already are. It's not gonna be pretty. ;)

We are so anxious to find out what we are having!! The suspense is killing me!

I'm also so much more nervous about labor this time around..

which is funny because it's baby #3!

I think the end of pregnancy is always so hard because you have the fact..looming over you..

that you are about to experience something (most likely) super painful..

you know it's coming..you just don't know when!

So, trying to hang in there physically and not freak out emotionally ;)

Hope everyone is staying safe with the storm!

Luckily Pittsburgh wasn't/isn't being hit that hard.

Prayers out for all those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

CostumeExpress.com Giveaway Winner!

Excited to announce the Winner of

the Costume Giveaway from

CostumeExpress.com...

Megan of Our House of Pink

Congratulations Megan! And Thanks to everyone who

entered the giveaway.. More fun ones to come!

Baby Book - 35 Weeks Bump & What I Wore: Maternity Edition

BLANQI Mama

35 Week Update- So Baby has definitely dropped.

Last week...I thought it was all in my head.

I felt so much more pressure.. and felt like the baby was literally in my lap.

But I got confirmation from my doctor that I wasn't a crazy person

and that in fact the baby was soooo low. The head is fully engaged.

I'm almost completely effaced (80%) so that is why I have felt so much pressure.

I told her I feel like my water should be gushing at any moment haha.

I'm only 1.5 cm dilated. I was happy to hear that some sort of progression was happening because my contractions that I've had for months..are starting to become less like braxton hicks and more like 'wow this one is kicking my butt..

Knock the wind out of me..don't touch me...' contractions.

And they have only been getting more intense since my appointment.

(Last week they were every 10 minutes for over an hour...

then a couple days later every 3 minutes for an hour and a half.

intense ones. but they went away.)

Now.... with most pregnant ladies... when you see these signs

(intense contractions.. effacement.. starting to dilate...)

you would think it's almost baby time!

But with me..my body likes to contract for a LONG time.

The doctor told me that I have an "Irritable Uterus"....haha. lovely.

I can tell though the difference now between a contraction that is just from moving and agitating that muscle..and from a real one that is coming on it's own.

My appointments are weekly now... so I'm anxious to see if

I've progressed at all or if I am going to stay like this for weeks. :)

I'm known to do that. but..the only difference is this time the contractions are HORRIBLE...compared to the girls. So we'll see!

The doctor said if they go time-able again to call and then just go to the hospital...

when this baby comes it'll probably come fast. eek!

My Baby Book is filling up!! ;) Can't wait to have all of these photos

printed in an album! Of course the first few weeks are skipped over

due to me trying to just survive through the morning sickness... ;)

Top: Black Sweater - Target (non maternity)

Pants: Maternity Jeans - Motherhood Maternity

Shoes: Boots - (I think target?? old.)

Our bags are packed! I shared all the details

with lots of photos and links in my Hospital Bag Post.

I have been feeling soo slowed down.

Which can be very frustrating for a busy bee like me.

I have so many things I want to do or work on and there are times..

it's just not possible.

I'm also feeling super emotional. even in my dreams!

I had a horrible dream the other night.. I was re-living the initial grief of losing shannon..

and then suddenly she became sophie..and it was like I lost sophie.

it was HORRIBLE. I woke up with tears streaming down my face..

ben had to help me calm down. and then as soon as he got me to sleep..

he had to go be on daddy duty and get sienna back to sleep. ;)

Soo excited for the day I can nurse my baby..

put her in the crib..and sleep on my stomach. I miss that. ;)

And I can't wait to not waddle and be able to bend over without grunting.

bending over is a bit tricky.. I feel like I'm smooshing the baby every time!

I have to do a special maneuver to pick up toys and such now.

I'm sure I look ridiculous. hehe.

We are so close!!!!...trying to hang in there. :)

Baby #3 - My Hospital Bag!

HOSPITAL BAGS ARE PACKED!

WOW.. it totally feels more real now! we are DOING THIS!...

That baby #3 will be here before we know it!

I thought I would share what I put in my Hospital Bag..all my favorites and must haves.

(I pack a suitcase. camera bag. back pack.)

I can't believe I photographed my underwear in this blog post.....haha.

But seriously.. pack comfy undies ladies! and socks. :)

1. Target Nursing Tanks that I LIVE IN when I'm at the hospital & then

when I'm home and around the house.

This tip was given to me with my first baby by my sister-in-law. I have 3 of these.

2. Pretty Designer Hospital Gown by Dear Johnnies.

So excited to try this out this time around!

3. KMART find! these slippers are amazingly comfy. and snuggy. :)

4. Cute PJ's from Target. The top and pants are so soft..and it's easy for nursing in.

5. I always pack soft comfy tops to wear over my nursing tanks..with my "yoga pants."

These are all from target.

6.Going home outfit.  I wear comfy Maternity clothes...

because you don't leave as tiny as you wish. ;)

7. A robe. I got this one at target a while back..it's a good weight and soft.

8. "Yoga pants"..that make you feel dressed when you want to be.

We don't know what we are having so I packed both boy and girl clothes/blankets.

I know a lot of people just pack one outfit but I like to have the option of changing the baby into our clothes in the hospital. One BIG HUMONGOUS tip...get a pack of the gerber zip up onesies! Saves your life when you are trying to change the baby in the middle of the night.

And of course a Phillies onesie is packed for boy or girl. ;) Husband snuck that in.

I didn't pack my boppy this time around. I have one...

but ended up not using it with Sienna (Baby #2)

I found using a regular pillow was just as good at the hospital and home.

But it was handy when I was first learning with Sophie (Baby #1)

I know plenty of mamas go deliver their baby with chapstick and that's it!

But me...I like my routine and using my normal products..

my own face wash and moisturizer etc..

There are also certain items, like the nursing pads and nipple cream that are essential (especially for first time nursers) One thing I didn't pack this time but

that I ALWAYS recommend for first time nursers...

nipple shields. You will thank me. Get some. I got mine at target.

They don't sell the same kind I used, but have something similar.

I pack my favorite and basic makeup items too.

With sienna I was putting on my makeup in between contractions.

It kept me calm. haha.

And I like to feel fresh and like myself while at the Hospital.

My Mac under eye cream...miracle worker.

I can give birth all night with that product. ;)

I also love my burt's bees tinted lip balm. a nice natural color and moisturizer in one.

Here's linkage for all the products

I love and am packing.

I also have shared in a past post everything that is in my Makeup Bag.

In case you are curious. :)

1. lansinoh breast pads

2. urban decay cream to powder foundation

3. suave dry shampoo

4. cetaphil moisturizing cream

5. sonia kashuk blush

6. neutrogena pore refining toner

7. e.l.f. eyelid primer

8. urban decay concealer pencil

9. neutrogena foaming cleanser

10. burt's bees tinted lip balm

11. clinique stay-matte sheer pressed powder

12. always infinity pads

13. mac mineralize concealer

14. neutrogena makeup removing towelettes (I bought the travel pack)

15. maybelline full n' soft mascara

16. lansinoh cream

I put together some gifts for our nurses!

Nurses like candy.. nurses like patients who bring them candy.

It's proven. (by my 2 past pregnancies ;)

We also packed up a gift for the big sisters.

When they come meet the baby at the hospital....

we'll give them these presents from the baby. And then mommy and daddy are giving them the movie to take home with grandma and watch as a special treat!

(sophie has been wanting to see this one! so excited for her to see we got it.)

I'm sure there are some items that other people pack that I haven't...

and items I packed that people would never... But this is how I do it :)

and if you are pregnant and packing... hope it helps!

Our Family Themed Halloween Costumes & COSTUME GIVEAWAY from CostumeExpress.com

Excited to team up with CostumeExpress.com..

and share our Halloween Party costumes!

Enter to win your own costume below!

(Giveaway Has Ended! :)

We went with a Family Western Theme! The girls LOVED the pink cow girl costumes...

and I was able to find something that worked with my growing bump.

The girls are wearing The Wild West Cutie Toddler Costume (Sizes 3T/4T & 2T)

The costume comes with a pink hat..but sophie liked mama's better... (white felt hat)

and sienna is too much of a wild spirit to wear a hat....

The horse sophie is riding was a birthday present this past year (dollar store!)

The costumes run a little small.. so the girls are wearing

leggings for the coverage and for the cold. (sienna's from old navy sophie's from k-mart)

 

What does a pregnant mama wear to a costume party??

A man's poncho of course! haha. This thing is actually pretty comfy... ;)
It's the Western Authentic Wandering Gunman Adult Costume
Ben and I are wearing the Felt Cowboy Hat in white.

Ben thought a cigar was a much needed touch to his "sheriff costume....tough guy.

We are so excited for our Halloween Party this year!

Still working up some fun little details for the party.. 

I'm just doing a dessert table..and then fun voting cards for the mac n' cheese bake of.

Trying to keep it simple as I'm feeling very pregnant...but I like being kept busy.

and making felt monster puppets as favors

is way more fun than doing dishes. :)

How cute are they?! hehe.

I love how sienna says "giddy up HOR-seeeee".... ;)

Have you figured out what you and your
family are wearing for Halloween??
If you need some ideas check out costumeexpress.com.
And if you want a FREE COSTUME..
enter below to win one at $30 VALUE.

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED!

HOW TO ENTER:

GOOD LUCK! 

YOU CAN ENTER UP TO 7 TIMES!

HOW TO ENTER: Leave a comment for each entry

(with an e-mail if you don't have a google profile or blog)

1. Follow The Busy Budgeting Mama via Google Connect (top right sidebar)

2. Follow Costume Express on Twitter

3. Like The Busy Budgeting Mama on Facebook

4. Follow Costume Express on Facebook

5. Follow The Busy Budgeting Mama via Twitter

@thebusybudgetingma

6. Tweet "I want to win a free Halloween Costume from @Celebr8Express on TheBusyBudgetingMama.com! http://bit.ly/QuLkUm @busybudgetingma"

7. Post about the Giveaway 

(Facebook or Blog.. Just include Link in comment)

The Giveaway will end on Wednesday, October 24th at noon.

A winner will be chosen via random.org

I will announce the winner on my blog the afternoon of October 24th

The winner will be contacted via e-mail(if left or available!)

Thank you for entering and good luck!!