October Vitacost Coupon Code

If you need to order more supplements and supplies from Vitacost.com, now would be the time to do it. There is a coupon code this month for 10 percent off your entire order, no minimum order required to use it. Lots of times, Vitacost coupon codes for percentages off require at least an order of $50, but not this time! I had a smaller order to put in, and I was still able to get the discount. If you decide to order, when you get to the checkout, enter the promo code EMOCT, which will get you the 10 percent off. It's good through the end of October.

Free Printable Math Worksheets - Fractions

We needed to find some supplementary worksheets on fractions so my daughter could get some more practice on working with them. I came across this website that has a comprehensive list of worksheets for all kinds of different fraction operations problems, all printable, and all of them free. And there are plenty of worksheets to choose from, so if we need to review more than just a little, there are more worksheets to print and practice with. Each worksheet also has an answer key, if you need it. The website is http://www.math-drills.com/fractions.shtml .

Dryer Balls

I have been wanting to try out a pair of dryer balls for quite a while. A local store carries wool dryer balls, but they are a little bit pricey. At a garage sale this summer, I found a brand new pair of "As Seen On TV" plastic dryer balls for 75 cents, so I decided to give them a try (and hey, for 75 cents, it can't hurt to try it out!). I have been using them for a few months now, in place of a dryer sheet, and have found them to be quite successful at keeping away the static electricity.

Eventually, I would like to have some wool dryer balls. Because of the cost of the wool dryer balls, I will probably make some at some point in time. There is a good online tutorial about how to make your own at this web address: http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html . It looks relatively simple, and much more affordable than buying them.

Washable Finger Paint Recipe

We tried a new finger paint recipe today. What makes it even better is that it is washable! I got the recipe over at http://www.kinderinfo.com/finger-paint-recipe-washable/ . The kids are having loads of fun!

Washable Finger Paint

2 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 cups water
1/4 cup dishwashing soap
Food coloring

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil, continue stirring until mixture is a smooth gel. Add dishwashing soap. Separate mixture into several small containers. Add desired food coloring to each container. Let cool, then paint!

As a side note, I used a small whisk to stir the mixture while it was cooking. This helps prevent clumping so you get a smooth consistency for your finger paint.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

I haven't bought Hamburger Helper in quite a while because of how unhealthy it is. I can always find it on sale for about a dollar a box, but since trying to feed my family healthier meals, I refuse to buy the stuff anymore. I like the convenience and ease of making it, but the high sodium content, MSG, and preservatives are a no-go for our family anymore. I came across this blog post on making your own homemade Hamburger Helper with real ingredients. I thought I would pass it along for anyone else who might be interested. Here's the link: http://chickensintheroad.com/cooking/homemade-hamburger-helper/ .

Easy Meal Idea - Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce

If you are looking for a relatively easy, nutritious meal idea, try some spaghetti squash with meat sauce. Spaghetti squash is in season right now, so it is very possible that they may be on sale at your local grocery store. The texture of the spaghetti squash is stringy, kind of like spaghetti, so it can be a great vegetable substitute for spaghetti noodles. It has a mild flavor, and is delicious with a spaghetti meat sauce. It's very simple, basically you bake the squash, scrape it out of the shell with a fork, and then serve with spaghetti sauce and ground beef on top. Very yummy, simple, and nutritious! Here is a link for a good tutorial on baking spaghetti squash.