Stress- Free Tips when Traveling with your Baby!

Traveling with a baby can be a delightful lark, an impossible mission, or both -- in a single hour of the journey! But if you're intrepid (and prepared), a family trip can be a fun adventure. We've gathered wisdom from road-warrior (and plane-Jane) moms about getting there with smiles and giggles intact.
Get it Together
Whether it's wheels or wings that will carry you to your destination, preparation is key. Heed these tips and get packing.

Check it off. "I write down everything I need, then cross it off as it goes in the bag," says Maryse Cassamajor of North Lauderdale, Florida. "That way, I can remember what I've put in, since I start packing a week in advance." Keep a master list of what went where, so that in an emergency, you can find the backup Binky in a flash.
Think small. Little things can be tremendously helpful. When her son Lucas was a baby, Maura Rhodes of Montclair, New Jersey, took a handful of outlet covers on trips to childproof the hotel room. Bungee cords and garbage-bag ties can gather drapes and cords. And it's no secret, but you can never have too many plastic baggies!
Choose carefully. It's tough to envision life sans baby bathtub and bouncy seat, but it won't all fit. "After many trips, I figured out the bare minimum," says Georgia Hallinan of Richmond, California. "You need a way to transport the baby, a place for the baby to sleep, and a car seat." To her list, we'd add a front or backpack carrier and your child's best lovey. That's it. Really! Be inventive: A stroller can triple as a high chair and a napping nest.
Carry on! If you're flying, realize that with a baby comes exemption from the "toothbrush, prescription meds, and a change of underwear" rule. Take enough diapers, wipes, and snacks to start a daycare center. "Don't forget extra T-shirts for the adults," advises Minneapolis mom Julia Litton, recalling a flight to Florida with then 14-month-old Patrick, who threw up all over her.
Invest in Sanity
Trade ill-timed flights or poorly equipped hotel rooms for the right tickets and accommodations.

Don't connect. When traveling by plane, look into direct or nonstop flights. A slightly higher ticket price may be preferable to the plight another Montclair mom, Andrea Messina, found herself in: lugging a double stroller, three car seats, two carry-ons, a 4-year-old, and infant twins as she and her husband tried to make a connection. "We did it, but swore never again," she recalls. Unavoidable stopover? Try to time it so it isn't at naptime; your child can burn energy crawling around the airport (and hopefully snooze on the plane).
Book a kitchenette. Room service is expensive. Oatmeal in the microwave is cheap, and your baby might actually eat it. Knowing that you can cook mac and cheese if you can't handle another meal out can also help lower stress levels. At the very least, "request a mini-fridge," suggests Melissa McLaughlin of Washington, DC; you'll want it for juice boxes and ready-made formula.
Spring for a suite. When it comes to hotel rooms, bigger is better. "With Patrick, we spent much more time in the room," Litton says. And trust us, taking a bottle of wine into the bathroom and whispering as you huddle on the tile isn't so cozy; neither is going to bed at 7:30 p.m., when your child does. Choose a cheaper hotel's suite over tiny digs at a fancier spot -- you won't regret it.
Stay Tuned,
I will post more this week....

Raffle -Giveaway


Rylynn was at her daddy's softball game last Tuesday - she wore my bamboo scarf...and it totally fit and looked adorable on her!

This is Rylynn last year - sporting a strawberry cream one

BURP is having a winter raffle-giveaway! For this ONE time only we are releasing a NEW product - mother-daughter organic bamboo scarves in vanilla! Refer your friends to "like" us on Facebook and have them mention the Winter Raffle and who sent them and we will include them in the raffle. We need a minimum of 15 people to do the giveaway - so refer away!

These scarves are perfect Christmas gifts - grandmothers, mothers, daughters and pretty much any woman in your life would love these silky soft scarves around their neck this winter!



Here is a cute picture of Rylynn in hers -






Erin & Lynda

A New Holiday Craft




I went to a craft night last night with my Treasured Group (a MOPS group and Saddleback Church) and made the easiest thing! Here are some pictures, although they really do not do this craft justice you will get the idea. You can use this lighted garland around your tree, buffet table, mantle, up your stairs...pretty much anywhere!
Here is what you need to buy to get started-
* Either a 20 or 35 light strand - any color you want.
* 4 -5 different kinds of fabric
* Wide, small and or rickrack for the ribbon - you can use netting too!
To get started you need to....
* snip fabric in one inch increments and tear the fabric - it will tear easily, go the length of the fabric, which should be the longest part!
* you will want 5 strips per fabric and ribbon is just to your liking. I used wide and skinny ribbon and alternated between the fabric
* Once you have your long fabric strips you will cut into 4 -5 inch strips. This is again up to you, if you want small tight knots - cut your fabric strips short, if you want long ones like I did cut longer.
* You will then tie each fabric and ribbon onto the wire - each segment in between the lights. You can have a pattern or just be free with it! You only tie ONCE - no double knotting.
This craft can be used for all holidays - pick different color lights and fabric for each holiday!
Let me know if you have any questions, As I tried to remember the steps best as I could :) ha!
Erin & Lynda

Newsletter Time!

Our Newsletter goes out tomorrow....will you receive one? Sign up on our website and you will be on our list!! We will have a great holiday special in our newsletter as well!
Erin & Lynda

In Loving Memory.....




BURP has been off the FB and Blog network for a little bit due to a very special man in my mom's and I life passing away a week ago today....Harry Higley, both Grandpa and Daddy. He gave my mom her entrepeneur spirit thus passing it down to me. He ran 3 businesses in his lifetime and he finally went to be with his heav...enly father after battling polio for 65 years. We will be celebrating his life this Saturday at a memorial service and after that BURP will continue to make Grandpa proud by being strong, courageous and passionate business owners. We dedicate our company to him and all that he has taught us over the years! Thank you Grandpa! We love you!


Erin & Lynda

48 HOUR SALE!

Please check out our website for SALE prices! This 48 HOUR SALE will end Friday at 8:00am! Get all your holiday shopping done....The babies and toddlers in your life will appreciate the bamboo softness!
Erin & Lynda
72 HOUR SALE!
Shop online at our boutique and recieve 15% off your order! The sale will end Friday, November 12 at 8:00am!
Erin & Lynda

Recipe Corner....

I LOVE cooking and baking and would love to exchange recipes with you! Do you have any crock pot wonders and/or "fallish" recipes you would like to share? Post them on our Facebook page!
Erin & Lynda

Giveaway - All American Baby!

Check out our latest review and giveaway!

http://all-americanbaby.blogspot.com/2010/11/bamboo-velour-for-baby-review-and.html
Erin & Lynda

Great Recipe....

------------------
> PUMPKIN BUNDT CAKE
> ------------------
>
> 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
> 2 eggs
> 1/4 c. water
> 2 tsp. soda
> 1 c. (16 oz.) pumpkin
> 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
> Powdered sugar
>
> Hat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan.
> In large bowl blend all ingredients except powdered sugar.
> Beat 4 minutes at medium speed.
>
> Pour batter into pan. Bake 40-50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted
> in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes.
> Remove from pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.



Erin & Lynda

Thank you!

BURP wanted to say thank you to all of you who stopped by yesterday! The boutique was a hit and the atmosphere was lovely! We hope you all have a peaceful rest of your Sunday!
Erin & Lynda

Behind the Picket Fence - Boutique This Saturday!


BURP will be in a NEW boutique this Saturday that features all vintage and homemade items! Its called "Behind the Picket Fence" and its in Costa Mesa. Here is the flyer for more details -


Erin & Lynda

Bamboo Cupcake Costume!







Here are some cute pictures from last night! Rylynn loved her organic bamboo cupcake costume! Hope you all had a great night last night!









Erin & Lynda

Graham Cracker Bark....YUMMMMM

Preheat oven 350
1.5 – 2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 T vanilla
As many pecans as you like – to cover graham crackers
You may also use mini chips, coconut and anything else you can think of….yummmo!

# 1 Line 2 cookie sheets with tin foil, next lay graham crackers in single layer, you can break them up if you need to get in a corner, goal is to have whole cookie sheet covered in crackers
#2 Melt butter, add sugars and stir continuously until it becomes a light caramel color and is ALL incorporated – no butter will be on top and it will start to get thick – this process takes about 6 – 8 min.
# 3 Then take off stove top and add vanilla
# 4 pour hot contents on top of graham crackers – make sure every bit is covered, you may use spoon to spread. The sauce should be enough to cover both cookie sheets.
# 5 next sprinkle pecans or any other topping on top

#6 Place cookies sheets into oven and bake for 6 -7 min, just until they start to bubble. This solidifies the gooeyness even more and makes it crunchy!
#7 next place in fridge to cool and then you can break it all up….and EAT!


This is super easy and I always have people ask me for the recipe after they devour it!



Erin & Lynda

Happy Halloween!

BURP wishes you all a very safe and Happy Halloween this Sunday! We would love for you to post your lil ones in their costumes on our facebook page! We love seeing them all dressed up! Rylynn is going as an organic bamboo CUPCAKE! Yes - you heard it, a bamboo velour cupcake no less. GoGo is busy sewing it and making it all cute...now I just hope she will wear it! She tends to be kinda weird when it comes to wearing costumes or anything I WANT her to wear for that matter, so we are crossing our fingers :)!!


Erin & Lynda

No Bake Cookies -

Since it has been raining in the beautiful OC today I thought I would make cookies! But....then I remembered my oven is still broken (It gets fixed tomorrow), so that made me resort to googling no bake recipes! This one is actually pretty good and super easy! So I hope you all enjoy!


Ingredients
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1.In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, coconut, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.
2.Denise's Tiip: Start timing when mixture reaches a full rolling boil; this is the trick to successful cookies! If you boil too long the cookies will be dry and crumbly. If you don't boil long enough, the cookies won't form properly.



Erin & Lynda

BURP's New Product!!!!!

We are happy to introduce our Oversized Bamboo Blanket! This blanket is 30 x 43 inches - its a great size for the couch, crib, toddler bed, and naps!

Eco Friendly Organic Oversized Blankets: Bamboo Velour blankie available in all classic BURP colors. So plush and yummy you and your baby will say "It's Bamboo-licious." Double layer certified organic bamboo velour. Healthy for skin, ideal for sensitive skin and allergies.

Check them out at http://www.babyurprecious.com/category_29/Oversized-Blankets.htm

"Like" us on facebook and you will recieve our coupon code for $10 off this fabulous blanket!


Erin & Lynda

Things NOT to Feel Guilty About......

Feel guilty when you put your feet up to watch a new episode of Trading Spaces? How about when you down a whole candy bar -- or you stay out a little later than usual with your book-club pals (or even wish you belonged to a book club)? Guilty again? Time to stop. Turns out that some of the things you think are self-indulgent are actually good for you (and your kids too):

Eating Chocolate
Hooray -- it's good for you! (Well, sort of.) "Chocolate has more antioxidant power than many nutritious foods, such as strawberries, blueberries, and garlic," says Jackie Newgent, a registered dietitian in New York City. Believe it or not, you'd have to eat a whole pound of strawberries to get the antioxidants in 2.3 ounces of dark chocolate. Just don't go loco: We're not saying you should swap strawberries for candy bars. The fruit has more nutrients and a lot less fat and fewer calories, and it's much more filling. But you can stop feeling guilty when you have dessert. Thank goodness.

"I used to think that chocolate was taboo," says Terra Wellington, a mom of three in Phoenix. "I was so self-conscious about my weight that the thought of even one bite would scare me. But I realized that no food is the enemy as long as you control your portions. I satisfy my cravings with a few Hershey's kisses a day."

Leaving Your Child at Home
"Getting a babysitter, even if it's just to run errands, helps me regroup, and it gets my kids used to being around other people," says Jill Lewis, a mom of three, ages 5, 3, and 1, in New York City. "They also learn things that they wouldn't from me. Two of our regular sitters are budding artists -- I could never dream up the projects they do with my five-year-old."

Don't feel bad about having a sitter come in for a few hours, even if it's only so you can buy lettuce in peace. It's better for everybody, really. "Many moms might not think to leave their child unless it's for an evening out. But having someone sit while you get things done on occasion is amazingly therapeutic," says Peggy Alvarado, a mom of two in Manalapan, New Jersey, and a parent coach who helps new moms and dads adjust to life with kids. "Because so many child-related tasks seem never-ending, the sense of accomplishment can really keep your stamina up, and your child would surely rather be doing something other than all those errands."

Eating Because You're Happy or Sad
Comfort food gets such a bad rap. It's okay to eat "bad" stuff sometimes -- and yes, even when you're not really hungry. It helps keep you from feeling deprived, says Marsha Hudnall, program director of Green Mountain at Fox Run, a women's lifestyle retreat in Ludlow, Vermont. Of course, if you frequently eat for emotional reasons -- because you're feeling sad or bored, for instance -- it's important to explore why and find other ways to cope. Otherwise, eating in a basically healthy way on a regular basis means you're free to eat a plate of french fries on a Friday night (or Wednesday afternoon) just because you're in the mood -- or just because they taste so good. So dig in, and hold the guilt.

Having a Hobby
Even if it means less time with your child, do what you love. You don't have to put aside a hobby or interest because you're a mom. It can be something you work on at home: Sarah Kearney of Portland, Oregon, does needlepoint while her 2-year-old, Phoebe, watches DVDs. Or it can take you out of the house: Kathy Waugh of Ann Arbor, Michigan, loves to act and recently performed in a local amateur production of Chicago. What matters isn't what you choose to do, but that it makes you feel like you again. You'll feel rejuvenated by it -- and end up a much happier mom for your kids. "It's amazing what working out at a health club does for my peace of mind," says Teresa DeSimone, a mom of three kids under 6 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. "I feel great by the time I get home to my family."

Watching TV
Seeing funny shows on the tube releases tension and makes people feel happier, a recent study finds. So go ahead and tune in to some Will & Grace therapy, and stop worrying that it's bad for you. "To chill out, I often watch a couple of hours of TV on the weekend," says Ponteir Sackrey of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a mom of two. "Frankly, I find it quite restorative. I feel refreshed when I return to work on Monday, and not running around seeking 'fulfilling' activities has been a relief."

Dropping Out of Yoga or Spinning
You heard it here: It's okay to forget about a form of exercise you really don't like. Despite its popularity, "om-ing" isn't for everyone. If the only reason you're doing yoga -- or running on a treadmill, or taking a spinning class -- is because you think you should, ditch it and find a workout you actually enjoy. "When people ask me what the best exercise is, I always ask, 'What keeps you coming back for more?'" says Neil Maki, a spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. "Despite TV testimonials and fitness trends, there is no ultimate workout. Do what you truly like, and you'll lose the baby fat." It doesn't matter if you end up dancing, biking, or jumping on a mini-trampoline. If it's fun, go for it. If the shoe doesn't fit, it's time to move on.

Anna Roufos writes for Glamour, Fitness, and Self.



Erin & Lynda

Tasty Halloween Treats!





This is one of the cutest...and pretty healthy :) - things I have seen this season! Really creative - hope you are able to make some of these this Halloween!

Makes 4 witches; freeze 3 hours before serving.

•1 qt vanilla ice cream
•2 pouches shredded wheat cereal
•4 Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers
•Chocolate icing
•4 Oreo ice cream cones
•8 chocolate chips
•1 bag gummy candy
•1 red licorice lace
1. Divide ice cream into four 1-cup scoops; wrap each in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours.

2. Pull apart shredded wheat into thin strips to use as hair; set aside. Spread chocolate icing on each wafer cookie and stick on a cone for the hat.

3. Unwrap each ice-cream scoop and place on a plate; top with shredded-wheat hair. Use chocolate icing as glue to stick cone hat atop hair, as shown. Add chocolate-chip eyes, gummy-candy nose, and licorice-strip mouth. Serve this wicked witch before she melts!

Erin & Lynda

Fun Halloween Snacks!


Slimy Snacks
1. Prepare a package of lime or apple Jell-O as directed and divide among 8-ounce mason jars or clear bowls, filling only halfway; refrigerate them until firm.

2. Prepare another Jell-O flavor, such as cherry, berry-blue, or grape. While Jell-O is cooking, place three gummy worms on top of set gelatin and let another hang over the lip. Pour second flavor over the worms, filling to the top; refrigerate.

Erin & Lynda

Easy Pumpkin Muffins!

Easy Pumpkin Muffins!

Weight Watchers recipe – only 2 points!


•1 box spice cake mix ( you can use yellow, carrot or white cake mix as well)
•1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

Mix two ingredients together and pour into greased muffin tins.

Bake 350 for 12 -15 min

Icing – in case you want to make them into “healthy cupcakes”

•1 8z softened cream cheese
•1 T of vanilla
•2 -4 T of powered sugar – depending on how sweet you want it, adjust to your taste buds
•Dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Mix with hand beater until all whipped together

Frost the yummy cupcakes – I add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top to make it extra fancy


Enjoy,
Erin

Holiday Boutique Next Saturday!

Baby U R Precious will be participating in a holiday boutique next Saturday! We would love to see you!!

Mark your calendar!!

Saturday, October 9, 2010
10:00 am – 2:00pm
St. Paul’s Church
1221 Wass, Tustin

Items for Sale Include:
Jewelry * Tupperware * Wedding Accessories * Pampered Chef
Flower Hair Clips* Baby & Children’s Clothing & Accessories * Healthy Snack Bars
Purses & Totes & Wallets * Handmade Cards * Memory Makers
Women’s Clothing * Home Décor Items* Oils & Vinegars * Children’s Toys
Embellished Flip Flops* Hand Decorated Cookies * Candy * Cargo Handbag Hooks
Tastefully Simple * Designer Camera Straps *Children’s Toys * Little Pizza Chef Aprons
Thirty One Gifts AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!
Shop early for the best selection!!
PLEASE BRING YOUR FRIENDS

FREE ADMISSION ** FREE PARKING

Erin & Lynda

More ideas to occupy your Toddler while you hit the snooze button!

Part 2 of the If you have a Toddler in the family article.....Some real great ideas on giving your toddler Independence in the morning while you snooze a tad longer :)

To a tune If telling time is too difficult, set an alarm clock to play the radio or your child's favorite CD at, say, 7 a.m., suggests Sarah Hansel, a mom in Eldridge, IA. When her 3-year-old twins wake her too early, she brings them back to their room, saying she'll see them when the music starts. "The first couple of times, they cried," she says, "but we stuck to it, and it only took a few days before they got it."

By the half-light Try putting a dim lamp on a timer, so it won't wake your child if she's sleeping. Or check out the Good Nite Lite (goodnitelite.com; $34.99), a product designed by a dad whose child kept getting up at 5 a.m. It glows like a sun when it's okay to get out of bed and like a moon when it's still nighttime.
Step 2: Keep Him Entertained
Some especially self-reliant children might be able to find ways to amuse themselves, but most will need a little inspiration.

Wake-up-time toys Fill a bin with quiet playthings, such as puzzles and sticker books, and rotate them so there's always something interesting. Explain to your child that these are "special morning toys" that he can play with only before he wakes you up. Then sneak into his room after he's asleep and leave the box waiting for him on the floor.

His own "play" list Make a digital recording of yourself reading your child's favorite stories or singing songs he loves, get an audiobook from the library, or pick up a podcast online. Then show him how to turn on the player himself.

A craft surprise On the weekends, Ridgewood, NJ, mom of four Nicki Bosch puts out the supplies for an easy-to-do craft project. "I tell them that when they wake up, there's going to be a super-secret project in the kitchen for them, and that they can surprise Mommy and Daddy with it once they're done," she says. "They're so excited about it that they go to bed happily the night before, and it affords us at least an extra hour of sleep."



Erin & Lynda

How you can sleep in.....Part one of four

I came across this article and I have actually just started doing the "clock" thing with my 2.5 year old. She normally sleeps till 7:00am but recently she wakes up at 6:30 or 6:45 and I just needed those extra minitues of sleep...so I bought her a digital clock! It does take a couple of mornings for them to get the hang of it...but it does work :)
Read on..... more to come tomorrow!

If you have a toddler in the family, like I do, chances are you're woken up way too early every morning, roused by the voice of a tiny child who's burning with energy and hungry to boot. And you probably already know that sound machines, room-darkening shades, and bedtime adjustments won't necessarily solve the problem. Young kids are wired to wake up with the sun.
But here's what you may not know: Just because your kid's awake doesn't mean you have to be. Experts say that, depending on their temperament and maturity level, many kids are able to fend for themselves in the morning, at least for a short time, by age 3. In fact, even some 2-year-olds can play quietly in their rooms. You've simply got to train them.
My sister-in-law, who has four children, has done just that. Her littlest ones, ages 4 and 2, know they can't leave their rooms until there's a 7 on the clock. Then they find bowls of dry cereal waiting on the kitchen table. Tiny stickers show them which buttons to press on the remote control to fire up their favorite movie. And Mom, blissfully, sleeps until 8 a.m.
To get to that point, you'll have to do a bit of work, and take some precautions. Most important, says Ari Brown, M.D., author of Toddler 411, before you start, ask yourself: Do I trust my child when my back is turned? Think about whether she always follows instructions - and so might be ready for a little more independence - or tends to get into mischief, in which case it might be best to wait. Make sure you childproof the area where your early bird will be, and that she understands it's okay to wake you in an emergency. Then let the training begin.
"Consistency is the main thing," advises Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D., a child psychologist in Norwalk, CT, and author of A Parent's Guide to Getting Kids Out of the Family Bed. "Try it three or four times, and most kids will learn to love it."
The benefits, he adds, won't only be yours. "This is not just about Mom and Dad sleeping for another hour," Shapiro says. "It's about giving your child a chance to learn how to entertain himself, how to make breakfast. That's good for him."
Step 1: Teach Her About Time
The first things your child needs to learn are when it's okay to get out of bed and when it's okay to come wake you up.

By the numbers Put a digital clock in your child's room, then put masking tape over the minutes (so it's less confusing). Tell her, for example, that she can get out of bed and play quietly in her room once there's a 6 on the clock, but she can't leave the room until there's a 7. Too young to recognize numbers? Draw a picture of the right times on a folded index card and place it next to the clock so she can match them.

Recipe, Easy Garden Pie -


I wanted to share this recipe with you all - I would add fresh herbs and some spices/garlic, since it is too bland on its own :0 But a really good easy recipe to get rid of those lingering veggies!
ENJOY!
---------------------
IMPOSSIBLE GARDEN PIE
---------------------

2 c. zucchini
1 c. chopped tomato
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. Bisquick baking mix
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease 10 inch pie plate.
Sprinkle zucchini, tomato, onion, and cheese in pie plate.
Beat remaining ingredients until smooth, 15 seconds in blender on high speed or 1 minute with hand beater. Pour into pie plate. Bake until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes, garnish with zucchini slices if desired.
Refrigerate remaining pie. 6 servings.

NOTE: If using 9 inch pie plate, decrease milk to 1 cup, baking mix to 1/2 cup and eggs to 2.

Want to be a Follower?

BURP would like to spread the word about our blog! We need your help - refer your friends to be a follower of BURP blog and you will be entered into our raffle! We will be raffling off an 8 pack of our organic bamboo wash cloths!
Once your friend has become a follower have them submit a comment of who sent them and we will put your name in the raffle.
We appreciate your help in spreading the BURP word!
Thank you!!
Erin & Lynda

7 Frequently Asked Questions by Parents for Toddlers

How do I establish a bedtime routine?

Here is an example of what you could do. Schedule a particular time in the evening, like 6:30pm when your child has her bath and brushes her teeth. You read her a bedtime story and put her to bed. It sounds straightforward, but I know sometimes it isn't. Your child may be used to sleeping at anytime and therefore may put up some resistance to you leaving her once you have put her to bed.

You could close the door and stay behind it to hear whether she is crying, some toddlers tend to drift to sleep after a few minutes. If she starts crying wait for a few minutes to see if she stops and if she doesn't, go back and re-assure her and put her back to bed.

Also worthy of mention is the fact that some toddlers change their sleeping patterns several times before getting into what could be called a normal bedtime routine. It is important to be consistent with whatever routine you develop. Being consistent helps both you and your toddler and it prevents your toddler getting confused.

How do I discipline my child?

Some people introduce time out or the naughty step in order to make the child aware that they have been naughty. Time out and naughty step is when the child is taken from where they were naughty and placed in a quiet place like the steps or in their rooms. They could be left there for around two minutes and the parent would go and get them after that and explain to them why they had to be disciplined.

Another form of discipline is when parents remove their child's favorite toys. It is important to stress here that whatever discipline you introduce, make sure it is done in love.

My child is a fussy eater - how do I get her to eat?

This is a bit tricky, but what works for some is that they continue to introduce new food to the child. If the child does not like a particular type of food, you can discontinue it for a while and then re-introduce it later.

Another thing one could try is to mix the food your child likes with a type she doesn't like and see if she will eat it. Over a period of time, you may find that your child has acquired the taste of a particular food she didn't like before or has given up resisting.

When do I start potty training my child?

Children are different, some are known to have started at the age of 14 months, others at 18 months and some after 2 years old. Sometimes the parents will have an idea that the child is ready by the way the child touches their diapers or suddenly stops when they realise they want to go to the toilet. As your child grows she gradually becomes aware when she wants to go the toilet and this may cause her to react.

How do I get my child to allow me to brush her teeth?

Sometimes your toddler will allow you to brush their teeth if they see you brushing your own. Another thing you could try is to turn teeth brushing time into a song or game. This would engage her and in the process you might find that she opens her mouth wide for you to brush her teeth. Another technique applied by some parents is to brush their child's teeth in front of a mirror so that they can see what is happening.

When is it the right time to change from cot to bed?

When your toddler starts climbing out of the cot, this it is a sign that she is ready for a bed.

How do I get my child to eat by herself?

This is a gradual process and just like with potty training where the age varies, the same applies here. Some parents have been successful in getting their child to eat by themselves as early as the age of 12 months.

You could start with finger foods and place them in your child's plate and leave it for her to pick it up. If she manages to do this, you may progress to other types of food that involve the use of children cutlery.

In conclusion, do not compare your toddler with others and think that you are a failure because you feel your child is not doing what other toddlers are doing or your toddler is not doing what the guidebooks says. The guidebooks have to use an age as a parameter, hence the word guide - it is just a guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kifayat_Adeyemo


Erin & Lynda

Make Nutrition Fun and Colorful

To get kids (and adults) to eat more fruits and veggies, Welch's and Produce for Better Health Foundation suggests pack lunches with a different color theme every day of the week, using produce from the designated shade. A few ideas:

Monday
Color: Purple
Fruit: Toss a handful of blueberries into vanilla yogurt.
Veggie: Layer eggplant slices into slightly defrosted lasagna.

Tuesday
Color: White
Fruit: Wrap peeled pear slices in ham or turkey slices.
Veggie: Saute chopped cauliflower, then fold into mac 'n' cheese.

Wednesday
Color: Red
Fruit: Add unpeeled apple slices to a peanut butter sandwich.
Veggie: Spear cherry tomatoes on toothpicks with cubes of cheese.

Thursday
Color: Orange/Yellow
Fruit: Top cottage cheese with fresh apricot slices.
Veggie: Sweeten up cooked carrots with butter and brown sugar.

Friday
Color: Green
Fruit: Top an English muffin with low-fat cream cheese and kiwi slices.
Veggie: Toss broccoli florets or spinach into a quesadilla.

For more information and cool tips visit

Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter!

Baby U R Precious is launching their very own BURP news! This will be a monthly newsletter featuring parent/baby/toddler articles, recipes, customer testimonies, NEW featured product and COUPONS! Please visit our website and sign up by putting in your email address on our home page under Newsletter.
Each month we will showcase a BURP model - this is where you come in. We want pictures of your lil ones in our BURP product. Please email your pictures to erin@babyurprecious.com and we will feature them in our newsletter!
Don't forget we have an awesome special for the month of September - 20% off all orders $50 and more.
Erin & Lynda

Back To School Lunches!!

To see more recipes and pictures view - http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/everydaycooking/family/schoollunchesforkids

Any parent will agree that the world's toughest food critics are children. This "aptitude" for culinary criticism is particularly evident with school-day lunches. You want to give your mini gourmand a balanced meal, one filled with double-duty foods that provide energy and nutrition while keeping junior sated and satisfied. But getting your little loved one to actually eat a wholesome homemade lunch can be as difficult as getting him or her to log off and unplug.

Nutritious Recipes for Kids
Peanut Butter Berry–Wich
Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad
California Style Tuna Salad Rolls
Turkey Pinwheels
Edamame Succotash Salad
Black Bean and Rice Salad
Chocolate Chip Flying Saucers
Wheat Biscuit Shortbread
Mini Whoopie Pies
Extreme Granola

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To ensure that junior's power lunch doesn't go straight into the trash (and your time and money with it) or get traded for something a whole lot less nutritious, parents need to approach this nagging problem with a strategy. For years, I've come up with creative, healthy ideas for my kids' brown-bag lunches, and so when it came time to write my cookbook, Real Food for Healthy Kids, my coauthor, venerated food professional Tracey Seaman, and I devoted a whole chapter to this 180-days-a-year conundrum.

What follows are tips on planning and packing lunches; tools to deal with picky eaters; and some simple nutritious recipes to get your kids fed well, all adapted from Real Food for Healthy Kids. All of the recipes in our book, including the ones here, have been taste-tested by kids and analyzed by a nutritionist, so you can be sure there is something here that your child will love and that will be right for his or her nutritional needs. If you want to learn more about the kinds of foods and nutrients your child needs, check out our guide to daily nutritional requirements for preschoolers, elementary-school kids, and teenagers.

To make a meal with these recipes, fill out the lunchbox with a piece of fresh fruit like a Macintosh apple or red grapes, veggies such as sugar snap peas or mini carrots, some dry snacks like trail mix or our Extreme Granola, and some water in a nontoxic container like those from Sigg or Klean Kanteen. But no matter what you include, your child will know that you took the time to make something especially for him or her, as a homemade lunch is yet another expression of your love.


planning & packing tips:
Think Like an Accountant
Budget your time—and money—by creating a spreadsheet that will detail the daily school-day lunches for that month. Make use of Sunday leftovers and use fresh produce as soon as you buy it. Create a weekly shopping list to reduce trips to the store, and allocate healthy prepackaged snacks for days without fresh fruit.

Act Like a Chef
Cut your lunch-making time in half by creating an efficient assembly line of materials. Get out everything that you need, from bread and meats to wrapping materials and utensils. Place it all on the counter in the order you will use it. This will speed up the process when you're pressed for time.

Keep It Hot/Cold
If you're sending your kid to school with something that needs to stay cold, include a cold pack—if your child is like most, you might want to tape the cold pack into the lunchbox, so that it doesn't accidentally get thrown out or left behind. For foods that must be kept warm, like a veggie stew or noodle soup, heat up the food in the morning. Pour boiling water into a thermos, let it warm up the container for a few minutes, and then tip it out before you add the hot food. This will help retain warmth.

Looks Count
The way food is presented affects how a diner perceives flavor; this is true even for kids. Make an effort to keep dishes looking attractive, wrapped and served in cool containers, and packed in lunchboxes that reflect the personality of your child.


tips for keeping picky eaters happy:
Give Jr. Power
Before you plan the weekly lunch menu, ask your child to identify five favorite food items that he or she would like to see in the lunchbox. Then encourage your kid to participate in the planning, preparing, and packing of the rest of the meals, creating a balanced menu of protein and complex carbs. Including them in the decision—and preparation—improves the chances that the lunch will actually get eaten.

Vary the Menu
Even if he or she requests the same ham and cheese sammie every day, it's important to provide at least one or two different items in the lunchbox to expand a picky eater's palate. However, throwing in a food your young food critic claims to hate will backfire, as they are likely to throw it out before trying it. Introduce those new or controversial foods at dinnertime, when your kid is presumably hungry and under your watchful eye.
Never Too Cool for School
No matter how old your child is, include a sweet, encouraging note, a cartoon, a picture of the family pet, or even just a silly drawing to make them smile and be reminded of how much you love them



Read More http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/everydaycooking/family/schoollunchesforkids#ixzz0ya23BpYJ

Bamboo Baby Blankets - The perfect Organic Baby Gift!

Whenever there is a new baby in the family, it is a great source of joy and happiness. It is very normal for parents to celebrate the arrival of a baby through a baby shower party. It is a tradition that whoever graces the occasion has to present the newborn with gifts. Most times, the individuals attending the occasion of a baby shower have no clue about what to gift and what not to gift. One particular category of gifts, that is easy to select and also suitable for babies are organic baby gifts. Organic baby gifts are made from material that are suitable for a baby and won't affect the baby adversely.

One such organic baby gift are bamboo baby blankets. This type of organic blanket is popular mainly because of the enhanced softness and comfort it provides. It is made of the bamboo Kun, which is an anti bacterial agent naturally. Hence it provides the bamboo baby blankets with extra anti bacterial properties which are not available in any other blankets on the market. This type of organic blanket kills any type of bacteria that comes in contact with it and keeps away the pests. It mostly repels away the mold, allergens and many insects. This makes it both a healthy and comfortable option for any new baby.

Bamboo baby blankets are made of bamboo fiber which gives it's a unique property of breathability. This property makes it extremely soft and absorbent. This feature also helps the babies to feel warm during winters and cool during summers. Hence it is ideal to be used around the year. Due to the breathability, the blanket helps in absorbing any type of body odor and helps in sweat evaporation. This makes an excellent organic baby gift option as mothers will be happy to keep the baby comfortable, healthy and at the same time sweat free and odor free.

Bamboo is known to be the most naturally growing grass which doesn't need any external fertilizers or pesticides. It is also one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Bamboo also helps in reduction of toxic chemicals from air. These entire set of features make bamboo baby blankets a great choice for the baby.

Bamboo baby blankets come in various attractive colors so as to keep your baby happy. You can choose from a wide range of colors and various designs. These organic baby gifts will make both the mother and baby very happy.

Amanda Cummings is writing on behalf of Baby U R Precious. Baby U R Precious is a maker of organic baby gifts made with bamboo fabrics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Cummings



Erin & Lynda

NEW colors for our Hooded Toddler Towels!

Check out our NEW hooded toddler towels - we have a couple new colors!
Thank you to Helen Thompson Photography for making our product really stand out and shine! We appreciate your talent immensely!

http://www.babyurprecious.com/category_23/Organic-Hooded-Toddler-Towel-.htm

Erin & Lynda

5 Quick and Easy Family Meal ideas

Healthy Chef Salad
Serves 4 to 6

1 head romaine lettuce (you can buy a prewashed bag to save even more time)
1 bag baby spinach
4 oz. chopped cooked ham
4 oz. chopped oven-roasted turkey meat
16 cherry tomatoes, pre-sliced in half
4 carrots, shredded or bite-size (you can buy pre-shredded to save time)
4 crowns broccoli, pre-cut into bite-size pieces
4 hard boiled eggs, pre-peeled and sliced (remove the yolks if your kids won't eat)
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced (skip if your kids won't touch)
Balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

Wash, then tear the lettuce and mix with spinach in a large bowl. Arrange ham, turkey, cherry tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, hard-boiled eggs and onion in rows on top of the lettuce. Serve with dressing on the side.

Picky-eater tip: Skip the lettuce and spinach, and present the rest as a dipping exercise -- kids get to choose the dip.

Sneaky Greens Pasta
Serves 4 to 6

1 jar pasta sauce of your choice
1/2 batch prepared spinach, finely chopped
1/2 lb. pre-browned ground turkey
1 lb. pre-cooked pasta (whole wheat if your kids will go for it)

Heat pasta sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add spinach and turkey. Stir until heated through. Then stir in pasta and heat until warm. Serve.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Serves 4 to 6

2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
1/2 head broccoli, pre-cut into bite-size pieces
1 onion, pre-sliced
2 cooked chicken breasts, pre-cut into strips
4 cups amount pre-cooked brown rice

Mix soy sauce, ground ginger, sugar, cornstarch and garlic; set aside. Heat cooking oil in large sauté pan, add broccoli and onion, and cook 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook 2 minutes. Add soy sauce mixture and cook an additional 3 minutes. Serve over warm brown rice.

Spinach and Ham Frittata
Serves 4 to 6

Vegetable cooking spray
6 eggs
1/2 cup skim milk
4 oz. low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (you can buy pre-shredded to save time)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 cups prepared spinach
1/2 cup chopped cooked ham

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat 9-inch round baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, 2 oz. cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend in spinach and ham. Pour mixture into baking pan. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining 2 oz. cheese and let set 2 to 3 minutes. Slice into wedges. Serve with salad.






Erin & Lynda

Kids Meal Ideas

I found this cool site - http://blog.kids-meal-ideas.com/ that offers many ideas for kid food ideas to crafts. Check it out!!

Here is one example of the blog.....


Five Cool Snack Ideas for Kids
Got kids? Got kids that get bored, hungry and hot in the summertime? If you do have kids you know all of those things go together whether we want them to or not, right? Do you get tired of hearing, “but I don’t like THAT mom” or other complaints when you offer them a quick snack? Are you looking for some healthy, delicious, “cool” (as in refreshing AND neat) treats to satisfy kids of all ages? Then look no further! Here are five treats your kids will love and ask for over and over. Not only will your kids love them but so will you because they are easy to make, delicious and healthy. Who could ask for anything more?

Fruit Pizza:

Delicious and oh so easy to make; fruit pizza will please every person in your household and it will help get your kids (and hubby) to eat more fruit.

The ingredients:

• 1 pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough mix
• 1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups assorted fruits, sliced (strawberries, bananas, oranges, blueberries, etc.), you can throw these together in a bowl if you wish.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees Celsius). Roll cookie dough into a ball and place in the center of a pizza pan and spread evenly over pizza pan, into a 12 inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Mix the sugar and cream cheese together and spread over the cookie crust. Top with the fruit and then sprinkle the lemon juice over the fruit (this helps to keep it from turning brown). Refrigerate. Slice into 12 pizza wedges and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers. This is also a great treat to serve at a birthday party. Kids and adults love it!

Fruit Juice Spritzer

Do your kids like soda, but you hate for them to have it all the time? One of my favorite beverages any time of the year is a fruit juice spritzer. It’s refreshing, cool and tasty. Plus it has the added benefit of fruit juice so you can count is as a fruit serving for the day! I prefer using 100% Juicy Juice, being that it’s, well, 100% all natural juice. But you can use any juice you prefer. You’re kids will love it and it’s a cool, easy to serve beverage made of ingredients you probably already have. It’s also healthier than letting them have a full glass of soda.

It’s so easy. All you do is pour about 1/2 a glass of juice in a cup over ice and fill the rest of the glass with 7UP or Sprite. Voila! You have a Fruit Juice Spritzer. It’s better than a full glass of soda and your kids get the fruit serving they need. You can vary the amounts of course; a little more juice or a little less, depending on your taste, but don’t defeat the purpose of cutting down on the soda.

For an added treat you could blend the juice with some ice in the blender and make “slushies.” Just fill the glass with the slushie mix and pour the soda over the icy juice.

Homemade Juice or Kool-Aid popsicles

One of my kid’s favorite treats growing up was homemade popsicles. They loved helping make them and of course eating them. Plus they are super easy to make and oh so handy when your kids need a quick snack to tide them over until dinner.

Ingredients:

• Pitcher of Kool-Aid or other drink mix, prepared. You can also make juicy pops using your favorite fruit juice, but mix with water first, 5 parts water to 1 part juice.
• Freezer pop molds. If you don’t have them, just use ice cube trays.

Pour the prepared drink mix or Kool-Aid into freezer molds or ice cube trays and freeze. If you want to put a popsicle stick into the ice cubed pops, freeze slightly first, and then insert in the middle of the ice cube pop so it will stand up.

Voila! Easy, handy, yummy and cool! You’re kids will think you’re the best mom ever.

Ice Cream Float

Who doesn’t love ice cream? What better summertime treats than a delicious ice cream float? It’s so quick, easy and refreshing. Here’s a neat twist on the traditional float:

Using your choice of ice cream put two scoops in a dessert or tall glass. Break up your favorite candy bar into pieces and place in glass. Fill with your favorite soda, like root beer or cola.

Yogurt and Fruit Lollies

When I was a kid I loved having something I could grab and go outside with my friends. (Where have those days gone?) Better yet, I loved having a treat I could share with my friends. These yummy yogurt and fruit lollies are the perfect summertime treat. They are cool, refreshing, healthy and easy to take on the go.

What you need:

• Popsicle molds with sticks, preferably the flat molds
• A container of flavored yogurt, preferably a fruit flavor
• Sliced fruit

How you make it:

Fill the molds with the yogurt, insert stick and place fruit on the top. Freeze. Place mold in warm water to remove the lolly when ready to eat.

Healthy, delicious, and handy all wrapped up into one! Every mother’s dream and every kid’s treat. Making kids happy and keeping them healthy doesn’t have to be a huge chore, nor does it have to taste bad. Using these simple ideas will serve both purposes, quick, easily and efficiently. Your kids will thank you for it.





Erin & Lynda

Thank you!

We wanted to say THANK YOU to all who support and encourage us daily! We would not have this business without you and we appreciate you! BURP will continue to grow and introduce more product in the next several months - please keep spreading the BURP word and thank you for remembering us for all your Baby Shower needs!
Erin & Lynda

The Power of a Dream!

Hello Fellow Bloggers -
I wanted to do a SHOUT OUT to one of our fellow "BURPER's" who has been a loyal and encouraging support from the beginning! Please read this encouraging article by Monica Peace!
http://www.moneyandrisk.com/stories/profiles/the-power-of-a-dream/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MoneyAndRisk+%28Money+and+Risk%29


Erin & Lynda

Help for disciplining spirited children -

Help For Disciplining Spirited Children - Disciplining Defiant Children


By: Julian Anthony


Many spirited children are just trying to find out how far the leash will stretch. This is why when disciplining defiant children we need to apply a lot of thought and preparation.The one main thing to remember is to never discipline a child when you are angry.

This is a cardinal rule. Spirited children are actually great little people once they learn how to control their emotions. Really discipline without punishments are great for this.

If your child will not listen even to your consequences then you probably have what is now known as a Spirited Child. These little youngsters are very impatient and difficult to keep in line. This article will offer some helpful guidelines to discipline spirited children.

When it comes to spirited children it is best to take the quiet, guiding approach. It is in your best interest to place yourself on the same side as them. They are going to be more apt to listen to you if you keep things simple and fun if at all possible. Everything must be interesting to them or they tend to lash out, lose focus or both. In most cases both.

Simple is important when it comes to discipline for defiant children. Keeping rules down to a minimum helps them to remember. It is best to keep your rules to these three major universal guidelines.

1. Try to Keep safety in mind. There should never be any hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or really no hurting of any one else for any reason.  Set up a consequence for the misbehavior and have them all at the ready. This way there can be no excuses and it can be maintained with consistency. No leniency ever. It must be understood that if they choose to act out this way then this consequence immediately follows.

2. Mutual respect of other people. This means their space and their things. You do not take without asking and you do not touch or scream in someone face for any reason. This is just a common principle that all human beings need to learn and most learn it right away. So its important to treat others as you would have them treat you. That is easy enough to follow.

3. No Talking Back or disrespecting your supervisors. This last one gets even more difficult the older they get. These are only the ones that were The Golden Three in our house growing up. But you can look into other recommendations. They pretty much mention similar strategies for the spirited children.

Maintain and try to keep reasonable expectations and a large amount of patience on hand. You are always going to be in need of patience. Spirited children are very active and need lots of attention and guidance in order to maintain their emotions.

Disciplining defiant children needs to be simple and flexible in order to fit their individual needs. Keeping in mind that they are only able to handle so much as their emotional maturity will allow. They often get frustrated a lot easier and have overall less control over that frustration. Around the age of four or five they get a lot stronger.


About the Author


The most important things you can do as a parent of a child with behavioral problems is to know & provide the best solutions available. This Happy Child Guide to Discipline can quickly turn misbehavior to great behavior and is fast becoming known as the best go to information on effective discipline without punishment.


Now offering a Free Presentation Endorsed by The Child Brain Health Research Institute identifying common parenting tactics that actually cause misbehavior and sharing 4 highly effective techniques to stop misbehavior.


For the Free (no action required) Presentation filled with scientific methods that will get your child to listen to you and cooperate the first time check. Discipline Defiant Children can be made much easier with the right help to achieve a positive change in behavior.


(ArticlesBase SC #3063115)


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Help For Disciplining Spirited Children - Disciplining Defiant Children








Erin & Lynda

End of Summer Special -

BURP is having an end of the summer SALE on our lemon zest bamboo baby blankets! These are normally $34.95 and they are on sale for $26.95!!! This lemon color is full of life - bright, sunny and cheery! This special will end this Friday! Shop online now - http://www.babyurprecious.com
Erin & Lynda

Blanket Blow-out has been extended!

Our fabulous Bamboo baby blankets special has been continued through the weekend! This has been so successful so please place your order before we run out of the 3 colors! Don't forget to stop by our booth tomorrow at the Dana Point Farmers Market! We will be there from 9am to 1pm.
Erin & Lynda

Last Chance for Bamboo Baby Blanket special!

Our Bamboo Baby Blankets special of $28.95 (Lemon Zest, Icy Blue, Luscious Lime) will expire this thursday at noon! Shop now for the that special mommy in your life!

You can also come and visit us at the Farmers Market in Dana Point this Saturday from 9 -1pm! Thank you to all who came last month - it really is a fabulous venue. Great weather, lots of fresh produce and

Erin & Lynda