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 :)!!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
