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Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - B.C. and Calgary edition

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Last minute Halloween tips

As of today, there are three days until Halloween. We have some great tips on last-minute cost-efficient Halloween costumes and healthy treats. By the way, be sure to check out the BC Halloween events listing to find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood for the big night!

Costume ideas

This Babyvibe momma has to admit that I am extremely last minute with most anything. In fact, my two little ghoulish girls still do not have a costume. And if you are like me and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a costume, this downloadable e-book will come in handy. I Love Halloween Costumes offers an e-book that’s full off nearly 100 costumes from Alien to Zorro, some you can easily make in an hour, and others might require a bit more time. There’s even a special section for last-minute costume ideas. In addition to great costume ideas like Dora the Explorer, Cars, Barbie, Pizza, and Snowman, the book offers Halloween recipes and easy face painting designs. Coming from someone who is not crafty or a seamstress, this book is great, particularly because you can recycle many items used in the making of a costume.

For Halloween and beyond, this is a great last-minute costume idea and then some. Check out the super cool helmet covers at online gift store Lavish and Lime. The helmets can double as Halloween head coverings, especially as they come in fun characters like a red devil, lion, ladybug, shark, zebra, and more. Made in Canada out of a high quality fleece, the covers not only double as a last-minute costume option, but increase the visibility of the wearer whether it be on the road, ski slopes or skating rinks. For children one to 11.

Tricks or treats

If the thought of your little ghost chopping down on candy brings shivers down your spine, then we suggest treating the candy like money. For instance, value each candy at 25 cents. At the end of the evening trick-or-treating session, tally up the candy treats and trade them in for a cash certificate that can be used to buy a toy or book. The treats can then be given away to someone less fortunate.

Healthy treats

Our friends at Whole Foods Market have a few alternatives to your regular candy treats that are just as sweet and healthier.

Pure Fun Lollipops – Certified organic, kosher and fair-trade, these better-for-you candies are gluten and preservative-free providing a wholesome way to indulge your sweet tooth.
Salba treats – A rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, Salba products provide a flavourful and healthy treat for trick-or-treaters. With the satisfying crunch of the Krispy Rice Bars and the sweet taste of the Cranberry & Honey bars, kids will never guess these are healthy!
Bug Bites Chocolates – These yummy chocolate Bug Bites are made with organic-certified, ethically traded smooth milk chocolate with 52 per cent cocoa content for delectable, chocolately goodness!
Dan D. Pack Rice Crackers Combo – A delicious mix of crispy crackers in a variety of shapes and flavours, these scrumptious healthy treats are low in fat and high in taste!

If you don’t live close to a Capers or Whole Food Market, you can pick up these treats at any similar healthy food market like Community Foods in Calgary. For food safety tips for Halloween the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a great fact sheet that’s definitely worth checking out.

Non-food treat ideas

Staying away from giving out sugary treats this year? Try handing out stickers, crayons, a fun notebook, toy car, small ball, balloon, to name a few.

Yummy recipe for Halloween

Here’s a fun festive recipe full of good protein that will help cut down your child’s sugar rush!!!! (courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

Killa Quesadillas

Killa Quesadillas - Serves 6 to 8

Using an orange-coloured tortilla, such as sundried tomato, these tasty black bean and cheese quesadillas can be made into a variety of Halloween characters using different shaped cookie cutters. Assemble and grill quesadillas then cut with cookie cutters in the shapes of ghosts, pumpkins, cats or witches and display on a Halloween decorated platter and let the kids choose their favourite. This also works great with grilled cheese sandwiches using rye bread for black cat shapes and white bread for ghosts.

Quesadillas are easy to make with endless filling possibilities. Use pre-shredded and mixed Mexican cheese combinations that are readily available. Try using Whole Foods imported, jarred beans for these. You may use any filling that makes sense. Try sliced pears or apples and gouda or goat cheese or sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions and blue cheese.

Ingredients

6 (10-inch) tortillas, any flavour
1 1/2 cups salsa, plus more for garnish
2 cups cooked black beans, drained
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Guacamole

Method

Place 3 tortillas on a cutting board. Spread 1/2 cup of the salsa evenly over each of the tortillas. Top with beans and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Top with remaining tortillas. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake quesadillas on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and light golden brown. Alternately, oil and heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add quesadillas and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden brown.

Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa and guacamole on the side, if you like.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 7oz/201g-wt.): 410 calories (150 from fat), 16g total fat, 8g saturated fat, 35mg cholesterol, 820mg sodium, 47g total carbohydrate (6g dietary fibre, 3g sugar), 18g protein

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Win at the Nest Egg!

This week’s Babyvibe Nest Egg Prize blog is a truly natural gift for your little wee bundle of joy. Find out more by visiting our prize blog (be sure to let all your friends know too as anyone can enter).

Chocolate coins recalled

Be on the lookout for Sherwood Brands Pirate’s gold milk chocolate coins as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that the product is being recalled due to containing melamine, a chemical compound used in a number of commercial and industrial applications. The product is sold at Costco stores nationally and may also have been sold in bulk packages or as individual pieces at various dollar and bulk stores across Canada.

Toy recalls

Speaking of toy recalls, there are yet another batch of various toy brands that have recently been recalled. For the updated list of recalls, visit Healthy Canadians. To note, on the list of recalled items, there’s the Phil & Ted’s Dash buggy/stroller; toy dump truck; some Haba toys, and much more.

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