<![CDATA[Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively]]>

<![CDATA[Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively]]> Follow Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively, filter it, and define how you want to receive the news (via Email, RSS, Telegram, WhatsApp etc.) https://follow.it/BubbyAndBean2 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:03:02 +0200 <![CDATA[Fall Giveaway: $250 Gift Card to Gaia Conceptions!]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4-s2kPh6dJpylmFkX7M1Jw

I am not one of those people who starts up with the pumpkin spice in August. In fact, I don’t accept summer's end until the autumn equinox. But I do like thinking about fall fashion, and as I see the stores begin to fill their racks with autumn attire, I feel especially inspired to support small, women owned designers and clothing lines like our long time partner and friend Gaia Conceptions!

This month, I’m excited to be teaming up once again to offer one lucky Bubby and Bean follower a $250 gift card to grab some of Gaia Conceptions’ gorgeous, custom made, sustainable clothing for fall! (Scroll down to enter!)

Gaia Conceptions offers a wide variety of beautiful eco-friendly clothing and accessory items, all designed and made by hand in the USA. Ordering their clothing is a truly customized experience - you choose color, fabric, and size. They're the best!

Use the form below, and/or do the easy entry on on Instagram right here. There are several options for extra entries as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through the end of this Saturday September 9th, 2023. It is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. All entries from the Rafflecopter form above and Instagram will be combined. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced here by end of day the following Monday.

Thank you to our friends at Gaia Conceptions for giving Bubby and Bean followers a chance to own some of their gorgeous apparel!

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]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4-s2kPh6dJpylmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X79o3Sl-Nf-VaCY3L745TL_

First of all, I want to point out the obvious: that this blog has been severely neglected this summer. I've been active on Instagram (and even Facebook and TikTok and yes, Threads, here and there), but with blogs feeling a bit like dinosaurs in the modern world of social media, this admittedly falls to the wayside.

I'm hoping this delicious summertime cocktail recipe with make up for it though! As summer winds down, I'm trying to squeeze in as much as I can, including this yummy drink. This uses my favorite organic mix to cut down on prep time, but you can replace the sweet and sour mix with fresh squeezed lemonade if you desire.

Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:
4 oz Sweet & Sour Mix (I love Agalima Organic)
2 oz vodka
lemon (half for juice, half for garnish)
5-6 strawberries

Muddle 3-4 strawberries and place in a glass. Add ice. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, mix the juice of half a lemon, sweet and sour mix, and vodka. Pour over ice in glass. Add a few strawberry and lemon slices for garnish. (You can also omit the vodka for a delightful mocktail!)

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]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:42:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X79o3Sl-Nf-VaCY3L745TL_ <![CDATA[Spicy Black Bean Mini Tacos]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5MnwAGi-csiilmFkX7M1Jw

Tacos are a first choice food for everyone in our house, and this version has been our favorite lately. I love a good soft corn shell, but we've been making these with crunch mini shells (think taco sliders). In addition to the seasoned black beans, the start ingredient is fresh jalapeños which gives these tacos a special kick.

Spicy Black Bean Mini Tacos

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 14 oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium avocado

2 cups cherry tomatoes

Handful of romaine lettuce

2 fresh jalapeños

1 cup shredded cheese

1/2 lime

1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt to taste
12 mini crunchy taco shells

In a medium saucepan, heat black beans with spices. Slice avocado, cherry tomatoes, and jalepeno. Chop lettuce. In each shell, add a layer of black beans, shredded cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeño slices. If you like even more kick, top with hot sauce.

My kids loves these without the jalapeños, but I personally think they're very necessary. Enjoy!

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]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:22:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5MnwAGi-csiilmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[Chickpea Pasta Salad]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4lNMbbpwMU4Mb1naedg1wr

As the weather gets warmer, there is little I crave more than pasta salad. It can admittedly get old quickly though (simply because I eat it so often), so I like to change it up. This pasta salad made with chickpea pasta has an elevated flavor and texture and is full of plant-based protein.

Chickpea Pasta Salad

Serves 4-6

MAIN INGREDIENTS

1 box chickpea rotini

1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)

1 cup canned chickpeas

1/2 cup canned black olives (sliced)

1/2 cucumber (sliced)

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Prepare chickpea rotini according to directions on package. While pasta is cooking, cut tomatoes in half, slice black olives, and thinly slice cucumbers. Drain and rinse chickpeas. Combine all dressing ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Drain and rinse pasta, and allow to cool. Pour cooled pasta into a large bowl, add all ingredients, and mix well Add dressing and toss until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate. Keeps for up to 5 days. (Tip: Double the recipe for larger gatherings.)

Try this with a glass of chilled white wine on a summer's night. Heaven.

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]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 13:14:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4lNMbbpwMU4Mb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Earth Month Giveaway: Win a $250 Gift Card to Gaia Conceptions!]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6wSiFNyClN9V1cWWor9YPv

April is one of my favorite months. It's the time when spring finally feels like it's here, and it's also Earth Month, which has always been special to me. As many of you know, I ran an eco-friendly clothing line for 15 years, and making sustainable choices is a part of my everyday life. And while I'm definitely of the "Earth Day Everyday!" mind set, it's nice to celebrate our beautiful planet during this time.

To celebrate Earth Month (and spring!), I'm teaming up with our long time partner and friend Gaia Conceptions - creators of gorgeous, custom made, sustainable clothing - to give you one of you a $250 gift card to grab some new spring and summer pieces for yourself! (Scroll down to enter!)

Gaia Conceptions offers a wide variety of genuinely beautiful eco-friendly clothing and accessory items, all designed and made by hand in the USA. Ordering their clothing is a truly customized experience - you choose color, fabric, and size.

$200 to Gaia Conceptions Eco-Friendly Clothing

Use the form below, and/or do the easy entry on on Instagram right here. There are several options for extra entries as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through the end of this Saturday April 8th, 2023. It is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. All entries from the Rafflecopter form above and Instagram will be combined. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced here by end of day the following Monday.

Thank you to our friends at Gaia Conceptions for celebrating Earth Month alongside us and giving Bubby and Bean readers a chance to own some of their stunning apparel!

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]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:14:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6wSiFNyClN9V1cWWor9YPv <![CDATA[Sweet Springtime Snack Mix]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5VHNL0YWO6MXn9ye8UNv30

I shared this last year, but we just made it again and it was so easy and delicious that I just had to post it one more time. This is a fun recipe to make with kids and perfect for Easter gifts or baskets.

Sweet Springtime Snack Mix

INGREDIENTS

8-10 cups popped popcorn
1-1/2 cups vanilla baking chips
1 cup mini pretzel twists, broken up
1-1/2 to 2 cups M&M'S
pastel sprinkles

In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn, pretzels, and M&M’S. Melt vanilla baking chips in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir in between until melted. (Or use a double broiler.) Pour the melted vanilla chips over the popcorn mixture while stirring. Once combined, spread the mixture evenly on a wax or parchment paper covered baking sheet, and immediately cover with sprinkles. Gently stir so sprinkles stick to the vanilla coating. Allow to cool and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container or fill individual party bags.

We love giving these out to neighbors too. Enjoy!

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]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2023 13:08:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5VHNL0YWO6MXn9ye8UNv30 <![CDATA[8 St. Patrick's Day Activities for Kids]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5PwFBC34ydhMb1naedg1wr

St. Patrick's day is a very big deal here in Chicago. We go for it, Irish or otherwise. My kids treat it like any other holiday and really get in the spirit. Today I thought I'd share some of the things we do to make it fun.

1. Wear green.
Obviously!

2. Make an Irish meal.
A friend from Ireland recently told that no one in Ireland eats corned beef and cabbage, but that doesn't mean you don't have to! I've actually never had it, but I do love love vegetarian shephard's pie.

3. Go to a St. Paddy's Day parade.

We've actually never been to one, but have plans this year!

4. Make a leprechaun trap.
My kids are experts at this. You can find a ton of ideas with a quick Google search, or even buy one.

5. Color your drinks green.

A little green food coloring goes a long way. Or you can go a more natural route and make smoothies with spinach in them.

6. Get craftin'.
We have handmade St. Paddy's Day crafts all over our house right now. Paint rainbows with cotton ball cloud. Cut shamrocks out of green construction paper and make a garland. If you have green paper or colors, the possibilities are endless.

7. Read St. Patrick's Day themed books.

My kids love holiday themed books, and we keep a few St. Patricks Day themed ones for this time of year.

8. Have a coin hunt.

Leprechauns bring and hide coins throughout our house while we're sleeping the night before St. Patrick's Day, and our kids look forward to the hunt for weeks.

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]]> Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:48:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5PwFBC34ydhMb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Snowman Fruit Snacks]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5m28hVX4D863n9ye8UNv30

I think I'm in the minority, but I really dislike when it snows. I mean, I'm good with it in December and December only. After that, it's just a reminder that winter is still here, something I prefer to forgot. That said, my kids love it. I mean, they love it. They also love anything snow-themed. So we've been making these cute snowman fruit snacks. It's a great way to get picky little ones to eat fruit!

Snowman Fruit Snacks

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 2)

1 banana, peeled

1 strawberry

1 green apple

1 baby carrot

4 pretzel sticks

10 raisins or mini chocolate chips or raisins

2 wooden skewers

⁣
1. Cut banana into 6 thicks slices - 3 for each snowman.
2. Cut triangle shapes from strawberry and apple for hats, 2 slivers from baby carrot for noses, and peel slices of green apple for scarves.
3. Place 3 banana slices onto each skewer. Top one with the strawberry triangle and the other with the apple triangle.⁣
4. Insert pretzel sticks for arms, carrot slices for noses, and mini chocolate chips or raisins for eyes and buttons.

I know I've posted about these fun snacks before, but when you have a craft project and healthy snack in one, it's too good not the share more than once. Enjoy!

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]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:42:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5m28hVX4D863n9ye8UNv30 <![CDATA[Guacamole Pizza]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4fQngWpNs4ouT5HJgy6HUf

Guacamole and Black Bean Pizza (via Bubby and Bean)

Okay, so it's not really "pizza." But my kids call it pizza and if it encourages them to eat avocados and tomatoes, I'll call it whatever they want. This easy recipe it below!

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
1 premade thin pizza crust*
2 cups guacamole (premade or make your own)
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup black beans
1/2 garlic clove, minced

1/3 cup sliced cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
olive oil
chili powder

Follow baking directions on pizza crust packaging. Once fully cooked brush with olive oil and minced garlic. Top with cheese and black beans, and chili powder to taste. Bake for 7-9 minutes until cheese and crust are golden brown. Remove from oven and cover with guacamole. Top with sliced olives and tomatoes.

This is delicious chilled as well. Enjoy!

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]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:48:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4fQngWpNs4ouT5HJgy6HUf <![CDATA[Happy 2023! (And Plans for this Blog)]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7rEgkBaZa4oaCY3L745TL_

Hello friends! We usually start off the year with a recap of our favorite posts of the previous year, but truth be told, we didn't publish a lot of posts here on the blog in 2022. People have been transitioning from reading blogs and websites like this to social media platforms for years, but this past year it felt stronger than ever.

The Bubby and Bean blog has now been active for over 12 years (!!!), and our plan is to continue to keep it alive. Our content may be less frequent, but as long as you're reading, we're going to stick around.

We hope your holiday season was wonderful and that this year has started off great for you. More soon!

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]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:42:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7rEgkBaZa4oaCY3L745TL_ <![CDATA[Apple Sauce Apple Pie Side Dish]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7KTcPcefVwiZVjH6qdYdAk

Before I share this incredible holiday meal side dish recipe, I have to comment on the fact that this is the longest I've ever gone without posting here. I still have quite a bit of traffic to this blog, but truth be told, the vast majority of my following is on Instagram. That said, I'm going to make the effort to post at least a few times a month here in 2023. I still haven't given up on the theory that blogs are going to once again reign supreme eventually!

When it comes to holiday meals, I could eat my weight in mashed potatoes, but my absolute favorite is a truly elevated side dish that I called "Apple Sauce Apple Pie." It's a simple, delicious way to add a little sweetness to holiday meals, and the perfect alternative to cranberry sauce.

Apple Sauce Apple Pie
(serves 5)

INGREDIENTS
1 24 ounce jar apple sauce (I use Musselman's Original Apple Sauc
1 apple
1 tablespoon maple syrup
cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground ginger

Peel apple and cut into small cubes. Pour applesauce in a small serving bowl. Top with cubed apples. Drizzle maple syrup over the top, then sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

This is extremely simple and can be served as a quick dessert as well.

Happy holidays, friends. If I'm not back here before then, Happy New Year too!

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]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7KTcPcefVwiZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Holiday Reindeer Chow]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4hQWdTkLM9_Zs0ohxaO6Yr

My sister is an expert "puppy chow" maker, and a couple of years ago, I decided to try to make a holiday version. It turned out amazingly well (if I do say so myself), and now we make it every year. The addition of peppermint bark really takes it to the next level, and we had to change the name to suit the season, duh.

Holiday Reindeer Chow

Yields 15-20 servings

INGREDIENTS
8 cups rice or corn square style cereal

2 cups peppermint bark, broken into small pieces
2.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Line a large baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Pour cereal into a large bowl. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler on stovetop over low heat, or in a bowl in the microwave for 20 second increments stirring in between, until smooth. Pour melted chocolate onto cereal in bowl, and stir until coated. Transfer mixture to 2 gallon food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, peppermint bark pieces, and crushed peppermint to bag and shake to coat. Spread onto baking sheet until cool, then pour into a serving bowl. Store at room temperature or fridge in covered container.

This recipe is great to make in double or triple batches to give as gifts too!

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]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:54:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4hQWdTkLM9_Zs0ohxaO6Yr <![CDATA[Our 2022 Family Holiday Cards]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6JbkBmnNI0aMb1naedg1wr

I don't want to jinx anything, but 2022 has been a whole lot better than 2020 and 2021. I mean, that's not saying much, but still. It's just seemed, I don't know, calmer? There's still a lot of room for improvement (come on 2023), but I'm feeling the peace and love right now - and that's the message I want to spread when sending out holiday cards this year.

If you've been reading here for a while, you know how much I love sending holiday cards. In fact, I have never gotten rid of a single holiday card I've received. True story. I have a huge bag of them in my basement dating back 30+ years. Am I just a hoarder? Will I ever do anything with them? Who knows.The point is that I have a special (possibly irrational, but that's okay) place in my heart for holiday cards.

While we're on the subject of holiday cards and special places in my heart, eight years ago, I came across and fell in love with a card company called Postable. I've had a massive crush on them every since. Not only do they offer a huge variety of really cool, stylish, fun designs, they also have a special way to make my (and you) life way easier. (Pssst. I have a pretty major discount for you, from Postable, at the bottom of this post.)

Before I get into the details about what sets Postable apart, I wanted to make sure to let you know that this isn't a paid review. It's a trade. The give me the best cards ever and I share my thoughts about them with all of you, but I would buy and send their cards regardless. I love the quality and selection of their cards, the fact that they're fully customizable, and that they are 100% post-consumer recycled and/or tree-free 100% (envelopes too). But the best part about Postable, in my opinion, is what makes them really unique. They offer a very user friendly way to design cards, then print the cards, then stuff the envelopes, then address them, then stamp them, and finally, mail them all for you. All of it. I don't know about you but I'm pretty freaking stressed during the holiday season and this is a pretty huge thing to be able to cross off the list.

As I've said before, the people at Postable are genuinely nice humans too. And generous. In fact, they're giving you 20% off your entire order with code BEAN22. Head over to their site right now and you'll be amazed. (No really, you will!) Happy holiday card season!

This post is in collaboration with Postable.

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]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:14:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6JbkBmnNI0aMb1naedg1wr <![CDATA[Simple Fall Planter]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4ovZsHXd76pZVjH6qdYdAk

I just wanted to share an idea for a very simple but beautiful fall planter. I have a large pot in my front yard that I fill each spring for the summer. This year I went for wild flowers, and it was looking pretty rough by September. I grabbed a small white mum, two types of ornamental cabbage, some small white pumpkins, and a medium white pumpkin, and in about ten minutes, had a fresh autumn planter.

I'm not an expert gardener by any means, but it's fun to update planters with the seasons. Your local nursery/greenhouse is a great place to go for seasonal refresh plants, and they're usually willing to help with design suggestions if you bring in a photo!

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]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:24:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X4ovZsHXd76pZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Autumn Rosemary Crescent Rolls]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X73NG5SEzoqTClmFkX7M1Jw

You may remember me sharing a version of this recipe before, years ago. It's really not even a recipe - more of a way to elevate ready-to-bake crescents. It's a favorite side dish for us during the holiday season, but we've been eating them a lot this fall. It really is the perfect fall food - warm, comforting, and delicious with autumn soups.

Autumn Rosemary Crescent Rolls

INGREDIENTS
8 refrigerated crescent rolls (1 can)
1/8 cup butter

2-3 teaspoons dried rosemary
5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter either in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in garlic powder. Open the can of crescent rolls, unroll dough, and separate into 8 triangles. Brush melted butter and garlic powder mixture onto the top of each triangle, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Flip each triangle so the buttered side is down, and roll into crescent shape (so that buttered side is on the outside). Place each crescent onto a baking sheet, and top with another sprinkling of parmesan and a few pieces of rosemary. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

We especially love these with a hearty vegetable soup. They're great with chili too!

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]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:48:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X73NG5SEzoqTClmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[Classic Halloween Costumes: Over 50 Ideas]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6O9Y9g6LK9RClmFkX7M1Jw

It's that time of year again where I share my favorite classic Halloween costume ideas! I absolutely love simple, classic Halloween costumes, and have been sharing this list here for years, but each time I have new additions and updates. This is our biggest list so far!

When my kids were little, they were all about dressing up at black cats and pumpkins and witches. These days they usually opt for trendy characters instead. This year though, my daughter chose to be a devil and my son is dressing as a baseball player and Jack Skellington - all of which make my classic costumes loving heart happy!

The past two years we also did family costumes (Addams Family, as seen above, and The Wizard of Oz the year before). This year we decided to take a break from the stress involved with all of that and each do our own thing, but I'll always be a sucker for a family costume too.

Scroll down for our most recent list of 50 timeless costume ideas.

Classic Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids

Classic Halloween Costume Ideas

1950s themed
1960s themed
Alien
Angel
Ballerina
Bat
Baseball/Football/Basketball Player
Bear
Black Cat
Bumblebee
Butterfly
Cheerleader
Circus themed
Classic Disney Characters
Classic 'Scary' Film/TV Characters (Addams Family, The Muensters, etc.)
Classic Star Wars Characters
Clown
Devil
Dinosaur
Doctor or Nurse
Dog
Dracula
Dragon
Fairy
Frankenstein
Genie
Ghost
Gypsy
Hippie
Ladybug
Lion
Mermaid
Mime
Monkey
Monster
Mouse
Mummy
Pirate
Princess or Prince
Pumpkin
Robber/Jailbird
Robot
Shark
Scarecrow
Skeleton
Superhero
Vampire
Western themed
Witch
Wizard of Oz themed
Woodland Animal themed

As always, if you have other ideas to add to this list, please share!

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]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:45:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6O9Y9g6LK9RClmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[6 Ways to Encourage Hands-On Play With Kids]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6xxynzDHWyGV1cWWor9YPv

My kids are at ages now (6 and 8) where they're busy with school, activities, and play with friends instead of mom and dad. (The picture above is one of my favorites, but it's from back from E was only 3. So tiny!) When they were home more, learning through hands on play was an all day affair. Now I'm discovering that we need to be intentional and set aside time for it. Here are some of the ways I do that.

1. Take a step back. I'm going to start with this one because even as my kids get older, I still naturally feel a pull to be involved in everything they do. While I think it's important to play with them, I also remind myself when I need to take a step and let them use their imaginations without any parent intervention. It's amazing what they can do when they're fully in charge of play.

2. Give them moldable objects. Slime may have ruined my sofa (long, painful story), but the truth is it's great for great hands on, sensory based activity. Play dough and kinetic sand are as well.

3. Give them building blocks. Whether wooden blocks or LEGOs, building blocks are incredible for encouraging kids to be creative, and they're great for tuning fine motor skills as well. Both my kids love playing with them, and have since they were toddlers.

4. Give them art and craft supplies. I literally pile a table with a random selection of art and crafts supplies, and they both just go to town. Making art or building a craft is an easy and incredibly effective way for kids to learn with their hands. My son make something - from books out of printer paper to instruments out of mac and cheese boxes - every single day, and the older it gets, the more intricate they get. It's fascinating to watch

5. Send them outside. I'm not an expert, but in my opinion, there is no better way to learn from hands on play then by just going outside. Riding a bike or scooter, playing backyard baseball, running barefoot in the grass, playing in the leaves, drawing with sidewalk chalk... It's all hands on and it all encourages learning.

6. Make sensory bins. Even my 8 year old still loves these! I love these! The possibilities are endless too. We've filled them with everything from dry beans to autumn leaves to cereal and more. Sensory bins are especially great for toddlers, and can be the perfect introduction to hands on learning.

I hope these tips are helpful. I'll share more soon!

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]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:20:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6xxynzDHWyGV1cWWor9YPv <![CDATA[Plant-Based Salsa Soup]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6rifHY88huNSlmFkX7M1Jw

This is an updated version of a super easy, super delicious late summer/early fall soup I've shared here before. We made it this past weekend and it was a hit with the whole family. It doesn't take long, uses staple ingredients you probably have on hand, and is completely plant-based!

Plant-Based Salsa Soup

serves 4

INGREDIENTS
4 cups salsa
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 can black beans
2 cups corn kernels
1 clove garlic, minced
2-3 limes
cumin
chili powder
black pepper
sea salt
1 avocado, cubed
scallions or cilantro, chopped

In a pot or large saucepan sauté garlic in a coconut or olive oil for 1 minute. Add salsa, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of vegetable broth, and heat over medium heat. Add remainder of veggie broth as needed. Squeeze in the juice of of the limes. Add chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and sea salt to taste. Once fully heated, serve immediately in soup bowls. Top each bowl of soup with cubed avocado and chopped scallions.

My husband like to eat this cold as well. It's also great with crushed tortilla or corn chips on top!

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]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:40:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X6rifHY88huNSlmFkX7M1Jw <![CDATA[Autumn Giveaway! Win a $200 Gaia Conceptions Gift Card]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7E4BISCj2csZVjH6qdYdAk

I may cling to summer with the tips of my fingernails, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love getting a few new pieces of really great fall clothing as the seasons change. You guys know how much I love our long time partner and friend Gaia Conceptions' gorgeous, sustainable clothing, and I'm very excited to team up with them again to give you one of you a $200 gift card to grab some new fall pieces for yourself! (Scroll down to enter!)

Use the form below, and/or do the easy entry on on Instagram right here. There are several options for extra entries as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run through the end of this Saturday September 17, 2022. It is open to Bubby and Bean readers worldwide. All entries from the Rafflecopter form above and Instagram will be combined. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced here by end of day the following Monday.

Thank you to our friends at Gaia Conceptions for giving the Bubby and Bean family another chance to own some of their stunning apparel!

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]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2022 14:30:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X7E4BISCj2csZVjH6qdYdAk <![CDATA[Almond Butter Oatmeal]]> https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5Fc5ag4-7WR8b1naedg1wr

This super simple, semi-homemade oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings when you want something that will keep you full until lunch. It's healthy too, and my kids love it!

Almond Butter Oatmeal
Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons almond butter
3 cups water
1 cup quick Irish oatmeal
2-3 tablespoons real maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
sliced bananas and strawberries to top

To prepare oatmeal, follow instructions on oatmeal packaging. (For quick Irish oatmeal, which is what we prefer, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of oats, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.) When oatmeal is cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of almond butter. (Trader Joe's Raw Almond Butter is our favorite.) Add 2-3 tablespoons of real maple syrup and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Pour into bowls, and top each bowl with drizzled almond butter, drizzled maple syrup, banana and strawberry slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

My daughter even likes this for dinner. Enjoy!

ALSO FIND US HERE: INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:44:00 +0200 https://api.follow.it/track-rss-story-click/v3/vfDJYigB9X5Fc5ag4-7WR8b1naedg1wr