Search Results for: blog post easter sugar high and low

The “Sugar High” Appears to be a Myth

There is a commonly held belief that children who are given too much sugar will immediately engage in hyperactive behavior. The concept seems to be that kids get a “sugar-high” from sugary treats and that this causes them to have a ton of extra energy. But, is that really what is going on? In the 1990’s Dr. Mark Wolraich, who is currently chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, was among the researchers that investigated sugar’s effect on children. They found that sugar does not appear to affect behavior in children. One study on this topic … Continue reading →

Affordable Easter Treats That Won’t Cause Cavities

When Peter Cottontail’s cousin comes hopping down the bunny trail this Easter he’s sure to leave behind a smorgasbord of sugary treats, much to the delight of your children… and their dentist. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with indulging in a few Easter goodies, parents may want to supplement their kids’ saccharine-laced haul with a couple of holiday treats that won’t cause cavities. Easter-themed books starring popular children’s literary characters are a wonderful alternative to gigantic jelly beans, colossal chocolate creatures and marshmallow menageries.  What’s more, you won’t have to go into debt purchasing these fun-filled page turners that are … Continue reading →

The Sugar Rush Cometh

It’s Halloween in spring; otherwise known as Easter. Only, instead of going door-to-door to collect sweet treats, kids run around like decapitated chickens hunting for plastic eggs filled with chocolate goodness under bushes, in trees and behind rocks. If parents are lucky, their children will actually make it back to the hunt’s home base with at least a few pieces of uneaten candy to show for their efforts.  The unlucky moms and dads are left to pluck their kids from wherever it is they decide to plant their tiny tushes mid-hunt and picnic from a basket bulging with marshmallow chicks, … Continue reading →

Let Them Eat Chocolate

I’ve confessed to my “Mommy addiction” in previous posts. It’s not Downton Abbey, Facebook or expensive leather handbags (though, I wouldn’t balk if Santa happened to leave a Hermes Birkin bag under the tree this Christmas). Rather, my obsession is much higher in calories: Nature Valley Dark Chocolate Granola Thins. A.K.A. Crunchy crack. Crispy, chocolatey, OOOOHHH-EMMM-GEEE! drool-on-your-keyboard crack. Don’t let the name fool you; the granola part is just a guise. The fact is; I’m all about the chocolate. I love me some chocolate… and so does my 8-year-old. Unfortunately, as parents we’re supposed to set good examples, so eating … Continue reading →

Surviving Spring Break

Day One of spring break and the living is easy. Day Two of spring break and the excitement of being out of school is still fresh. Day Three of spring break and the Easter sugar high is waning. Day Seven of spring break and mommy is ready to carpool… solo. Where are you on the spring break scale? My daughter’s Catholic elementary school breaks for nearly two weeks around the Easter holiday. This is great if you are traveling to Hawaii; not so much if you are stuck home for the entire school recess. If you are looking to preserve … Continue reading →

The Tale of Excess Easter Candy

Are your kids still on a sugar high from eating too much Easter candy? On Sunday, I gave my second grader fair warning: whatever candy she had not consumed by Tuesday would be given away or made into public property. Yes, mean mommy strikes again. Listen, I am just keeping it real. Whereas I truly appreciate the generosity of family and friends, who showered my daughter with sugary seasonal treats, what I don’t need is a house full of chocolate, jelly beans and bubble gum the likes of which we haven’t seen since Halloween. Forget about Easter being a spring … Continue reading →

Post-Easter Sugar High… and Low

Classes may be out for spring break, but my second grader got schooled big time on Easter Sunday. Thanks to the extreme generosity of parents, grandparents, neighbors and the Easter Bunny, my daughter received not one, not two, not three, but six different chocolate rabbits. While her haul could have been the basis of many lessons, including self-control, charity, gratitude, and the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, she instead spent Easter learning the difference between “solid” and “hollow.” As in, just because you receive a two-foot tall chocolate bunny dressed in a top hat, blue bow tie, and a cummerbund … Continue reading →

Punch and Fluff

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I am planning to flock the heck out of my Easter layouts this year. Thanks to the discounted flocking powder I purchased at a post-Christmas sale, my April page designs should be fuzzier than ever. What’s more, the upcoming holiday will also allow me to put my favorite paper punches to good use. I will be punching hearts, stars and swirls, then flocking them like a madwoman to add spice to my Easter pages. Flocking powder also comes in handy when you are looking for easy ways to make stamps pop. I often … Continue reading →

Easy Post-Holiday Recipes

How did you spend your Easter? Did you slave away cooking a holiday feast for an army of family and friends? If so, then you likely have no desire to spend a ton of time in the kitchen today. If you single handily put together a multi-course Easter extravaganza, then you shouldn’t have to break a sweat today. Instead, consider making the following super-easy recipes. They will allow you to put a homemade meal on the table without having to strap yourself back to the stove: CROCK POT BRATWURSTS Ingredients: 12 fresh bratwursts 2 tablespoons butter 1 red bell pepper, … Continue reading →

Easter Candy: Make Your Own Marshmallow Peeps

I feel like somewhat of an ignoramus this morning. I had no idea you could make your own peeps! I have a not so secret confession–I love peeps! I buy a package at every holiday. . .but now that I know I can make my own, this means I can make them all year round. . .in any shape I want. (I am thoroughly excited–can you tell?) So while you’re making your other Easter confections, why not consider trying to make a batch of peeps. I like the idea as an activity to do with kids because it requires using … Continue reading →