The Great Pumpkin. Or, what to do with all that candy.

Don't want to rot your kid's teeth with all that sugar? Not to mention all the bad stuff that's in your average Halloween candy. I just heard that over a billion dollars a year is spent on Halloween candy! That's crazy!! When I heard that, it made me sad that all that money is going to support something so incredibly unhealty. I'm all for treats--really I am. Just not frankenfood and dyes and gmos, etc. And I can't help but think how great it would be if all that money was going into the organic foods industry instead.

Anyway, here's what I do. I tell my son he can take 2 or three pieces out of his loot. Then we put the rest in a paper bag on the porch for the Great Pumpkin. The Great Pumpkin takes the candy during the night and leaves behind a small gift for my son to discover in the morning. It makes for a really fun tradition and the gift can be anything from a new pair of jammies to whole grain cookies to a small toy. Do You have any special tricks for keeping unhealthy treats away?

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Nicobella Organic Chocolate Confections: The Grown Up Treat

Nicobella Truffles are an exciting grown up treat, confirming that decadence can also be healthy. They caught my eye because I noticed the Pumpkin Chai truffle, and thought--how festive! And healthy! Created by Nichole Dandrea and produced by Theo Chocolates, Nicobella Vegan Confections come in a box of six interesting, original flavors.

Each truffle contains ingredients known for their antioxidant clout, like blueberry and green tea. My personal favorites are the Pumpkin Chai (of course!) and the Blueberry. I'm super big on not sacrificing health for my treats, and quality, healthful organic ingredients not only make things taste better, but allow you to feel good about eating it.

Keep a stash of these on hand for Halloween and really treat yourself. They'd also be great for Thanksgiving or make a wonderful gift for vegans and just anyone who loves deep rich good taste. For 15% off a 3-box purchase, enter the promo code: TREAT (ends November 7).

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Berlin inspired Pumpkin Soup

While hanging out in Berlin a few years ago, I went to one of my favorite restaurants, Abendmahl (translation: Last Supper). You would never know from the website, but it's one of the most bizarre and creative restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. To give you an idea, the desserts at one time were all murder scenes--and they were ingenious.

The last time I was there, it was about this time of year and a bit cold outside. I ordered Pumpkin Soup and it was so wonderful I was determined to come home and recreate it. Which I did! Every time I make it, it brings me fond memories of Berlin. Here is a very loose recipe if you care to give it a try. I throw in a couple of cans (totally optional) because getting the meat out of a pumpkin can be time consuming. Feel free to just use more fresh pumpkin.

Loose Recipe:

1 small onion, chopped

1 sugar pie pumpkin

2 cans organic pumpkin (I like Trader Joes BPA free cans)

vegetable broth

salt and pepper

dash of cinnamon

soy cream

Chop pumpkin into small pieces--I find it easiest to put the pumpkin, whole, in the oven for 45 minutes, then the meat comes right out. Saute chopped onion. Add pumpkin and broth, and seasonings. Let simmer until color and flavors deepen. Add soy cream into bowl last (it's not a good idea to add the cream to the pot as it curdles).

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Charlie and Lola Halloween Sticker Book

Lola is having a hard time deciding what to be for Halloween. She's not alone! My son changes his costume idea pretty much daily. We've run the gamut from ghost, alligator, astronaut to wizard to name a few. It's actually kind of fun to watch kids change their minds and become enchanted with new ideas, however fleeting.

In the pages of My Halloween Sticker Stories, Lola contemplates costume ideas, grows a pumpkin from seed, and deals with a big disappointment in a positive way. The book comes with a couple of pages of stickers which is always exciting for my four year old. You can't go wrong with Charlie and Lola and they are extra fun on holidays.

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Spun City Organic Cotton Candy

When is the last time you had cotton candy? For me it's been years--I don't even remember. As a little girl, it was my absolute favorite. I'll never forget watching that stick swirl around those big machines growing that spool of cotton candy. I'd slowly pull off a piece, savoring the smell. Then I'd let it melt on my tongue--pure magic.

In my quest for some healthier options for Halloween candy, I stumbled across Spun City Organic Cotton Candy. The flavors and colors are fruit and vegetable based, and it's certified organic--no artificial colors, preservatives, or dyes. So while it's not exactly on par with broccoli, I think it's fine for an occasional treat. There is something to be said for the nutritional value of emotion.

I told my son, "I have something very special to share with you, this was was my favorite treat when I was a kid." I tore off a little piece and said, "Just let it melt in your mouth." He was completely fascinated, just like I was (and still am). There's nothing else like cotton candy.

My favorite flavor is the Cherry Vanilla. It smells and tastes wonderful--not overpowering. A whole bag (big enough to share) is 110 calories, which I think is miniscule. You can find it at the Natural Candy Store.

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Dreamy Dandelion Dishes

My son has a dandelions fetish--after they turn into those wonderous wish blowing puff balls. He spots one, and as though he's never seen one before, lights up and runs to snatch it up. That kind of being-in-the-moment is inspiring and I love watching him fill with joy over these little marvels of nature. Even though Fall is here, there are still some left, and they are still greatly prized.

When I saw these dishes at CB2, I didn't hesitate to buy them for my son. We use them every day and they bring a little nature and childlike awe inside. I love them and wanted to share them with you before they are all gone. The photo above is all I could find, but if you click on the link, you can see some much better images.

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Calming Blue Bamboo

This print, by Frank Carter, is on my wall. I find it deeply soothing and pleasing to look at. Sometimes it stops me dead in my tracks. I've had the pleasure of hanging out in bamboo forests and for me it was a magical experience that I hold dear in my memory.

With the holidays coming up fast, I have to catch myself when excitement turns into stress and overwhelm. One of my tricks is to focus on a calming image, or conjure one up in my mind. They say that true peace does not come when you're meditating, but when you are able to find it amidst chaos. I'm still working on that! What are Your tools for calm?

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