Ingredients:
- 3 organic eggs
- handful of organic cilantro and parsley
- fistful of organic super greens
- organic butter
- 1 organic garlic clove
- Pinch of salt
Friday, May 17, 2013
Get Greens into your Toddler
I find it difficult to get greens into Oliver's diet... not because he is picky but because I typically eat my greens plain and that just doesn't appeal to Oliver. So I have become pretty creative with getting greens into his diet. He loves eggs... Egg yolks were his first solid food and to this day he loves his eggs in the morning. So here is how I make Green Eggs and Ham...lol (No ham in this recipe...)
Ingredients:
Melt some butter in your pan. I can not make eggs without butter it is sacrilegious in my family to use anything else.
Chop up your herbs very finely you could even use a food processor or blender.
Grab a fistful of greens...
And chop up those bad boys too...pretty finely.
Toss all greens and herbs into the hot butter.
Press or finely grate the garlic in with a pinch of salt.
Add in your eggs. I buy super eggs at the farmers market and they are always twins.
Scramble them up...
Keep scrambling...
And there you have it green eggs.
No complaints here...
Ingredients:
Less is MORE: The Baby Registry Illusion
Being a first time mom is quite overwhelming. You have no idea what to expect from labor & delivery to what your child will need or be like... It is a roller coaster to say the least.
If I could go back and change one thing it would be to buy so much less!
After the baby shower my husband and I went on our baby shopping spree like most (first-time) parents do. Overwhelmed by the plethora of things there are (mostly gimmicks) we quickly started buying everything we "thought" we would need...and we bought a lot of stuff. I have never dropped the amounts of money in stores like we did that day... $300 here and $500 there and we didn't even buy baby furniture like cribs, changing tables, and such. It is so crazy when you come to think about how much people really do spend on a baby.
After Oliver was born day after day, week after week, moth after month... I started to notice that most ( 99%) of the things I bought I NEVER used! The worst part you can never get a full refund for all you spend...bummer. I was able to return stuff for store credit, however I wanted/needed stuff not found in those stores...
So if I was to go back in time and re due my baby registry...it would look like this:
- K'tan Wrap (my favorite wrap for newborns up to 15 lbs.) www.babyktan.com
- A Girasol Wrap (for heavier baby) http://shop.paxbaby.com/girasol
- Ergobaby Carrier (http://store.ergobaby.com/) or Manduca Carrier (www.manduca-baby-carrier.eu) (for lond trips with heavy baby)
- Cloth Diapers (at least 25) www.alvababy.com
- Organic Bath Products
- NoseFrida Snotsucker www.fridababy.com/
- Ikea High Chair http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30069724/
- Bouncer http://www.babybjorn.com/products/bouncers/babysitter-balance/babysitter-balance
- Baltic Amber Teething Necklace http://hazelaid.com/collections/childrens-baltic-amber
- Car Seat - http://www.combiusa.com/Products/Car-Seats/Zeus-360/48
- Wooden Teethers and Toys
- Clothing nothing fancy
- A Cleaning Lady
- A Personal Chef
Why I Make My Own Baby Wipes...
So the story begins with me trying to conceive...I had some issues and decided to change my diet and remove dangerous chemicals from my products. One of the culprit chemicals that attacks your reproductive system are from the Paraben family. Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The family of Parabens include Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Heptylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben. Read more about the dangers of Parabens HERE. So what does this have to do with making baby wipes... Well most baby wipes contain them and I had no idea...
I received a case of Pamper's baby wipes for my baby shower. The case contains three bags of wipes inside that are unmarked and unlabeled. So when baby Oliver was born I asked my husband to get me some baby wipes and he brought me one of the bags. Since I was exhausted I did not think to investigate the ingredients in the wipes and since the bag had nothing on it I just ignored it. When I got myself together after the birth and started getting back into daily routine, I went to the room where all the baby stuff was. I picked up the case of baby wipes and the word Paraben jumped out and slapped me in the face. Here I am trying to protect my baby from these crappy chemicals and I have been washing his genitals with them for some time. I immediately threw them out....
I realized baby wipes are a new invention for convinced so I went online to see if anyone else made their own baby wipes. I found out a lot of people do. Some to save money, others to save the planet from waste, and some to save our babies from horrible chemicals.
So I found some online recipes and was quite happy with the results. Since I cloth diapered washing the wipes wasn't a big deal I just washed them with the diapers.
Here are some good ones:
http://wellnessmama.com/1459/homemade-baby-wipes-recipe/
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/mama-resources/expert-panel/diba-tillery-rn-bsn/making-homemade-baby-wipes
http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2012/05/10/cloth-wipes-diy-free-or-fancy/
http://simplehomemade.net/how-to-make-and-use-cloth-wipes/
Here are some good ones:
http://wellnessmama.com/1459/homemade-baby-wipes-recipe/
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/mama-resources/expert-panel/diba-tillery-rn-bsn/making-homemade-baby-wipes
http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2012/05/10/cloth-wipes-diy-free-or-fancy/
http://simplehomemade.net/how-to-make-and-use-cloth-wipes/
Since then, Oliver and I started venturing out more and I found it easier to carry a small spray bottle of diluted solution and dry wipes. I just spray him , wipe and then throw the wipes in our wet bag with the soiled diapers.
At home since Oliver started squirming around during diaper changes I found it much easier and much more hygienic to walk his tush and other parts in the tub after pooping...so I don't even use wipes at home. I just hold his tushy under the running water and soap him up.
Ladies I would highly recommended that you carefully read all your products as well as your baby's products to make sure these bad ingredients aren't in there. They are in almost EVERYTHING! What is crazy to me is that face creams I use to spend tons of money on contained them too. So just because something is pricey doesn't mean it is good. Don't be ignorant do research and protect yourselves from the poisons that these money making companies are trying to expose you to. I am not willing to be a guinea pig for no one especially when I am paying for the products. I hope I spread some awareness. Remember a good rule of thumb is if you would feel safe putting it in your mouth you shouldn't put it on your body. Your skin is a living organ, it absorbs everything you put on it...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
How to be an AWESOME house guest!
Most of us have had an experience with guests staying with us or being a guest at someone else's home...and when most people have friends or relatives coming to stay there is a negative vibe that comes out from them. We love our family and friends as long as they are not in our house...lol
So if you find yourself being a guest at someone's home here is a list of things you can do to make it a positive experience so they will happily want you back. :)
As you read these remember you are not paying to stay at a hotel...you are staying free at someone's home! Also remember that you may be on vacation but the people you are staying with might not be.
1. Be honest and give accurate and precise information on the duration of stay. Example: " I/We will be coming from June 20 to June 29, would that be okay?" Also make sure it is not inconvenient for them to pick you up from the the airport/train station/bus station... and let them know how many people/animals will be in total...don't show up with 20 friends or PETS :) unless you asked for clearance prior.
2. If the place you are staying doesn't have a great public transportation system...rent a car! Unless there is an extra car not in use where you are staying. Most people have to work, take care of kids, or just live their life. They don't need to be a chauffeur for you and they might not want their car being used all the time.
3. Be specific about your expectations...Will you be around all the time... or will you be gone most of the day and only sleep and shower there.
4. Always ask if you can help with anything...and TAKE INITIATIVE! If you see dirty dishes it won't kill you to clean them...and not only the ones you use. You can also offer to do laundry, take out the garbage, walk the dogs, watch the baby....see what the needs might be! If you are the owner of the home and someone offers you help, TAKE IT!
5. Don't eat food that is not yours...people have plans for things and when things go missing it is not a good thing... If someone says help yourself to "whatever"... do not take the last of anything! If you do, please replace it!
6. Try to keep your stuff organized and not make more of a mess of someone's home. Unless they have a maid LOL! I am sure no one wants their house all messed up and have to work more because you are a piggie.
7. Just because you want to eat out (or party) every night doesn't mean the people you are staying with do also... they might not be in a financial situation to go out... or just too tired. Also don't expect the people you are staying with to cook for you unless you plan on chipping in with the groceries. You are already staying for free... hotels don't feed you for free and you pay to stay there.
8. Do not bring anything illegal to someones home. That is just a dumb-ass thing to do. Don't ever put someone helping you in jeopardy. This should be common sense but you know...and try not to be intoxicated during your stay, especially if you can not handle yourself.
9. Before you do anything... ASK! Don't assume things are done a certain way.
10. Before you bring anything into the home....ASK! Don't assume that you can bring anything into a home that is not yours...
11. Look to see if there is something the people use frequently and purchase it for them (same brand just in case there is a reason for it)...a few groceries...toiletries... Just a nice gesture!
12. Bring each member of the family a small personal gift, even if you make it yourself... it shows you care!
13. Always leave as if you were never there! CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! I always try to leave places cleaner than what they were when I got there.
14. Remember someone has to wash the sheets, towels, and anything else you leave behind, so don't be careless.
15. If something is off limits... respect that!
16. Try not to linger around common areas all day... people have there routine and you just lounging in their way is annoying.
17. Don't hog the TV and computer.
18. Dress appropriately...no one needs to see you naked or half dressed around their home.
19. Don't complain about things out of your control... if the bed is uncomfortable don't complain unless you want to buy a new one for them.
20 Don't steal people's stuff or snoop through things...that is just wrong.
21. Respect people's sleep. Don't be loud and obnoxious after people have gone to bed. People have to wake up for work or school. Never wake a sleeping baby!
22. Always lock doors.. don't assume you can leave door unlocked. Not every neighborhood is safe.
23. Don't give advice on how people should live or do things in their home...this is not the time for that. If you really feel something has to change speak with the person you are closer with once you have left.
24. Don't cause conflict... try to be as diplomatic as possible. Bite your tongue!
25. Don't hit on anyone or sleep with anyone your not suppose to!
Specific reasons for visits...
If the person you are staying with just had a baby...
- Feed them and help clean their home... they just need to be with their baby. You do not need to be involved with the baby... that is the mother's job unless she asks you to do something. If they have older kids...take them out and help watch them (make it fun).
If the person you are staying with is sick...
-Feed them,help clean their home, and help them rest...and ask them what you can do to accommodate them in any way. Obviously this can vary depending on the illness/disease.
If the person you are staying with just got married...
- GO TO A HOTEL! :)
If you find that it is too much work to stay with someone... you might be better off at a hotel. You will have maids, room service and a lot more freedom. You get what you pay for!
So if you find yourself being a guest at someone's home here is a list of things you can do to make it a positive experience so they will happily want you back. :)
As you read these remember you are not paying to stay at a hotel...you are staying free at someone's home! Also remember that you may be on vacation but the people you are staying with might not be.
1. Be honest and give accurate and precise information on the duration of stay. Example: " I/We will be coming from June 20 to June 29, would that be okay?" Also make sure it is not inconvenient for them to pick you up from the the airport/train station/bus station... and let them know how many people/animals will be in total...don't show up with 20 friends or PETS :) unless you asked for clearance prior.
2. If the place you are staying doesn't have a great public transportation system...rent a car! Unless there is an extra car not in use where you are staying. Most people have to work, take care of kids, or just live their life. They don't need to be a chauffeur for you and they might not want their car being used all the time.
3. Be specific about your expectations...Will you be around all the time... or will you be gone most of the day and only sleep and shower there.
4. Always ask if you can help with anything...and TAKE INITIATIVE! If you see dirty dishes it won't kill you to clean them...and not only the ones you use. You can also offer to do laundry, take out the garbage, walk the dogs, watch the baby....see what the needs might be! If you are the owner of the home and someone offers you help, TAKE IT!
5. Don't eat food that is not yours...people have plans for things and when things go missing it is not a good thing... If someone says help yourself to "whatever"... do not take the last of anything! If you do, please replace it!
6. Try to keep your stuff organized and not make more of a mess of someone's home. Unless they have a maid LOL! I am sure no one wants their house all messed up and have to work more because you are a piggie.
7. Just because you want to eat out (or party) every night doesn't mean the people you are staying with do also... they might not be in a financial situation to go out... or just too tired. Also don't expect the people you are staying with to cook for you unless you plan on chipping in with the groceries. You are already staying for free... hotels don't feed you for free and you pay to stay there.
8. Do not bring anything illegal to someones home. That is just a dumb-ass thing to do. Don't ever put someone helping you in jeopardy. This should be common sense but you know...and try not to be intoxicated during your stay, especially if you can not handle yourself.
9. Before you do anything... ASK! Don't assume things are done a certain way.
10. Before you bring anything into the home....ASK! Don't assume that you can bring anything into a home that is not yours...
11. Look to see if there is something the people use frequently and purchase it for them (same brand just in case there is a reason for it)...a few groceries...toiletries... Just a nice gesture!
12. Bring each member of the family a small personal gift, even if you make it yourself... it shows you care!
13. Always leave as if you were never there! CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! I always try to leave places cleaner than what they were when I got there.
14. Remember someone has to wash the sheets, towels, and anything else you leave behind, so don't be careless.
15. If something is off limits... respect that!
16. Try not to linger around common areas all day... people have there routine and you just lounging in their way is annoying.
17. Don't hog the TV and computer.
18. Dress appropriately...no one needs to see you naked or half dressed around their home.
19. Don't complain about things out of your control... if the bed is uncomfortable don't complain unless you want to buy a new one for them.
20 Don't steal people's stuff or snoop through things...that is just wrong.
21. Respect people's sleep. Don't be loud and obnoxious after people have gone to bed. People have to wake up for work or school. Never wake a sleeping baby!
22. Always lock doors.. don't assume you can leave door unlocked. Not every neighborhood is safe.
23. Don't give advice on how people should live or do things in their home...this is not the time for that. If you really feel something has to change speak with the person you are closer with once you have left.
24. Don't cause conflict... try to be as diplomatic as possible. Bite your tongue!
25. Don't hit on anyone or sleep with anyone your not suppose to!
Specific reasons for visits...
If the person you are staying with just had a baby...
- Feed them and help clean their home... they just need to be with their baby. You do not need to be involved with the baby... that is the mother's job unless she asks you to do something. If they have older kids...take them out and help watch them (make it fun).
If the person you are staying with is sick...
-Feed them,help clean their home, and help them rest...and ask them what you can do to accommodate them in any way. Obviously this can vary depending on the illness/disease.
If the person you are staying with just got married...
- GO TO A HOTEL! :)
If you find that it is too much work to stay with someone... you might be better off at a hotel. You will have maids, room service and a lot more freedom. You get what you pay for!
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