Increasing Your Milk Supply

photo credit

A few days ago I mentioned in a post that I could not nurse my first child like I wanted to. So, this time around I made it a point to do all I could to be able to nurse my baby girl. With my first, I assumed I would be able to nurse easily but I learned quick that it is a learned process. It's not an effortless art to everyone. So this time, I set my mind to it, I prayed, and then I turned to the God-given foods and herbs within arm's reach to help me out.

There are lots of things people say to do. For example:

• Nurse often. In the first few weeks especially, your baby will need to suck often. As hard as it is on your body (and your sanity!), you need to let them nurse as much as they want. Why? The more your little one nurses, the more milk you will produce. From one who is less than four weeks in, I will tell you that the days are long and the nights are hard. Sometimes you may feel like all you do is feed your baby, but it will pass. ---and I say this to encourage myself too.
     
• Eat and eat healthy. Breastfeeding moms need an extra 500 calories on top of the 1800-2000 calories they operate on a day. It's been said that if your body is making milk, it is the equivalent of running a marathon! So...we need sustenance. If you're hungry, EAT. And though you can indulge in a milkshake and Dove chocolate, it's important to eat as healthy as possible. Whatever you eat, baby eats.
     
• Pump. Invest in a good pump. Preferably a double electric pump. If you pump after your baby nurses, it will send messages telling your body to produce more. Plus, as you make more milk, you will be able to store it which will allow others to feed your baby and give you a break. Double win. :)
     

If you're like me when I had my first, those three things may not be enough. So here are a few more ways to boost your milk supply.

• Mother's Milk Tea by Traditional Medicinals is something I purchased right before my baby girl was born. It is a sweet and spicy, slightly bitter-tasting tea that is full of herbs like fennel and coriander.  Personally, I'm not fond of the taste and so I add honey and lemon to it. But it's worth it and it may be tasty to you.
    
• As I posted the other day, Lactation cookies are a delicious way to boost your milk supply. Courtesy of Pinterest, and tasty as all get out, these cookies are AH-MAZE-ING.
    
• If you read my post on pregnancy supplements, you will remember my singing the praises of Red Raspberry Leaves. Along with providing relief for women who have painful or heavy periods, and strengthening the uterus and prepping the body for childbirth, Red Raspberry Leaves also aid in milk supply.
       
• Fenugreek capsules is something I tried after my first was born but I think I was too far gone by that time and I gave up. This time, I began taking Fenugreek immediately after my baby girl was born and slowly increased the dosage. Many women claim to see a significant increase in their milk production in the first 24-72 hours!

There is much more you can look into and try. Oatmeal, Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa, papaya, Flax, water, spinach, carrots, Hummus, apricots - there are lots of foods and herbal supplements available that will help us, lactating mothers, produce more! Happy lactating! :)

Lactation Cookies

Pinterest deserves my profound gratitude. I discovered this wonderful recipe a few months before baby girl made her appearance and I made the decision immediately that I would try them out.

With my first child, I couldn't nurse like I wanted to. So I gave up and we went to formula. This time around, I resolved to do everything I could think of to prepare for breastfeeding and to boost my supply. And out of all the things I have done, this is my favorite! ---though that's probably because I am a sucker for a chocolate chip cookie! So for all of you mommies-of-babies out there, here is a delicious recipe for some mouth-watering lactation goodness! Oh and if you are not pregnant, don't worry, this won't make you produce milk. My husband eats them too! ;)


Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 3/4 c. rolled oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 c. peanut butter (organic peanut butter is best)
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. ground flax seed
3 T brewer’s yeast (can be found online or at your local healthfood store)
1/3 c. water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
2 c. chocolate chips (organic chips are recommended but I didn't have any on hand)
1 c. chopped nuts of your choice (I left mine out)

Directions:
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. In a large bowl, beat almond butter, butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, brewer’s yeast, flax and water until creamy. Mix in eggs. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips. Slowly mix in oats. Place Tbsp.-sized balls of dough onto greased cookie sheets. Press down each ball lightly with a fork. Bake 12 minutes at 350F. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

Supplements and Vitamins I Took While Pregnant

I am not a doctor, midwife, herbalist, or anything of the like. 

 The information in this post is just that - information. 

 This is simply what I have learned and what I tried in my pregnancy. 

 Do your own research before you take any supplements or herbs.

Contrary to my first pregnancy, I took a lot of vitamins while pregnant the second time around. In my first pregnancy, I wasn't consistent in taking my prenatals (probably because I was too consumed with trying to find a way to combat the acne I suffered!). This time, however, I made a vow that I would be religious in taking whatever vitamins and herbal supplements I felt was necessary to make my pregnancy and, more importantly, my delivery as smooth and as healthy as possible. And I'm so glad I did!!


Prenatal Vitamins

For my prenatal, I simply took Spring Valley's Prenatal Multivitamin. Later, I also tried the Rainbow Light Prenatal Multivitamin tablets. Next time around, I plan on using Rainbow Light again.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair, bone growth, healthy skin, and helps your body fight infection. It also helps the body absorb iron and, in pregnancy, it keeps the amniotic sack strong. It is suggested that pregnant women take at least 85 mg of vitamin C per day.


Calcium

Calcium is, of course, essential for bone health, but it also benefits the kidneys, blood pressure, and can even prevent certain type of cancers! When I was little, I developed an allergy to milk, so drinking milk has never been a part of my diet. I would enjoy a little ice cream here, and a few slices of cheese there, but I was always careful not to overdo. As I grew up, I learned how to handle milk products more and more but I never could develop a taste for straight milk. So suffice it to say, Calcium is very important for me to take. In this pregnancy, I found myself craving ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and chocolate milk often and my husband was always intentional in reminding me that I needed as much calcium as possible. I took Calcium supplements every day and allowed myself to indulge (not gorge!) in whatever "calcium cravings" I acquired.


Evening Primrose Oil

Once I hit the 37 week mark and was considered full term, I began taking Evening Primrose Oil. Many midwives and dulas suggest taking Evening Primrose Oil to help prepare the cervix for labor. Some take it before they are full term, but I tend toward the cautious side because the oil has been proven to induce labor in some women. So I began taking one, sometimes two, 500 mg pills a day, beginning at 37 weeks. It took only a little over one week for my cervix to be completely ripe and ready.


Red Raspberry

I honestly think this was the most important thing I took. After clearing it with my OB/GYN, I began taking Red Raspberry supplements once I was full term. I chose Natures Way Raspberry Leaves and after reading that you can take up to 4500 mg of Red Raspberry a day, I began taking four a day and increased to six a day, taking two at breakfast, two at lunch, and two at bedtime. Red Raspberry has an abundant supply of calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Some women use raspberry leaf for painful periods, morning sickness, preventing miscarriage, and easing labor. I had read numerous stories of women who had all-natural births that were easier than previous births and contributed it to red raspberry leaves. I also bought Raspberry Leaf Tea. I'm not a big tea drinker, but I enjoyed sipping this tea every day. What Red Raspberry does in pregnancy is prepare and strengthen the uterus for labor. With your uterus stronger, each contraction is able to achieve more. It also helps the uterus clamp down easier and deliver the placenta without much help (massaging, etc). Another benefit of Red Raspberry is that it aids in milk supply, eases postpartum pain, and contributes to the female system in its entirety. Does it sound like I'm a believer?? I am. This was my first all-natural birth and, though painful, it was unbelievably easier than my previous, MEDICATED birth.

Naturally, I give all credit and glory to the Lord for giving me a healthy pregnancy and bringing me through delivery. I'm not putting my trust in Red Raspberry or any other vitamin or herb I took, but I am very thankful for the things God has given us in nature that aid our health and help strengthen our bodies.

Homemade Spray Cleaner

If you like using natural cleaning products, I highly recommend trying this out! I love mine.

You will need:

 spray bottle
 2 T White Vinegar
 1 t Borax
 Hot water 
10 drops of essential oil
a few drops of a mild dish detergent (optional)


Mix vinegar, borax and hot water until borax is completely dissolved. Pour into your spray bottle. Add the essential oil (I like using lemon or rosemary) and dish detergent. Gently shake. Aaaaand there you go!



This post is linked to: Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies, and Growing Home

Natural Conditioner - Coconut Oil

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to the no-poo method of shampooing:

Baking soda. Vinegar. Water.

I loved it! However, my husband (who has a keen sense of smell) wasn't particularly fond of my hair carrying a whiff of vinegar. So what's a frugal natural-wanna-be to do?? Alas!

To take the place of the vinegar, I have introduced Coconut oil to my daily hair regimen.

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* Coconut oil contains Vitamin-E. Nearly everyone knows the importance of vitamin-E for skin and hair. It keeps scalp and skin healthy and hair rejuvenated.
   
* Coconut Oil has a high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This prevents breakage of hair.
  
* Coconut Oil also has very good anti dandruff agents with its fatty acids. A regular application can help you get rid of dandruff for ever.

After you get out of the shower, drop a pea sized amount in one hand and rub together. Then evenly distribute through hair, using a comb if you can. Do not put more than a pea sized amount. Trust me.
There are so many health benefits in using coconut oil! Do your own research and be amazed.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I FINALLY made my own laundry detergent. I've been wanting to do that for quite a while and today was the day. :) Here is the recipe I used:
 

Powdered Laundry Soap:

* 2 cups finely grated soap (Ivory, Fels Naptha, Zote, homemade, or a combination. As you can see in the picture, I used Fels Naptha.)
* 1 cup borax
* 1 cup washing soda

Mix and store in a coffee can or what have you. Use 1-2 Tbs per load.

Yes....it's that simple. :) I like using powdered laundry soap. However, if you prefer liquid (and I plan to try it out to see if I like homemade better than store-bought), then below is the recipe:
 
      
Liquid Laundry Soap:

* 2 cups finely grated soap
* 1 cup borax
* 1 cup washing soda
* water and bucket (1 gallon)

1. If you tried the powder version and want to switch that batch to liquid, cook it all in the saucepan together over medium until the soap melts OR if your ingredients are still separate, melt the soap over medium in a few cups of water and add the rest right after you take it off the heat and stir to dissolve.


2. Pour in pail and add enough HOT water to equal one gallon. Stir well.


3. Let set up overnight.


4. Stir. It will be a soupy gel.


5. Use between 1/4c and 2 cups per load.

This stuff also works well as a pre-treater.

It's Fun Buying Cloth Diapers!

I am just loving cloth diapers. Even more, I love BUYING cloth diapers, diaper covers, and accessories.

LOVE IT.

Such fun! It takes restraint to keep from buying one (or two! or three!) of everything! Anyway, here is the latest of my cloth adventures.

Last week, I found myself in need of a few more diaper covers for Nathan. I currently own two Bummis Super Lite, (one small and one medium), one Blueberry Coverall, and two Imagine covers. The Bummis is great, but it is always possible that a leak may occur, so Nathan only wears that one at home. I really like the Blueberry coverall, especially the adorable pattern of monkeys that I purchased, but I do not like how the top usually turns inward, leaving a little mark on N's tummy from time to time. :( The Imagine covers have been my favorite, so I made a point to get one more. Then I decided to purchase a Thirsties cover. My friend has been raving about them, so I decided to give it a try. I was so happy when I found my package in the mail yesterday! Here is what I got:

I purchased one, Thirsties diaper cover (medium) for Nathan and I LOVE it!
Nathan is currently wearing it as I type this. It is very soft and easy to clean.
It is similar to the Imagine covers, but....different in its own awesome way.
Super awesome! Thank you, Sarah!

I knew I loved the Imagine one-size covers, so I bought another.

The only difference is that instead of the Hook and Loop closures that I

already own, I went with a snap closure. At first, it was a bit confusing

because the adjustable rise is also snaps! So.....yeah. But after a minute, all was well.

Next I purchased liners. I had never tried these before so I was curious

if they would meet a need I have. I have been afraid of taking off on the road

with cloth diapers because it is nearly impossible to clean the soiled (and dirty!) diapers

when you are not home, or have easy access to a washer. It's just.....difficult.

But I looked at the Flushable diaper liners and thought, "Hmmm, maybe?"

So I bought 100 of the Imagine Biodegradable Liners (for less than $6.00).

Today, I used them for the first time and....so far, so good. It needs a bit of

tweaking, but I definitely am happy with my purchase!

So there is the latest. I am planning to try out the Bumkins cover next, as well as purchase a second wet bag. I'll be blogging on those items next time!

Juices & Smoothies || Almond Banana & Apple Celery

As I've recently posted, I am a big fan of juicing. I am also a big fan of smoothies. There are plenty of less-than-tasty things that GREATLY aid in health that can be "smuggled" into a smoothie (i.e. cottage cheese, cod liver oil...) Saturday, while I was at Sam's, I saw a book called, "100 Best Smoothies and Juices" for $4.99. Umm...YES! I had to buy it and I have already made one smoothie and one juice from its list that I will now HAPPILY share with you!


Almond-Banana Smoothie

1 cup of almonds
2 1/2 cups of milk (recipe calls for dairy-free)
2 ripe bananas
1 tsp Vanilla extract
dash of ground cinnamon

Put the almonds into a food processor or blender and process until very finely chopped. Add the milk, bananas, and vanilla and blend until very smooth and creamy. Pour into glass and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Serves 3-4 (you can also freeze what you don't use for later use!)

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium. They are also high in folic acid, which makes it great during pregnancy. They are good for the brain, the heart, the skin, regulate cholesterol and blood pressure, helps fight cancer and diabetes, and it's an energy booster! WOW!

Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B, iron (which makes it great for Anemia), fiber, and they help the body fight off depression, heartburn, and even morning sickness! They are good for the kidneys and they help our body absorb calcium.

Apple-Celery Juice

2 apples
2 sticks of celery

Using your juicer, juice both the apple and the celery and enjoy!

OR

finely dice both the apple and the celery
add 1 1/4 cups of milk
a pinch of sugar
a pinch of salt

Put all the above ingredients into your blender or food processor and blend until thoroughly combined. Pour into glass, add ice, and enjoy!

Apples regulate blood sugar and are good for bone health, asthma aid, and they fight lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and supply galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin.

Celery is known to contain at least eight families of "anti-cancer compounds," one of which is acetylenics which has been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Celery helps break up gall bladder stones and fight inflammation, along with promoting healthy kidney function.

Juicing for Baby

The other day, I had some apples and oranges that were about to go bad. To my shock, I realized that it had been quite a while since I had juiced any fruits or vegetables. So I pulled out my juicer to make me some fresh juice. While I poured my glass, I thought, "My goodness, my baby boy is a big boy...and I bet he will LOVE this." So I poured some into his sippy-cup and handed it to him. OH MY GOODNESS. You'd have thought I'd handed him the moon. He loved it. He drank it all quicker than he has ever drank anything. And boy, was I proud! Of course, I called my husband and my Mom to tell them all about it! Every time he does something new, my momma-heart swells up and I want to go brag on how awesome and smart my kid is. :) I'm sure you mommies understand exactly what I mean. :)

The next day, I pulled my juicer out again. For two months I have been trying to get carrots into Nathan...to no avail. He does not....like....carrots. Of course, I don't blame him. I have never liked them either. However, I love carrot juice, especially mixed with apple. So, I pulled out an apple, a bag of baby carrots, and made me and him some carrot-apple juice. Again, I poured the juice into his sippy-cup, handed it to him....and held my breath (and prayed!).

And he drank.....and drank.....and drank.....with a smile.

VICTORY!!!!

Juicing fruits and vegetables is SO easy, surprisingly delicious, and unbelievably healthy. I owe my health to juicing. I used to be sick almost constantly. Every cold or sickness that came around, I caught. I was sluggish and lacked energy. Then my family began juicing and now? I rarely get sick! My sisters began injesting vegetables that were avoided at all costs before! :) It became a game to create concoctions, trying to come up with the tastiest and healthiest juice (or smoothie!). So I HIGHLY recommend going out and getting yourself a good juicer. You will reap the benefits, I assure you!

Below is a small list of juices that I have made. Happy Juicing!!

• Carrot/Apple juice
          
• Strawberry/Spinach (use baby leaf spinach)
        
• Apple/Celery/Carrot
      
• Carrot/Blueberry
            
• Strawberry/Blueberry/Blackberry
     
• Apple/Orange
          
• Orange/Spinach/Peach/Carrot

Cloth Diaper Purchases

Okay, so I am nearly a month into 85% cloth diapering. I say 85% because when we go out, I still use disposable most of the time and Nathan wears a disposable to bed. But I am slowly on my way to becoming "cloth exclusive." So today I decided to share what I have bought and the products that I have come to love, thus far (there are so many!).

Nearly a month ago, I spent a grand total of $92.82 for cloth diapers and accessories. You may be thinking, "$92.82?? For diapers? That's quite expensive...." Well, it was a chunk of money that I didn't fully enjoy spending (I'm very frugal), but I am SO SO SO SO pleased with my purchases. AKA - it was money WELL spent! :) When you calculate the cost of disposable diapers vs. cloth, cloth diapers come out on top every time. :) Here is an awesome chart to better understand the amount of money you save when you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. Oh and for the record, I am NOT against disposable! I have several packages in my house. My reasons for using cloth are 1) because it's cheaper (and who doesn't love that?!), 2) because it's more natural and free of chemicals, and 3) because they are the ultimate in recycling. Here is a very interesting article with facts on cloth vs. disposable. Beware, some of it will make you go - EW!

So with all that said, moving on....

Having only one, very small diaper cover, I knew I needed to buy at least three more in the next size for Nathan. So after browsing around for what seemed like hours (....and it might have been), looking at the various functions and styles, I ended up getting one, Bummis Super Lite diaper cover, one Blueberry Coverall One Size, and two Imagine One Size diaper covers. I'm very practical, so of the four diaper covers I bought, three were solid-colored and could be used for a boy or a girl. But I did spend a few extra dollars on the fourth one because I just couldn't resist the oh-so-cute pattern....monkeys.
                   

After purchasing the covers, I knew I needed more cloth diapers. I wanted to have enough to last two, maybe even three days should something prevent me from being able to wash every day. So I purchased two dozen Imagine Indian Prefold diapers. Love them. They are very soft and are thicker than the Wal-Mart brand cloth diapers and they look so much more comfortable. If I were a baby, I would much rather have them on my bottom than disposable. I am very glad that I purchased two dozen as well, as that makes it where I wash one load of cloth diapers - with covers - every other day. If I had to, and I haven't had to yet, I am sure I could make it every two days, but I don't like having soiled diapers in the pail for that amount of time. Ew....

To top it off, I bought one wet bag. There were - and are - so many to choose from, but I ended up getting the Bumpkins Zippered wet bag which I am VERY pleased with. I used it for the first time last weekend when I spent the night with my family while my husband was out hunting with friends and I am officially happy with it (I was nervous at first!).  In fact, I will most likely be buying a bigger one in the future. The wet bag is for storing the soiled diapers (and clothes if need be). It is leak-proof and smell-proof (glory be!) and very easy to manage. I had it hooked to my diaper bag and never had a problem with it.

I have found it to be incredibly easy to use cloth diapers. There are many websites you can go to in order to buy various cloth diaper products, but MY personal favorite is NickisDiapers.com. Do your own research. You may find a place that better serves you, but I was incredibly impressed with Nicki's Diapers and will be using it more in the future. :)

So there's the cloth update! I'm loving it and....judging by the boy's face....I think he loves it too.

The Arena of Cloth Diapering

I was really gung-ho about cloth diapering.....until I actually HAD my baby. After quite an, um, interesting labor and delivery, I was completely out of it the first week we were home. Then I became busy trying to learn how to be a mommy; meaning how to function on very little sleep and being alone with the constant demands of a small person. Apart from that, I was enormously blessed by cases (I will repeat - cases!) of diapers. I had so many that I ended up giving three packages of newborn diapers away! When Nathan finally reached size 1 in diapers, I still had newborns left over that I had never even opened. Talk about a blessing!! Anyway, several months ago, Hannah sent me some prefolds and a Bummie. They have been sitting on the shelf of my changing table and I have been summoning up the courage to go for it. Today was the day. After spending an hour reading on cloth diapering and EC (elimination communication), I have made it a goal to switch to cloth diapers. Of course, that doesn't mean I will refuse disposable. When we are on the road or something, I will more than likely be using disposable much - if not all - the time. But, for now, I am officially stepping into the cloth diapering arena. I have the older cloth diapers that you put on with the pins as well as the plastic cover but Hannah introduced me to Bummies, All in Ones, and the latest, more modern approach to cloth diapering. Up front, they are expensive. But in my reading, I see that they are well worth the bucks if you stick to it. You wash and reuse them and they will last and last....for more than just your one kiddo. That totally beats $20+ a pack for disposable which will be gone in a week. After Christmas, I am planning on buying one of the All in One diapers to see if I like them, as well as another diaper cover. I also would like a diaper tote which will make it easier (and less stinky!) while on the road.

Speaking of stink, my diaper pail REEKS!! Baking soda just doesn't cut it. So... I just found a very good "stink-master." What is it? So genius. Essential oils. Make sure it's ESSENTIAL oil. I used lavender which is my current favorite on my shelf. I drip a few drops in the pail before I place the bag in. Then, I may put a drop IN the bag. I just started it and it helps a lot. If any of you mommies have more suggestions, let me hear them. :)

So anyway, back to cloth diapering. This afternoon, I gave Nathan a bath, then placed the prefold and the Bummie diaper cover on him. Can I say C.U.T.E! Apparently, he didn't notice the change. He was quite happy and I instantly felt that wonderful feeling a woman gets when she realizes that she CAN do something utterly intimidating. I still don't know what the big deal was. I'm no stranger to cloth diapers. My Mom used cloth diapers a lot with my sisters. Regardless of the WHY, I am a happy momma right now. This also makes me feel like tackling a big mountain soon: EC. As I mentioned above, EC stands for Elimination Communication. A few months ago, I bought the book, The Diaper Free Baby. Intriguing, isn't it? After hearing about a couple who had their 3 month old baby potty trained, I was like, "Whaaa?" and decided to look into it. Obviously, Nathan is not potty trained, but I have been reading up on the idea and it is very fascinating. Basically, infants are born with the ability to communicate their need to "go," just as they communicate hunger or sleepiness. The author is a mother of two children who were diaper-free at eighteen and fifteen months! The book is all about teaching parents how to identify and respond to their baby or toddler's natural cues. It is another facet of "Attachment Parenting" which includes baby wearing, co-sleeping, and breastfeeding. So, come the new year, I just may attempt the impossible and see if that actually works.

FOR NOW, though, hooray for cloth diapering! Puh-lease pray for me as I go at it with full force! :)

Spinach Smoothie

Lately, I have been trying to make changes in my diet. For a while, I have preferred healthy things but it is so easy to grow lazy and choose convience over health, especially when you live in a small town with not a lot of options for healthy or organic food. But I have resolved to take baby steps in bettering my health. I have a good start anyway seeing how we have no sodas in our house, we use butter instead of margarine, I juice fruits and veggies, etc. But there is still so much more so I am slowly dismissing the bad stuff and adding the good stuff.

The other day I started making spinach smoothies. YUM! Let me tell you, you will be surprised what you can sneak into a smoothie to improve your health. I love fresh baby spinach but some of the things I have been putting IN my spinach smoothie makes me gag just thinking about it. However, I will camouflage those things in my smoothie, add a little honey and vanilla and fresh fruit and - TA DA! - I'd never know those "nasty things" were in there. Below is my recipe for my spinach smoothie.

• 1 cup of packed baby spinach
• 1 Tbs of plain Yogurt (Yogurt boosts your immunity and contributes to colon health.)
• 1 Tbs cottage cheese (Yep. Believe it or not, cottage cheese is a cancer fighter)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice (or any juice of your choice)
• 1 Tbs Flax Seed meal (Yet another cancer fighter. The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. It has a high amount of fiber and antioxidants.)
• 1/2 Banana
• 2 tsp Cod Liver Oil (I know, I know. Yuck, right? Well, mixed in with a smoothie, you won't be able to taste it AND you will reap the benefits. Cod Liver Oil promotes a healthy immune system, helps resist bacterial and viral infections, and is beneficial for eyesight and healthy skin.)
• 1/2 cup Almond Silk
• 2 Tbs raw Honey

Homemade Baby Wipes

I have not tried this yet (I currently have a case of wipes in Nathan's closet!) but I am anxious to. Not only are they cheap but I have heard that they are way gentler on a baby's bottom.

SO, I'm posting this to store for the day (soon!) when I WILL try it out!


Here’s what you need:

0.one package of cloth-like paper towels
1.2 cups of hot water
2.one tablespoon of baby wash
3.one tablespoon olive oil
4.one tablespoon lotion
5.one tablespoon white vinegar

Here’s how you make them:

1. Cut the paper towels in half lengthwise, using a serrated kitchen knife
2. Mix the water, oil, baby wash, lotion and vinegar together
3. Place half of the roll into a round tupperware-type container (shredded side down)
4. Pour water solution over the roll and put the lid on
5. (Don’t worry about the cardboard tube.) Let sit about 5 minutes, then turn upside down for 5 more minutes to saturate the roll.
6. Remove the cardboard roll, it will pull out easily
7. Now there all done- pull wipes from the middle to use



If any of you, mommies, try this out before I do, let me know what you think!

Homemade Pump Soap

At my kitchen sink, next to my detergent, I keep a bottle of pump soap to wash my hands with. Yesterday, I noticed I was out. That's when I got the brilliant idea to make my own. After all, I've been trying to go more natural. So, I began digging up ideas and ended making my very own bottle of pump soap....and it was SO easy!

First, I got a bar of ivory soap which is what we use (plus it is very high in Alkaline) and I grated it into a pot of water (1 pint of water to be exact).

Then I brought it to a boil, stirring constantly until all the soap pieces were melted.

TIP:  for a more yummy smell, I also added 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and melted it along with the soap.

Next, I pour it into a clear mason jar and put it in the fridge for two hours.

Next, I made a hole in the top lid.

I had some fabric stored away, so I pulled some out and cut out a piece.

After placing it above the lid, I screwed the top on and inserted my empty bottle's pump into the hole I had made. PERFECT!

Not bad for my first go at it!

Nature's Pharmacy

Carrots- A sliced carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye. Science shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow, thus aiding functions of the eyes.

Tomatoes - A tomato has four chambers and most of them are red. The heart has four chambers and is red. Research has shown that tomatoes are rich in lycopin, which can be considered pure heart and blood food.

Grapes - Grapes hang in cluster and has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research shows grapes are also a great heart and blood vitalizing food.

Walnuts - A walnut looks like a little brain. Up close, you can identify all the parts of the brain as well as the wrinkles and folds. We now know walnuts help develop more than 3 dozen neuro-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans – Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function. Take a close look and you will see that they do look like a human kidney.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb - All of these items look like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium (not to be confused with table salt). If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears - These foods target the health and function of the uterus and cervix of the female. These foods also are shaped and look like these organs. Scientific research has shown that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it can balance hormones, help shed unwanted birth weight, and help prevent cervical cancers. Also of interest---it takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit!

Figs - Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs are noted to aid in male fertility.

Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes look like a human pancreas and actually help balance the glycemic index of diabetes.

Olives - Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits - These fruits resemble mammary glands of the female and actually assist in their health.

Onions & Garlic – Onions look like the body’s cells. Research shows onions clear waste materials from all the body cells. Garlic also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.