For many, budgets are getting tighter and tighter. Even if the current economic situation hasn’t much affected you personally, you may still be taking proactive measures to be more frugal which is certainly a smart move.

You may be wondering how you can start saving some money in various ways that will allow you to free up some space in your budget.

It basically comes down to two things:

1) Make More Money

2) Spend Less Money

Everything else is just minutiae, isn’t it?

Sometimes the second thing is far easier to control. Frugality is more about what you don’t do than what you do do (you know what I mean!). When you whiz by Starbucks, when you pass the snack aisle in the grocery store, when you stay home instead of going out, you practice #2.

But let’s talk about #1 for a second.

How do you find extra money where it doesn’t exist?

Basically it just takes a good idea.

photo credit: psyberartist

Everyone is good at something. Maybe you can make beautiful soaps. Maybe you sew. Perhaps you’re good at math and can tutor some kids. Whatever it is, start thinking of your skills.

Personally, I think every mom should have a blog.

It’s not a get rich quick kind of plan, it’s more of a long term thing, but still. It’s something that can bring in a side income and lead to other opportunities.

Just the other day I was talking with a mom who writes a fabulous blog. She works hard on it, she’s unique, she provides massive value, but she admitted that she’s not making much money.

My suggestion was for her to take some of her best posts and collect them into an ebook that she can sell. I told her the story of my first infoproduct, one that took me probably 6 hours total to finish up, but that has brought me passive income each and every month since.

Could you do that? Heck yeah.

I believe that every single one of us has a book inside of her.

There are also work from home job opportunities that require a bit of skill in some area  (writing, web design, bookkeeping, graphic design, etc). I belong to a site called Hire My Mom. I wrote a review of this site here.

While it does require a small investment to access the database, it is well worth it. The posts are organized nicely and you won’t have to search painstakingly through hundreds of scammy MLMs or paid survey sites or any of that.

I posted that on my first DAY of membership, I was hired by a client who I did some work for. She was a joy to work with and it was a great experience for me.

If you’re a writer, you can find opportunities to ghostwrite. Your blog can be a sort of resume for you.

If you are letting the idea of hiring a fancy blog designer or figuring out how to “do” a blog hold you back from starting, don’t.

Reliable Webs (my web host of choice) offers free blog installations for new hosting customers.

Go here to get more information and click on “Free Blog Installations”.

Now let’s talk about #2 for a second: Saving money.

Believe it or not there are a variety of do it yourself ideas that you can easily incorporate into your life that don’t cost much at all. Here are some great ideas to try out that will help your budget and free up some money for you.

Make your Own Clothes-ish

I’ll admit, I don’t have a creative bone in my body. I can sew on a button and almost do a hem, but other than that? Meh.

If you can sew, you’re probably already doing it. But you don’t have to sew your own clothing to save money on clothes.

There are all sorts of ways to make your clothes look new and different without sewing them from scratch or buying things new.

Just the other day while shopping at a vintage clothing store in my neighborhood, I was given a free printout with instructions on how to fix a T shirt that’s too big. I could totally do this!

Repurposing stuff is especially important if you have children, who need new wardrobes nearly every year. Search books at the library and websites for creative ideas. For example, you can buy a couple cheap tank tops at a thrift store and sew a twirly fabric skirt onto them, creating low cost sun dresses for your daughters.

My 6 year old daughter inspires me because she “shops” from her younger sister’s dresser. She will put on her sister’s cardigan and make it into a shrug.  She will put on a too-small tank top on top of another shirt and the effect is totally cute. (She didn’t get this creative dressing streak from me, but who cares?)

Got an old pair of jeans you don’t like anymore? You can turn them into a cute denim skirt fairly easily. Look at magazines like ReadyMade for inspiration.

If you need new clothes and you don’t know how to fit it in your budget, figure out ways to repurpose stuff you already have to save money. Or host a mom swap meet - where everyone brings stuff they don’t need anymore, and gets to shop for free! What an awesome way to keep stuff out of landfills and save money.

Grow (At Least Some) of Your Own Food

Groceries are getting more and more expensive as well. It’s hard to swallow when you go to the store and you find that simple food items have doubled in price.  Growing at least some of your own food can help you to save money - even if it’s just your herbs. Planting a window box or some tomatoes in a container garden is not expensive at all. You can get seeds from a gardening friend or even plants that have already been started.

Do More Cooking Yourself

No discussion on saving money is complete without mentioning this tip. Not only should you do more of the actual cooking yourself, but think in terms of food preparation too.

Anytime your food is touched by human hands (cut carrots, sliced watermelon, etc), it’s going to cost you.

Train your kids to help you in the kitchen if you don’t want to spend your whole life cooking. Keep meals simple. I don’t know about you, but my kids don’t care if I make smoothies for lunch or prepare some elaborate meal for them. As long as their bellies are filled, they’re good.

Make Use of Used Objects

Making use of used objects in your home can save you money as well as keep stuff out of landfills. Here’s an example.

When I moved into my new house, I didn’t have a medicine cabinet to store our toothbrushes like I did in the old bathroom. At the same time, I had a cute red teapot with a missing lid. I didn’t use the teapot anymore because the steam would escape out of the hole and cool too quickly.

So I put it in the bathroom and it make a perfectly cute toothbrush holder (the toothbrushes go into the big hole, not the little one. In case you’re wonderin’).

My glass blender recently got smashed to smithereens. I’m going to locate one to replace it while I shop at thrift stores and yard sales, but in the meantime?

This works just fine for now. (Yes, that’s an upside down Mason jar. It fits perfectly.)

The more you stretch your frugal creativity muscles, the stronger they become and the more fun you have.

Our Grandmothers drew lines on the back of their legs when they couldn’t afford stockings. We need to get a little of that attitude back!

And there are certain hidden benefits to being this cheap. I’ll give you an example. One day I was at Target and happened to find a bunch of toddler girl’s shirts on sale for $2. I bought several of them, only to find out later that these very shirts had been found to have high levels of formaldehyde in them.

Thankfully I had washed them before my daughter wore them, but still… big ick. I don’t have to worry about this when I buy clothing for her at thrift stores and yard sales.

There are other ways to come up with quick cash if you’re feeling the pinch.

1- Host a yard sale. Do it with a neighbor so it’s not so depressing, and you can attract more attention (and maybe trade some items!).

2 - Sell unneeded stuff on eBay or Craigslist.

3 - Cancel subscriptions you don’t need (magazines, cable, gym membership, etc).

4 - Call your credit card companies and ask them to reduce your interest rate. You would be surprised (as long as you have a good payment history) at how eager they may be to please you as a customer. Better yet, use the yard sale, eBay and Craigslist money to pay off your credit cards forever.

5- Figure out how to lower your monthly bills. A couple of months ago I killed my land line, and I don’t regret it in the least. I just ordered a Magic Jack and will let you know when I use it how I like it.

More ideas:

Sell your dryer and commit to using a clothesline or indoor drying racks (I did this several months ago, and my electrical bill is lower than anyone I know because of this one thing). Reduce your utility costs by being more aware of your usage.

Of course, it goes without saying that the very act of tracking your expenses is HUGE. I just decided to starting using a tool at PearBudget. I’ve used paper systems before and they work fine, but the advantage of an online tracking system is that it does the math for you.

If you’ve written a post recently about your strategies to reduce your expenses, please link to it in the comments. Thanks!

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Falling Income: How To Deal

photo credit: Finizio

I have found in this whole mothering gig that every time I ignore my strong instinct, I regret it.

This is just another example.

Today I came across this link from BBC News that points to the possibility that there is “No proof” that filling kid’s cavities does any good. According to the article:

“…anecdotal evidence gathered from the case notes of 50 dentists suggests filling baby teeth may achieve nothing but expose children to the discomfort of an injection and the sound of the drill.”

Obviously more research needs to be done. The article also mentioned:

“Professor Martin Tickle, of the University of Manchester, found no difference in the numbers of extractions for pain or infection whether baby teeth had been filled or not.”

Like Doctors, Dentists love to use scare tactics to frighten parents into doing unnatural, painful things with to their precious children. Things that go against every fibre of their moral sense.

Things like:

• You have to jab that child with a needle every couple of months starting from the time they’re 5 minutes old with a concoction of poisons so they won’t die of a loathsome disease.
• You have to tear that child away from your bosom before he or you are ready, so they will become “independent”.
• You must not let that child sleep in your bed or (gasp!) “use you as a pacifier” because you’ll make them needy.
• You have to send that child away to school so they can get  a “proper” (who the hell gets to decide what *that* is?) education.
• Oh and last but not least, you have to cut off nearly 80% of your son’s genitalia and reduce his sensitivity by 75% so he will be “clean”.

Then we find out from those very experts that this stuff is, well…

photo credit: holisticmonkey

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No Benefit to Filling Kid’s Cavities?

We walked outside to do who knows what, and she came running from across the street.

She was beautiful.

Gleaming blonde coat, perfect clean ears, even her paws looked pristine.

But no collar and no (we were to find out later) microchip.

Someone likely abandoned her.

So far we have been unable to find her owner.

We registered at Pets911.org.

We placed a call to the local shelter.

We sent word out with a local pet store owner who notifies her email subscribers of found dogs in our area.

Nothing.

It took Julien about 10 minutes to name her.

Sally.

I had no dog food to offer, but I did have beef stew.

She ate 5 bowls of it.

Sally likes my beef stew, apparently.

Can’t say as I blame her - it was made with homemade broth from turkey and chicken bones and full of brothy goodness!

We discovered quickly that she enjoys car rides and doesn’t get car sick.

Everything hasn’t been perfect, however.

As is typical of a puppy, she has tried her teething teeth out on me. Since she hasn’t been socialized properly (which would take place at her mother’s breast or with her littermates), she doesn’t yet know what kinds of behavior are unacceptable.

Curiously, she never nips at the children.

Just Momma - but I know what to do with a biting baby.

After a few days of lots of love and affection and some negative feedback when she nips me (First offense, I “yelp” an ouch sharply or spritz her in the face with water. Second offense, playtime is over!)

She has cut open my hands and arms several times.

A trip to PetSmart for some nice acceptable chewy things (and a pink collar) helped tremendously.

Although she is making her way into my heart, I fear that I can’t keep her permanently.

I’m not sure I have the resources (financial, time, energy) to care for a fifth baby.

I will not take her to a place where she may be “put down” (nice soft euphemism for killed!).

Did you know Craigslist doesn’t accept pet listings?

I do. Now.

This is one option.

I do want a dog, eventually.

When the timing is better.

Sadie is now terrified to go into the backyard and the kids are avoiding it too.

While they seem to love the puppy, the younger kids are intimidated.

They want to play with her, but Sally’s exuberance frightens them.

I know they would eventually get accustomed to a dog, but I would rather start out with a very young puppy that wouldn’t frighten my youngest.

I’m not sure what I would do when we go out of town - which we’re doing twice in the next few weeks.

There is the monthly vet visits, the neutering, the food.

She’s a Lab so she’ll get very large. My friend spends $70 a month on food to feed her Lab.

We will miss her.

If you know anyone in the Atlanta area who would like a sweet, devoted Labrador mix puppy (female) who almost never barks (but who defended her turf instantly when Grandpa came around!), please email me.

clauth @ gmail

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Let Me Tell You About Sally

Here are 3 more recipes for your dining pleasure. Enjoy!

3  No Cook Summer Recipes

Tuna Salad

(Tuna is full of essential fatty acids (Omega 3’s) which are good for your brain and heart, among other things.)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of tuna
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 carrot
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 cucumber
• 1-2 pickles (such as Bubbies, which are naturally fermented)
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese
• Whole wheat pita pocket, bread or crackers

Start by draining a couple of cans of albacore tuna packaged in water. Pour fresh lemon juice over it while you cut up the veggies.

You can get creative with the veggies of your choice or follow these recommendations: shredded carrot, chopped tomato, chopped pickles, and chopped celery for crunch.

Toss the tuna and veggies together in a bowl with mayo. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve inside whole wheat pita pockets.

photo credit: mynameisharsha

Red Grape Chicken Salad

(You can still prepare a chicken salad without having to cook the chicken itself on the stove. You can either cook the chicken in a crock-pot overnight on low, then refrigerate in the morning until you’re ready to use, or you can buy a pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken.)

Ingredients:

• Leftover chicken or chicken breast
• 1 cup of red grapes
• 1 cup chopped apples
• ½ cup raw sliced almonds
• ½ cup mayo
• Swiss cheese slices
• Croissant, whole grain bread or crackers

The first step in creating a chicken salad is to chop the chicken into small pieces. You’ll also want to chop your apples into small pieces. Any kind of apples will do, but red delicious or granny smith can make a good addition, or a combination of the two. Grapes can be left whole.

Toss the chicken, apples and grapes into a bowl with mayonnaise. Fold in your raw, sliced almonds and your chicken salad is done.

Slice open croissants, add a slice of Swiss cheese, then scoop in your chicken salad.

You can use crushed walnuts instead of sliced almonds, or a fancier cheese, such as brie, instead of Swiss.

Now how about a beverage? No hot stove required! Take advantage of theheat by using it to do the cooking for you.

photo credit: AMagill

Raspberry Sun Tea

Ingredients:

• 4 bags of organic black tea
• ½ bag of frozen raspberries
• Sweetener of your choice (Sucanat, honey, or stevia is best)

In a large mason jar, add several tea bags and water. Place the jar in the sun for a day.

When 3 hours have passed (this timing may vary), bring the jar inside.

Remove the tea bags and pour the tea in a pitcher. Be sure to add ice and sweetener as you desire.

What makes this recipe extra special is the frozen raspberries you’ll add to the pitcher.

Pour into glasses and serve with your tuna or chicken salad for dinner.

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No Cook Summer Recipes

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WW: Noodles

photo credit: Sellers Patton

Does a baby make it difficult to cultivate friendships?

In my opinion, yes.

At a time in a woman’s life where she really needs other women, it’s often quite isolating when you have a new infant.

A reader wrote:

“My biggest challenge is probably developing friendships and nurturing relationships.  I moved to a new city just after I found out I was pregnant.  My son is now nine months, and I’ve yet to really connect into a friendship.

There’s a group of mamas who get together weekly to accomplish tasks that can easily get neglected being home alone with a kid- special meals, gardening, detailed cleaning, etc.  The ladies are lovely, and so are their kids.  But I find the scenario too hectic.  It’s almost impossible to complete a thought, much less a sentence.

While it’s fun, I’m not really getting a strong friendship out of it.  Just some social time.  I thought that a baby would give more depth to potential friendships, but am finding it’s not the case for me.

I don’t feel particularly lonely, but don’t want my husband to be my one and only confidante.

I have a feeling that my son is really benefiting from our days together, mostly alone.  We go to the library and the park fairly often, so he’s not a shut-in.  And he interacts very well with older kids and adults, but shows little interest in most babies his own age.  I feel his social interaction is fine for this age.  I am confident that our concentrated time together is great for now, and as he gets older and less dependent on me, we’ll both have more friends.”

I can understand her feelings completely.

When my oldest was a baby, I often went to La Leche League meetings 3 times a month (3 different groups!) just for the social interaction. But it was very difficult to have a real conversation with all that was going on.

It does get easier. As the little ones grow up and leave your lap to explore, they free you up to engage more with other people.

Although I still have a difficult time having a phone conversation with my kids around!

How did you deal with this issue when your babies were little - or if your babies are still new?

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Babies and Buddies: Do They Mix?

He is  a psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist and author of The Shut-Down Learner:  Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child.

Our topic today is the “high spatial learner”, children who thrive with visual-spatial learning (the so called “Lego kid”) but who may struggle with learning in a traditional classroom setting.

Within the first few pages of the book, I recognized my 8 year old son, who can build anything and pick out songs by ear on the piano, but who has difficulty reading and following instructions. If you have a child with this learning style, the book will help you appreciate your child’s unique strengths and point you to resources to assist them so they don’t become discouraged.

Follow Dr. Selznick on Twitter!

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Natural Moms Podcast #123

photo credit: danya.

This week’s Ten on Tuesday asks what 10 items you would want to bring on a deserted island.

Here goes:

1. My kids. I don’t know if that counts as 1, or 4.
2. My Bible.
3. Lip balm. I’m sure I could make my own beauty products using whatever’s lying around, but I’m a real lip balm addict.
4. A very large knife.
5. Paper
6. A supply of pencils - a girl’s got to document her thoughts, y’know? And I’m assuming this island has no wi-fi so, no blogging.
7. A wide toothed comb so my hair doesn’t get TOO tangled from all that salt water.
8. Some really cool sunglasses.
9. Tweezers for my eyebrows.
10. 

A girl can dream, can’t she?

And if the kids count as 4 things, then skip items 3-6.)

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ToT: 10 Things I’d Bring On a Deserted Island

Summertime is here and we’ve spent nearly every day outside, often at the pool or just hanging out in the yard.

The kids are getting as brown as nuts but noone has had even the slightest bit of red.

We all hear how important it is to take precautionary measures to ensure the kid’s safety in the sun, but limited sun exposure can actually be beneficial. In fact, some scientists claim that some skin cancers are caused by lack of adequate sun exposure (related to low vitamin D levels).

Everyone needs to soak in a few minutes of sun every day in order to absorb vitamin D into their body.

Newborns, of course, should really limit their sun exposure during the first few weeks of life. This means using shaded stroller covers, a window shade in the car and perhaps using an umbrella if you are holding the baby. If you wear your baby in a ring sling, you can use the “tail” to cover him up, as long as it isn’t too hot.

After a few weeks of age, the baby can be exposed to the sun in limited amounts, but they should be protected in order to do so. It was once thought by the medical community that babies less than 6 months of age should not wear sunscreen at all; for fear that their skin is too sensitive. The American Pediatrics Association now recommends that even smaller babies wear sunscreen. But, it’s important to find one that is safe.

I wrote about this topic last year too: Healthy, safe, effective sunscreen.  The EWG (Environmental Working Group) is coming out with more info shortly on the subject, and you can go to their site to get the report on sun safety free of charge when it’s ready.

According to them:

“An investigation of nearly 1,000 brand-name sunscreen products finds that 4 out of 5 contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don’t adequately protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Some of the worst offenders are leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena.”

Of course, hats and long clothing can also serve as protection from the sun. But who wants to spend summertime covered up?

Natural Sunscreen

Recently I got a bottle of sunscreen from Oceana Naturals. Instead of the chemicals found in conventional sunscreens, it uses zinc oxide for protection from the sun. It also has antioxidants (which I’ll talk more about in a second) among its ingredients such as green tea, vitamin E, and date extract.

A read of the ingredients listing shows nothing unnatural - I can pronounce all of the words. All of it looks like food in fact! It’s also free of synthetic preservatives and fragrance. The natural oils give it a lovely scent. And unlike many sunscreens, you can apply it and get protection immediately. If you want to purchase a natural sunscreen, this would be a good choice.

Coconut Oil as a Sunscreen

For many generations, native populations living in tropical climates and islands have used coconut oil to protect their skin from the sun. The author of “The Coconut Oil Miracle”, Bruce Fife,  shows how coconut oil is very beneficial for skin and body.

It can be used as a natural sunscreen and can even help absorb nutrients in the body, such as the much needed vitamin D. It also makes your skin incredibly soft and is surprisingly non-greasy. I feed coconut oil (and CLO) to the kids and they spend a couple of hours a day in the sun, and never get burned. I also haven’t used any sunscreen at all on them so I know it must be working.

Another Reason to Take Your CLO

You can also help protect your child’s skin from the sun by the type of food they eat. Free radicals are responsible for sunburn as well as the damage (premature wrinkling, skin cancer) from too much time spent in the sun.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help fight free radicals in the air and strengthen body’s resistance to UVA and UVB rays. Antioxidant-rich foods include berries, legumes, vegetables, citrus and green tea.

Cod liver oil may also have a protective effect because of the omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D content. The University of Manchester published results of a study that pointed to a reduced risk of sunburn and skin cancer among people who take cod liver oil supplements.

Interestingly, the other week I got a touch of sunburn on my shoulders, but had been slacking on my CLO. It was a reader who reminded me of the connection. I started taking it again and haven’t had any problem since - even though we’ve been at the pool every day for weeks!

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Natural Sunscreen

The other day the kids and I headed out to the park to enjoy the first really hot day of the season.

As soon as it starts to heat up outside, I find my appetite waning for cooked and hot foods. I want watery, cold things.

When it’s summer it’s too hot to cook. Who wants to heat up the house with the stove or oven?

You know what I had for lunch AND dinner?

A super cool Mexican layered dip, served with organic corn chips.

(And a side of watermelon.)

It had guacamole, chopped green onions, sour cream, black beans, diced tomatoes or salsa, sliced black olives, and shredded cheese.

YUM.

We had a lovely park in the picnic.

What do you like to eat when it’s hot out?

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Cool Food for Hot Times

There are so many small things that make me happy.

You could ask me this question every week and probably get different answers each time. For now, I’ll choose a theme.

How about summer?

6 Summer Things That Make Me Happy

1- Edy’s Lime Popsicles

photo credit: Gibsonclaire

Oh my goodness these are good. They’re sweetened with sugar instead of HFCS. And just between you and me, you can throw one into the blender with tequila and triple sec and make a super fast margarita.

2 - My Blue Fingernail Polish from Piggy Paints

If you’re not familiar, Piggy Paints is a non toxic nail polish.  As soon as my toes came out of hiding, they got the blue treatment.

3 - Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

I’m working on a review of this product now. I’ve long used coconut oil for cooking, but this stuff I’m taking as a supplement - anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon a day, straight up.

I also use it externally - I rub it on my skin after a shower while I’m damp. It soaks in quicker than any other oil! I use a few drops on my hair as a conditioner before shampooing and after, as a styling aid - my hair has never looked so shiny!

It’s great for keeping your feet soft, so I use a little on my feet just before bed. I slather it on my face at night. Love the stuff.

(It just occurred to me that perhaps #3 doesn’t fit the description of uninportant. Nutrition and health are certainly important. Moving on…)

4 - Facebook

I’ll admit it. Facebook is my guilty pleasure. I recently made the decision to remove all business contacts from Facebook so it can be all about friends and family and the odd ex boyfriend.

The way I figure, I don’t have a television, I don’t read trashy magazines, so why not? It’s too much fun to connect and re-connect with people you care about.

5 - The City Pool

We bought a pass. For $30 all 5 of us can swim our little hearts out. I can’t think of cheaper summer entertainment than that!

The 3 older kids are taking swim lessons for an hour a day, 5 days a week for two weeks. That’s been fun for them and they’re a lot more confident in the water. Sadie didn’t meet the height requirement but she has worked her charms on the hot lifeguards instructors and so every day they’ve grabbed her and let her participate.

6 -  Avocados

I love avocados. I just one ate one, straight up, with a spoon.

Now it’s your turn:

Lisa @ MsFitUniverse

Nichole @ FullEarthsEtc

Amanda @ oohAmanda

Nell @ CasualFridayEveryday

Stefanie @ MommyMusings

Jo-Lynn @ MusingsOfAHousewife

(The rules are: link to this post, list your 6 things, link to 6 other bloggers and comment on their blog too.)

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6 Unimportant Things That Make Me Happy

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PARENTS: GOING GREEN AND RAISING POSITIVE KIDS

Holistic Moms Network Announces October Conference

Caldwell, NJ - Parenting is always challenging but trying to raise green and healthy kids can 09 Keynotes Smalloften feel overwhelming. That doesn’t have to be the case says green lifestyle expert, TV personality, and author Sara Snow. In her new book, Sara Snow’s Fresh Living, she lays out simple, practical steps that “will inspire changes in your life, just a few at a time, so that you are not overwhelmed by a need to change everything at once.”

“Parents do not wake up one morning and radically alter their lifestyle to greener, more sustainable choices,” says Holistic Moms Network Executive Director Nancy Massotto. “Rather, becoming a holistic parent is a journey that we take one step at time.” Parents might start in the kitchen, seeking out organic foods, taking advantage of local farmers markets, or learning about fair trade products. The impact of each of these options not only hits home, but also affects our ecological footprint, according to Ms. Snow.

Whether you want to reduce the toxins on your food, in your home, or on the planet, you will find simple, practical ways to make Small Changes to Save a Big Planet in Sara Snow’s Keynote presentation at the 2009 Natural Living Conference on Saturday, October 17 in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The Conference will also feature parenting expert and author Naomi Aldort, Ph.D., presenting Babies Through Teens: Having a Child Who Behaves Well of Her Own Free Will, as well as Workshop Sessions on improving school lunch programs, plant-based diets for health, vaccination choice, and the power of positive affirmations.

Those in attendance will also enjoy a Holistic Living Exhibit Hall featuring the goods and services of businesses supporting natural living, displays from Holistic Moms Network Sponsors including Mothering Magazine and Organic Valley, book signings with the Keynote Speakers, a Silent Auction of green and healthy products and services to benefit the Holistic Moms Network, and a healthy lunch.

Space is limited and early registration is strongly recommended. Early registration is open to the public and is available through August 31, 2009. Member registration is $75 per person, $90 for non-members. Late registration, from September 1, 2009 through October 9, 2009 (space permitting), will be $85 for members, $100 for non-members. For details visit http://annualconference.holisticmoms.org or call (877) HOL-MOMS. Online registration is available and exhibitor and advertiser information can also be downloaded from the website.

About the Holistic Moms Network

The Holistic Moms Network is a national, membership-based and managed, non-profit organization with more than 100 chapters across the US and Canada. The organization is headquartered in Caldwell, New Jersey and launched its first chapter in 2002 in Essex County, NJ. The purpose of the Holistic Moms Network is to provide awareness, education, and support for holistic parenting and to offer a nurturing, open-minded and respectful community for parents to share these ideals. Members’ interests include: natural health and wellness, nutrition and organic whole foods, integrative/alternative medicine, natural childbirth and breastfeeding, positive parenting, and non-toxic, eco-friendly living. Members can participate in educational meetings, local playgroups, and social events in local chapters across the North America. For more information, please visit: www.holisticmoms.org or contact Executive Director, Nancy Massotto, at 973.228.2110.

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PR: Holistic Moms Network Announces Conference

She loves to pick dandelions.

I love this place. The location is perfect - it’s an urban environment, not far from Atlanta. Small but we have a fenced in yard. The kids play baseball out there. I have a clothesline. I want to start having parties out there. Eventually, a container garden. The kids love to work in the garden!

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TmT: Backyard

This is a guest post from Melinda of Behind The Stall Door. It’s all about:

Living The Rural Life

Hi, I’m Melinda and I live in BFE, SC. *chorus of “hi, Melinda” ensues*

photo credit: René Ehrhardt

Ok, so it’s not totally BFE. We have a Walmart and a Lowes, which stock the basics of life and home repair. I can’t complain much. It was my idea to move here from the big city (my hometown of Charlotte, NC), because it was a better environment from raising kids than the carnage my city had become since my childhood. We live in a small house (I think it may be a little over 1K square feet, not including the car porch) and several acres of land. Our automobiles are paid for. Our house is paid for. The kids and the animals have tons of room to run and play and not have to worry about strangers around the corner (we only have two neighbors and any unusual traffic is immediately noticed and is broadcasted by our three large dogs). I have an herb garden, a veggie garden, several flower beds, rose bushes, pear trees, cherry trees, apple trees, fig trees, blueberry bushes and even some grape vines. We have room for a composting area and a chicken coop and several storage sheds.

I am in absolute heaven. Until I need something unusual, something crunchy related, or just something that is plain odd.

Then I have to travel to the nearest big town, thirty miles away. Which means packing up the three girls, making sure the diaper bag is stocked, the two little ones have sippy cups and munchies to keep them happy during the drive and the teenager has her IPod and earplugs so she won’t grumble the whole way.

Sometimes, though, even that trip doesn’t pan out. It is too obscure for this little corner of the world, with their farms and pastures right out of a Currier and Ives painting. So, then, it’s the internet we go, shipping costs required.

You should have seen the look on the lady’s face when I, with the piercings and tattoos, lugging two small children and a teenager, also with piercings and strange hair, asked where I could find cloth diapers in the store. (Yes, you guessed it; they didn’t have any because everyone buys disposables.)

Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t change living here for anything in the world. I love it – even the coffee shop which doesn’t open on Sundays. It’s just taking me a while to get my stubborn head around not having easy access to the things I am used to being able to put my hands on immediately. I get to play in the dirt and walk in the woods and breathe clean air, I just have to buy most of my green materials online.

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Guest Post: Living the Rural Life

photo credit: ivoryelephantphotography

A reader named Rachel submitted this tip:

“The best parenting tip I have is to pray! It gives me more strength to get through my day with patience, love, and creativity.

It especially helps me to remember to discipline lovingly.”

Do you find that your spirituality or religious beliefs help you be a better parent?

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Pray for Parenting

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WW: New Backyard

This morning 3 year old Sadie excitedly grabs my hand, pulling me out of my cozy chair where I was sipping my first (and unfinished) cup of hot coffee.

“I wanna show you somfin!”

We walk towards the kitchen where she has strategically placed not one but two chairs, enabling her to reach a tall cupboard where I had (at least, up until now) hidden a bag of toys and gifts for the children.

“Look mommy! Get it down! That blue bag! It can be a present for me.”

It can be a present for me.

What would life be like as an adult if we went after what we wanted like that - totally confident that other people we love would be just as excited as we are about helping us get it?

It can be a present for me.

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present

I remember my mom and dad cranking an old fashioned ice cream maker. These are hard to find anymore and cost a pretty penny if you find one on eBay. You don’t have to have an ice cream maker to make your own ice cream.

Making ice cream is a fun project for the kids this summer and the end result is a tad healthier than store bought versions. And nothing says summer’s here like a drippy ice cream cone!

Of course, I’m going to recommend that you use raw, unpasteurized dairy products from a local farmer whose cows graze in open pasture.
photo credit: eyeliam

Here are a couple of recipes:

French Vanilla Ice Cream

What You Need:

1/2 C sugar
1/4 t salt
1 C of milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 T vanilla
2 C whipping cream, chilled

How to Make It:

Dump the sugar into a heavy duty saucepan.
Sprinkle the salt over the sugar.
Pour the milk into the saucepan and stir to combine.
Add the egg yolks and stir until all the ingredients are combined together well.
Place the pan over medium heat and stirring constantly cook 3 minutes or until bubbles begin to appear around the edges.
Remove the pan from the stove and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Stir in the vanilla.
Pour the ice cream into a refrigerator try and place in the freezer 45 minutes or until mushy.
Place 2 bowls in the refrigerator to chill.
Add the whipping cream to the chilled bowl and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form.
Spoon the partially frozen ice cream mixture into the second chilled bowl.
Beat with the mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Fold the whipped cream into the mixture well.
Pour the ice cream evenly into 2 refrigerator trays and cover with wax paper.
Freeze at least 3 hours or until firm stirring the ice cream mixture about every 10 minutes for the first hour of freezing time.

Makes 1 quart of ice cream

To make this ice cream in a crank style ice cream maker, follow the above directions to where you add the vanilla. Add the vanilla and whipping cream together. Pour 1/2 of the mixture into the freezer can of ice cream maker. Fill the freezer tub 1/3 full of ice and then add the remaining ice cream. Crank until it becomes too difficult to turn. Drain off water, replace the lid and allow the ice cream to ripen for at least 4 hours.

Strawberry Ice Cream

What You Need:

2 C of strawberries
1 C sugar, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 3/4 C half and half, divided
1 t vanilla

How to Make It:

Clean and cut the strawberries in half.
Place the strawberries into a saucepan.
Dump half of the sugar into the pan with the berries.
Place the pan over medium low heat and cook 18 minutes or until the berries are soft, stirring often.
Place the mixture into the blender.
Cover the blender and puree the berries until very smooth.
Transfer of a bowl, cover and chill at least 4 hours but no more than 24 hours.
Place the egg into a small saucepan.
Pour in 1 C of the half and half and the remaining sugar.
Place the pan over medium heat and stirring continuously cook the custard about 5 minutes or until the mixture passes the metal spoon test (see tip below.)
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the remaining half and half and the vanilla.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
Pour the half and half mixture into the ice cream maker’s freezer canister.
Freeze 5 minutes then stir in the strawberry mixture.
Freeze according the ice cream maker’s directions.
Allow the ice cream to ripen for 4 hours.

Makes 8 servings

When making a custard type of ice cream it is important to cook the egg mixture to right stage.  To check the mixture place a metal spoon into the mixture and coat the bottom part of the spoon.  Remove the spoon and run your finger down the spoon.  If the finger trail is clear the custard is done.

photo credit: jontunn

Coconut Ice Cream

What You Need:

24 oz. half and half
1 C unsweetened coconut milk
1 C sugar
2 C whipping cream
1 T lemon juice
1 T vanilla
1 1/3 C coconut, toasted

How to Make It:

Pour the half and half and coconut milk into a large mixing bowl.
Dump the sugar in with the milk and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the whipping cream and lemon juice and stir until combined.
Stir in the vanilla well.
Fold the coconut into the ice cream mixture.
Pour the mixture into the freezer canister of the ice cream maker.
Freeze according to the directions for the ice cream maker.
Ripen 4 hours.

Makes 12 servings

To toast coconut preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Lay the coconut in a single layer in the bottom of a shallow baking pan.  Bake 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the coconut is nicely browned.

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Make Your Own Ice Cream

photo credit: hoyasmeg

12 Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start

By Cynthia A Frosch, Ph.D.

1. Don’t hit. Teach gentle hands by using gentle hands.

2. Recognize and respect that you child has his own unique perspective, needs, and desires

3. Find a way to say YES.  Think carefully about your reasons for saying no. Control? Not wanting to deal? Think of the possibilities of saying yes to your child. Yes, you can wear socks that don’t match; yes, you can have a friend over; yes, I’ll play with you when I’m finished with the dishes.

4. Tell your child what he can do. Dogs are for petting. Balls are for throwing. Food is for eating. Mommy is for cuddling. Teethers are for biting.

5. Take care of yourself and know your triggers and needs. When are you most likely to react? How can you shift your perspective?

6. Strive for a balanced lifestyle—rest, nourishment, fun, exercise

7. Choose quality child care. Whether for an hour a week or for eight hours a day, the quality of child care matters.

8. Teach your child to take a break and breathe deeply.

9. Provide ways for your child to feel and release intense emotions like jumping up and down, hitting pillows, or pounding the bed.

10. Offer controlled choices when necessary—you can play for 0, 1, or 2 more minutes! What’s your choice? Use a timer or clock.

11. Use water. When things are getting a little intense, try a bath for you, your child (or you and your child!). Fillthe sink, a bucket, or a water table and allow your child to play or “wash” dishes or toys.

12. Become a more sensitive, responsive parent or caregiver. Get READY.

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How To Prevent Behavior Problems

Do you know how to breathe?

You know what I mean.

Of course you know how to stay alive by  breathing, but I mean do you REALLY know how to breathe?

photo credit: Marshall Astor - Food Pornographer

Learning to breathe deeply is one of the most important things I did for my personal growth. It was a woman, a mentor, who taught me the importance of breathing.

She taught me to breathe to let go of pain. To get through things. To make room for joy. To relieve stress. To think clearly. To get unstuck. Or never get stuck in the first place.

Every day in our lives we experience stress.  Whether it’s at work or at home, there are so many things we have to do people to take care of that sometimes we forget to slow down and take care of ourselves by doing this basic thing.

Breathing is quick, free, and an effective way to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve the immune system, and has been used to stop bad habits.

If you feel stressed, check your breathing. You’re probably breathing in a very shallow fashion, or maybe even holding your breath.

Breathing helps you have a baby.

Breathing helps you exercise. I sometimes breathe so heavy when I’m lifting weights that I fog up the mirror in front of me!

I even read a story recently about a woman who said that singing helped her heal herself from fibromyalgia. Her thought was that it was because she was finally breathing deeply.

Do you have a nervous habit? Like chewing your fingernails, or biting the inside of your mouth, or tapping your fingers, or grinding your teeth?

When you’re doing that thing, you’re probably not breathing properly.

The trick is to remember to do it.

Creating visual reminders might help. Post-It notes around the house might work.

Once you get in the habit, you’ll find it amazingly helpful.

I’ve taught my kids how to breathe deeply. Sometimes if they are arguing or getting worked up with each other, I will sit one of them down and breathe with them.

Breathing puts us in our right mind. It oxygenates our brain and takes us out of our “reptilian” mind, the one that wants to fight or run away.

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Breathe.

Summer is here.

The kids are out of school.

(If you’re new here, I recently enrolled my kids in public school. They had been homeschooled all their lives.) I was pleased that when the school year ended, the kids were sent hom with assessments and even school books - as a homeschooling mom, we learned every day, all year long. The kids are doing schoolwork without me even asking them to.

The swimming lessons began Monday.

I only signed up the 3 older kids because of the height requirement, but Sadie used her charms on the instructors and each day they’ve pulled her into the pool with the others.

I really wish I had done this years ago.

My boys are intimidated by the water and started to complain a little today. It’s not their first time swimming of course. Every summer we would hit the pool, the beach, etc. It’s just that they were never formally taught to swim. The girls are much more fearless, probably because they’re younger.

The annual run to Old Navy for flip flops has been accomplished.

My shoulders are a bit burned.

I never laid in the sun as a teen but last Sunday it was so gorgeous out, I decided to sit and read in my backyard. Nothing too bad, but I’ll be more careful next
time. It feels so good to soak up the sun after a month of having mostly rain here in Atlanta.

I have discovered Edy’s Lime popsicles and they rock my world.

(In a pinch, I have thrown one into the blender with a little triple sec and tequila and it makes a darn good margarita!)

What are you up to?

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Summertime

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WW: Gardening Is Hard Work

Is it a no-no to make comments about a child’s physical appearance?

What if the comments are negative?
What if they’re positive?
What if the child is male?
What if the child is female?
Does that make a difference (on either count)?

I find myself telling my sons rarely that they’re handsome. Perhaps they’re dressed up for worship, or for a special occasion. Or maybe they just had their hair “did” and I want them to know I like the new cut.

But I find myself commenting far MORE often on my daughter’s appearance.

Even when I try not to. It just comes out sometimes. I tell them they’re pretty, beautiful, their hair looks pretty, their dress is pretty….

Am I a product of my culture, that has different expectations of men and women?

Or is it the children themselves who bring this out in me?

The boys are picky about their hair, but the girls?

They stay in my makeup.

If I tell them they don’t need it, they say:

“But I want to look pretty.”

Or worse (the 3 year old says this!),

“But I don’t look pretty (without it).”

Should a parent refrain from making these remarks?

I know one thing. I don’t like it when anyone refers to my 6 year old daughter’s size. She is bigger than her sister, but she is not overweight.

She’s a big, beautiful little frau. She’ll probably always be bigger than her sister. (Think legs like Courtney Love, not Teri Hatcher.)

Personally, I refrain from making comments about other’s appearance. I don’t refer to people as fat, thin, ugly, pretty, bald, hairy, what have you….  I think it’s in poor taste and just plain bad manners.

I don’t want my kids thinking it matters too much.

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Commenting on Other’s Appearance

I am not one of the parenting mindset that saying NO is inappropriate. I am a huge believer in boundaries. Not just as a parent, but in all relationships.

Healthy boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, and saying NO is an important part of that.

I often remind my children that if they are the one who is “bugged”, then they are the one who “owns” the problem. Therefore, the onus is on them to solve it. (Obviously this varies depending on their age and abilities. A hungry toddler can’t always solve the problem of being hungry without some help from Mom. But an 8 year old who refuses to place dirty socks in the hamper and then finds himself without a clean pair? It’s his responsibility to get them into the hamper, not mom’s job to pick them up from the floor.)

Saying No too much, just like saying anything negative too much, tends to backfire. We want our kids to hear far more positive feedback from us than negative. Otherwise, they start to tune us out.

(Ever have a negative friend? Yeah. Like that.)

Sometimes the answer isn’t really No anyway.

Sometimes it’s “Not now”. Or it’s “Not me”, or somesuch. Sometimes it’s “Yes, when….”

That last one is one of my favorites. If I have a clear expectation of a child and I’ve done my job to communicate it properly, I expect it to be honored.

So if a child is told to please straighten up their room before we go to the park, and they don’t do it, but still expect to go to the park, my answer goes something like this:

“Mo-om, can we go to the park now!?!?!?!?”

“YES….. as soon as you’re done with your room.”

Sometimes with my toddlers, I would say Freeze or Stop instead of No. Or otherwise distract them. “Look at the airplane!”

No is powerful.

That’s why toddlers love to say it over and over as soon as they learn it. It’s a boundary, a line draw-er.

We have to say No, but we don’t want our kids to hear No so much that they become discouraged.

How do you say No creatively?

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Vitamin N

photo credit: chadmagiera

Moving.

It seems to have taken over an entire month of my life. There was the packing, the moving, the unpacking.

It exhausted me.

I’m still not done unpacking.

The thing about unpacking that takes so long?

You don’t really know where you want to put stuff until you’ve lived in a place for a bit.

You want to put things in places that make sense.

Know what I mean?

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Unpacking

Yeah, and the mane on my head isn’t half bad either.

Seriously though, being a hairy kind of gal can be a mixed bag.

I just signed the kids up for swimming lessons, and bought a pool pass. There will be swimming, maybe a trip to the beach, not to mention the everyday shorts and skirts of summer.

photo credit: Oneras [what about peace?]

I spend the first weeks of summer trying to figure out how to deal with it. If I were blonde and had thinner hair, I would probably just go au naturel.

But I’m not that crunchy.

If I were stranded on some deserted island, I would find a sharp flinty rock to take care of business. Now when it comes to pit hair? I don’t mind that a bit. But unfortunately, I live in the United States.

If a woman as hot as Madonna can disgust an entire nation with a little pit hair, who am I to try to rock the cultural expectations of beauty boat?

When I heard about sugaring, I was immediately intrigued.

Firstly, the ingredients are all natural - sugar, lemon juice, water - you can even make up a batch of the stuff yourself. Google for recipes, there are several on the internet.

Similar to waxing, you are basically applying a sticky substance to your skin, pressing it down with linen cloth strips, and ripping in the other direction. You first apply the sugaring wax with this little plastic thingie Then you apply the cloth strip on top, and rub it 3 or 4 times in the direction of hair growth. Then, holding the skin taut with your other hand, you quickly pull the strip back quickly as close to the skin as possible in the opposite direction of hair growth.

I had also heard that sugaring was less painful than waxing, which was a huge plus in my mind.

Traditional waxing makes you want to slap your mama for being more Italian than native American.

I went to the drug store and bought a NADS Sugaring Kit. It cost me around $19, making it more pricey than other “waxing” products.

It certainly WAS far less painful than traditional waxing.

My complaint with this product is that there are far too few cloth strips. You CAN wash and reuse them, which makes this a pretty eco-friendly hair removal product, as well as recycle the plastic tub the wax comes in.

I also didn’t know until I was nearly done that you can continue using the same strip over and over until it no longer picks up any hair. Even when it’s all gooped up with sugaring wax. This makes it a little tougher to smooth it on your leg, but I found that I could use each one two or three times and it was still effective.

I have washed all the strips and dried them about 3 times now and they still work great.

The thing that’s great about waxing/sugaring is that the hair tends to grow back more sparse and thin.

If you keep it up, you’ll find that you have to do it less and less. So even if you go back to shaving or whatever, you can go longer inbetween hair removal sessions.

Of course, it’s more work and time spent up front. If you’re looking to save time, waxing may or may not actually be a time savings.

Sugaring also doesn’t seem to remove as much of the finer, thinner hairs as waxing.

In fact, I called around to several Atlanta spas to see if any of them offered sugaring. I had to call 5 or 6 before I found one that even offered it. And when I spoke with the aesthetician, she seemed very unenthusiastic about sugaring. She told me that she isn’t that pleased with the results, and often has to use a bit of regular wax after the sugaring process in order to get all of the hair. I asked her if the clients seemed happy with the results, and she reported that they did - so that seemed to be the key thing to me.

I’m not THAT picky. I don’t have to get every single last hair, as long as I don’t look like a hairy beast I’m ok. Nobody is going over my legs with a magnifying glass. And it’s not like there is a man feeling me up. (Besides, the last time I was actually having sex, if memory serves, my ex-husband couldn’t have cared less about a little stray hair or fuzz.)

And since shaving exfoliates your legs, you have to remember to exfoliate on a regular basis when you do sugaring or waxing, otherwise you’ll get ashy.

Overall I like the sugaring kit and intend on buying it again. Amazon’s prices are better than the drug store prices.

I did notice that in addition to less pain, the sugaring didn’t make my legs all red, angry and screaming at me.

Here are a couple of tips to make sugaring work better:

• Wash your legs (or wherever you’ll be sugaring) with soap and water, rinse thoroughly and dry well. Your legs need to be very clean and dry for the sugar to grip the hair properly.
• Warm the wax first by placing the closed tub in a pan of hot water. You don’t want it thin and runny, but it’s much easier to spread and there’s less waste if you melt it a bit.
• Even though sugaring is less painful than waxing, it’s still pulling hair out at the root and hurts a little. Don’t wax or sugar right before your period when your body is more sensitive to pain. If you’re really sensitive, you might want to take a pain reliever half an hour before you start sugaring. Me? I sometimes drink a beer before I do it.
• Make sure the hair is long enough before you start. This is one of the hardest parts! It should be about half a centimeter long, at least.
• After sugaring, rinse the area with cool water to remove the last bits of sugar. Cold water can feel really nice too.

So.

What do YOU do for hair removal?

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Sugaring

One: I don’t have to enter apostrophies. How many apostrophies have I manually entered in a year’s time?

I have no clue but it boggles me.

Two: I can blog from my phone.
Take this post for instance.

My mind is currently blowed.

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doh

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WW: He Ain’t Heavy

What you need:

2 cups spinach
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 banana
2 tablespoons raw honey
1/2 cup ice

What you do:

Place the spinach in the freezer until frozen, at least 1 hour.

Combine the spinach, strawberries, banana, honey, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

You can use other fruits your kids like, such as bananas and berries too.

Your kids will never suspect there’s spinach in there and they’ll ask for this smoothie over and over, so be sure to have plenty of the ingredients on hand throughout the summer.

Looking for more smoothie recipes?

Try these:

Green Smoothies for Kids

Smoothie Recipes

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Green Slime Smoothie for Kids

A few months ago, I interviewed Melitsa Avila of Play-Activities about entertaining babies and toddlers without electronics.

She shared with my listeners something called treasure baskets.

I don’t have a baby anymore, but I loved Melitsa’s ideas. When my kids were babies, I always noted that they much preferred to play with everyday, ordinary items from around the house.

My wallet, keys and cell phone were the especially interesting picks! As an aside, a friend of mine has a fancy new smart phone. It has a feature on it that allows her to hand the phone to a baby and they cannot harm it. It has a toddler game on it, when the child fingers the touchscreen, circles of different colors light up. She has to enter a special combination of buttons in order to unlock the phone. So obviously this is a common phenomenon for marketers to have picked up on the need.

Treasure baskets aren’t about cell phones and electronics however. They’re about creating a safe, stimulating assortment of just those items that babies and tots are incredibly attracted to. The whys and hows of treasure baskets are explained in Melitsa’s new book.

Many parents are interested in stimulating their baby’s brain so they can reach their maximum potential for intelligence. But what’s the best way to go about this? (Hint: We have learned it’s not from Baby Einstein!) One of the ways is with treasure baskets. And they’re also the more eco friendly choice.

You can find out more about treasure baskets here.

Melitsa has also been generous enough to offer a free copy of her product to my readers.

Just leave a comment below.  I would like  ask that only moms with young babies enter.

The deadline for entries is Monday, May 25th at NOON Eastern time.

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Treasure Basket Play Giveaway

photo credit: jolien_vallins

If you’re concerned about the products and ingredients going on your baby’s skin, then the best solution is to create baby products right in your home.  It’s fun to make natural baby stuff for your friends too. They make awesome baby shower gifts and are frugal and eco-friendly.

You can choose organic ingredients and herbs right from your own kitchen and/or garden. Choosing to create your own products also reduces the amount of unnecessary packaging that goes along with products you’ve purchased from the store.

Baby Bath Milk

1 cup milk
¼ cup corn starch
¼ cup finely ground oats
2-3 drops lavender, rose, or chamomile essential oils

Mix ingredients together and put in a shaker style bottle. To use, sprinkle a small amount in warm bath water. This makes a lovely baby shower gift. Find an attractive glass container (a glass baby bottle would be cute!) and decorate with ribbon.

Baby Massage Oil

One favorite baby skin care product you can make at home is a blend of both sweet almond oil and olive oil poured into a vial. The great thing about this blend is that you can use it for so many uses. It’s great as a massage oil for the baby. You pour a small amount into your palms then rub together and gently give him or her a massage. It helps reduce colic and promotes blood circulation.  It relaxes baby and put him or her to sleep.

Another use for this oil sweet almond/olive oil blend is to use it in place of conventional baby oil that is made from petroleum. After a bath, instead of using petroleum baby oil or purchased lotion, you can, instead, keep in that moisture by applying the created blend of oils. It is better for baby’s skin and harmless as well.

If your baby has a dry and flaky scalp or cradle cap, you can apply a small amount of this oil to reduce or eliminate the dryness. Rub it gently into the scalp and brush through with a soft baby brush. The same can be done for mild cases of eczema and chapped or peeling lips. Breastfeeding mothers can also use it for chapped areolas.

Homemade Baby Powder (Talc-free) Recipe

½ cup corn starch
½ cup Arrowroot powder
1 tablespoon dried ground chamomile
1 tablespoon dried ground lavender
¼ cup finely ground oats

Blend well and put in a shaker style bottle. Now you can powder your baby’s little bottom in safety.

Dream Sachets

Another natural remedy you can easily create yourself is a “dream sachet”. What you’ll notice is that many baby lotions put the scent of lavender and chamomile in their lotions and washes. Many of the times the scent is synthetic and does  not serve as aromatherapy. Instead, fill a sachet full of lavender, chamomile and rosemary. You can infuse a small amount in a warm bath (in a mesh bag) or you can wear the sachet around your neck as you cradle and breastfeed your baby to sleep. The aromas will lull him to sleep with the power of aromatherapy.

Teething

Teething is a tough time for baby and mom! It’s not a good idea to numb baby’s gums with something like Orajel. Gels like this typically do little to assuage the pain. Worse, they can actually numb baby’s gums to the point of them biting you and/or their mouth while feeding. Ouch!

There are natural remedies you can try instead. You can freeze a fruit such as mango slices or peach slices. Take a wet (and cold) washcloth and put it around the fruit. Let the baby gnaw on the washcloth to help relieve gum pain.

Another natural remedy many parents use is a diluted version of clove oil (1 drop to one teaspoon of almond oil). Test on your own mouth first to make sure it’s not too strong, then rub it on baby’s gums. Using your finger to massage the pain while applying the oil will be a relief for baby. Do not use the clove oil remedy in excess.

Before baby products came on the market, mothers all over the world utilized the ingredients in her home to create baby products that were safe for baby. Talk with the older generations in your family and see what kind of natural remedies they used with babies in the past. You might just discover a wonderful recipe.

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Make Your Own Natural Baby Products At Home

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WW: Pinky

Several minutes later, she came back to me (my feet up, seated at the couch, nursing a sore throat and a bad mood).

She grabbed my hand.

She led me to the kitchen.

“I washed the dishes Mommy.”

“You didn’t have to do it.”

(Half a bottle of Seventh Generation dishwashing liquid used, thick-with-soapy half clean dishes stacked ever so precariously in the drying rack…)

I almost cried.

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She Does Dishes

photo credit: woodleywonderworks

There have been a few things that have surprised me about public school. As you know, I enrolled my 3 older kids into the local elementary school a few weeks ago.

Not all of the things are bad.

For instance, I’m surprised at how much they like school.

Even though my oldest is having problems tolerating many of the kids in his class, he likes school overall and is liked by his teachers. He did awesome on the CRCTs (standardized tests) and has impressed his teachers and the “good” kids (read: girls).

My 8 year old son was Student of the Month last week.

He was presented with a special award and commended for his exemplary conduct and effort. I was very proud for him. (He has also fallen madly in love with a hot little Mamacita in his class named Jasmin, but that’s another blog post!).

Schools are very good at positive reinforcement.

My oldest was taken by his music teacher to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the historic Fox  Theater. They have something called “Eagle Bucks”that the kids earn for good conduct and hard work and they can spend these dollars at the end of the week. My 8 year old came home with a love note from his teacher, commending him on his hard work the first week. I cried.

I also really like the school administrators and staff.

I think they’re awesome people who are doing really well to do their jobs with integrity and care.

One thing I don’t like is the abundance of candy offered. It seems my 6 year old comes home with a lollipop almost every day. Um, not pleased. What happened to stickers or pencils or other non cavity inducing stuff like that?

And does this contribute to my daughter being so darn moody after school?

I’ve noticed the kids fight with each other more.

I’m sure it’s because they’re a bit overwhelmed and tired at the end of the day. My 6 year old has picked up an accent from her peers, as well as a very fierce way of talking. I don’t like it.

I had lunch with my oldest last week and was shocked at the behavior of the 5th graders. When I was in school, we had to have a bit of decorum in the lunchroom. We could talk and have fun of course, but the volume had to be kept at an acceptable level. This lunchroom was deafening and overwhelming for me - an adult.

Not to mention, some of these kids are huge. Some of them were bigger than me. In comparison my son looked so small and vulnerable. It really made me nervous.

He is the only blue eyed, blonde, caucasian child in his class and in one of only a handful in the entire school. He gets a bit of discrimination targeted at him.

I’ve made it my aim to raise children who see no color, and I think I’ve succeeded in that. My children do not classify people as “black” and “white”.  In fact they call anyone with a shade of skin different from their own “brown”. And usually people with lighter skin are called “beige” or “light” or whatever.

My youngest is the only caucasian in her class and couldn’t care less, and the aforementioned girl crush of my son? She is Latina.

Unfortunately, not everyone thinks the way I do about race.

My oldest child is referred to as a racist by one of the little punks in his class. Interestingly, several of the girl students came to his defense, and they even asked him to sit with them at lunch (the boys and girls sit separately, by choice). They knew it wasn’t true, and the accuser was basically an idiot.

I told him the boys were probably just jealous and using the racist thing to try to get to him. Thing is, it is getting to him a little bit. The other day he stomped a kid on the foot for being verbally abusive to  him. I think he had taken all he could take. The teacher wasn’t overly concerned about it, because it was out of character.

I’ve decided not to send him to middle school next year.

Everyone I speak to says that middle school is worse than high school in terms of the behavior of the kids. He’ll be back home with me. He’s such an independent learner, he requires very little from me by way of instruction anyway.

Caleb has a very difficult time with the language his peers use, the jokes they tell - in short he has been raised to think about pleasing God in his daily life. He is literally offended by much of the behavior he sees, and it wears on him. His teacher has told me that he is free to leave the classroom at any time to take a 5 minute breather, grab some quiet if he needs to.

I’m ok with the middles going back to public school next year.

Ilana will be in 1st grade and Julien in 3rd. Julien still struggles a LOT with his reading, but I think that Jasmin and the positive peer pressure of the other kids has done some good in helping him to work harder. His teachers are understandably impressed with his good conduct.

School lunch isn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.

The meals are actually quite well balanced and the bread is whole grain, there are no desserts served and there are veggies and fruit with each meal. But the milk is low fat, which bothers me. Doesn’t everyone know that children should NOT be on a low fat diet?

I don’t pack their lunches anymore because they don’t want me to, and they were not eating half of what I packed in there. They kept begging me to let them eat lunch like the rest of their class mates, and so I relented.

But the WASTE… oh my goodness.

There are no longer real silverware and reusable plastic cups and lunch trays. Each child is served a disposable tray, a plastic wrapped disposable fork and knife combo, and EACH bit of food is in a disposable plastic dish. It’s sickening to think about how much waste ONE school creates each day from school lunches.

Another thing that surprises me?

I actually like getting up at 6:30 every day to drive the kids to school.

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Things I’ve Learned About Public School

What if everything you thought you knew about postpartum fitness was wrong?

This week my guest is Helene Byrne. She is a nationally recognized prenatal and postpartum fitness expert and founder of BeFit-Mom.

Helene is the author of the award winning DVD “Bounce Back Fast! Post Natal Core Conditioning” and the acclaimed book “Exercise After Pregnancy: How to Look and Feel Your Best“.

Helene is on a mission to educate moms about some of the common misconceptions regarding pospartum exercise, including the fact that so many moms are doing ab work totally wrong! Many fitness routines, including the ever popular Pilates, are simply not designed for the postpartum body, and some exercises can do more harm than good.

Helene’s DVD and book offer an effective exercise routine that a postpartum mom can begin at anytime  - even hours after her birth, or years after - to help her recover from childbirth and the effects of pregnancy.

Note to moms: If you’re doing endless crunches to get your abs back in shape with little results, you MUST listen to this show!

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Natural Moms Podcast #122

Thank goodness for my Blackberry. I’ve at least been able to check email, Twitter, and do some basic essential stuff.

We’re almost completely unpacked. The new place is a bit smaller than the duplex, and the closets are much smaller, so storage space is an issue.

It has an attic but the ladder is broken. My landlord is replacing it so I can use it. That should help me get stuff out of the way so that I can finally put things in their place.

I don’t have a lot of stuff, but off season clothing and homeschooling supplies I’m keeping, etc - it takes up a bit of space.

What have you been doing lately?

photo credit: Andrew Mason

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Back Online - Finally

International House of Pancakes wants you to know that there is still a couple of days left to enter their essay competition. Write something touching about your mom and you could win one of several $100 gift certificates to IHOP.

Enter Here

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Last Minute Mom Essay Contest

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WW: Picking Out Plants

photo credit: rbmay

Each woman experiences her menstrual cramps different from the next. For me, they’re hardly noticeable. Although, when I was 12 and first started my period, I thought I was dying.

Now that I’ve had babies, I hardly have cramps at all. (I actually find the cramps I experience around ovulation to be more uncomfortable. Called mittelschmerz, they’re a whole other blog post.) I’m not sure if it’s because the sensation feels familiar (and compared to the similar but much stronger feeling of labor pains, pale in comparison!) or if it has to do with the physical changes brought on my childbirth (like having a wider cervical opening).

Before I delve deeper into the topic however, can I briefly bring your attention to the awesome Flickr photo that appears at the top of this post?

I think its an awesome way to illustrate this isn’t it?

While some women like myself have mild cramps that are fairly tolerable, others are not as fortunate. For some women, menstrual cramps can feel very painful.

Cramps can often be remedied or at least eased through natural methods. Here are a few examples.

Easing Menstrual Cramps Naturally

Red Raspberry Leaf tea:

This tea is better known as the “woman’s tea” that has many useful purposes. It is used in fertilization, a healthy pregnancy, inducing labor and promoting healthy lactation. It also has the use of helping your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size after giving birth.

I credit Red Raspberry Leaf tea with helping me have easy births for babes 2-4. The stuff is magic, I tell you. I didn’t discover it until my second pregnancy (although my first birth was uncomplicated, the second one was almost effortless).

RRL is an excellent source of easily assimilated minerals (such as calcium). This may be why it’s so wonderful for women in their childbearing years.

When those painful cramps start creeping up, brew yourself a hot cup of raspberry leaf tea. This can be found in natural leaf form or in bags. What red raspberry does is help strengthen uterine walls and provide your body with minerals that replenish the body. Both the warmth and the benefits of red raspberry leaf tea can help reduce the discomforts of menstrual cramps.

If cramps are an ongoing problem, drinking RRL every day two weeks before your period might do wonders.

Here’s another one of those cool pictures.

photo credit: rbmay

Heat:

(One caveat first. Heat feels good and is soothing, but it may make you bleed more. If you already have heavy periods, you may want to skip the heat.)

There are several natural ways to make your own heating pads on the cheap. The easiest way is to fill an old sock with rice and heat it in the microwave for a few minutes. (Do not use instant rice.) Of course, if you don’t own a microwave then you can use an old fashioned hot water bottle, available at most drug stores.

Iron-rich foods:

Before your period begins, you’ll want to be sure your diet contains enough iron. Those with low-iron levels or who are anemic tend to have stronger cramps.

Iron-rich foods include beans, eggs, beef (make it grass fed!) and turkey. To enhance the absorption of iron, it is a good idea to pair with vitamin-C foods such as oranges, strawberries and tomatoes. However, calcium can block iron-absorption so try not to eat calcium-rich foods within an hour or two of consuming your iron.

Cooking your food in cast iron provides you with a little extra iron. Hmm. Maybe this is why I don’t have menstrual cramps…?

Get active:

Believe it or not, menstrual cramps can begin to diminish with more exercise. This should be incorporated into your lifestyle every day. When the cramps hit, do some stretching and then take a walk. The movement and regular exercise can assist in reducing the severity of the cramps.

Get Jiggy:

Yes ladies, orgasm is said to cure menstrual cramps, because the uterine contractions it produces can help counteract them. My personal belief is that it just makes you not care anymore, thanks to the endorphins.

Whatever works, eh?

Incidentally, some women find that they are more interested in sex during their periods due to the increased blood flow in the area. Keep in mind that depending on your particular cycle, you can get pregnant at the end of your period. Although you won’t ovulate for a few more days, sperm can live 5-7 days. So be careful unless you’re trying to get pregnant.

*Remember, if cramps are excessive and natural remedies are not helpful, you may want to speak with a health professional for any possible underlining causes for severe menstrual cramps.

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Ease Menstrual Cramps Naturally

Dr. Bill is a Dentist with 30 years experience. Though an early promoter of fluoride, he has become an outspoken opponent of the overuse of fluoride and urges parents to inform themselves of the risks.

There are several problems with fluoride. For one, it has not been proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay. Second, there are health risks associated with the use (and overuse, which is the current situation with fluoridated water in most U.S. cities) of fluoride. These include: lowered IQ, endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease, weakened bone, severe enamel fluorosis, rheumatoid or arthritic-like pain, and others.

Interesting facts on the risks of fluoride:

– Researchers reporting in the Oct 6 2007 British Medical Journal indicate that fluoridation was never was proven safe or effective and may be unethical.

For more reading, visit the Fluoride Action Network website.

This is an hour long show. Please be sure to listen to it in its entirety!

Below is a video of Dr. Bill talking about some of the concerns with fluoridation. Please spread the word about this show - it’s too important for us not to be informed.

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Natural Moms Podcast #121

photo credit: kasthor

While I’m sure having the swine flu causes weight loss, I’m not referring to a new diet craze. I want to talk about how to avoid getting the swine flu with good diet.

The same things that will prevent the swine flu are what prevent any illness:

Hand Washing and Good Nutrition

The point is to be a bad host. It’s not about “the illness”. It’s about your body, your choices, your habits.

Are you a good host for a pathogen, or are you a bad host?

Noone in the media is talking about this, but the truth is that the swine flu has conventional farming to blame. That’s why it’s so important to know where your meat comes from, and to eat grass fed and pastured meats.

Today I got an email from the Weston A. Price foundation about this topic of “Natural Immunity”. It read, in part:

“Vitamins A and D in cod liver oil offer strong protection against infection of all types, as well as against environmental toxins.

Vitamin C is important-either from vitamin C-rich foods like sauerkraut, or from one of the natural vitamin C supplements recommended in our Shopping Guide.

Healthy gut flora provide 85 percent of our protection against disease.  Be sure to consume healthy lacto-fermented foods and beverages every day and avoid the foods that disrupt gut flora, especially refined carbohydrates.

Bone broth plays a double role of supporting the immune system and helping the body detoxify.

COCONUT OIL
We are grateful to Beth Beisel, registered dietitian and WAPF member for reminding us about the protective factors in coconut oil. Swine flu is a lipid coated virus (http://www.pnas.org/content/98/5/2115.full.pdf+html), and thus is inactivated by sufficient amounts of monolaurin.   (Our bodies convert lauric acid, found in coconut oil, to monolaurin).

According to our own Dr. Mary Enig, two to three tablespoons of coconut oil per day appears to be an adequate dosage to fight infection, even from virulent antibiotic-resistant organisms such as MSRA.”

I find the hysteria so interesting, especially since the regular old garden variety influenza kills thousands of people in the US every year. Yet you don’t see people buying surgical masks to protect themselves against that.

Are you taking any extra precautions to protect yourself from swine flu?

More:

Coconut oil seems to have magical properties
Health benefits of kefir (lacto-fermented beverage)
My homemade lacto-fermented salsa recipe

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The Swine Flu Diet

The kids are at their Dad’s house.

So I’m up early at our apartment - finishing up the packing in preparation for our move the following day.

photo credit: extremeezine

Then I get a phone call from my would-be landlord.

Actually, I got a TEXT. Can you believe that? Breaking up with me as a leasee via TEXT has got to be as rude as breaking up with your girlfriend via text. Hummph!

He told me that he couldn’t refinance the property and would have to sell it instead of renting it.

So.

My lease is up on the 12th of this month.

My worldly goods are all boxed up, down to the sheets on the bed and the soap and shampoo.

The other day I did a Facebook status that read,

“I think God must love the nick of time.”

What did I mean by that?

Every time I need something, He seems to give it to me in the Nick. Of. Time.

Did he take this place, the one I thought was so perfect and was so excited about, away from me for some good reason?

Is there something better for me in store?

After I got the phone call, I immediately went out hunting in my neighborhood for another place.

I found several, and as I drove around, made several phone calls.

I looked at two houses. One was too small. The second one was almost perfect.

It’s a house (which is preferable to a duplex - which is where we live now). It has hardwoods. It has a nice sunny backyard that’s fenced in (it gets full sun in the afternoon - perfect for a small garden! And two posts where a clothesline used to be). It has lots of windows that let light stream in. It has a renovated kitchen and bathroom. It has 3 bedrooms yet the rent is the same as I was paying in the duplex, which is surprisingly low for a house.

I say almost perfect because it has brand new carpeting in the bedrooms. Yuck. I don’t like carpet at all, but brand new carpet is even worse. I don’t want my kids breathing in formaldehyde.

I’m not sure what to do.

If I got it, I suppose I could buy a really nice air purifier.

Does anyone know if that will help with the outgassing?

Other than that, it’s perfect.

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Living Out of a Suitcase

I’ve been cheating on my blog by writing over at Schmoozins.

Have you seen these posts?

* I saw 500 Days of Summer at a film festival in Atlanta then wrote a review. I LOVED THIS MOVIE. The two stars were absolutely adorable (who can resist Zooey Deschanel? As an actress she’s mediocre at best, but so cute - I couldn’t figure out who to look at, her or her totally cute co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt.) The soundtrack alone makes it worth your while. How can you NOT love a movie that features a lyric from one of the greatest songs by one of the greatest Britpop bands of all time? And another song by one of the bands that, while now defunct, is referred to by Wikipedia as “immediate forebearer of the alternative rock boom of the 1990s” and cited by dozens of bands as a major influence?

You’ll have to see it when it comes out in July to see what I mean.

I never buy DVDs but this one is on my Amazon wish list. You know what I love about the movie that I didn’t mention in that review? I love that you can understand the perspective of both Summer and Tom. In our relationships, we’ve all been Tom, and we’ve all been Summer. Great stuff. Definitely go see it!

* Are you exercising like a girl? I reviewed this cool book called The New Rules of Lifting for Women and mentioned how I changed my workout routine completely after doing so.

* Do any of you encounter these issues when you try to use a reusable bag at the grocery store? Geez.

* I accidentally made 25 GALLONS of homemade liquid laundry detergent. Probably because I got all distracted thinking of Jim-Bob Duggar. You see, the recipe came from his website.

* My attempt at reverse psychology had the reverse effect on my youngest. Oops.

* Can’t get to the gym? No worries. Work out at home (upper body) and (lower body).

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I’ve Been Cheating On My Blog

Why not? If you have a blog, Twitter is a great way to get new readers. It’s just plain fun too. If you are on Twitter, follow me.

Here are some of my favorite conversations on Twitter this past week.

On Aspartame:

• just realized with horror that my trident white gum has aspartame. gulp. throwing in rubbish bin! poison
• ByteSizeDiva@carrielee It’s amazing how many products have aspartame in it… that stuff is the devil.
• @ByteSizeDiva i know - i thought trident was safe but they snuck it in to the white gum. yuck

On Parenting:

• From @ExtraordMommy So, I’m wondering - how do you finish this sentence, “Parenting is……” http://bit.ly/13xP2T
• @ExtraordMommy parenting is personal growth. i don’t believe people totally grow up until they become one
• Sadie is in the kitchen and just said “toopid cwap!”. I think that’s 3 year old for swearing.

On Introverts As Bloggers:

• @barbaraling Nice post here - Are Introverts Better Bloggers http://tinyurl.com/cykpzr (I totally agree - an astute observation!)

On Eco-Friendly Coffee:

• It just occurred to me that making your coffee with a French press is more eco-friendly - no filters, no electricity.
• @lexirodrigo Yes a French press is more eco-friendly + so easy to use plus tastier coffee

On Breastfeeding/Breastfed Celebrities:

• From @MsFitUniverse: I’ve failed over & over & over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan
• @MsFitUniverse: Michael Jordan - breastfed. Michael Jackson - not
• must have been the talk about Selma Hayek’s rack that did it. (rash of new male followers)
• vhernandez Heh - boost your (male) follower count by tweeting about Salma Hayek ;-)…wonder what keywords they’re using to find you? Hmm…

On Fitness:

• From @MsFitUniverse Let’s do bicep curls, lateral raises, and skull crushers. Go heavy weight, cuz summer’s coming, and U have the right 2 “bare arms”!
• yeah what @MsFitUniverse said re: heavy weight. no working out like a girl y’all! (reminds me of a guest post I did on her blog)
  

Am I following you on Twitter?

Leave your @username in the comments below and I’ll be sure to do so!

photo credit: Matthew Oliphant

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Twitterific

I think we have found the explanation for the fussy behavior, and the solution.

I sat Ilana down and asked her why she was having such a hard time after school. “Are you hungry?” (No - they eat a snack when they get home.) “Are you tired?” (No - we take a nap at school.) “Is someone mean to you at school?” (No.)

Then she came out with it.

“I don’t like Sadie.”

I try not to react when my kids make statements like this. I know she doesn’t mean it. This is the same girl who will run back into the house and give her baby sister a kiss if she forgets to do so in the mornings.

“Why don’t you like Sadie?”

Because she messes up my room!

Now - the day she said this, Sadie had only been IN her room (actually, THEIR room) for a moment. She had gotten out her big sister’s lip gloss and brought it to me. I told her to put it back, and she did. She didn’t even use any.

But Ilana noticed that the tiny little drawers to her tiny little makeup organizer on her dresser were OPEN.

This is the child who cleans her room without being asked to. She loves to organize and clean up and occasionally decides to completely rearrange the place - furniture and all.

So that’s it.

This was the whole problem. The thought that her little sister was tearing through her stuff while she was at school all day made her feel vulnerable or out of control or mad or whatever.

So, yesterday while she was at school, I went in her room and made the bed for her. (She usually does it, but didn’t have time, we overslept.)

I straightened up a little.

When she came home, she walked in and said, “My room looks beautiful!”

We had a MUCH more pleasant evening.

Have you seen this article on gentle discipline for the older child?

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Afterschool Fussypants Problem - Solved

Even after a snack and a little rest. (Plus, she takes a nap at school.)

I’m sure it’s because it’s a transition time. Oldest handles this by hiding behind his Nintendo DS for half an hour. When he’s done he’s ready to interact (It reminds me of a man who comes home from work and reads the paper.) Julien doesn’t seem to be bothered by the transition at all, he usually runs out to play with his friends.

Her little sister misses her all day and wants to play with her when she comes in the door. Ilana is in no mood to play and starts fussing at her sister for messing up HER (their) room and anything else she can think of.

It upsets me.

I want to punish her for treating her baby sister that way.

Her behavior is unacceptable. She’s being antisocial and one time, I sent her to her bed to rest and stop being so grumpy.

Didn’t work.

She just lay there and screamed.

Part of attachment parenting the older child is remembering your instincts.

I realized that what she needed was a Time In. She needs to reconnect with mommy after being away from me all day, and she doesn’t even realize it. (She likes to pretend she doesn’t like me.)

So I hold her in my lap and ask her about her day for a few minutes.  This seems to make the grumpies go away. (It reminds me of when a tantruming toddler nurses for a minute and jumps out of your lap all happy.)

Time Out or Time In?

photo credit: Jason Pratt

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She Needs a Time In

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WW: 1977

One of the most important tasks on your to-do list when you want to make money with your mom blog?

Get lots of traffic.

The more visitors you have, the better your affiliate commissions, sales of your own products, and the more you can charge for your private ads (and if you’re monetizing that way - the higher your income from ad networks).

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a fabulous traffic generation tool for mom bloggers.

Why?

It’s free.

And once you learn the basics, it becomes second nature. I don’t even think about SEO anymore when I add a page to my blog(s) or site(s), I just do it. Search engines give me over 90% of my traffic, so the stuff works.

Hopefully you have chosen a niche with your blog and you have developed a list of keywords and phrases that your market is interested in. If you haven’t done this, do it right away. Developing a keyword list helps you come up with ideas for content when you run a little dry. Regularly conduct keyword research to stay on top of what’s popular in your niche, using tools like the Google Keyword Tool.

Before we go any further, let me say something about the whole topic of SEO and blogging. Some say you should stay away from SEO altogether on your blog. Others say to SEO the heck out of it.

There IS a happy medium.You can please the search engines and also write for your reader.

(WordPress makes this easy - you can use the All In One SEO Pack plugin to help.)

I mentioned on my business blog the other day that I’ve gotten a LOT of free publicity lately, and almost all of it came from reporters finding my blog in search engines. They get online, search for a subject matter - and a blog post of mine comes up.

Umm… what is not to love about that?

Now. On to the tips.

SEO for Mom Bloggers

Tip #1: Use Your Keywords

Make sure you’re using your keywords in html tags.  For instance:

* Title tags.  Title tags are quite possibly the most important place to place your keyword.  WordPress lets you create a title for your post that’s different from the file name (url), which is a huge plus. The title tag is what shows up in a reader’s browser bar when they favorite your page, so it needs to be a little sexy.

* Header Tags.  Header tags are next in order of importance to search engines.  They’re ranked in order of importance and look like this - <h1>Primary and/or Secondary keywords here</h1>

The “1” designates this header as the most important header on the page. See the large font “SEO your mom blog” above? That’s an H1 tag.

* Alt Tags.  This is probably the most frequently overlooked tag. Alt tags are used to provide a text description of a graphic.  Why is this useful? Two reasons. One, some internet users (either because of visual impairment or for faster speed) have their browser set to not show pictures. The Alt tag tells them what the picture is about. It also tells search engines and adds to your overall SEO efforts. Each graphic on your site should have a description and an alt tag. It only takes a few seconds to do this, and again - WordPress makes it easy.

And obviously, keep that keyword phrase in mind when you write the actual post. Use it a few times but make sure it sounds natural, not forced. (This is where keeping your reader first in mind and search engines second comes in.)

Tip #2 Blog Daily

Content is essential for traffic and good search engine ranking.  Give your readers and search engines a reason to visit. Make a commitment to blog daily or as often as possible. Get guest bloggers on board if you need to. Use memes like Wordless Wednesday to help you out. Don’t forget to schedule posts in advance if you’re feeling wordy - write several posts at a time and have them automatically publish, one a day.

Tip #3 Get Juicy, *Relevant* One Way Links

The more sites that link to your blog, the more valuable search engines think you are. But keep in mind that not all links are created equal.  Search engines give more weight to links from sites which are popular and credible and that are relevant to your website topic. For example, one of the sites that links to my blog is www.Mothering.com - this link means more than a link from another site that isn’t in a similar niche.

You can get more links to your blog by:

* Posting frequently. The more content you have, the more you’ll be talked about.
* Submitting articles to article directories. (For instance, www.ezinearticles.com)
* Guest blogging - again, on a blog in a similar niche
* Linking out to other bloggers you want to connect with, they’ll often return the favor
* Do cross blog conversations and interviews when asked
* Consider buying links. A few dollars on a highly trafficked site can mean lots of new visitors. You can get a juicy one way link from this blog for only $10!

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Quick and Easy SEO Your Mom Blog

I don’t really feel like talking about it. Or at least, not all the reasons for it.  I already said that I was sad about putting the kids in school (which is kind of like being sad when a baby weans herself - it’s the end of something and not bad in itself. See below.)

It’s not like me to give in to a mood.

I even write about my little tricks I use to get over a bad mood quickly. I learned some of these techniques from a book I own, that has a permanent spot on my bookshelf, called You Can Be Happy No Matter What. I typically don’t take moods and lows too seriously. I try not to analyze it, I just put one foot in front of the other and keep marching.

I’ve missed a few workouts. That doesn’t help. It’s been hard to get used to the new schedule. When the kids get home they need snacks and rest and to clear their head and I don’t feel right about dragging them back out again to the gym (and I can’t go during the day because the kid care is only from 5 - 8 pm and I have Sadie during the day). Plus, some nights they have homework to complete.

The kids are doing great in school. They pop out of bed at 6:30 each morning, ready to go.

Today I felt the funk start to lift.

The weather here in Georgia has been stunningly beautiful for days now. Sunny and warm and just gorgeous. That helps a lot.

It also helped that two days this week, I’ve slept until 9 AM or so. I get the kids off to school, then cuddle with Sadie in bed, and we both drift back to sleep for a couple more hours.

Heaven. I must’ve needed it.

Yesterday I took dinner to a new mom, one of my best friends just gave birth to her fifth baby. I held this tiny little 9 day old infant.

That kind of reminds you that all is right with the world.

Also, when she started putting her fist in her mouth and making those little newborn sounds, my breasts didn’t get the slightest bit tingly.

Which means I must be done. Even though if I met my Jim-Bob Duggar, I could probably have a dozen more. I think he’s pretty hot.

So what’s new with you?

photo credit: davhor

photo credit: Allie_Caulfield

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What The Funk

At one I got an awesome original piece of artwork for $5,  and at another I got a huge stack of like new clothing for my 6 year old daughter for next to nothing.

photo credit: frankh

It’s Having A Yard Sale That I Hate

I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve always found it depressing to host a yard sale.

For one, it’s a lot of hard work.

And there are so many things I would rather be doing on a Saturday than sitting in my front yard hoping strangers come buy my junk.

Maybe it’s also because hosting a yard sale reminds me of how much junk we collect.

I make a concerted effort to keep stuff OUT of my home.

I am a minimalist from the word go. I resent stuff.

But even I, the antiClutter Queen, somehow amasses too. much. stuff.  Where did all this junk come from? And why, pray tell, do I own THREE dust mops? UGH! It just disgusts me.

Umm, does this clutter make my butt look big?

I didn’t get to the gym on Friday which is a usual workout day for me (again - because of the stupid yard sale!), so I literally feel flabby. I think having a yard sale made me gain 5 pounds.

Not to mention, the city came around and pulled up my signs.

Good signage is everything when you’re hosting a yard sale.

Even though I live in an urban area, and there are tons of walkers/bikers/scooterers/cars around, we still didn’t get the traffic we needed in order to sell out. So I ended up having it on the second day too, which I didn’t want to do.

I’m done complaining now.

I did at least try to be as eco-friendly as possible. I used cardboard that was lying around to make signs. I gathered up stuff that didn’t sell and it’s in my car, waiting to go to the nearest charitable organization.

How do you feel about yard sales? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em?

At least the weather was beautiful.

a

Yard Sales Are Depressing - When You Are the Hostess