Green Smoothies

I feel like we are good in the fruit department, my kids inhale just about every fruit there is in record time. Veggies are a different story. A couple of years ago I read an article about green smoothies. My husband and I jumped right into making them for breakfast after reading the many benefits they provide. Now, two years later, all of us drink them everyday. They taste amazing and provide all of our veggie needs first thing in the morning, not too mention they are an amazing source of energy!

Here is what we put into them:

frozen berries from trader joes

one banana

frozen mango or papaya

almond milk

flax seed

fruit juice (whatever we have but trader joes makes an awesome banana orange juice)

whatever other fresh fruit we have

spinach (lots of it) or kale

I know some people add yogurt but since we are pretty much dairy free we use the almond milk. My kids INHALE these and I feel so much better about them getting their iron and vitamins this way:) Try one, you will be surprised!

Wally's Ear Oil

The most common use of antibiotics in babies/toddlers is for ear infections and from my research many studies have found that children who take antibiotics for ear infections have more recurring EIs than those who let the infection clear up naturally. Unfortunately, many of these children end up with tubes also :( In my experience, it's always hard to tell if a child has an EI... babies/toddlers pull at their ears when they are teething, tired, or have an actual ear issue. Lila never has a fever, but at times does tug on her ears so I've suspected she had an EI. At her 6mo appt, Lila's old pediatrician said it looked like she was just getting over an EI and she prescribed an antibiotic to her. I got home and thought "WTF? Why would I give her an antibiotic when she has just gotten OVER the EI? Her body fought it!" Pissed me off that the pedi would do that... so we never went back. Anyway, I started googling and talking with some Mom's online about natural remedies for ear issues. One Mom suggested Wally's Ear Oil. I bought it and have LOVED it ever since. If Lila is tugging or rubbing her ears I will use the oil for 2-3 days and then she is absolutely fine. Every time we go to the pedi she says her ears look great. It also works for swimmer's ear, which we are now facing with so much swimming. I buy it at vitacost.com-- there is a link on the side of the blog.

Here's a review for Wally's Ear Oil
Wally's Ear Oil Review

You can find more reviews if you just google Wally's Ear Oil reviews.

This is a great website with wonderful info about chronic EIs, remedies, and diet changes that can help tremendously. Cow's milk is often a huge culprit of EIs.

http://www.natural-cures-ear-sinus-infections.com/

Here's to healthy ears!

Calendula Lotion

All of my kids have had cradle cap and it really grosses me out. So does the oil that you are supposed to put on it. I found Calendula lotion made by California Baby. It has been amazing! My son's cradle cap is almost gone after only two uses. It's all natural and it can be used all over the body for dry skin and even eczema! Wow!

Salmon Cakes

I saw this recipe in Parenting magazine a few months back and Chris made them for Lila. She liked them a lot. Today we made them for lunch with sweet potato fries (baked) and caesar salad. They are really delicious!
Salmon Cakes

Chicken Nuggets

Obviously they are a household favorite. But I saw Jamie Oliver's show and he did a demonstration on what is really inside nuggets. I was horrified, to say the least. Did anyone else see it?

Anyway I found some chicken nuggets that claim to be all natural, white meat only. Does this mean they are ok? I am going to do some more research and then update this post!

Throwing away the goldfish...

I wish! LMAO! Lila loves goldfish, as do all toddlers (& Moms for that!), but I TRY to give her healthy snacks whenever possible and keep the goldfish, graham crackers, & other not so healthy snacks to a minimum. Like any crazy household with kids, it takes time to break out the cutting board and cut an apple, so goldfish come in handy as we all know. When I do have time and there isn't a baby crying or a toddler clinging to my leg I do try and give Lila (& myself) healthy snacks. Here is a list of some ideas... please comment and add some others!

-raisins (all time fav)
-fruit--- fresh or frozen. I buy any organic frozen fruit and Lila loves them. Great for teething too!
-any veggies - Lila's favs- cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, or broccoli
-green smoothies (Thanks to my blog partner!)- spinach, a little OJ, a banana= YUM!
-cheese
-yogurt
-peanut butter toast
-hard boiled egg

Other suggestions welcome!

Me as a Mom

I have three kids all about 18 months apart and I have done different things for each child. I feel like I am learning more each day about healthy living and I strive to do what I can to keep my family healthy. I have had two drug free child births, I breastfeed, babywear, cosleep (in the beginning) but I also weaned my oldest too early, have done cry it out and utilize the swing and bouncy when necessary! I am learning as I go!!!

My oldest child is greatly affected by what he eats so that is really what started my "research" into healthier living. I am learning everyday about new things and trying to improve my family's lifestyle.

So far we avoid hydrogenated oils, use natural household cleaners, avoid plastic containers, eat organic when we can, order meat from a grass fed farm, avoid medicine, seek homeopathic remedies, limit dairy, high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors.

I am a stickler with our schedule for naps and bedtimes and I love organizing and creating systems in our home.

So I guess in a nutshell, I love being a mom, I love learning about keeping our kids healthy and I love talking about it, too:)