#88- Snow Day/Family Day

Take a day off - with your children!  

Today was a Snow Day for us, it is unusual to have snow where we live.  I am fortunate that our two children are home with us for much of the time, so this was pretty easy for us, but I know of someone who took her two children out of school for the day, and they had a "family day", after all,  how could these young children not squirm in their desks watching the much awaited white stuff falling outside by their classroom window?  

You know best, but believe me, sometimes rules are to be bent ,and where we live, if you can manage it, a Snow Day is worth it!

#87 Bananas for Ice cream that is REALLY Bananas!

If you would like a cool, delicious, alternative to ice cream, try "making" ice cream with bananas! 

Feels good because it is healthy, tasty, and easy to make!

Simply slice up two bananas and lay them on a tray or shallow container, and freeze.  Once they are frozen, blend them in your blender or food processor.

 

 

Next, scoop out and serve! 

 

 

 



#86 Hydrate with an Infusion of Health!

Feels good because when I make my own "infusions" I know they are healthy!

orange slices in infusion chamber

It is hot out!  Thus, it is especially important to keep hydrated.  Instead of grabbing for a juice, water, or pop, how about grabbing your infuser water bottle?  That's right, this bottle has a built in infuser so you can fill the chamber with all natural flavourful delights.  A few of our favourite water infusing ingredients are: sliced strawberries, cut up orange, and mint leaves.

The bottle we have is made by Tundra. They are easy to clean, and easy to use.

#85 Noteworthy - Super Neat Chalk and White Boards!

 

Feels good because using these adhesive "boards" simplifies my life!

Do you need extra space for that To Do list?  How about your little ones?  Would they appreciate more room to colour, draw or print on?  Well here is a simple and inexpensive idea that I love.  The package pictured above I purchased for about ten bucks at our local Home Hardware store. If you don't like chalk they also come in a a white board variety. 

These "boards" are moveable, they do not leave marks, and are a great addition to any Mommy's space!  They can be placed all together, as in the photo, or  separately - wherever you want.

 

Our children each have two placed on the outside of their bedroom doors.  They love to personalize them with coloured chalk.
 

Chalk this Feel Good Mommy Tip up to a noteworthy addition to your living or office space!

#84 Shaving Cream to Clean White Boards

Feels good because it is so easy......

       

Ever have a permanent marker accidently used on your white/dry erase board?  Well, here is the solution to clean it off.

Take a blob of shaving cream on a cloth and it simply wipes the ink off - it cleans your board untill it looks and works like brand new!

#83 - Skip the Hot Cocoa - Make Cake in Your Mug Instead

Feels good... because it is delicious and so easy to make with little mess!  This is also the perfect warmer on a cold winter day!

Craving cake, but don't want to make the whole thing?  Well here is a simple easy and way to homemade cake and a whole lot of fun for your little ones!

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Add the following ingredients to a good sized coffee mug:

• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar (I don’t like things sweet, but if you do, add a little more)
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• A pinch of baking powder
• 4 tablespoons of milk
• Canola Oil

Mix the ingredients and drizzle canola oil until you reach the consistency of cake mix. If you want to cut down on oil, just add a little more milk. If want more chocolate just add a few semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave for one minute. If it looks gooey, zap it for another 30 seconds. You shouldn’t need more than a minute and a half, otherwise it gets rock hard.

Let it cool and then devour!

TIP:  If you don't want chocolate at all, use the same measurements and technique but instead of cocoa powder, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a half teaspoon of lemon extract.

Don't forget for to throw in a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles!

#82 Dried Seaweed!

I have a new food - dried seeweed, especially kimchee flavoured seeweed.  My body craves this as well as my taste buds. It is inexpensive which is a bonus. The below came in a package of eight snack packs for only a toonie.

 

 

 

Cured seaweed...

 

1. Helps control appetite

2. It is chock full of “vitamins A, C, E, K and B vitamins.

3. It is also rich in minerals, including iodine, selenium, calcium and iron.

4. It has protein.



#81 Chocolate Looney Christmas Tree Ornaments

Feels good ..... your little ones will have a blast making them, giving them, and eating them!

 

 

Using a chocolate Looney as the base of the ornament, cut  construction paper in circles or designs and tape or glue to these to both sides of the Looney. Tape ribbon for hanging on one side.  Now decorate!  Have your little ones use their creativity to make these special little ornaments.  We went with classic Christmas stamps, drawings, sticker stamps, and even pictures of the kids!

How would you decorate your Looney ornaments?

Remember:

There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.”
~ Erma Bombeck

#80 Chia Banana Pudding - so simple!

Feels good... because it's yummy ,simple to make, and very nutritious!

Take one ripened banana, break apart and add to a blender, add to this 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup of coconut milk, and then 1/4 cup of chia seeds.  Blend until smooth.   Pour into a large container, let sit for three hours.


How easy is that?  This pudding is not only nutritious, but so simple to make.  Make it with your little ones, let them do the measuring, pouring - have fun!

How healthy is it?  Chia seeds contain a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and protein.  They are also an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper.

Did you know that Chia seeds have the highest-known percentage of omega-3 among plants and have five times more potassium than milk?


Remember today.....

“Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.”

                                                                          - Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

# 79 Yummy Yam Fries - so easy, so healthy!

Yummy Easy Yam Fries

 

Don't overlook this sweet comfort food of winter.  Yam fries are healthy for you and also very easy to make. All you will need is one large yam, olive oil, sea salt (and other spices), baking sheet. Just follow these simple steps:
 

(1) Preheat oven to 400 F

(2) Cut the skinny ends off of the yam and then cut it in half. I prefer to keep the skin on for taste and texture.

(3) Cut the yam halves length wise in pieces 1/2 inch thick.

(4) Grease your pan with olive oil and spread out your fries

(5) Drizzle olive oil over the fries and then season with salt to taste.

(6) Place in the oven for about 15 minutes (turn once to even baking and distribute oil and seasoning).

(7) Take out and serve while warm.  I like to serve the fries with a mayonnaise and mango chipotle dip.

Enjoy and savour knowing you are eating a healthy homemade snack.

Yams are a good source of vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, plus because they are a complex carbohydrate they are digested slowly so you won`t experience any nasty blood sugar spikes.

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give."

George MacDonald
      Scottish Author and Poet           

#78 Make Your Own Coconut Milk

If you like coconut milk, here is an inexpensive way to make your own, healthy milk!

Coconut milk carries with it a number of health boosts, such as:

* reduce your consumption of BPA by avoiding canned milk.
*  lauric acid, the main saturated fat that it contains, is also found in breast milk and is known to boost brain development and bone health.
( high levels of minerals like, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
* significant amount of vitamin C and E

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 1.5-2 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Heat water, but don't boil. It should be hot, but not scalding.
2. Put coconut in blender or Vitamix and add water. (If all water won't fit, you can add the water in two batches.)
3. Blend on high for several minutes until thick and creamy.
4. Pour through a mesh colander first to get most of the coconut out, and then squeeze through a towel or several thicknesses of cheesecloth to get remaining pieces of coconut out.
5. If you have to split the water, put all the coconut that you strained out back in the blender, add the remaining water, and repeat.
6. Flavor options- add in after all coconut has been strained out: ½ tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 tsp cocoa powder + ½ tsp vanilla.
7. Drink immediately or store in the fridge. Should be used in 3-4 days after making for best flavor and texture. Since there are no preservatives or fillers, the "cream" of the coconut milk may separate on the top if stored in the fridge. Just shake or stir before using.

Enjoy!

"Dream as if you'll live forever... live as if you'll die today." 
James Dean

#77 Contest Alert - Someone Has to Win, so ENTER!

DEAD.LINE OCTOBER 31, 2014

From Parents Canada:

Win a Mixie gift pack!

Mixie is the only 2-in-1 formula bottle that can be fixed now and mixed later. Perfect for night/on the go feedings or caregivers.

Enter to win a Mixie gift pack including:

• Five 8oz Mixie Baby Bottles
• Four 4oz Mixie Baby Bottles
• Two Pack Stage 2 Nipples
• Two Pack Stage 3 Nipples

Total value: $200




Enter here:
http://www.parentscanada.com/contest_corner/2014/July/mixie-gift-pack

#76 Make an Ocean Inside Your Home

Keeping young ones occupied inside the home on rainy days can be a challenge. Here is an activity that is sure to brighten your child's day while brightening yours also - a happy child = a happy mom.

Make an ocean!

 

Pour warm water into a large, clear plastic container (placed on a low table or cardboard box).  Let your kids put sea glass, stones, rocks, and shells in "their" sea.  Add a handful of toys such as animal figurines (penguins, whales, fish) and boats. 

 

Sit back and relax with a cup of tea and watch with joy as your child uses her imagination and and plays in her ocean!

 

 

“Play is the work of the child.”

 – Maria Montessori

Note:   Due to an injury I have to take a break from blogging - I look forward to getting back to it when I am able!  Thank you to my dear husband for being my typist.

#75 Happy New Year! Blogging Break!

May 2014 shine upon you!

Due to an injury I have to take a break from blogging - I look forward to getting back to it when I am able!  Thank you to my dear husband for being my typist.

#74 Freezer Fare for Simplicity During Busy Times

Freezer Fare

When I come upon sites of interest and helpfulness, I like to pass them on.

One of the greatest gifts during the holidays for me is organization (ha ha ha!).  While most of my life is running by the seat of my pants at these times, healthy food is a priority.  Perhaps it is too late to share with you my thoughts on freezer fare, if so, keep them in mind for your future.

My thoughts are very simple:

Freezer fare that you prepare can be very:

(1) Convenient
(2) Healthy
(3) Tasty
(4) Easy to make
(5) Economical

A few of my favourites are casseroles and soups.  Here is a link to a posting on Natalie Hodson's Healthy Living Blog with handy easy to make recipes:

http://nataliehodson.com/healthyrecipes/11-healthy-inexpensive-freezer-meals/



This week's quote:

"Once you have a clear picture of your priorities – that is your values, goals and high leverage activities, organize around them"
- Stephen Covey – Author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

#73 Speak Your Mind - Why the GoldieBlox Ad Bothers Me.......

 Speak your mind!  Yes, speak up when you want, do not silence yourself.  When you feel the urge to give your two cents, do so.  Your thoughts are valued and worthwhile.



GoldieBlox's Marketing Angle, the "Pink" Elephant in the Room?

 

Did any of you see the original Goldieblox ad set to a Beastie Boys tune?

Don't get me wrong, while I have no objection to offering girls a wide array of toys to choose from I do object to this ad and here is why:

 

Isn't it ironic that while this company, Goldie Blox, puts forward an appearance of trying to break down stereotypes it is actually enforcing and perpetuating them?

You see I want my daughter to grow up learning that people are not defined by their colour or the colour(s) they like. My daughter loves pink. She also loves frills and lace - this became apparent when she was a mere six months old. She was immediately drawn to the lace and frills of a christening gown and the texture too. Yes, I buy her pink. For her third birthday that is what she wanted "pink". If she loved purple or blue I would buy her those colours too. 

 

 My daughter is also very much drawn to sparkly things like pretend tiara jewels. Aha! A princess you may be thinking. 

When I ask her why she likes the sparkles and jewels so much - she tells me in her three year old matter of fact way, "because mommy they twinkle like the stars in the sky like the star angels watching over us from heaven".

I will teach my daughter that pink is ONLY a colour and that crowns are make believe. You see unlike this advertisement, I want my little girl to know that she can do ANYTHING she puts her mind to (even if her favourite colour happens to be pink!). 

She can still be a scientist, an engineer, a mathematician, or a pilot, or even a truck driver. A week ago at the medical clinic the attending doctor wore a pink stethoscope around her neck. My daughter exclaimed, "That's just like mine Mama!" While shopping at Work Wear World the other day what could be seen amidst their construction wear section? A pink hard hat!

So folks, don't misjudge my pink princess.  This little girl will be right out there with the rest of them in our farm field decked out in her pink tutu with her pink cozy jacket, and her pink puppy digging up worms for her "collection" and catching frogs and grasshoppers long after her "pinks"' have turned muddy brown!

What saddens me is the disservice this ad does to innocent childhood while scarily putting our "pink girls" at risk to possible taunting, teasing, and targeting by others so easily influenced  - others who only see "pink" and "princess", and nothing beyond.   All of this just because of a colour?   Come on, we know different - really!

All of this is not because of a product which empowers girls, rather all of this is because of a company's marketing ploy - aimed to attract a niche market while having it both ways.

The bottom line:  I want my daughter to grow up knowing that it is about who she is and not "her" colour that matters. 

 

Next will it be tutus and unicorns shunned for product profit?  Or perhaps a company called Little Boy Pink - aimed at steering boys away from the colour blue under the guise of diversifying play experience?

 

Note to GoldieBlox: 

 

Do not underestimate the power of imagination (in response to lyrics "And we would like to use our brains".)  Opportunities for play are abundant and are hardly dependant on manufactured pre-arranged toys, no matter what aisle they reside.

And lastly GoldieBlox:  Do not underestimate girls who like and want pink! 

 

(in response to lyric: "Don't underestimate girls" )

 

 

Here is  a link to the original ad.  Apparently the company never received permission from the Beastie Boys to use their song so it has now been removed (and lyrics) from the ad.

 

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/11/19/goldieblox_commercial_rewrites_the_beastie_boys_urges_young_girls_to_pursue.html

 

 

 

This week's quote:

 

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
~ Oscar Wilde

 

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#72 Meditate

Meditation 

A short ten minute meditation session has the potential to recharge you, and refocus you.  My challenge has always been how to do this when I have the children with me. The solution?  I no longer attempt it until I know that I have some time alone, even if it is just five minutes.

I have always had a mental block towards the thought of meditation because my mind is one that is constantly racing, completing one thing and then on to the next thing in my cerebral ``in-bin`.  The thought of even trying to be still physically for a few minutes, not to mention mentally, has been daunting.  I will have to continue to make an effort to make it a priority.  I still struggle, but it has not been long -   I will let you know how it goes!

Here is a simple mediation for you to try:

•   Lie on your bed, put a fan on, some soothing music, or white noise.
• Open your window for a slight breeze
•  (optional) Hang your head slightly over the edge of the bed, breathe in - breathe out.
•   Lay your arms by your side with the palms of your hands facing upwards
•  Wriggle your toes, your fingers, what do they feel like?
•  Focus on your long deep breaths - be present in the moment
• When your thoughts wander bring your focus back to your breathing and your body feeling.

For those of you in the Victoria area I have recently learned of a new group, Mindful Mamas, that hosts a weekly drop-in meditation session for moms of all ages (Grandmas included!):

Check out their website at  www.elementscentre.ca/story/mindful-mamas

Just a note:  I haven`t been yet to the drop-in (above), but hope to soon.  I can say this:  After our loss of our first little soul and surgery for that pregnancy loss, I went to Elements of Health for acupuncture and was treated by Stephanie Curran who I attribute to helping me tremendously through the physical healing as well as the grieving process.


Today`s Quote:

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.”   - Thích Nhất Hạnh

#71 Feel Good Foods

When the mood strikes, indulge yourself in feel good foods, preferably healthy foods chock full of nutrition.

There is no better comfort food (I believe) to enjoy on a crisp Autumn day than a bowl of steaming butternut squash soup (with lots of garlic of course :-) ) and warm crusty bread or a favourite of ours is Bannock.

Did you know that Butternut Squash carries a healthy amount of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats?  This is just one of the many health benefits of this squash.

Do you have a Feel Good Food?

Here are two recipes from our from Skye Farm facebook Page:
ww.facebook.com/skyefarmskyefarm     Enjoy!

Skye Farm Simple and Rich Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 large butternut squash (about 4 1/2 lbs.) or 4 lbs. peeled and cubed butternut squash
• 2 medium onions
• 6 - 8 cloves garlic (or to taste)
• 3 Tbsp. butter or vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt plus more to taste
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Preparation:

1. Seed, peel, and cube the butternut squash. Set aside.
2. Chop onion finely. Mince the garlic, if you like.
3. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the butter or oil and onion. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the squash and the broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the squash is very tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Transfer small batches to a blender. Hold a kitchen towel over the top (to prevent burns) and whirl until completely smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pot and add more salt to taste.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Bannock (traditional Metis recipe)

* 3 cups flour
* 3 teaspoons baking powder
* 3 Tablespoons oil
* 1 cup cold water

Mix flour, baking powder and oil together, then add water. Knead well and roll into a ball, cover and leave for 10 minutes.

Using your hands form dough ball into patties. Put about 1 cm of oil in a cast iron pan and place the patties in pan - cooking a total time of 6 - 8 minutes (flipping over when one side has risen). Tonight we pushed sliced garlic into the dough once in the pan and then sprinkled with sea salt.

Autumn, that season of peculiar and inexhaustible influence on the mind of taste and tenderness, that season which has drawn from every poet, worthy of being read, some attempt at description, or some lines of feeling. She occupied her mind as much as possible in such like musings and quotations... ~Jane Austen

#70 Let the Silence Speak

 

 

 

Did you know it was BC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day yesterday (October 15th)?   Such losses often go unspoken.  Awareness raising about these losses and the family impact is so very important. 

 

After life saving surgery due to the loss of my pregnancy - our baby - in January 2008, the surgeon put me on a medical leave of absence.  Much to my horror upon my return to work, I was subjected to remarks by my managers that went beyond insensitivity.  I can only suppose from their perspective that the one and only view/value they held was that of the business bottom line - the goals.  Loosely thrown out statements about how my absence (due to my medical leave) had hurt the team and sarcastic remarks about what should they expect if I became pregnant again were freely thrown about.  The experience was surreal to me, and quite frankly it was re-traumatizing. It was as though to them,  a pregnancy loss was not really and truly a loss, not worthy of grieving, and certainly not worthy of interrupting any business at hand. 

 

Clearly, awareness on part of employers and communities can go along way in helping families to grieve these very real losses. In the Vancouver Sun Article (the link is below) Jens Locher,who started the BC Childloss Support Network  states that "This (day) is an important acknowledgement of the trauma and grief that hundreds of families face after the devastating tragedy of the death of their baby."

 

 Locher goes on to say in a news release that "... many parents seem to struggle with the lack of  acknowledgement of the existence of their babies."

So please, take a moment and think about the women, men, and the families who have suffered such losses, or perhaps are going through one right now.  Let this one day a year be a reminder that we as a community must keep in mind that these losses happen every single day. Perhaps you would be surprised to learn just how many people you may know, have also suffered in silence.   Let the silence speak.

 

 

 

Here are a few links to let you know how communities are making a difference!

 

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Place+glow+pregnancy+infant+loss/9035095/story.html

 

https://www.facebook.com/LittleSpiritsGarden

 

http://www.timescolonist.com/good-neighbours-artist-helps-create-peaceful-spot-to-reflect-on-little-spirits-1.658400

 

Empty Arms Support Group  www.facebook.com/EOHCentre/posts/161094797369267

 

 

 

 

"Hands Holding Baby Shoes" Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

#69 - Tangle Free

My daughter's hair - the "nest".

Okay, so my daughter has my hair - fine as can be and tangled as can be.  Not a big deal, really, given the scope of the problems life can throw at one, but potentially our hair tantrums have a big impact on our daily life.  Attempting to comb or brush her hair can result in a huge ordeal of what seems at times to carry on for hours.  I had nearly given up on her hair, really what did it matter that my little girl's hair resembled a bird's nest or even more so, the hair of Cat in the Hat characters Thing One and Thing Two? 

Hair detangling sprays have not worked, besides who wants to spray chemicals in their child's hair?  After discussing the problem with one mom I learned of something called a detangling brush or comb.  During our next trip to Shoppers Drug Mart I found a comb but not the brush.  We purchased the pretty pink comb, afterall pink is her favourite colour.

Well our hair brushing/combing sessions are MUCH better, maybe not perfect, but better and that means a lot.   So, if you are in need of a detangling for either yourself (I use the comb too) or your little ones, perhaps give this comb a try!

After the Detangling comb.



Quote of the Day:

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”   
-     Oscar Wilde