For the past few years, I have loved being able to participate in packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child with my kids. I usually let each of them choose the items at the dollar store, we decorate a card and pack the boxes all while listening to Christmas music and drinking hot beverages. It's been a tradition of trying to teach them to care about others around the world that might not have as much as they do. And this year won't be any different but after I met Alex at a conference … [Read more...]
Organized Meal Planning Made Simple
October 9, 2013 By
Written by Kari, Contributing Writer Meal planning has never been one of my favorite activities. I remember when I got married almost 13 years ago the dread I faced every time I went to the grocery store. I never had a plan, I never knew what to get and I had no creativity. My husband was a trooper, because I sure didn’t woo him with my amazing skills in the kitchen. As time went on, I moved from the same ole repeated 5 meals to a broader menu, but I still despised the duty of planning meals … [Read more...]
Cloth Diapering at Daycare
October 2, 2013 By
Written by KT, Contributing Writer I know... if you are envisioning tubs of bleach, borax, rubber pants and pre-folds... you have got to get into this century of diapers! They are cute, convenient, easy to clean, and daycare friendly! Honestly, I had no intention of cloth diapering when I went back to work. I didn't even want to bring it up at daycare for fear that they would think I was totally crazy (and let's face it... I might be!). Much to my surprise... daycare brought it up with … [Read more...]
Homemade Baby Gift: Burp Cloth Set in Three Easy Steps
September 30, 2013 By
Written by Nell, Contributing Writer We all have the desire to make something beautiful for a new child in a loved one's life. Whether it is a boy or a girl, a long-awaited journey or an unexpected surprise, that life is precious. Before I started my Etsy shop, before I knew much about fabrics or patterns or this that & the other, I made these simple burp cloth sets for friends with new little ones. They make the perfect shower gift! Or visiting gift. And they're not too fancy no one … [Read more...]
Herb Infused Water Kefir
September 13, 2013 By
Written by Liz, Contributing Writer Do you know what water kefir is? Maybe you've seen, bought, or even made the "milk" kind of kefir. But did you know there's another kind made with water? Water kefir is, essentially, soda that's good for you! Enough said, right? Okay, maybe, but you probably want more information. Water kefir is made by culturing sugar water with water kefir grains (that aren't actually grains) and then flavoring that cultured sugar water with fruit or flavor extracts to … [Read more...]
Create Your Own Health Arsenal: Build A Strong Immune System & Treat Symptoms Naturally
September 9, 2013 By
Written by Kari, Contributing Writer This is a transitional time of year for almost everybody out there. School has started up again, summer is almost over and the cooler months are on the way. All of this means that we are going to have to pay more attention to keeping our immune systems strong so those ever present germs and bugs don’t have a chance to wreak havoc inside our bodies! Even healthy families and houses can experience the sniffles, coughing and that ‘yucky’ feeling, but do we … [Read more...]
Simplifying Meal Planning For the New School Year {and a Giveaway!}
August 26, 2013 By
Written by Kim, Contributing Writer If we’re honest with ourselves, SAD eating (eating the Standard American Diet of refined, processed, convenience foods) can be pretty easy and comfortable. Healthy eating, in contrast, can seem pretty overwhelming. Planning for three meals a day, from scratch, plus snacks, everyday! How’s a mom to manage it?! I encourage people to break it down. First of all, most families (healthy eaters or not) tend to stick to a limited number of recipes that they use … [Read more...]
3 Simple Methods to Save Money and Stop Wasting Food
August 23, 2013 By
Written by Kari, Contributing Writer Do you cringe when it comes to wasting food? I certainly do and it seems that in our society it’s not looked down upon like it used to be. There was a time when the only food a family had was what they grew on their land. Maybe small towns had a quaint little corner store that sold some food items - but they weren't like our Walmart Supercenters or Krogers. People valued food and I think we've lost that in this day and age of abundance, prepackaged foods … [Read more...]
How to Beat the Heat Naturally
August 15, 2013 By
Written by Kristin, Guest Post I am a native of Florida. I should be used to summer heat. I should naturally love and embrace 101 degree heat waves like a pro. August in Florida is just plain old hot! I am still working on the embracing part. Even with the heat, life must go on as normal. My children love the outdoors and being kept in the house for more than a couple hours can lead to absolute chaos. Playtime outside is a must. We also have four new hens in our backyard. We have been busy … [Read more...]
How to Dye Your Hair with Henna {And Why You Should}
July 17, 2013 By
Written by Liz, Contributing Writer As a girl my mother dyed her hair using nothing but raspberries she plucked out of the bushes in her New Jersey backyard. Though simple, the dye worked like a charm, tinting her hair a radiant yet subtle ruby red. And best of all, it was completely natural. Today, I choose to follow in the footsteps of the woman that I have looked up to my entire life – my mother. In honor of her I have decided to dye my hair using all natural henna products. Just … [Read more...]
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