Children’s Bathtime Routine

Guest Post by Sara of Your Thriving Family We have dealt with a lot eczema with my oldest daughter. To keep it in check, and to help all the cuts and scrapes little kids get I turned to some more natural ways to do bath time. I have bought most every commercial eczema solution available. And after six years of this, I now use good old epsom salt, castille soap and a few essential oils. I recently started buying our salts at the feed store, it is the cheapest I have found and it is safe to … [Read more...]

A Healthy Approach to Hair Care {with a Natural Conditioner and Detangler Recipe}

Written by Kim, Contributing Writer I turned 45 this month and I’m a bit perplexed that it has taken me this long to discover the most effective (and natural and healthful!) way to take care of my hair. I literally feel like I have the healthiest hair of my life right now. Why bother with a healthy approach to hair care? There are many concerning chemicals in common hair care products (sitting on your scalp, being absorbed into your head and bloodstream, oh my. . .) Traditional shampoos … [Read more...]

Fall Fruits and Vegetables to Boost Immunity

Written by Kelly, Contributing Writer In the summertime it is so natural to consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables!  The warm weather, farmer's markets and picnics in the park all call for fresh fruit and vegetable salads.  However, winter comes along and it usually includes weight gain, depression and cold/flu season. Fall comes with its share of immune boosting fruits and vegetables.  We just need to be aware of what is currently in season.  Keep our love for fruits and veggies … [Read more...]

Honey Health Benefits

Written by Kelly, Contributing Writer I must admit I have a slight addiction to honey...At least twice a day I have a cup of green tea with honey and rice milk.  It's like holding a little cup of heaven...mmm. Makes me feel so warm, cozy and content.  I have tried other natural sweeteners, but honey always wins! Besides being tasty in a cup of tea, honey has a long list of amazing health benefits. Awhile back I shared that one of those is healing eye allergies and pink eye with a … [Read more...]

Create Your Own Health Arsenal: Build A Strong Immune System & Treat Symptoms Naturally

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...]

Four Sweet Reasons to Plant Lavender in Your Garden

Written by Nell, Contributing Writer   I know it's summer now, but harken back to when it was springtime. What were you planting? What were you dreaming about having in your little window garden? Or your big backyard plot? When you looked at and thought about sumptuous herbs for your cuisine, did lavender come to mind?   Lavender is a flowering plant whose known use stretches over 2,500 years. It is grown and harvested across the world for its beauty, essential oils, … [Read more...]

How to Dye Your Hair with Henna {And Why You Should}

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...]

DIY Father’s Day Aftershave

Written by Kelly, Contributing Writer As much as your Dad or husband might want another tie for Father's Day ( ha, ha)...Perhaps he may get more use out of this homemade gift! My husband has very sensitive skin and has tried several aftershaves and lotions hoping to find one that does not irritate his skin. Of course, the best ones are all so expensive! So why not make your own? It is super easy to personalize to your skin type and scent preference. So here's how to Do it Yourself … [Read more...]

Easy & Natural Bug Spray

    Written by Liz, Contributing Writer   In my multiple trips to the Dominican Republic, I’ve learned a lot.   Things like… Plantains are God’s gift to His people.     The poverty we deal with in the US is filthy rich compared to that in the rest of the world.       And did you know that six people can fit on a moped? (You have to see it to believe it!)   But perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned…I am … [Read more...]

Keep the Bugs Away Naturally {Plus Natural Care for Bug Bites}

Written by Jenn, Past Contributor Yay, summer! I love summer and very much enjoy seeing the green grass, trees, flowers and garden plants springing up from the ground. Unfortunately along with the joys of summer come the annoyances, like ticks and insect bites. There are a lot of ways you can repel ticks and treat your insect bites but most of them are very chemical in nature. DEET, for instance, can be very dangerous, especially for young children. I've looked around for some more natural … [Read more...]