Since my oldest son was born, he has dealt with eczema/psoriasis issues.  Some cases/times of year are more severe than others.  However, since moving to Florida two years ago, his skin has fallen in love with the Florida humidity and salty seasides.   Since then his struggles have not been nearly as severe as they were in the cold, dry Illinois winters.

He turned ten years old this month, (still can’t believe that!) so we have been ’round the block many, many times with trial and error attempts at solving these skin issues.  When his doctor noticed a couple small dry patches of skin at his recent well visit, I knew it was time to dive into my eczema list archives and deal with it before it could grow into another serious issue.

I keep an outline for myself of all the natural solutions that have been effective for us over the years as a resource to go back to when we come to that point again.  It has been almost three years since his skin has really flared up and now when there is even a hint of eczema, we have a plethora of ideas to fall back on.

As my list is about eight pages long… I’m going to condense it for you into my top three tips today!

Winter Eczema Tips:

1. Water is your friend

You can’t be hydrated on the outside, if you’re not hydrating your inside!  Drinking plenty of water removes toxins, balances ph levels, moves nutrients through our bodies and so much more.  A salt water bath can bring quick healing and relief (or a dip in the ocean is even better!).  Just add 1-2 cups of epsom salts to a warm (not hot) bath to remove toxins, exfoliate, reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation.  

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Not all creams and lotions are created equal!  In fact, many can do more harm than good.  Unscented products with fewer ingredients are best.  My favorites are Aquaphor, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and topical Vitamin E.  We make our own healing lotion bars that can be used daily for skin irritations, cuts, bug bites, burns and more.  

3. Supplement

Just as we need water to moisturize from the inside out, certain supplements provide the essential fatty acids our bodies need to maintain moisture.  Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that also helps fight asthma and other allergy issues.  Omega 3’s provide a natural emollient, reduce redness and swelling and repair skin cells.  Probiotics and prebiotics help the body to retain nutrients/enzymes that hold water, can reduce itching and strengthen the immune system.  We use this brand of supplements because of their guarantee of purity and potency!

These ideas are a great start towards healthy skin!  Other things to consider are diet changes, using natural household cleaners, getting plenty of sleep, etc.  There is always an answer and it’s different for each person.  If you are struggling with eczema and psoriasis, there is hope and healing!  

What are your best tips for healthy skin?

The post Winter Eczema Tips appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Here we are half-way through the school year.  Cooler weather can make the days seem longer as the kids can’t always get outside to run off their excessive amounts of energy.  The excitement of the new homeschool year has worn off by now and we’re all ready for something new in the New Year!

After a couple weeks off from school and many routine busting holiday events, late nights and cookies galore…it’s been hard to get back on track around here.  Everyone seems more wiggly and distracted…myself included!  So we’ve had to do a little brainstorming  on how to get our groove back.  

Here are a few ideas that have been working for us…

1. Start Your Day With a Family Dance Party/Workout

You gotta shake, shake, shake, the sillies out!  As none of us in my home are morning people, it takes a bit to get our brain power activated.  So, some fancy dance moves and yoga stretching are a great way to wake up our minds and bodies.  Or maybe if that get your little ones TOO SILLY, save it for the mid-morning or afternoon slump to get the blood pumping again.

2. Hand Fidgets

I’ve heard it said before that our minds are only as active as our bodies.  That sure seems to be true with my boys.  If I want them to actually listen to me while I read or teach them something, it works best to give them something that will keep their hands busy.  And sometimes it takes more that just their hands being busy.  An exercise ball or a mini-trampoline can really come in handy while chanting multiplication tables or reciting memory verses!

Some hand fidget suggestions: Pipe Cleaners, Nuts and Bolts, Links, Dollar Store Items, Legos, Rubix Cube, etc.

3. Get Outside

If even just for a few short minutes, a breath of fresh air can be…well,  a breath of fresh air!  Even for myself when my mind goes cloudy or I am feeling frustrated, getting out of the house clears my head a lot and quickly, too!  If you can’t get outside, check out these indoor winter games for kids…

4. Let Them Choose

Is there any reason that Math has to be first thing on the schedule?  If it’s practical, why not let your children choose what comes first on the agenda once in a while.  They may show more interest if it is the subject that they have chosen themselves.

5. Change Of Scenery

Make it fun! Working/studying in a different area of your home (or not at home!) can inspire more interest in learning as well.  Set up a fort, throw a blanket under a tree, snuggle up by the fire or in a big bed, take a field trip, head to the library.

Some days are better than others!  Don’t force it or it becomes miserable for everyone!  Just enjoy being together as a family!

What does your family do to inspire and encourage learning?

The post 5 Homeschool Tips for Wiggly Kids appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Recently our family was out on a walk together and we came across a trail littered with beautiful pinecones.  Don’t you love how God decorates for us in the beauty of nature?!  Beyond the physical beauty of pinecones, just think about their picture of renewal and growth.  It is not until a pinecone experiences hot/dry/difficult times that it open up to fulfill the greatness it was created for.  If a pinecone never opens up and grows, it cannot spread any seed or fulfill its purpose.  So lovely!

That day it didn’t occur to me to pick some up and bring them home…so I had to go back another day when I had decided to put this project together.  

DIY Simple Pinecone Swag

What you need:

• 7 large pinecones (with stems preferred)
• 3-4 yards Wide ribbon 
• 1-2 yards Thin ribbon

What to do: 

1. If you use pinecones that are fresh from the forest for any craft project, it’s a good idea to “bake out the bugs” first.  Line them in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes.

2.  Cut the wide ribbon into varying lengths as to where you want the pinecones to rest.  Tie the lengths together in a wide loose knot at the top.  Tie a length of the thin ribbon through the knot for hanging the swag when it is complete. 

3. Cut seven strips of thin ribbon about 6 inches long.  Tightly, wrap and tie one piece of thin ribbon around each pinecone stem.  Then tie each of the pinecones, staggered in length, to one of the wide ribbons.

4. Finish off the ribbon ends in a clean angled cut and the swag is complete!

Do you have any favorite pinecone projects?  Please, share your ideas, I picked up PLENTY of pinecones!

The post Simple Pinecone Swag appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by Kelly @ Eyes On The Source, Contributing Writer 

On the 6th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A cute and roomy tote from 31 Gifts by Tiffany!  A festive bag to carry all of your goodies to and from holiday events (and more)!

Thirty-One is a tote/purse company developed to help women bless each other through beautiful products and friendships. The faith-based company not only offers quality products that can be personalized, but also income opportunity for women wanting flexible work hours, more family time, etc.  
There are so many styles to choose from and each one can be personalized by pattern, size, wording and more!  Really something for everyone to meet every purse, storage and organizing need.  I could look at the product catalog for hours, they’re all so PRETTY! You have GOT to check out these products!!

Features of 31 Gifts by Tiffany Totes and Purses:

• Quality material
• Sturdy, strong handles
• Personalize-able
• Limitless options in bags and storage
• Beautiful patterns and materials

Now for my review:

I was given a Large Utility Tote in the Penguin Party Print.  It is a generous sized bag with a metal frame in the top seam to offer added support for larger items to be carried and to keep the bag from closing as you are loading and carrying items around.

Cute, huh?! The possibilities of what this bag can be used for are endless!  Carrying, organizing, storing and so on!  It can be filled with gifts/food as you travel to and from holiday gatherings.  You can fill it with blankets by the book shelf/fire.  Fill it with groceries or holiday shopping items.  Save yourself several trips to and from the car!

 I have purchased other bags especially for carrying grocery items and each bag before has ripped or had handles broken.  I LOVE that the handles on the Large Utility Tote are wide, tough straps that go down the entire side of the bag for super durability!

What I Liked:

1. The amount of stuff I can fit in the bag
2. The festive pattern
3. Sturdy handles
4. Print choices

What I didn’t Like:

Nothing! Never met a Thirty-One Bag that I didn’t like!

 You can Buy It!

Tiffany would love to help you figure out the perfect product for you or help you cross off a few names on your Christmas list! Contact her for personalized shopping! 

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a Large Utility Tote in the Penguin Party Print from 31 Gifts by Tiffany. Use rafflecopter below!a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 6: Thirty-One Gifts} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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November and December begin the busy holiday season!  (Already??)  A time meant for reflection and remembrance, which can easily turn into a time of rush and regret.  The reason for the season, the One who came to seek and save the lost…  

The goal of the Christian life is to become like this Savior, but this is the very time of year that our character can be most challenged.  How can we use this time to draw closer to Him and develop traits that reflect His character?  How can we be developing and blessing others with the Fruits of the Spirit? 

3 Ways to Bless others through the Fruits of the Spirit: 

1. Dive into God’s Word! 

Always the thing we should do first, often the thing we decide to do last.  We choose worry, we choose weak human efforts.  I find that the more time I spend in His Word, the more I am able to recall those words of peace for every situation.  Read it out loud over and over.  Pour God’s Word over your family and bearing fruit for Him will come naturally.  Rely on God’s strength, not your own.  Our strength is extremely limited, but God’s strength knows no limits.  The more connected to God we are, the more fruitful we are!

2. Calendar Control!  

Do you REALLY need to attend every holiday event you are invited to?  Prayerfully consider each option. Overloaded schedules tend to throw most of the Fruits of the Spirit out the window!  It brings rushing instead of remembrance…which leads to regret. Slow down, know His peace, fully enjoy His amazing gift to us.

3. Focus on blessing others!  

Holiday commercials push and promote the need for MORE, causing stress and stealing joy. Bear fruit by blessing others with your time and meeting genuine needs.  What can you do for others as a family?  Giving doesn’t need to put us into financial debt, but the knowledge that our debt has been paid should cause us to want to share that amazing blessing/gift with others.  Love God and love others, that’s what it’s all about.  We constantly remind our children that the only things that last forever are God, His Word and PEOPLE!

We sing this song in our home all the time to remember the fruits of the spirit!

What other ideas do you have to bless others?  What ways will you and your family ensure that you slow down and bear fruit this holiday season?

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Anyone else think brussel sprouts were disgusting when they were younger?  Oh, man!  Just the name, eeeew.  But now I love, love, LOVE them! Have you tried them on the grill before?  YUM! My six-year old son walked into the kitchen holding his nose when I made them this time, ha!  Needless to say, hubby and I ate them all by ourself, but we didn’t mind not sharing.  

This month I have a 31 Day series happening on the blog all about Grain Free/Sugar Free Recipes.  Sugar and unhealthy grains are in most everything.  Even foods disguised as healthy!  I am constantly researching and reading to determine healthy menus/recipes for my family, but it can be so hard.  Basically the more I research, the more foods I want to avoid.  Sugar is such an addiction, whether we realize it or not, because it’s in everything and the more we have, the more we want!  Most any prepared food has added sugar that may be disguised with a different name, but it is sugar no matter what you call it!

Grains are so confusing, as those we would think or hope to be good for us, have actually had all the “good stuff” removed.  We are hard pressed to find a healthy grain and then on top of that we are pushed into eating more of them than we should.  Anyone else think the standard food pyramid is just plain messed up?

I have specifically been looking at sugar and grains as they relate to heart and brain health and will continue to post more as I delve into this research.  So many health problems could be avoided if we seek to prevent them instead of trying to reverse them when it’s too late.  Anyway…enough of me on my soap box.    Le’t get on to the recipe! 

Here’s the recipe for Cranberry Maple Brussel Sprouts:

Cranberry Maple Brussel Sprouts

2014-10-05 21:09:40

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Ingredients

1. 2 C Brussel Sprouts (washed and stems removed)
2. 1/2 C Dried Cranberries
3. 1/4 C Chopped Pecans
4. 1-2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
5. 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
6. Coconut Oil

Instructions

1. Coat bottom of saute pan with Coconut Oil and heat. (make sure oil is hot so brussels will brown).
2. Brown brussel sprouts for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in Maple Syrup and Cider Vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add Cranberries and Pecans, stir and cook until Brussel Sprouts are tender.
5. Remove from heat, serve right away.

Notes

1. Adding bacon crumbles to the recipe is another tasty option!

By Kelly @ Eyes On The Source

Day2Day Joys http://day2dayjoys.com/

Does your family like brussel sprouts?  What is your favorite recipe?

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Written by Kelly @ Eyes On The Source, Contributing Writer

Is it feeling Fall-ish at all for any of you yet?  Maybe with the kids going back to school and possibly cooler temperatures.  But here in Florida it is still a hot, humid 95 degrees most days.  So either way, a warm and cozy meal that doesn’t heat up the house works for us all!  

How to make Crockpot Stuffed Peppers:

Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

2014-09-14 13:50:15

Serves 4

A delicious mexican inspired dinner, made in the crockpot, with healthy ingredients!

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Cook Time

4 hr

Cook Time

4 hr

Ingredients:

1. 6 multi-colored peppers
2. 4 Cups cooked Brown Rice/Quinoa
3. 1 Cup black beans (or more if you omit meat)
4. 2 Cups of cooked bite size meat of your choice (optional)
5. 2 Cups Vegetable broth
6. Seasonings to taste (cumin, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes etc.)

What to do:

1. Cut off the tops of the peppers and scrape or wash out the seeds. Save the tops!
2. Pour the 2 cups of broth into the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Add a little less than half of the rice/quinoa. You need just enough to help keep the peppers from tipping over.
4. Make a mixture of the rest of the rice/quinoa, black beans and meat.
5. Add your preferred seasonings. (Honestly, I am not very good at exact measurements of seasonings. I usually just throw in a pinch of this or that until it tastes good to me!)
6. Place the bottom half of the peppers in the crockpot and then fill with rice/meat mixture. Place the tops back on the peppers to keep the mixture from drying out.
7. Cover and cook in the crockpot for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Less if you want them the peppers to be more firm.

By Kelly

Day2Day Joys http://day2dayjoys.com/

What is your favorite warm and cozy meal for Fall?

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As I write this I am preparing for a missions trip with two of my three boys.  By the time you read this we will be back already  I’ll put together an update post about the trip that you can find over on my blog.

I am looking forward to this opportunity, especially for my 9 year old son.  We live in a society where even those of us with very little have so much more than the rest of the world.  We are very much used to instant gratification and often so spoiled but we don’t even realize it!  I am hoping this trip will open his eyes to thinking outside of his own little world and show him what REAL need is like.  I hope and pray that he will embrace this opportunity to give and learn.  I pray that he will know how blessed we can be by blessing others.

Each of our team members has been asked to prepare a 5-10 minute devotional to share with the group throughout the week.  I was thinking and praying about what to share this morning.  I had music playing on my phone and then on the Christian station on my TV and the same song came on twice within an hour…so I thought perhaps that was God’s way of answering that question.  

This song has been close to my heart for many years.  As technology progresses and our schedules fill up more and more, it is extremely easy to get away from the basics of life.  Living in a state of busy-ness with constant distraction leads us to worry and focus on current worldly issues, instead of focusing in the one who can bring us through those issues.  Taking our eyes off of Jesus for just one moment causes us to sink very quickly.  (Matthew 14:22-33)

I often wonder how people make it through this life without God and a real relationship with his son, Jesus.  It may sound sort of cliche to ask such a question, but I very seriously would have given up long ago without this solid foundation. Loss of friends and family, miscarriage, marriage struggles, physical disabilities, job loss, uncertainties in relationships…and so on… I cannot do it without being able to cry out to a loving God and Savior.  And yet so many are surviving without Him.  I don’t want to just survive, I want to THRIVE!

I pray that this song will encourage you, as well, to prayerfully remove distractions from your life and get back to the “Basics of Life.”

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Written by Contributing Writer, Kelly @ Eyes On The Source

In a recent series at church, our pastor taught on the greatest gift we can bestow upon our children…”The Blessing.”  He spoke on ways to work through things we may or may have not received from our parents and how to bless our own children.  Simple really, but sometimes the words may not come as easily as they should.  What our children really need to hear is that we LOVE them and that we are PROUD of them.  No. matter. what.  And even more importantly, they need to know the love of the one true God.  They need to know about the relationship our God longs to have with each and every one of us.  God’s Word can be misunderstood as a book of rules, but it’s real message is RELATIONSHIP.

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”Dueteronomy 6:7

Teaching our children should be part of our everyday life, not just during church or family devotions.  While family devotion time is an excellent idea, if we are not living what we are teaching, we will just push our children away from God instead of drawing them nearer.  Teaching them as we walk in the way will keep it fresh and natural instead of forced and uncomfortable.

I love what our pastor said about this, “You know what’s so special about sitting, walking and lying down?  NOTHING!!” Just being a godly example to our children can have the biggest impact on them!

Incorporate it into your daily life, make it fun, be the example of love and relationship.

This knowledge has caused us to relax more in our family devotion time.  We have mixed it up more, by reading from the Bible one day, a picture book another day or watching JellyTelly Videos, etc.  Just making it fun!!

These are some of our favorite books and resources that we have been using as we “walk by the way.”

(I’ll include links so you can easily find them, not affiliate links.)

1.  “Leading Little Ones To God”

Teaches the basics of the Christian Faith in a very simple way, short daily devotions.

2. Max Lucado Children’s books and “The Tale of Three Trees.”

Beautiful stories that teach a godly lesson.  Perfect for snuggling up on the couch with the kiddos!

3.  “Wee Sing Bible Songs” and “Sing the Word” music.

I love to hear my boys singing sunday school songs and memorized scripture.  The Sing the Word Cd’s make memorization fun and easy!

4. Children’s Story Bible.  We use “Ergermiers” and the “Illustrated Family Bible.”

I like that the Illustrated Bible has realistic people in the pictures, instead of typical cartoonish pictures. I want my children to know that these are events that really happened, not just some warm fuzzy stories!

5. “What God Has Always Wanted” and “What Happens When I Talk to God”

Both of these answer  our  little ones questions of the heart.

6. “Inspired Evidence” and “Dinner Table Devotions” 

For families with older children, I love these two books.  “Inspired Evidence” provides daily devotions including scientific evidence for the Christian faith.  And “Dinner Table Devotions” has conversation starters to discuss as your family gathers for a meal.

7. “My Creation Bible”

So many great resources from Answers in Genesis!  This is one that my boys read over and over.  It comes with a CD that sets the whole book to music.  A simplified overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

8. “The Answers Books For Kids”

Also from Answers in Genesis!  Four short volumes full of questions and answers on Christian faith/life.  Easy to understand truths.

There are endless amounts of amazing resources to encourage our children towards a love of God’s Word and truths, what are some of your favorites??

The post Leading Little Ones To Love God’s Word appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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I have been doing a lot of research on blood sugar issues lately.  I have never been tested, but I am pretty sure I am borderline hypoglycemic.  My husband always says I treat eating like it’s my full time job because I am always trying to plan ahead and not go too long without eating or I become what we call around here…HANGRY!  Hungry, angry, yup, you get the picture.  It’s not a pretty sight.

I always have to pack snacks when we go places so the “hangry mama” doesn’t show up.

Hypoglycemia is basically a fancy word for low blood sugar.  If I don’t eat the right foods every few hours, I feel foggy, shaky and CRABBY!  If I eat junk food or a lot of carbs I am a complete mess! Anyone else have these problems?

Low blood sugar and high blood sugar lead to a lack of energy, memory loss, shaking or dizziness and mood swings.  Our brain actually uses about 25% of our bodies blood sugar, so low blood sugar affects us mentally, very quickly.  In the long run blood sugar issues can lead to damaged organs and blood vessels, high blood pressure,  heart disease, heart attack, stroke and the list goes on.

It’s long list of issues I would like to avoid!  Prevention is always key!  A little research and planning can go a long way in preventing so many health issues.

These are my top FIVE tried and true blood sugar balance tips!

1. Fiber is your friend!

NOT fiber from packaged/processed foods promising to fulfill all of your fiber dreams.  Instead, choose fiber from beans, peas and lentils.  High fiber foods break down more slowly and help to steady your blood sugar.

2. Flaxseed and other heart healthy Omegas!

Our bodies need these essential fatty acids for numerous health benefits, including heart health.  But they also help maintain a healthy blood sugar/glucose levels as foods break down in the body.  I use ground flaxseed as it is super versatile.  You can add it to recipes, sprinkle on cereal/oatmeal or use as an egg substitute. It doesn’t have a strong flavor so it’s easy to sneak into your menu!  PLUS, it is a good source of fiber…double bonus!  

3. Vary your diet!

It is too easy to get stuck in a rut eating the same foods everyday.  It seems easy, but then becomes boring and we are tempted to go for less that ideal foods. I know I am guilty of this!   Try a new recipe, cook a favorite food differently, spice things up a bit!  Eating the same foods day after day doesn’t create the balanced diet our bodies need.

4. Choose low glycemic foods!

Or if a high glycemic food is on the menu, pair it with a low glycemic food to create balance.  Low glycemic foods are those that break down more slowly so blood sugar levels are not raised too quickly.

5. Choose WHOLE Grains!

Again, this is not an easy one, as the average grocery store has boxes and boxes of prepackaged foods promising “Whole Grain.”  Well, it seems to me that a whole grain should be just that…whole.  Meaning not broken down, separated, processed, bleached and so on… Look for grains in their true form, no additives.  Such as quinoa, oats, barley, buckwheat and rye.

Think twice before you eat.  A little preparation and thought can go a long way in preventing serious blood sugar and other health issues.

What are your best tips for balancing your blood sugar?

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