It's THAT time of year again. Every day on the news we are given the exact number of days left until Christmas. Cue sigh. When I was younger I adored Christmas. I went crazy buying gifts for everyone I knew, and wrapped them in lavish paper to be posted all over the country. I dreamed of glittering table decorations and feasts. However, the last few years have seen my enthusiasm wane to the point where this year the thought of Christmas fills me with dread.
What does Christmas even mean anymore? It feels like a hollow obligation. We must spend it with family, whether we want to or not. Gifts must be purchased for a varied assortment of people in our lives, and rarely is it something they really need. This mass consumerism is depressing, costing us more than we can really afford (can anyone say 'credit card bill') and fills our cupboards and bins with more things we don't use. Over the years, I have given up pretty wrapping. I flat out refuse to buy cards and if your gift is wrapped, usually it will be a recycled gift bag, recycled paper or, in one case, lolly bags made from the pages of old magazines (that did not go down well at work).
This year I have pledged to only buy gifts from local craftspeople or small business. I refuse to go to the big shopping centers and give my money to the massive conglomerates. I have drastically reduced the list of who I will buy for, and our children will get money in their bank accounts instead of toys or clothing. I'm hoping these small acts go some way to reducing the negative impacts of Christmas on the planet and on my pocket.
What I long to do is fly the whole family to a developing country and volunteer our time. Just the four of us, spending time together, bonding over a shared experience and giving to people who really need it. When I first mentioned this to my husband, I expected to get a funny look and some statement about Christmas being a time for family. What I got was a statement of support. I loved him even more in that minute. While we won't be doing it this year, I think it's something we will seriously consider for future years.
In the meantime if you're lucky enough to get my home made truffles, expect them in a magazine lolly bag.
Friday 30 November 2012
Thursday 29 November 2012
What makes a treat?
A couple of weeks ago I had to take the car to the mechanics. The required new brakes, and the mechanic we love several suburbs away, conspired to mean I had to sit and wait hours for the car to be ready. With a toddler and a new born. Oh what fresh hell would this be?
The night before I packed a bag of toys, downloaded a Justine Clarke DVD onto the iPad, made toddler snacks and braced myself for the long day ahead (it was actually only going in for a service, but it was pretty obvious the brakes were in a bad way).
The only shops and entertainment nearby were a Bunnings, a fruit store, a service station and a park. We broke the day up by starting at Bunnings. My toddler helped me chose and carry seedlings. I must write about how awesome the Bunnings staff were. Baby decided she needed a feed while there. I asked a garden centre staff member if there was somewhere I could sit and feed. She not only told me to use the comfy outdoor setting displays, but came and checked I was okay. All the staff who passed me smiled warmly and a few asked if I needed anything. What a wonderful experience breast feeding in a store. Thanks Bunnings. After feeding, changing nappies and chasing the errant toddler, we purchased our herbs and returned to the mechanics.
The next trip out was around lunch. I wanted to get some fresh food and yoghurt and head to the park. I let Boo guide me on which fruit to buy, and she chose cherries, red grapes and a mandarin. We walked over to the park and opened our bounty.
Watching the pure enjoyment on Boo's face as she tucked into juicy mandarins, then devoured those fresh seasonal cherries was just bliss. It brings up the question: what makes a treat? Why do we associate treats with junk food? To my toddler that day, running round a park while enjoying fresh fruit was every bit as delightful as eating a chocolate bar. Maybe more, as the energy and nutrients from the fruit provided her with lasting energy, instead of the crash from the processed sugars. One of my favourite treats is a bag full of lychees. I love peeling those little fruits and feeling the burst of juice and natural sweetness. So, so good.
Maybe what we need is to redefine the idea of a treat. And fresh, seasonal fruits are the perfect place to start.
The night before I packed a bag of toys, downloaded a Justine Clarke DVD onto the iPad, made toddler snacks and braced myself for the long day ahead (it was actually only going in for a service, but it was pretty obvious the brakes were in a bad way).
The only shops and entertainment nearby were a Bunnings, a fruit store, a service station and a park. We broke the day up by starting at Bunnings. My toddler helped me chose and carry seedlings. I must write about how awesome the Bunnings staff were. Baby decided she needed a feed while there. I asked a garden centre staff member if there was somewhere I could sit and feed. She not only told me to use the comfy outdoor setting displays, but came and checked I was okay. All the staff who passed me smiled warmly and a few asked if I needed anything. What a wonderful experience breast feeding in a store. Thanks Bunnings. After feeding, changing nappies and chasing the errant toddler, we purchased our herbs and returned to the mechanics.
The next trip out was around lunch. I wanted to get some fresh food and yoghurt and head to the park. I let Boo guide me on which fruit to buy, and she chose cherries, red grapes and a mandarin. We walked over to the park and opened our bounty.
Watching the pure enjoyment on Boo's face as she tucked into juicy mandarins, then devoured those fresh seasonal cherries was just bliss. It brings up the question: what makes a treat? Why do we associate treats with junk food? To my toddler that day, running round a park while enjoying fresh fruit was every bit as delightful as eating a chocolate bar. Maybe more, as the energy and nutrients from the fruit provided her with lasting energy, instead of the crash from the processed sugars. One of my favourite treats is a bag full of lychees. I love peeling those little fruits and feeling the burst of juice and natural sweetness. So, so good.
Maybe what we need is to redefine the idea of a treat. And fresh, seasonal fruits are the perfect place to start.
Pineapple and Mint Slushie
Today was a hot one in old Brisbane town. The girls were hot and bothered by the afternoon, and a sweaty husband looked very uncomfortable after working in the sun all day. I thought we all deserved a cooling treat.
The last of the pink grapefruit have been falling off the tree, and I thought these would make a lovely slushie. After cutting them open, I was dismayed to find fruit fly larvae. I'll have to put some exclusion bags over the young fruit before they ripen to ensure this doesn't happen again. For now, it's back to the vegie crisper to search for fruit to go in my slushie.
At the back of the fridge was some chopped pineapple. Perfect. Pineapple and mint slushies for us!
I threw some pineapple, ice and mint leaves into the blender and processed until smooth and creamy. While still blending, I poured some filtered water through the chute to thin it out a little.
It was a lovely cold treat to cool the family down on a hot day.
I love that!
The last of the pink grapefruit have been falling off the tree, and I thought these would make a lovely slushie. After cutting them open, I was dismayed to find fruit fly larvae. I'll have to put some exclusion bags over the young fruit before they ripen to ensure this doesn't happen again. For now, it's back to the vegie crisper to search for fruit to go in my slushie.
At the back of the fridge was some chopped pineapple. Perfect. Pineapple and mint slushies for us!
I threw some pineapple, ice and mint leaves into the blender and processed until smooth and creamy. While still blending, I poured some filtered water through the chute to thin it out a little.
It was a lovely cold treat to cool the family down on a hot day.
I love that!
Monday 19 November 2012
Yummy, yummy, goodie balls
Now bub is 11 weeks old, I'm starting to think about shedding the extra weight I put on while pregnant. This is not easy for me, as while I'm breastfeeding I find I'm starving. Unfortunately when I'm feeling tired and busy with my two girls, I often find myself reaching for rubbishy sugary foods.
So, it's time to hit the kitchen and whip up some super easy goodie balls. I pack mine full of good fats to provide the calories I'm craving in a vitamin and mineral dense little package. The fats are also good for my little baby's developing brain. Fresh dates provide me with B vitamins and the sweetness my body desires. They really are an awesome treat.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh dates, seeds removed (approx. 16 dates)
2tbs coconut oil
2tbs tahini
1tbs chia seeds (optional, as they are a bit like bird seed)
1 capful vanilla
1tbs almond meal
1tbs ground flaxseed
Throw all ingredients into the food processor, and process well. Roll into little balls, then roll in coconut to coat.
I recommend storing these in a glass container to avoid the fats allowing chemicals from plastics to leach into your treats.
I'm enjoying a couple of these sweet treats with a cup of ginger tea right now. Yummy!
So, it's time to hit the kitchen and whip up some super easy goodie balls. I pack mine full of good fats to provide the calories I'm craving in a vitamin and mineral dense little package. The fats are also good for my little baby's developing brain. Fresh dates provide me with B vitamins and the sweetness my body desires. They really are an awesome treat.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh dates, seeds removed (approx. 16 dates)
2tbs coconut oil
2tbs tahini
1tbs chia seeds (optional, as they are a bit like bird seed)
1 capful vanilla
1tbs almond meal
1tbs ground flaxseed
Throw all ingredients into the food processor, and process well. Roll into little balls, then roll in coconut to coat.
I recommend storing these in a glass container to avoid the fats allowing chemicals from plastics to leach into your treats.
I'm enjoying a couple of these sweet treats with a cup of ginger tea right now. Yummy!
Sunday 18 November 2012
17 good reasons to buy secondhand
I have to show off my awesome purchase at the markets today. I got this pile of 17 organic bumgenius nappies, inserts and the nappy buckets for the bargain price of $20. Who says cloth has to be expensive.
Saturday 17 November 2012
A baby friendly birthday cake
At the beginning of the year, my baby girl had her first birthday. Like a lot of first time mums, I went a little crazy planning a party for her. However, there were a few things that were really important to me: eco friendly partyware, no excessive decorations, good healthy food and a baby friendly birthday cake. By this age little one had not even tried any sweeties; I did not want her first experience to be a cake laden with sugar and colourings. However, I still really wanted a lovely cake. This obviously presented some dilemmas.
Saturday 11 August 2012
Home made teething rusks
One thing I found impossible to find in the shops was a good, organic teething rusk with no salt and no unnecessary ingredients. My daughter had only started on a handful of simple foods; I did not want to start adding rubbish so early. What to do? Make my own of course!
The easiest way to make rusks is to buy some really high quality organic sourdough, cut it into sticks and bake in a slow oven. I didn't love this idea, as most breads still contain salt.
After searching for a recipe, I ended up just making something up. This recipe requires two ingredients! Simple and cheap :)
The Natural Mum's super easy rusk recipe
-1 cup of cooked vegetable or fruit puree. I always used sweet potato.
-Approx. 2 cups of spelt flour
I'd love to hear your flavour combinations.
The easiest way to make rusks is to buy some really high quality organic sourdough, cut it into sticks and bake in a slow oven. I didn't love this idea, as most breads still contain salt.
After searching for a recipe, I ended up just making something up. This recipe requires two ingredients! Simple and cheap :)
The Natural Mum's super easy rusk recipe
-1 cup of cooked vegetable or fruit puree. I always used sweet potato.
-Approx. 2 cups of spelt flour
- Preheat oven to 140c
- Place the puree into a mixing bowl and gradually mix in the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until you get a stiff dough you can knead.
- Turn onto a floured board and knead lovingly until smooth
- Roll dough out until 1cm high
- Cut with a large, sharp knife into fingers.
- Arrange fingers on a baking tray, and bake in the oven until they are quite hard on the outside. They still need to have some give inside though, so your baby can chew them.
I'd love to hear your flavour combinations.
Approaching teething naturally
My gorgeous angel did not pop a single tooth out until she was nearly 12mths old. She then proceeded to pop out 6 in a relatively fuss free 2 months. Cue a deep sigh of relief from hubby and I, as we assumed we had a 'good' teether. Damn fools we were.
Little miss then started to cut her last two incisors, and all hell was let loose in our house. Screaming tantrums over everything, poor sleep, constant grumpiness and two overwhelmed parents who were not prepared for this. One day I was holding her while she writhed around in pain, and I realised if I was in this much pain I'd take some nurofen! I dug out the bottle, dosed her up and 20 minutes later we had peace again! Blessed relief. Three days later I realised I was constantly reaching for the nurofen and decided enough was enough. It was time to seek out effective natural remedies.
Little miss then started to cut her last two incisors, and all hell was let loose in our house. Screaming tantrums over everything, poor sleep, constant grumpiness and two overwhelmed parents who were not prepared for this. One day I was holding her while she writhed around in pain, and I realised if I was in this much pain I'd take some nurofen! I dug out the bottle, dosed her up and 20 minutes later we had peace again! Blessed relief. Three days later I realised I was constantly reaching for the nurofen and decided enough was enough. It was time to seek out effective natural remedies.
Still around, and still blogging
I know I have been really quiet lately, but I can assure you that I am still blogging away. A combination of things, mostly revolving around the typical busyness of life and a shoddy laptop, have prevented me from publishing posts recently. I have a ton of draft posts though, that need basic polishing and will be ready to go.
To help you follow my blog, I have installed the 'follow by email' option. I have been reading lots of awesome Mummy blogs of late, and find myself frequently using this option to stay involved with their blogs. I thought I'd do the same for you.
Looking forward to seeing all your lovely comments again soon. Now, off to choose one of these draft posts to polish...
To help you follow my blog, I have installed the 'follow by email' option. I have been reading lots of awesome Mummy blogs of late, and find myself frequently using this option to stay involved with their blogs. I thought I'd do the same for you.
Looking forward to seeing all your lovely comments again soon. Now, off to choose one of these draft posts to polish...
Friday 4 May 2012
My favourite cloth nappies
People often ask me what brand of cloth nappy is best. Having just been asked this three times in two days I thought I'd blog about it :)
My answer is always the same; I love different ones for different reasons. I have about nine different brands now, so I'll give you the run down on the pro's and con's of each. This is essentially The Natural Mum's 'cloth nappy review'.
My answer is always the same; I love different ones for different reasons. I have about nine different brands now, so I'll give you the run down on the pro's and con's of each. This is essentially The Natural Mum's 'cloth nappy review'.
Monday 30 April 2012
And baby makes four :)
It's been awhile since I last posted, and I've been feeling a bit guilty about neglecting my blog. However there has been big news in our house; I'm pregnant! When our amazing daughter was 11mths we discovered she was going to have a sibling soon. While not entirely planned or expected, it was blessed news indeed.
Like a lot of pregnancies, the initial excitement was soon overtaken by fatigue and morning sickness. In my case I also developed antenatal depression. My early fears of how I was going to cope with two children under two soon morphed into a full scale depression, and to be frank, I was not coping.
I think it's important to blog about this, as depression is so common yet still stigmatized. I have a history of anxiety and depression, so both my husband and I recognized the early warning signs: I was crying, stressed beyond normal, easily frustrated with little things and just wanted to sleep all day. It was time to seek help!
Like a lot of pregnancies, the initial excitement was soon overtaken by fatigue and morning sickness. In my case I also developed antenatal depression. My early fears of how I was going to cope with two children under two soon morphed into a full scale depression, and to be frank, I was not coping.
I think it's important to blog about this, as depression is so common yet still stigmatized. I have a history of anxiety and depression, so both my husband and I recognized the early warning signs: I was crying, stressed beyond normal, easily frustrated with little things and just wanted to sleep all day. It was time to seek help!
Friday 23 March 2012
The new dirty word
Vaccination.. no word causes more debate or worries a new parent more. Should you or shouldn't you, and what will people say about your decision.
I, for one, am sick to death of this topic and want to stick my fingers in my ears and hum 'la la la la la' every time it gets brought up. So why am I blogging about it? Because I want to ask for a vaccination time out.
I, for one, am sick to death of this topic and want to stick my fingers in my ears and hum 'la la la la la' every time it gets brought up. So why am I blogging about it? Because I want to ask for a vaccination time out.
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Breast feeding 'politics' - a post and a response
I absolutely had to share this recent post and comment doing the rounds on the net.
Well known Australian blogger and social commentator Mia Freedman recently posted on her blog about her thoughts on the over zealous promotion of breast feeding becoming 'borderline bullying'. Within this post she shared the story of a friend in hospital who needed some formula. Read the original blog here http://www.mamamia.com.au/parenting/lets-chill-out-about-breasts/
Model and author Tara Moss, who is also a UNICEF ambassador, responded to this blog post with an articulate and evidence based response. It is one of the best articles I have read in a long time. This response is not supposed to demonise those who formula feed, for any reason. It is instead a comment on the importance of health workers continuing to promote breast feeding at every opportunity. Read Tara's response here http://blog.taramoss.com/index.php?itemid=739
I hope you enjoy these blogs if you have not seen them already, and find them as informative as I did.
Well known Australian blogger and social commentator Mia Freedman recently posted on her blog about her thoughts on the over zealous promotion of breast feeding becoming 'borderline bullying'. Within this post she shared the story of a friend in hospital who needed some formula. Read the original blog here http://www.mamamia.com.au/parenting/lets-chill-out-about-breasts/
Model and author Tara Moss, who is also a UNICEF ambassador, responded to this blog post with an articulate and evidence based response. It is one of the best articles I have read in a long time. This response is not supposed to demonise those who formula feed, for any reason. It is instead a comment on the importance of health workers continuing to promote breast feeding at every opportunity. Read Tara's response here http://blog.taramoss.com/index.php?itemid=739
I hope you enjoy these blogs if you have not seen them already, and find them as informative as I did.
Thursday 23 February 2012
Breast feeding baby: a recipe for for a challenging baby?
Not long ago, some new research was released on breast feeding babies. After studying questionnaires filled in by mothers of babies aged 3 months, the researchers concluded that breast fed babies were harder to soothe, less likely to smile or laugh and more likely to be distressed. This research received wide publicity in the media, and triggered much debate and discussion amongst my peer group.
I am massively pro-breast, and find this type of research to be truly alarming. Not because I am worried my baby may be 'difficult', but because I am worried it will influence new mothers decisions about breast feeding.
So is the research right?
I am massively pro-breast, and find this type of research to be truly alarming. Not because I am worried my baby may be 'difficult', but because I am worried it will influence new mothers decisions about breast feeding.
So is the research right?
Sunday 22 January 2012
TV for the under two's
Oh TV! That blessed time waster and entertainer of the masses. I will be the first to admit that I like to watch the old boob tube, and there are some programs I would not give up easily. My husband and I try to limit our viewing time (except for sports!), and have in the past only allowed ourselves 3 programs each week. I like to believe this is a relatively healthy attitude to TV watching. So does our baby get 3 programs a week too? No way!
Saturday 7 January 2012
Fast food baby
The other night I watched a TV show that was truly shocking. Fast food baby aired on ABC2, and followed three children under three who ate fast food at every meal. EVERY meal! One child even had 6 cups of coke a day!
This type of diet for a child is nothing short of abuse. We were all outraged by the 'smoking baby' in Indonesia, but fast food for children does not elicit the same response. Why? In Australia, obesity has now overtaken smoking as the leading preventable cause of death. A diet consisting of only takeaway or convenience foods, will lead to obesity in nearly all cases. Yet people remain apathetic about food choices for children.
I see diet as one of the most important aspects of parenthood. Nutritional needs are massive in the growing child, and this should only be met with high quality nutritious food, filtered water and a balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. All additives should be removed from the diet of young children; they just are not safe, especially in the quantity and variety consumed in a modern diet (additives are only tested for safety individually, there is no data available on the effects of combining additives. Information on safe amounts is also not released, so the consumption of multiple foods with additives may in fact be exceeding the safe daily level).
We all want our children to be healthy, and most of us would never deny our children an important medicine if they were very ill. Good nutrition is the medicine that ensures good health. A good diet gives nutrients for growth, energy for play, helps build a healthy immune system, ensures good brain development and makes for happy, energetic kids. Fast food gives nothing but a lifetime of health issues.
If you have trouble choosing or preparing healthy foods for your kids, get some help. See a naturopath, nutritionist or your local child health centre. There are plenty of resources for parents out there. If you have a picky eater, check out this book http://www.mangetoutkids.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=50
Good food can be prepared easily and affordably. I find it so satisfying to see my daughter eat a beautiful, healthy meal I made with love for her. I know you will too.
Link to fast food baby program http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?series=3399586#/series/3399586
This type of diet for a child is nothing short of abuse. We were all outraged by the 'smoking baby' in Indonesia, but fast food for children does not elicit the same response. Why? In Australia, obesity has now overtaken smoking as the leading preventable cause of death. A diet consisting of only takeaway or convenience foods, will lead to obesity in nearly all cases. Yet people remain apathetic about food choices for children.
I see diet as one of the most important aspects of parenthood. Nutritional needs are massive in the growing child, and this should only be met with high quality nutritious food, filtered water and a balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. All additives should be removed from the diet of young children; they just are not safe, especially in the quantity and variety consumed in a modern diet (additives are only tested for safety individually, there is no data available on the effects of combining additives. Information on safe amounts is also not released, so the consumption of multiple foods with additives may in fact be exceeding the safe daily level).
We all want our children to be healthy, and most of us would never deny our children an important medicine if they were very ill. Good nutrition is the medicine that ensures good health. A good diet gives nutrients for growth, energy for play, helps build a healthy immune system, ensures good brain development and makes for happy, energetic kids. Fast food gives nothing but a lifetime of health issues.
If you have trouble choosing or preparing healthy foods for your kids, get some help. See a naturopath, nutritionist or your local child health centre. There are plenty of resources for parents out there. If you have a picky eater, check out this book http://www.mangetoutkids.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=50
Good food can be prepared easily and affordably. I find it so satisfying to see my daughter eat a beautiful, healthy meal I made with love for her. I know you will too.
Link to fast food baby program http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?series=3399586#/series/3399586
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Tis the season to knock your head (and jam your fingers)
My baby girl is well on the move now, crawling and standing and into everything! It is so lovely to watch her little face as she examines new objects, plays with doors and explores her world. Her expressions change from wonder to puzzlement and back again as she finds new things to learn about. It's such a precious time :)
It's also a time of lots of little accidents though. Bruised knees are ever present, fingers have been jammed, and her head takes knocks all day long. So far for us the biggest problem is the bruised knees. Baby girl loves to explore the paved area outside, but this leaves her with sore, inflamed and bruised knees, which she then avoids crawling on. For the most part I like to allow her body to heal unaided (it needs to learn!), but I have been using some over the counter creams on her knees. My favourite is traumeel cream- a homeopathic cream that helps the soreness and swelling. I have used arnica cream on her too, which is specific for bruising.
Little cuts and scratches are also becoming common (normally on the face to advertise to the world that I'm a bad mother who let her child fall on her face *sigh*). My very favourite remedy for these? Wait for it.... Breastmilk!! Yep that's right, I express a little milk on my hands and rub it into her cuts. It is amazing stuff! If that's too weird for you, or you are no longer breastfeeding, then calendula ointment works really well. For older kids, or under dressings, manuka honey is another great option.
All of these things are super simple remedies available from health food stores. They are brilliant for minor oppsies and totally natural.
It's also a time of lots of little accidents though. Bruised knees are ever present, fingers have been jammed, and her head takes knocks all day long. So far for us the biggest problem is the bruised knees. Baby girl loves to explore the paved area outside, but this leaves her with sore, inflamed and bruised knees, which she then avoids crawling on. For the most part I like to allow her body to heal unaided (it needs to learn!), but I have been using some over the counter creams on her knees. My favourite is traumeel cream- a homeopathic cream that helps the soreness and swelling. I have used arnica cream on her too, which is specific for bruising.
Little cuts and scratches are also becoming common (normally on the face to advertise to the world that I'm a bad mother who let her child fall on her face *sigh*). My very favourite remedy for these? Wait for it.... Breastmilk!! Yep that's right, I express a little milk on my hands and rub it into her cuts. It is amazing stuff! If that's too weird for you, or you are no longer breastfeeding, then calendula ointment works really well. For older kids, or under dressings, manuka honey is another great option.
All of these things are super simple remedies available from health food stores. They are brilliant for minor oppsies and totally natural.
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