BRINGING UP ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BABIES

There are many ways that can help us bring up our babies as environmentally friendly as possible. Below is a list of suggestions most of which are quite easy to do. Please feel free to add to this list your tips in the comments section below.

1. Breastfeed: There are many reasons why it is best to breastfeed babies in general but here, lets look at it from the environmental perspective. By not using packaged foods, you will be supporting a healthy environment (no factory carbon footprints caused during production of foods)
2. Make your own baby foods at home: When your child is ready for solids, cook his foods yourself at home. It is cheaper and healthier (and pretty easy too). 
3. Re-usable nappies vs disposable nappies: It takes 200-500 years for a disposable nappy to dissolve. It is arguable that the amount of energy and water used for washing the cloth nappies may be less harmful to the environment than the modern single use nappies.
4. Use cloth and water instead of wet wipes: Some cotton cloth  and water is so much better for your baby and the environment than the wet wipes. However, if you have a convenience issue with that, you may try to use the cloth/water at home and the wet tissues when out and about.
5. Share: Re-use baby/kids clothes and toys. Share them with others (with other family members' or friends' kids or you could choose the pre-owned ones when shopping and then pass them on to others when done with them) as opposed to buying new at all times. 
6. Choose environmentally friendly toys: Plastic is bad for your child's health as well as our planet. Choose the toys that are made using natural materials such as wood and cotton. You could even give a go at making a toy at home or choose the handmade ones when shopping.
7. Go for cotton baby clothes: Good for your baby, good for the environment, and more durable than many other materials/fabrics!
8. Read tags: Read the ingredients used in baby shampoos, soaps and other products and try to buy the ones that have natural ingredients. It may be more expensive but it would definitely be worth it. At least try to swap the one that you use the most with a natural one even if you can't afford to purchase all of your baby's products from the natural/organic range. Alternatively, make your own! Many products that we/our kids use on a regular basis can be home-made. (Let me know if there is a particular product that you would like me to write about or share a tutorial of)
9. Use natural disinfectants: Instead of using chemicals like bleach, use natural options such as bicarbonate and vinegar when cleaning baby products (toys, pacifiers etc). You can use them in general house cleaning purposes too. (I have already written about a few options such as homemade cleaning products for babies, homemade hand sanitizers, homemade laundry detergents, homemade all-purpose cleaning products, and more but If you need more information, stay tuned! I will be posting more about homemade disinfectants in the future.)
10. Be an example: Teach them how to love and protect our planet/world/environment not only verbally but by being a good example too. They are likely to be more interested and passionate about it if they see you as a caring person and if it is a part of your lifestyle. 

MINT

Mint from our garden

There are different types of mint. The most commonly used ones especially in kitchens are spearmint and peppermint.

Mint is rich in Vitamins A and C. It also contains some Vitamin B2. The essential minerals mint contains are manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium.

Mint is well known to help with digestion (homemade peppermint tea is strongly recommended. To make this tea, you just need to boil some water and put some fresh mint leaves in it and wait for 5-10 minutes before drinking).

Mint's medicinal properties aren't limited to its aid in digestion. It

• has anti-cancer properties both in preventing and healing and are good antioxidants (antioxidants are good for protecting against cancer). 
• helps opening up respiratory passages and airways, 
• is good for relieving cold and flu symptoms. 
• has proven itself in some muscle relaxation and is calming.
• is used as a mild sedative (no wonder why mint is often used in aromatherapy such as massage oils). 
• is proven to help bad breath problems and 
• crushed mint leaves help whitening teeth (most toothpastes include mint in them). 
• is a very good cleanser for the blood.

Mint is sold both dried and fresh at almost every supermarket these days (if you want to know how to make ground mint at home, click here). Fresh mint can stay for upto a week when put in water and the water is changed regularly. However, I really like it when they are 'really fresh'.

We grow some mint in the garden and I can easily claim that they are one of the easiest herbs to grow in a pot or on a garden bed. If interested, let me know and I can write about how to grow mint in the future. Also, let us know how you consume mint. You can either e-mail me (contactmrslucky.gmail.com), or just click 'comments' below and write there.

A SMALL GARDEN PLEASER

By now, all my readers here would know how much I appreciate and enjoy recycling ideas and recycled products for various reasons. In the (copied) picture above, there is another recycling idea for us all. The recycled pots on the wall in the picture are very useful, practical, stylish and easy-to-do.

The list of what you need for this project is below:

• some containers (Eg. large tomato sauce tins) that you want to recycle 
• something to hold them up with (the safest would be the use of nails or you can even make little individual shelves with wood to place them on if you have the materials and the time for it). 
• A drill (or a nail and a hammer) to make a hole in each container for drainage. 

You can use the clean containers as they are or alternatively, you can paint or decorate the containers to your taste or to match the theme you have in your garden. Put some soil in each container and it is ready for plantation!

You can grow flowers or other pot plants in them but I really like growing things that can be eaten and I think they would be wonderful for some herbs such as parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, mint, basil, chives, coriander and so on. They won't take space in the garden, will look very nice and neat and will add a character to your garden without spending any money! You will also be pleased to know that you have achieved something meaningful and useful.

TOILET PAPER ROLL STAMP

I am a believer that kids don't need a lot of money to be happy. All they need is some love and care. If only you could spend some time with your children doing something very simple together like a stamp just like you see in the picture below, I am sure he or she will be over the moon for some time. Actually, in most cases, all they want from you is some attention and then they are likely to get in their own world and enjoy the activity that you have provided them for a while. Set it up with them, perhaps show them and then let them enjoy it by themselves!

Materials needed: Some paint (most people with kids would have some simple art supplies in hand), a toilet paper roll (in the picture below, it is shaped like a love heart) and some paper for your junior artist to put his/her masterpiece on.

NATURAL HOMEMADE AIR-FRESHENER

copied picture

Who would have ever thought making your air-freshener could be so easy and chemical free? It will spread a sweet cinnamon smell in the air and I don't know many people who wouldn't enjoy that particular smell. It also looks very interesting and in my opinion, it would look great on benches, dining tables or on display shelves.

Here is what you need to do:

Cut up the top of an apple and empty out the inside of it leaving the outside as is. It should look like a cup.  Then, put a cinnamon stick in it and fill it up with hot water. The water helps to get the cinnamon smell. This is a no-waste type of a project. Don't waste the inside of the apple when you carve it out. Eat it or use it in desserts or juices. When you are done with the air freshener, you can still consume the remaining too (as long as it is in good conditions). A brilliant idea!

NIGELLA SEEDS

There are many words attributed to these seeds but scientifically, they are called nigella sativa seeds. These seeds have a somehow bitter taste and are used as a spice particularly in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

They are used in many types of foods; from buns and breads in Turkey to some certain cheeses in the Middle East just to name a few. They are often cooked with food/dough but we consume the dry seeds raw in salads as a family (we often mix it with some linseed and sprinkle them over our mediterranean salads).

Medicinal properties of nigella seeds that are realised medium to long term if taken regularly, seem to be so attractive that we make some conscious effort to consume them. It is stated by some sources that in Islam, there is a hadith stating that 'it can cure all diseases except death". It is reported that, in the first century AD, the Greek physician called Dioscorides, recommended nigella sativa. Romans used it as a digestive aid at the time. 


It is claimed that nigella sativa contains over 100 valuable components. It is a significant source of protein, essential fatty acids (the type that our bodies can't produce), and many vitamins namely, A, B, B2, C & niacin. Minerals include calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium.


Below is a list of some of its claimed health benefits. It is good for:

• asthma
• bronchitis
• rheumatism
• milk production
• digestion
• to fight parasitic infections
• (its oil is used for) skin conditions such as eczema and boil
• cold symptoms
• cancer

Here is an interesting piece of factual information for you: Ancient Egyptians believed medicinal plants play a part in the afterlife of their pharaohs. Nigella sativa has been found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

A HANDMADE HORSE

Here is a great activity for the crafty ones. The instructions aren't written in English but there are so many clear accompanying pictures that you don't really need to read it to be able to understand it. Just click here for the original page with pictures.

Have a fun and a productive day!

HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER RECIPES

Here are a few homemade hand sanitizer recipes for you:

Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup PURE aloe vera gel (not the green stuff)
• 1-4 teaspoons of Witch Hazel (amount depends on desired consistency)                                             5-10 drops of essential oil (tea tree and peppermint also have natural antibacterial properties) properties

Method:

After stirring the aloe vera in a bowl for a bit, slowly start adding the witch hazel (or alcohol) until it forms the consistency level you would like to have. Then, add your essential oils in the amount you desire. 

Another Alcohol-Free Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup pure  aloe vera gel
• 1-2 teaspoons of witch hazel (add until the desired consistency is reached)
• 1/4 tsp (or 25 drops) tea tree oil (or increased amounts of other essential oils)

Hand Sanitizer with Alcohol

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 c. aloe vera gel (as pure as you can get)
• 3/4 c. rubbing alcohol (at least 91%)
• 1/8 c. vegetable glycerin (optional) (if omitted, use an extra 1/8 c. aloe vera gel)
• 10 drops essential oil (cinnamon and sweet orange are only two examples) (optional)

Method: 

Pour everything into your food processor or blender and let it go on high for a minute or two. Bottle and use as you would any hand sanitizer. Keeps for 6 months or more.

Hand Sanitizer with Soap

• Ingredients:
  1. some small soap pieces
  2. water
  3. a few drops of perfume, essential oils, rose water or a little honey
  
  
  Method:
  Add simmering water to the small soap pieces or directly immersed in distilled water after shaking a few days. Add the oils or whatever you want to add to this mixture. Pour it all into a suction pressure type of a container. 
  
  
  This sanitizer should be able to stay for a few months.

HANDMADE BABY MARACAS

This is a nice little project that is sure to please your baby! I found it online and fell in love with it. It is so easy that even kids can do it. The instructions in the video are extremely easy to follow. The only thing I am uncomfortable with is the decoration of them as I am concerned with the idea of using especially beads for baby products especially if they are only stuck using glue. They can pose a choking hazard! I can imagine Miss Junior getting excited about the stars and the beads and start exploring them as soon as she gets her hands on them. She would try pulling them and I wouldn't be surprised if she can successfully remove them after some attempts and she is extremely likely to put them in her mouth right away. I believe that these particular decorative materials aren't suitable for babies even though they do look awesome. I strongly recommend finding other types of decorative ideas (using colourful fabric strips perhaps?) for this project.

In my opinion, this project is great because;

• handmade
• very easy to make
• not costly 
• made with recycled materials
• unique
• even older siblings can do it or if you don't have a baby, your child can do it and can gift it to a baby or can use it for her own entertainment (making music?)
• if the older sibling is involved in making it, it may help with the bonding between the younger sibling and him/her
• improves creativity and imagination skills
• stimulates baby visually and audibly

UNDERSTANDING ORGANICS AND BIODYNAMICS

Both of these terms refer to a sustainable agricultural system. However, biodynamic goes one step further than organic practice. It is a holistic practice where all things are considered living inter-related systems - animals, plants, and the solar system. Below is some useful information on organics and biodynamics for you.

Organic:

The term organic is described as "a system of agriculture able to balance productivity with low vulnerability to problems such as pest infestation and environmental degradation, while maintaining the quality of the land for future generations" by some sources.

Organic farmers do not use synthetic chemicals and they only use natural breeding processes for plant propagation and seed development. They also aim to achieve a balance with nature by using methods and materials that have a low impact on the overall environment.

In practice this involves a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilisers, pesticides, growth regulators, livestock feed additives and other harmful or potentially harmful substances. It includes the use of technologies such as crop rotations, mechanical cultivation and biological pest control; and such materials as legumes, crop residues, animal manures, green manures, compost, other organic wastes and mineral bearing rocks. The intention is to encourage natural biological systems." (Standards for Organic Agricultural Production, NASAA, 1993.)

Biodynamic:

Bio-dynamic farming is based on the work of Austrian scientist Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861 – 1925). You may remember his name from Steiner Schools which run in many places including Melbourne, Australia. If you would like to read more about Steiner Education and its philosophy, this is one of many informative websites for you.

In regards to biodynamics as an agricultural term, this is what it refers to: 'an enhanced organic method and it is about a recognition that the whole earth is a single, self-regulating, multi-dimensional ecosystem'.

Biodynamic practitioners seek to understand and work with the life processes as well as increase their understanding of the mineral processes used in conventional agriculture.

They seek to enhance soil structure and nutrient cycles resulting in maximised plant growth and development, with the use of specific preparations that are made from farm-sourced materials.

The observation of nature's natural rhythm such as moon cycles is very important to biodynamics producers.

Biodynamic farming aims to achieve “self sufficiency” by generating fertilizers for crops and food for animals through natural processes that regenerate the farm system. 

The aim is to "redeem dead soils and make farms viable without the use of water-soluble fertilisers and chemicals." (Bio-dynamic Movement in Australia - Agriculture, Standards, Certification and Marketing.)

Biodynamic farming uses different principles that add vitality to the plant, soil and/or livestock, whereas traditional farming typically deteriorates the soil.

According to a source, biodynamics provides tools to make organics easier by:

• organising the nutrient cycles with the farm or garden,
• activating the soil food web, which creates humus,
• creating resilience in plants and animals against stress and extreme weather events,
• balancing the atmosphere around plants, and
• optimising growth cycles using lunar and cosmic rhythms.

For further reading, you can check information provided by The Organic Federation of Australia (OFA), DEMETER Bio-Dynamic Agriculture in Australia, or The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

HOMEMADE PAINT

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of flour
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 1 ½ cups of cold water
• 1 ¼ cups of hot water
• food colouring

Method:

1. Place your flour and water in a saucepan. Beat with an egg whisk until smooth. The cold water will allow all the lumps of flour to be worked out to give you a smooth consistency.
2. Add the hot water and boil on the stove until your paint thickens.
3. Whisk again until smooth
4. Add drops of food colouring until you get the desired shade.
5. Store covered in the fridge.

Yes, it is that easy! However, if you like, you can try some other recipes too. Here are some more homemade paint recipes for you:


ANOTHER HOMEMADE PAINT RECIPE

Ingredients:

• Starch
• Sugar
• Water
• Liquid detergent 
• Food colouring

Method:

1. Cook starch and sugar in water. 
2. When cooled down, add some detergent and food colouring. 

 FACE PAINT

Ingredients: 

1. A container (an egg carton would do the job)
2. Cream
3. Food colouring

Method:

1. Break out a muffin tin or empty egg carton.
2. Spoon some cold cream into the tin or carton. The amount you use is up to you. It will depend on how much paint you need in the end.
3. Mix 1 to 2 drops of various colors food coloring into each cup. Feel free to mix colors to create your own variety.

REDUCE ORGANIC FOOD EXPENSES BY 90%!

I have recently learnt that some produces are more important to be bought in their organic version than the others as they tend to have the highest amount of pesticides when conventionally grown. If you can buy everything organic, lucky you, I'd definitely say go for it! However, if you have to choose, whether it is for you, your child or for the whole family, choose the ones that are likely to contain the highest pesticide levels normally organic and buy the ones with relatively less pesticide levels from not necessarily organic produce selling places. By doing so, you can reduce the amount of your pesticides intake by 90%!

Here is the list of the ones that tend to have the highest pesticides levels if not organically grown (so, try to buy these organic):

• celery
• strawberries
• peaches
• blueberries
• spinach
• apples
• nectarines
• bell peppers
• cherries
• potatoes (and more)

Now, lets look at the list of the produces with less pesticide levels:

• Peas
• Corn
• Asparagus
• Pineapple
• Mangoes
• Kiwi
• Honeydew
• Cantaloupe/Rockmelon
• Onion
• Sweet potatoes

I am aware that there are some standards in place especially here in Australia. However, it still doesn't mean that the foods that we consume everyday are pesticide free (unless stated so). There are ways to reduce the amount of pesticides and other chemicals we are exposed to by following some certain strategies. Some of those strategies are listed below:

Buy organic/biodynamic.

Grow your own.

Buy produces that pass particular standards (be extra careful with the imported ones).

Thoroughly wash all fruit and vegetables.

Peel or remove the outer layer whenever possible.

Do not over-consume certain types of foods. Instead, eat a variety of meats, vegies and fruit.

Cook meat/chicken well.

Trim visible fat from meats, as many residues are fat soluble.

There are many online sources available if you would like to do further reading on this topic. You can search for 'dirty dozen and clean fifteen', 'pesticide residue in fresh produce' and 'pesticides and other chemicals in food' and so forth. You can also visit some other reliable websites such as this or this. 

PRAISE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

It is important to know the differences between praise and encouragement when working with children regardless of your position as a parent or a teacher. Praise and encouragement are two different terms. Here are some notes on praise's differences from encouragement.

• praise gives personal judgement by an approving adult

• can discourage belief in oneself

• "If I'm not good then am I bad?"

• can focus on end product

• develops a competitive/superior belief

HOMEMADE ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING PRODUCTS

Below are some of many-to-come ideas and recipes for you for homemade cleaning products. The ones below are for general use. 

Homemade Cleaner 1

Mix your own cleaner with these ingredients to kill bacteria and leave your surfaces shining:

1 tablespoon of Borax powder (find it in the laundry aisle of your supermarket);
3 tablespoons of white vinegar;
2 cups of water;
1 tablespoon of dish soap;
1 drop of essential oil such as peppermint for fragrance (optional).

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, give it a shake, and you are ready to clean. To wipe windows, you also can use plain white vinegar on newspapers. To disinfect toys and other kids' products, fill a spray bottle with non-chlorine bleach (3% hydrogen peroxide) and wipe with a paper towel.

Homemade Cleaner 2

1 quart warm water
1 teaspoon liquid soap
1 teaspoon borax
1/4 cup undiluted white vinegar

Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Use for cleaning countertops, floors, walls, carpets and upholstery.

So, it is not that hard or impossible to ditch all the toxic chemicals lurking under your kitchen cabinet, on the shelf in your bathroom, and out in the garage. Please share you ideas and recipes with us in the comments section below.

HOW TO FEED KIDS FRUIT AND VEGIES

Photo Credit

A Harvard Medical School study showed that children who regularly had meals with their family ate more fruits and vegetables per day than kids who ate alone. According to the study, most ate at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. 

So if you want your children to eat more healthy fare, serve it up and then sit down with them.

Here are some other suggestions for you:

• Keep plant foods such as fruit and vegetables within your child's reach while leaving junk food out of his reach.
• Don't make fuss about it too much but be a good example! (Don't forget, MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO)
• Start your child on a healthy diet as early as possible. However, if you believe that your child is too old for it, just remember: NEVER TOO LATE! It may take a bit more effort and time, but be consistent and never loose hope.  
• Some kids go in and out of picky times. Stay calm and keep pursuing a healthy diet perhaps with a few adjustments.
• Try different recipes with the same ingredient at times. For example; offer red capsicum raw, make a dip out of it, stuff it with some minced beef or rice, add some capsicum to your child's favourite salad or try red pepper and zucchini strips with hummus and so on. If you are experiencing some difficulty in feeding your child spinach in salad, then try giving it to him raw, just as is or add it into some soup, make an omelette with it or may be you discover that your child likes it in pies. 
• Introduce colours. Some kids tend to like/dislike foods that have a certain colour. I have heard of people complaining about their kids not eating/even trying any food that is green or red. If that is the case, see whether she can pass this stage without missing out on too much. For instance, if your child dislikes zucchini because it is green (at least on the outside), what about peeling it before you cook it or offering him some yellow squash instead (every food is different but some have similar nutrients to the other)? 
• Try including a wide range of fruit and vegetables in your everyday diet while keeping portion sizes right. Do not stick to only a few types. Be adventurous! Not a single type of food can do the job alone. Young babies can thrive on a single food, breast milk, but the rest of us need to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods to ensure our needs are met. Every food has a contribution to make – a small part to play in good nutrition, health and wellbeing.

Photo Credit

• Make sure what you offer your child is fresh and looks appetising. 
• Go fruit/vegetable picking as a family if possible. 
• I highly recommend you to grow some veggies or fruit. I know it from my personal experience that whenever Mr. Junior is involved in the care or the harvesting of a certain type of fresh produce in the garden, he enjoys eating it better too. Encourage your child to grow a few herbs, vegetables or if possible, fruit in pots or in the garden and you are likely to see that your child will be more interested in consuming that food. 
• Prepare meals/snacks with your children. Again, it is all about personal involvement. 
• What else works for us most often is that we ask Mr. Junior his opinion when we make menus for the day or for dinner etc. We do it in a controlled way though. We don't necessarily give him all the options in the world but we often ask him what he thinks we should have, for example, for dinner and then we may list a few options: Celery soup, broccoli soup or mushroom soup?
• Some people make funny faces or other shapes on plates. They believe that it makes it more attractive for their kids. I don't think it would hurt to give it a try. 
• Be creative. There is almost always an option to everything. You can't feed your child rice? Try bulgur (cracked wheat) then. He won't eat spinach? What about offering him silverbeet then?
• Many have found that going out of the way to cook for your child instead of offering your whole family a well rounded meal makes for picky eaters. If a child knows you'll give them hot dogs and mac-n-cheese, then that's all they'll want.
• Serve small. Pay attention to the serving size as some kids find it overwhelming if they see a large amount on their plates. Just serve small first and then you can encourage them to eat more if you like.
• You may decide to agree with some 'treats' at certain places or times depending on what your opinion on it is. Make sure that your kid understands the difference between meals and snacks and 'treats'.
• There are some arguments on this particular one but you do what works for you the best. Here is the suggestion: Don't give your child options. Give your child what you have prepared for dinner (obviously make sure that it is suitable for your child as well) at dinner time. If your child refuses to eat it, be calm, but make sure that he understands that there is nothing else that he will be given for dinner or snack that night. It is the food for that day's dinner. This may take a few nights when your child goes to bed without dinner (which is where the different opinions come into the picture). I have learnt that there is a saying in Spanish which roughly translates to 'When you are hungry, there is no stale bread'. 
• Educate your children starting from an early age! It is likely to take some time, but be consistent and never loose hope. 

Photo Credit

I hope these suggestions have been helpful to you. If you can think of anything else, we would love to hear. Please share your ideas in the comments section.

Have a day that is as fresh and healthy as a freshly handpicked apple! 

HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT

There are various homemade laundry detergent recipes that you may be able to find through family and friends or other resources. Here, I will share with you one of the recipes that you may enjoy working with. The original source of this recipe is here.

Ingredients:

1 bar Fels-Naptha bar soap
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup Baking Soda


Directions:

1. Grate the Fels-Naptha bar soap finely.  (Use a hand grater or alternatively, you can use a food processor).

2. Add 1 cup Borax.

3. Add 1 cup washing soda.


4. Add 1/4 cup baking soda.

5. Find a helper and stir well (that is banana on his nose, if you are wondering -- no need to be grossed out).

6. You should have a nice powdered mixture.

7. Place in an airtight container.  Use 2 tablespoons per regular load of laundry. 

The original writer of this recipe has even created a label for you that you can access to through the link above. 

 

If you would like to check out more homemade detergent recipes, try these:

http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Laundry-Detergent/

http://aussieslivingsimply.com.au/forum/natural-cleaners-and-products-for-the-home/446-homemade-laundry-detergent

CHIA

This is another type of seed that we have been consuming since we came across with it a few years ago. We were really impressed when we learned that it contains really high levels of Omega-3.

Health benefits of chia seeds:

• Reduces blood pressure
• Energising
• Helpful in
• Reduces pain and inflammation (helps with arthritis as these seeds help lubricating joints)
• Helps stabilising blood sugar
• Boosts metabolism and promotes lean muscle mass
• Helps cleansing the colon, absorbs toxins
• Contains 20% protein
• Provides high levels of antioxidants
• They absorb large amounts of water and are good at hydrating our bodies
• Has essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6. They help to improve brain function including memory and concentration), fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.

According to some sources, chia seeds have three times more iron than spinach and fifteen times more magnesium than broccoli.

How to use:

You can sprinkle chia seeds on your yoghurt, cereal, or salads. It is possible to use them in sandwiches. They can also be added into smoothies or soaked in drinking water. I personally don't enjoy it soaked in water as it becomes jelly like and I don't quite enjoy that particular texture but we are happy to include it in many types of our foods as a family. They don't really have a distinct taste or smell.

Have a healthy day!

FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER: FOR or AGAINST?

We have recently been trying to look into fluoride in our drinking water in depth. We have been doing some reading on it and trying to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of it on our health. We have been thinking about whether we should invest in a water filter to discard the fluoride in it. There are certain countries who do not provide fluoride in their drinking water and they have their points but there are others such as Australia, where water contains fluoride. As a family, we haven't been able to come to a conclusion yet and we would really appreciate your opinion on this particular matter. I am sure I would benefit from your input greatly but it may also be helpful for others too.

Please share your knowledge/thought/views on this topic either here, or on my facebook page: Why Bee .

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SAD...

What you can do when a child is sad:

• talk about feelings, especially sadness and anger
• make sure the children's teachers and carers know your child may be upset
• be available for cuddles
• make sure that they know what has happened isn't their fault
• if death is involved, talk about it simply but honestly
• talk to your child about the person or pet they have lost and encourage them to talk too
• reassure them that it's OK for grown-ups to cry, but that you'll feel better soon and you still love them very much
• don't burden your children with your grief. Get help from other adults
• try to keep family routines going, as this helps children feel more secure
• get active! it can really help when we're sad or stressed
• try to end every 'sad talk' session with a bit of hope. Plan something special with your child-like playing with a friend.

Making memories:

• remember together the good and funny times. You can still laugh when sad.
• make a 'memory book' with photos, stories, drawings etc.
• as well as helpful storybooks, you might like to make up your own story about a similar situation and show how those people managed.

(These are taken from a Positive Parenting Course's notes)

ESSENTIALS OF A NATURAL MEDICINE CABINET

Dr Oz's top 5 essentials for a natural medicine cabinet

1. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural, essential oil derived from the leaves of a plant indigenous to Australia. It works as a natural antiseptic. It is used to soothe skin problems such as minor burns, athlete’s foot, and insect bites. When applied directly to the skin, tea tree oil has been found to have anti-microbial activity against strong bacteria and fungi.

2. SLS-free Toothpaste: SLS is the acronym of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a chemical that creates foam when you brush, but can also lead to mouth sores. Natural toothpaste alternatives aren’t as foamy but are also less harsh.

3. Tiger Balm: Tiger balm is a natural muscle relaxer. It has a substance called camphor, when used in small amounts, releases localized muscle-relaxing heat for aches and pains. It works as topical muscle relaxer/pain reliever. IMPORTANT: Remember it should not be ingested, so keep away from children.

4. Valerian Root Capsules: Several studies in adults suggest that this herb may improve quality of sleep and reduce the time to fall asleep. It is a natural relaxer/sedative. IMPORTANT: This herb should not be mixed with other sedatives or anti-anxiety medications.

5. Bentonite Clay: This is an absorbent substance that may be able to relieve diarrhea. It may also be able to absorb toxic substances in the intestines and prevent them from causing nausea or upset. It may also be used to relieve diarrhea.

Here  is Dr. Oz's website for you.