I created an Immune Supporting Essential Oil blend. I love me some OnGuard® oil. If you're new to essential oils and haven't heard about OnGuard this is what one company says about their blend: OnGuard essential oil blend was inspired by the legend of four 15th-century French thieves who formulated a special aromatic combination composed of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals they used while robbing the dead and dying . . . crafted in the spirit of that legendary combination. When taken internally, it supports healthy immune function*, and it includes Eucalyptus radiata essential oil, which may help maintain a healthy ...Read More
101 Things To Do With Your Kids When It’s Cold Outside
I recently spent a few days coming up with this list for 101 things to do with your kids when it's cold outside. You know the days. Whether it's a rainy week in summer, or snowy cold days in winter, there are times when your family just plain gets stuck in the house. Then the cabin fever sets in. Thankfully this blog post is here to help you with 101—yes 101—things to do with your kids when it's cold outside, and bonus: you can do them inside with minimal setup. Don't worry there are plenty of activities for older kids as well as the younger ones. There are two rules for this list of things to ...Read More
How to Take Charge When Toys Are Overrunning Your House
Do your kids have too many toys? Be honest. I know mine sure do, and the only thing that saved my sanity was implementing a toy rotation. It was literally a night and day change in our house dynamics. I used to feel like toys were literally taking over my house. Okay maybe not "literally," I mean they didn't stage a military coup, set boobie traps with jump ropes, and Legos or anything. And there was never a list of demands left duct taped on my children's door asking for fresh batteries with a picture of a "hostage toy" roped to a chair. And I'm pretty sure, despite Pixar's artful story telling, they don't come ...Read More
Foods Simple Butternut Squash Soup
A few weeks ago I tried a cup of Panera's Butternut Squash soup, and was it ever good. I immediately set about trying to make a copycat recipe and to my delight and (quite frankly) surprise I nailed it on the first try. The soup is naturally gluten-free (and can easily be made paleo by changing the type of milk and omitting the maple syrup). Looking for more gluten-free resources? This Everything Gluten Free page is a library of everything gluten free we’ve worked on. To me this recipe just tastes like fall. Because squash is in season is incredibly inexpensive, you'll want to put this Simple Butternut Squash ...Read More
How Do I Discipline My Kids Without Getting Mad?
Reader Question: How can I discipline my children without losing my cool? Ten simple words make up this question, yet the answer is so complex, so polarizing, and varied, thousands of books written from every opinion and worldview can be found; each with a different formula on how to "properly" discipline your child without losing your composure. (It's like this parenting thing isn't easy or something.) I know this for a fact. I've read many of them, and they all promise if you simply follow the steps given, consistently, you'll have an immediately obedient child in no time flat. If the techniques don't work, then ...Read More
{DIY} Sinus and Immune Support Essential Oil Blend
I recently created an immune support essential oil blend. To say my family struggles with nasal reactions to seasonal changes would be an understatement. It was during a particularly bad bout of reactions to the weather coupled with other seasonal issues that just would not die that sent me on a trip to our local health food store. Learn more about my favorite essential oils in this post. I essentially begged them for something that we could use in conjunction with our usual over the counter treatments that would bring us all some additional relief for our oh so snotty, sneezy, and headachy symptoms. ...Read More
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks: Easy and Healthy
I have a confession to make. I'm a frustrated foodie. I love to cook, I love to experiment and take time creating new recipes, but unfortunately with three little ones running around the house culinary technique falls by the way side for quick and simple recipes that sometimes lack the amazing flavors that I love. Not with this recipe however. I was THRILLED when I found out how simple it was to prepare grilled chicken drumsticks. This is one of the easiest, best tasting recipes I've made in awhile. This recipe takes all of 5 minutes to prepare, and very little tending to once it's on the grill. Considering the fact ...Read More
Simple Mexican Shredded Meat For The Slow Cooker (Crockpot) and Mexican Rice
The only time I buy pot roasts is when there is a buy-one-get-one-free sale at our grocery store. Recently I had two such roasts in my refrigerator that needed to be cooked immediately. To shake things up I decided to create pulled Mexican beef with one of the roasts, and it turned out simply delicious. I'm a little obsessed with Mexican food—to say I love it would be putting it mildly. We have several Hispanic families who attend our church, and let me tell you, since they started attending our potlucks have become simply amazing. There's nothing like the flavors of authentic Mexican food. Can I get an ...Read More
