Soap Snakes

We crossed off a summer sand bucket list item today:  soap bubble snakes!  As you can see, the kids had a great time...and our puppies were quite intrigued by the long bubbles blowing around the yard! 

The only materials necessary to make the bubble blowers, are:

• Plastic water bottles
• Old cloth (washcloth, sock, etc.)
• Rubber bands
• Dish soap
• Water

To assemble, cut the bottom off of the water bottles and secure a piece of cloth to the end with a rubber band.  Then add some dish soap and a little water to a dish (there's no science here, just more soap than water).  To make a snake, dip the cloth into the soap and blow (lightly, so that the cloth doesn't blow off). 

I've seen people add coloring to the soap, but thought the extra mess wasn't necessary...a choice I'm glad I made since by the end, the kids were covered in bubbles. 

I hope your summer is off to a great start!

LEGO Father's Day

Father's Day a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Dry Brushing

I first heard the term dry brushing a few years ago, but at that time, I only learned of the exfoliation benefits.  When I started incorporating the process into my morning routine a few months ago (to prep my skin for bare legs and tank tops), I was pleasantly surprised to discover the additional health (and beauty) benefits.

In addition to removing dry skin (think knees, ankles, elbows...), it also evens skin tone, stimulates blood flow, aids in cell renewal and tighter skin (goodbye cellulite), and helps the lymphatic system with toxin release, digestion and kidney function.  All of that for an inexpensive two minute morning routine!

The only tool needed is an inexpensive, natural bristle brush (not synthetic) that is sturdy, but not too rough.  One with a long handle is great for hard to reach areas.

When dry brushing, start at your feet, working your way up, you make long sweeping strokes with enough pressure to feel it, but not hard enough for it to be uncomfortable.  Always sweep towards your heart.  The first time I dry brushed, I was shocked by the initial blood flow to my heart...it certainly works!

Since adding this to my morning routine a few months ago, I have certainly noticed smoother and tighter skin, and continue to feel that initial jolt of energy each time I do it.

If you'd tried dry brushing, what has your experience been?  And if you try it for the first time, report back...it would be great to hear your thoughts! 

Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Homemade yogurt.  Sounds fancy, tricky and impressive...until you've made it and you realize it's about the easiest thing to make.  And it's cheap...especially if you buy as much of it as I used to for my family of five yogurt lovers.  

Impress your family this weekend and whip up a batch of homemade yogurt parfaits!

Ingredients: 

• Half gallon (8 cups) whole milk
• 1 cup plain/unflavored yogurt

Directions:

1. Plug in your crock pot and set it on low. 
2. Heat milk on the stove until its bubbling or starts climbing up the side of the pot (up to 180 degrees if you have a thermometer - just watch it & stir gently) DO NOT BURN YOUR MILK.
3. Turn off the heat once its bubbling, then let the milk cool until you can stick your pinky in it and tolerate the heat (or until your thermometer reads about 110 degrees).
4. Combine 2 cups of the heated milk and your 1 cup of "starter" yogurt in a separate bowl.  Mix thoroughly.
5. Add yogurt/milk mix back to pot and stir thoroughly and gently.  Pour milk/yogurt from pot into crock pot. 
6. TURN OFF CROCK POT and UNPLUG IT.  Wrap crock pot in heavy towels and leave sit on your counter about 8 hours - don't disturb the yogurt.  After 8 hours, put the yogurt in the refrigerator overnight to stop the culturing.  In the morning, you'll have fresh, homemade yogurt to feed your family...and yourself!  Just mix in your favorite granola, fruits or sweeteners (honey and vanilla are our favorite) and you're all set!

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DIY Bathtub Water Run

I love this bathtub water run created with parts from the hardware store that was featured on The Brooding Hen (photo from their site). 

The instructions are easy to follow and if you live in a tool-filled home like I do, this will be pretty inexpensive to make!  I'm excited to construct this for my littlest one...she's showing more and more interest in showers lately in an effort to keep up with her big brother and sister.  Hopefully this will keep her in the tub a bit longer.  She's only 4 after all! 

This would also be fun in the summer attached to a board and brought outside!  Just give your children some buckets full of water (including one to catch the water at the end), and a few sticks, boats or plastic Army figures or animals to shoot down the "waterslide." 

Check out the list of materials you'll need and the step-by-step instructions at thebroodinghen.blogspot.com.

Shea Terra Organics African Black Soap

I'm 37, how can I still be having trouble with acne?!  My son is only a few years away from his own awkward teenage years, and here I am still fighting blemishes.  However, I probably shouldn't complain about it so much...it could be, as many older people have told me, part of the reason I still get carded so frequently...and not just from the the occasional bartender trying to inflate my ego.  So, rather than complain about my skin requiring me to check the oily box on beauty surveys, I'm going to control it...with the help of Shea Terra Organics 100% Pure African Black Soap.

Meet my new friends:  cocoa pod ash, plantain peel ash, locally produced palm kernel oil, and camwood bark.  These are the (only) ingredients of my new face wash.  Unconventional?  Yes.  Effective?  Absolutely.

Without question, the very best African Black Soap available is from Shea Terra Organics.  Their soap is 100% pure without any dyes or fragrances (yes, it smells like burnt ash...beware of those that don't!).  The ingredients are roasted in a clay oven and packaged in a glass jar.  Everything is authentic and nearly unchanged from oh so long ago when the Yoruban Tribe of Nigeria invented African Black Soap to sterilize skin, heal and prevent infections. 

To use this unique soap, I rub a pinch of the ash and a little water in my palms and then apply it to my face.  It rinses off clean and leaves my skin feeling renewed and clear.  I'm happy to report I haven't had a single blemish since I started using African Black Soap two weeks ago! Thanks to Shea Terra Organics African Black Soap, perhaps my son's (and daughters') future teenage years won't have to be quite as awkward. 

Visit sheaterraorganics.com to learn more about this unique product and to purchase.  A large jar sells for only $22 and will last you many months! 

REN Skincare

A few weeks ago I received some unsettling news...unsettling, that is, until I took some time to process is.  After the initial delivery, I calmed down and relaxed, feeling confident all would be well, regardless of the uncertain outcome.  As I was explaining to my mother my sincere serenity during this trying time, she said, "Well, that comes with maturity." 

Although I am pleased with the on-set of emotional security, I know that's not all that's changing with age: I have a few silver hairs and some fine lines working their way in as well.  Luckily, that same week, some REN skincare arrived as well!

The products that I received are the Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate, Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, Resurfacing AHA Concentrate and Radiance Perfection Serum.   I've been using them for the past two weeks with great results.  Below are my thoughts on each one; the reviews (and my skin) are glowing!

Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate - A synergistic complex of pure, potent, 100% nature derived Vitamin A, Pro Vitamin A and Retinoid Analogue that combats the appearance of wrinkles, imperfections and age spots leaving the complexion visibly younger, smoother and brighter without the irritating effects of synthetic Retinol.

The barely-there scent of this serum is relaxing and the texture feels great on my skin at night.  After two weeks of use, I've noticed my skin is already smoother and brighter. 

Radiance Perfection Serum - A multi active serum formulated to reboot the skin's energy cycle, visibly perfect skin tone and leave skin looking energized, radiant and luminous. 

This serum resembles a lotion and has a light fresh scent, making not only your skin more energized, but your whole self, when applied in the morning.  The Radiance Perfection Serum is perfect for anyone with sun damage or uneven skin tone.

Resurfacing AHA Concentrate - A concentrate formulated to resurface the skin and renew the complexion giving a radiant, youthful glow. A complex of Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric and Citric acids promotes skin-cell turnover leaving skin looking revitalized, brighter, smoother and more healthy.

A resurfacing product is new to me, but I sure am glad I found it!  The purpose of this concentrate is to gently exfoliate while also reducing the appearance of pore size and fine lines...something I'm requiring more and more each year.  I enjoy the slight tingling feeling after applying this serum, letting me know it's really working.

Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask - A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone. 

This mask removes dead skin cells and makes my face look brighter and healthier while helping to combat fine lines, wrinkles and congested pores.  The cloth included with this mask feels great on my skin while it helps to remove any residue.  I follow this with a serum and moisturizer and feel like I just had a facial at a spa.


All of these REN products mentioned here can be purchased at renskincare.com, along with many other great products designed specifically for men, body or to fight acne, aging, dry skin, etc.  I'm excited to try more...and I'll report back when I do!

Q & A a Day Journals

Last year I gifted my mother, father, brother and best friend (and myself) with this Q & A a Day: 5-Year Journal.  We have all greatly enjoyed answering each day's questions and now that we're starting year two, are seeing how much we've changed and grown over the last year. 

Here are some sample questions:  Was today typical?  Why or why not?  Rate your lunch on a scale of 1 to 10.  What inspired you today?  Where have you found evidence of a higher power?  Student or teacher? 

I expect my answer to remain the same for some questions, but have already seen a change in my perspective from last year on a few.  I can't wait to see where I am in another 3 years! 

My son August has been fascinated by my journaling each day.  He goes in spurts himself, writing down what his days are like in a blank book.  So when I saw the Q & A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal this fall, I knew I had found a great Christmas gift for him! 

The children's version of the Q & A a day book asks questions about the child's hero, strengths, feelings about challenges and and favorite activities.  My son says he's really enjoying having a book like mine and my daughters are anxious to receive their own once they can spell on their own (they want to wait until they can write independently so their answers will be secret).

Both journals are available on Amazon for less than $12 and make awesome birthday gifts for friends and family...or yourself!

• Q & A a Day: 5-Year Journal
• Q & A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal 

Natural Cold/Flu Fighters

Over the years I have learned a few homemade cold and flu fighters.  Today, when a friend emailed me for a recipe, I realized I had never shared them here.  My husband teases me about the jars of potions in our pantry...until he needs them, that is.

First up is a remedy for adults (perhaps a child-friendly one could be made with less cayanne).  This powerful mixture is great for coughs, stubborn congestion and sore throats.  It is best used when you first feel something settling in.  I quadruple the recipe to last the winter and keep a jar in our pantry.  The ingredients seem strange, but taste surprisingly good. 

Cough Remedy

• ¼ teaspoon Cayenne
• ¼ teaspoon Ginger (ground)
• 1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar (Bragg’s is preferred.)
• 1 Tablespoon Honey 
• 2 Tablespoon Water

Directions

• Combine in a jar.  When needed, shake the jar to combine and take one tablespoon, twice daily.

The second recipe is for the entire family.  Again, I make a large batch and keep a jar of this pre-mixed and to spread on toast and add to oatmeal and hot drinks throughout the day.  Most morning we enjoy it with warm milk alongside breakfast as a preventative measure. 

Honey/Cinnamon Cold Remedy

• 1 teaspoon Honey
• ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions

•  Mix the honey and cinnamon together to eat or spread on toast...or mix into warm milk, tea, or chai.

Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Flu season is in full swing.  You can't turn on the news without seeing signs of it everywhere.  Here to combat this monster is a homemade, non-toxic, chemical-free recipe for hand sanitizer. 

This version was created by Dr. Lawrence Rosen, a nationally recognized expert in Pediatric Integrative Medicine, and holistic-minded parent Jeff Cohen.  It is simple to make and smells great!

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Ingredients

• 3 oz. filtered water
• 1 tsp. aloe vera gel
• 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 10 drops clove essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops lemon oil

Instructions: Mix ingredients in a 4-ounce spray dispenser (avoid plastic, if possible), and shake gently. Spray on children’s hands, and teach them to massage the spray into their hands for 30 seconds. The result is a natural, chemical free, hand sanitizer to keep germs at bay.

DIY Moon Sand

I posted a moon sand recipe a few years ago that filled many a winter day for my children.  But since then, I've found another one that is easier to make and works just as well.  All that's needed is:

• 8 cups of flour
• 1 cup of baby oil

Mix them well (hands work the best) and you're done!  I keep ours in a plastic bin and can count on at least an hour of solid play time for the kids.

I usually hand over some measuring cups, a melon baller or cookie dough scoop, cookie cutters, and other small things my children think are fun to play with.  This winter they've made many snowmen by coloring toothpicks orange for carrot noses and using whole cloves for eyes. 

My only warning is to keep your dogs away from the fun...our puppies are drawn to it (but luckily they haven't eaten any...yet).

Hatch

 

Those of you who, like me, have completed the pregnancy stage of your lives, you'll relate to my seeing a product, service or tradition and thinking, "Oh, how I wish that had been around/I had thought of that when I was pregnan/had babies!"  This post is about one of those things.

For before, during and after baby, I present Hatch.  This collection of timeless clothing and accessories is any pregnant woman's dream come true!  21 pieces of perfection:  all must-have essentials that you will wear while pregnant and after!  (Wait, perhaps I could sneak a peek at a few things for myself!)

But you don't have to take my word for it.  Check out their entire collection at hatchcollection.com.  I guarantee you'll see something you can't live without...and perhaps a thing or two that will have you contemplating adding to your family again.  I kid.  Kind of.

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! 

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

I've been trying to find a way to help the children and staff at Sandy Hook in Newtown, CT and was so excited this morning when I read an article mentioning the snowflake donations they're accepting through January 12, 2013.  Here is a message from the Connecticut PTSA:

When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Please make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013 to the Connecticut PTSA at:

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

My children and I will be making many snowflakes to mail in support of those returning to school.  I hope it helps to bring smiles to their faces as they see the multitude of snowflakes hand-crafted by people supporting them from around the globe.

And if you'd like to make a financial contribution, the Newtown School Board is announcing on its website that anyone who wishes to support the Sandy Hook Elementary community can make donations to the address below. The announcement states that this is preferred rather than gifts (other than the snowflakes).  Donations can be made via Newtown.uwwesternct.org  or by mailing  checks to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main St
Newtown, CT  06470