Must have books For moms and kids! :)

With times having changed so much over the years since I was young raising kids is a whole new adventure these days. I was outside all the time, ran around the neighbor hood and played constantly. T.V. was never on my mind and I didn’t know what a computer was until the 6th grade. Those were the good old days. Now kids are constantly hooked up to electronics, television and all kinds of non outside non healthy stimulating products. I vowed that I would not let my kids be “Plugged in”, and they would be outside as much as possible stimulating as much of the creativity in their young minds as they could handle.

I have just invested in the best books ever for myself and my kids. I have a tween boy 11yrs and a soon to be tween girl at 8yrs. I didn’t know this phrase “tween” as I was growing up I was either a kid or a teenager, so I was interested in what these books had to say. Now as a female I don’t speak “boy” and they are totally different animals to me. I was eager to find out how to be able to talk to my boy better and know how to raise him as a strong young man who treat all those around him and himself, especially women, with the up most respect and kindness. What is good for him? How does he learn? What does he need at this young age? Well Mom’s here is the next book you should pick up. “Six ways to Keep the “Good” in your Boy” I am loving this book. It confirmed many things and opened many doors of understanding for me. I am half way done and loving every page.

The second book I found was “How to Keep the “Little” in your Girl”. Growing up with a mom who worked really hard for us to make ends meet, bless her heart, my sister and I spent a lot of time learning on our own. I wanted to get this book so I could fill in the blanks of what I lacked growing up, and to understand more about her little beautiful brain and what she needs to be a strong independent loving kind young woman. I will start it as soon as I am done with the other. I am so happy to have stumbled upon these books! Whether mom and dad are still home or if you are a single mom like me, these books are must have!

It is my nephews birthday soon and he asked for some survival books, so naturally I went to Amazon and found these books I have been wanting to get for the longest time.

“The Dangerous Book for Boys” by Gonn Iggulden,

“Boys Book of Survival, How to Survive Anything, Anywhere” by Guy Campbell

“For Boys Only, The Biggest Baddest book ever” by Marc Aronson and HP Newquist.

I also got my daughter “The Dangerous Book for Girls”,  and “For Girls Only, Everything great about being a girl”, by Laura Dower

We opened them last night and all I have to say is WOW! I wish I had these books when I was little. The girls one is full of hand clap games, tag games, and so much more! The boy’s book has all the cool tips like how to catch a fish with bare hands, the best paper airplanes, and so much more. Everything from the periodic table to flags, to cool phrases in other languages. If you have a boy or a girl or just want a fun read for yourself I definitely recommend getting these books! They couldn’t put the books down last night! 🙂

I found all the books on Amazon for decent prices. I am very happy with all of them and feel it is a great way to keep them creatively thinking and grounded to the real world of nature and adventure.

Happy reading and have fun getting closer to your little one with these books.

~Ms Fredrickson~

Related articles

• BeTween the Pages: What if Your Tween Isn’t a Reader? (fashionplaytes.com)
• Lord of the Flies by William Golding (elysafaithng.wordpress.com)
• Kids Room Ideas for Boys, Ideas for Boys Room (potterybarnkids.com)
• Tween Turning Point – Creativity in the Kitchen: Making Memories and Messes with your Tween (fashionplaytes.com)
• Tween Turning Point: Let’s Not Forget Daddy’s Role (fashionplaytes.com)
• It’s not easy being tween (rossmurray1.wordpress.com)
• BeTween the Pages: “Mom, I’m Not a Kid Anymore” by Sue Sanders (fashionplaytes.com)
• 15 Best Books for Young Adults and Tweens (radicalparenting.com)

YUM

I’ve been getting the most of out my Meyer lemons, if I do say so myself: one perfumed the cavity of this dancing chicken, some went into this marmalade, and this one, and yet another (cranberry + Meyer lemon) that I haven’t even told you about yet. I made this glowing, sunshiny Meyer curd, just to offset the drizzly, cold & grey January weather the other day, and then I candied one, with a bit of rosemary tossed into the syrup, just for swank. I still have a few small lemons left: it may be time for End Of Meyer Season-aritas. But before that: Meyer lemon shortcake.

On the heels of our recent conversation about the 5-ingredient recipe phenomenon, I had to chuckle to myself over this one. While the list of main ingredients is, in fact, quite minimal (

View original post 1,052 more words

A Tribute to my fellow Bloggers!

Good Morning Bloggers!! Well its Thursday…have to say I wish it was Saturday so I could have stayed in my warm bed with my man…but duty calls, at least there is coffee and two bright-eyed bushy tailed kiddos waiting for me. 😀

I wanted to share this comic from a fellow blog I follow Morning Story and Dilbert. I find her stories inspiring and touching, the comics are a favorite of mine to read each morning. 🙂 I love her blog is awesome and I definitely recommend checking it out.

All the blogs I have followed since I started Children’s Health Naturally are unique and one of a kind. I love following all of them and am thankful for all the support they give. You guys are the best!

I would like to share my list of followers so you can enjoy some of them as well. There are awesome stories, recipes, art, and so much more in these blogs! 🙂

http://adetailedhouse.com/

http://shepherds-journey.com/

http://gardengoatquote.wordpress.com/

http://idolanuel.com/

http://kofegeek.wordpress.com/

http://leanstreak.com/

http://dontbechicken.wordpress.com/

http://thejigglybits.com/

http://humanity777.wordpress.com/

http://turtleandrobot.wordpress.com/

http://christxmas.wordpress.com/

http://bakerbettie.com/

http://urbanwallart.wordpress.com/

http://mommabrain.com/

http://visionarywateringhole.wordpress.com/

http://rich-full-life.com/

http://worldlygirlturnedmom.wordpress.com/

http://atalentfordesign.com/

http://localartcoeurdalenegallery.wordpress.com/ (our art site)

http://lifegivingwater.wordpress.com/

http://xtremeinflatables.wordpress.com/

http://allamericaninflatables.wordpress.com/

http://alisonamazed.wordpress.com/

http://lolosofocused.wordpress.com/

http://observetal.com/

http://palomasharma.wordpress.com/

http://literarytiger.wordpress.com/

http://lesseffort.wordpress.com/

http://jbfnorthidaho.wordpress.com/

http://honestgoodadvice.wordpress.com/

http://edilio-ciclostile.com/

http://noelhomant.wordpress.com/

http://cinjoco.wordpress.com/

http://snottingblack.com/

http://takesavillagedotcom.wordpress.com/

http://leosburger.com/

http://nizamhappieboyz.wordpress.com/

http://rochestersage.org/

http://seasonsgirl.wordpress.com/

http://fastfoodmom.wordpress.com/

http://thewritersescapewithwords.wordpress.com/

http://kofeart.wordpress.com/

http://evokingthedeep.wordpress.com/

http://whatsfordinnerma.wordpress.com/

http://quizoxy.wordpress.com/

http://blabbercash.com/

http://mythineats.com/

http://kazualkreative.com/

http://dinutrition.com/

http://jonwatersauthor.com/

http://delcie.wordpress.com/

http://babybookforme.com/

http://blog.paleoworks.co.uk/

http://christophercharron.wordpress.com/

http://whatisselfdefense.wordpress.com/

http://cookeveryday1.wordpress.com/

http://amberwoodterrace.wordpress.com/

http://mommydaybyday.com/

http://nenskeifacestheworld.wordpress.com/

http://www.momentmatters.com/

http://ooamerica.com/

http://vikramroyblog.wordpress.com/

http://photobotos.com/

http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/

http://localkitchenblog.com/

http://101books.net/

http://coffeeserveddaily.com/

http://thecreativepanic.com/

http://lagraphicdesign.wordpress.com/

~Happy Thursday~

Ms Fredrickson

Remedy for Dry Skin

Okay I know I am not the only person out there who has an issue with dry skin over the winter time. Summer not so much due to all the sunscreen I lather on at work, needless to say my skin stays quite oily for those few months.

So how do we get rid of that itchy dry irritating skin and scalp? Here are a few tips to put in your back pocket for the long dry winter months.

If you are seeking a more natural way to keep your skin healthy I would start with the soap you use everyday for your face and body. Over the years there are a few key ingredients to soaps that have helped immensely: Glycerin Soaps, Olive Oil, Tea Tree oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil.

Jojoba Oil: the skin strengthener. Similar in structure to that of natural sebum, jojoba oil can help reduce the production of oil while strengthening the epidermis.

Tea Tree Oil: antifungal and antibacterial. Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to heal the skin. In addition, it carries oxygen into the hair follicles, reducing and killing the bacteria that lead to pimples.

Almond Oil: the skin soother. Used for centuries for its ability to nourish, almond oil is ideal for soothing sensitive skin.

Wheat Germ Oil: the acne fighter. A rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, wheat germ oil is effective in treating acne and blemishes, and provides antioxidant protective properties.

Olive Oil:  It is a great skin moisturizer, in part because it contains linoleic acid, a  compound not made by the body, but which prevents water from evaporating.

Glycerin Soaps:  are soaps that contain glycerin, a component of fat or oil. They are very mild and rich in moisture.

Coconut Oil:  For skin it is a moisturizer, antibiotic, multivitamin, multi-nutrient, nourishing, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and anti-oxidant. The best and most skin friendly form is Pure Virgin Coconut Oil.

We just got done making a batch of natural Olive oil soaps infused with hand-picked fragrance. I gotta say it is very refreshing to wash my hands with a soap that doesn’t instantly make them feel dry and itchy.

So the next time you are at the store or your local farmers market, cruise on by the soap area and see what natural soaps you can find. You may pay a little bit more but your skin will thank you a million times over.

 

 

References:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/olive-oil-benefits-uses-460609

http://www.gnet.org/coconut-oil-all-in-one-natural-solution-for-your-skin/

http://coconutoilforskin.com/

http://cottageherbals.com/category_14/All-Natural-Soap.htm

 

 

Related articles

• Dry Skin: Prevention and Treatment (dailyglow.com)
• Goat’s Milk Soap from Nourish – All Natural, Handmade, Allergy-Free Soap (charitablegiftgiving.com)
• Feed Your Face: Home Remedies for Dry Skin (dailyglow.com)
• Best Ways to Beat Dry Skin (dailyglow.com)
• Skin Supplement™ Oatmeal Soap (barriershealthandfitness.com)
• Ingredients to Watch: Black Soap (bellasugar.com)
• Home Remedies for Common Beauty Problems (dailyglow.com)

Happy New Year!

It was a fantastic 2012 and I am looking forward to this year…2013!

I have to admit that it makes me feel slightly old 🙂 but then again kind of grown up. If I look back at how far I have come over the past year, I have learned a lot. I honestly never thought I would live to see 2013. It seemed so unreal back in the 90’s, I thought we would have flying cars, teleporting, and laser guns. We may have a few prototypes of these things but I have to admit I was looking forward to things being like the Jetsons.

I didn’t set a new years resolution, gasp, I know right? What was I thinking? I have a few thoughts on goal setting. Mine is usually not set out that far ahead. I like to set daily and weekly goals not yearly goals. And this is why…

There are always goals we jump for and panic to reach in a timely manner, succeeding at times and failing at others. What matters the most is what you have learned along the way and how you have grown as an individual. Did you reach your goals? If not what was the greatest moment along the way, and what would you do differently?

I used to set unreachable goals for myself that I would fail, but what is failure really… and is it that bad to not reach a goal if you have learned something magnificent in the process. Now I could set a goal for myself saying, ” I am going to paint the most realistic painting and have it hanging in a local gallery by the end of the year.” However, while reaching this goal, I start to realize that I have painted over 15 abstract scenes, flowers, and clouds but no realistic scenery. At this point should I be disappointed in myself, or should I rest satisfied in the fact that I am a decent abstract drawer/painter? Failure is only failure if you give up and stop trying to reach your goal. Even if you never get the that first designated goal, your journey has led you to a beautiful place of growth which in itself is priceless.

With each step we take towards a set goal, we learn a little bit more about ourself…what we’re made of…capable of…the strength within us… and a clearness of who we really are and how far we can travel on our own two feet.

In the end, each journey is our own to experience. Whether we have people in our lives who step in tune with us, or we are alone…we are ultimately walking the path solo with a singular purpose… finding the answers only our soul searches for.

So this year I will take a deep breath and enjoy the world around me. I will accept the positive and not be blind to the negative for in it there is growth on how to be a better person. I will love my children boyfriend and family with a humbled heart knowing our world will not last forever. Does this sound like a resolution? kinda but it is more like a declaration of independence I will create for myself. 🙂

Happy New Year Everyone!

~Live love and be happy~

~Msfredrickson~

~Precious Gifts~

During this holiday season, I took a step back and really watched the chaos that unfolded at each store we went to. It was amazing to see the people racing metal carts, grabbing at items as if they were starving, piling their carts as high as they could, and running into each other like they were in the Indy 500. The chaos was extreme. I will admit I took advantage of PS3 games, Tupperware, bakeware and a sewing machine during our shopping adventures. But when the day is through, what is it really all about? …Family.

When I look into my children’s eyes, hold their hand in mine, and see their beautiful faces, I am reminded of how very blessed I am to be a mom. They have changed my life into more than just a life…it is a daily learning experience full of joy laughter and love. God gave me two precious gifts to watch over, protect and love more than myself. How does one do that? with great ease and a humble heart. My life would not be where it is today without my little boy and girl making each day a journey in itself.

I was not on a good road when I was young, and I know in my soul that God gave me a little boy as my saving grace to get me to grow up, then my daughter a few years later to really kick me into shape 🙂 It wasn’t until just this year that I actually feel like an adult at the age of 30. God has put a peace into my heart, a calmness in my step, and opened my eyes to the responsibility of so many avenues in my life.  I have witnessed how these two beautiful individuals are changing my life each moment we are together. I pray to God that I raise them right.

I am very thankful for the relationship between my boyfriend and I, it is an amazing blessing and I thank God for it each day. He is a great kind man and has taught me so much about myself and the world around me. He humbles my soul and fills my heart with more love than I could ask for. When we are all together, everything feels right in the world…complete and perfect.

My sister said something that stuck in my head the other day. My nephew was drawing a picture and drew my moms new boyfriend in it also along with his son. My sisters smiling response was “Well he has been drawn into the family and there’s nothing he can do about it” 🙂 My son has done the same with my boyfriend. He drew me a picture of our home…me in the kitchen cooking, him playing a game, his sister on the front porch, and my boyfriend downstairs watching t.v. I was reminded of what she said and warmth filled my heart.

 

For all that is in a day…for all that is difficult…for all we go through in life…remember at the end of the day it is all part of the journey. And when you kiss your child on the forehead at night and tuck them into bed, you have been given the greatest gift in the world…               Being a mom. ~

~Ms. Fredrickson~

 

Related articles

• everyday holiday (misadventuresblog.com)
• December 25: The Gift of Love (loristillman.wordpress.com)
• giving & receiving freely (shepherds-journey.com)

Age 7…. Age 10… Growing up so fast!

I am on the brink of having an 8-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. Where has the time gone? How did they get so big? Am I really 30? Is it really 2012? Time really does fly by.

I remember the days when Kaden (my son) was running around the house in his diaper, playing with monster trucks and watching Toy Story over and over again. Occasionally he would put on my winter boots and trompe around calling them “Boops”. He was your classic little boy, squatting all the time pointing at all the awesome bugs that crawled the earth while not having a care in the world. He laughed harder than anyone, and cried all the same. The heart inside that kid only grew bigger as the years passed. He is now 10 and growing into a handsome little man, trust me I am doing everything I can to make sure he is not another punk running around with his pants around his knees. So far it is a success, Praise the Lord! I am proud of my little guy, he has a beautiful spirit and loves his mother and little sister very much. He is learning how to treat women correct from the start. It is up to me to raise a well-rounded educated smart gentleman. I am so proud of him.

I remember when Kayla (my daughter) would fall asleep in my arms while watching Bob Ross “The Joy of Painting” at nap time everyday. She was a quiet beauty, full of deep thoughts emotion and adoring gazes. She was a watcher for most of her infant years. She played with her teddy bears, and loved looking at things in her hands. I wish I could have seen inside her mind, so much going on in there that she couldn’t describe. She was a very independent toddler and loved to play outside in the grass watching the clouds and picking flowers. A typical girl with a craving for art. She started drawing at a very early age and already knew how to read and write before she was in kindergarten. Her brain is beautiful and is trying to explode out of her head to this day. She is a gifted child for sure. I vow to raise my daughter to respect herself, her body, and her mind. I am doing everything to make sure she grows into a confident strong woman who doesn’t take bad treatment from anyone. She loves her mom and her big brother, I couldn’t be a prouder mother.

They have both taught me so much as the years have passed. We have laughed and cried together, always there for one another every step of the way. I will always be here for my children.  I don’t think of being a mom as a “Job”, I consider it a great Blessing to teach them, protect them, and love them unconditionally from the beginning until the end of our time. We are given beautiful gifts when we are given children.

Children do not ask to come into this world, they were brought into it completely innocent. It is the our responsibility, and honor, to give them all they need for a happy life.

~Happy Monday~

Ms Fredrickson

Winter Mornings…We welcome you!

It is a beautiful Winter morning. The sun is out bouncing its bright rays of sunshine on the crisp cold snow-covered ground. The coffee pot is happily bubbling away while the kids are playing games enjoying their Saturday morning in their pajamas. I love this time of year. Inside crafts are in abundance and the air is so pure and clean outside. Now is a time to go through those old linens in the closets that have been collecting dust all summer, to organize the Nic Nacs and dust off the ol’ sewing machine. I embrace this time of year, relax, enjoy all the yummy seasonal beverages, and spend quality time with my family.

From our home to yours, Happy Winter to all!

~Ms Fredrickson

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• Saturday Morning Glory (visionarywateringhole.wordpress.com)
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• Winter Morning Walks, Poem by Ted Kooser (silverbirchpress.wordpress.com)

“Happy Thanksgiving!”

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

May your Turkey’s be golden and juicy, your stuffing be fluffy and flavorful

May your house be filled with family and friends whom love and appreciate you!

May the reflections of the years blessings fill your heart!

 

 Happy Thanksgiving from Childrens Health Naturally!

 

 

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• 6 Ways to Have a Green, Healthy, Mindful and Happy Thanksgiving (non-toxickids.net)
• Happy Thanksgiving!!! (myownheart.me)
• Thanksgiving Printables (thecreativestack.wordpress.com)
• Thanksgiving Reflections (simplysage.org)

Winter is upon us..so are the Germs

 

It seems to be that time of year is approaching us quickly.  The leaves are making their final plunge to the ground finalizing fall.

 While Jack Frost is nipping at our windows, dreaded germs are enjoy spreading their love to all.

Some of the ways we try to keep the germs out of our house? Loads of Vitamin C, Multi-Vitamin daily, Echinacea & Golden Seal supplement, and never go outside with wet hair or without a coat. 🙂 Eating healthy and staying away from too many sweets. As you read in my previous post about Sugar Consumption. It is not in our best “Cold Fighting” interest to ingest so many sweets. All in moderation is our motto.

I recently read an article that stated 10 foods that had more sugar in them than Coke. They were the following:

Milk :  A single 8-ounce serving of plain old 1% milk contains 12 grams of sugar. That’s 3 teaspoons hiding in a very unexpected place.

Cereal: Most cereal even if said to have whole grains include brown sugar, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and honey, making it 27% sugar.

Yogurt: A 6-ounce pineapple, peach and blueberry flavored yogurt cups contain 18, 19 and 20 grams of sugar. Even a fat-free brands have  35 grams of sugar.

Granola:  An 8-ounce cup can contain as much as 30 grams of sugar and granola bars.

Fruit Juice:  Apple juice has a whopping 10 teaspoons of sugar in just 12 ounces.

Energy Bars:  Have about 19 to 24 grams of sugar or 6 teaspoons.

Packaged Fruit:  (Fresh Fruit is your best option!) Motts apple sauce has 23 grams of sugar in a small serving cup, and just 1/3 cup of Ocean Spray’s Craisins dried cranberries contains 29 grams.

Oatmeal:  (Plain oatmeal is good for you!) However, McDonald’s oatmeal cup, ostensibly made up of just oats, milk, brown sugar and fruit, actually has 11 ingredients and more sugar than a Snickers bar at 32 grams.

Smoothies: (Homemade Smoothies are the best route to take) Considering, a 16-ounce Dunkin Donuts strawberry banana smoothie has 69 grams of sugar and the same size Jamba Juice Sunrise Banana Berry smoothie contains 59 grams.

Pasta Sauce:  9 grams of sugar in Classico’s Sweet Basil sauce or the 11 grams in Ragu’s Sundried Tomato and Sweet Basil.

Rice Cakes: Quaker’s Vanilla Creme Brulee mini rice snack cakes pack 8 grams into a serving.

Now I was pretty surprised to see these results as well. Granted there are some sugars we can’t avoid eating. What we can do is make sure we have healthy immune systems, and wash hands regularly keeping fingers out of eyes and mouths when in public. Our eyes, believe it or not, are a gateway to germs infecting our bodies.

I have become a label reader more than I used to be. I check to see if products are made in the USA and how much man-made sugar they contain. Dont get me wrong I love treats as much as the next. But I would prefer if not all my food was loaded with sugar.

So next time you pick up your favorite canned or jarred food flip it over and take a peek at whats inside. You may find yourself switching to another brand that may have less sugar. I know I do 🙂

Happy Healthy Eating!

I welcome your feedback and any results you may have found yourself.

Reference and Recommended links:

http://ecosalon.com/10-sugar-infused-health-foods-with-more-sugar-than-coke-475/   10 foods with most sugar

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/cereal-sugar-list/   Cereal chart

Related articles

• Sneaky Places Sugar is Hiding (belmarrahealth.com)
• The Scoop on Sugar and Sugar Substitutes (everydayhealth.com)
• Should You Avoid Fruit Because It’s Full Of Sugar (snack-girl.com)