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Crave: Hot Fall Nail Colors To Get Now



On the hunt for a new fall nail color? This time of the year, moms, moms to be and other women who like to switch up their nails and experiment

If you live in the part of the country where jewels and other adornments on the nails are common, or if you work in the fashion industry, you might want to check out the latest trends in nail art and jewels.

 

I love variations of burgundy, blues and orange for the fall. Also, yellow and forest green are common hues as well.

 

I are my picks (source) and (source)

Mental Health Check Ins to Make During and After Pregnancy

mental health

 

mental health

Giving birth to your little one signals a new chapter in your parenthood journey. But in many ways, it’s also a return to getting to know yourself again — this time, through the lens of motherhood.

However, a lot of mothers find it difficult to jump back into their old life, and it’s not just because of the bodily changes (although that does play a huge role). The past nine months have been all about preparing for your baby’s arrival, which means that moments of genuine self-care — where you were only thinking about yourself — were probably few and far between.

Read on below for some tips on how to get yourself back on track after giving birth:

Check in with your mental health

Perhaps the first and most vital tip on this list is to take stock of your mental health. The Office on Women’s Health notes that mood swings are common after giving birth, listing symptoms like irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Having these symptoms last for two weeks or longer may be a sign of postpartum depression, which can make your post-pregnancy adjustment even more difficult. Take a moment to ask yourself how you’re doing, and do yourself a favor and don’t try to shove any negativeness under the rug.

Instead, acknowledge what you’re feeling so you can take actionable steps.

After all, our bodies undergo so much change during pregnancy, but you only really notice the effects after giving birth. And while it’s normal to feel a little insecure about these changes, you should also take the time to celebrate the amazing miracle that your body was able to do.

Pick up a creative hobby

On the subject of celebrating your body’s accomplishments, why not pick up a creative hobby? Whether it’s sketching or collaging baby photos, it’s good to remind yourself that your body can also help you make beautiful artistic pieces. The Spruce’s list of decorative painting techniques shows that painting your wall is not only a creative booster but also a good way to get your body moving.

Sketching or journaling is another way to exercise your creative faculties and reflect on your journey thus far. You can use this time to chronicle how you’re feeling; a good practice could be taking at least five minutes of sketching or journaling time to write down things about yourself that you’re thankful for.

Find your own personal style

The rise of body-positive retailers does away with traditional sizing in order to embrace women’s bodies in all forms, which is great for post-pregnancy moms who are acquainting themselves with their new physical forms. The button-down shirt on Woman Within is made from breathable cotton – in fact, the inclusive brand’s entire range is built around basics that suit any body type. Universal Standard is another brand whose ranges focus on the basics, making it easy to create a capsule wardrobe.

You may have relied on a rotating set of old tees and sweatpants during your pregnancy, but it’s worth taking the time to dress up. Model Ashley Graham has been spotted donning her baby bump in everything from Vex Clothing’s latex dress to a dotted Tommy Hilfiger number, proving that style and mom bodies are a match made in heaven.

Slowly get back into exercise

Whether you’re a seasoned fitness buff or an exercise newbie, postpartum fitness is all about taking it slow and rediscovering how your body likes to move. Going hard right away makes you very susceptible to injuries, and you may also get discouraged if you find that your fitness level has dropped in those nine months. Good Housekeeping suggests swimming as an easy exercise to get into, as you can slowly raise your heart rate by varying up your tempo (but taking it slow provides a good workout, too).

If water sports aren’t your thing, Pilates is another option which can be done anywhere with minimal equipment. There are lots of fitness diagrams and videos built around Pilates and bodyweight exercises, allowing you to take 15-minutes of your day for a quick sweat session.

Meditate

Parenting expert Nancy Bardacke has developed the concept of mindful baby holding. This practice is akin to meditation, where you really zone in and focus on how you and your baby are feeling. Not only does this practice put you in touch with your body, it also helps you form a stronger emotional connection with your baby.

Bardacke emphasizes the importance of your breathing; focusing on slowly inhaling and exhaling to calm your body down. This also makes it easier to tune in with your body and see how it feels to carry your baby, whether you’re sitting down or standing up.

Taking care of yourself after a pregnancy is key to becoming a good parent for your child, as it gives you clear headspace and a positive sense of self-esteem. Being patient with yourself and understanding the changes your body goes through is important, and is something to always keep in mind throughout your post-pregnancy journey.

How to Dress Your Bump for Halloween {Ideas}

juno costume

Halloween is right around the corner.

If you are expecting and plan to celebrate the day and dress up, there are loads of fun costumes you can dress you bump up as. You can just paint your pregnant belly or wear a costume of a famous pregnant person from pop culture like Juno from the movie.

Here are a few other ideas from the adventurous to the fun and cute from Deavita.net:

Witches Brew

The Solar System

A Ninja Turtle

An Octopus

The Cutest Halloween Baby Costume Ideas

baby halloween costumes

Are you looking for a cute costume for your baby?

There are tons of creative ideas on the Internet. You can go with traditional like pumpkin, a store-bought costume or you could go brave and try a DIY costume based on pop culture.

POPSUGAR assembled a list of 60+ of the most searched costume ideas and among them are baby ideas like Starbucks employee, Harry Potter, Chuckie from the horror flick, Child’s Play, and Boss Baby!

See the entire post HERE!

 

 

Use These Tactics To Make Halloween Less Scary for Small Kids

decorated pumpkins



After a young child watches a scary movie or is frightened by a Halloween costume, parents should reach for a can of anti-monster spray before bedtime, says Theresa Kruczek, a counseling psychology professor at Ball State University.

“Preschool children and those in early elementary school often have a difficult time with Halloween,” she says. “Children this age often struggle with separating fantasy from reality and a result they may get confused and think the scary elements of Halloween are real.”.

 

 “After a frightening experience, children may have nightmares. They really can’t tell us too much about the dream, but we can take some precautions to ward off those dreams by using a can of air freshener, otherwise known as anti-monster spray, to keep monsters at bay. Monsters don’t like nice-smelling stuff.”

Kruczek also advises:

  1. Limit preschoolers to 30 minutes or less of activities, including trick-or-treating, and only during daylight hours.

  2. Ask friends and strangers to take off masks to show children that there really is a person under the costume.

  3. Parents and siblings should never wear masks around youngsters afraid of such items.

  4. In families with children of varying age ranges, allow each youngster to participate in age-appropriate activities.

  5. Avoid haunted houses unless the facility offers age-appropriate activities.

“Just because you love haunted houses doesn’t mean your 4-year-old will,” Kruczek says. “Parents are in the best position to know what frightens their child and to help them cope with Halloween.  If kids freak out during a scary movie, they’ll freak out at a haunted house or when someone in a scary outfit comes by.”

 

 

Delivery Day Countdown: 20 Things to Do Before Baby Arrives

Are you in your last month of pregnancy and flustered about what you need to do and worry if you have the time? No fret, cousin JJ is here to give you a checklist of crap you need to haul ass and get done.

A list should ease the stress:

What to Pack in the Baby Bag:

1. A warm and comfortable blanket but one you don’t mind getting ruined with all the juices, balms and secretions that accompany labor. It won’t be the same after. errrr.

2.  Mint or lollipops – You may be restricted from eating. The sugar in the lollipop can help curb hunger pangs and keep you from stink breath. Stink breath is no bueno.

3. Lip balm – You may get dehydrated. Keep your lips moisturized. I like ESOS!

4. Moisturizer – Get a very thick tube of moisturizer. I recommend Aquaphor because you don’t need a lot to do the trick.

5. Smart phone camera or digital camera – No explanation necessary

6. A couple pair of granny undies – But no more because you will get the mesh disposable undies plenty at the hospital. You can even take home extras the nurses bring in your room. They’re the best!

7. Baby going home outfit – This is the outfit you dress baby in when the hospital photography company comes by.

8. Gifts for the nurses – Some go above and beyond to make your short stay pleasant. Purchase a box of candy, or a mini spa kit or a journal or cards. I love Steep Seep’s Grapefruit Bergamot gift set which costs under $20!

9. Music – have a playlist of soothing music on a CD or on your phone’s portable speaker that you can plug in and help you calm down and get through a long labor.

10. Breast pad – You may leak so breast-pads and some Lansinoh Nipple Cream may come in handy for cracked or sore nipples from nursing.

LAST MINUTE NESTING

11. Get the carpets cleaned and get rid of any cat or dog hair and other allergens.

12. Create a music playlist for labor and delivery.

13. Buy all the creams, lotions, medicines, and miscellaneous  items you need for yourself and baby.

14. Buy clear plastic containers to organize baby clothing, accessories, toys and a label maker

15. Organize baby’s clothes and label the bins: newborn, 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6months, 6 to 12 months.

16. Create a “call list” on your smart phone so your hubby, spouse or partner knows who to contact after you give birth.

LAST MINUTE GROOMING

You have to make sure you are presentable for labor and delivery, photos after baby arrives and just for feeling good about yourself and the end of the 40 week journey. Don’t know who said letting yourself go was okay during pregnancy, but they lied. If you feel fresh, clean, primmed and prepped, you will feel energetic and ready for pushing out that baby.

17. Get your nether regions waxed. You really don’t want doctors and nurses seeing your business looking like the Brazilian rain forest. Opt for a Brazilian wax instead. If it’s out of the budget, consider going with Nair Bikini removal gel which will not require you to use a razor and nick yourself, but be careful.

18. Wax your eyebrows. You’ll feel better and look great in the post birth pics. But if you’re going for the Anastasia the Russian Gladiator look, then no.

19. Get a Mani and Pedi – A mani because your hands will be in pics and you don’t want to cut baby with your hang nail. Not good.  A pedi because your toes may be in the air and/or in stirrups during the pushing stage and you don’t want to be embarrassed by crusty and ashy hammer toes in people’s faces.

20. Get a hair appointment and get your hair in braids and/or cornrows. You need a low maintenance style bc you will not have time to do your hair after baby arrives and braided styles look great in pics.

Don’t Buy Your Baby Crib Without Reading This First!

If you are expecting a baby and working on the nursery, by now, you know that there is a lot that goes into the process. There are a lot of safety considerations as well. It can be a matter of life and death if you don’t take seriously all the security precautions around purchasing the right product or installing equipment properly.

I do not want to scare you but things like SIDS, accidental suffocation and falls are horrific and I want my readers to take it very seriously. Your best bet is to do a simple Google search for consumer protection or product safety organizations that offer advice commercial free.

Here are some start up tips from the Consumer’s Union, an organization that I once consulted for and did legal work for years ago when I was a young attorney. They publish the Consumer’s Reports guides like this one on crib mattresses.

Please adhere to these tips:

Getting Started

Choosing a crib mattress might seem like a boring task but it’s one that warrants careful consideration. The mattress is as important as the crib. [editor’s note: Buy the very best one you can. Do not go cheap on the mattress.]

Why does it matter? For one thing, your baby will spend a lot of time in his crib. It might seem hard to believe, especially when you’re getting up to feed a fussy baby in the middle of the night, but infants sleep up to 18 hours a day.

You’ll want to make sure the mattress fits properly in the crib you’ve selected without gaps that could pose a danger to your baby. And the mattress should be firm. A soft one can conform to the shape of your baby’s head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

There are two general types of crib mattresses: foam and innerspring.

Both types—if they’re good quality—will keep their shape well and provide excellent support for infants and toddlers. There are differences, though.

Foam—usually made from polyurethane—tends to be lighter (about 5 to 13 pounds) compared with an innerspring mattress (about 15 to 30 pounds). So although you’ll probably be lifting just a corner at a time when changing your baby’s sheets, it might be a bit easier with a foam mattress. Foam is also less springy and therefore less likely to be used as a trampoline when your child is older.

Still, innerspring crib mattresses are more popular in the U.S., possibly because most adults sleep on innersprings, too. [editor’s note, they’re more comfy and less stiff in my opinion]

Naturepedic Organic Baby Mattresses


Look for Quality

Whichever type of mattress you chose, look for quality. The cheapest foam and innerspring mattresses have thin vinyl coverings and edgings that can tear, crack, and dry out over time. [editor’s note: this is why you avoid going with the cheap stuff]

As prices increase, coverings tend to be thicker, puncture-resistant, reinforced double or triple laminates, or very fine organic cotton. An innerspring mattress that has more or better-gauge steel and better-quality cushioning will weigh more. The same goes for a foam mattress that’s made of denser, better-quality foam.

Still, you don’t have to spend a fortune or try as many mattresses as the Princess and the Pea to get a good-quality one. A mattress that costs between $90 and $200 will generally serve your baby well. Prices for foam and innerspring mattresses are comparable, ranging from $50 to $400 and up. (The more expensive ones are made with organic cotton or natural latex.)

Low-priced models (less than $90) might be too soft and flimsy. Higher-priced models tend to be firmer and therefore safer.[Editor’s note: Please don’t scrimp on the mattress guys]

You Can’t Tell a Mattress by Its Cover

With a mattress, almost everything that matters is on the inside. Some crib mattresses feel great in the store but begin to falter once your baby starts to use it. We’ve learned that you can’t depend on sales staff, even at reputable retail outlets, to give you accurate information. One told us, quite convincingly, that innerspring mattresses were better than foam because foam tends to “break down” after 18 months.

Twenty-five years ago that may have been true, but not anymore. “A top-quality foam crib mattress will hold up just as long as an innerspring crib mattress with normal use,” says Dennis Schuetz, director of marketing for the Colgate Juvenile Products Company, a manufacturer in Atlanta. That’s because foam crib mattresses have become much more durable.

Hit the Stores

Once you get a sense of options in different price ranges, you should go to a store to see what a quality crib mattress looks and feels like. One place to start? The label. Manufacturers are required by law to reveal what a mattress is made of. Don’t buy one from a manufacturer or retailer that doesn’t tell you this with in-store information, displays, or online specifications. In fact, you should be able to find out the components of each layer. And when you push down on a mattress, your hand should spring right up. Schuetz says the biggest mistake parents make is picking a mattress that’s comfortable for them. It’s better to pick a crib mattress that’s harder than you would like it to be. “If it feels good to you, it’s too soft for your baby,” he says, adding that babies need more support than adults.

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Buy New

Buy a new crib mattress, if possible. For one thing, it ensures that the mattress is sanitary. If you buy a used mattress or accept a hand-me-down, you won’t know for sure how it was cared for or stored. Mold can grow in improperly stored crib mattresses, and bacteria can fester on the surface from liquids (diaper leakage, spit-up) that weren’t properly cleaned up. If you buy a new one for your first child and keep it clean, you can use it for your next child if you store it in a dry environment and it stays firm.

Use a Cover

Use a tightly fitting, washable waterproof mattress cover to protect the mattress and keep the baby’s sleeping environment as clean and sanitary as possible. [editor’s note: also a firm grip is important to avoid creating a strangulation hazard]

Test the Fit

By law, all full-sized crib mattresses must be at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches, and no more than 6 inches thick. If you can, shop in a store that displays crib mattresses on the selling floor, and check the fit by putting it inside a sample crib before you buy it. If you can squeeze more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, the mattress is too small.

Don’t Worry About Warranties

Some mattresses offer warranties for one year, seven years, or even a lifetime. Don’t be swayed by a long warranty, and don’t pay extra for a mattress with a warranty. “Warranties are mostly a marketing tool to entice the consumer to spend more,” Schuetz says.

In general, you can expect a quality crib mattress to last as long as you’re going to use it as long as the cover doesn’t rip or tear.

[editor’s note: I prefer Organic and eco-friendly mattresses because I’m eco-friendly and am concerned about our carbon footprint and being a good world citizen so here is a summary of what CR has to say about organic mattresses:]

Going Organic

If you are concerned about the safety of chemicals used in the manufacture of your baby’s bedding, or if buying eco-friendly products is important to you, you’ll find plenty of options for crib mattresses labeled “natural” or “organic.”

Naturepedic Banner Ad: 728x90 static jpg
Eco-friendly foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be made with fewer chemicals, plastics, and PVC (vinyl), and a greater percentage of renewable and sustainable materials, such as cotton, fast-growing bamboo, coir, plant-based foam, and natural latex (rubber from tree sap that’s been injected with air).

Also, “the manufacturing process for some eco-friendly crib mattresses tends to produce fewer carbon emissions,” says Dennis Schuetz of Colgate.

In general, prices for eco-friendly mattresses are higher than regular mattresses.

[editor’s note: My favorite brand comes from our blog partners at Naturpedic]

The Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Cotton Classic 150 crib mattress shown here has a “U.S.-grown organic cotton filling” and a polyethylene plastic waterproof surface that, the manufacturer says, is free of vinyl/ PVC, phthalates, lead, or antimicrobial biocides. It sells for $260. The outer cover of this mattress might limit the exposure to toxins.

Some eco-friendly foam mattresses are made with soybeans or oils from other plants. Review all of CR’s report HERE!

Good luck parents and happy shopping!

Naturepedic Logo 550x480 .jpg

The 5 Things You Can Do To Beat Cold and Flu Season

As I sit in bed suffering from my first cold of the Cold and Flu season, I thought I’d repost this blog article from a few year’s back on what you, as parents, can do to help your child avoid getting sick.

It’s inevitable that from time to time you and your child will be exposed to people who have a cold or who are spreading airborne germs.  While the odds are that your child will catch the occasional cold, there are certainly a few ways to reduce the number of colds that she gets.

  1. Try to keep ahead of the germs.  Disinfecting wipes or a water and bleach solution can be used for this task.  Make sure that you are regularly cleaning door knobs, handles, cabinets, toys, and anything else that little hands might come into contact with.  For every gallon of water, 1 ½ teaspoons of bleach should be added to create a solution to disinfect surfaces and toys. For diapering and toileting areas, 1 tablespoon of bleach can be added to 1 gallon of water. Let the bleach solution sit for 2 minutes before wiping it down.  If you are worried about your child coming into contact with chemicals, look for all-natural sanitizing solutions.  You’ll also want to make sure that everyone in the house frequently washes their hands with warm water and soap.
  2. Change toothbrushes often.  Toothbrushes can harbor germs and re-infect your child if the germs are not killed.  Dentists recommend that toothbrushes be replaced every 3 months if you are healthy, more often if you are not.  Toothbrushes should also be replaced after an illness. To kill germs soak the toothbrush in antiseptic mouthwash for 5 minutes or run your toothbrush through the dishwasher.  Warning: Boiling your toothbrush or running it through the dishwasher will wear out the bristles faster.
  3. Feed your child a healthy diet.  If your child eats a proper diet it will strengthen his immune system and he will be better able to fight off cold-causing germs.  Make sure he eats plenty of fruits and vegetables, as these contain the proper vitamins and minerals needed to build up his body’s natural defenses.  Eating foods high in vitamins is better for absorption of those vitamins than taking vitamin tablets.
  4. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water.  Water not only keeps your body hydrated during the very dry winter season, but it helps your body flush out unwanted toxins.  Water also helps your lymph system run better, which is part of your body’s immune system, and it fights off illness.
  5. Make sure your child gets enough sleep.  Sleeping is extremely important, and most people don’t get enough of it.  Doctors recommend that children sleep 10-11 hours per night.  A lack of sleep can affect how well your child grows because the body produces a growth hormone during sleep.  Digestion also takes place during sleep.  Bodies need this down time to recover and rebuild after a busy day of being a kid.  By getting enough sleep the body is better prepared to fight off germs.

Also, study this chart or print it out to figure out if you or your child is suffering from seasonal allergies or a cold. I was not sure at first but this chart helped me figure it out:

12 Simple Baby Food Making Books to Add To Your Library

diy baby book collage

There have been a few baby food recalls in recent weeks that have prompted some new moms to consider making their own baby food from scratch for their little ones.

The idea of blending, pureeing, storing, thawing and making batches of baby food or toddler pouches can seem daunting, and time-consuming, but fortunately, in recent years, technology in the form of baby food blenders and scores of new books have cropped up to demystify and simplify the process.

Blender

To start, you may want to go out and get a blender with a puree function on it. I like the Magic Bullet for making smoothies and milkshakes for my little ones because it is easiest to clean. The company that makes it also sells a special version just for baby food making called Magic Bullet Baby Bullet Baby Care System which retails for $59.99 on Amazon but is sold in retail stores like Target, Walmart and the like.

Storage

Next, you’ll have to invest in tiny containers to store the foods you make. The Baby Bullet comes with its own containers and lids but you can also order storage containers. Sage Spoonfuls Big Batch Storage Set includes twelve 4 Ounce containers for about $20, enough for vegetable, desserts and other purees. They are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe and durable portable jars with leak proof and easy to use screw on lids.

Recipes

Then comes the hard part: whipping up yummy recipes. Here are some books with tips, recipes and other suggestions.

ONE

The Amazing Make-Ahead Baby Food Book: Make 3 Months of Homemade Purees in 3 Hours ($17.88)

This popular hardback book will give you to tools and tips for making up to three months’ worth of healthy, homemade baby food in just three one-hour blocks of time. It has unique combos like Peachy Strawberry Salad, Coconutty Mango Lassi, Plum-Gingered Brocco-Quinoa, and Purple Papaya Flax Yogurt, blending in a rainbow of nutritious options while expanding your baby’s palate.

TWO

Real Baby Food: Easy, All-Natural Recipes for Your Baby and Toddler ($10.79)

The toughest part really is making the time but this book helps new moms create a routine that is easy, fast and flexible. The author starts with the building blocks of solid foods, and shares how to recognize food allergies, and easy ways to cook in bulk. Recipes progress from single-ingredient purées to multi-flavor blends like Salmon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Smash; then move on to finger foods—Turkey Meatloaf Bites, Maple Graham Animals—and finally toddler meals and snacks. Most can be made ahead and frozen, many are easily adapted for grown-up tastes, and all include full nutritional information. Nice!

THREE

101 DIY Baby Food Pouches ($10.99) specializes in baby food pouches for older babies and toddlers. This book includes instructions for filling your own pouches for cheaper, healthier, and eco-friendly options for your little one.

FOUR

Fast & Fresh Baby Food Cookbook: 120 Ridiculously Simple and Naturally Wholesome Baby Food Recipes ($11.87)

This book targets the early stage new mom who “can’t keep up with the laundry” or “can’t fit into anything but yoga pants” and “can’t make your baby sleep through the night.” The book promised to help this mom “make the best food for your baby in 30 minutes or less.”

FIVE

Little Foodie: Baby Food Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste ($13.59)

This book comes from a certified baby chef and blogger over at Baby FoodE, Michele Olivier.  She offers over 100 food recipes, helpful FAQs and a comprehensive overview.

Baby food recipes include: Apple + Mint + Ricotta Purée / Fennel + Pea + Peach Purée / Pumpkin + Thyme Purée / Sesame Tofu Sticks + Peanut Sauce / Curried Egg Finger Sandwiches + Mango Chutney / Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine + Couscous / Sausage + Kale Over Creamy Polenta / DIY Toddler Sushi Bar, and more.

SIX

Super Easy Baby Food Cookbook: Healthy Homemade Recipes for Every Age and Stage  ($11.74)

This book focuses on super simple recipes  with just 5- ingredients each and includes over 150+ nutritious recipes that grow with your developing child. It has time saving sample menus for kids 4 to 18 months.

SEVEN

The Baby and Toddler Cookbook: Fresh, Homemade Foods for a Healthy Start ($15.68)

Packed with over 90 recipes and loads of nutritional information, The Baby & Toddler Cookbook makes cooking healthy meals easy, even for busy parents. By setting aside only a few hours a week, you can make and store an array of nutritious foods to keep baby happy and fed. All along the way, this book will give you helpful hints, guidance, and plenty of recipes to ease your path to nutrition.

EIGHT

Top 100 Baby Purees ($10.52)

Like the other books, you’d learn to wean your baby who is transitioning to solid foods, discover food allergies and how to make  100 Baby Purees  with information tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods. Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent opens the book with a forward.

NINE

Cooking for Baby: Wholesome, Homemade, Delicious Foods for 6 to 18 Months ($12.30)

This book is organized by age and has smart tips on prep and storage with added suggestions on transitioning as baby grows. From celebrated children’s-food author Lisa BarnesCooking for Baby is a fully illustrated, gorgeous, four-color book that takes parents through the basics of preparing nutritious, delicious (and easy!) meals for your child, from six to eighteen months.

TEN

The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers: Practical Answers To Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating, and More (For Parents, By Parents) ($12.30)

A team of doctors came up with this comprehensive manual for feeding your babies and toddlers during their first crucial yeas of life. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family.

ELEVEN

201 Organic Baby Purees: The Freshest, Most Wholesome Food Your Baby Can Eat! ($10.25)

When you can have 100 recipes, why not 201?! This book has even more healthy recipes that are organic and blends classic combinations such as turkey, sweet potato, and corn; Superfoods like avocado, blueberries, and spinach; and Puree-based transition recipes including soups, biscuits, frozen desserts.

TWELVE

The Happy Family Organic Superfoods Cookbook For Baby & Toddler Hardcover ($14.54)

This book comes from the organic family-focused food company Happy Family Organics and Cricket Azima, founder and CEO of The Creative Kitchen. Inside, find more than 70 easy-to-prepare recipes made with all-natural ingredients. It includes recipes with ingredient vegetable and fruit purees, including Happy Family’s best-selling spinach, mango & pear recipe, to recipes with quinoa, chia, and kale —Shazi’s and Cricket’s superfood recipes will nourish and please every kind of baby. Recipes for toddlers (1–3 years) include avocado & chicken whole wheat pizza; 3 bean farro risotto; and baked salmon with peas & rice balls; toddlers will love tasty snacks like strawberry-beet pudding with coconut milk and chia; avocado, melon & mint smoothies; banana, chocolate chip & quinoa muffins; and grilled nut-butter sandwiches with smashed berries.

Good luck!

8 Remarkable Ways Cooking Is A Form of Self Care {INFOGRAPHIC}

Challenging is good, getting fed up is not.

Cooking provides a healthy balance. Julia Ohana, master social worker and culinary therapist, explains that the combo of engaging our brain and providing nourishment for ourselves and others leads to psychological benefits.

Getting pleasantly immersed in a challenge that will yield basic, pleasurable results (e.g. food), our bodies are calmly lulled into a meditative state when we mindfully cook — quite literally, we get lost in the sauce.

No, you’re not going to experience these feelings while throwing a Kid Cuisine into the microwave. Instead, truly think about what adds to the dish at hand when you make a meal from scratch. Maybe grabbing some tumeric from the drawer above will add the perfect amount of tang, or dashing some lemon juice from the fridge will spritz up your meal. Anything is a go-to ingredient, just customize thoughtfully and methodically.

continue reading

 

Image Source: Ella Olsson

cooking as therapy infographic

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