12.29.2011

Model Behavior


"Do Not Live by Emotions; Instead Live by Intuition and Consciousness"

Seems kinda of philosophical. But...this was the tag on my Yogi Tea this morning, and this is what really got me motivated to write this post today. (You never know where you'll find inspiration!)

According to a recent study published in Public Health Nursing, toddlers were less likely to consume fruits and vegetables if their moms weren't big produce eaters. "Kids form food preferences during the first four years of their life. And the biggest influence on their palates is what they see their mothers eating" says Mildred Horodynski, Ph.D., the study's lead author. She goes on to explain, "If you encounter resistance the first time you present a new food, don't give up. It can take up to 15 tries for a child to learn to like something."

Makes sense. As the saying goes, "Kids will see, Kids will do." No matter what excuse you have or what far-fetched story you come up with, kids will do what you do. They learn better from your example then your words.

Green Smoothie Time!
They will want to eat what you eat: That is why Nolan insists on eating off my plate even though he has the exact same thing. And why after I peel an apple for him, he wants to gnaw on mine. He wants what mommy has! This has kept us very "honest" when buying/making snacks at home. Nolan is now old enough to see what we eat and want it too. Instead of ice cream, we make yummy almond butter, banana and cocoa smoothies. I have numerous healthy (and quick!) cookie recipes that I can refer to for a sweet snack. (see any of my Recipe posts) Granola and Greek yogurt, fruit, even fresh juice in a fun cup turns into a "dessert"! As for eating out, a side of fruit or salad replaces fries and potato salad. This is where my Yogi Tea quote comes into play... Instead of indulging in the sweet potato fries (emotions), I use my intuition to teach Nolan about making healthier food choices. In turn, I also benefit from the healthier choice!


Mama&Baby Yoga
They will exercise if you do: My little Yogi gets so excited when we get to do Family Yoga! We also have access to tons of free Kids Yoga videos through our cable company. When I'm just practicing or playing around in the house, he stops whatever he is doing and joins in. He even knows most the asana names! Not only is he getting physical activity, but I am challenging his imagination, recollection and muscle memory.




They will mind their P's and Q's: We all get upset. There are days that I am mad, annoyed or in a hurry. But, how I react in front of Nolan teaches him manners and respect for others. I try to be very conscience of saying "Please" and "Thank you", speaking in a pleasant tone, and explaining things to him, like why we are waiting in line for food or to use the bathroom. In turn, he does imitate alot of what I do, and I am very proud of how polite he is.

As a mother, I MUST be very conscience about my decisions. I am teaching Nolan through my actions, responses, and decisions - and what he learns will be with him forever. I can remember the things my mother did and said when I was a child. I can remember how I felt. I want to instill in Nolan (even at this young age) the things I know to be true: Your body is a temple - treat it as one; to love yourself; eat the food that God provided; get outside in the fresh air and sunshine; run; live your life to the fullest; breathe.

12.22.2011

Raw Oatmeal Cookies - Recipe

Super easy, no added sugar, vegan and raw! Perfect little snack for the mom-on-the-go!

1 cup of organic oatmeal
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup organic raisins
5-6 organic Medjool dates (chopped fine)
2 Tbs Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Filtered water

In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon and EVCO. Chop dates until they are a mushy ball and hand mix with oats. Add raisins. Add EVCO. Begin adding water, starting with a 1/4 cup. Mix ingredients thoroughly. If too dry, add water 1 tbs at a time until you get a good consistency. Roll into balls and gently flatten into a cookie shape. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 min before serving.

12.21.2011

Spiced Pecans - Recipe

Yummy little snack; perfect for a holiday gift to share with friends and family....

Spiced Pecans:
1 egg white
2 Tbs organic agave nectar or raw organic honey
2 cups whole raw organic pecans
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cayenne
(adjust the spices and quantity to your taste....I substituted the chili powder for 1/4 tsp cardamom for a more "Indian" taste.)

Preheat oven to 300*. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, lightly whisk egg white; then briefly whisk in agave/honey. Stir in pecans and coat evenly. Add in spices and stir until coated well. Transfer pecans to baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the pecans are browned and the coating is dry. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

http://www.yogajournal.com/

12.20.2011

Traveling with Baby - and keeping your sanity!

I'm sure there are alot of Mamas out there that have traveled way more then us, but I still wanted to share our traveling experiences with the parents that are nervous to travel with little ones. Having a baby is no reason not to take day trips, long weekends or even cross-country excursions. In fact, I think it is easier to travel with a baby then a toddler!


Waiting to board the plane

One of the easiest ways to keep the trip cheap and stress-free is to Breastfeed! Baby is satisfied, Mom and Dad are less stressed, no need to carry bottles and formula and Baby will get those awesome immunities from the breastmilk to help fight off any colds.

For trips that required plane rides, we found it much easier to bring enough diapers, wipes and snacks for the plane ride, but then purchase those items once we arrived at our destination. That way we did not have to carry-on or pack a huge amount of stuff. We also did not pack shampoo or soap. We just went to the local health food store and picked up a small container of castile soap - gentle enough for baby, can be used on hair and body and you can even wash clothes and dishes with it.

If you are staying in once location for a few days and you can find one, a hotel room with a kitchen is sooo worth it! We stayed in one of these for over a week and saved a ton of money by not eating out and eating healthier food. Next time, I will bring the blender - Seriously! At the end of that trip, we were desperate for a green smoothie!

Snag stuff from the hotel. It's ok...that's why its there! In the morning, we would grab a bunch of bananas, apples, plain yogurt, oatmeal, and peanut butter & honey packets. Then we would have little snacks throughout the day. You can pick up or even bring (its so light!) a bag of Quonia Flakes. These cook up like instant oatmeal. Add in some honey, cinnamon, raisins and bananas from the Breakfast Buffet and you got a healthy, filling meal that your kids will enjoy too!

If you are staying with someone at their house, or in a hotel for more then a few days, consider bringing less clothes and doing laundry a few times throughout the trip. You will save space when packing, and maybe can get all the family's clothes in one suitcase (like we do!). Only one bag check fee and less hassle. Most hotels have a laundry area and laundry-mats can be a "fun" outing for the kids.

We have always rented the carseats with the rental car. You save on buying an extra seat on the plane and lugging that heavy carseat through the airport.


Sightseeing in St. Augustine at 2 months

Bring a soft carrier or sling, even you plan on bringing your stroller. It's nice to have options, and this makes it very easy when exploring a place that strollers just don't belong (hiking, beach, medieval castles and most of Europe!).

For babies and toddlers, bringing a few familiar things from home can be comforting (books, special toys, DVD's). Bedtime can be tough, so a special blanket or lovey can help. If you already co-sleep, like we do, this will be a much easier transition. I have found exploring the hotel can be fun for a toddler and something special to add to the trip. Create a vacation "routine" and sticking some of your regular at-home routines can keep kids calm because there is consistency. Nolan loved helping with the clothes at the laundromat, pushing the elevator buttons, looking for our "new car" in the parking lot, and saying "HI" to the front-desk staff every time we passed by.

Do your homework. Find out where the health food store, laundromat, library, parks, storytimes, kids playgroups or kids yoga, malls and kid-friendly places are ahead of time. This helps when you need to get something fast or prevent a melt-down!!

This is a great post: 10 Benefits to Breastfeed during the Holidays. Also applies to anytime traveling.

And most important....Remember to BREATHE!! and LAUGH!

12.19.2011

Apricot Squares - Recipe

Easy-to-make, kid-friendly, no added sugar, gluten-free and a QUICK snack to whip up!

1 Cup dried Apricots
1 Cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Cup Almond meal/flour
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 large eggs
1 tbs vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350*. Line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large food processor (I did it in my blender), blend the apricots and coconut until crumbly. Pulse in the almond flour. Pour mixture into a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients until well combined. Press mixture into pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm. Let cool for in pan for approx. 1 hour, then lift out and cut into squares. Enjoy!

reprinted from www.yogajournal.com

Winter Squash Surprise - Recipe

This a fun meal to serve. Everyone gets their own little baby "pumpkin", filled with yummy rice and cranberries.

1 cup wild rice blend, such as Lundberg
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Carnival squash (one per person)
EVOO & EVCO
1 1/2 cups chopped zucchini
1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
Dried cranberries
Goat cheese


Winter Squash Surprise

In a medium saucepan, combine rice with broth. Bring to a boil, stir, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes, until just al dente. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 425°. Cut off top ½ inch of squash; reserve tops. Trim bottoms if necessary to sit level. Scoop out seeds and strings. (save seeds to roast later!) Brush insides with EVOO. Sprinkle with coarse salt and ground pepper. Place squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Roast until barely tender, about 20 minutes for small squash, 25 minutes for medium squash. Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon of EVCO in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add zucchini and cook until tender but not brown, 5–7 minutes. Add sage and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat. Add cooked rice and simmer about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in handfull or two cranberries and and goat cheese (approx. 2 oz). Taste, and adjust seasoning. Remove squash from oven when ready. Turn over, spoon rice mixture into each squash and drizzle EVOO over top. Replace squash tops. Arrange squash in a roasting pan. Reduce oven temperature to 375°. Bake squash for 20 minutes; then remove tops and continue to bake until heated through, about 10 minutes more. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Any additional rice mixture can be added to meal or saved for another time.

12.12.2011

Veggie Chips - Recipe


I LOVE making these veggie chips. Super easy and satisfying when you want a little "crunch". In this pic, I made sweet potatoes, green beans, apples and zucchini, but you can do anything. Carrots, pears and bananas are great too! You can lightly S&P, or add more flavors like cinnamon, sugar, curry, cayenne, etc. and throw them in the dehydrator. I also have been using a Mandolin to get those "perfectly" sliced pieces!

Amazing Home Birth

Baby Roman
One of my best friends, Victoria, just had her second baby at home...and so quickly that her Midwife didn't make it in time and hubby Chad caught Baby Roman. Read her amazing story as she shares how a woman's body innately knows what to do and how to birth her baby. Victoria, fellow yogi and mommyhood blogger, is truly an inspiration to other mamas. We were both pregnant as the same time with our first children, Gemma and Nolan, who were born just a day apart. Congrats to Victoria and Chad on another beautiful birth!

"Nature needs no help, just no interference "- BJ Palmer
http://www.innatemama.com/1/post/2011/12/0-to-baby-in-15.html

12.07.2011

Fruit Cobbler - Recipe

This easy recipe is vegan, offers fiber and omega-3, can be served hot or cold and can be made with a variety of fruits, whatever is in season.

Fruit Cobbler:
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup sugar (coconut or date is good)
2 Tbs ground flaxseed
1 cup + 2 Tbs spelt flour (divided)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup EVCO, melted
2-4 Tbs water
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups, or more, diced fruit: strawberries, apples, pears, blueberries, etc.

Preheat over to 350*. Line a 8"x8" baking dish with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, place oats, almoond meal, sugar, flaxseed, 1 cup of spelt, salt, baking soda and vanilla; toss to combine. Use two forks to work in the EVCO. Add water, 1 Tbs at a time until the mixture resembles small peas. Remove 1 cup of oat mixture and set aside. Press remaining mixture into prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes or until nicely browned. While its in the oven, place 2 Tbs spelt flour and cinnamon in bowl. Stir in fruit until well coated. Spread fuit over hot crust when ready. Sprinkle top evenly with reserved oat mixture and press gently. Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes or more until top is golden brown. Remove and cool. Can be served warm or cold....amazing with coconut icecream!