Fresh Idea Mama

Fun at Home: Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Part 4)

Seven simple, but FUN ideas you can do at home with your little one.

A Fun Day and a Few Recipe's : Raspberry Lemonade, Dairy Free Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and The Best Gluten Free Crackers Ever!

With three (always hungry) little mouths......... 6 super busy hands.......and two little booty's that are still in diapers, my daily motto usually ends up being:

"ya' win some, and ya' lose some"

But today was one of the good ones :)

Right from the start, all three stayed in their room's untll 7:00, without calling me! SEVEN! (small, yet big accomplishment).

We then had one of my favorite breakfasts..... Uber healthy, Flour-less Banana/Blueberry Pancakes and homemade Kiwi/Berry Popsicles. All while watching the firemen put out the garbage can fire next door. (yup it was an exciting one today!)......... keep reading

Paleo Coconut Bread

I know, I know. I just wrote a post titled, "Why we don't follow the Paleo diet", but gee, those Paleo's have some good recipes!

We officially gave up wheat/gluten/dairy a little over a year ago for health reasons (we all have sensitivities to these). So of course, one thing I really miss is BREAD, especially in the morning.

There are some good (yet expensive) gluten free breads out there, but unfortunately the main ingredient is usually brown rice flour, which we are now trying to avoid due to the high levels of arsenic in brown rice.

We really enjoy using our Pancake Bread Recipe for PB and J's. But it's always nice to mix it up.

What originally drew me to this recipe, was the picture they had taken of this bread (not my amateur picture above)....... It was this close up shot of this amazing golden bread, stacked high in 4 slices, dripping in honey and butter. WOW. The ingredients were just as pleasing, six healthy ingredients to be exact. (keep reading)

MTHFR: Since an estimated 60% of the population has this condition, and it is the underlying cause for many chronic illness's, should we all be getting tested?

Hi, I am compound heterozygous for MTHFR, which mutation do you have?

This is how I feel after spending the last month researching this extremely common, yet often undiagnosed, genetic mutation. Who would have thought something with such a funny name (my doctor referred to it as the “Monday-Thursday-Friday” mutation, hence M-TH-FR) would not only be so common, but also, possibly the cause of a monstrous slew of physical and mental issues effecting us today?

I will dive into more specifics below, but two of the main concerns of the MTHFR mutation are the following:

1.      This mutation inhibits the body's ability to methylate, or convert folic acid into Methylfolate. Methylfolate is the active and usable form of folic acid, and if the body is not getting enough of this usable folate at the cell level, a dangerous cycle begins and leads to deficiency’s and a multitude of health issues.

2.      Our ability to detoxify is extremely hindered. Think of a revolving door…. On a daily basis, toxins are coming in, and in a normal healthy individual, toxins are also coming out. But when you have this MTHFR mutation, toxins get trapped, and will continue to build up over the years.

MTHFR, what exactly is it?     (keep reading....)

Very Berry Immunity Booster Smoothie

Ginger is an amazing food. Not only does it do wondrous things to our immune system, but it also helps reduce inflammation, it is a rich source of antioxidants, and according to one study out of Georgia State University, it actually shrinks cancerous tumors!

When you combine all of the beneficial properties of ginger, with the high level of antioxidants and vitamins of fresh berries, and the rich source of Omega-3 from Chia seeds, you have one majorly, life-enhancing cup of smoothie! Oh, and it is absolutely fresh and incredibly delicious, which is important too :) (keep reading)

Top 100 Children's Books of All-Time

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE reading to my children. Although, these days, it is a luxury to do so. My wee one is usually trying to grab and teeth on the book, and my older two are usually arguing over which one they want me to read first.

But despite the chaos of trying to get through a book, my favorite thing on sunny days, is still finding a warm spot outside, spreading out a blanket, laying on our belly's, and reading through a stack of new library books (that is of course, when we don't owe $50 in library fees, which is usually the case :/)

Anyway, this is an awesome link for the Top 100 Children's Books of All-Time. As you look through it, I bet you will find some new ones, as well as some familiar ones from your own childhood. Enjoy!

Making the Change From Processed Food to REAL Food? Start Here......

I have had numerous emails, messages, and comments lately from my wonderful readers, telling me they would like to start a healthy journey, but were unsure where to begin. First of all, I want to tell everyone that you are AMAZING, and if you are reading this, that probably means that you have a desire to make a change, and for that, I give you a standing ovation!

I also really want to encourage everyone to view this journey as an adventure.... your OWN adventure. Everyone has had to start somewhere. Please never view this new journey of yours as a race, a competition, or something you must come in 1st place with. Try your best, but ultimately do what you are capable of, and at your own speed.

"Remember, while none of us can do everything, all of us can do something. Focus on progress not perfection, and do what you can, where you are with what you have, remembering not to make “the perfect” the enemy of “the good.” Robyn O’Brien.

Lastly, I just want to let you know your body and mind will be in for a lot of beautiful changes as you go from conventional eating to natural eating. Eating healthy is NOT a diet. You never need to eat “less” to lose weight or feel better, you just have to eat "right”. (oh, and don’t worry if your kids put up a fuss when you change some things on them. They won’t starve. A little fussing and complaining is worth the major changes that their body’s will undergo once they get used to Real food :) (keep reading)

GMO's: What they are. Where they are found. How to avoid them.

You know that gut feeling you get, when you just know you should stay away from something? For me, this is with GMO’s .

As of now, GM crops have not "technically” been proven to be harmful for humans, nor have they “technically” been proven safe. But that gut of mine is screaming, stay away….. Far far far far far far far away

I am going to keep this post short and simple. I am still learning all the nitty-gritty details of the whole genetically modified world, but I have come to understand the basics, which I would like to share with you. I hope from reading this, you can do your own research, and make your own decisions on whether you want to feed your family these experimental “foods”.

Did you know that GM corn is created to release an insecticide through its tissues as it grows, which means..... genetically modified corn IS an insecticide.

Did you know that bacterial genes are forced into the DNA of GM soy so that they can tolerate higher levels of herbicides (Roundup). Therefore, GM soy carries the double risk of higher amounts of toxic herbicides, couple with the possible effects of genetic engineering.

Did you read about the recent Russian and French study‘s? Where the animals fed Monsanto’s genetically modified food succumbed to massive tumors, widespread organ damage, infertility and premature death. (details in the links above).

Did you know that many developed countries today, do not consider GMO’s safe, and have placed bans on them, while America keeps "eating in the dark". (keep reading)

Mint Chocolate Lollipops (5 minute prep)

We are having a winter heat wave and I am loving every second of it! It is January and we spent our entire day with the windows open, shorts, and bare-feet. So thus, I am super happy today, and when I am happy, I like to make fun food.

These are super easy, tasty, and somewhat nourishing. You should of seen my boys eyes when they saw these for the first time. WOW, what a treat!

ps.... Corny picture, I know, I know..... (keep reading)

Tour Of My Home, Part 1...... The Bathroom

I am starting my tour in the room that I usually spend no more than 5 minutes in. When you have a 3yo, 2yo, and newborn - showers (if I even do shower that day, gross I know) are usually rushed and most of the time crowded :).

A few years back, I remember watching this YouTube video, right during the time I was making the big change to safer beauty supplies. I was just in shock! How is it legal to allow known carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins in our everyday products?!

These big companies claim that the amount of chemicals in their products are so small, that it can not cause harm. Well, first of all, if anyone, let alone a big corporate company, claims that it is safe for me to wash my baby in a solution with multiple neurotoxins….. hmmmm, not buying it, I would rather use dirt :)

The problem is, they do not take into account that we will be using this product on a daily basis, along with other products that contain the same toxic ingredients. A little shampoo here, lotion there, deodorant, and a quick nail color. That “little bit” of neurotoxin just got bigger, oh, and then add on 20+ years of using these products every day……. That “little harmless bit” has just contributed to the enormous rates of cancer, infertility, and behavioral problems today.

Kinda depressing, BUT, the good news is, we do have options. It might take a little more digging, and probably a little more out of our budgets, but we do have safer options out there. (keep reading)

Pina Colada Pops

It's January :(

But I am dreaming of summer :)

Oh how I miss the sun, tank tops, flip flops, window's open, light until 9pm, light at 7am, people outside, grilling, and swimming.

But for now, all I can do is daydream, and fill my house with tropical plants, Jimmy Buffet music, and some delicious Pina Colada Popsicles!

We have been eating these all week due to the fact that I seem to have a surplus of frozen pineapple and mango in my freezer (can you guess I shop at Trader Joes? They have the best prices on frozen berries and fruit).

You can make this into a popsicle, drink it as a smoothies, or even call it "ice cream" and eat a big ol' bowl of it :)

Anyway, just few more months of winter, halleluiah!......(keep reading)

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: What is the difference?

When you get me started on food issues, I tend to go on…. and on….. and on……. So I will try to keep this post simple and to the point :)

A food intolerance and a food allergy are often thought of as the same, even by many physicians. When in fact, they are quite different.

Food is key when it comes to our mental, physical, and emotional health. Every bite of food we take will send a message to our body, and our body will respond accordingly. Since every human body is different (see my post on Why We Do Not Follow The Paleo Diet) certain foods, innocent in nature, may be sending a harmful or even a disastrous message to our bodies

Below I briefly outlined the difference between a "harmful" food intolerance, and a "disastrous" food allergy. (keep reading)

Insights From My Other Half.....

I have been writing on this blog for over a year now, and I don’t think I have ever talked about my husband. This blog is about family, so how could I not have mentioned the man of the house!?

The first time we ever laid eyes on each other was in the 10th grade, when I was walking back from lunch. Picture this really great looking guy leaning against a locker, as charming and cool as can be….. He say’s hi to a girl who suddenly becomes very flustered, and has to do three (yes three!) double takes before she realizes he is talking to her. Then she shyly gives him a smile and keeps on walking (blushing and kicking herself for not being suave)
(keep reading)

Why We Don't Follow the Paleo Diet...

There are a million blogs and documentary’s out there today, that tell how a woman’s horrible allergies completely disappeared after a few months on the Paleo Diet. Or an obese man who lost 50 pounds and changed his life by going Raw. Or even the terminally ill man who cured himself of his disease by juicing. These are all WONDERFUL and inspiring stories and they offer so much help, inspiration, and advice to all of us. In a way, they are priceless. But, I have been realizing lately that just because one specific diet or way of living greatly benefited one person, does not mean it will benefit you in the same way, in fact it could be detrimental.

I am a huge fan of The Weston Price Foundation, The Paleo Diet, The Gaps Diet, The Raw Foods Diet, and even a small part of me is a fan of the Vegan lifestyle. But I will never solely commit to any of these. (keep reading)

Super Thick Chocolate Milkshake
(the nourishing way)

Who would ever believe that a cold, rich, thick, chocolatey, delicious milkshake would be a great idea for a nourishing, healthy breakfast? Well drink up, because this milkshake is so good that even the pickiest of eaters will love it, and healthy enough that even the strictest of mom’s will feel comfortable giving to their kids....... (keep reading)

10 Great Play At Home Ideas For Kids

Spring is here, my morning sickness is gone, and my busy little boys are eager to have some fun. They have been stuck with a very nauseous and tired mom for most of the winter, so I have a lot to make up for! Anyway, we have been having so much fun the past couple weeks I thought I would share some super simple, “spur of the moment” ideas my boys have loved. Happy Spring everyone! (keep reading)

Chocolate Almond Bark with Sea Salt

Rule of the house: this must always be on tap in the freezer! Holy Moly, this is good and so easy to make. Six simple ingredients - mix, pour, and stick in freezer. DONE! You have delicious homemade candy. You can play around with the amount of sea salt, some brands seem stronger than others, so make sure you taste the “batter” before you freeze. To me there is nothing better than sweet chocolate with a hint of saltiness.
(keep reading)

A New Set Of Eyes....

Well this weekend is Mothers Day, and I have been thinking of all the millions of mom’s out there and thinking how HARD being a mom really is. I have never had any job or schooling or anything in my life that is as all-consuming as being a full time momma.

Right now I have a 3 year old, 1 1/2 year old, and a new one on the way. I have no nearby family, no babysitters, and a husband who works long hours. I have been through the mentally and physically exhausting phases, when you get very little sleep, no personal time, and of course those moments when both children are crying, sick, the house is a mess, and no dinner is made -all at the same time.- Then of course there is all the housework and cooking to keep up with…. oh yeah, and I cant forget the things like potty training, tantrums, and teething.

Sound familiar to anyone?

But you know what……even with all that hair-pulling out craziness I mentioned above (and the numerous time I have wanted to hide in a closet :)…..boy do I just love it all!

So you know those little, old, white haired lady’s who come up to you in the grocery stores, shaking their finger at you, telling you that you better be cherishing these days while your kids are small, they can be a bit annoying at times, right?……. But no matter how irritating this can can be, they are 100% right. I think with age, they see more clearly than we do.

A child is a gift. A miraculous gift. Many people have lost a child, others are unable to have children and yearn so deeply for them. I just feel so blessed everyday that my home is filled with the happy squeals and even the dramatic crying of a 2 year old. I feel so blessed when I get to hold my snugly little baby close on a beautiful spring night........ and even in those exhausting middle of the night feedings. Things like spit-up, messes, sleepy parents, and cheerios everywhere just means your home is full of life! (keep reading)

Meg

I'm a simple girl with a slight obsession for real, earth-given, healthy food. Nontoxic, chemical free home? Sounds good to me. And I just love to share my adventures in this crazy/beautiful thing called....mothering.

Meg

Internet Marketing Made Easy.Thanks to 630 Marketing for all their help on my Fresh Idea Mama blog

Internet Marketing Made Easy.
Thanks to 630 Marketing for all their help on my Fresh Idea Mama blog