crazy in the coconut

aloe vera and coconut oil... two products i just couldn't be without!
i posted recently about the wonders of aloe vera and all it's many uses and now it is the turn of the humble coconut oil.
i love this... and just like aloe, it is a natural product that is amazing for your skin and hair and overall health.

it can be taken as a mouthwash ~ i have a whole post coming up about this... not for the faint hearted!

it can be used as a moisturiser, lubricant, hair conditioner, deodorant, nappy cream, makeup remover, lipbalm, sunscreen, cradle cap treatment... in your cooking! so versatile!

for me, i always have it to hand around the house for those stubborn dry patches of skin, to dab onto lips during the winter months and of course for oil pulling ~ when my stomach allows it!

if you happen to have some coconut oil and aloe vera gel in the house then i have a couple of great health recipes for you...

For treating dandruff you need to take about 1/3 cup of coconut oil along with 4 spoons of aloe vera gel. To this mixture, add about 2 spoons of lemon juice. Do not heat the oil now. Just whip till it turns smooth and the aloe vera melts. Apply this on scalp to root. The dryness is combated by the coconut oil while the lemon juice fights the dandruff. Aloe vera prevents infections that occur commonly because of the dandruff - See more at: http://www.findhomeremedy.com/6-ways-to-use-aloe-vera-and-coconut-oil-for-health/#sthash.gixAGx3f.dpuf

dry hair ~ mix together half a cup of coconut oil and 3 or 4 teaspoons of aloe gel and gently heat to melt... this can be used immediately or stored for a week or two. when applied to dry hair it can help prevent dry hair and scalp issues {such as dandruff for example} it nourishes and adds shine and lustre and can also help prevent hair loss.

for an intensive dandruff treatment add some lemon juice {about 2 spoons} to the above mixture and apply to the scalp and roots.

sensitive skin ~ mix together a t-spoon of each and gently heat to melt then apply the mixture to your face and neck and even your body to help reduce stretch marks and cellulite {you may need to make a bit more for this though!}

you can drink a combination of the two as well which will help boost your immune system, fight infection and improve many of your bodily functions! {the lauric acid found in coconut milk is also found in breast milk} just mix a spoon of each and drink! you can add it to food or water as well.

For treating dandruff you need to take about 1/3 cup of coconut oil along with 4 spoons of aloe vera gel. To this mixture, add about 2 spoons of lemon juice. Do not heat the oil now. Just whip till it turns smooth and the aloe vera melts. Apply this on scalp to root. The dryness is combated by the coconut oil while the lemon juice fights the dandruff. Aloe vera prevents infections that occur commonly because of the dandruff - See more at: http://www.findhomeremedy.com/6-ways-to-use-aloe-vera-and-coconut-oil-for-health/#sthash.gixAGx3f.dpuf

For treating dandruff you need to take about 1/3 cup of coconut oil along with 4 spoons of aloe vera gel. To this mixture, add about 2 spoons of lemon juice. Do not heat the oil now. Just whip till it turns smooth and the aloe vera melts. Apply this on scalp to root. The dryness is combated by the coconut oil while the lemon juice fights the dandruff. Aloe vera prevents infections that occur commonly because of the dandruff. - See more at: http://www.findhomeremedy.com/6-ways-to-use-aloe-vera-and-coconut-oil-for-health/#sthash.gixAGx3f.dpuf

For treating dandruff you need to take about 1/3 cup of coconut oil along with 4 spoons of aloe vera gel. To this mixture, add about 2 spoons of lemon juice. Do not heat the oil now. Just whip till it turns smooth and the aloe vera melts. Apply this on scalp to root. The dryness is combated by the coconut oil while the lemon juice fights the dandruff. Aloe vera prevents infections that occur commonly because of the dandruff. - See more at: http://www.findhomeremedy.com/6-ways-to-use-aloe-vera-and-coconut-oil-for-health/#sthash.gixAGx3f.dpuf

Resolutions and aspirations ~ part two

after our chat about resolutions and what changes we would like to make this year, i was full of enthusiasm to get started!

i decided to set a challenge every day of the week for two weeks to give myself a kick start!

here they are...
 
CHALLENGE 1 ~ take two black bin bags {label one to throw out and the other to donate} walk around your house and fill them up! then bin one and put the other in your car boot to take to your nearest donation point or charity shop.

CHALLENGE 2 ~ switch your oil.
Coconut oil is a great alternative for cooking – it can replace butter or oil in most recipes and if you use an organic refined coconut oil it wont impart an aroma or flavour.
Coconut oil has some saturated fatty acids like Capric Acid and Lauric Acid, which raise the level of High Density Lipoproteins in the body, lowers bad cholesterol, boosts immunity and fights ageing. They also increase the rate of metabolism and help shed weight.

Plus you can use it as a moisturiser, teeth whitener and hair conditioner... to name but a few of it's many many uses!
Try this yummy recipe instead of an expensive and {not that healthy} breakfast bar ~ http://www.epicurious.com/…/Nutty-Grain-and-Oat-Bars-512100…

CHALLENGE 3 ~ IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP! Make your bedroom a screen free zone, write a list to clear your head and read a book instead. Or take a bath with some epsom salts {bet your granny used to do that!} the salts draw out impurities from the skin and if you add a little lavender oil into the bath too, you will be drifting off to sleep in no time... get out of the bath first though!

CHALLENGE 4 ~ Pick a shelf, worktop or cupboard... that drawer in the kitchen {you know the one I mean}... this will be your first clutter free zone – protect it with all your might!
Take everything out and sort it into three piles or boxes {I found it helpful to take three cardboard boxes and decorate them all nice and pretty and label them}
1. file/put away
2. bin
3. donate

PUT NOTHING BACK ON THAT SHELF THAT DOESN'T BELONG THERE!
Repeat this step once or twice a week with a new area...

CHALLENGE 5 ~ FAST.
Intermittent fasting is when you change the times that you eat to 'allow your body to go into a fat burning state that you rarely make it to during a normal eating schedule'.
My suggestion would be to just extend your normal fasting hours {when you sleep} as this is probably the easiest to do initially... So, eat a decent meal between 5 & 6pm {with the kids perhaps} and don't eat again until 8am the next day.
Change your eating habits one step at a time!

CHALLENGE 6 ~ REDUCE your Caffeine... coffee, tea, fizzy drinks. This will improve sleep, help keep your teeth and bones strong and may decrease your risk of hypertension.

CHALLENGE 7 ~ WALK MORE! Try to walk at least 10,000 steps every day ~ helps to have a pedometer or there are lots of free apps for your phone. This one seems easy but in actual fact even with the school run and a dog walk I only just hit it!

CHALLENGE 8 ~ Think about changing your blue top milk to green, or your green top to red. Or how about mixing it up completely and going for oat milk, coconut milk or almond milk? This is actually one that I already do and since changing to skimmed, have really noticed a difference... my husband Sam noticed too especially as the middle age spread started to make an appearance! The once tall and lean surf hunk who could eat what he wants now has to think twice!

CHALLENGE 9 ~ DRINK MORE WATER!
Everyone tells you to do it... you know you should do it... so do it!
Introduce an extra glass of water to your daily routine ~ maybe it's a cup of hot water when you wake up {add a squeeze of lemon if you want a morning boost} or carrying a bottle of water with you to work.

Upping your water intake will flush out more toxins from your body, can eliminate the feeling of being hungry {as a lot of the time you are actually thirsty, not hungry!} and can improve your mood, your skin and your circulation.
Try adding fruit to your water to make it a bit more interesting – cucumber is a big favourite in our house... I make up a big Kilner jar fresh every morning and put it in the fridge ~ ours has a wee tap so the kids come and help themselves!
Lemon, raspberries, apple and limes all taste great – or a maybe try a combination!

CHALLENGE 10 ~ This one is all about de-cluttering... Go into your bathroom and bring a black bag! Anything that is out of date or more than a year or two old... bin it or recycle it... Keep all the basics in a wee basket or wash bag above the sink and keep them there! This makes it easier to clean as well as you just need to lift the basket and not lots and lots of bottles!

CHALLENGE 11 ~ Reduce sugar and salt in your diet. Some sweet alternatives are honey {specifically organic, raw and unrefined} or agave nectar and if you still like the taste of salt then try Himalayan pink salt. {I found a really big mill in B&M's for a couple of pounds}

CHALLENGE 12 ~ It is time to tackle that wardrobe! Check out this page for inspiration! ~ http://www.marthastewart.com/…/konmari-trendy-new-organizin…
And just go for it!

CHALLENGE 13 ~ Introduce yoga into your new routine. As part of a physical detox the yoga asanas {poses} stimulate the digestive, lymphatic and circulatory systems helping your body remove waste products more efficiently. Twisting poses in particular are known for aiding detox.
A regular yoga practice also acts as a detox for the mind, releasing anxiety and bringing about improved focus and emotional well being.
For some examples of great January detox poses try: http://www.doyouyoga.com/8-yoga-poses-to-detox-your-way-to…/

CHALLENGE 14 ~ BANISH THOSE PAPER PILES! Create an efficient filing system – two folders or box files would work well... all incoming papers, letters, notes etc go in to one. TO DO could be the other folder and you immediately file the rest – no cheating with a 'TO FILE' folder!

we made a craft activity and made ours out of some old cardboard cereal boxes!

nine day detox - day 7~9

day seven ~
i made crepes today for our 600 cal meal and they were really delicious... making things from scratch is the perfect way to know exactly what is going into your body.  if i take anything away from this experience it will be to be mindful of the food i eat. to eat clean. reduce the amount of processed, artificial and refined food that we as a family consume. we are pretty good at that as it is, but there is a part of our diet that could really do with a bit of a blitz - snacking!
i am loving the shakes as well, we will definitely keep this part of the c9 going... this and the gel.



day eight ~
today i made a big pot of dhal for our evening meal, with a few home made chapatis... these are just wholemeal flour and water {no salt or yeast} and then a small amount of oil to fry... i used coconut oil.
reaching for fruit or a glass of water instead of a chocolate biscuit or packet of crisps has been the most amazing thing for me ~ i am learning that i don't really need the quick sugar fix... that i am eating more out of boredom or habit rather than need. so by swapping the delicious treat for a healthier choice has really reduced my snacking so far...

day nine ~
i made it! i did the full nine days!
we get to have a small lunch today to wean us back into eating three meals! i made vegetable soup and for our evening meal we had lamb chops with spinach and mushrooms.

i, surprisingly, enjoyed the whole process and learning about the foods i eat and the effect it has on my body.
the lack of caffeine has had little or no effect on me at all, it just proves that i don't 'need' it. drinking tea and coffee was just a habit for me and i am sure that i will continue to keep my caffeine intake to a minimum from now on.
i have also noticed that my appetite is much smaller and i actually stop eating when i am full... instead of continuing to pick at food until it is all gone... from mine and my kids plates!

if i keep our portions small i am certain that this habit will continue as well!

and here are my results {apologies for the grumpy face ~ not a fan of showing my tummy far less in front of the camera!}
... a total of 6inches all over and a weight loss of 8lbs ~

all in all, c9 was a complete success for me and one that i highly recommend for anyone with a bit of weight to shift, or bad habits to change.

nine day detox - day 4~6

day four ~
definitely getting better! i don't feel as hungry all the time and i also don't even feel as though i miss tea and coffee... i thought about cheating and just having a wee sneaky decaf when at the soft play with the kids today. when i got to the counter to order, i just didn't feel like a coffee.
the c9 works!
i did a fair amount of walking today with the pram and with the toddler in the sling and i didn't feel too tired or lightheaded despite not eating much... i had my lunchtime shake with me and i just sipped it as i went along.
my 600 cal meal was a big bowl of home made vegetable and lentil soup with some seeded bread and a wee bit of butter... i felt full up really quickly and the soup warmed me up as the weather has been freezing the last few days.

day five ~
i really want to snack.
for my evening meal i had pitta parcels with lettuce, minced beef and mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic and onions... and a cheeky sprinkling of parmesan! it was really tasty!
this evening was tough again as i really felt like i wanted cake and crisps!
i have also noticed that although it is taking me a wee bit longer to fall asleep at night, i am sleeping deeper and better so feel more revitalised in the mornings and the school run is amazing with my shake in hand! i am loving it so far! but i am also really looking forward to eating whatever i want, whenever i want to!

day six ~
not long to go... over half way!
i had lasagna and a big salad for my evening meal and felt really full up even without my usual double helping of garlic bread! 
my stomach feels tighter and flatter, my chins are receding...
but i want to make it known...
i didn't need to loose any weight - i am a healthy 9ish stone so i was really looking for the cleanse aspect of the c9... i want to learn to eat clean... make better snacking choices... and just feel better about myself.
however, loosing the extra baby weight around my middle, that has snuck up on me over the last five years, has been a huge confidence boost.
the clean eating has removed the eternal sluggish feeling i used to have...
i feel energised and healthy and i love it!

nine day detox - day 1~3

i have noticed a distinct lack of waist these last few months... a bad habit of evening snacking taking on a whole new level {i ate a packet of pork pies one night after my pilates class}
so, i decided to do the nine day forever living aloe vera cleanse - c9 for short. here is how i got on...

day one ~
i took all my measurements and weighed myself and noted it all down in the special booklet that came in the pack.  this wee booklet is packed with ideas to help you with the cleanse, but it also has step by step tick~boxes to make sure you keep to the plan! which has been really helpful in motivating me to keep going ~ making notes as you go along is a great way to keep you focused on the task at hand!
so, the first day was tough ~
breakfast was two garcinia tablets, 120mls of forever aloe gel and one forever therm, with plenty of water!
the garcinia cambogia is a tree native to southeast asia, the fruit from it is known to help reduce the conversion of carbohydrate to fats, lower cholesterol and aid metabolism. 
the therm tablets are full of vitamins, nutrients and botanicals to reduce fatigue and aid metabolism.
the gel has numerous beneficial properties; a rich source of nutrients, it provides the perfect supplement to a balanced diet.
for snack i had a drink {diluted down fruit juice}with some of the forever fiber dissolved into it. yum.
lunch was the same as breakfast but you get to have a forever lite ultra shake, which i mixed with 300ml of skimmed milk and added frozen berries, it was delicious!
the powder is packed with vitamins and minerals it is great as a meal supplement or as a protein shake if you are trying to build muscle.

the evening meal is just two garcinia tablets and 120mls of gel...
so, not a lot of food consumed today & i am definitely noticing a low level grumble in my tummy almost constantly. but it is okay because the c9 program allows you to eat as many free foods throughout the day as you need to keep hunger at bay.... free foods are things like apples, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, grapes etc.
just before bed i got to drink another 120ml of the gel ~ which i am mixing with the forever berry nectar as i prefer the taste of that {the kids and i drink it everyday already so my stomach likes it!}

day two ~
today was the same as day one, again, not much food consumed today either! but on the whole i feel okay!
felt a little light headed this afternoon but an apple and some grapes helped tide me over til my evening meal of aloe gel and suppliments!
tonight was particularly tricky as i had a parents committee meeting and there was wine and snacks on offer... i was very good and managed to sip on a water instead. i can't wait for tomorrow when i can eat an actual meal! ooh... what shall i have?

day three ~
so, this is where it gets exciting! i was allowed a shake for breakfast alongside my garcinia, aloe gel and therm tablets... i made it with bananas and took it on the school run. i felt very energised this morning, really keen to get on with the day!

my evening meal was to be 600 calories. i had slow cooked lamb with kidney beans and lots of veg on a bed of pasta, it was so good! i felt full really quickly... but then i just wanted to keep eating... i wanted to eat cake and crisps and have tea and biscuits! it was like i had opened the flood gates!
i managed to resist and had a carrot instead!
really noticing that i am wee-ing a lot more than usual! must be the detox working... i have also noticed my skin working hard to repair itself ~ a few little dry areas appearing as it flushes out the toxins.
i got to measure myself again today and alongside a few lost inches i have noticed a real change in my shape! {i will post all the stats at the end!}



*disclaimer ~ the above links will take you to my FLP selling page.

slow cooker ~ lamb

this recipe is so good... it takes eight hours in the slow cooker but that just means that once you have prepared it, you can leave it to cook until your meal at night.

so, first off i scored the meat and pushed some crushed garlic and rosemary into the 'pockets'. then i browned the meat, a quick fry on all sides in a hot pan.

into the crock pot it goes

using the oil from the pan, fry up some chopped shallots or onions until soft.  pour in a slosh of wine {*this is obviously optional but delicious!) a cup of stock {homemade or cubed} a handful of bay leaves and a few sprigs of rosemary. bring to the boil.

once the liquid has reduced by about a third, pour it into the crockpot.

cook for 6hrs on LOW. then turn the lamb and add in a tin of flageolet beans {or any bean you fancy really! except baked beans... although i reckon they would be pretty tasty too!}

cook for a further 2 and a quarter hours on LOW.  the lamb and beans may not be covered entirely by liquid during the cooking process but that is okay :)

let the lamb rest for 10mins and serve with the beans and sauce with some sauteed potatoes and plenty of fresh steamed veg.

yum.

two ingredient pizza

i found a great recipe online the other day... two ingredient pizza. i have to say i was dubious... but thought i would give it a whirl.

pinnies on, hands washed, table covered. all set.

the kids love baking and so do i but it can get messy... a recipe which only needs two things is just perfect for small helpers!

one cup of natural yoghurt and one cup of flour. that is all. and look... delicious and yummy and easy and healthy... ish.

we used a bit more flour than the one cup as the dough seemed a little wet still and gave it a good kneed for about ten minutes, rolled it out and then added our toppings... red pesto, cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and chicken. i had pre chopped all the toppings and had them out so the kids could help themselves. they had a lot of fun and they ate every last bite!

aloe gel review

i started drinking the aloe gel from forever living as i had heard a lot of good things about it and had been recommended it so many times... it claims to increase healthy bacteria in the gut to aid digestion, reduce seasonal allergies, aids the immune system to rid the body of toxins and it can also reduce irritability, fatigue and sleep deprivation.
it contains around 200 active components such as vitamins a, b1, b2, b6, b12, c, e, folic acid and niacin.

although there has been no extensive scientific research to back this up, there is a large following who swear by it as a daily supplement.

so, it tastes a bit bitter and it's best first thing in the morning on an empty stomach so it's not always the most appealing of supplements to take. however... i actually quite like it ~ i almost crave it every morning.  although, it was a good 6 weeks before i noticed any difference in my health or well being.

now, after taking it i feel really good, i cant say whether or not i feel better health wise, as i have been keeping fitter and trying to eat healthier.

overall, i am feeling much healthier ~ extra walking, keeping the snacking to a minimum and going to pilates every week has helped of course!

do it yourself

i am a big fan of make do and mend. & i love the idea of making something myself instead of buying it from a shop. presents for friends and family are often handmade... as are the cards of course. and i am starting to make products around the house too... this is all part of my back to basics plan. with the addition of some shop bought staples for good measure.

my seed bombs and bath bombs always go down well. and i recently made my own rose toner which is amazing as a morning, mid day slump spritz. but it is also great to set makeup, to soothe tired or sunburnt skin. to tighten and reduce wrinkles and it calms and acts as a mild astringent for blemishes... and all you need are two ingredients and a spray bottle {i got mine from superdrug}

fill with water {preferably distilled} and add a capful of rose water ~ or more depending on personal preference and size of bottle
and that's it.
simple yet effective.

for under the kitchen sink i have another spray bottle with vinegar and water in... great for cleaning and deodorising any surface {including carpets} add a bit of bicarb and you have a better spray than you can buy in the shops! plus, if you add an essential oil to the mix you will not only be adding a lovely scent to the room but you will also be upping the antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities to your all-purpose cleaner.

this is my latest make do and mend project... three pairs of leggings fit for the bin = two good as new pairs of leggings!

connecta, osha or tula?

since the devastating news story about the baby who died in a baby wrap recently, i have seen so many articles blaming babywearing and making out that it's dangerous etc etc.

one even stated 'your baby will die if you use one of these baby wraps'!! i mean... come on! sadly, babies die in cots, beds, cars and prams all the time, a lot of the time for no real apparent reason. there are no scaremongering articles slamming parents for using them!

now i'm not disputing that it can be dangerous... as can many things involving small people. but when done safely and responsibly, babywearing is positive and calming for baby and mum {and dad too!}.

i have various slings, baby carriers and wraps. i use them all depending on where i am going and what i am doing...

i have a ring sling which is an osha woven wrap. i use it for the school run for quick ups and downs. being one big length of fabric means it will grow with baby and can be worn in different ways to suit mum/dad/granny etc and of course baby.

i have a full buckle carrier which is a tula. i use this all the time. it is great for front and back carries, is fully padded along the waist band and straps so is comfortable to wear for a long time. it has a sleep hood which is detachable so perfect for snoozes! it is stunning in grey zigzags and is by far my favourite go to carrier.

i have another full buckle which is a connecta. this is my emergency carrier. it comes on the dog walk, trips to the park and food shopping! it folds small so fits in my bag or under the pram for that emergency carry when little legs can't carry on. it has a sleep hood, but as it is not as padded as my tula {and i should note, i have jaggy hips} it's not as comfortable for two hour long naps {although these are rare!}

i have a back pack style one and a baby bjorn style one. but these don't get used at all and don't come close to the ones above. the narrow seat in these mean baby hangs off me and makes my shoulders sore within minutes. the wide seat of the above carriers {and others in that style} spread baby's legs in the most supportive way {for baby and mum} that it makes babywearing not only convenient but comfy and enjoyable.

there needs to be so much more information available to new parents with regards to babywearing... i meet so many mums who think wraps and stretchys are primitive! or some who have only ever seen the high street carriers and didn't know there were other options...

my advice? buy a good quality carrier, use your instincts and follow the TICKS guidelines :)

baby carriers and cloth nappies

now anyone who knows me will know that there are two loves in my life that teeter on the brink of obsession! i talk about them. i recommend them to anyone who will listen. i trawl preloved pages for them. chat on forums about them. and of course. use them!

so. what are they?

not my kids... although they are my favourite thing in the world and i do obsess over them!

no. it's cloth nappies and baby carriers...

i recommend both these items to all my new mum friends because they have changed my life (granted, having children kind of did that anyway :) but why? being able to carry my children has meant i have been able to stay sane when everything was working against me... a toddler and a newborn who were both reluctant nappers. building housework. a dog to walk. mums to meet. groups to attend. and me. a mum of two who resisted buying a double pram. who hates spending frivolously. who holds napping in high regard (i had an ap!) who needs to keep doing things and finds it hard to slow down.

a sling lets me do all the things i need to do and not compromise baby's nap time. the same piece of fabric also provides an 'up' for my tired toddler who after a week of nursery just cant manage the last few meters home.

cloth nappies mean i never run out and need to run to the shop (unless i don't stay on top of the laundry!) they are kind to the environment, my pocket and my baby's bottom. stinky disposables leak gelly things on sore bottoms after a long nights sleep. and it doesn't stop there... cloth wipes mean i don't need two bags at nappy changing time as they both go into the wet bag! no overflowing bins on bin day for us :) plus they look super cute. you cant resist a big bummed baby!

now...

i just need to convince the rest of the house on family cloth...

five days, five meals, one packet of mince... really.

i bought a pound of mince from the local butchers and for the first time ever, i meal planned. properly.

i always, always make a huge batch of something and freeze portions. always have done. always will. it makes me feel frugal. and thrifty. and housewife-y!
but this week was different. this week i made a big batch of mince and made five meals out of it. yes. FIVE.

here's how i did it...

i browned the mince with some onions, garlic and oil. put half of it into another pan.  i added chopped carrots, mushrooms, courgette and a red pepper to both and to one i added two tins of chopped tomatoes to one and some tomato puree.

meal one - mince and tatties ~ add baked beans to the left overs and cover with mash potato in a casserole dish to make meal two - cottage pie.

meal three - spaghetti bolognaise

meal four - add chili powder and kidney beans to the the left over spag bol mince and hey presto we have chili con carne {add rice}

meal five - add all the left overs from meal two and meal four together with some cooked fusilli {any pasta would do though}

now, we are a family of four. four big eaters. and this was plenty of food! okay, so i bulked it up with lots of veg, chopped tomatoes and i added potatoes, rice and spaghetti {and a sneaky garlic baguette or two} but i still managed to feed the entire house {except the dog} a home cooked, evening meal for five nights. wholesome? i think so!

no bad kids?

whenever i try to explain my parenting methods, i find it almost impossible to fight my corner.  my baby brain makes it so hard for me to think clearly enough to give a decent answer!

i want to say -
i am not a walk over parent who doesn't discipline her children or teach them right from wrong. 
i am not letting my kids run wild and rule the roost.
i am teaching them all of the above, respectfully. 

i try to talk to my daughter about everything, if she is having a hard time with a task, game or activity, i talk her through it and offer my help if she wants it.  i don't swoop in and do it for her.  if she is having a meltdown, i sit down with her and hold her until she is ready to talk to me and we work it out together.  tantrums are part of growing up and not necessarily a negative thing.  toddlers have these huge emotions that they don't understand... it must be so overwhelming for them.  so surely withdrawing affection as a form of discipline teaches them that our love is conditional?  it is not wrong to feel emotions, it is not wrong to cry - we all need to cry sometimes.  instead of leaving them to work out their scary emotions themselves, should we not instead help them to understand them?  i struggle to explain this without sounding patronising or critical but i really believe that children are not purposefully 'bad', negative behaviour is almost always a cry for help - a need to sleep, hunger or a need for limits.  using the naughty step, cry it out or the removal of toys or privileges when a child 'acts out' can really only create resentment and distrust as well as making the child feel shame or guilt.

often i see parents use the naughty step or other such threats at the smallest things and it makes me feel kind of sad... and this may seem harsh but it is almost like they are saying, ah, you are angry but please do it quietly over there so i don't have to see it.  these children are only little for such a short time so why not make that time fun, positive and happy? why stress the small stuff? 

so, i implore... enjoy this time as much as possible and trust your child or children to learn the lessons of life on their own - just as they learn to talk and walk in their own time.

one toddler and one (not so) teeny tiny baby

well, here he is... baby number two... fergus.

i cant believe how much i love him already - although i should have already been aware of this from baby number one... poppy.  oh how i loved her from the moment i saw her!

he is so like her but yet so different... they look the same when i look back at photos of poppy but he is very much a boy and with finer features. he is so laid back... so far. and she was so cross all the time!

poppy has really taken to the wee guy (as she calls him) and is loving helping out with bath time and nappy changes.  i feel privileged to have such an amazing and caring little girl as poppy - to see how she has adapted to his arrival and how she is coping so well, makes me so proud!  she has her moments of course, and the toilet training has gone to pot (so to speak!) but that was all expected and anticipated well in advance. we are working through it together - with the help of some stickers and a potty train! ha! the reward chart... one thing i thought i would never do. needs must.

so how did fergus arrive into this world... quickly! i am all emotional about how amazing the birth was after having such a tough time of it first time round.  poppy took days to come, i only managed to stay in the pool for a few hours and ended up being induced, having my waters broken and getting an epidural... this time it was over in only five hours (from the first contraction) he was born in the water using a bit of gas and air and homeopathy. he did get stuck a bit as he was a whopping 9lbs 9oz... but the water made it all so bearable and relaxed. there was a moment, just before i started pushing, where i thought i couldnt do it, that i wanted to go to labour ward and get any drugs going. but i did it and am overwhelmed and proud of myself and of fergus...and of sam, my husband, who helped me though it.

so, now the adventure begins.  mamma of two.

easy peasy bread

well, my little munchkin and i decided to make a loaf of bread this morning and i came across this super duper recipe that was so easy and quick that we had it proving within the hour! so not as much time killed as i had hoped but good messy fun all the same!

this is it, served up with poppys soup (also home made!) for lunch.

so here it is... i will also outline it on here to make it even easier -

mix 500g strong white flour in a bowl with 2 tsp of salt and 7gs of fast acting yeast in a sachet. then make a well and add 3 tbsp olive oil and 300ml water and combine to make the dough... then kneed for as long as your little ones arms can manage - preferably until it is satin smooth!

leave it in a warm place for an hour in a lightly oiled bowl to rise (or overnight in the fridge is good as it makes it taste nicer!)

give it a bit of a knock about then shape it and put it on some baking paper and leave to prove for an hour to rise again.

cross the top with a sharp knife and bake for 25-30 mins in a preheated oven at 220C...

voila! delicious!

this is one that is going to appear on the breakfast table a lot in future! 

cloth nappies and teething necklaces

during our daily trips out and about i see so many different parenting styles and i often find myself thinking about how i have chosen to parent poppy.

when poppy was born i had an idea of what parenting entailed - through books, my own parents and friends and also my own experience in childcare.  i have to say that the way i do things now is entirely different.  now i am far from a lax mummy who lets their child run wild but i do wholly embrace the playful parenting style where you make everything as fun as possible and thus eliminate the majority of battles, tantrums and huffs. i often fall short, but i do try.

i used a sling alot and i breast fed for over a year, i baby led weaned and i use herbal and homoeopathic remedies where possible.  i have always cooked her meals and rarely let her eat junk food, sweets, juice or crisps. i don't cajole or use force instead i give her options.

i like the idea of attachment parenting but i also believe that children should be allowed to develop their own sense of security early on and not rely solely on their mothers.  on the opposite side i see parents shouting at their children on a daily basis, children lying in their prams with a bottle of milk propped against the buggy bar.  i see children treated with such disrespect and impatience that it makes me feel sad.  but who am i to judge. they may have had a bad day - i sure have plenty of those ...i just don't take them out on an innocent child.

i have a mixed view on things, i certainly don't do things by the book - i do what i think feels right at the time, it may not always be right but it is me being the very best mother that i can be. i cant do any more than that.

i have often been told that i am 'snobby' because i use cloth nappies and i don't use baby food jars, i get funny looks when they catch a glimpse of poppy's amber teething necklace.  people will always form opinions no matter how much we try to conform - so i say, don't.

yummy snack

i thought i would share with you one of my absolute favourite things i like to do as a mummy... bake for my little girl!

she was baby led weaned and so i started with finger food straight away and these banana biscuits were life savers... and still are!

take one very ripe banana and mash it with some fine oats and a bit of milk if you need to make it softer, add a handful of raisins (optional) and mix together.  let it all soak in together till it makes a bit of a thick gloop. then form it into round biscuits, or use cookie cutters, and bake in the oven for 8-10mins at 180ish... yum.

healthy. tasty. wholesome.

don't be fooled - these will not be tasty enough for grannies, aunties, friends or older kids... so make some rocky road... also incredibly easy!


melt some good quality chocolate and mix with bashed up biscuit like digestive then stir in some raisins (we go through a lot of raisins in our household!) and marshmallows - you can also add maltesers and cherries too. then put into a shallow baking dish and leave to set.








enjoy...