Bone broth is so fancy and trending these days, you'd think it was just created by food scientists this decade. I know better though because I still remember the exact spot in my college apartment kitchen where I was standing when I called my mother, slow cooker and whole chicken on the counter: "Mom? What did you always do to cook a whole chicken and make broth? That's a thing, right?" For me, it was just what my mom had always done to make chicken noodle soup, so I did it too. … [Read more...]
What do Do With Stomachaches in Kids: Remedies for Vomiting
Years ago, we had about three months of sickness after sickness. My then 2-year-old daughter Leah had a week of throwing up – an entire week! When big brother Paul came down with something two weeks later and threw up, she watched it happen, and with utter glee (I kid you not) on her face, cried, “Paul’s frowing up! Paul’s frowing up too!” I think she was glad to have someone to empathize with. "Mommy, my tummy hurts!" is a phrase that's been striking dread in the hearts of mothers for … [Read more...]
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
When I think of stereotypical picky eaters, two foods come to mind: Broccoli Brussels sprouts I'm not sure who came up with these. But the myth that kids don't like green, cruciferous vegetables is just not true! I believe the real issue is how vegetables are both prepared and presented. Why Kids Hate Vegetables When I tell my mom about all of the vegetables my kids eat she tells me of how she hated many of them growing up. Brussels sprouts are a common one. She just can't … [Read more...]
Healthy Eating for Busy Families: 30 Minute Dinner Ideas
Making dinners during the week is a challenge - whether you're juggling a full-time job, kids doing homework, or an attention-seeking toddler. (Or maybe all of those!!) It's so tempting to eat fast food or buy prepackaged meals, but my budget and health preferences say no to those shortcuts. Here's how I figured out how to serve my family healthy dinners in 30 minutes or less most nights of the week. The Challenges of a Healthy Dinner in 30 Minutes or … [Read more...]
Hawaii Ban on Toxic Ingredients in Sunscreen is in Effect! (The Sunscreens You CAN Use and Why)
Because my family has tested over 120 natural sunscreens to find the very best ones, and I'm known as the "Wikipedia of sunscreen," I tend to get a little passionate when sunscreen hits the news. In this case, a very GOOD thing finally became reality that I believe may help more people embrace zinc oxide sunscreens (will they step away from the sprays?). The beautiful state of Hawaii, following research from Dr. Craig Downs and Haereticus Labs in 2013 and 2015, began discussion about … [Read more...]
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera (Plus a Review of Stockton Aloe for Constipation)
When you become known as the crazy family who has tested over 120 different brands of natural mineral sunscreen, you get the opportunity to connect with all sorts of people in the industry. When Dr. Mike Haley was introduced to me as someone formulating a new sunscreen with an innovative formula, I was definitely excited to meet him. Stockton Aloe with all of its many health benefits is the base for this sunscreen being formulated. During my conversation with Dr. Mike, I learned a lot … [Read more...]
Natural Relief for Sore Muscles
On my last hiking trip, I covered over 2,000 vertical feet per day for three straight days and almost 22 miles combined. Let me tell you a thing or two about sore muscles! I'd get out of bed and my calves were just screaming. Did I mention we went halfway down into the Grand Canyon and then back up? We met a guy at the top, however, who had just gone from one rim across the bottom to the other rim and back. It took him about 11 and a half hours to do 44 miles. I'm thinking he felt … [Read more...]
Dairy-Free Breakfast Egg Bake Recipe Kids Love
Okay, it’s another busy morning, and you’re rushing out the door, when you’re six-year-old announces what he announces every morning 15 minutes after breakfast: “I’m hungry.” I don’t know what it is about kids in the morning, but before my kids hit the tween stage, they needed a big breakfast. Now, my older boys can fix their own breakfast (Thank you, Kids Cook Real Food!), but I still have a younger one who is hungry for breakfast about 3 times every morning. Kids Love this … [Read more...]
Caraway Ceramic Pan Review | Healthy Non-Stick Pans
I couldn't believe it when I found a non-stick pan that used NO Teflon and was completely non-reactive/non-toxic. But could it cook eggs? I'd been disappointed before, but Caraway delivered...Here's my full review of the Caraway Non-stick Ceramic Pan... I'm a busy mom. You know what that means? It means I need tools that are quick, easy to use, easy to clean...and non-toxic too. Is that too much to ask??? For years I've used cast iron and it's awesome...except sometimes when it … [Read more...]
Simple Strategies to Reduce Test Anxiety
Ever noticed how fanfare creates stress? Think of weddings, an event that ought to be vying for the most special day of your life, and almost everyone describes it as one of the most stressful experiences ever. We just experienced a First Communion, with all the fancy dresses and suits, months of practice, cameras rolling, and parents weeping, and although that too should be a holy and powerful experience, it's often shrouded in heightened emotions of stress, for both parents and 2nd … [Read more...]
