This was just too cute to not share. I love love love this! Maybe I can find some time this week to make one!
Meal Time Organizer
Monday, March 22, 2010
Mark Bittman Video
Love this guy. Love this video. He reviews what the American diet was 100 years ago around 7 minutes 30 seconds. Then he talks about how we got to where we are today. Processed foods, canned foods, frozen foods, etc. Fantastic.
The Lunch Box
Friday, March 5, 2010
Natural birth is best
Always has been, always will be.
The rate of maternal death has TRIPLED in the US in the past TEN years. Why? C-sections. Lots and lots and lots of C-sections. This makes me so sad for all the families out there who have lost mothers.
I'm just happy that this is finally coming out on mainstream news.
ABC News
The rate of maternal death has TRIPLED in the US in the past TEN years. Why? C-sections. Lots and lots and lots of C-sections. This makes me so sad for all the families out there who have lost mothers.
I'm just happy that this is finally coming out on mainstream news.
ABC News
Monday, March 1, 2010
Rhythm of the Home
Rhythm of the Home is an online magazine, pulled together by the best of the best alternative-parenting moms. This is truly a gem. There is pages of wonderful information, uplifting quotes, and fun projects. They just released their spring edition. Here are a few of my favorite articles.
Fostering Self Esteem in Young Children
Children's Yoga for Healing
Mindfulness as a Spiritual Practice of Motherhood
The Benefits of Play
Playing With Our Children
Making A Family Home: Dining Room
The last link is an excerpt from the book, Making A Family Home. This is my new favorite book. I finished reading it a month ago, but I still find myself carrying it around as a treasure. It will be on my coffee table for a very very long time, if not indefinitely.
Fostering Self Esteem in Young Children
Children's Yoga for Healing
Mindfulness as a Spiritual Practice of Motherhood
The Benefits of Play
Playing With Our Children
Making A Family Home: Dining Room
The last link is an excerpt from the book, Making A Family Home. This is my new favorite book. I finished reading it a month ago, but I still find myself carrying it around as a treasure. It will be on my coffee table for a very very long time, if not indefinitely.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Place For Everything
We've still got a foot of snow outside, but I'm already catching the spring cleaning bug. This inspired me.
Are So Happy
While I am certainly not some kind of type-A super-organized person, I love to have a tidy home. I feel that the ease and peacefulness it creates is a true gift to the people who live here and everyone who enters our home. Keeping a tidy home used to be a constant (uphill) battle for me, but slowly along the way it became easier and easier. I'm constantly working on making my housewifery more beautiful and more joyful. I want to show my girls what a wonderful thing it is to take care of our home and the people in it!
I'm mostly going to be talking about organizing toys today, but I think you'll see how these ideas really apply to the rest of my home as well. I try my hardest to facilitate the girls' creative and imaginative spirits while appealing to their own innate sense of beauty and order. I hope that in doing so, they will treasure and take care of the things that they have. Here's how:
A Place for Everything
-For big things, try to put them in places that are the most logical. My girls love to play with their barn on the floor, so that's where I store it (instead of up on a shelf where I think it looks cute).
-For small things, baskets! Baskets, baskets, baskets. Keep like things together.
-Be sure that things always go back to their original place at the end of the day. This could mean that they help to pick things up, or it could mean that you do (we've done it both ways). Whatever works for you, just be sure that when they wake up in the morning, it's a clean start to the day.
Less is More
-One small jam jar of acorns is full of creative possibilities. A big basket of them is a mess waiting to happen. Six lids are fun! Thirty-six lids are a pile of junk. The same goes for clothespins, boxes, bolts...
-If the toys all over your house are overwhelming to you, they are exponentially overwhelming to your child. Overwhelm leads very quickly into throwing things around or general disrespect of their things.
-Even if you simply can't get rid of all the "stuff" your little ones have, you can be selective about what you keep out and in view to play with at any one time. Do they really need all the books, or just a few? What about other things that there are multiples of? Animals? Stuffies? Dolls? Keep most of it in the closet and rotate some things out (but not too frequently).
A Thing of Beauty
-If something gets marked/dinged/broken/torn/etc, take it immediately out of play until it can be mended or cleaned (or properly disposed of). If it is something they can help to mend or clean, allow them to help you. If it is not, mend or clean it where and when they can see you do it.
-Make the extra effort to display and store things beautifully and invitingly. Imagine what the most beautiful toy store in the world would look like! Can you create a little piece of that in your home?
-A sweet display of nature treasures can become clutter overnight. When it does, make a clean sweep and refresh the space by creating a sparse display, or putting out one special thing.
Are So Happy
While I am certainly not some kind of type-A super-organized person, I love to have a tidy home. I feel that the ease and peacefulness it creates is a true gift to the people who live here and everyone who enters our home. Keeping a tidy home used to be a constant (uphill) battle for me, but slowly along the way it became easier and easier. I'm constantly working on making my housewifery more beautiful and more joyful. I want to show my girls what a wonderful thing it is to take care of our home and the people in it!
I'm mostly going to be talking about organizing toys today, but I think you'll see how these ideas really apply to the rest of my home as well. I try my hardest to facilitate the girls' creative and imaginative spirits while appealing to their own innate sense of beauty and order. I hope that in doing so, they will treasure and take care of the things that they have. Here's how:
A Place for Everything
-For big things, try to put them in places that are the most logical. My girls love to play with their barn on the floor, so that's where I store it (instead of up on a shelf where I think it looks cute).
-For small things, baskets! Baskets, baskets, baskets. Keep like things together.
-Be sure that things always go back to their original place at the end of the day. This could mean that they help to pick things up, or it could mean that you do (we've done it both ways). Whatever works for you, just be sure that when they wake up in the morning, it's a clean start to the day.
Less is More
-One small jam jar of acorns is full of creative possibilities. A big basket of them is a mess waiting to happen. Six lids are fun! Thirty-six lids are a pile of junk. The same goes for clothespins, boxes, bolts...
-If the toys all over your house are overwhelming to you, they are exponentially overwhelming to your child. Overwhelm leads very quickly into throwing things around or general disrespect of their things.
-Even if you simply can't get rid of all the "stuff" your little ones have, you can be selective about what you keep out and in view to play with at any one time. Do they really need all the books, or just a few? What about other things that there are multiples of? Animals? Stuffies? Dolls? Keep most of it in the closet and rotate some things out (but not too frequently).
A Thing of Beauty
-If something gets marked/dinged/broken/torn/etc, take it immediately out of play until it can be mended or cleaned (or properly disposed of). If it is something they can help to mend or clean, allow them to help you. If it is not, mend or clean it where and when they can see you do it.
-Make the extra effort to display and store things beautifully and invitingly. Imagine what the most beautiful toy store in the world would look like! Can you create a little piece of that in your home?
-A sweet display of nature treasures can become clutter overnight. When it does, make a clean sweep and refresh the space by creating a sparse display, or putting out one special thing.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Why we aren't getting a microwave at the farmhouse
Plants watered with microwaved water (left) and boiled water (right) - day 1.
Plants watered with microwaved water (left) and boiled water (right) - day 9.
Source
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Creating Warmth
My inspiration for the day can be found here
This is an article written by Eileen at Little Acorn Learning, an absolutely fantastic resource for homeschooling Waldorf moms. She creates lesson plans and snack menus for each month.
Creating Warmth
Warmth is important both physically and emotionally for every human being. As caregivers, we work hard to provide a loving and nurturing environment for the children in our care. We must work just as hard to create an environment and practice that gives our own soul the warmth it desires.
Physical Warmth – Warming the Body
Clothing
Keeping our body temperature comfortable reduces stress and promotes good health. We must be especially mindful of keeping young children warm and dressed properly. Layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed are the best choice for both children and adults. When choosing clothing, try to choose natural fibers whenever possible. Cotton, wool and silk materials allow the skin to breathe and feel softer on the skin than synthetics. In the winter months, wearing long underwear helps children to move freely while retaining their body heat. Suggest that each member in your household has a special pair of indoor shoes or slippers that they wear during the day.
Nourishment
Human beings need whole, organic, nourishing foods to promote optimal health. In the colder months, warm soups and breads can be served. Make tea time a daily event by serving the children and yourself herbal or decaffeinated tea in the afternoon after time spent outdoors. We have created seasonal childcare menus to help you serve the children warming meals each day. Visit our website www.littleacornlearning.com for more details.
Bedding and Cozy Places
Wool blankets, sheepskin rugs, natural bedding, oversized pillows and comforters are just some of the ways that you can create a cozy bedtime place for each child and adult in your home. If you have a woodstove or fireplace, take the time to wake up early to start a fire. This time can be your time to relax, meditate and enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee before the rest of the household wakes up. If you are using our childcare program, you can use this time to do your caregiver meditation each day.
Environment
Look at the colors that surround you. The color on your walls, clothing, and other belongings all contribute to your mood. Are they warm and inviting? Deep reds, oranges and yellows work well to create a warm feeling when the temperature is cold. Cool colors create a calming effect. Blues, greens, light colors and neutrals are great when the weather is very warm.
What type of lighting do you think of when you think of a warm environment? Beeswax candles create a beautiful flame, are safe and smell wonderful. The sight of a natural fire instinctively warms us with its beauty. Is there natural light flowing through uncovered windows, sunbeams hitting the walls and mirrors and pretty sun catchers to admire? These are all the simple pleasures that create beauty in our homes.
Living, breathing things need to be surrounded by nature to feel whole. It is important to make sure that we are surrounded by green plants, fresh flowers, animals and other living things. It is also important to bundle up and take the time to go outside to appreciate nature in all types of weather. Let the sun hit your face each day and breathe in the fresh air.
Things
To allow space for warmth in our environment we must create an uncluttered home filled with the things we love. Sound impossible? Do your child’s playthings engage healthy imaginary play? Are there too many of them? Are you displaying the good books, collectibles, crafts and cookbooks that bring you so much joy? Keep what you love and get rid of the rest.
Emotional Warmth – Warming the Senses
Hearing
If you were to tape record a day in your home and play it back what would you hear? Loud noises, negative talk, background music or television create a stressful environment. How can you ensure that the words and sounds in your home are filled with love and warmth?
Sharing special verses, poems and fingerplays throughout the day not only creates a predictable rhythm that children can depend on but also helps create a peaceful home. When you must redirect a child, choose your words wisely… be firm but come from a place of love and warmth. Singing or humming, playing instruments, children laughing, kind words and other happy sounds are what a warm home should be filled with.
Seeing
What images surround you and the children throughout the day? Real work, cooking, baking, painting, hiking, playing, cleaning and other hands-on activities will nourish your soul. How much time is spent in front of computers, televisions, video games or other ‘screens’? The flashing images, content and lack of physical interaction drain our bodies and souls and take up our precious time.
Look back on your day each evening as you would a movie reel played backward. What do you see? Which parts need adjusting, deleting or repeating? When a child watches their caregiver tend to the day with love and reverence it creates warmth and security deep within their innermost self.
Touch
Research shows that physical touch is absolutely essential for the healthy emotional and physical development of children and the ongoing health and well-being of adults. ”We have established a solid foundation of results, including the understanding that touch triggers physiological changes that help infants and children develop,” said Dr. Tiffany Field, Professor of Pediatrics, Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Miami School of Medicine and Director, Touch Research Institutes.
Gentle head rubs, hugs, foot massages, soft places, natural fabrics and fibers, kneading dough, splashing water, applying lotion, warm clothing are only a few of the ways we can find warmth in touch.
Smell
Scented bubble baths, natural incense, foot massages, lavender spray, herbal drinks, beeswax, fresh bread baking, home cooked meals and wood burning. What are some other smells that come to mind when you think of the word ‘warm’? In the morning you can light a special candle or incense to create a peaceful feeling.
When my children feel sad or stressed in any way, we often return to peace by spraying a small amount of lavender spray or using our herbal eye pillows. A simple way to bring in a natural scent and add beauty to your table is to fill a special vase with fresh flowers each day.
When we put the time and energy into making our home a place that warms us both physically and spiritually, we benefit by both the process and the result of our work. Spend time this week meditating on how you can create a warm environment for yourself, your family and those you invite into your home.
This is an article written by Eileen at Little Acorn Learning, an absolutely fantastic resource for homeschooling Waldorf moms. She creates lesson plans and snack menus for each month.
Creating Warmth
Warmth is important both physically and emotionally for every human being. As caregivers, we work hard to provide a loving and nurturing environment for the children in our care. We must work just as hard to create an environment and practice that gives our own soul the warmth it desires.
Physical Warmth – Warming the Body
Clothing
Keeping our body temperature comfortable reduces stress and promotes good health. We must be especially mindful of keeping young children warm and dressed properly. Layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed are the best choice for both children and adults. When choosing clothing, try to choose natural fibers whenever possible. Cotton, wool and silk materials allow the skin to breathe and feel softer on the skin than synthetics. In the winter months, wearing long underwear helps children to move freely while retaining their body heat. Suggest that each member in your household has a special pair of indoor shoes or slippers that they wear during the day.
Nourishment
Human beings need whole, organic, nourishing foods to promote optimal health. In the colder months, warm soups and breads can be served. Make tea time a daily event by serving the children and yourself herbal or decaffeinated tea in the afternoon after time spent outdoors. We have created seasonal childcare menus to help you serve the children warming meals each day. Visit our website www.littleacornlearning.com for more details.
Bedding and Cozy Places
Wool blankets, sheepskin rugs, natural bedding, oversized pillows and comforters are just some of the ways that you can create a cozy bedtime place for each child and adult in your home. If you have a woodstove or fireplace, take the time to wake up early to start a fire. This time can be your time to relax, meditate and enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee before the rest of the household wakes up. If you are using our childcare program, you can use this time to do your caregiver meditation each day.
Environment
Look at the colors that surround you. The color on your walls, clothing, and other belongings all contribute to your mood. Are they warm and inviting? Deep reds, oranges and yellows work well to create a warm feeling when the temperature is cold. Cool colors create a calming effect. Blues, greens, light colors and neutrals are great when the weather is very warm.
What type of lighting do you think of when you think of a warm environment? Beeswax candles create a beautiful flame, are safe and smell wonderful. The sight of a natural fire instinctively warms us with its beauty. Is there natural light flowing through uncovered windows, sunbeams hitting the walls and mirrors and pretty sun catchers to admire? These are all the simple pleasures that create beauty in our homes.
Living, breathing things need to be surrounded by nature to feel whole. It is important to make sure that we are surrounded by green plants, fresh flowers, animals and other living things. It is also important to bundle up and take the time to go outside to appreciate nature in all types of weather. Let the sun hit your face each day and breathe in the fresh air.
Things
To allow space for warmth in our environment we must create an uncluttered home filled with the things we love. Sound impossible? Do your child’s playthings engage healthy imaginary play? Are there too many of them? Are you displaying the good books, collectibles, crafts and cookbooks that bring you so much joy? Keep what you love and get rid of the rest.
Emotional Warmth – Warming the Senses
Hearing
If you were to tape record a day in your home and play it back what would you hear? Loud noises, negative talk, background music or television create a stressful environment. How can you ensure that the words and sounds in your home are filled with love and warmth?
Sharing special verses, poems and fingerplays throughout the day not only creates a predictable rhythm that children can depend on but also helps create a peaceful home. When you must redirect a child, choose your words wisely… be firm but come from a place of love and warmth. Singing or humming, playing instruments, children laughing, kind words and other happy sounds are what a warm home should be filled with.
Seeing
What images surround you and the children throughout the day? Real work, cooking, baking, painting, hiking, playing, cleaning and other hands-on activities will nourish your soul. How much time is spent in front of computers, televisions, video games or other ‘screens’? The flashing images, content and lack of physical interaction drain our bodies and souls and take up our precious time.
Look back on your day each evening as you would a movie reel played backward. What do you see? Which parts need adjusting, deleting or repeating? When a child watches their caregiver tend to the day with love and reverence it creates warmth and security deep within their innermost self.
Touch
Research shows that physical touch is absolutely essential for the healthy emotional and physical development of children and the ongoing health and well-being of adults. ”We have established a solid foundation of results, including the understanding that touch triggers physiological changes that help infants and children develop,” said Dr. Tiffany Field, Professor of Pediatrics, Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Miami School of Medicine and Director, Touch Research Institutes.
Gentle head rubs, hugs, foot massages, soft places, natural fabrics and fibers, kneading dough, splashing water, applying lotion, warm clothing are only a few of the ways we can find warmth in touch.
Smell
Scented bubble baths, natural incense, foot massages, lavender spray, herbal drinks, beeswax, fresh bread baking, home cooked meals and wood burning. What are some other smells that come to mind when you think of the word ‘warm’? In the morning you can light a special candle or incense to create a peaceful feeling.
When my children feel sad or stressed in any way, we often return to peace by spraying a small amount of lavender spray or using our herbal eye pillows. A simple way to bring in a natural scent and add beauty to your table is to fill a special vase with fresh flowers each day.
When we put the time and energy into making our home a place that warms us both physically and spiritually, we benefit by both the process and the result of our work. Spend time this week meditating on how you can create a warm environment for yourself, your family and those you invite into your home.
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