Fear, Mesothelioma, and Lung Leavin' Day

Fear is a four-letter word to me. You name it, I'm scared of it. And like Harry Potter, I hate feeling fear. It's paralyzing, consuming, and sickening. While we all have our thoughts of which fears are the worst, I think most of us would agree fear for our lives is somewhere near the top of the list.

That ultimate fear is what Heather Von St. James endured when she was told at age 36, just after her daughter was born, that she had mesothelioma (lung cancer caused by asbestos) and 15 months to live. She had her lung removed, and her sister named it Lung Leavin' Day. Every year, Heather and her loved ones celebrate that most frightening day by writing their fears on plates and smashing them over a fire. They turned it into a fundraising event as well and are trying to expand awareness for both the cancer and the fear-releasing ritual.

Although Lung Leavin' Day has already passed, Heather wants us all to be free from fear and right now--no need to wait for a special day to face them. We may not ever experience a life-threatening disease or other traumatic event, but we all have something in our lives that terrifies and prevents us from growing or moving on. I can definitely say I do, especially right now as I find myself at a crossroads, unable to take my first step due to fear of the unknown. If only it were as easy to overcome as smashing a plate to bits! But the symbolism behind the act is profound: recognize and name your fears, seize them, break them, and reduce them to ashes. May we all follow in Heather's footsteps and be brave. 

You can learn more about and follow Heather's journey on her blog and Facebook page.

Best Natural Medicines for Kids & Babies

Our family has been through the ringer with various illnesses lately, so I'd like to share with you my favorite natural remedies:

Similasan Kids Cold & Mucus Relief 

This homeopathic cough medicine really works! My husband and I use it when we are sick too. Its natural sweetness, similar to maple syrup in taste, makes it easy for kids to swallow. Here is a $1-off coupon if you want to try it.

Hyland's Teething Tablets

I love how easily these tablets dissolve. No time for Baby to spit them out! I much prefer giving this homeopathic teething medicine than Tylenol to my baby. Other helpful natural remedies for teething are amber necklaces (which I have a giveaway for right now), wooden teething rings, cold teething rings, and cold, wet washcloths.

Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water & The Windi

I got this natural gas-relief medicine in a giveaway package I won. I have only used it once on Baby, but it helped him with some constipation.

We also used FridaBaby's The Windi, an anal catheter that helps release gas. 

Coconut Oil

Ever since I stopped using Johnson & Johnson products on Caden and switched to BabyGanics soap and coconut oil, Caden's skin has improved greatly. Gabriel had dry, flaky skin behind his ears, and the coconut oil cleared that right up too. The brand I like, Nutiva, can be found at Costco. Otherwise, the best deal is to get the $10-off coupon on their Facebook page and order the 54-oz. container to also qualify for free shipping.

Apple Cider Vinegar

I just got over some food poisoning. While a friend was here helping me, she told me to take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (diluted in water) to settle my stomach. It relieved my intestinal cramps and stopped things on that end. I think this is going to become a staple in our household because someone always has tummy troubles.

What are your favorite natural medicines?

Baltic Healing Amber Baby Teething Necklace Giveaway [CLOSED]

I first heard about Baltic amber teething necklaces when my first was a teething baby. A friend let me borrow one, but my baby hated it so we returned it. I decided to try it again with my second and searched on Etsy. I found Baltic Healing Amber, a new shop with reasonable prices, and I am very happy with my purchase!

Smiles
*Great prices.
*Free shipping to the U.S!
*Lots of different colored amber.
*Well made: string is knotted after every bead, made with raw amber
*Perfect length not to choke baby or allow him to eat it and can be wrapped twice around ankle instead
*Adult-sized jewelry too.
*Great customer service.

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*The amber necklace hasn't completely stopped Baby's drooling and gnawing. But every baby is different, so amber will not give the same results to everyone.

A little about the seller:

I'm from Guam and moved to the U.S. for college. I graduated, got married, and then started a family. Pretty typical, wouldn't you say. I'm a stay-at-home mom of 4 (yes, I stay pretty busy). I do love being home and having an Etsy shop that I'm very proud to call my own. :) I started making amber jewelry about a year ago. My youngest sister had just had her baby and told me about amber and its benefits. I was skeptical, like most people, until I had my baby and he started teething. Then I was desperate, like most people, and I wanted to try something natural and homeopathic. I liked that it was a natural pain reliever. I had always felt guilty giving my babies over-the-counter medicine for pain.

It was literally the end of the first day he had the necklace on that he stopped drooling (he was 3 months old then). It was like, "Miracles of miracles!" My husband and I were pretty shocked. From that day forward he has never worn a bib, and the only time I have given him OTC medicine was when he got his 4 first-year shots.

From my own experience, it's been an amazing product. I couldn't keep it just to myself!! That's when I did some research and ordered Baltic beads from Lithuania--all colors, shapes, sizes. I started making custom jewelry last November and have since joined Etsy, started a Facebook page, and am now working on my website. I love working with people (moms specifically), giving them information about amber, and just helping out in any way I can doing custom pieces for their specific needs.

One of you lucky readers will win this amber baby teething necklace!

1 entry: Like Baltic Healing Amber on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Heart Baltic Healing Amber on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow Baltic Healing Amber on Pinterest.

1 entry: Pin any item to Pinterest.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one you entered.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address with one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, March 19. 
• This giveaway is open worldwide.

Featured Seller: Alix from Blessed in Homemaking

This week's featured seller is Alix from Blessed in Homemaking. Isn't that a great shop name?

I am a stay-at-home/work-at-home mother of two sweethearts and wife to my hero. I strive to raise my children to love and follow Jesus--that is my highest goal.

 I love all things natural: natural health and healing, natural childbirth (both of my children were born at home), natural and chemical-free living, gardening. And I'm a bookworm.

I am an aspiring herbalist. I seek to provide herbal remedies and safe natural body care products for people.

Check out Blessed in Homemaking for more natural products! You can also follow Alix on Facebook, Pinterest, and her blog.

Dealing with Morning Sickness

If any of you are suffering from bad morning sickness like I am, here are things I've learned to help me deal with it.

Eat small servings. Eat small meals and snack in between. It's tempting to want to eat more because you're hungry or feel okay, but it's best to wait at least 15 minutes to see if the food stays down or fills you up. Don't go too long without eating either; that makes nausea worse.

Skip "sick foods." Eat real food instead: the nutrients and fiber will actually make you feel better. However, stay away from greasy, spicy, and sugary foods. Try produce low in acidity, like bananas and avocados.

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is key to managing morning sickness. If you have a hard time drinking, like I do, try using a straw. I also found that drinking cold water first thing in the morning before eating works best for me.

Don't overwork yourself. It's tempting to want to run errands or get a lot done when you feel semi-normal. But it will only end up making you feel worse the rest of the day. Only work 1 or 2 hours and take a break. If you still feel well later, continue working. Keep your to-do list short and top-priority only. If you work outside the home, talk to your boss about taking small 5-minute breaks to eat, sit down, stretch, or get some fresh air. Overall, it will keep you more productive and using less sick days.

Get rest! Take a nap if you need it. Go to sleep as soon as you are tired. On days I don't feel well, I get Caden ready for bed early so that I can go to sleep and all Justin has to do is tuck Caden in once he's sleepy.

Some of you may have many children and feel that these tips are impossible to follow. Ask for help from friends and family. Talk to your husband about which household chores can be skipped for a while. Cut down on activities to make earlier bedtimes easier. And don't feel guilty. You can't take care of your family if you're not taking care of yourself.

Living in the Light Book Review

There are many people close to me who battle depression, and although I am not clinically depressed, I am easily discouraged and often lack motivation. So when I was presented with the opportunity to review a book about fighting depression, I said yes. I'm glad I did.

Living in the Light: How to Fight Through the Darkness of Depression and Anxiety, by Lacey A. West and Gary L Anderson, offers simple (but not necessarily easy!) and realistic solutions that apply to everyone wanting to change their thoughts and attitudes for the better. It is also a great book for those with family and friends who are depressed so they can understand depression better and learn how to help their loved ones.



Smiles
*Easy, well written read.
*Supported by lots of reputable sources, both scientific and spiritual. (Note: Although any Christian could read and gain from this book, it is written from an LDS perspective and includes LDS scripture and doctrine.)
*Invites readers to take action through specific exercises and activities.
*Offers encouragement and hope.
*Provides real-life examples, both from Lacy's life and Dr. Anderson's patients.

Frowns
*None.

Learn more about Living in the Light--due out January 8, 2013--on its official site, Facebook, and Lacey's blog. You can pre-order it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

Got baby fever? Once you’ve decided it’s time to have a baby, you need to prepare your body for pregnancy. You never know when conception will occur, so prepare immediately to ensure as healthy a pregnancy and baby as possible.



Swimming is great exercise for pregnancy.
(Swimsuit from Motherhood Maternity.)



Talk to your doctor about your medical profile. It’s important to know of conditions and medications that may complicate getting pregnant or may endanger your baby. Be sure you completely know your medical family history as well. Then see an ob/gyn (obstetrician/gynecologist) for a physical and to discuss your medical profile and pregnancy.

Take care of all important medical procedures, such as updating immunizations and going to the dentist.

Start taking prenatal vitamins. Right at conception your body will have all the vitamins and minerals it needs, especially folic acid, to grow a healthy baby. Also consider taking calcium (Baby takes a lot) and vitamin B6 for nausea.

Improve your diet and lifestyle. Eat out less, cook from scratch often, and eat healthful foods, such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of protein (nuts are a great healthy protein snack). Drink plenty of water; it helps with stretch marks too. Start exercising now if you don't already to limit unnecessary weight gain, prevent pain and injury, and ease labor.

Lose all habits dangerous to pregnancy: drinking, smoking, taking drugs, exposing yourself to environmental hazards, becoming stressed and sleep deprived, being abused, etc.

Good luck getting pregnant!

How to Save Money and Lose Weight by Going Green

photo by Michael Lorenzo

There are ways you can save money. There are ways you can lose weight. There are ways you can go green. But all three at once? Yes, you can kill three birds with one stone: go green and in the process also save money and lose weight!

1. When circumstances allow, walk or ride a bike to places that are within a couple miles, such as the library, post office, or elementary school. You will lose weight from walking or biking, save money on gas, and lessen bad chemicals in the air. You will also get to enjoy the outdoors: the sights and sounds of nature, the beautiful sun and clouds—even in the city!
2. Once a week, with family or friends, pick up trash along a busy road or highway. You will not only make the road cleaner and the soil healthier, but you will probably get a mini workout as well from all the walking, bending, and hauling. And you may be able to make some pocket change by taking cans and bottles to a recycling center.
3. Plant an organic garden. Eating fresh, clean produce will encourage you to eat healthier and thus lose more weight. Also, gardening is a great way to burn calories and include the whole family in hard labor. Plus you’ll save money by growing your own organic fruits and vegetables instead of buying highly priced ones at the store.
4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products when you clean your house. To save money, make your own eco-friendly cleaning products or use simple products like vinegar. Clean to some upbeat music for a fun and productive exercise.
5. Get your family involved in free or inexpensive outdoor activities—such as hiking, bird watching, or picnicking at a park—instead of going to the movies and consuming buttery popcorn and sugary soda. Being outdoors promotes exercise and play, saves money, and helps you appreciate nature more.

Say, "Ahhh!"

photo by Peter Skadberg

A newsletter from my health insurance reported that "tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. More than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness, reports the Office of the Surgeon General." No surprise when you think about how much sugar we let our children consume. I think changing their diet is the number one prevention because most of us already take good direct care of their teeth by brushing, rinsing, and flossing. Obviously that is not enough! Review what your children eat and make healthier choices. What we eat affects all our body parts, not just our waistline.

The Biggest Loser Family Night

My husband and I love to watch "The Biggest Loser" together. However, we have been naughty sometimes and watched it while eating Double-Stuf Oreos. Then one commercial break, Bob made me feel guilty. He said, "People admit to me that they watch the show while eating a bowl of ice cream," and then called us sinners off the couch. He showed us three different exercises to do during commercials. From then on, I decided at least not to eat junk food. Only once have we exercised while watching the show.

How about making it a family event and motivating each other to do something healthy while watching the inspiring people on "The Biggest Loser." Here are some ideas to get you (and me) started:

Snacks: If you are addicted to eating while watching TV, then eat right. Prepare beforehand a tray of cut fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts, and whole grain crackers with real cheese.

Commercials: During the breaks do a short exercise like situps, jumping jacks, or pushups. See how many you can do in one commercial break and try to do more the next one.

Episode: Copycat what the contestants are doing if possible. Many exercises and challenges are harder than they look!

Recording: Write down health and exercise tips to help you in your own weight loss goal and try them out that week.

Guessing Game: Play along when they have to guess how many calories a meal has and see who is the closest to the correct answer.

Goals: Make your own weekly health and exercise goals.

Family Competition: Involve the whole family in your own Biggest Loser competition. At the end of the season, the person who accomplished all their goals wins and gets a prize. You can decide the prize beforehand or let the winner choose.

Clean These Forgotten Germ Homes

photo by Svilen Milev

The number one way to prevent the spread of disease is washing your hands. So simple, yet so many people don't do it. Why not take it a step further and remember to clean these frequently touched items to kill germs:

1. Light switches
2. Door knobs and car door handles
3. Refrigerator and freezer handles
4. Remote controls
5. Computer keyboard and mouse
6. Landline and cell phones
7. Steering wheel and seat belts
8. Pens, pencils, scissors, etc.
9. Drawer handles (or around the edges if no handles)
10. Other buttons and knobs: washer, dryer, dishwasher, DVD player, A/C, alarm system, iPod, camera, car radio, etc.

All it takes is a quick wipe from a Lysol wipe or all-purpose cleaner and cloth, like Shaklee and Skoy.