Natural Cures For Morning Sickness

Eat or drink ginger~Raw ginger, ginger tea, ginger ale, or even ginger lozenges will help cure morning sickness.

Keep snacks by your bed~Many times morning sickness is caused by having an empty tummy. As soon as you wake up or before you fall asleep, snack on something to alleviate the nausea.

Eat something salty~Eating something salty before a meal may help settle your tummy and may give you the ability to eat more when you didn't have an appetite to begin with.

Peppermint~Peppermint aromatherapy, peppermint lifesavers, or drinking a cup of peppermint tea can help settle your stomach. One idea is to put a drop or two of peppermint essential oils on a handkerchief and carry it in your purse or pocket. That way, you will have it readily on hand when you start feeling nauseous.

Sea bands~Sea bands are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists. They put a bit of pressure on the pericardium 6 acupressure point, which according to Chinese medicine will relieve morning sickness and even nausea in general.

Increase your Vitamin B6~There is evidence that taking extra vitamin B6 helps to cure morning sickness. You should check with your doctor though before taking extra B6 along with your prenatal vitamin, because you can have numbness and nerve damage if you take too much and it may not be totally safe for the baby in too large of doses. Your doctor can tell you how much to safely take to help cure your morning sickness.

Eat several small meals throughout the day~Eating many small meals throughout the day will ensure that your stomach does not become empty which leads to morning sickness.

Homemade Diaper Rash Cream

Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil with 1/2 oz. grated beeswax. You can also use shortening or almond oil in place of the olive oil if you choose. Using a double boiler, melt the oil and wax together until it has the consistency of petroleum jelly, stirring frequently. Puncture a vitamin E capsule, and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Transfer the mixture to a small jar, and cool to room temperature. Stir it until it has a creamy consistency.

To apply, spread a generous amount of the cream onto the rash-affected area. Never apply cream to wet or dirty skin, the oils in the cream form a barrier that traps moisture against the skin. Always keep a baby's skin clean, dry and well-moisturized. Store the homemade cream at room temperature.

Quick Snack Fix!

Don't have time for breakfast? Try a breakfast bar, granola bar, or whole wheat peanut butter crackers. The fiber will keep you full until lunch.

Have a sweet tooth? Try trail mix. The high protein nuts and fiber rich fruit will be satisfying and even a brand with chocolate chips is healthier than a candy bar.

Something salty? Whole wheat pretzels or baked gold fish crackers. Both have minimal saturated fat and cholesterol.

Need something to hold you over until dinner? Peanuts. The protein will give you lasting energy and they provide monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart!

Homemade Baby Wipes

Baby Wipes Recipe #1:
•2 TBSP Baby Wash (choose a natural wash!)
•2 TBSP Olive Oil
•2 Cups water
Mix well in a spray bottle or your wipes box. Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box.

Baby Wipes Recipe #2:
•2 TBSP Baby Wash
•2 TBSP Olive Oil or 1 TBSP Calendula Oil
•2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
•2 Cups Water
Mix well in a spray bottle or your wipes box. Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box. Tea Tree Oil has lovely disinfectant properties along with its wonderful, clean smell.

Aloe Vera Recipe:
•1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
•2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
•2 Cups Hot Water
Stir or shake until this recipe is well mixed. Don't use until the mixture cools. Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box.

Vitamin E and Essential Oils Recipe:
•2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
•2 Drops Lavender Oil (Please be sure to use only pure essential oils - don't use synthetic oils.)
•2 Drops Chamomile Oil
•2 Cups Water
•1 Vitamin E Cap
Cut open vitamin E caplet and squeeze into the water, and add essential oil drops. Mix well in a spray bottle or your wipes box. Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box.

Calling all Blogger Moms!

Looking for ALL blogger moms to send me your blog so I can list you in my blog directory! Mom's supporting mom's in our blogger world by sharing tips, ideas, advice, and friendships. So email me at pinkandblueavenue@gmail.com to be listed. Looking forward to seeing your blogs!

Send A Smile

Before the busy holiday season begins, take time to think about those that are less fortunate. Operation Christmas Child delivers shoe boxes packed with small toys to hundreds of thousands of children suffering from natural disasters, war, diseases, or poverty around the world. Wrap a shoe box (lid separately), fill it with gifts, include a $7 donation for shipping, and drop it off at a center near you. Collection week is November 16Th-23rd. For more information visit Samaritan's Purse.

More Natural Remedies for Your Little Ones...

The AAP says that kids under age 6 shouldn't be given cold medications, so try these natural remedies to help your child feel better:

Bath or Shower~ The steam from the bath or shower will help loosen a stuffy nose. Use caution while taking a shower with your child.

Humidifiers~ Not only does the humidifier ease cold symptoms, they will also help keep your child healthy! Research has found that flu viruses survive best when the air is low in humidity.

Honey~ A study at Penn State College found that honey is more effective than cough medicine for treating kids with a cough. Never give honey to babies under age 1.

Saline~ Nasal sprays or drops made from a salt-water solution help thin mucus so it drains. Doctors advise nasal washing with a special squirt bottle.

Tender Tissues~ Stock up on tissues that are infused with lotion. They will help minimize the sore skin that comes with frequent blowing.

Try to stay healthy this season! Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize!

The Power of a Banana

Never underestimate the power of a banana! Here are a list of banana facts that may surprise you!

Bananas contain 3 different sugars~ sucrose, glucose, and fructose combined with fiber. Research has proven that only 2 bananas can give you a substantial amount of energy to give you a 90 minute work out. That's not all! Bananas help with the following:

Depression~ After a survey taken by MIND, many felt better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS~ Forget those over the counter pills, bananas contain enough B6 to regulate the blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood!

Anemia~ Bananas are high in iron and can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood which helps in some cases with Anemia.

Blood Pressure~The banana is high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. The US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power~Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation~High in fiber, including bananas in your diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers~One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn~Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning sickness~Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites~Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves~Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Ulcers~The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Warts~Kill off a wart by taking a piece of banana skin and placing it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape.

Strokes~According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Stress~Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

One last thing, never put bananas in the refrigerator!

Crayola Creations

You can now upload your digital photos on the Crayola website and print them out for your kids to color! Try it for free anytime, but you need a code which is in specially marked boxes of crayons ($5 for a box of 48) to print your pictures. Psst, all Parents readers, you can print free for 24 hours using the code in your October issue page 27.

Free Pure & Natural Huggies Sample

Receive 3 free samples of Pure & Natural Huggies Diapers. Newborn and Size 1 only. Get your free samples here!

Make Your Own Baby Food!

Here are some delicious baby food recipes that I found to be tasteful and healthy for our little ones. The vegetables end up being a lot cheaper than the pricey pre-made puree's that aren't as fresh.

Apple and Cabbage Baby Food:
1 Golden delicious apple peeled and grated
1 Cup of finely shredded red cabbage
1/4 Cup of water
2 tablespoons of golden raisins

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Puree in food processor or blender until smooth.

Asparagus and Broccoli Baby Food:
1 cup cut asparagus pieces
1 cup small broccoli florets
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook asparagus and broccoli in boiling water until tender; drain. Place garlic and oil together in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Curry Pea Baby Food:
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas, cooked and drained
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon curry powder

Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Beans, Collards, and Rice Baby Food:
1 cup frozen collard greens, cooked
1 cup frozen or fresh green beans, cooked
3/4 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 cup water

Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Spicy Sweet Potato Baby Food:
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
1/8 teaspoon cumin

Cook sweet potato in boiling water until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and place in food processor or blender. Microwave butter and spices together for 45 seconds. Add to sweet-potato mixture and puree until smooth.

Green Pea Delight Baby Food:
1 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup water

Combine peas with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, and cook for 6 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then puree until smooth.

Apples and Peaches Baby Food:
1 Golden Delicious apple
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
1 cup frozen peaches (defrosted)
2 teaspoons water

Peel, core, and dice the apple, combine with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan, then bring to a boil over high heat; cook for 5 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then puree mixture until smooth. While apple is cooling, combine peaches and remaining 2 tablespoons water in a blender. Puree until smooth. Stir apples and peaches together and serve.

Sweet Potato Surprise Baby Food:
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 cup water

Combine sweet potato with water in a saucepan, then bring to a boil over high heat; cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Let cool for 10 minutes, then puree in a blender until smooth.

Peach and Pear Baby Food:
1 small pear, cored, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup frozen peaches slices defrosted

Place pear and peach slices in a blender, puree together until smooth. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, if necessary.

BabyGanics Mess Maker Contest

Think you have the messiest little one out there? Go to BabyGanics to upload your picture to prove it! If you're chosen, you could win a BabyGanics Essentials Kit.

Plus, if you received October's issue of Parenting, the early years then you will get a coupon for $1 off any BabyGanics product of $4.99 or more from Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us.

Mom's Deserve Pampering too!

Has the weather left your face dry and looking dull? Try this home made recipe that you can whip up straight from your cupboards!

Exfoliating Mask~
Make a paste of two tablespoons of brown sugar, one tablespoon of olive oil, and two teaspoons of matcha (powdered green tea, which you can find in your local grocery store's exotic foods aisle). Gently rub the paste all over your face for 30 seconds before rinsing. The matcha and olive oil soothe the skin, while the brown sugar buffs away the flakes.

Don't put this off because you have this and that to do. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Relax, live simply, and relieve that stress!

Useful Tips for Peaceful Nights

There are 2 ways to get your baby sleeping thru the night. 1. The Cry-to-sleep solution or 2. The No-cry-to-sleep solution. My son was waking up frequently thru the night so I found 2 different books that I recommend everyone to read. "On Becoming Baby Wise" by Gary Ezzo and Roberty Bucknam is a book that I think would work well if your willing to let your child cry himself to sleep. The book I followed is called "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley which is where you soothe your baby to sleep. Both books provide a great source of information. Here are helpful hints to help your baby sleep peacefully thru the night:

~Establish a firm night routine that happens at the same time every night (Typically an hour before your child goes to sleep). This will involve dinner, a bath (you don't have to use soap every night, as it could dry out your baby's skin), a massage with organic lotion, putting on comfy pajamas, a bedtime story, a prayer, lights out, rocking, nursing, soothing, sleep. This will help provide security and send a message to your child's brain that bedtime is approaching.

~Avoid stimulating activies before bed such as watching TV, playing with toys, or rough housing.

~Avoid stimulants such as caffiene, sugar, soda, candy, desserts, etc.

~Use a dim lamp or a night light for your child's room if they are afraid of the dark.

~Make use of gentle natural remedies to promote healthy sleep habits and night time harmony for your child.

Got Rash?

Diaper rash that is....
Change your baby frequently but they still develop that painful looking diaper rash? Rashes are caused by diapers that fit too snug, irritation from diarrhea, or chemicals that are added to certain diapers and wipes. Luckily it's fall, rashes are minimal when the weather is cooler and more frequent when it's warmer out. Petroleum jelly or zinc oxide provide a layer of protection that helps clear the area because it shields your baby's skin from moisture. Be sure to dab it on the affected area rather than rub it in. Let your baby's bottom air dry after each changing, use a wet washcloth for those sensitive little bottoms rather than wipes, or try natural or cloth diapers.

Juice Tip!

If your child doesn't finish their juice before it expires, pour the leftovers in an ice-cube tray. After frozen, pop them out and put them in a freezer bag to store. When your ready to serve, put one into a cup of water, serve as juice OR just give to your child as a healthy popsicle snack.

Screen Smart

I have been curious to know if my 7 month old knew what we watch on the television whether it had bad language or adult content. Do I take him out of the room? Do I only watch adult programming when he's napping? So I did some research and came across an interesting article about children watching TV at such a young age. From the Center on Media and Child Health at Children's Hospital Boston, the more kids that are exposed to programs intended for adults, the more likely they are to become sexually active at an earlier age. For every hour of adult content that children between the ages 6 and 8 watched over a 2 day period, their chances of having sex at a young age increased by 33 percent. Be careful with what you expose them to, they are smarter than we think!

Interesting facts I thought I would pass along!

For all you creative moms!

Win an easy $500 by crafting a creative Halloween costume for your little one! Show off your creativity by competing in this costume making contest against other creative moms. For more information, visit Parenting Magazine online. You could win a $500 gift card to Michael's arts and crafts!

Natural Remedies for Children

Sore Throat
Lemon juice dries up congestion while honey soothes the throat. Mix one tablespoon of each, microwave until warm and have your child swallow the mixture one teaspoon at a time. Note: Honey is not safe for infants under 1.

Colic
Steep chamomile tea for 4-5 minutes, let it cool to room temperature, and then put 1-2 ounces in a bottle. Do not give your baby more than 4 ounces a day so there is room in their belly for breast milk/formula. This will relax their intestinal muscles and calm them down.

Nosebleeds
Cayenne pepper helps clot the blood and has been medicinally used in cultures around the world. Keep your child's head upright and pinch their nostrils together for several minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of ground Cayenne pepper on a cotton swab and dab inside the nose where the nose is bleeding.

Bug Bites
Baking soda relieves and soothes bug bites better than products with harsh chemicals. The baking soda helps counteract the acidic swelling. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste, smear the paste on the bites, and let dry.

Warts
Place a small piece of duct tape over your child's wart. The gray fabric tape seems to irritate the wart and inhibits growth. Change the tape whenever it gets icky and the wart should disappear within a month.

Anxiety
Breathing long, deep breaths relieves anxiety and stress so try having your child blow thru a bubble wand. See the joy on your child's face while blowing bubbles and at the same time relieve anxiety by taking deep breaths and blowing slow.

Headaches
Wrapping ice in a washcloth and placing it on your child's head is just not practical since they wiggle around. Try wrapping the ice in a towel and tie it securely using a bandanna instead.

Tummy or neck pain
Make a heat wrap by filling one of your socks with uncooked rice and placing in the microwave for one minute or until warm, place it wherever your child has pain. Reheat when it cools.

Swimmers Ear
For mild cases you can evaporate the water trapped in your ear by standing a foot away from your child and aiming the blow dryer toward your child's ear on the warm setting. For extreme cases, the Dr. will have to prescribe antibiotics.

Congestion
For a child over 6 months, fill a bulb syringe with preservative free saline solution, raise your child's head and gently squeeze solution into one nostril at a time. A recent study showed that using a seawater solution helped kids get over colds quicker.

Car Sickness
For children 2 and older add a teaspoon of fresh ginger to four ounces of boiling water and let it steep for 4-5 minutes, add a bit of honey for taste. After it has cooled have your child drink it 30 minutes before the car ride.

Mild Swelling
Cool cucumber slices help soothe hot, swollen skin. Place a slice anywhere your child has swelling and keep replacing after each slice gets warm.

Bee Sting
If your child gets stung by a bee, you will want to gently remove the stinger before venom spreads. To avoid squeezing the stinger simply grab a credit card and scrape across the area until the stinger comes out.

Indigestion
For children 4 or older, have your child chew a stick of gum if they are complaining they are too full. The extra saliva they produce will neutralize the problematic excess stomach acid.

Remember, what goes on your baby, goes in your baby. Stay healthy, stay clean, and keep it green!

This information was researched and found on www.parents.com. All content is for informational purposes only. Always seek directional advice from your pediatrician in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your or your child's health.

"Netflix", for Childrens Books

My family enjoys using Netflix for many different genre's of movies. I recently found out that excitebooks.com is similar to Netflix only they send age-appropriate books to your mailbox each month for your children. The best part about it? Keep whatever you want, and use the prepaid envelopes to mail your recycled books to a library in need. $5 for one, $10 for two, and $15 for three. Check out excitebooks.com today!

Nature-Friendly Diapers

Disposable diapers are so easy and convenient to use, however they do damage to our environment. Cloth is inconvenient because you have to do the dirty work by scrubbing them and washing them daily. So why not try gDiapers? gDiapers are an Eco-friendly and easy to use diaper that satisfies everyone! The outer pant is machine washable while the plastic-free, super absorbant insert is flushable! Get your starter kit of two pants and ten inserts for only $27 at gDiapers today.

Click and enter to win!

Click here and enter to win one of 2 $50,000 college scholarships for you, your child, or anyone you choose! The deadline is 9/7/09 so enter now!

The Importance of Iodine

Does your prenatal vitamin contain Iodine? Hope so! If you're pregnant or nursing make sure your prenatal vitamin contains at least 150 mcg of iodine. Research shows that fetuses and babies need iodine to produce thyroid hormone. Deficiency in iodine could cause mental retardation. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for pregnant women is 220mcg and nursing moms is 290mcg. Only 51% of prenatal vitamins contain iodine so check those labels mommies!

Parenting Privileges

Parenting Privileges is an easy rewards program that earns you 20% in cash back rewards at over 100 of your favorite online retailers. You have to be a Parenting subscriber in order to take advantage of this free offer, however if you're not a member, you will get a 90 day free trial. Sign up here for a yearly subscription for only $1 an issue.