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Issue 04/15
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Children’s Health & Lifestyle
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Editorial#advice#is#non#specific#and#readers#are#advised#to#seek#professional#advice#for#personal#problems#and#situations.#No#part#of#the#book#shall#be#copied#or# reproduced#in#any#form#or#by#any#means#without#the#written#consent#of#the#publisher.##The#opinions#expressed#by#individual#writers,#contributors,#editor,#and# advertisers#are#not#those#necessarily#of#the#publishers.# The# publishers# believe# all# information# in# this# book# is# true# and# correct# at# the# time# of# printing.# The# publisher# cannot# be# held# responsible# for# any# errors# or# omissions#relating#to#any#advertisements,#the#responsibility#is#on#the#advertisers#to#supply#correct#details.# IMPORTANT:#This#magazine#is#intended#as#a#reference#only,#not#as#a#medical#manual.##While#the#information#is#based#on#material#provided#by#researchers,#the# magazine#does#not#presume#to#give#medical#advice.#Be#sure#to#consult#your#physician#before#beginning#any#alternative#therapy#program.#
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contributors # The#Merry#Maker#sisters# Health#and#Happiness#Bloggers# Paleo#recipe#deveopers# #
Bee#Pennington# Wellness#Mentor# #
Dr#Bruce#Whittingham# Chiropractor#
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Happy Easter‌‌ Welcome to the re-launch of Raising Kids
Naturally Magazine. We have had some time off from putting the magazine together to re-discover what is was that truly inspired us to put the
magazine together in the first place. And the only answer we came up with was our children.
Is is our duty as parents to give our children the
best possible start to life. For many of us, that has a different meaning, some parents want the best
schools, some parents the best sport teams, or dance schools, but without one common factor, our children can not succeed to the best of their
abilities in any of these areas, and that is health. We want to help educate, inspire and bring the
lastest natural news, recipes, books, apps and much
more each month to families to help raise their kids naturally.
We trust you will enjoy the latest RKN magaiane and wish you and your family a Happy Easter. Yours in Health and Happiness Deb and Shana
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in the news books 8 school routine tips nannas kitchen how to get off your private island super foods – almonds feaster – the merry maker sisters made with love art and craft chemical free cleaning
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in the news
Did you know? The average heart beats 100,000 times each day ? Womans hearts tend to beat faster than mens? Studies show that people who lack humour in their lives tend to have less protective immune responses. 250,000 nerve cells are produced each minute in a developing human fetus. # #
The World Health Organization and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council recommend that babies be breastfed for four to six months before introducing solids. The benefits go beyond convenience and economy. Skin-to-skin contact is as important for bonding as it is for the baby’s psychological development. Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the risk in children of asthma and diarrhoea.
Research shows children born into farming families have lower rates of allergies than their city counterparts, who tend to live in more protected and disinfected homes. Likewise, those who grow up with pets, in large families or attending childcare, appear to have more robust natural defences. Associate Professor Mimi Tang, director of allergy #and immunology at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, says the hygiene hypothesis is considered increasingly credible in the scientific community. "It's the most popular theory on why allergies have risen so much," she says. "It explains both the rise in allergies and auto-immune disorders."#
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A study by the public health and environmental organisation NSF International identified the toothbrush holder as having the third-highest concentration of germs in the home (behind the kitchen sponge and sink).
books
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We’re so excited to share three of our favourite kid friendly, nut free paleo party favourites that will impress the kiddies, any kids at heart, as well as the parents! We don’t have kids (yet) but we sure do love them! We’re shocked by the food like products available on supermarket shelves, along with their clever marketing ploys to get the attention of kids. They are packed full of ingredients we can’t even pronounce, chemical numbers and artificial flavours. We all know that eating well is important but catering for kiddies can be hard! Some are picky, some have allergies and some ingredients are even BANNED! Like nuts! Nuts! These recipes are so super easy to make, yes, the kids can join in on the healthy cooking fun and are full of nourishing, real food ingredients! All of the recipes are nut free, gluten free, grain free and refined sugar free! With simple flavours, simple steps and nourishing ingredients… these recipes are sure to please! The Merrymaker sisters, Emma and Carla Papas
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Clocks!become!a!useful!device!once!the!kids! reach!school!age.!Explaining!time,!routines!&! # showing!the!children!how!to!read!the!time!will! give!your!kids!the!power!to!keep!themselves! organised.!
Labels, names and #
ownership
Label!all!your!child’s!belongings! including!the!library!bag!and!especially! the!school!hat.!
Time skills
08 Healthy lunch boxes Plan!ahead!!It!takes!time!to!find!healthy,! nutrious!lunch!box!ideas!the!kids!will! love.!!Its!all!about!balance!and!creativity.!
Clever!mums!know!that!a!morning!routine! that!works!is!the!key!to!starting!the!day! happy,!prepared!and!ready!to!leave!the! house!with!a!smile.! #
Plan the day ahead
A!healthy!nutritious!breakfast!not!only!puts! kids!in!the!right!mood!for!learning,!but!blesses! mothers!with!a!righteous!feeling!of!success! that!they!managed!to!have!their!children!eat! well!at!the!right!time!of!day.!
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Healthy breakfast
Create a laundry routine School!brings!new!laundry! management!routines!to!stop!dirty! clothes!baskets!exploding!before!you! get!the!chance!to!wash!all!those! stained!uniforms!and!dirty!socks.#
School routine Tips
A!busy!school!year!means!less!time!washing! the!floors!and!tidying!so!you!can!spend!time! where!it!really!counts!Fhomework!help,! reading!the!reader!or!sorting!out!the!sports! gear.! .# Organise housework #
Homework routine Learning!always!starts!at!home!and!your!child's!mood! affects!how!well!he!learns.!A!positive!outlook!is!the!best! thing!you!can!inspire!in!your!children!to!keep!them! performing!well!at!school!and!willing!to!tackle!their! homework.! #
nanna’s kitchen
LEMON MERINGUE CUPCAKES #
Gluten free Cup cakes 100g butter, softened 1 cup (200g) caster sugar 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups (225g) gluten free self-raising flour 1/2 cup (125ml) milk Lemon curd 1 egg, lightly whisked 50g butter 2 teaspoons lemon rind 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice 1/2 cup (100g) caster sugar Meringue 3 eggwhites 3/4 cup (155g) caster sugarA dd to my Shopping List Preheat oven to 180째C. Line twelve 1/3-cup (80ml) muffin pans with paper cases. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar and lemon rind until pale and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Add the flour and milk, in alternate batches, and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Spoon mixture evenly among the lined pans and smooth the surface. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, to make the lemon curd, combine the egg, butter, lemon rind and juice and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Strain through a fine sieve into a clean bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to cool and thicken. Use a small knife to cut a V-shaped piece out of the top of each cake, about 1.5cm deep, leaving a 2cm-wide edge. Spoon the lemon curd evenly among cupcakes. Place eggwhites in a clean, dry bowl. Use an electric mixer to whisk until firm peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating well between each addition. Continue beating for 2-3 minutes or until sugar completely dissolves. Spoon meringue on top of each cake, using a round-bladed knife to shape in peaks over the cake and enclosing the filling. Use a small brulee gun to grill the meringue until lightly golden. Alternatively, transfer cupcakes to an oven tray; place under a preheated grill until lightly golden.
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kids heart health
Berries blackerries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are low in calories and high in soluble fibre which lowers blood cholestrol levels and free radical fighting antioxidants.
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Avocados, flax seeds and chia seeds, salmon high in omega 3 fatty acids and decrease infrlammation and lower saturated trigyceide levels.
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Spinach, kale, chard, lowers levels of certain enzymes in the body that contribute to heart disease.
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How to get off your private island#
Words by Bee Pennington Wellness Mentor and author
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# remember how I felt getting ready for my first Mother’s Group session. I was excited and just a little bit nervous. I was officially the heaviest I’d ever been and thanks to my breastfeeding–induced ravenous hunger, that weight wasn’t going anywhere soon. I was tired, wired and didn’t feel so great in my skin, but was curious about the support this group could bring. Luckily my mum’s group was a fabulous group of mothering newbies and pretty soon we were enjoying the tales of ‘Josh the projectile vomiter’ and ‘Chloe the all night sleeper’. I’ll be the first to admit that my sharing was possibly ‘too much too soon’ and retrospectively I’d like to say it was the lack of sleep that saw me sharing my own shocking recount of the ‘post-birth vagina’. I am from time to time, still reminded of that moment of R-rated premature sharing. #
# But do you know what I honestly think? I think who cares! I think, if no one shares their experiences then others will think they’re the only ones experiencing x, y or z. Where has the openness gone? I think my mum says it best when she says it’s like we are all on our own private islands. We have our own experiences. We don’t tell anyone about it when the poop hits the fan or something is amiss and as a result we are often alone in this sea of people. When mum (sorry Mum, but we’re getting off the island together) started going through menopause she was shocked by how little she knew, and yet many of her closest friends (and of course her mum) had already been through menopause. It’s more than a hot flush, love, when the walls inside your lady bits thin out and sex becomes painful. It’s bloody uncomfortable when you no longer produce enough love juice ‘down there’ and I believe that muscle degeneration and body shape changes can have you feeling in a downright pickle. #
In my holistic health practice I coach women how to regain their best, most outrageously awesome health and many of them are having similar conversations with me, disclosing concerns that they feel they are the only person having. But I wonder if we all took a boat-ride off our private islands and started really communicating to our own posse, might it all seem a little less daunting? If you realise that other people go through the same things, that you actually won’t be embarrassed because there is safety in numbers and I promise you, you are not alone. # For the sake of balance, let’s look at the risks of sharing. 1 Judgement. Ever fearful of the casting eyes of perfection (thanks media advertising), many women have such unrealistic expectations of how they should look, feel and behave. Don’t judge me!!!! 2 People will know too much about your private details. What if you disclose something really personal and in the future your mate ‘accidentally’ mentions it at a dinner party 3 Embarrassment. Some things are just straight up and down embarrassing and should not be shared, many think. # But what if we do all share? What if, for the first time in a long time, we actually caught up with our mates (and don’t go island skipping here ladies, there is value in choosing who you share with) and told them, “I think I’m depressed”, “I’m so tired I don’t know what day it is”, “I just found the best gyno in town”, “I get a lot of gas during my period” and so on. Sure you may feel vulnerable and there is the real chance that your island buddy might need some warming up to the concept of sharing, but trust me when I say doors will open. You will reopen the doors to the huts in your village. You may just experience empathy, compassion, understanding and a whopping amount of “me too!” (just when you thought you were all alone!). #
Or how about instead of grabbing that lifeboat and jumping off those solitary private islands, perhaps we can make them awesome places to be where they are filled with clear and open communication and we don’t need to get off them at all. They can be like little power islands where everyone is welcome and judgement doesn’t inhabit it. Imagine creating an island for your child so # # that when they grow and the time comes, # # you can tell them how wonderful their periods will be. Imagine how ‘not embarrassing’ it will be because your children know that on this island we share and trust. They will not be the only one to ever have a period or an erection or be dumped by a boy or need to get a bra.
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Choose your island buddies wisely and go forth and share, lovelies. I’m glad I told the vagina tales, because I promise you it made at least half of the room feel a lot better about themselves, even if they weren’t ready to say it.
Wellness Mentor and author www.wellnessmentor.com.au!
chemical free beauty #
1 cup ground coffee 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4-1/2 almond oil 1/4 tsp vitamin e oil 10 drops orange essential oil (optional) Combine ingredients in a small bowl. To use wet skin and use a small scoop to apply scrub to skin. Gently rub coffee scrub in circles to help remove dry skin#
KEEP KIDS SAFE
ON OUR STREETS A REFLECTOR IS A HIGH VISIBILITY HANGER. IT EFFECTIVELY REFLECTS LIGHT FROM ONCOMING CARS. A USER CAN BE SEEN AT UP TO 400 METERS IN DARKNESS. EASY TO ATTACH ON CLOTHING, SCHOOLBAGS, PRAMS, BIKES ETC. COMES IN MANY COOL SHAPES AND FUNKY COLOURS THAT KIDS LOVE TO WEAR. FIND REFLECTORS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES AT:
www.ausflec.com.au #
Super foods
Did you know? • Almonds are actually stone fruits related to cherries, plums and peaches. • 2.51 million tons of almonds were produced in 2010 according to Food and Agriculture Organization. • United States is the largest producer of almonds. Unfortunately, it also demands that almonds are pasteurized or irradiated. Read more at: The Killing of California Almonds • From ancient Egypt to modern times, almonds have always been a popular ingredient in lotions and potions. #
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Almonds
# Do you know how beneficial almonds are for your health? 9 Health Benefits of Almonds: 1. They reduce heart attack risk.!Those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in risk of heart attack according to the Loma Linda School of Public Health. 2. They lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.!Almonds added to the diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels, according to a clinical study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Director of the Health Research and Studies Center, Inc. 3. They protects artery walls from damage.!It was found that the flavonoids in almond skins work in synergy with the vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of heart disease (Research at Tufts University). 4. Almonds help build strong bones and teeth.!The phosphorus in almonds helps make this possible. 5. They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss: • Although nuts are high in fat, frequent nut eaters are thinner on average than those who almost never consume nuts. (Data from the Nurses’ Health Study) • Those who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31 percent less likely to gain weight than were those who never or seldom ate them in a study involving 8865 adults. (WHFood’s article on almonds) 6. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals. 7. They help provide good brain function. !Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that boost brain activity and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 8. They nourish the nervous system.!According to Ayurveda, almonds help increase high intellectual level and longevity. 9. They alkalize the body.!Almonds are the only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline forming. When your body is not alkaline enough, you risk osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy and weight gain. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-health-benefits-of-almonds-king-ofnuts.html#ixzz3WTz7zINU
almond meal, protein (if using), salt, vanilla and cacao powder aCHICKEN##
CHICKEN NUGGETS # serves: 16 nuggets
the merrymaker sisters# prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 15 minutes
stuff you need‌ 1 full chicken breast, cut into nugget sized cubes 1/2 cup almond meal 2 tbs. coconut flour 2 eggs whisked 2 tbs. sesame seeds 2 tbs. poppy seeds coconut oil spray now what‌ Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper. Use 3 separate bowls to prepare the batter. 1 bowl for the coconut flour, another for the whisked eggs and in number 3, combine almond meal, sesame and poppy seeds. Coat each chicken piece in coconut flour, followed by egg and finally coat in the seed mixture. Place the nuggets onto the prepared baking tray. Once all the chicken pieces are coated, spray them lightly with coconut oil. Place into the oven for 10 minutes, or until cooked through. To make these nuggets golden brown, place under a hot grill for an extra 5 minutes. #
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4 INGREDIENTS SIMPLE AS
DATE BITES the merrymaker sisters# #
A great recipe to make with the kids! makes: 30 bites prep time: 10 minutes make time: 10 minutes
stuff you need… 400g pitted dates (soaked in boiling water for at least 10 minutes) 300g unsweetened desiccated coconut 60g coconut oil melted 1 tsp. 100% vanilla extract now what… Place the coconut in to a large bowl, leave this for now. Drain the dates and place in to a food processor along with the coconut oil and vanilla. Whiz until a smooth paste forms. Transfer the paste in to the large bowl with the coconut and mix until well combined (you’ll need to get your hands dirty!). Roll spoonfuls of mixture into bite sized balls and roll in extra coconut. Continue until all of the mixture is used. Refrigerate for around 30 minutes before serving. Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
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PALEO LOLLIES the merrymaker sisters# # #
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makes: 15-20 lollies prep time: 10 minutes
make time: 30 minutes
stuff you need… 1/3 cup fresh fruit or vegetable juice strained – we used orange juice and for the pink lollies a mix of apple, raspberry and a dash of beetroot juice for colour! 1 1/2 tbs. powdered gelatin 2-3 tbs honey (to taste) now what… In a small sauce pan combine the juice and honey.! Sprinkle over the gelatin and mix together.! Allow to stand for 5 minutes (it will go jelly like, it’s like a science experiment almost!).! Place the sauce pan on to medium heat and continuously stir for 5 minutes until smooth.! Carefully fill silicon molds or ice cube trays with the lolly mix.! Place in to the freezer for 20 minutes or until set.! Pop out the paleo lollies and enjoy!! #
Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for around 1 week.
made with love
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Vanilla latte soap 13 cubes of Goats Milk Soap Base 1/4 cup brewed coffee coffee grounds vanilla essential oil soap mold 1. Brew one cup of coffee; set aside coffee grounds. 2. Cut soap into cubes and place in a double boiler or microwave in 30 second intervals 3. Melt soap over low-medium heat. 4. Once soap cubes turn liquid add a few drops of vanilla essential oil. Slowly add in 1/4 cup of coffee and coffee grounds; stir well. 5. Pour into soap molds and allow to harden for at least one hour. Press mold to release soap. #
Lemon Soap 1 1/2 cups Goats Milk Soap Base or Shea Butter Soap Base, cubed4-6 drops Lemon Essential Oil Dried Lemon zest of 3-4 lemons 1. Cut soap into cubes and microwave in 30 second intervals This recipe makes 3 bars of soap and uses about 15 cubes of goat’s milk soap base. 2. Melt soap for about a minute. Add another 15-30 seconds if it’s not completely melted. 3. Once soap cubes have liquified add a few drops of the lemon essential oil and the lemon zest; stir well. 4. Pour into soap molds and allow to harden for at least one hour. Press mold # to release soap. #
Easter Art # # #
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M ost of us know how to dye eggs but what about if this year we think out of the box and try something different. These Easter Egg Ideas are dye free. These No Dye Easter Egg Ideas are super adorable and unique. # #
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chemical free cleaning
Store in airtight container. #
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Bathroom cleaner # # # # # # # #
3 dozen eggshells to make about 3/4 cup of calcium powder! 1/2 cup baking soda! 15-20 drops of your favorite pure essential oil – Citrus works well Rinse the eggshells well with plain tap water. Meanwhile, place 10 litres of water in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then carefully lower the eggshells into the water and let them cook for 10-12 minutes. Remove the shells carefully and set them upside down on a baking sheet. Let them air dry for 8-12 hours, then place them in a 120° degree oven until they are completely bone dry, about 10 minutes. Working in batches, place the shells in a blender or food processor and process until they are completely powdered. Toss the finished calcium powder with the baking soda and essential oils and mix until the oils are well-distributed and no clumps exist. Spoon into medium sized Mason jars, then lay a piece of plastic wire mesh over the mouth. Screw on the regular lid to fit very tightly and store in a cool, dark place. To use, merely remove the lid and rescrew on the ring to create a shaker. # #
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