The Wise Mom, December 2011

thewisemom

wise: (adj) informed, aware

Does The Santa Legend Endanger Trust?

Happenstance Volunteering hits The Right Holiday Note

living Simply in The New Year

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

Š The Wise Mom, Holistic Moms Network. Issue 7, December 2011.

thewisemom 4

From the Editor

6

News & Announcements

8

Give Green and Healthy This Year!

10 Does the Santa Legend Endanger Trust?

12 Simplify This Holiday Season 14 Happenstance Volunteering Hits the

Right Holiday Note 16 Eco-Friendly Bird Feeder Recipe 18 Volunteer Profile 22 The Trials and Tribulations of Navigating

Public Restrooms with Children 24 Cooking for the Hoidays 28 Enjoy a Stress Free Holiday with

Flower Remedies 30 Pinecone Wreath Project 32 Simple Winter Decorating 34 One Mom’s Take on Toys 36 Bath Bomb’s Tutorial 38 Member Profile 40 Green Christmas Down Under 42 Chapter Profile 44 Live Simply in the New Year

2

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

thewisemom EDITOR

SPONSORS

Aimee Wood

For more information about Sponsorship, please e-mail us at sponsorship@holisticmoms.org or call us at 877-HOL-MOMS.

DESIGN/LAYOUT Emma Catarino

CIRCULATION The Wise Mom is published four times per year and is

HMN DIRECTOR

distributed electronically to members of the Holistic Moms

Nancy Massotto

Network. For information about membership, please visit us at www.holisticmoms.org.

The Wise Mom is a quarterly publication of the Holistic Moms Network (HMN), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit

SUBMISSIONS

organization for parents interested in holistic health and

Interested in writing for The Wise Mom? We look for a

green living. The Wise Mom is the voice of the members

variety of submissions, from personal stories and

of the Holistic Moms Network as well as an informative

experiences from members to informative research articles

publication offering views, perspectives, and wisdom from

based upon our issue theme each quarter. Want to share

our parents, wellness practitioners, and experts in the

your photos with us? By submitting a photo to The Wise

broad field of holistic living and parenting.

Mom, you agree that you have the right to distribute the image and maintain that all people depicted agree to have

The information provided in The Wise Mom is not intended

their image published.

to replace professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. The

Email wisemom@holisticmoms.org for details on

articles and information presented in these pages

submitting articles or photos for an upcoming issue.

is intended as a sharing of knowledge, information, and experiences. We encourage all of our readers to become

Š The Wise Mom, Holistic Moms Network. Issue 7, December 2011.

informed about the many healthcare and parenting decisions they may face and to make the choice that works best for their unique family.

The Wise Mom is a publication of the Holistic Moms Network and supports the mission and purpose of our non-profit organization.

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

Nancy Massotto Executive Director

3

editorsnote Green and Eco-friendly Holidays.

Does that seem like an oxymoron to you? In the average household think of all the plastic toys, the wrapping paper, and packaging. Visions of cluttered corners fill my mind. Now, imagine our landfills. According to the EPA, Americans throw away one million tons of waste from Thanksgiving to New Years. Our trash increases 25%! Egads. To me that’s appalling and we can and should do better.

This issue is an impetus for you to think about changing things up this holiday season. Imagine the impact it would have if we all did just one thing. Perhaps we forgo buying plastic decorations and use nature instead. Maybe we don’t use wrapping paper? Could we par down the number of gifts we give and instead give the gift of time? These are just some examples. This issue is a great inspiration.

I look forward to hearing what you will do to green your holiday. Write to me at: wisemom@holisticmoms.org and tell me about it.

Enjoy the simple pleasures this holiday season!

Sincerely, Aimee K. Wood PS: If you are a writer, contact me for guidelines. Our spring issue has a deadline of 2/15/12.

4

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

news&announcements Welcome New HMN Sponsors!

Our National Sponsorship Community continues to grow! We are excited to partner with companies and organizations who share our mission and purpose and to connect our members with these amazing Sponsors and their visions!

Here at Holistic Moms we have many members for whom holistic living has become such a great passion that they have changed their career path and pursued a new field of study or work based upon their interest in natural living.

Whether you would like a career change or just want to learn more about holistic health, the Centre for Homeopathic Education (CHE) in New York has much to offer! The Centre for Homeopathic Education New York is the new wing of the hugely successful Centre for Homeopathic Education in London. CHE’s goal is to train the homeopaths of the 21st Century to heal their families, friends and communities without side effects and suppression. They currently offer a Beginner’s Course and a part-time 4-year course perfect for parents and professionals, and are planning specialty courses for the near future. You can learn more about CHE at http://www.newyorkhomeopathycollege.com.

Many people argue that living healthy and living green is hard to do on a budget. But it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to new HMN Sponsor Frontier Natural Products Co-Op, thousands of cooperative groups are buying organic foods and products at wholesale prices. HMN has teamed up with Frontier to help build buying clubs through our local Holistic Moms Chapters and bring the benefits of cooperative purchasing to you! With over 10,000 products spanning 270+ brands, Frontier’s goal is to provide consumers with the highest-quality organic and natural products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit Frontier’s website at www.frontiercoop.com or contact your HMN Chapter Leader to get a Co-Op going in your community!

Have food allergies? Want to try living gluten-free? It’s easy –and delicious – thanks to gluten-free industry leader Pamela’s Products! Since 1988, Pamela’s Products has created a new standard in wheat-free and gluten-free food.

They’ve combined the finest, high quality ingredients for superior taste and texture to make gluten-free living simple, healthy, and delicious! Pamela’s Products can be found in natural food and grocery stores throughout North America and on the web at www.pamelasproducts.com. Their website is also host to amazing gluten-free recipes for every meal or snack under the sun!

6

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

New Chapters Forming!

HMN continues to grow! We have had several new Chapters kick off since our last issue of The Wise Mom, including our new Greater Derry Area, NH; Grand Rapids, MI; Morgan Hill, CA; North County Coastal San Diego Chapter and Tri-City, CA Chapters! New Chapters are already slated for 2012 kick-offs, including communities now forming in Ann Arbor, MI; Eastern Suffolk County, NY; and New London County, CT. Don’t have a local Holistic Moms Chapter? Get one started – we’ll guide you, provide you with resources and materials, and help make it a success. Click here.

This year we were proud to kick off our first ever Holistic Living Month! We celebrated holistic living all month long with our annual Natural Living Conference, special Twitter Parties, a webinar, Facebook chat, and loads of great prizes. Two winners (one from our Conference and another from our Nationwide Open House) were thrilled to win Organic Milk and Gluten-Free Cookies for a year! Plus, our Online Auction was a great success and we thank everyone for participating in all the fun. We look forward to making Holistic Living Month an annual event and welcome your ideas and input!

What Does HMN Mean to You?

Being part of a community is powerful.

It can hold you up in difficult times, inspire you to make positive changes, or simply provide you with the knowledge that you are not alone.

How has Holistic Moms impacted your life? We want to hear your story!

Grab your WebCam, smart phone, or Flip and tell us! We’re adding member stories to our website – stories from real members about real connections.

Click here to see HMN Member Dawn’s story!

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

7

give

green & health

Visi The holiday season is almost upon us!

This year, let your healthy and sustainable holiday spirit shine through everything you do, including your gift giving. See what some of the amazing companies who support the Holistic Moms Network have to offer your loved ones this season.

From creative, sustainable products and services, to little indulgences just for you, you can celebrate the whole season naturally! Support companies who share your values and, in turn, give the gift of a healthier future!

Give the Gift of Support!

JoinUs!

Your Holistic Gift Guide for the Season!

Plant a Tree Gift Set

New Mom Treat!

Gluten Free Gifts!

For your favorite Nature Lover!

For the new or expecting mom

Build your own

Plant a tree, save a tree from

on your list from Motherlove!

delicious Gluten Free Gift Basket

PeopleTowels!

8

with Pamela’s Products!

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

hy this year!

it all the generous Sponsors of the Holistic Moms Network online to learn more!

Make Your Holidays Green, Healthy and Sustainable For the Food Lover

Healthy Handyman

Green Mom Goodies

Healthy, gourmet gift baskets for

Green, healthy home decor ideas

Cloth diapering kit and DVD from

every taste from Vital Choice!

and tools from Smart Little House!

The Willow Store!

Gift for the Gourmet

Unique Green Gifts

Non-Toxic Household

Herbed and spiced organic,

Visit Organic Valley’s Mootique

Green your laundry this holiday

grassfed ghee for fine cooking from

or gift page for some sustainable,

with Yoreganics!

Pure Indian Foods!

inventive ideas!

Or Something Special Just for You! Dive Into Natural Healing

Curl Up with a Great Read!

Discover a Treat for You!

Discover a new passion or profession

Indulge in some inspired

Check out

in homeopathy with the Centre for

down time for you with

Organic Spa Magazine’s

Homeopathic Education!

Brain, Child Magazine!

Gift Guide for more ideas!

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

9

Does the Santa Legend Endanger Trust?

by Jan Hunt

A close friend and I had an interesting discussion recently about the Santa Question. Is it OK to tell a child that Santa Claus is real? Is this a harmless “white lie”, an innocent and loving attempt to give a child the pleasure of make-believe, and the reassurance of fitting into our culture, or is it essentially and inescapably a lie that can affect the child’s critical capacity to trust?

10

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Although my son Jason was taught to believe in Santa, I wor-

as fairies and elves, the central question becomes: Are the char-

ried about the eventual outcome this might have, as I had

acters left in their own imaginary world, or are they claimed to

not been told the Santa story in my own childhood.When

be somehow magically making the transition from their world

he asked the “Santa question” at age eight, I learned that my

to ours? Are they presented as fictional characters, meant to

fears had been correct. I can still remember his look of dismay,

entertain or inspire, or can they directly affect the child in

confusion, and sadness as I admitted as gently as I could that

some way in the real world - leaving gifts or Easter eggs, or

Santa was, in fact, a myth. Although I then told Jason the true

exchanging teeth for coins? The movie “The Purple Rose of

story of Saint Nicholas of Patara, this did little to comfort him.

Cairo” is a good illustration of a fictional character magically

I’ve regretted our original decision ever since.

leaving his world and breaking into the heroine’s real world.

But the movie was presented as an intriguing and entertaining

But how can a parent draw the line between innocent fantasy

fiction, not as a news story.

- so important in a child’s life - and an ultimately harmful lie that will inevitably have to be explained later? Children thrive

If fictional characters are all left within their own make-believe

on fantasy and make-believe. They love inventive stories and

worlds, parents and children could still leave surprises un-

fictional characters, and readily give their stuffed animals and

der the tree “like Santa does in the Santa story”, thus giving

dolls names and unique personalities. Fantasy and play are

the child an opportunity to give as well as receive. The child

essential elements in a child’s life. They not only bring joy and

would still know the whimsy and joy of the Santa tale, but

humor, but also enhance the ability to imagine and to think

there would be no deception to explain or regret later, and the

“outside the box”. Imagination is a critical part of thinking and

child is being given authentic information about the real world.

problem solving. What is the difference, then, between healthy

Children need a truthful picture of their world so that they

fantasy and deception that endangers parent-child trust? Is

can learn to navigate within it with confidence, knowledge

there a way to keep the fantasy without the lie?

and safety. Providing such an understanding is as important a reason to avoid the Santa myth as the need to maintain the

I found this puzzle to be surprisingly difficult to resolve. But

child’s trust. If we keep the magic fantasy, but hold it within

after much thought I felt that there might be a middle ground.

the borders of the world of fiction and storytelling, we can

If a child were simply told the “Santa story” about a kindly

foster imagination and delight today without worrying about

old gentleman who leaves gifts for children in his make-believe

the questions we will surely be asked tomorrow.

world, but who remains within the fictional world of the story, there would be no need to undo the lie that he is leaving gifts

Jan Hunt, M.Sc., offers telephone

for the child in our world. Parents and children could play the

counseling worldwide, with a focus

“Santa game” by leaving gifts for each other, just as Santa does

on parenting, unschooling, and per-

in the story. This allows the opportunity for children to learn

sonal matters. She is the Director of The

the pleasure of giving to their parents and siblings, as well as

Natural Child Project and author of The

gaining the knowledge and appreciation of their parents’ efforts

Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart

on their behalf - an opportunity that is completely missed in

and A Gift for Baby.

the traditional approach.

For the Santa question, and for other stories about such figures

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

11

simplify

this holiday season

By Mel Gurry

There are many ways families today celebrate the holidays. We are blessed with a wide variety of cultures in the United States. In my hometown of South Windsor, CT, our children study and celebrate many religious holidays. This is something I wish I had the chance to learn at such a young age.

Interestingly, the unity behind gift giving in different cultures is the same: To offer gifts to family members that they will enjoy. We all would love to receive a gift that would bring us joy, share a memory or enhance our life – keeping it green, simple and real is possible. Here are my tips to achieve your gift giving ideals:

12

• Who’s on Your List:

you really need to buy gifts for. I review this list year after

To simplify the process I start with who am I purchasing the

year. It’s now down to 5 gifts from about 20. If you are the

gift for and what do they really need or like. This is what

type that likes to buy for everyone and cannot really afford it,

most of us would do. Yet often when busy we run around

it may be time for you to review what you can really do, let

and buy the things that jump out at us and maybe that also

friends know that you appreciate them but you need to cut

fit into our budget. Take a few moments and write down who

back this year. Many of my friends have openly done this and Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

it allows for no hard feelings. No one wants to take the time

may over-spend and purchase things you would rather not –

to purchase a gift and find out that the other person has

especially if you haven’t planned out your time.

suddenly taken you off the list.

• Green ideas:

Mel Gurry, BElife Trainer and Specialist

My family and friends have often decided to spend time

for Champions of Life program for youth

together and not purchase more “stuff”. My sister and I took

– “performance beyond excellence”.

our families on a ski trip one year. Friends and I have gone

Mother of two boys born at home, ages

out to lunch with small gifts from The Villages shop. I wrap

10 and 13.

our gifts in recycled brown paper bags wrapped with beautiful ribbons – I reuse them year after year.

• Know your budget and stick to it.

Keeping it simple means knowing what you can spend. So many families overspend, feeling guilty if they don’t buy

local

HMN Sponsors

enough gifts, etc. What you will feel really good about is not stressing over bills that last throughout the year.

• Teach your children that less is more.

My kids can only ask for 5 things that cannot go over $100.

They can pool their gifts together for pricier items now that they are 10 and 13. I have always had this rule and here’s what I found: Kids will search out what they really want verses a whole list of “I want”. They will learn how much things cost which I have found goes a long way!

• Make your favorite things list.

One year I bought my sister all my favorite things. Each time she came to my home she would comment on how much she loved my Lavender soap. It’s my favorite green soap – environmental, condensed soap that you put in a foam dispenser. It lasts for months verses regular hand soap that seems to disappear as fast as our home made cookies!

• De-stress!

Lastly, if you spend time keeping yourself healthy and de-stressed you will most likely enjoy and be more creative when you shop. If you are stressed and over stretched you

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

13

holiday note

Happenstance volunteering hits the right

by Jill Rothenbueler Maher

Contributing to the betterment of society is one of my core

values. It’s part of my belief in respect for the interdependent

web of all things on earth and consciously volunteering seems like a great example for our daughter. Like so many things in life, examples are impactful. Children who see their parents volunteer are more likely to volunteer themselves later in life.

Somehow, my belief in handing down my “do good” spirit has come down to an annual tradition of picking up trash.

I think I can explain. I’d like to take advantage of some group’s enthusiasm and foresight to accomplish a little extra volunteering at this time of year. Organized efforts sound like such a great idea, and my church makes it easy. A committee organizes a family-friendly food packing Saturday to help out a charity. Somehow, we cannot attend even one of the twohour windows. This year, swimming lessons are the conflict.

I’m careful not to overload our little preschooler, so with

The first year of the tradition, I was pushing a stroller to the

swimming lessons in the morning, committing to volunteer-

park when I noticed all the garbage which isn’t as obvious

ing in the afternoon won’t fly.

when we’re zooming past at 35 miles per hour. I happened to

But picking up trash in an area forgotten by the professional

have an extra plastic bag in the stroller’s basket and began to

or volunteer clean-up crews--that, we can do. And we do it

pick up the trash with my already-gloved hands.

whenever it feels right, whenever it works out. One of my

14

presents to myself is not stressing about when or where we’ll

Our daughter was talkative two that year, and asked why I

accomplish our cleanup.

kept pausing her ride. I explained that I was picking up trash Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

and she began to point at upcoming targets with a stick she’d

This year, I know we’ll accomplish our little cleanup and I’m

grabbed earlier in the ride.

not going to stress about it. Happenstance will have to be good enough.

The idea stuck, and she embraced it with enthusiasm. We enjoy the park as often as we can in the winter, and I had to

The author is a Milwaukee-area mother

dial down the interest when she began to grab trash herself.

of one. Her friends know better than to

You never know how many ants are lurking in somebody’s

come between her and a plate of Pad

discarded coffee cup. “No, that’s yucky!” I’d yell, then hustle

See Ew. She cherishes those friends but

over to intervene.

may or may not get around to mailing them holiday cards this year.

The next year, we walked a Lake Michigan Beach on a mild day and found plenty of trash to fill several plastic bags. My little helper could pick up paper but had to ask first about everything else. Cigarette butts and soda bottles were frequent customers along with the oddest assortment of items the lake gave up. We worked side-by-side until I felt a little invigorated by our success and a little disappointed by all the discards.

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

15

eco-friendly bird feeder recipe Bring the

Joy of the Season

to your Yard!

By Jess Hansen

I *LOVE* the Holiday Season and the feeling of giving to others. Among, those “others, � are the gorgeous birds that visit my backyard every winter. Each year, since I was a child, I have enjoyed making my own eco-friendly bird feeders to reach out to my feathered friends. I even make them a special feeder with a pretty big red bow that I hang out every Christmas morning. Plus, because it is just as easy to make several as it is to make a few, I always make lots of extra feeders to give out to my friends and family with the other goodies I make in my kitchen.

Over the years the sense of happiness I get from sharing with the birds for the winter has transitioned to also the immense happiness I get from sharing that love with my daughter and getting to see her eyes light up as the birds come to enjoy the dinner we just laid out for them.

16

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

This year, I thought about making feeders of different materi-

sticky glue to make whatever makes you and your family the

als and shapes (all with the same easy process) to decorate

happiest. The best part is experimenting and spending family

one of our backyard trees for Christmas. Perhaps with a little

time!

extra “prettiness” with a popcorn string!

This is the basic process: The recipe for this project is super simple leaving only your imagination to limit your possibilities!

1. Put some newspaper on the table or counter.

2. Pour the bird seed into a cardboard carton/box or tray

For the form you can use any of the following:

(even a lasagna pan could work).

• Bagels (cut in half with a string to tie them up)

3. Spread the peanut butter all over your form (do be slightly

• Toilet Paper/Paper Towel Rolls (with a string running

careful with pine cones if little hands are working with you,

through the middle)

as some of them have pointy edges that can prick soft

• Egg Carton Pieces (Cut out the individual egg holders and

skin).

run a string through them to resemble bells)

4. Roll the form around in the seed/cheerios/popcorn - be

• Paper Plates (use a hole punch to make holes for your

sure to cover as much of the form as you can for the

string)

prettiest feeder.

• Pine Cones (tie string around long enough to also tie to a

5. Use some natural twine/string or I’ve even used floral wire

branch)

to create a point to attach it to a tree branch or deck banister.

6. Add a little red ribbon bow if you so desire.

Possible Ingredients for the snacks:

7. If using right away - hang outside for your birds’ eating

• Bird seed of any mixture

pleasure.

• Cheerios

8. If saving for a later date or giving as a gift - put it into a

• Air Popped Popcorn

brown lunch bag that you could also have your child decorate before putting the feeder inside and tie the bag

The “Glue”

closed.

• Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky) • Honey or Maple Syrup can also be used if you (or your

Jess is a single mother to a wonderful 3

child) have a peanut allergy

year old daughter and lives in Clayton, Delaware. She loves to be creative and

Other Supplies:

crafty and share that ‘out of the box’

• Box/Tray

thinking with her little girl.

• Twine or String • Scissors My personal favorite and easy-go-to feeder is collected natural (free!) pine cones, bird seed from the store, peanut butter (whatever is cheapest at the time), and some natural string.

You can certainly use any combination of forms, snacks and

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

17

December 2011

volunteerprofile

Denise Lund

Madison, Wisconsin Chapter

Tell us a little about yourself:

smoothies. Jeremy and I abide by simplicity

I‘m 36 years old and I live near Madison, Wisconsin

parenting philosophies and compassionate parenting.

with my wonderful husband Jeremy and our four

Our favorite compassionate parenting expert is Dr.

year old son Stephen. I was born in Quincy, Illinois

Laura Markham.

and grew up all over the world as the daughter of an Air Force member.

Starting the Madison, Wisconsin Chapter of HMN in March 2011 has become such a blessing in my

Prior to staying home with my son, I worked full-

life. I have amazing co-leaders who are dedicated

time as a computer software engineer in Iowa City

to spreading the mission of HMN. From the

and then later in Madison.

beginning, the enthusiasm for our chapter has been breathtaking. Our members are so thankful

Since before Stephen was born, we knew we want-

for HMN and they show it by being very involved

ed to homeschool him. We’re easing him into that

and volunteering in the chapter. From the bottom

now. Fortunately, Wisconsin has very homeschooling-

of my heart–thank you ladies!

friendly laws and there are numerous support groups in the Madison area which will make this

How do you live a green and eco-friendly life? .

schooling choice easier for all of us.

We choose to follow the environmental working group guidelines for dirty/clean food. We buy the

My journey into the holistic world began in 2006

dirty foods organic and the rest conventional. We

when I was pregnant with Stephen. It grew

also follow the rule that if we peel it, we buy it

immeasurably after I joined HMN when he was

conventional.

18 months old. In our home, we focus on eating healthy, unprocessed foods and drink daily green

18

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Going all organic is not yet an option for our family.

who found out it really was more fun to give of

We do buy organic meat and milk and hormone

yourself than to receive. I know it did for me.

free non-organic cheese. I’ve made my own laundry soap for many years and I make most of our cleaning

With the birth of Stephen and his cousin, there are

products out of ingredients such as vinegar, baking

grandchildren in the family now. So after Stephen

soda, and Dr. Bronner’s tea tree oil soap. We recycle was born in 2007, our family unanimously decided as much as we can.

to end the $50 gift exchange and not give any gifts at all among the adults. None of us adults need

We signed up for our first CSA this year and put in

anything anyway, so only the little children receive

an organic plot at our local community garden. We

gifts now. We make no judgments on how others

decided that next year we will do farmer’s markets

approach the Holidays, but for us this tradition

instead of joining a CSA and putting in a garden.

continues to keep the pressure off Christmas and saves all of us a lot of money, gas, and time now

Is there a holistic tradition or green living practice

better spent other ways than shopping. From a

you or your family do during the holiday season?

green viewpoint, this also saves natural resources for

Way back in the early 1990s, while I was still in

everybody.

high school, my parents became fed up with the annual pressure cooker of a commercialized

For every toy that my son receives he must choose

Christmas and they instituted a $50-limit gift

one toy he has to give away to children in need.

exchange between the four of us (my sister, my

So far he has done this willingly though there are

parents, and I). We drew one name from a hat and

a few toys I doubt he’ll ever part with. We also

bought just for that person. It really took the

contribute to our church’s Advent Conspiracy

pressure off and we all enjoyed the holidays more

(http://www.adventconspiracy.org/) fund raising

after that.

efforts to create clean water wells in third world countries.

Since my sister and I both played flutes back then, we four, plus many friends began Christmas

Finally, we make Christmas cookies to give away to

caroling at several retirement centers along the

family. We love spending the whole day together

Gulf Coast. It was exhausting, but uplifting and

as a family making the cookies with love. Stephen

heartwarming at the same time. We would sing for

absolutely loves helping and I really think it’s our

hours until we were nearly hoarse. Then we went

favorite day of the year!

back to our home for a Christmas party. I think we made some lasting memories for our teenage friends

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

19

20

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

21

Mommy…I

Gotta Go!

The Trials and Tribulations of Navigating Public Restrooms with Children

The average restroom visit for any parent of young children is quality comedy sketch material. You know the drill. Your child is doing the pee-pee dance, crossing their legs, hopping back and forth. “Do you have to go?” you ask. A nod of the head. Ok, let’s do this.

22

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

You herd them into to the first available, clean-ish stall,

ed sheets, I hereby challenge you to pull out one at a time.

perhaps dragging shopping bags or luggage with you into

After using two sheets (you’ve got skills) or maybe six (you’re

this spacious domain. Now it’s time to play beat the clock

pretty average) you guiltily seek out the overflowing trash been

and get them into position before it all lets loose. Maybe

and add your refuse to the thousands already there. Did

you wrestle a seat cover into place, which is so much fun, or

you know people use 3000 paper towels on average a year in

maybe you simply dangle them over the seat, testing those

public restrooms? That’s a LOT of trees straight to the trash

arm muscles, not to mention getting a killer leg workout

bin, not to mention the water used to make them. Option

as you squat to get them into position. Hopefully you

two is an encounter with the drying monster, a.k.a. electric

remembered that spare set of waist down clothes because

hand dryer. While they don’t create solid waste, they’re

there’s 50/50 chance you’re going to need them.

loud as hell, bringing some kiddos to tears, and let’s face it; your hands likely won’t be dry

Once they’re done, you help

with just one round of gale force

them wipe, detach the seat

winds from the little silver box,

cover, then either skillfully

calling for a repeat performance.

balance on one foot to flush or brace yourself for the heart

Once dry, it’s time to escape the

attack inducing automatic

confines of the restroom with

flush toilet. That scene with

your germ free status intact, so

Will Ferrell testing for faulty

you pull your sleeve down to

Jack-In-The-Boxes in the movie

open the exit, or push it open

Elf comes to mind. My startle

with a foot or hip. Ah. Mission

reflex works just fine thank you.

accomplished…until about an

No testing required. Keeping curious fingers out of tempting

hour from now when you get to repeat the drill all over again.

trash bins, you back out of the stall and head to the sink to

It’s a good thing kids are cute, right?

wash up. If they are blessedly wiping themselves, hitting the washbasin is top priority, as no doubt those little hands have

Share your public restroom adventures with PeopleTowels,

not emerged from the toilet unscathed. Approaching the

the funnier the better. Send to comments@peopletowels.

sink, you locate the soap, which is full if you’re lucky, and

com. We’ll choose our favorite three and send you a 2-Day

then wave your hands in front of the all-seeing eye that’s

supply of PeopleTowels, a compact, portable, sustainable

supposed to turn the water on, moving from sink to sink

hand drying solution to make that next trip to a public

until you get a response. You scrub both your hands and

restroom with the kids a little easier.

theirs, putting your back through the ringer while propping your child up because they can’t reach the sink.

Aysia lives in West Linn, OR with her husband and two children, ages 9 and 11. Environ-

With the suds and water complete, it’s time to consider the

mental advocacy has long been second

hand drying options. Usually there are two choices, unless

nature to Aysia. She provides communica-

you were wise enough to B.Y.O.Towel. Option one is paper

tions, PR and marketing services for innova-

towels, though you may find yourself somewhat painfully

tive, environmentally and socially responsible

digging inside the dispenser to gain access to one. If it’s fold-

businesses.

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

23

Cooking

for the

HOLIDAYS HMN with

We’ve created a dinner plan for you! Recipes can be found in either of the cookbooks, “Growing Healthy Families” and “Many Paths, One Journey to Health”. These cookbooks make great gifts anytime of the year! Click here to purchase.

Crockpot Wassail

Green Onion Potato Casserole

8 c. apple juice 2 c. cranberry juice 3/4 c. sugar 1 tsp. allspice 2 cinnamon sticks 1 orange 25-30 whole cloves

6 medium potatoes 1 tsp. salt 1 c. sour cream 7 green onions chopped 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/3 c. melted butter

Turn the crockpot on high and pour in the apple and cranberry juices. Stir in the sugar and allspice, then add the cinnamon sticks. Stud the orange with the cloves and toss it in. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour. Change the setting to low and allow to simmer for 3 more hours.

Serve.

Dina Chirico, Warren/Western Morris, NJ Chapter 24

Peel, quarter, and boil potatoes until barely tender. Drain and cool potatoes, then grate or slice on the large side of grater. Place in a large bowl. Gently mix in all other ingredients, except butter.

Place mixture into greased shallow pan. Top with melted butter. Bake until golden at 400 degrees. Cook for 30 minutes.

Note: From Mama Bern. Goes well with asparagus. Enjoy!

Lindsay Ricci, Rochester, NY Chapter Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Lentil Roast 1 1/2 c. brown or green lentils 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 medium onions chopped 3 slices of whole wheat bread 1 egg beaten 1 c. finely grated cheddar cheese 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 c. vegetable stock 1 tsp. dried herbs 1 large carrot, shredded Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook the lentils in water until tender. While the lentils are cooking, sauté the onion in the oil until soft.

Take the crust off the bread, cut the slices into small cubes, and add to the onions.

Continue to cook until bread is crisp. When the lentils are ready, drain and rinse them.

Add them to the onions and bread. Then add the remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan, and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Celeste Lane, Cobb County, GA Chapter

Mint Ice Cream 1 1/4 c. raw cashews (soaked 4 hours) 1/2 c. agave syrup 2 c. water 1/4 c. fresh mint leaves Put ingredients into blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into ice cream maker and process. Store in freezer.

Jenny Steichen, Rockland County, NY Chapter Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Salmon Leek Quiche Pie Crust: 2 c. flour 1/2 c. butter 1 egg Salt Combine all ingredients and roll into a pie crust. Place prepared crust in pie pan. Let sit in fridge for 1 hour minimum.

Filling: 1 leek 1 Tbsp. canola oil 4 eggs 1 c. milk 1/4 c. heavy cream 2/3 c. grated Swiss cheese 2/3 c. cooked salmon Pinch nutmeg Salt and pepper Precook pie crust for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Wash and finely chop the leek.

Sauté in pan with canola oil. Let cook on low setting with lid on for 15 minutes. In a bowl, beat the eggs with milk and heavy cream, add pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cheese and salmon. Mix in the leek. Pour into the crust and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Alexandra Le Ny, Tri-Valley, CA Chapter

25

26

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

27

enjoy a stress free holiday using

flower remedies

By Amy D. Cohen, BFRP

Winter holidays are truly the most beautifuly time of the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and the New Year. All celebrations, family get togethers, and school vacations involve stories happiness, great food - for most of us!

But the beauty of the holidays are also fraught with anxiety, stress, money issues, melancholy, fears and for many - terrible sadness. It does not have to be this way!

28

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

For many families that enjoy the holidays, yet still feel the

You will see results quickly and move towards living a happy

stress, there are flower remedies that will reverse that

and healthy life again!

overwhelming feeling, or the stress and the anxiety. It is truly an easy fix. Go to your health food store and pick up

At a time when the economy is failing us, where many of us

flower essences. Although there are many to choose from,

are losing jobs and want to change careers, it will be an

health food stores in the U.S. sell Bach Flower Essences. Get

extremely difficult year to enjoy the holidays. Use the

yourself Elm, if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

remedies to help reach inside yourself, bring back your

Pick up Rescue for general nervousness and overwhelm.

balance, help get you on your path for your next career. It’s

Bach Flower remedies are beautiful mixtures to keep you

all inside you and it will come out!

calm and happy during the holidays. Use them for yourself, your children, your animals. Spray around your home,

The time for exploration of flower remedies is here. Use

your kids, the car! This will bring calm to you and your

them to help you, to heal you, to reverse any emotional issue

household!

you wish you did not have. It is so easy, yet so powerful!

For those of you dealing with sadness - there are many

So make sure you reach for that “Rescue Remedy”, or

beautiful remedies to choose from. You can also go to your

“Emergency Essence” to keep you smiling during the

health food store and purchase Mustard from Bach Flower

upcoming months. This can be your best holiday year ever!!

Essences. This is for a sadness that comes and goes. If your sadness goes deeper, contact me. This can be helped, I

I fell into the remedies through a personal trauma. They have

promise! The beauty of the flower remedies is that they are

changed my life! Know that they can change yours and your

non-toxic, safe with medication, you cannot overdose and

children’s as well!

will feel better almost immediately! You put a few drops under your tongue or in any drinking liquid to feel better.

They are easy to take, easy to use!

Amy D. Cohen, BFRP, is a Flower Remedies Practitioner and Teacher focusing

There are many beautiful essences from all over the world

on emotional healing specializing in

that I have been using with great results. If you or your

autism, PTSD and women’s issues. She is

children feel more trauma, or fears, or rage, or if your child

an accredited teacher for Australian Bush

has symptoms of autism regarding communication, crowds

Flower Essences and received certifica-

and socializing - reach for flower essences to help reverse

tion from Bach Flower Education in NY,

these negative feelings and behaviors. The right remedies will

affiliated with Bach Centre in England.

help to remove trauma, fears and rage, and help children to

She studied homeopathy for three years with NY School of Home-

better communicate and be around people, with the ability

opathy affiliated with School of Homeopathy in England. She is

to look someone in the eyes. It will help to reverse the negative issues that do not serve us!

one of six Registered Practitioners in the State of New Jersey. She maintains a consulting practice in New Jersey and does telephone consultations worldwide. She can be reached at 800-474-1667 or

If you are a soldier dealing with PTSD (post traumatic stress

www.strongestminds.com.

disorder) - flower remedies can be instrumental in helping you to get through the trauma and move on with your life.

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

29

Project: Pinecones

by Trish Johnston

Crisp. That’s how I’d describe the weather that day, the first that made us feel like summer was gone and a blustery, windy fall was on her way. My toddler, Finn, leaned forward in his stroller, enamored of the leaves spinning down the street in a fairy circle. Cameron, my three-year old, peddled his bike along the curb, bravely extending his left arm out to his side. I knew he was imagining it was an airplane wing, and that he was waiting for a stiff breeze to help him take flight.

Without warning, Cam slammed his pedals in reverse. The training wheels kept him from toppling onto the street as the bike came to an abrupt halt. He was into the neighbor’s yard like a loose puppy in seconds. I barely had time to issue a warning about picking someone else’s mums before he found what he was after. He trotted back to me and Finn, offering his trophy with a wide smile.

“This, by far, is the most perfect pinecone ever collected,” I assured him.

Heartened, he set off again, rooting through the grass and low-hanging tree limbs, seeking more pinecones. Like a sponge diver, he’d surface with an enormous smile and his prize held aloft for inspection.

Each passed my critique with flying colors.

30

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Soon, we’d amassed enough pinecones to fill the stroll-

Ask your child to smoosh the third pinecone up against

er’s storage basket, cup holder and snack tray (much to

the second, wrapping the twine around the midsection

Finn’s delight). Each was perfect in our eyes – even the

of the pinecone, as you did the first.

ones that had clearly found themselves at the business end of the neighbor’s lawnmower, sometime earlier in

Don’t aim for this to be tidy or symmetrical. It’s a

the season.

lost cause.

When we returned home, we spread them out on the

Step 2: Secure to your wreath form

porch and discussed what to do with our cache.

Connecting the pinecones to the wire hanger is one thing – getting them to stay in place is another. Have

Cam suggested that – like most high-value items he

your helper hold the hanger by the hook. Using six-inch

collects – we mail them to Grammy. While tempting,

lengths of kitchen twine, tie the pinecones securely to

I said perhaps we could make them into a wreath. He

the hanger, so they don’t slide off. If you think the white

agreed.

color of the kitchen twine is distracting, have our helper color the twine with a brown marker.

This is the project we worked on together: Step 3: Decorate with color You’ll need –

Artfully, and with very little attention to pattern, tuck in

1 wire hanger, stretched into a circle

bunches of leaves or paper cut outs, securing it with a

a spool of kitchen twine

knot in any gaps. Tie them with twine, as well, to hold

3 dozen or so pinecones

them to the hanger.

brown marker

Hang on your door and enjoy this beautiful and re-

Interesting branches, berries or flowers you find along

sourceful fall decor!

the way (I used some of Cameron’s construction paper doodles, cut into leaf shapes.)

Trish Johnston is a wife and a

Step 1: Attach your Pinecones Double a length of kitchen twine about 10 feet long so that you have two five-foot long lengths. Use them to tie a knot around the center of a pinecone, connecting it to the wire hanger. Have your helper snuggle your second pinecone against the first, and secure it to the hanger,

mom to two charming boys. By day, she works as a copywriter for an insurance company and by night she purees gallons upon gallons of homemade organic baby food. You can read more from Trish at www.theDishfromTrish.com/.

as well. Don’t worry if they turn at crazy angles as you tighten the knot.

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

31

SimpleWinterDecorating

by Aimee Wood

32

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

Once the holiday decorations are put away and the gray of

be aware of candles that are lit and keep them away from

winter lingers outside, often our inside spaces look bare and

very young children.

lonely. Think about putting together a “nature table” which can incorporate special elements from the outside. Waldorf

• A small mirror can be used as a pretend ice skating rink.

schools often put together nature tables to inspire children.

My children have had the privilege of attending a school with

• Once all materials are collected, if you have children allow

a Waldorf teacher and I have been inspired by her to change

them to help you create the scene on the nature table.

the way I decorate. The nature table can be as simple as your creative side is or you can go out on a ledge and try new and

• Families often change their nature table with the seasons,

exciting elements. Here are some ideas:

but depending on your creative style, you may wish to change it more often that that.

• Choose a small table or corner of a larger table to set

• Ideas for other seasons

up your nature area.

include: changing the silk

or cloth that covers the

• Cover the table or area with

table, adding flowers, sand,

a cloth or silk that might

pebbles, water, autumn

reflect the time of year (i.e.:

leaves, etc.

white for winter or snow, green for spring or summer,

Nature tables are a fun, eco-

tan for fall or winter, etc).

friendly, and economical activity. These lovely nature tables

• Go on a walk with your

can become a fantastic decora-

children in the woods or

tive aspect of your home. And,

on a nature trail and collect interesting findings. Pinecones, they can become a wonderful activity for you and your family. pebbles, bark, small branches, nuts, and acorns are just

Creating a nature table can become a ritual in your home that

some ideas.

everyone looks forward to creating. Also, they can become a quiet, reflective, and sacred space.

• Perhaps you would like to put a spring bulb in a glass jar to try to force it? Early signs of spring can be exciting for

This article was originally published on

little ones.

bellaonline.com. Aimee is Editor of The Wise Mom and Regional Chapter Mentor.

• Little wooden or felted figures can become people in the

She is a mother to three children and

nature scene.

enjoys homeschooling. In her “spare” time she enjoys reading about nutrition

• Have children sculpt and mold with beeswax. They may

and psychology, both are areas she has

create little elements that go along lovely with your scene.

expertise in.

• Adorn the scene with beeswax candles. Remember, always Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

33

One Mom’s Take On

By Jane Hewey

34

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Turbo Tank, Rebel Attack Shuttle, and

we were in for toothpaste or tissue. It was all I could do to

Millenium Falcon. These are the first three

get him to leave without buying something. Many times, he

things on my six-year-old’s Wish List. It’s not all Legos. Notebook and cash are

left in tears. We finally worked out a system where he could earn his own dollars through chores and allowances. I’d never given an allowance to my older children, nor did they

also on the list, albeit toward the bottom.

seem to have a need for one, but this little guy loves to shop,

Much to my frugal, go-green self’s dismay,

loves to collect, and needs a means to do so. After trial and

this child genuinely loves brand new, top-o-the-line, plastic toys. He loves

error, lots of window shopping tears, and endless moments of discussion over the ways a small boy can earn money; at age three he bought his first Thomas the Tank Engine. He was

collecting them, playing with them, talking

delighted and proud. He went on to collect several and still

about them, and buying them. He loves

has them all.

the way they sound, smell, and taste.

Last year, he saved $100 and bought the Legos Airplane. This child starts his Holiday

I was comforted a few years ago when I scanned across a radio station where a child advocate was talking about the different ways children feel loved. She said that receiving and

Wish List right after Halloween. A steadfast

giving gifts were one of the least known ways. She confirmed

consumer with an eye for prices, he’s

his normalcy, but I was floored. Could this really be what he

long since learned how to round up to the nearest dollar.

needs to feel loved?

Now that he is older, we talk about feeling loved. We talk about the ways we feel most cared for and useful. We talk

We live simply in our home. We often buy clothes at

about how we think other people might also feel cared for

consignment stores or Goodwill outlets. We pass things back

and loved. This year when I asked him what his favorite part

to Goodwill when we are done; I enjoy the circle of use we

of the holiday season is, he answered, “The feeling I get when

participate in. We avoid buying things packed in ridiculous

I give someone something and they say Thank You.” His

layers than eventuate in the garbage. We use durable lunch

heart is absolutely in the right place. We just need to find a

containers that can be washed and reused every day. We

place for all of his Legos.

take care to turn off lights, wash full loads of laundry, and conserve water. Last year, my then five-year-old suggested we

Jane Hewey is a mother of three children,

clean up the school yard of garbage to make the environment

ages 26, 10, and 6. Owner of Health

cleaner and safer. I am aware how many small actions support

through Self Awareness, a Seattle based

our environment and our home. Buying copious amounts of

Reiki and energy work practice, she regu-

new Legos simply isn’t one of those small things supporting

larly assists parents and children in the life-

the environment. It does, however, support one of our family

long process of self-empowerment. Jane

members and certainly makes our home an honest one.

recently started a facebook page, Moma Oma Om, designed to gather stories and anecdotes that serve to

This boy has loved toys for as long as he’s been able to

encourage parents on a daily basis.

express himself. When he was two years old, he insisted on visiting the toy section of the drugstore each and every time Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

35

tut

SoapMama’s

bath salts-bombs

ori

al

By Kristine Strange

The coolest thing about making bath salts is they’re super easy and you can make a bunch of them in a short amount of time.

You can also make them fancy, fizzy, bubbly, colored, or just plain and they’re still so fun! I’m going to explain how to make a basic bath salt, a fizzy bath salt, and bath bombs.

Basic Bath Salts

Fizzy Bath Salt Makes ~4 cups

Makes ~3 cups Supplies:

cocoa butter, etc (optional,

• Large bowl

but great for moisturizing)

• Mixing spoon

• 10-15 drops, or desired amount, essential oil or

Supplies:

but great for moisturizing)

• Large bowl

• 10-15 drops, or desired

• Mixing spoon

amount, essential oil or fragrance (optional)

Ingredients:

• 5-15 drops food coloring

• 2 cup Epsom Salt

(optional)

• 1 cup Baking Soda

• Flower petals, such as rose,

• ¾ cup Citric Acid

lavender, etc. (optional)

Ingredients:

fragrance (optional)

• 2 cup Epsom Salt

• 5-15 drops food coloring

• 1 cup Baking Soda

(optional)

• ½ cup Oil, such as sweet

• Flower petals, such as rose,

cocoa butter, etc. (optional,

almond, canola, shredded

lavender, etc. (optional)

In a large bowl add dry ingredients, mix well. Add oil and mix.

Add desired amount of essential oil/fragrance and food coloring.

Mix well. I have found that the bath salts usually harden up a bit so don’t be surprised if you have to loosen them up after a day or so.

Bath Bombs Bath bombs are the same ingredients as the fizzy bath salts. The main difference is you have to add water via a spray bottle to saturate the salts in order to form into a bomb.

Spritz salts with no more than 2 sprays. Put your ear close to the bowl and listen to the crackles of the baking soda and citric acid. Mix well and continue until the salts stay together when pressed between your hands.

You can use just about anything for molds, such as silicone baking dishes, plastic Easter eggs, hands, etc. I used plastic Easter eggs because that’s what I have. To do this, you fill each half more than you think you should.

Press both sides together with all of your might and let set for a minute or so. Slowly take the egg part off of the bomb without twisting. Even if they break and don’t stay together, ½ egg shaped bombs are cool too.

Another way of doing bath bombs is to do bath bomb chunks by spreading the mix in a cookie sheet. Let dry and break into chunks.

• ¾ cup Light Oil, such as sweet almond, canola, shredded In a large bowl add dry ingredients, mix well. Add oil and mix.

Add desired amount of essential oil/fragrance and food coloring.

Mix well. The fizzy bath salts also harden up a bit so don’t be surprised if you have to loosen them up after a day or so.

How to make bulk: Of course you can just double, triple, quadruple, etc. the recipes, but here are some quick tips to make it faster: • 2:1 ratio for citric acid to baking soda (ex: ½ cup citric acid to every 1 cup of baking soda) • 2:1 ratio for salt to baking soda • All sorts of salts can be used, such as sea salt, epsom salt, or even table salt.

• ½- ¾ cup oil to every 1 cup baking soda.

• Oil/butters change the smell of the salts so keep that in mind on what oils/butters you add.

Packaging: Bath salts and bombs look beautiful in most containers. Cellophane bags are a couple bucks at the local craft or party store. Most wedding sections in craft stores have a great selection of very cute jars and containers that hold roughly ¼- ½ cups of salt. Also, don’t forget the ribbons, labels, and all the other fun things to personalize the containers according to the wedding colors, bride and groom favors, etc.

I’m a stay at home mom with many passions. This year they are cooking, making bread, knitting and crocheting hats, washcloths, headbands, etc..., pinstriping, etc. I love creating things from scratch and trying new things. I am always trying to use my skills to make a couple extra bucks 36

and trade with friends. It’s wonderful to hang out with my two little men (2yrs. and 4 yrs.) all day long and figure out fun things for them to do. Everyday is an adventure of including them in all the things that I do.

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

December 2011

memberprofile

Bethanie Mintz

Member of the Northern Virginia Chapter

Did you grow up holistic or did an event in your life spark

kids and I really don’t want to be a mini van mom! I know, I

your interest?

know... I just can’t give it up!

I grew up more holistic than I thought, mainly because my parents lived on a shoe string budget. Their motivation

How do you celebrate the holidays? Do you have any green

was to save money. Some of the things they did: used grey

traditions?

water, grew a huge produce and herb garden, made their own

With family! For us that is one of the most special parts! My

chicken stock, recycled as a way of earning income, cloth

husband and I are very close to all of our family and it’s so

diapered and canned/preserved produce. My mom used to

nice when they are all in town and can spend time together

make all of her own condiments, jellies, jams, salsa, tomato

playing games, enjoying a fire in the fireplace, and just catch-

sauce and so much more. I definitely learned a lot from

ing up with each other. Both of us are from families of 5

her. As far as holistic health choices, that came once I was

kids, so it gets quite large with all the spouses and kids! We

in nursing school. I did graduate with an degree in nursing,

also make it a priority to attend our Christmas Eve service

and still work in the field although I hardly practice any of

at church. It is a good way for us to remember that com-

what I preach! While I was in school I was just amazed at

mercialism isn’t the reason for the season. It helps us get

how much of what we do as nurses can save lives in critical

our minds off of ourselves and the craziness of the season.

moments, but the health and wellness portion seemed really

It helps us slow down, pray, and quiet our hearts for a more

off. What we were told to tell people really didn’t affect their

peace.

life for the better. I was frustrated and knew there must be a better way. This led me on a quest to find what does affect

Do you have any hopes or wishes for the new year?

health and implement it my life and that of my family!

No. I don’t usually make a big deal about the new year. It’s another day and another year. I feel that if I put too much

What is one un-holistic thing you can’t give up?

into what I’m are going to change, it usually only leads to

My first response is to say coffee only because it isn’t local,

disappointment and an inability to change all that I wanted.

it has a large petrol cost, and it’s expensive if purchasing

Instead we just make goals throughout the year to reach as a

organic and/or fair trade. I would also say my car. I have a

family.

Chevy Tahoe and it really eats up the gas... but we have three Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

37

A Summery Green Christmas

DOWN UNDER

By Ashley Forster

Two years ago, “The Wise Mom” was nice enough to publish my article on Green Holidays. My daughter Lily was nine months old and preparing for her second trip to Australia to visit my husband’s family. This Christmas we are celebrating the fact that Australia is now our home. It has been an amazing year! In the last four months, we’ve left our old home in New Jersey and took the long way to Australia through Iceland, Europe, and Africa. Details of our trip are on our blog at www.beatlikekerouac.com. We’ve been settled in Australia for about a month now, and holiday planning is upon us.

38

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

Certain holiday traditions are different in Australia simply

produce is in season for longer, and having the Christmas

because of the season reversal. Beach barbeques replace log

holidays in mid-summer means that seasonal summery

cabin baking, and red and green swimsuits replace red and

fruits and veggies are aplenty, as are good local wine and

green wool sweaters. Australians rarely miss an excuse to get

cheese. Other dishes on the Christmas table include fresh

together with friends and family and have a good time, and

corn on the cob, strawberry and goat cheese salad, and

their laid-back attitude is ever-present at the holidays. The

broccoli coleslaw.

focus is on spending time together (almost everyone gets a week off for Christmas to New Year’s) rather than over-the-

Letting go of the snowy Christmas so often seen on postcards

top gift-giving or decorating. Our presents are generally

has been easier than I originally thought it might be. Rather

limited to a Secret Santa exchange with my husband’s large

than just a tropical Christmas vacation, our holiday will be a

extended family. Everyone draws a number, and when your

celebration of being near our family permanently for the first

turn comes, you take someone else’s gift or opt for the

time. The kids can go swimming while we enjoy fresh food,

uncertainty of an unopened gift from “the pot.” Higher

good wine, and relaxed company while watching the sun set

numbers are the most coveted in this cutthroat game, but

behind our pink Christmas tree.

everyone generally winds up with something if not useful, at least humorous. Lily has just taken up watercolour painting, so her contribution will be a framed original. In the decoration

My name is Ashley Forster

department, the laid-back attitude persists. Because pine

and until June I was a

trees are not native to Australia, live Christmas trees are

member and unofficial co-

rare. And since a snowy pine tree would look absurd in this

leader at the Warren County

climate anyway, many Australians embrace the oddity and

chapter of HMN in New

have reusable Christmas trees in pink, red, or blue festively

Jersey. In June my daughter

adorned with homemade glittery crafts, native flowers, or

Lily (2 1/2), husband Marcus

seashells.

and I embarked on our big adventure enroute to moving to his native Australia.

Australians are impressively good at supporting local farming and local business. Because of the distance imports have

We visited Iceland, England, Barcelona, Rome, the Greek Islands,

to travel, the increase in cost and decrease in quality due

Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Swaziland, and Malaysia before arriving

to transportation is more obvious to everyone. Turkeys are

in Australia, our new home, in October. It’s wonderful to have had such

small, rare and expensive, and therefore not popular, so we’ve

an experience as a family, and we remind Lily of it in various ways each

had to change our traditional Christmas main dish to local

day, so even though she may not remember the details, she’ll always

leg of lamb with roast pumpkin and homemade mint sauce.

know she’s done it. Our travel blog is www.beatlikekerouac.com.

I’m not complaining. I have become a fan of the Jarrahdale,

We are now living just outside of Melbourne, Victoria with my

or Australian blue pumpkin. Sickly gray on the outside but

husband’s family and hope to stay in the area. We are enjoying

gloriously orange on the inside, its taste is similar to butternut

living in a climate with a year-round garden-growing season, and I

squash. But the best part is that these pumpkins are so hardy

hope to get out soon and find a mom’s group as close to HMN as I

they can not only grow easily in a backyard garden, but can

can get.

be picked and stored outside for up to six months! The long growing season in a climate like this also means more fresh Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

39

December 2011

chapterprofile

Southside, VA Leader: Allison Crews

The Southside, VA chapter has enjoyed many activities

ancient Japanese Art of harmonizing the energies of the

this past year. In June the chapter enjoyed an introduction

body. In the young family realm there were knowledge-

to the Holistic Moms Network and began a journey to

able sources on the advantages of doula services and

wellness. Together they raised their Hands to Health.

cloth diapering. Community Chiropractic offered mini-

Marilyn MacClellan, licensed acupuncturist and

massages in their traveling chairs.

clinical thermographer, was on hand educating about

40

breast health and the benefits of thermography. Virginians

The evening of June 9th, they held their first meeting

for Health Freedoms, Virginia Independent Consumers

with reflexologist Mary Clem, RN, CMT. She spoke to

and Farmers Association, the National Center of

the gathering of 8 individuals on the history, aims and

Homeopathy, Certified Natural Health Professionals,

practical applications of simply pressing on certain areas

The Woodland, the Youth Empowerment Center and

of our hands and the feet of others. The ‘hands’ on

BirthMatters, along with others, shared information.

portion of the discussion focused on easing heartburn/

There were health booths on working with the breath,

indigestion, sinus issues and shoulder, neck and back

meditation, Qijong, Reflexology and Jin Shin Jyutsu, the

pain. A mother in attendance asked advice for children’s Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

constipation and with a demonstration on the feet of

What are some things you are looking forward to in

her infant relief was achieved on site, to the amazement

2012?

of all. As Mary has learned and shared that evening ,

In the New Year we’ll have a new location and new

‘the feet don’t lie’.

evening of the month to meet.

From Chapter Leader Allison Crews...

We are working on a movie and book club, that should

June and July we sponsored 2 Red Cross babysitter

take off in January.

trainings - 16 kids were trained - it was great!

September we talked about food preservation on all levels - our local resource the cannery, home canning and our food rights were on the menu... a great evening.

October we celebrated Holistic Living Month by sponsoring an outdoor open mic night in our community - it was wonderful! We also celebrated the first FOOD DAY - we’re putting the Farm back in Farmville.

In November, Dr. Matthew Schrier shares Insights on Health with HMNSVA Father of three, son of parents with a health food store in 1952, Masters in Nutrition, Dr. Schrier advocates a self-care reform for our health. It is our ‘choice’ to be healthy he reminded those gathered for the November HMNSVA Monthly Meeting. A confessed hybrid of old school and new school chiropractics, Dr. Schrier communicated that when you “wake up the nervous system, things start to happen” in a good way. Pain is a messenger that we have something interfering with “the ability of the body to heal itself.” Another way to heal ourselves includes helping others, he reminded the audience.

What is your chapter doing this holiday season?

We are joining forces with the Farmville Area Kiwanis and the Town of Farmville to host the lighting of a community tree...very excited about that!!!

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

41

Live Simply in the New Year

by Aimee Wood

The holidays came fast and furious and the rush will be over in a few short weeks. At the end of December before the New Year, I like to take stock of the year reflecting on lessons learned. Every experience you have as an individual, whether good or bad, provides an invaluable lesson. What seems like a tremendous challenge today may very well be looked back on as something that changed your life for the better.

Many of us will be taking stock of how to downsize and simplify our lives for the coming year. The economy has nudged many of us into simplifying. However, it may seem overwhelming and stressful to change our lives. Take it one step at a time and promise yourself to just choose one change a month. It is helpful to assess what is important to change. While you sit down and reflect on the past year, keep these ideas in mind! • Okay, so you have written down what is important to you in downsizing, now you need to ask what is important to other family members. Realizing that you are on the same page when simplification occurs in your family is very important. There is nothing more frustrating than finding your children are not recycling when you have put that on your top ten list. Make sure everyone is on the same page. • Promise yourself to change just one thing a month. They say it takes three weeks to change a habit, so do not rush and try to 42

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network

simplify in every way all at once. The changes will be more likely to stick if you take it slow.

• What areas of your life are in need of simplification? Is it health, romance, family, work, money, etc? Make a list of what you do each day. What provides you with the most satisfaction? What causes you undue stress? Look at those stressful parts of your life and brainstorm on how to change them. If it is working overtime every week and that adds stress to your family life, you may want to decide whether that extra work is really important to you.

• Does your house need simplification? I often find that spring cleaning comes early, that is, in January. I like to start each year fresh and invigorated. When my family has a few weeks off at the end of the year, I like to declutter, get rid of old clothes and junk, and make room for the new positive energy that will enter my life. Cleaning the house top to bottom with some essential oils also gets the air smelling and feeling good.

• Create a vision board. One of the most uplifting and joyful things is to create a vision board for what I would like to see enter my life in the New Year. Do a group vision board with your family and one for just yourself. Realizing each others dreams and goals can go a long way in bonding. Grab some magazines, a cork board, some glue, and fun markers and decorations and get to work! This is a fun activity that will get you feeling great and ready for a simple New Year!

This article was originally published on bellaonline.com. Aimee is Editor of The Wise Mom and Regional Chapter Mentor. She is a mother to three children and enjoys homeschooling. In her “spare” time she enjoys reading about nutrition and psychology, both are areas she has expertise in.

Copyright ©2011 holistic moms network

43

44

Copyright Š2011 holistic moms network