Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for eco friendly living, clean beauty & wellness Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

Parenting

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My Struggle With Postpartum Anxiety and Breastfeeding

#NationalBreastfeedingMonth

Are you a breastfeeding mom or were you at one time, a breastfeeding mom who found breastfeeding so damn hard you felt like giving up? I had an incredibly difficult time coupled with postpartum anxiety. Postpartum issues and breastfeeding difficulties are more common than you might think. In fact, in my experience, more common than not. I hope my story helps you.

Most women I’ve talked with had some type of hardship surrounding their breastfeeding experience. Many have such a sucky (no pun intended) time they just give up. For better or worse, I persevered.

Both of my pregnancies were great but I suffered postpartum anxiety after my first. I’m far removed from that point in my life but I remember it like it was yesterday. Perhaps you had a similar experience and will relate to my story. One thing I know for sure, if you did or if you are currently, you are not alone.

Mommy & Me play group with 6 month old Joey

As tough as it was, I never lost sight of the fact that I was blessed with a healthy, thriving, fun baby who allowed me to experience a love I never knew existed.

That little newborn turned 18 in July. Last week, we moved him into his college dorm. The cliché time flies.. nothing could be more true. Seems like yesterday he was my stubborn but sweet high energy toddler running me ragged, cracking me up and giving me the best cuddles in the world.

I wanted to share my own difficult breastfeeding and postpartum story for years but it’s not easy for me to open up and be vulnerable – not to use a totally overused term but I’m not the emotional type. I feel strong emotions but sharing them is out of my comfort zone. I’m the type that gets angry rather than cries but my anger is swift and fades fast, I take after my dad in that way.

This was not the case after my first son was born, emotions were heightened. I was weepy, sad, confused, irritable, guilt-ridden, lonely… an emotional sleep deprived wreck.

We hear about postpartum depression but postpartum anxiety is more common than you might think. The 4th trimester is real. I didn’t realize this at the time but that is what I was going through – 4th trimester struggles. I felt very alone and inadequate.

There simply weren’t enough resources for new moms. Fortunately today there are many. If I knew then what I know now things would be different. Now that I’m a wellness coach that focuses very heavily on self-care with my clients and myself I would’ve told that new mom, you need to take care of yourself and seek help.

If you’re going through that or ever do in the future please make your well-being a priority. Believe me, I know how difficult it is when you have a newborn, you barely have time to shower but practicing a little self-care each day will help you. The fact that self-care is a non-negotiable for our well-being is the reason I created my free Virtual Self-Care Retreat. If you’d like help fitting in some easy self-care, you can sign up here.

I’m not good at asking for help which was a big part of the problem. But I didn’t have much choice, at the time my mom was very ill with rheumatoid arthritis and my mother-in-law did not live nearby. I had left my well-paying network TV job at CBS so money was tight.

I distinctly remember thinking I am going to write about this one day because I cannot possibly be the only mom going through this. Facebook didn’t exist and blogs weren’t nearly what they are now. I thought I’d do it sooner but all things happen at the right time. I share my story because since then I’ve met many women who have been in the same exact boat. If you have a similar experience, I want you to know you are not alone or crazy like I thought I was.

20% of women in the U.S. suffer from anxiety and mood disorders before or after pregnancy and it can last up to 3 years postpartum. A national survey conducted by Every Mother Counts, Seleni Institute, Peanut, Motherly and Maven, revealed that the majority of women reported experiencing both depression and anxiety.

I shared my story two years ago in this video…

It was of utmost importance to me to be able to feed my baby the almighty breastmilk to give him the zillions of immune boosting health benefits, particularly being such a wellness advocate. And frankly, I figured it would be easier than having to make bottles and drag them along and certainly cheaper, breastmilk is free.

For a list of top toxins to avoid to welcome baby into a healthy home and pass fewer toxins through your breast milk click here. 

In the video, a live stream I did in my private Facebook group (you are welcome to join), I share that I unknowingly nearly starved my son for the first few days. He latched on just fine so I had no idea no milk was coming out. I did everything possible including hiring a lactation consultant.

I also talk about the circus it was and the rigors I went through weighing him, nursing him, weighing him again to see what measly little milk I might’ve given him… then making a bottle to supplement after which I had to pump to try to encourage my mammary glands to start making milk on their own and hopefully increase milk production.

The whole process was so freaking long by the time I was done feeding him it was practically time to feed him again! Plus, I was really bad at breastfeeding. I could not do it in public discreetly, boobs everywhere. I now realize why wet nurses were popular at a point in time.

I share my best advice to new moms and reveal how I finally, after months of screwed up sleep patterns, got him to sleep through the night and become a good napper.

I literally thought I would never be able to leave the house. I was almost delirious. The sleep deprivation was brutal. That coupled with the postpartum anxiety I was experiencing and lack of support made me so damn irritable.

If I was going through this today I would reach out to Mindy Werth of Aunty Mindy. She is a kind, loving and knowledgable Family Consultant specializing in: Fertility & Pre-Natal, Birth & Postpartum, Infant Feeding & Family Development, Gentle Sleep Guide. If you are having any type of postpartum difficulties or just want some help, you can find her on Instagram @auntymindyconsultant

I’ll cover many wellness issues including topics like this that are important for moms on my new podcast launching September 1st: Clean beauty Scene with Kelly Bonanno. Subscribe on Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast or any other podcast app.

Me & my sweet baby 2003

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How To Choose Safe Sunscreen: What To Avoid & What To Use

My happy place… a beach day with my loves

I have a confession. I love the smell of Coppertone. Despite the fact that I know that is one hell of a toxic fragrance, I love it because it brings back happy memories of exhilarating beach days and fun afternoons at our community pool. Regardless, I still don’t use it because there is no way I’m slathering those toxins on me or my kids.

I have gone so non toxic with all my products that now I am extremely sensitive to the toxic scent of synthetic fragrance. I can detect the scent a mile away and I usually cannot stand the smell but Coppertone is the exception.

One question I’m often asked is, “what sunscreen should I use,” because by now, most of know that the chemicals in most sunscreens pose serious health risks. Even mainstream western doctors admit that the chemicals found in most brands are dangerous.

One important thing to remember is that you need to wear sunscreen every single day of the year, even when it’s cloudy. The sun hits you through the window while you’re driving and even comes through the windows of your home.

I’ve written about this several times over the years. I like to do a refresh on the topic as summer approaches when we’ll be slathering our bodies and our kid’s bodies with sunscreen.

The safest sunblock is non-nanoparticle zinc oxide but if you’re curious about the common sunscreen ingredients that you should avoid, here is a rundown:

8 Ingredients You Do Not Want In Your Sunscreen

1. Oxybenzone
This hormone disruptor penetrates the skin, enters the bloodstream and behaves as estrogen in the body. It’s been shown to cause cell damage that promotes cancer, allergic reactions and even endometriosis.

The Glorious Pacific Ocean

2. 4-MBC
4-MBC is a chemical that chemical enters the bloodstream and behaves as estrogen in the body as well. It’s also been linked to cancer. Both 4-MBC and oxybenzone are such dangerous hormone disruptors that scientists are urging parents to refrain from using any product containing either on children but it’s found in most sunscreens, even those made especially for babies. 

3. Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)
This widely used sunscreen ingredient disrupts thyroid hormone, affects brain signaling and lab tests show that is kills mouse cells when exposed to sunlight, even at low doses.  Octinoxate and octisalate are neurotoxins that have even been shown to cause Petit Mal seizures. 

4. Avobenzone
Also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. It generates free radicals in the body and has also been cited as an endocrine disruptor. It is unstable and sunlight causes it to break down into unknown chemicals, especially when used with octinoxate.

5. Retinyl palmitate
This is a form of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant that slows the aging process in skin which is fine for use in night creams. However, a study done by the FDA discovered a connection to cancer because it may accelerate growth in tumors and skin lesions when exposed to sunlight which makes it a dangerous ingredient for sunscreen.

The FDA does not conduct any safety testing on sunscreen. It is completely unregulated so manufacturers can use any ingredients they want. 

6. Parabens
You’ll also find parabens listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. They are found in many cosmetics as well as sunscreen. Like oxybenzone, parbens mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of various cancers.

Would you like help on how to avoid other toxins or to discuss health or weight concerns? Book your complimentary call today! 

7. Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA / PABA Ester)
This damages DNA, releases free radicals, mimics estrogen and causes allergies in some people.

8. Benzophenone 
This is one of the most commonly found ingredients in sunscreens. It is known to cause cancer in lab animals.

9. Homosalate
Causes organ system toxicity and dispruts sex hormones in animal studies.

The sunblocking ingredient you want in your sunscreen is zinc oxide made without nanotechnology. Zinc is a physical sunblock which means it reflects light back into the environment. Your skin basically does not see the sun.

Nanoparticles have been shown to cross the cell barrier driving into organs, even attaching to brain cells. They’ve also caused developmental issues in animals. Mineral sunscreens are often made with nanotechnology.

In addition to harming your health, these toxins also harm marine life. The coral reefs are being damaged and killed off. This is a major issue. Many clean sunscreens brands will say ‘reef safe’ on the bottle. If it’s safe for the beautiful coral reefs, it will be for us.

So what can we use?! Sunscreen that doesn’t have these harmful ingredients. If depends on your skin type, personal preference and how green you want to go. Do you want to completely pure and plant-based or are you OK with a few safe synthetics? Several trusted clean beauty brands make nontoxic sunscreen. I offer clients help in deciding based on skin type, needs, budget and preferences.

As with all personal care and beauty products, there’s no one size fits all but here are some good general recommendations:

**Want to make shopping for cosmetics, beauty & personal care products for you & your family easier? Grab my list of Top 12 Toxic Ingredients to avoid** 

We need sunlight. A deficiency in vitamin D3 causes a whole host of severe illnesses including. Recent studies are revealing that avoiding the sun blocks our body’s ability to produce vitamin D3.

It’s even more beneficial to get that natural vitamin D barefoot with your feet in the sand, grass, or dirt so you’re getting those wonderful grounding negative ions.

Lake Tahoe With My Cutie

Do you know someone who is looking for safe sunscreen? Send this their way and share it on Facebook, tweet it, Pin, it. Everyone needs safe sunscreen! These ingredients are especially toxic to children and babies because their delicate systems are not fully developed so they have a harder time filtering out toxins.

 “… some sunscreens are known to interfere with hormone action… could plausibly increase the risk of various cancers” -Thomas Zoeller, Endocrine Society

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The Savvy Mom’s Top Toxins To Avoid To Welcome Baby Into A Healthy Home

✱ Babies are typically born with over 200 toxins in their system before they are even out in the world ✱

You want the very best for your baby. You’re doing all you can to ensure he is healthy, safe and happy. But you know that environmental toxins pose a serious health threat, especially to a baby’s delicate system.

You realize how important it is to reduce the toxins in your home environment for your precious baby’s health.

That is exactly when the light bulb went on for me. I was pregnant with my now 13-year-old son when I learned how toxins seriously threaten our health.

I knew I had to do something to give my kids a healthier home environment. That was long before the green movement was big. Clean products were not nearly as easy to find so I did my research and made it my mission to help moms like you go green and healthy. 

Discover The top toxins to avoid to welcome your precious baby into a healthy home.

We sadly live in a very toxic world which is why I’m passionate about helping families reduce toxic load.

While you’re caring for your baby, you need to take care of yourself too. Self care is the latest buzz word but it truly is vital. You can’t be your best for your baby and loved ones if you don’t take good care of you.

There are many ways to show yourself and your family love, eco friendly and wellness living is one of them… to me the most important one. Why? Because while you are healing yourself you are also healing the environment. You live in and among every single person living in that environment. Your desire to detox your body and your home creates a ripple effect. You are taking on a task that not many consider taking or will take in their lifetime.

This is a list of some of the most toxic ingredients that are commonly found in personal care and household products.

Eliminate these and you will have a good jumpstart on cleaning up the environment in your home.

Grab this free guide: The Savvy Mom’s Top Toxins To Avoid To Welcome Baby Into A Healthy Home & discover the top toxins to avoid to welcome your sweet baby into a healthy home so you create a safe environment for your little one and your whole family.

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I’ve Wanted To Tell This Story For 16 Years. Here It Is.

Are you a breastfeeding mom or were you, like me, once upon a time a breastfeeding mom who found breastfeeding so damn hard you couldn’t even believe it? I had an incredibly difficult time coupled with postpartum issues. Postpartum & breastfeeding issues are more common than you might think. In fact, in my experience, breast feeding difficulties are more common than not.

Most women I’ve talked with had some type of hardship surrounding their breastfeeding experience. Many have such a sucky (no pun intended) time they just give up. For better or worse, I persevered.

As tough as it was, I never lost sight of the fact that I was blessed with a healthy, thriving, fun baby who allowed me to experience a love I never knew existed.

I’ve felt compelled to share my own difficult breastfeeding & postpartum story for 16 years. I finally do in this video

At the time, I knew I’d write about it one day. I thought I’d do it sooner but all things happen at the right time. 20% of women in the U.S. suffer from anxiety and mood disorders before or after pregnancy and it can last up to 3 years postpartum.

Both of my pregnancies was great but I suffered postpartum anxiety after my first. I’m so far removed from that point in my life but I remember it like it was yesterday. Perhaps you had a similar experience and will relate to my story. One thing I know for sure, if you did or if you are currently, you are not alone.

A national survey conducted by Every Mother Counts, Seleni Institute, Peanut, Motherly and Maven, revealed that the majority of women reported experiencing both depression and anxiety. I distinctly remember thinking I am going to write about this one day because I cannot possibly be the only mom going through this but this was 2002. Facebook didn’t exist and blogs weren’t nearly what they are now. No time like the present and especially fitting because August is National Breast Feeding Month and I recently had a conversation with my niece who went through a similar experience after giving birth to her beautiful daughter in January.

I want to share my story because since then I’ve met so many  women who have been in the same exact boat. If you have a similar experience, I want you to know you are not alone or crazy like I thought I was. 

I share much more in this video I did in my Facebook group which you are welcome to join… 

I have been wanting to share my difficult postpartum story for 16 years. Here it is.

I have been wanting to share my difficult postpartum story for 16 years. Here it is. Postpartum & breast feeding Issues are more common than you might think

Posted by Savvy Girl's Organic World With Kelly Bonanno on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

It was of upmost importance to me to be able to feed my baby the almighty breastmilk to give him the zillions of immune boosting health benefits, particularly being such a wellness advocate advocate. And frankly I figured it would be easier than having to make bottles and drag them along and certainly cheaper, breastmilk is free.

Mommy & Me play group with 6 month old Joey

In the video, I share that I unknowingly nearly starved my son for the first few days. He latched on just fine so I had no idea no milk was coming out. I did everything possible including hiring a lactation consultant.

I also talk about the circus it was and the rigors I went through weighing him, nursing him, weighing him again to see what measly little milk I might’ve given him… then making a bottle to supplement after which I had to pump to try to encourage my mammary glands to start making milk on their own and hopefully increase milk production.

The whole process was so freaking long by the time I was done feeding him it was practically time to feed him again! I now realize why wet nurses were popular at a point in time. 

I also reveal how I finally, after months of screwed up sleep patterns, got him to sleep through the night and become a good napper. I literally thought I would never be able to leave the house. I was almost delirious. The sleep deprivation was brutal and made me nuts. That coupled with the postpartum anxiety I was experiencing and lack of support made me so damn irritable.

Me & my sweet baby 2003

As rough as it was, he was a sweet, fun baby… the light of my life. I was fortunate to have plenty of wonderful times with him during that first year and more and more with each passing year. I expound a great deal in the video, I wonder how many of you can relate in any way. Drop a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

I want to share my story because since then I’ve met so many  women who have been in the same exact boat. If you have a similar experience, I want you to know you are not alone or crazy like I thought I was.

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Would You Know How To Tell If Someone Was Drowning? It’s Not As Easy As You Might Think

Playing in the pool, hitting the surf, water skiing at the lake… summer fun is here and I plan to enjoy every minute! Not to put a damper (pun intended) on the water play, but did you know that drowning does not look the way you think it might? This is such important information which is why I post it every summer.

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Drowning is quiet. It is not often obvious that the person is in distress. There isn’t all the splashing we see in movies. When someone is drowning, they make very little noise or no noise at all because they are trying to breath.

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning, by marine safety specialist, Mario Vittone is a very helpful article. In it, he talks about what drowning really does look like, signs to watch out for and what to do.

“It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) — of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening…”

You really can’t take your eyes off of your kids for even a minute. Drowning victims are typically unable to speak or wave their arms for help so you must be aware of what’s going on in the water at all times.

Water safety is crucial, it takes only a few short minutes for someone to drown. Even the strongest swimmer is at risk when someone pushes him in or jumps on top of him.

Check out his article, it’s valuable information we can all need to know, particularly this time of year. Please share this post on Facebook & Twitter, Pin it & forward it to everyone you know who has kids, keep them safe this summer!

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Read All About It ~ 5 Articles Worth Reading

 Essential Reading 

Photo via Visual Hunt

Photo via Visual Hunt

This is disturbing but so important for parents everywhere to be aware. Even if your kids are toddlers, they’ll be tweens one day. Jamie is 13 and hasn’t even kissed a girl. But he’s now on the Sex Offender Register after online porn warped his mind… A cautionary tale.

Clean your home without inhaling harmful chemicals or spending much money at all. All you need are the things listed in this article. Put These Five Nontoxic Essential Ingredients In Your Cupboard!

I’ve been hearing about the wonders of ghee for a long time so I finally bought some. Now I just have to start using it! Ayurvedics have long known the wonderful benefits, it’s time everyone learn the 15 Amazing Benefits Of Ghee.

Who doesn’t love a great beach day? This California girl sure does! Surfers and beach combers beware. Some beaches need some serious cleaning up. If everyone was kinder to the environment they wouldn’t be so bad. You might want to see if your favorite is on this list before you hit the beach this summer Top Dirtiest Beaches In America 

Many adults have issues with acne so I thought this might be helpful for those of you dealing with this frustrating skin condition What Your Skin Breakouts Are Telling You. Often times it’s the chemicals in personal care products that cause our skin to react. Try a skin care line free of toxic chemicals like Pure Haven Essentials, several people are OFF toxic Proactive thanks to this line.

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Unwrapping Smartphones: Is Your Child Ready?

Guest Post by Cassie Brewer

‘Tis the season for blinking lights, soulful tunes, family traditions, and of course: a child’s wish list of toys and gadgets they long to see under the tree come December 25th. As our children plot and plan their detailed lists of wants and desires, many parents are noticing that at the top of our son’s and daughter’s beloved Christmas list is a Smartphone.1

Before we place a wrapped Smartphone under the tree this year, we first need to consider a child’s ability to handle responsibility.

It is estimated that three quarters of eight year olds and younger children have access to “smart” devices. And it’s not just our youngest family members dreaming of cell phones and tablets. Roughly 78 percent of all teens own mobile phones- with a majority upgrading to Smartphone technology.

Even though our kids are using handheld technology, they might not possess the necessary skills to safely handle the responsibility of digital citizenship. Before surprising a child with a phone of their own this holiday, answer the following questions:

  • Can my son or daughter take care of their belongings?
  • Does he or she demonstrate good reasoning or judgment skills?
  • Is my child able to grasp the concept of social media permanence?
  • Has the family discussed social media etiquette?

Tips For Dialing A Merry Christmas

If you answered “yes” to the majority of the questions posed, your child might be ready for a Smartphone. As parents, we need to be prepared before introducing a world of disappearing messages, sexting, online predators, and cyberbullies into our child’s life.

Unlike the man in the big red suit, many of us haven’t mastered the ability to magically know what our son or daughter is doing at all times. Listed below are six tips to keep a child safely snapping selfies and sending emojis to their friends long after the ornaments are put away:

  • Know common dangers trolling the Internet and social media. Sexting is now viewed as normal development and rates of cyberbullying still continue to rise.
  • Develop a family technology contract that lists all consequences and expectations for proper Smartphone ownership.
  • Help children and teens set their privacy settings to make sure they are protected.
  • Have a conversation about social media etiquette, social permanence, online predators, sexting, and cyberbullying.
  • Utilize monitoring software to access a child’s cell phone and Internet activity to ensure they are safely using technology.
  • Keep devices in common living areas and limit access to bedrooms. Children are less likely to get into trouble if they know mom or dad can walk in any minute. Also, you will be helping a child get a good night’s sleep without the glow of a screen or messages interrupting their shut eye.

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5 Healthy Alternatives to Kids’ Favorite Foods

Screenshot_2015-09-24-22-39-23

My loves ?

When was the last time your child asked you for a plate of steamed vegetables? In this junk food obsessed culture, the likelihood is never. Providing our kids with a healthy diet is a constant battle for parents in this country where the food supply is horrendous and we spend more than 110 billion dollars on fast food every year.

Over 30 percent of children in America under age 17 are overweight. Kids are the target market for all the junk food out there. If we completely deprive them of the foods they love they’ll obsess about them even more, but it’s our job to make sure they’re getting proper nutrition.

Many of their favorite foods are unhealthy, but fortunately there are some delicious alternatives. These are some that I don’t feel so guilty about serving to my boys, I bet your kids will like them too.

Smoothies, healthy treats 038Hot Dogs We are busy moms. There are nights when we just want to throw down a quick and easy meal that we don’t have to put much thought into. Hot dogs are super easy, and what kid doesn’t love them? They are notorious, however, for containing meat by-products, fillers, and nitrates.

If you want to avoid these unhealthy additives, a few good options are Applegate Farms, Organic Prairie, and Coleman Natural. My kids love hot dog night, and honestly, cooking these up with a side of veggies and a piece of fruit doesn’t take much more time than waiting in line at the drive-thru. Actually, takes less time 😉

Mac n’ Cheese When you’re pressed for time or just do NOT feel like doing any real cooking (which for me is always!), mac n’ cheese is a great go to. Forget Kraft. Most kids I know like Annie’s Organic. My recipe for mac n’ cheese is honestly almost as easy, find it here. 

Pancakes Love to make pancakes every Sunday morning? Look for a mix that’s made with organic stone ground whole grain flour, pure raw evaporated cane juice or pure raw sugar, and aluminum-free leavening. I make them even healthier by adding ground flax seeds and wheat germ. (My kids don’t even notice.) The recipe calls for oil, so opt for a healthy option like grape seed oil, then top with a little 100 percent pure maple syrup. My kids love them! Try Bob’s Red Mill

PB & J Without a doubt, only give your kids organic peanut butter. Organic peanut butter is not permitted to be grown with pesticides or the fungicides commonly used in growing peanuts. An even healthier option? Organic almond butter or organic cashew butter and use sliced bananas instead of jelly (Elvis loved PB & banana sandwiches! Thank you very much.)

Environkids 010Cereal Cereal makes hectic mornings easier. Who has time for much more when you’re making lunches and trying to get your kids out the door on time? But most brands are full of sugar. Fortunately, there are many great alternatives on store shelves that do not have partially hydrated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. My kids love Envirokids, Barbara’s and 3 Sisters Cereal. They all have several varieties. Three Sisters uses renewable wind energy in their production and the cereals come in a freshness saver bag instead of a box, so a few trees are spared as well. My kid’s favorites are Cinnamon Sweets, which is their alternative to Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Marshmallow Oaties, their version of Lucky Charms. My kids say these are even better than the unhealthy sugar-laden brands! That’s not to say they don’t beg me for Froot Loops once in while.

Which healthy alternatives do your kids love?

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Do You Know What To Do If You Get Caught In A Rip Current?

I’ve been soaking up the sun taking in some fun, relaxing beach days this summer. I’m very blessed to live by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. There’s an endless amount of fun to be had at the beach but the surf can be rough and dangerous.IMG_4221

Tragedy struck over the weekend here in Southern California. On Sunday, the surf was especially rough with lots of rip currents. Lifeguards made several rescues but sadly, a 28 year old man was caught in a rip current and did not survive. A friend of my son’s was there ans saw them try to revive him. We were at the beach the next day. The water was still rough but the lifeguard said it was much worse the day before.

In light of this tragedy, I thought it was a good idea to share this video on how to recognize a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one. Karina Fraley of Mommywood.com gets the answers in her interview with Ventura County lifeguard Derek Doler. Derek shares some valuable tips on being water wise and sun savvy so you can enjoy your day by the sea. Be sure to share this on Facebook & Twitter & with friends who have kids. Surf’s up.

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Lessons My Mother Taught Me

My Beautiful Mother

My Beautiful Mother

Naturally, I thought about my mom and how much I miss her on Mother’s Day. I had a lovely dream about her the night before. She was happy, showing me around her new home. She always did have a flair for decorating, our home while I was growing up was beautiful. I view that dream as her way of communicating to me that she’s happy and peaceful among the angels ♥ having fun with my dad.

I wrote this article a few years after she passed. I learned a lot from her, these are a few of the gems…

After we become moms, we can’t help but see our own mothers in a slightly different light. We have a deeper understanding of the love they feel for us and we appreciate the sacrifices they made. Unfortunately my mother is no longer with us. I miss her and often wish I could talk with her and seek her advice on life, parenting, and how she kept her skin so smooth. There are moments when I think to myself how grateful I am for both the big and small lessons I learned from her while I was growing up.

She taught me proper etiquette and the importance of being polite. Because of my mom, I know which one is the salad fork, and that a simple thank you note is a lovely expression of gratitude. When we receive a gift or when someone goes out of their way to do something special for us, a handwritten thank you note is a show of gratitude that never goes out of style. My mom impressed upon me how important a thank you note is and I have done the same with my kids. It’s a simple gesture that shows a great deal of appreciation.

My mother was nurturing and taught me the important things in life, but she also modeled healthy living that certainly shaped how I live today… Read entire article at Parent Society.