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Grants for Single Moms

When it comes to being a mom you will do whatever it takes to secure your child’s future. The fact is that being a single parent is tough. You have to worry about everything from the light bill, to piano lessons, to PTA meetings, to job meetings, to snack day.

>>Click here to see what grants you may qualify for<<

You need to know that there is assistance out there for you to get some relief and piece of mind. There are programs that are available just for single mothers that will provide grants for education, housing, and health insurance. Even though you may feel alone you do not have to face all of these challenges alone.

Swim Lessons for the kids

One amazing skill for kids to learn is to learn how to swim. I did not learn how to swim until I was 12 years old, and I must say that I sometimes get leary about getting into the water still. My 7 year old son had hai first swim class today, and he had a blast.

It was very interesting seeing him interact with the other children. He was the biggest child in the level one class. We put him in swim classes because my son like to explore. My advice to parents is to not do like I did and wait so late to put your child in swimming class. Checkout your YMCA and local recreation centers for classes. You may even be surprised to find that some centers offer year round classes with indoor pools.

Losing Weight After 3 Kids Part 1

When it comes to losing weight it is simple, but it is not easy! It is going to take some dedication on your part. You can take the weight loss pills and drinks, however, they are not going to be sustainable. In many cases you will end up back where you started. I have had 3 children and this is what I did to loose a substantial amount of weight.

Change your food 

Make your meal simple. Protein, fruits, vegetables, and one grain. This will make grocery shopping quick and easy. I love to get creative and get inspiration by looking at youtube channels that are based on healthy cooking. If you just stick to a protein and a few veggies for dinner with fruit (homemade sorbet) paired with exercise the weight will come off. 

Stop eating so much white bread including donuts, dinner rolls, and sandwich bread. Your body converts this stuff to sugar. Try gluten free breads if you just have to have it. Your body and your ego will thank you for it.

Drink Water

You are going to need to drink ALOT of water! There is no doubt about it. You gut may stick out because there is residue in there from years of toxin build up. Do yourself a favor and drink at least 6 (16oz) bottles of water. This will help your body digest your food and it will help your body rid itself of toxins.

While trying to lose weight we fall short because of all of the empty calories that we are consuming in our beverages. Our coffee creamer, our store purchased juices are laden with calories! Do your self a favor and drink water or a freshly squeezed juice to quinch your thirst!

Meal Prep

As a busy mom it is difficult at times it is hard to eat right. That is why it is vital to prep your meals for the week. Some moms go as far as prepping for the entire month. They may make a home made soup or a vegetarian lasagna or a veggie casserole for the weeks ahead. Here are some great storage containers 

To stay on track have your tupperware in place and pack it up for the week. Do not forget your snacks. Guacamole and veggie chips are a good snack. So is hummus and gluten free bread.

How to Make Your Own Baby Food

When it comes to your baby's health and nutrition it is so important to get as close to nature as you possibly can.

There are many lines of baby food that is on the market. However, I want to expose moms like you to another alternative, making your own baby food.

The benefit is that you know what is in it. There are no added chemicals and preservatives. It is also cost effective to make your own baby food as opposed to buying small $1.20 bottles of baby food. That equals  a little over $33 a week. Which is then $134.40 per month on the conservative side.

Making baby food is really easy! All you need to do is get fresh fruits and veggies, wash, peel (optional), steam/boil, puree!

I like to take a batch of carrots, clean them, (6-8carrots) boil them, and puree them. A bag of organic carrots at my store costs less than $2.50 for lb which I can make the equivilent of 10 store purchased jars baby food. Saving my family a lot of money 25 cents per jar versus $1.20 a jar!! You do the math!

You can use the Magic Bullet Baby Bullet Baby Care System to do it. Or you can use your small food processor. \

Storage of homemade baby food

I like to store the baby food in small glass mason jars or silicone baby molds. Like the green one in the picture below. You can always freeze the extra for a later date!

Click the picture below for more info on this baby food storage option!!!

3 Potential Causes of Ezcema

There are many reports out there that state that the cause of eczema is unknown. I have to state that I am not a doctor. However, I will also have to state that I believe that eczema is curable, you just need to know what is causing it to occur.

The purpose of this post is to shine a light on what could be causing your child's eczema.

Laundry Detergent

Children have really sensitive skin especially newborns. It is important that you take the time to understand and know what is in the laundry detergent that you are using for your child's bedding and clothing.

Many people will be surprised that the brands that are "baby" brands are not friendly or gentle when it comes to the baby's skin. It is important to look out for laundry detergents that have surfactants in them. Also, look out for colorings, and dyes. These will all cause your baby to have skin irritations.

Look for a brand that is all natural and uses natural ingredients. My favorite laundry detergent to use for my family is The Honest Brand by Jessica Alba. I noticed a substantial difference in my son's eczema once we started using this brand.

Click here to try the  Honest Brand >>The Honest Company Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear - 70 oz

Bath Soap

When purchasing a soap for your child it is important to use a soap that is absolutely gentle yet effective.

Many of the soaps on the market have so many additives and colorants that they make eczema worse!

Some of the cheap soaps you definitely want to stay away from. Instead, you should try a soap like Dove Beauty Bar, Sensitive Skin. This soap is mild yet effective for your baby's skin

Food

When it comes to food it is going to take some trial and error. I learned grains cause my son's eczema to flair up. It is really unfortunate because he loves oatmeal. 

But, I learned that the oatmeal was causing his eczema. It is vital that you make sure that your child has their fair share of fruits, veggies, and water! No substitutes. If you take a close look at their progress you will be able to possibly identify what is causing the flair ups.

Which Breast Pump is the Best Breast Pump?

I have tried 3 different breast pumps with my last pregnancy and I must tell you that no breast pump  is made alike. Some are way more effective than others. So before you buy a breast pump you need to be well informed on what you are getting. One great tip is that you want to save yourself some time and effort by getting a double pump. Pumping is already double the time, because of the clean up of the bottles and pump parts vs. just putting the baby directly on the breast.

Also, there are some places that we allow you to rent hospital grade breast pumps for a monthly or weekly fee.

Hands down the best pump that I have used is the Medela Symphony Hospital grade pump.The retail cost was way out of my range $1,500 to be exact. However.

I was able to rent it for $20/wk. I have heard some ladies say that they were able to rent it for $50 a month. So it really depends on the hospital and your area.


Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

A great affordable pump would have to be the Medela Free Style Breast pump. It is alot more affordable than the hospital grade and it is manufactured by the same company. One thing that you want in a breast pump is good suction. The suction is everything because that is going to help increase your milk supply and empty out your breast when it is time. If you have a breast pump that lacks good suction it is no bueno! You can purchase the Free Style on Amazon.


Nature's Bond

One breast pump that I was absolutely disappointed in was the Nature's Bond Double pump. That is due to the fact that the suction power on the machine was very poor. Maybe I was became to fond of the Medela hospital grade.

However, I purchased Nature's Bond because it had some great reviews. But it did not do me too well.