Natural Living

In grade school, all of my friends' birthdays seemed to land in October and November.  My birthday is November 5th, so I had to be careful to try and plan my birthday party on a weekend with no other...

Summer time cooking in Phoenix is tricky.  It's hot, like really hot, and the idea of even turning on the oven literally makes me want to just eat cold cereal until September. Lately, I have gotten really into cooking...

When I was young, I was the world's worst eater. Seriously. Think having a Pepsi a few times a day (being 6 years old!), endless bags of chips, candy, and one too many Happy Meals! After so many years...

Summer is practically upon us here in the Valley of the Sun.  Do you know what that means?!  It means swimming, traveling, hiking, exploring, camping, you name it!  I am super excited about the adventures that await us this...

I love lip balms!  I use them multiple times a day and I have tried soooo many different kinds.  It is nice to have options, but with all the different types...moisturizing, protecting, smoothing, plumping, shaded...I could go on and...

The holiday season has begun! The hustle and bustle of traditions, traveling, gift giving and food preparation makes this season seem like a blur. However, one thing I slow down and focus on during the season is teaching my...

The holidays are here!  I haven't met one person who doesn't love this magical time of year.  The seasonal food, the decorations, the parties, the music, the shopping, you name it; it is magical.  I love decorating my house...

Celebrate child health day with inspiration from your favorite childhood memories!  I remember, as a kid, hopping on my bike, cruising the neighborhood with my sisters, our crimped and feathered hair blowing in the wind as our acid wash jean...

Over the summer I started making these smoothies when I noticed my son started eating everything but his veggies. I want to make sure he eats well, and I while I will always offer veggies with meals, I also...

I am the smelliest sweaty Betty you are likely to meet. I work out regularly and I live in Phoenix, which might as well be the same as living on the face of the sun in the summertime. Needless...

I'm always looking for great, healthy eateries to add to our family's dining out repertoire. Now dining out and healthy eating don't always go hand in hand but here are two strategies I use as a mom and nutritionist...

Now that the holidays are upon us, and if you are anything like me, I am always looking for fun and thoughtful homemade gifts that we can give to teachers, friends, family, and all the hosts of the beautiful...

Have you heard of fermented foods and wondered - - A) What the heck are fermented foods? B) Where can I find fermented foods? C) Will my family even eat fermented foods? Good.  You are normal.  I wondered all of those...

I find as a mother, or maybe just as a woman, I tend to overanalyze, over plan, over think...  I compare myself to others who appear (via their social media updates and pictures) to have lives that are easier, more exciting,...

A couple years back, someone on Facebook asked for ideas for healthy alternatives to an annual ‘popsicle' party at her child's school. The comment storm that ensued was quite crazy...   It is just a popsicle.  Back off."   Readers suggesting that...

What MOM is going to say no to an organic skincare mask? Relaxing, hydrating, calming, anti-aging. Hello, all the things I want at the end of my day! Here is a quick all natural DIY pumpkin mask with only...

Apps are pretty much a phone staple anymore, they help us busy moms organize everything from grocery lists, to meals to our entire family calendar. I love apps, but I am not big on having a bunch of them...

In honor of The National Day of Unplugging, I agreed to go off the grid for a full 48 hours! No email, Internet, Facebook, text messages, Instagram, Pinterest, phone calls, mindless website browsing, or Google Maps. Being more present is...

So I'm sure you all remember that dreaded well-check appointment...the one when the pediatrician tells you that your baby will start to bud teeth soon. They say usually around 6 months or so that you will notice drooling and...

I have always been of the belief that all our bodies could possibly need can be found in food.  I have never really been a big vitamin-taker.  When my pediatrician wanted me to start giving my daughter iron-fortified vitamin...

Ah yes, I can remember when the first Flower Child opened up off of Camelback and 44th St.  I remember tasting that first sip of kombucha they have on tap and biting into that amazing piece of grass fed...

When I was a child, I grew up smack dab in the middle of Phoenix.  We had a small backyard, a couple of dogs, and a couple of cats.  No farm animals.  Never in a million years did I...

We're so lucky in Arizona to have farmer's markets year round but it's in the spring that we can really appreciate them!  My favorite is the Uptown Market on Bethany Home Road and Central Avenue.  There are plenty all...

Some bits on breastfeeding: OH HAPPY DAY ERR MONTH: Happy National Breastfeeding Awareness Month to all our breastfeeding mamas (much love to those who choose not to or can't) it's such a beautiful experience. I myself pumped with my first...

It seems like food has always had a negative effect on my body. From a young age I remember telling my parents that hot dogs gave me headaches.  My family chalked it up to me being dramatic. That is...