Monthly Archives: April 2014

Dated Blogs, Recipes

Yummy lentil burgers!

Lentil burgers recipe

We are all trying to be a little healthier in my house hold so I’ve been sourcing some healthy recipes. I’m also trying to make finger food so that my toddler – who has become quite fussy will at least try what I cook. He still likes to feed himself…! See previous posts.

This recipe is passed on by a good friend of mine who is a very healthy individual who also prefers to eat organic.

These yummy lentil burger patties are a real mainstay of vegetarian menus. This version is so tasty and versatile that you can use it for lentil balls, mini bites and burgers patties.

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked brown lentils
1 cup mashed potato
1 cup mashed sweet potato
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup L.S.A.
1 carrot, grated
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp garlic, crushed
1 tsp vegetable stock powder
Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients.

Using wet hands, shape mixture into balls or patties – whatever you prefer and place on the tray.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Twitt
Dated Blogs, Other Tips / Hints

Quick Effective Beauty Secrets!

I am all about learning beauty secrets and I suspect you are, too. After all, it is the little things that really make the difference. We want to look and feel our best.
Here are some beauty secrets that can help you to do that.

1. Your Nails Dry Faster after a Cold Water Dip

Do you get tired of sitting and waiting for your nails to dry? I know that I do. I always have a thousand things on my mind that I want to do and waiting for nails to dry isn’t one of them. I learned that if you dip your hands in cold water when they are tacky, it will help them to set and they will be dry much faster. Plunging them in ice water for ten or fifteen seconds is even better. This is one of my favorite beauty secrets because it helps me save so much time.

2. Baking Soda Mixed with Shampoo Equals Less Buildup

This is a beauty secret that I learned to help me to deal with buildup. Clarifying shampoos are harsh on your hair when used often. Instead of using a clarifying shampoo on a regular basis, try this. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in with your regular shampoo and wash your hair as you normally would. You only do this as needed and it works beautifully.

3. Stretch Your Mascara Longer by Using This Trick

This one will be loved by all of you mascara queens out there. If you want to stretch your mascara to last a longer amount of time, try this. When you feel like your mascara is drying out, add two to four drops of regular Visine or a multipurpose contact solution and shake. It will moisten your mascara and let you use it for a few weeks longer. This is especially helpful when you need a new mascara and don’t have one stashed back.

4. Eye Cream Isn’t Just for Your Eyes

Eye cream isn’t just for your eyes, ladies. If you are using an eye cream that is designed to target and reduce wrinkles, don’t limit it. Use it around your lips and on your forehead. Basically, you should use it wherever you are seeing wrinkles or the beginnings of wrinkles. It can do wonders for all those areas.

5. Lip Exfoliation And Plumping on The Cheap

Lips need exfoliation from time to time. This seems to be especially true when the weather is cool and they dry out. You don’t have to have a special lip product for this. A new toothbrush works wonderfully. Simply wet the toothbrush and gently scrub it across your lips. Not only will it exfoliate them but it will give you a bit of plumping in your lips as well.

6. Moisturize Upward

This one makes a lot of sense if you think about it. When we put on moisturizer, most of us use a downward motion. When we do that, we are pulling our skin down and helping wrinkles to form. Change your habit. Apply your moisturizer in an upward motion. You can help fight the tide of gravity this way.

7. When in a Pinch

Sometimes, you want to liven up your cheeks a little but you don’t have your blush with you. Here is a little secret that dates way back into the 1800s and maybe even beyond. All you need to do is gently pinch the areas of your face where you naturally blush or along your cheekbones. This is not the most pleasant way of adding color but it is very effective. It also gives you a very natural blush which you cannot achieve with a cosmetic product.

These are only 7 beauty secrets that I am thankful I know. I would love it if you would share some of yours with me.

What are your best beauty secrets?
Twitt
Dated Blogs, Other Tips / Hints, Recipes, Toddler Related

Dealing with a fussy toddler.

So my 17 month old little man has just decided that everything I put in front of him is ‘yuk’ – his words not mine. I’ve tried many recipes that I think he would like but unless he is feeding himself, and let’s face it, messy and takes double the time. It’s all a little bit frustrating. For us both.

I’ve signed up for many newsletters that help with such toddler issues.

A great one that I recently receivEd was from Baby Bliss.

This website has sooo much helpful information on EVERYTHING to do with being a mummy.

The most recent article that I have read from Baby Bliss I’ve pasted below. I hope it’s as informative for you as it has been for me.

Toddlers: Eating, sleeping and Dealing with the NOs

by  on April 15, 2014 in Parenting Seminars, Siblings, Toddlers
By nature toddlers are inquisitive, active and designed to push back. They are exploring their world and this can be exciting and frightening to them. We need to support and guide them through this time with effective methods of setting boundaries and discipline while allowing them to develop a sense of themselves.Sleeping

Toddlers can become tricky at bedtime as they can have some increased separation anxiety. They may ask for you to stay with them when falling asleep and then when they wake overnight. Things you can do to change this (if you want to!):

  • Ensure you have a ritual around bedtime
  • Toddlers need lots of good deep sleep so they need to be asleep by 7/7.30pm at the latest.
  • Rather than sit with them till they are asleep go in and out reassuring them that you will be back.
  • Use a night light.
  • Give your toddler a comforter and include that in the bedtime ritual.
  • Use a clock for those toddlers who rise early.
  • Use a reward chart (for 3 year olds and above) to change behaviour but you must be consistent with it.

Eating

Meal times can become a battle ground with toddlers as they start to decide what they do and don’t like. Try not to fight or turn it into a huge production. Remember toddlers are on the go, go, go all the time and so they can eat on the run. They also can eat non-stop one day and then nothing the next. That is normal. Trust that they will know what they need.

  • Keep mealtimes to 30 minutes
  • Don’t offer too much choice as your child will be confused.
  • Ensure they know that this is all there is once the meal is served.
  • Don’t make dessert a reward; it should just be part of the meal.
  • Vegetables should be on the plate every day.
  • Ask that they taste new foods, just once.
  • Try and make mealtimes before your child gets too tired.

Managing Toddler Behaviour

Toddlers can be tricky. It can be the age of tantrums and telling you, “NO!” Try not to take this behaviour personally – you child is discovering themselves as little individuals and testing out ways of being independent from you.

A few little tips can help you navigate through this phase but remember it is okay to say NO to them and it is okay for them to not like you, for that moment!

  • Always use positive language when you’re asking them not to do something this puts the focus on what you DO want them to do and takes the focus off the thing that you don’t want them to do.
  • ‘No’ is an overused word that doesn’t give the child much information. It’s better to tell them what you do want to do, or if there is immediate danger, a better word is “stop” because it gives them information about what you want them to do.
  • Always speak calmly to your child when correcting them or asking them to do something. This shows them you are in-charge and confidant.
  • Try not to lecture – you child will switch-off after the first minute. Be matter-of-fact: “I won’t let you do that. If you throw that again I will take it away”
  • Natural consequences: A toddler learns discipline best when he experiences natural consequences for his behaviour, rather than a disconnected punishment like time-out. If a child throws food, mealtime is over. If a child refuses to get dressed, we don’t go to the park today. These parental responses appeal to your child’s sense of fairness.
  • Personally, I think that smacking is counterproductive because it teaches children that hitting is ok, particularly if you’re angry, and that if you’re bigger and stronger, then you can use force to solve a problem. At the end of the day, we want our kids to use alternative strategies when they have a problem and so we need to model this for them.

 Your children will become who you are, so be who you want them to be.

for other articles like this head to www.babybliss.com.au

Twitt
Dated Blogs, Other Tips / Hints

Suffering sinus!

So yet again sinus season has come around. I suffer terribly!

I have found this article on tips to help relieve these terrible symptoms and am willing to try anything.

I found this article on AWS – the wonderful app that is also a website. All Womens Talk

The writer on this subject seems to also be a sufferer to has tried everything!

Thought I’d post and help others 🙂

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If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, here are a few tips from guest contributor Shari to help you deal with it.

Fed up with constant sinus problems? Sick of stockpiling decongestants and antibiotics? Tell me about it. I’ve tried everything short of spraying Lysol up my nose. Nothing smells of desperation quite like risking permanent damage to one’s olfactory organ for the remote possibility of eliminating sinus pressure. Every year, before I know it, I’m back in the throes my annual six-month sinus infection. Oh, how I love a tall glass of pounding headache in the morning with a shot of facial pain…not. The good news is that I found a combination of remedies that finally kicked my chronic sinusitis to the curb.

1. Spray What?

No worries, I was only kidding about the Lysol. However, grapefruit seed extract (GSE) nasal spray is no joke. In fact, I believe this is the single most beneficial preventative and curative measure I have taken. GSE is a strong natural antioxidant and antibiotic. After using this for several days, all of a sudden—OH EM GEE—I can breathe!

2. Clear The Air

Keep in mind this simple equation: dried-out sinuses + inhalation of germs = chronic stuffy nose and headache. Multiply that by facial pain and you are now the product of a huge sum of nasty disposition. Invest in an air purifier, particularly for your bedroom, and make sure it contains a HEPA filter. (I also have a small unit which uses UV light to sanitize the air. It’s near my desk at work—can’t hurt, right?) A humidifier in your bedroom for dryer months is a must. Mix tea tree oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus oil with apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to kill mold and germs in the air.

3. Boost Your Immune System

A good-quality probiotic should be an everyday staple for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it aids your immune system. Make sure you put vitamin D in your daily pill organizer next to the multivitamin and vitamin C for the same reasons. Determined to win the battle against my chronic sinus infections, I now ingest many herbal supplements to help strengthen my immune system. After trial and error, I have come to rely on these, my new best friends: goldenseal, elderberry, garlic, oregano, elderberry and astragalus. Warning: buy only reputable brands. Otherwise, you might as well toss your money in the trash can alongside the insurmountable number of tissues you’ll undoubtedly use while in the midst of yet another sinus infection. However, do not begin taking any herbal or vitamin supplements without first consulting with your physician.

4. Natural anti-Inflammatories

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, is touted for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for the sinus. Many people are aware of the numerous health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids such as promoting healthy eyes, heart and joints. Add soothing inflamed sinus cavities to its long list of attributes. Research the benefits of turmeric and ginger. These have become essential regulars in my daily supplement regime. Bonus: ginger is purported to help prevent memory problems; if this is true, at least you won’t forget to take the rest of your supplements.

5. Food Basics

I have disciplined myself to drink a nutrient-rich super-green cocktail every day. Okay, it’s actually more like a river-silt flavored super-healthy drink which deceitfully boasts a pleasant berry taste. Nevertheless, it give me me energy and makes my skin look maaaaaahvelous. I now almost like the taste. Almost. Stay away from mucous-producing dairy products but be cognizant of getting enough calcium. Almond milk is a tasty alternative. It is high in calcium and vitamin E and low in sugar. Speaking of sugar, some experts suggest that eliminating it from your diet, along with grain products and caffeine, will cut down on mucous production. Quite frankly, there is no way I can possibly cut sugar, grain or caffeine out of my diet entirely; I just mention it in case your resolve is greater than mine. Try drinking 2T of apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water at least 3 times a day at the first sign of symptoms. Apple cider vinegar thins the mucous and is antibacterial and antifungal. Honey and garlic also have antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties.

6. Stick to The Basics

You need to keep up on the basic preventatives. It’s important to keep your sinuses moist with saline nasal spray. Warm compresses are comforting for facial pain and help open the passageways. I can’t say enough about the positive results I’ve gotten from NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™. This method is less awkward than the neti pot. Prescription steroid nasal sprays and daily allergy medications are helpful preventative aids if your chronic sinusitis is a result of allergies. Steaming the sinuses is soothing and helps relieve headaches. (I love the compact personal steamers sold in drug stores).

7. Allergy Proof Your Home

Not only frequent dusting and vacuuming but also regular cleanings of the HVAC system and wall unit air conditioners are super important. Keep your linens and mattress cover clean and dust-mite free. To be honest, I have little personal knowledge of whether regular and meticulous cleanings of my home would benefit my sinuses. If I miraculously develop the gumption to give it a try, I’ll report back.

Shared via allwomenstalk app

P.S – if you have any tips or knowledge on helping relieve sinus or any other allergies, please write me – I’d love to hear from you!
Twitt
Dated Blogs, Exercise Tips, Other Tips / Hints

What men desire?

So I’ve been reading all these articles lately on ‘what men want’. Most are unrealistic and really quite scary. Do men really have these expectations on what a woman should look like?

there are so many glossy magazines that print these articles, and I’m not having a go at them as I buy them and read them as do many others I’m sure, however what hope do we have to be healthy and not body obsessed if we are all trying to please men and look line their ideals?

Im am very much for being healthy and fit but I do it for myself. Not for anyone else. I certainly don’t aspire to look like anyone else and if anyone suggested I try otherwise, I’d possibly tell them to go jump! 🙂

Being healthy should be a priority not looking like a celebrity or having body issues.

Recently I had a friend diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. This is very similar to anorexia. This friend is always trying to look skinny and thinks that being skinny is desirable. This disease has you believe that your are large or ‘far’ and when you look in a mirror or at yourself you see yourself differently to how you actually look.

I also recently had a family friend pass away from anorexia. She had battled it since her early teens and after 6 years of this disgusting disease it took her life. Her organs shut down whilst she was sleeping. It’s sad to see such a disorder take a hold of someone close.

Below are some articles on body dysmorphic disorder And other eating disorders.

If you or someone close to you are suffering from such terrible diseases please seek some help. These diseases are not talked about enough and I personally think there needs to be more awareness on them. My view is that they are similar to cancer. They not only affect you but your family and friends.

My thoughts are with those struggling. Please seek help – speak to your doctor or call lifeline. Or please write me.

LifeLine 131114 – lifeline.org.au

Body Dysmorphic Disorder- http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder

Anorexia – Anorexia Nervosa –

Http://nedc.com.au/anorexianervosa

Twitt
Dated Blogs, Other Tips / Hints

I’m Moving!

Sorry I haven’t been blogging lately, I’ve been super busy moving house!

Very exciting times ahead for us.

It’s been quite chaotic and crazy packing boxes with a toddler running around.

Ive learnt a few things with this nice that I’ve found really helped.

Here are a few of my moving tips to help you ease  your next move!

1. Book your Removalist in advance. I booked mine a month in advance.

2. Have your booked Removalist drop boxes to you early – again mine were dropped 3 weeks early. This helps as your not as ruses and can start packing slowly. This then stops the panic rush and stress of packing.

3. Keep your old newspapers – uses these to wrap your valuables. Removalist wrapping paper is super expensive!

4. To move your clothing, I buy those big hessian bags that you generally use to take your clothes to the dry cleaner in. Easy to transport, cost shld the price if a small box at approx $3 ea and can carry sooo much more than the regular box!

5. Take your valuables inc Jewellery in your car with you – eliminates any chance of theft of loss.

6. Keep hydrated! Moving is hard yakka mentally and physically. Keep your fluids up and don’t forget to eat! You need energy!

7. After the nice is done, sit back and enjoy. Moving can be stressful and exhausting on you and your relationships. Be kind to yourself. If you don’t get it complete in the first few days, don’t stress – you live there now – ease yourself into it!

Twitt