Low Fat Lifestyle
                                   
   

A lifestyle that includes healthy eating does not mean that you have to give up or abstain from the pleasurable experience of restaurant dining out. Here are a few basic low fat dining tips: Choose restaurants that offer low fat or low cholesterol choices from the menu. Find several restaurants that will cater to your needs and make them your favorites. When you become a regular, you become special. Then you won't have to worry about what is in a dish every time you pop in for a meal. Don't forget to tip well when a waiter or waitress has "gone out of their way to help you". Ask to substitute salads, grilled vegetables or a baked potato to replace French fries, chips or other fat laden side dishes. Ask for any salad dressings or fatty sauces be served on the side. (You are the one in control of how much you add) Ask that cheese, butter or added oils be left off. If different size portions are offered, go for the smaller size or share an entree with a friend. Choose low cholesterol or low fat cooking methods. (Steamed, poached, grilled, baked, roasted, braised, boiled or au jus) Beware of dishes that are described with words like fried, creamed, in cheese sauce, scalloped, hollandaise, béarnaise, basted, sautéed, au gratin and anything that states "with or in butter". Do not be afraid to ask how the chef or kitchen prepares something or to make low fat special requests. Many chefs are stepping on the healthy eating bandwagon, so don't be timid. If they are health conscious, they will delight in telling you how they can still make low fat gourmet dishes that are tasty. If low fat salad dressings are not available, ask for lemon juice or vinegar. (Balsamic vinegar adds great flavor without a sour taste.) Limit the amount of butter, margarine, or olive oil used on bread, breadsticks or baked potatoes. Ask for mustard, salsa or low fat yogurt instead of mayonnaise, sour cream or butter. Ask for low fat milk for your coffee instead of cream. Substitute lower fat fruit desserts for pastries and cakes or try a light fruit sorbet. These condiments are ok: Salsa Cocktail sauce (be aware that it is high in sodium) Soy Sauce (be aware that it is high in sodium) Mustard Stone Ground Mustard Lemon Herbs and Spices Vinegar Ketchup Grated Parmesan Cheese (if used sparingly) Horseradish Skip these condiments and additions: Eggs Butter or Clarified Butter Margarine Real Bacon or Real Bacon Bits Cheese Hollandaise or White Sauce Regular Salad Dressings Sour Cream Cream Cheese (unless they state that it is low fat or Neufchatel Cream Whipped Cream

FIND OUT WHAT YOUR BODY SHAPE IS AND WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHS FOR YOUR BODY

• Hourglass shape
  Well proportioned, bust is the same size as the hips, with a small and pronounced waist. This is considered the desired shape for most women, since it keeps a proportion between
• Rectangle (possible variations: column, ruler)
  This is usually perceived as a manly shape, since there's almost no difference between bust, hips and waist.
• Inverted triangle (or cone)
  The upper body is has more weight than the lower body. Broad shoulders and bust, medium waist and small hips.
• Pear (also called triangle or spoon)
  A pear would be the opposite of an inverted triangle, since all the body weight is placed at the lower middle body. Hips would be the most prominent part, while shoulders and bust would be small, and there would be little waist definition.
• Apple
  The weight of the body concentrates at the center. While the upper body and the hips might keep proportional, the waist is big in comparison.

Allright, so these are mainly all the body shapes there are.
Now, which one am I?

First of all, my recommendation would be to measure yourself. Taking measurements can be a little tricky, but the point is to remember that:

• You've got to measure your bust at the nipple line, without squishing it (that wouldn't be a right measurement because it's not normally squished!).
• Waist must be measured where it's smaller.
• Hips must be measured wherever they're bigger.

THE SMALL THINGS BLOG

I love her style and tutorials

http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/p/hair-style-tutorials.html

WATER FALL BRAID HAIR TUTORIAL

http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/05/partial-french-braid-cascading-hair.html

DIY house cleaner out of pantry supplies

white vinegar 

dissolves dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits from smooth surfaces, is gentle enough to use in solution to clean hardwood flooring.

 is a natural deodorizer absorbing odors instead of covering them up. (And no, your bathroom won't smell like a salad! Any vinegar aroma disappears when dry.) With no coloring agents, white vinegar won't stain grout on tiled surfaces. Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar makes a great fabric softener substitute for families with sensitive skin.

Homemade Spray Cleaner Recipe

Mix in a sprayer bottle:

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

In the kitchen, use vinegar-and-water spray to clean countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and backsplash areas.

In the bathroom, use vinegar spray cleaner to clean countertops, floors, interior and exterior surfaces of the toilet.

shower walls, pump up the cleaning power by removing the sprayer element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot.

Spray shower walls with the warmed generously, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap scum and loosens hard water deposits.

Baking Soda

Baking soda's mild abrasive action and natural deodorizing properties make it a powerful replacement for harsh commercial scouring powders. Put baking soda to work in your organized home:

Refrigerator, Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge to tackle grimy bathtub rings, scour vanities, or remove food deposits from the kitchen sink.

For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the tub or sink, and allow to stand for 10 to 20 minutes. Dirt, soap scum and deposits soften and are easier to remove.

Slow-running drains? Keep bathroom drains running freely by pouring 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, and dribbling just enough hot water to wash the solution down. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then flush thoroughly with hot water. The deodorizing effect is an added bonus! [Do not use this method on blocked drains.]

 WHITE VINEGAR CLEANING POWER

Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.

Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.

To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.

For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.

Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.

Easily clean your mini blinds by wearing pair of white cotton gloves.  Dip gloved fingers into a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm tap water, and run your fingers across both sides of each blind.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.

Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.

Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.

Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.

To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.

To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.

Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.

Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.

Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.

Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.

Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).

Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.

Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.

Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.

For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.

Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).

Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).

To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.

Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.

Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.

Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.

Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.

To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.

To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.

Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.

Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.

Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.

Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.

Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.

Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.

Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.

Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.

Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar or bleach. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.

Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.

Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.

Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.

Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.

To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.

Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.

Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar

Get cleaner laundry! Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. Besides removing soap, white distilled vinegar prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew.

Remove soap scum and clean the hoses of your washing machine with white distilled vinegar. Periodically run the machine with only a cup of white distilled vinegar in it—nothing else added to the wash cycle.

Bring out bright colors by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Fluff up wool or acrylic sweaters (hand- or machine-washed) and rid them of soap smell with 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the last rinse water.

BAKING SODA POWER

•  Make Toothpaste

A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

• Freshen Your Mouth

Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

• Soak oral appliances, like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures, in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.
•  Skip Harsh Deodorant

•  Use as a Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant

Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use. (For a stronger exfoliant, try one of these great 

• Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.
• Treat Insect Bites & Itchy Skin

For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower. 

• Make a Hand Cleanser and Softener

Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, or 3 parts baking soda to gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean. 

• Help Your Hair

Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly–baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

• Clean Brushes and Combs

For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

•  Make a Bath Soak

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration, it also makes your skin feel very soft. Epsom salts are pretty miraculous for the bath too.

• Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub. You can also make a spa por your feet

•  Remove Oil and Grease Stains

Use Baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

• Clean Batteries

Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc. because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery–they contain a strong acid.

• Clean Cars

Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. 

• Deodorize Your Refrigerator

Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

• Deodorize the Cutting Board

Sprinkle the cutting board with baking soda, scrub, rinse. For how to more thoroughly clean your cutting board.

• Deodorize Trashcans

Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay.

• Deodorize Recyclables

Sprinkle baking soda on top as you add to the container. Also, clean your recyclable container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Learn about how to recycle everythin.

• Deodorize Drains

To deodorize your sink and tub drains, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water–it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.) Do you know what you’re not supposed to put down your drains?

• Deodorize and Clean Dishwashers

Use Baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

• Deodorize Lunch Boxes

 Deodorize Garbage Disposals
To deodorize your disposal, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. Baking Soda will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain.

• Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors. Read bout safe lunch boxes here.

• Remove Odor From Carpets

Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight, or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.)

• Remove Odor From Vacuum Cleaners

By using the method above for carpets, you will also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

• Freshen Closets

Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh, then follow these tips to organize your closet in an eco-friendly way.

• Deodorizing Cars

Odors settle into car upholstery and carpet, so each time you step in and sit down, they are released into the air all over again. Eliminate these odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

•  Deodorize the Cat Box

Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. You can also use green tea for this purpose!

•  Deodorize Pet Bedding

Eliminate odors from your pets bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

•  Deodorize Sneakers

Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing. When they’re no longer wearable, make sure to  donate your old sneakers.

• Freshen Linens

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels. You can also make homemade lavender linen water with this formula.

•  Deodorize Your Wash

Gym clothes of other odoriferous clothing can be neutralized with a ½ cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle.

•  Freshen Stuffed Animals

Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

my SSHH... methods (tear stopping)
when my baby seems INCONSOLABLE



I MAKE NOISE:
sing and talk to baby
music
crib mobil
turn on toys that make noise.
Put on a fan
run the vaccum

GET MOVING
go out to get the mail
toting baby in  baby carrier while you do your chores around the house.

BATH
make her feel warm and cozy.
the sound of running water its sooting for my baby as well.

loosing the baby weigth tips

* drink warm green tea. i drink 2 cups a day
*eat often,as moms we have a busy schedule and its hard to eat 3 meals at the same time everyday. eating small portions EVERY 3 HOURS, 6 TIMES A DAY.

*substitute sugar for splenda or any other brand. melassa or honey for baking or tea.

*lower sodium intake and drink lots of water

*lower caffeine intake
*eating soup its filling,have lots of water and there are many low calorie options.

* Fruit or jello  for desert.

* sleep more than 6 hours every night

* avoid drinking sweeten drinks (soda)

*drink diuretic juices (pineapple,orange,carrot,cantaloupe)

* snack on (plums,dried fruit,almonds,peanuts,100 calorie popcorn and cookies,fruit,smoothie,orang,)
*eat fat to burn it (olives,olive oil on salads, avocado)

*bake your own deserts or munchies (whole wheat muffins,banana bread)

*add veggies or salad to any entree

*grilled and baked food its better than fried.

whole wheat banana bread recipe:

INGREDIENTS

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed

1/3 cup of margarine or butter

1 cup splenda (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the splenda, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the whole wheat flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

molasses muffins with flax and dates

2 eggs white

1/3 cup (115 g) molasses

1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar)

3/4 cup (120 g) ground flaxseed meal

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (175 g) chopped dates

1 1/2 cups (210 g) whole wheat  or half and half (50 %whole wheat, 50 % flour)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C), and prepare 12 muffin cups with papers or cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the egg, molasses, buttermilk, flax, and salt, and add the dates to the batter.

optional: vanilla

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda 

4. Gently stir the flour mixture (vanilla optional) into the egg mixture.

5. Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

This is where i live (Tucson,Az)

This is Where I Live   Tucson,Arizona, USA

Treat teething with green onions

Treat teething with green onions - 
When your infant is teething give them green onions to chew on.
 Give the just the dark green end. It has an ingredient that naturally numbs the gums.Something in the green onion has a natural medicinal effect as well as the coldness of the onion. Baby valentina don't mind the taste or smell and has helped a lot. 


I HAD TRIED 3 WAYS.
1.grill or cook in sauce pan. until onion gets Little black. peel the first layers until you get to the very white part (thin and not easy to peel) it will look really thin. then rub on babies gum.


2.Put a scallion onion in the freezer for about 15 to 30 minuets. (not completely frozen, but real cold.) Then rub on babies gums.

(family remedy)

Baby's Bath

The very first baby's bath it wasn't easy for me. I was nervous and trying to get it done fast,which is one of the big mistakes.

A bath has to be warm,relaxing and fun.

I bathe my baby girl every other day, when the weather too cold, i do it every 3 days.

I use MUSTELA products, just because valentina has such sensitive skin and mustela has no perfume or alcohol (any kind of soap will make our babies skin dry),but the less perfume or alcohol, the better!! (pediatrician recommendation).

1. Get everything ready (towel,clean cloths,diaper,shampoo,soap...) I try to make sure i have everything i need for bath and dressing, so i wont need to get things in the middle of bath.
2. I always kind of clean the baby's tub BEFORE i fill it up with water.
3. once i start the filling process, I check water temperatures (with a water thermometer or by touching the water, it is easy to tell)
4. I like to undress my baby right next to tub, so she will get in the water right away.(to prevent her for getting to cold)
5. I Always try to hold her head. I do the soap part. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. i do head, face and than body.
6. I take her out right away and take her to the changing station (space where you placed clean cloths,diaper,lotion...). i started with body lotion all over her body to prevent sking to getting too dry,than diaper,socks and cloths. 

BABY MASSAGE (magical smothing remedy)

It has been one of my favorite smothing remedies.
Valentina loves massage.


It helps on sleeping,colic,cold and cough. (it works on my baby).

1.  a blanket or towel
2.  massage oil  (Test the oil on a small spot of your baby's skin and wait a day to be sure no irritation appears.) 
3. Start when your baby is  quiet  -- not immediately after a feeding or when she's sleepy. 
4. Sit on the floor  or bed with  your feet together, forming a diamond shape with your legs. Drape the blanket over your feet and between your knee.
5. Undress your baby down to her diaper and place her on the blanket, cradling her head on your feet. 
6. Start with a gentle "hello" stroke from baby's head to her toes. 
7. If your baby stiffens, cries, or becomes irritable, move to another body part or simply end the massage for the day. If she responds well, start gently massaging her body,singing or play music. My baby loves massage.

 Have fun!

 I USE:

Im sure any brand or kind of massage oil will work.

AS MOTHERS WE NEED MOTIVATION EVERYDAY.

It can be hard to feel completetly calm and relaxed as a mother, but it is possible to at least find or see the positive side of things. EVERYTHING has a positive little thing, I PROMISE. we just have to learn how to find it.

1. Let the people you love and who mean the world to you be your inspiration to persist and persevere.
2. Don't over-expect. Real life is not Little House on the Prairie.  People generally don't stand around the table singing carols, spew lovely little speeches.  If my family behaved this way I'd think someone had spiked their drink. Accept and love your family just the way it is.  Yes, they're quirky.  Sure, they leave their socks all over the place.  No, they don't say "Thank you" nearly often enough - but they're your's and you love them, quirks and all.  
3. remembering the important people of your life and think about one of the times they made you laugh out loud.  In no time at all, you'll be laughing out loud again :)

 4. Give it a little more color to your life and house. reorganizing or re decorating your house can be a nice thing to do. Get happy colors around you. (red,green,yellow),even a little thing can make a big difference.

Im sure the less you need is to hear someones issues about how bad their life is (there is many people that loves complaining about life) , but i will like to tell you what i had been trying for the last few Months.

*watch nice,positive,comedy,romantic or happy ending  movies

*home videos are always fun

*Take a ride around town with the radio blaring.  Sing out loud to each and every song. (IT WORKS :))

*Volunteer,join playdates,mom's groups,meet ups.

*look for fun events around your neighborhood.

*a makeover. new haircut,dress up more often, pedicure, or do your nails, anything that can make you feel better.

* Buy and wrap hand made,new,or used toysfor the different Toys for Children programs in your area. Find the prettiest, brightest Christmas paper (or bags) you can find and let the joy that they'll bring to underprivileged children fill your heart and soul.  Think about their little faces lighting up .

* A coffee day with other mothers.

*spa day (at home, with home-made skin and body treatments)

* fix your hair,fiz your eyebrows, wax ,get some make up and nice cloths on. you will feel and look a lot better. 

* a makeover :) its always fun, changes are good and I'm sure your partner will appreciated it too.

All these had saved my life emotionally at certain point.

I hope I helped to make you feel better :):):) 

 Enjoy of your family and remember is never too late for giving,receiving,loving and forgiving.