Have you ever avoided a topic because it scares you? You scroll quickly, quickly, past that article, lest it catches your heart and you’re forced to read. You nod politely when someone brings it up, but don’t let yourself delve deeper.
That was me on the subject of unanswered prayers.
For so long I thought the lesson was surrender. Peace, peace, deep inner peace for all the unanswered prayers.
But really my heart was bleeding. God, do you hear me? Where is my healing? Where is this persistent widow’s answer?
These thoughts would swirl, faster, faster, in my mind until I caught them. Forced them into that place where I don’t look. Take captive every thought…
But the place grew deeper, and my sadness lengthened.
Where is my healing, Lord?
One morning, on a prayer walk with my husband, I was so filled with tears. I’m alone, I pray. I feel unseen, unheard. By you, by everyone.
I share my pain with friends, family, but it feels like no one cares. Does anyone see me? Can anyone else sense me drowning?
In desperation, I pray: God, send me someone who will see me. Who will understand my hurt, my pain. Who can help me carry this burden.
If I had been in my right mind, I wouldn’t have prayed this prayer. It didn’t serve others, only me. It was frivolous, unnecessary even. But I was in pain, hurting. My mind wasn’t right. It was desperate. So I prayed this prayer.
That very afternoon after my desperate prayer, I get a message from a friend. Someone I hadn’t spoken to in months: How are you?
And I knew. I knew this was an answer to my pray. I immediately knew, this person sees me. They’ve seen my pain in the past. We’ve cried together. We’ve mourned our losses together, hers greater than mine even.
And so I tell her. In a way I hadn’t been able to express to anyone else how I’m really doing. The heartache and the despair behind every step, every breath.
And she sees me.
And it’s only later that I remember to thank God. He answered my prayer.
And I think of all the unanswered prayers and how they suddenly pale in comparison to this one, clear, answered prayer.
And I feel the ice around my heart melting away, the bitterness that had dug a void in my mind, finally clearing.
He answered my prayer, He hears me. I am not alone.
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Sex trafficking is one of the worst things that happens in our world today. And, I’m going to be honest, it’s very difficult to write about. But it’s so important that we are aware of what’s happening in our world so that we can prevent it and protect each other and our children.
What is sex trafficking?
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act – which was passed in 2000 in the U.S. and officially made trafficking illegal – defines sex trafficking as:
The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.
22 U.S.C. § 7102
So basically what this means is victims of sex trafficking are those who are forced to have sex (or any kind of sexual act) in exchange for money or something of value. The ‘something of value’ can be food, shelter, or other necessities. If the victim is under the age of 18, there does not need to be force, fraud or coercion for it to be considered sex trafficking.
The definition here clarifies something that’s very important: there is no such thing as a ‘child prostitute.’ Children who are used for sexual acts are victims 100% of the time. It doesn’t matter how they ended up there, children should never be used by adults for sex.
How prevalent is human trafficking?
Trafficking can feel like it’s not that common – especially if you don’t know of anyone who has been trafficked or you don’t see evidence of it in your day to day life. But human trafficking is a $150 billion industry, affecting nearly 25 million people across the globe. Approximately 4.8 million of those people are involved in sex trafficking. Of course, there isn’t a reliable way we can know the true number of victims.
It can be easy to assume that sex trafficking happens to other people in other countries. However, it is a huge problem right here in the United States – to U.S. citizens. According to a study of the U.S. Department of Justice human trafficking task force cases, 83 percent of sex trafficking victims in the United States were U.S. citizens.
What’s worse is that more than 1 in 5 trafficking victims are children.
Source: International Labour Office. (2017). Global estimates of modern slavery: Forced labour and forced marriage. Geneva: International Labour Organization. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_575479.pdf
Source: Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking
What can I do to help fight sex trafficking?
Source: Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking and Fair Trade International
Stop watching pornography
Pornography and the sex trafficking industry are undeniably linked. For example, if a child (anyone under the age of 18) is being used in pornographic material, this is defined as sex trafficking. And one of the most common searches related to porn include the terms ‘youth’ or ‘teen.’ If you are watching pornography that involves a person under the age of 18, you are watching a victim of sex trafficking and thereby contributing to the demand for sex trafficking.
Even if you’re watching porn with only adults involved, there is no way to know if that person has been coerced (and therefore is a victim of sex trafficking). In one survey of underage sex trafficking victims, 63% said they were advertised or sold online (source).
Additionally, sex traffickers often use pornography to groom and desensitize their victims.
If you want help with ending an addiction to pornography, or if you want to protect those in your family from accessing pornography, check out Covenant Eyes. Sign up with promo code MAYHEM30 to receive 30 days FREE.
I see you trying to wrestle your kids into their car seats while they writhe and scream and make you want to give up trying to go anywhere with them ever again.
I see you trying to put together a healthy meal for your kids to throw on the floor eat – only to pour yourself a bowl of cereal in exhaustion.
I feel your frustration as your child throws himself on the floor yet again while you try to get him dressed so that you can be late yet again.
I see you as you try to read your Bible during nap time, only to fall asleep in the pages of Leviticus once more.
I see you showing up with no makeup, oatmeal in your hair, spit up on your shirt, with the contents of your diaper bag strewn across your car as you search for THE ONLY TOY THAT MATTERS to your child. The one you left at home.
I see you as you scroll through Instagram looking at moms who have tighter bodies, better schedules, cleaner homes, happier kids, all while they make more money through their side hustles and plan elaborate educational activities for their kids.
You wonder if you’ll ever NOT feel tired again, if your body will ever look the same, if your family will ever appreciate your work, if you’ll ever make the money you want to make or accomplish any goals ever again.
You wonder if you’ll ever have it all together.
I’m with you, and I am you.
I am the hot mess mom who never has it all together – the one who makes the other moms feel like THEY have it more together than they originally thought.
I work and plan and hope and pray to one day have it all together. I print schedules, make chore charts, meal plan, set alarms, scour Pinterest, read all the books and all the articles and pray all the prayers.
And I just know that this is the week I will finally have it all together. This is the day.
And here’s the honest truth: I won’t.
Perfection is a lie perpetuated by our own guilty consciences, social media, and Satan.
The moment we feel like we have arrived and are finally perfect – that’s the moment when we disown the work of Jesus to save us from our imperfections.
Here is the good news, my hot mess friend: you don’t have to be perfect, because God already is.
And here’s some more good news: God meets us where we are in our struggle to be more like Him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
– Isaiah 40:11
This idea that God gently leads those who have young is almost startling to me. The powerful, awesome God who created the stars in the sky and conjured up such terrors as crocodiles, Great White Sharks and super volcanoes – this same God is also…gentle?
So I dug a little deeper into this verse. What does it mean for God to gently lead me?
The Hebrew term used for ‘He gently leads’ means ‘to lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refresh.’ This is the same terminology used in such verses as Exodus 15:13, Psalm 23:2, Psalm 31:3, Isaiah 49:10, 2 Chronicles 28:15, and 2 Chronicles 32:22.
I don’t know about you, but I adore the idea of rest and refreshment. I picture God leading me to a quiet place by the water where I can rest on a blanket in the shade. I can eat (without someone stealing my food or complaining about theirs), I can close my eyes and sleep (without listening to a monitor for a crying baby), I can read a book leisurely without interruption, and I can breathe.
This is my vision. What’s yours? Where is God leading you for your rest?
So if you’re feeling like a hot mess mom today, remember two things:
1. You are not alone.
2. God is gently leading you toward rest.
We can follow David’s example and pray for God to lead and guide us:
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
– Psalm 31:3
And lastly, let’s have faith and trust that God WILL lead us to a place of rest. In His timing, which is perfect.
In the meantime, know that you are not alone, hot mess mom – God is with you. And so am I!
A simple anti-inflammatory stir fry that’s easy to make and filled with inflammation fighting foods!
If you’re looking for a go-to anti-inflammatory meal, this is mine. This simple stir fry is chock full of inflammation fighting foods, it’s easily customized and very versatile depending on what veggies you love in your stir fry. Also, it’s dairy-free, gluten free, sugar free and yet, it’s NOT taste-free!! 😉
There’s so many different ways to make this dish – and that’s what makes it my go-to weeknight meal that we don’t get tired of. You can swap out rice for rice noodles or even spaghetti squash as the base. You can utilize in-season vegetables along with tried-and-true veggies your family loves. I’ll also occasionally include chunks of pineapple or mango for a sweet surprise!
So, pick your family’s favorite veggies, throw them on the pan with some olive or coconut oil and stir fry away! You can easily make this a vegetarian dish or include shrimp, seared tuna or beef.
One way to make this dish even simpler is to purchase pre-chopped veggies in your produce department. Some stores even have a “stir fry” bag with fresh (not frozen) vegetables that are perfect for a weeknight stir fry. Alternatively, you could chop up your veggies in the morning or the night before so that you can throw them on the pan right when you get home. I’ve also been known to use kitchen shears to make my chopping and cutting even easier! 😉
So, what makes this stir fry “anti-inflammatory”?
It’s filled with tons of inflammation-fighting foods with tons of antioxidants such as broccoli, snap peas, garlic, onion, peppers and, of course, olive oil.
Features my favorite inflammation fighting duo: ginger and turmeric!
Our church is going through a Bible reading plan together this year and right now we are reading the book of James. A passage in James 1 resonated with me and challenged me to my core about finding joy in trials. It led me to this Bible study on more verses about trials and hardships.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:2-6
When I read this verse, one question kept coming to my mind:
Why on earth would I consider it joy to go through hardships?!
One of the first things I did was look up exactly what this word ‘joy‘ means. In this verse, joy is the Greek word charan which can be translated joy, gladness, a source of joy. My favorite definition was “a calm delight.”
Again, I wondered, why would I be delightfully calm during hardships?! And…how?
For the busy mom: listen to an audio recording of this post!
I’m a planner. Literally. My undergraduate degree was in Recreation, Parks & Tourism with a concentration in Event Planning. I enjoy planning things. In fact, one of my “hobbies” is planning vacations that I’ll (probably) never go on.
The older I get, the more I bump up against this problem with planning: oftentimes, my plans don’t coincide with God’s plan. And it’s frustrating, and, at times, painful.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
When God Had Different Plans for Me
At the beginning of 2013, I started to have debilitating pain in my joints. At the time, I was a riding instructor at a local horse farm. I would get home from teaching lessons at the end of the day and literally crawl up the stairs to our apartment because I was in so much pain. I started to see an orthopedic doctor and then a sports medicine doctor, and when neither helped, I went to a rheumatologist, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, a physical therapist… the list goes on. I got a knee brace, shoe insoles, a plethora of medications and side effects, and a myriad of injections in my joints. Instead of getting better, the pain only got worse.
With every new doctor, I would hope that this would be THE ONE. This would be the doctor who would know what was wrong with me. This would be the therapy to finally “fix” me. This medication would make it all go away. But it didn’t. I found the truth in this verse: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12).
Three years into my journey with pain, I was consistently walking with a cane and taking several medications daily just to function. The pain kept me up at night—I spent a lot of nights crying on the bathroom floor, praying to God, feeling so alone and defeated. I was unable to work, barely able to go to church. There were days when I couldn’t even walk to the bathroom without help from my husband. This obviously wasn’t part of my plans.
When it comes to beauty products, I always strive to choose items that are as natural as possible—free from unnecessary synthetic ingredients but still effective. Over the years, I’ve curated a collection of beauty staples that check those boxes (or come pretty close). Today, I’m sharing some of my go-to products, their highlights, and why they’ve earned a permanent spot on my shelf. Let’s dive in!
Some of these links are affiliate links, so if you shop through Amazon, I might earn a tiny commission—no extra cost to you, just a little Amazon high-five for sharing my faves!
Jukebox Deodorant (Vanilla on Vinyl)
I never thought I’d rave about a deodorant, but here we are. I’ve tried SO MANY natural deodorants—and they all seem to either make me smell worse (gross) or give me an allergic reaction (double gross). Jukebox is the only brand I’ve tried where that doesn’t happen!
Jukebox’s Vanilla on Vinyl is aluminum-free and crafted with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. It smells amazing—soft and warm without being overpowering—and it’s free from parabens and phthalates. While it does contain “natural origin fragrance,” which involves some processing, I appreciate the transparency and the overall clean formulation.
Organic ingredients meet high performance with Juice Beauty. Two products I adore:
Peptide Firming Body Moisturizer: Packed with plant-based peptides and rich hydrators. It’s thick and creamy but doesn’t “sit” on the skin heavily.
Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer: This primer gives a radiant glow using plant-derived pigments instead of synthetic dyes. I often mix this with a tinted moisturizer for my daily look.
Juice Beauty is a brand I trust when I want both results and a commitment to natural formulations.
Boka toothpaste has become a household favorite. Its star ingredient is nano-hydroxyapatite, a synthetic but biocompatible alternative to fluoride. It’s a game-changer for remineralizing teeth naturally, and it’s free from artificial flavors, dyes, and parabens. My husband and I use the Ela mint flavor and the orange cream flavor for the kids—however, I’ve used and loved the orange cream flavor, it doesn’t taste like a “kids” flavor to me!
Alima Pure’s mineral foundation is my holy grail. It’s free from synthetic preservatives, dyes, and fragrances, and it gives flawless, buildable coverage with a natural finish. Plus, it feels like wearing nothing at all—a huge win.
I love that Inika is certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free. It’s a little pricier than some of the other cosmetics on the list, so I haven’t tried all of their stuff, but I’m really happy with what I’ve tried so far and plan to take advantage of some Black Friday deals!
Full Coverage Concealer in Sand: This concealer is creamy and effective, perfect for camouflaging blemishes.
Lip and Cheek Cream in Petals: A versatile product that adds a soft flush to lips and cheeks without any synthetic nasties.
This golden highlighter gives a dewy, lit-from-within glow. While Ilia sometimes incorporates safe synthetics for performance, they’re always transparent, and the base ingredients are primarily natural. I love this highlighter for a little extra glow.
Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix™ Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel
Achieving naturally defined brows has never been easier. This eyebrow gel instantly fills and tints for fuller-looking brows, offering waterproof and smudge-proof color that lasts over 24 hours. It’s enriched with Vitamin B5 to hydrate and nourish, encouraging fuller-looking brows over time. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates.
This handmade soap is as natural as it gets, crafted with simple oils and lye for a gentle cleanse. The subtle scents make every shower feel like a little spa escape.
Bondi Boost is my go-to for hair care. Free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones, it’s packed with botanical extracts to strengthen and nourish. Bonus points for the refreshing scents that make my scalp tingle (pleasantly!). Since I’ve started using Bondi Boost in August, I’ve had hair regrowth for the first time since having kids!! It’s crazy to all of a sudden have baby hairs for the first time in a long while. I highly recommend this Australian brand!
Soap: Their bar soaps are rich, creamy, and handcrafted with natural oils. I absolutely love their Sweet Orange Oatmeal soap bar and the Cinnamon, Clove and Cardamom!
Cleansing Grains Activated Charcoal Mask: Perfect for detoxifying without stripping the skin, thanks to natural clays and activated charcoal.
Finding beauty products that are natural or synthetic-free isn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding when you do. I hope this roundup helps you discover some new favorites! Whether you’re looking to clean up your beauty routine or simply love trying new things, these products are worth exploring.
Do you have a favorite natural beauty product I should try? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking to expand my collection!
Hey there, health enthusiasts! 🥳 Today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with inflammation-fighting goodness. We’re diving into the world of Nut and Seed Granola – a crunchy, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even a little dessert!
Why Nut and Seed Granola?
You might be wondering, “Why should I make my own granola when I can just buy it?” Well, let me tell you! Homemade granola lets you control the ingredients, ensuring you’re fueling your body with wholesome, anti-inflammatory foods without the added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Plus, it’s super fun to make and fills your home with the most amazing smell!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Every ingredient in this granola has a purpose and packs a nutritional punch. Let’s break it down:
1. Nuts Galore:
Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts: These nuts are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Walnuts, in particular, are known for their omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.
2. Seeds for Success:
Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Both are rich in magnesium and vitamin E, which help combat inflammation and keep your immune system strong. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of zinc, crucial for skin health and immune function.
Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds, Sesame Seeds: These tiny powerhouses are full of omega-3s, fiber, and lignans (especially in flaxseeds), all of which are key players in reducing inflammation and promoting gut health.
3. A Touch of Sweetness:
Honey or Maple Syrup: Opt for honey if you want an added dose of antioxidants, or go with maple syrup for its unique minerals like manganese and zinc. Both are natural sweeteners that won’t spike your blood sugar as much as refined sugars.
4. Healthy Fats:
Coconut Oil: It’s not only great for baking but also provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier to digest and can help with weight management.
5. Flavor Enhancers:
Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon, Sea Salt: These aren’t just for taste; cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while a pinch of sea salt helps bring out all the flavors without overloading on sodium.
Step-by-Step to Crunchy Perfection
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make this delightful granola:
Preheat Oven: Fire up your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this will make cleanup a breeze!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, throw in your chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and shredded coconut (if you’re feeling extra).
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently heat your honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until it’s all warm and combined.
Combine and Coat: Pour the sweet, aromatic mixture over your nut and seed blend. Stir well to ensure every piece is nicely coated.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread your granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. This step is crucial for even baking.
Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even browning. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool: Once golden and fragrant, take it out and let it cool completely. This is when it will crisp up.
Store: Transfer your crunchy granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks (if it lasts that long!).
Anti-Inflammatory Nut & Seed Granola
A simple grain-free granola recipe for the anti-inflammatory diet.
Preheat oven to 325*. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds and shredded coconut (if using).
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sea salt. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all the nuts and seeds are well coated.
Spread granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely. It will become crisp as it cools. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
Serve with milk, over yogurt or by itself! Sometimes I add a splash of almond extract as well.
Bonus Tips
Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Once your granola has cooled, mix in some dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for an extra burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
Enjoy this granola with yogurt, milk, or straight out of the jar by the handful. It’s a versatile, nutrient-packed treat that you’ll love having on hand.
So there you have it, folks! A scrumptious, anti-inflammatory Nut and Seed Granola recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Stay healthy and happy munching! 🥰
Until next time, stay vibrant and keep nourishing your body with goodness! 🌟
If you’re looking for a simple grain-free breakfast option that fits within an Anti-inflammatory diet, I’m sharing my favorite blender pancakes with you today! This is a family hit in our household–my boys ask for these pancakes ALL the time. (If you’re interested in how to get your picky eaters to eat healthier, check out my tips here.) And they’re so easy to make, they can help me make them too.
We’ll explore a little bit about the anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients and then jump into the recipe!
Bananas
Bananas are a versatile fruit that adds natural sweetness and creaminess to various recipes. In these grain-free blender pancakes, bananas serve as a binding agent, replacing traditional flour while enhancing the taste and texture. Moreover, bananas offer exceptional health benefits. Rich in potassium and magnesium, they promote heart health and help regulate blood pressure. Additionally, bananas are a fantastic source of vitamin C, which aids in boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. The high fiber content found in bananas also supports digestive health, preventing bloating and promoting regularity.
Eggs
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse and a key component of this grain-free pancake recipe. They provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent source of high-quality protein. The proteins found in eggs aid in muscle repair, promote satiety, and stabilize blood sugar levels. Additionally, eggs contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to eye health. When it comes to inflammation, eggs offer an impressive anti-inflammatory profile due to their choline content. Choline plays a vital role in reducing chronic inflammation and may even support brain health by protecting against cognitive decline.
These taste very egg-y so if you don’t like the taste of eggs, you’ll probably want to skip this recipe!
Better Body Foods Organic Super Seeds
Better Body Foods Organic Super Seeds blend, consisting of chia, flaxseed meal, and hulled hemp seeds, adds a nutritional boost to these grain-free blender pancakes. Each seed contributes its unique anti-inflammatory properties, making this blend a true powerhouse.
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health. They are also packed with fiber, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.
Flaxseed meal, another omega-3 powerhouse, offers lignans, which possess antioxidant properties that combat inflammation. Flaxseed also contains fiber, supporting digestive regularity and aiding in the management of blood sugar levels.
Hulled hemp seeds are a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation. Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by inflammation.
Nutrition Information:
Each serving of these grain-free blender pancakes provides approximately:
Calories: 45 calories
Total Fat: 2.7g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 3.3g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 2.5g
Sugar: 1.2g
This recipe makes approximately 12 pancakes and one serving is two pancakes. I recommend topping them with fresh fruit, honey or a nut butter. One of my favorites lately is Super Fat Keto Nut Butter made with macadamia nut butter.
Tips:
For a thicker pancake, add more of the seed mixture one teaspoon at a time.
These are much lighter than your typical pancake. You’ll need to let them cook on one side for a full 3-4 minutes before attempting to flip or they will fall apart.
1/4cupBetter Body Foods Organic Super Seeds (Chia, Flax, Hemp)or other seed blend. Alternatively, could use oats but then it wouldn't be grain free.
1tbspcoconut oil
1tspvanilla optional
1tspcinnamonoptional
Method
Preheat griddle or pan to medium heat. Add banana, eggs, and seed blend to the blender. Blend until combined.
Grease griddle or pan with coconut oil. Pour pancake mixture onto pan. Allow to cook about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Top with fruit, honey or your favorite nut butter.
Notes
For thicker pancakes, add more of the seed blend one teaspoon at a time.
These are much lighter than your typical pancake. You’ll need to let them cook on one side for a full 3-4 minutes before attempting to flip or they will fall apart.
If your New Year’s resolution is to read more, I’ve got you covered. First, we’ll discuss why you should want to read more in the new year and then I’ll give you some tips for how to read more. I have a free download available to help you decide each month which book to read! If you follow the printable, that means you’ll read twelve books this year.
Why should I read more in the New Year?
Reading improves your memory and can help ward off dementia and Alzheimers. A really fascinating study done by Rush University followed aging adults until they passed away. After their deaths, they were autopsied for signs of dementia and Alzheimers. The adults who were avid readers showed a 30% less memory loss than the average person in the study and these avid readers had the least physical signs of dementia compared to the other adults in the study. Challenging your brain by reading frequently, doing puzzles, or learning new skills are all immensely beneficial in improving memory and warding off dementia, no matter your age. The old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is just not true – as long as you keep challenging your brain, more neural connections will grow, and this will protect your brain against the natural decay of aging.
Reading can help with stress and depression.One study showed that reading can reduce stress by as much as 70%. Another study discovered that reading for 30 minutes can minimize stress as much as a 30 minute yoga session! Not only does reading reduce stress, but it also can provide an escape when you need it, gives you opportunity to have a different perspective and allows for contemplation that other media avenues don’t necessarily provide. There is even a type of therapy for people with mild to moderate depression that revolves around reading called bibliotherapy.
Reading improves sleep. Particularly if you read before bed, reading can improve your sleep for several reasons. If you’re reading a physical book, your blue light intake is reduced and this is very helpful for your sleep patterns. Reading also reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) and relaxes you, getting you ready to sleep. Of course, a good book can also keep you reading until late in the night…so take that into account!
Reading makes you more empathetic. When you read (especially fiction) it allows you to see and experience something from another person’s perspective – which is, essentially, empathy. We may never know what it’s like to live through a war, compete on horseback, or learn how to do magic, but when we read about it, we experience those things as if we’re really living it. And the more we stretch this empathetic muscle, the more we can use it in real life.
Tips for Reading More in the New Year
Pick a time to read. This has been the most beneficial for me. I’m a reader – I love to read. But I’ve read far more books this past year because of one simple change: instead of cleaning, doing chores, or working on the blog during my kids’ quiet time/nap time, I decided to read. In 2021, I read 22 books. After I made this small change, in 2022 I read over 70 books. 70!! So, pick a consistent time to read and find out for yourself what a difference that will make!
Find books you actually like. This is a big one. We all want to line our shelves with classics that make us look smart, like One Hundred Years of Solitude or War and Peace. But that also might be what’s keeping you from actually reading. So this year, I give you permission to not tackle the classics – and just pick a book that calls to you. What are you interested? What kinds of movies and TV shows do you love? Read books like that.
Turn off your phone. This is a hard one, I’ll admit. But putting my phone to bed a little after my kids go to bed has been so helpful for me with reducing stress, having good quality sleep, and reading. It’s not healthy that we’re so accessible all of the time to anyone. How many times have you checked your text messages right before bed and seen something that keeps you tossing and turning? Or how many times have you been scrolling through social media right before bed and you see something that makes you sad, frustrated or restless? Just put it away. Pick a time that your phone goes to bed, and put it out of sight. Then you can enjoy a good book, time with your spouse, or just quiet time.
Read before bed. We already discussed that reading before bed can improve your sleep. This past year, my husband and I have decided to turn off the TV 30-60 minutes before bed and it’s allowed me to do A LOT more reading – in addition to healthy habits like stretching before bed, journaling and taking a bath. Trust me, this is a good habit to get into.
Use audiobooks. I like reading physical books, but my husband doesn’t. He does, however, love listening to audiobooks and he ends up consuming A LOT of books that way. Don’t feel bad about your pension for audiobooks – embrace it and let it work for you. Listen to books while you work out, on your drive to work or your kids’ school or even before bed.
Utilize your local library. Books can get expensive. Like I said, I read 65 books this year and bought a bunch of them – I know firsthand that they can add up. Especially if you’re reading physical books or audiobooks. However, the local library is an amazing resource and you don’t even have to step foot into a library to utilize its resources once you have a library card. There are a couple wonderful apps that connect you to the library’s resources – namely Hoopla and Libby. I’m sure there are others, but those are the two I use. Hoopla has a ton of audiobooks, so check there first if that’s what you’re looking for. Once you connect your library card to the apps, you can borrow tons of books for free. It’s amazing and it’ll save you tons of money!
Have a plan. That’s what I’m here for! Below I have two options for a reading plan for 2023: a list of spiritual book topics as well as a list of fiction topics. So you choose which book you want to read, but I give you a topic to narrow it down and make it a little easier for you. Pin these to save them, and you can subscribe to my email list to get reminders, specific book recommendations, and a summary of what I’m reading on those months. When you subscribe, you’ll get the PDF print version of these lists so you can print them out and put them on your fridge or use them as a bookmark!
Fiction Ideas to Read in the New Year:
Pin this!
Christian Book Topics to Read in the New Year:
Pin this!
Comment below, what books are you looking forward to reading in the New Year?
We received Timberdoodle’s Bata-Waf in exchange for an honest review. We have so much fun with this game and it also taught my three-year-old some important lessons. Read on to learn more about Bata-Waf!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.
We have officially embarked on our homeschooling journey! In my search for a curriculum that balanced my desire for a STEM-based curriculum that incorporated gameschooling, I found Timberdoodle. It is a faith-based organization that also offers secular curriculum options as well. Their curriculum is robust, creative, and seems to check all of our boxes. So, I joined their blogging team! Which means that I’ll be regularly reviewing products that Timberdoodle carries, as well as reviewing their Preschool and Kindergarten curriculum kits. I’m incredibly excited about this and can’t wait for you all to learn about Timberdoodle as well!
Bata-Waf is a game from Timberdoodle that you can purchase on its own, or as part of the preschool curriculum kit. To learn more about Timberdoodle’s preschool curriculum kit, check out my unboxing video here.
How to play the game
Did you ever play the card game “War” as a kid? This is basically an even simpler version of War that incorporates adorably illustrated dogs. Each card has a dog and 6 lines on the side to show the height of the dog. Each player flips over one doggy card for each round, and the player with the biggest dog wins that round and takes all of the flipped over cards. The goal of the game is to end up with all of the cards (or the biggest stack).
If two players flip over the same sized dogs, then you go to “war.” (Remember: I. DE-CLARE. WAR.?!) Each player puts down one card (without turning it over) and then flips over another card on top of that. Whoever has the biggest dog wins all of the cards in the center. If you tie again, you repeat this same process.
What my kids thought of Bata-Waf
My 3yo loved the colorful, funny dogs and “the eating part” – when we played the game, the bigger dog would gobble up the smaller dog. We would make silly gobbling sounds and the kids thought it was hilarious. My 5yo said he liked the “war” part – if you have the same sized dog, you compete against one another and whoever has the next biggest dog wins all the cards. He enjoyed this part the most.
What we learned from Bata-Waf
The most critical lesson my preschooler learned from Bata-Waf is how to be a good loser. The tides turn quickly in this game – one minute you have almost all the cards, and then the next you’re handing over half your stack. My 3yo did great if he was winning, but the moment he started losing, he struggled. Which is a great opportunity for him to grow and learn! This game led to some good coaching moments.
This game also helps kids to be able to quickly compare sizes (“which dog is bigger?”) and even counting and number recognition, if you help them focus on the numbered lines.
Have you played Bata Waf before? If not, what’s your family’s favorite card game? Comment below and let me know!
To learn more about Bata Waf or to purchase, click here. If you’d like to learn more about Timberdoodle’s Preschool curriculum, click here.
We recently started homeschooling our two boys – our oldest is in Kindergarten (5yo) and our youngest is preschool-aged (3yo). As I searched for a homeschooling curriculum that fit our needs, there were a few things I was looking for:
Strong STEM-based curriculum
Incorporates games
Emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking skills
Bonus points for faith-based curriculum
As I reviewed what Timberdoodle offered, it checked all of our boxes, and more. Not only did it offer a strong STEM-based curriculum, the elite kit also includes a plethora of games, building/engineering tools, critical thinking workbooks, as well as offering faith-based options for social studies and science.
Over the summer, we started lightly implementing the curriculum in order to ease ourselves into a homeschooling schedule. But now that it’s officially the start of the school year, we are attempting to utilize the whole curriculum.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links on this page.
Here’s what an average day (so far) looks like for us with the Timberdoodle Kindergarten kit:
7:30am – kids’ green light turns on, they can come out of their rooms and play with their morning boxes (see more about this below)
8:15am – breakfast & short devotional (we’re using this book right now)
8:30am – Reading & Math (~20 min each), critical thinking (~10 min)
Morning boxes (or morning bins) are simply boxes that the kids play with when they first wake up while I’m doing other things – having a prayer time, reading my Bible, exercising or getting breakfast ready. The items in these boxes are reserved for this time only – they don’t play with these items at any other time, so when they see them in the mornings, it’s extra special.
Here’s what’s inside our morning boxes:
Monday – Mad Mattr (kinetic sand + tools from Timberdoodle)
A few notes on what we’re NOT using from the Timberdoodle Kindergarten Elite kit:
Right now, we are not utilizing the science workbook all that much – to be honest, it’s pretty basic, but between the science experiment kit (which includes online videos before each experiment) and the body book, we’re plenty occupied and satisfied with science. We are not using the OLSAT prep book at all. Right now, as we’re still learning to read and in the thick of that, we’re not utilizing the handwriting book that frequently or the spelling book. I’m assuming that we’ll start using those more later on, but for right now we have enough on our hands with the All About Reading kit.
A final note about our schedule:
While I am thrilled about the Timberdoodle curriculum kit, I’m also not a slave to it. For example, today my son wanted to make paper airplanes after we were done with our math and reading. So instead of working on Geography, we made paper airplanes and watched a video about lift and drag (the physics behind why airplanes fly). It was great! But we totally skipped our Geography/History lesson. And I’m okay with that. We probably won’t get through *all* of the curriculum for the add-ons subjects, but my kids are learning and I’m letting them explore their interests – which is so important.
We are, however, pretty ‘strict’ about math and reading time – we do those two subjects no matter what because those form the foundation of pretty much every other type of learning. And it’s also good for kids to have to sit their butts in a seat for at least part of the day!
Stay tuned for more posts about gameschooling using Timberdoodle and reviews of Timberdoodle’s All About Reading and Math-U-See Alpha (1st grade math)!
Are you trying to homeschool in a shared office space? We just recently opened up my home office to start homeschooling my 5 year old son. Today, I’m going to share with you 5 tips for creating a shared homeschooling space! Scroll down to download free printable homeschooling quotes for your classroom!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links on this page.
Our “before” homeschooling space:
We didn’t have great storage options, and the space is pretty cluttered and doesn’t flow very well.
My desk is a mess and our seating isn’t functional!
Our “After” Homeschooling Space:
Pick a Theme
If your office already has a theme, great. If not, this is a good place to start. What do you want the vibe to be? For my office, I wanted a farmhouse glam look. There are some old, classic elements like my desk that I refinished and the built-in bookshelves, mixed with some gold metallics, a fun rug, and some soft textures. However, once we moved the kids’ homeschooling stuff into the office, it just didn’t mesh very well because it didn’t fit the theme. So, we had to make some adjustments in order for everything to flow. We knew we weren’t going to change the desk (it’s my husband’s desk that he uses typically at night or on the weekends). The simplest thing to change: the seating. I’ll get to that in more detail a little later! But for now here’s some simple things to add to solidify your theme:
Rug
Lighting
Cushions/pillows/throw blankets/curtains
Decorative elements like art, plants, picture frames, etc.
For inspiration, well, that’s what Pinterest is for, right?!
This is what we have in our home:
So, to sum up: what will your shared office theme be? What ‘vibes’ are you going for? This will guide your decision making from here on out.
Storage
One of the more challenging aspects of sharing an office is the storage! The first thing you’ll need to figure out is how much storage space you’ll need, and how to make that happen.
For me that meant cleaning out my desk (which needed to happen anyway!) so I could store my son’s homeschooling portfolio in there. The next thing I did was get collect some wire baskets I had around the house, clear them out, and put them at the bottom of my built in bookshelves to use for supplies.
Lastly, I got a corner bookshelf and that will be the dedicated area for the homeschooling curriculum. I love this corner bookshelf because it takes up minimal space (it’s in the corner!), it fits the theme, and it has an extension so that I can plug things in right to the bookshelf, which is super handy. The only downside is that the bookshelf cubbies are not tall enough to store our workbooks upright, so I have to lay them down. Which isn’t a huge deal, it’s just not as aesthetically pleasing. No biggie.
So, how much storage space do you need? Is there an existing storage space you can repurpose? Or do you need to get additional storage space? Will you need a whole bookshelf, some extra baskets, or space in your desk drawers?
Additionally, I have one of those plastic cubbies that I keep in the garage with craft supplies. I couldn’t find the exact one that I have, but the one listed below is even better. I used to keep it in my office, but I found that the kids would get into it whenever I wasn’t looking, and then I’d have a million googly eyes scattered across the house. No fun.
This is what we have in our home:
Inspirational Quotes or Reminders
When we started homeschooling, I realized pretty quickly that I needed some reminders, or quotes, set up in our homeschooling space. On a practical note, we needed some numbers and the alphabet for my son to look at when he needed a reminder. I found these printables on Etsy and put them in these frames from Amazon.
Next, I wanted to have some reminders or quotes that would help with our mindset (both my son’s and mine!) as we embark on homeschooling. The first was a reminder to both of us that we all make mistakes, have bad days, and don’t know everything. On my part, I want to enter into this homeschooling relationship with my son with humility and compassion. I also wanted a reminder for us to not give up – even if we get frustrated, even if we’re stumped by something, the only way we fail is if we stop trying. So I created this printable to serve as a reminder of those principles.
If you’re interested in this printable, you can download it for free!
The next quote I chose was from 1 Corinthians 13, a passage about love. This is something I’ve been trying to reiterate to my son as much as possible these days – how much we love him, and what love really means. Of course, no one (except Jesus!) is perfect with these principles, but it’s definitely something we’re striving for. This quote serves as a reminder to me to try to exemplify these virtues, and also serves as a reminder to my son that he will always have my love (and God’s love) to fall back on. And I think there’s no place these qualities are more needed than in the home (and the classroom!).
If you’d like to download this printable, you can! For free!
So, what reminders or quotes do you want in your shared office space?
This is what we have in our home:
If you don’t have any Command Strips or Command Hooks for hanging your pictures, whiteboard or other art, definitely get some! It’ll make your life SO much easier, and save your walls/paint from having a million holes in them.
Comfortable Seating (that fits the theme!)
This was key to our shared space working well because we had very different, mismatched chairs that made the room not flow that well. By getting matching chairs that fit the theme and fit the (now) smaller space, it created a better flow AND functionality. But it took me a while to find chairs that were comfortable, functional AND fit the space/theme well. It was worth it, though.
Ultimately, we’re going to be using this space every day for a long time, so I’d rather us be comfortable AND like the space we’re sitting in!
I found our chairs on Amazon – which is a bit risky in terms of finding comfortable seating, since you can’t sit in them before you buy them. But I made sure that the chairs I chose had lots of reviews and that the reviews consistently mentioned comfort. I was *very* close to buying chairs that people had reviewed as uncomfortable, but I ended up finding these other chairs and I’m glad I did.
So, do you have comfortable, functional seating that you feel good about? If not, what are your most important needs for seating?
For us, I knew that I wanted chairs that rolled (so I could easily push my kids closer to the homeschooling table), lower backs (so the chairs didn’t take up too much space and so that they were more comfortable for the kids) and preferably white/gold chairs to match the theme. I found all three! Woohoo!
So, what kind of seating do you have in your shared homeschooling space? If you’re not happy with your current seating options, what are your seating needs?
This is what we have in our home:
Make it Their Space, Too
So your office is obviously your office. But what would make it their space as well? You can accomplish this without letting it become ALL their space! For example, I moved some of their books and coloring books into the office space so that they have the option of doing that in the office. I also decorated the bookshelf with clay animals we made together. But I’ve kept my desk off limits – they can’t open the drawers or play on my desk. (This rule is especially for my 3yo, who seems to have a homing device for all dangerous objects.)
This is important because you want your kids to feel comfortable and confident in their homeschooling space!
So, what ways can you make your shared homeschooling space special for your kids? Even something as simple as writing your child’s name on the whiteboard could make it feel like ‘theirs’ too!
This is what we have in our home:
I hope this article has been helpful for you as you try to put together a shared homeschooling space for your family!
Comment below and let me know what tips you plan to implement in your homeschooling room!
We received Timberdoodle’s Making Animals Air Dough Kit in exchange for an honest review. We LOVED this kit and it occupied my kids for quite some time. Read on to learn more about this air dough kit!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links on this page.
We have officially embarked on our homeschooling journey! In my search for a curriculum that balanced my desire for a STEM-based curriculum that incorporated gameschooling, I found Timberdoodle. It is a faith-based organization that also offers secular curriculum options as well. Their curriculum is robust, creative, and seems to check all of our boxes. So, I joined their blogging team! Which means that I’ll be regularly reviewing products that Timberdoodle carries, as well as reviewing their Kindergarten curriculum kit. I’m incredibly excited about this and can’t wait for you all to learn about Timberdoodle as well!
60 individually packaged air dough packets (pretty small packets – about 2inx3in) – 6 packets are glow in the dark (and we tested them, they do lightly glow in the dark).
13 different colors of air dough
3 tools (that are mostly kid safe)
5 sets of googly eyes
Two instruction booklets: one smaller booklet inside the kit, and another more robust book with 46 different animal creations
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed about the kit is that it’s pretty large. There are A LOT of colors, which are all individually wrapped in small packages. A very colorful, beautiful book was included that had instructions for how to create 46 different animals, all using the same techniques that they teach you at the beginning of the book.
How we used Making Animals Air Dough Kit
The first thing we did was go through the book, learn the techniques at the beginning (making a ball, teardrop and worm), and then select some animals we wanted to make. First we made penguins. My son had an easier time making a 2D shapes at first, but he eventually got the hang of it.
My son making a flat penguin
After that, we tried our hand at making kangaroos, which was a little more complicated.
My blue kangaroo, next to the book’s kangaroo
Finn’s multi-colored kangaroo, which looked more like an alien than a kangaroo – but he was proud and had so much fun making it!
After this, I decided to let them have some open play with the air dough, to make whatever they wanted. Mostly they just wanted to squish it, make balls with it, combine colors, and make some monsters with lots of eyeballs. This was awesome! It’s rare that an activity will keep their attention for longer than 20-30 minutes, and they continued playing with the air dough for over an hour.
They returned to the kit the next day (at their request) and we made some really cute birds. My 5yo was more adept at the techniques the second day, and more capable of making his own creations with minimal help on my part. Our almost 3yo sat still long enough for us to make a chick together, which he was really proud of!
My (almost) 3yo with his baby chick
Again, I let them have some open play with the air dough and my 5yo made a snake, and then another monster. My youngest mostly liked combining different colors and making balls. I knew it was a real hit when a friend came over and they wanted him to play with the air dough, too.
I will note that the mini instruction book included in the kit was inside a plastic bag and it was damp and moldy. That went in the trash ASAP. So we didn’t do anything from that instruction book.
Another remark: the dough packets are small, so you might want to open multiple of the same color in order to make a bigger animal.
This really is the lightest, fluffiest dough and it’s VERY fun to play with! Definitely recommend for that reason alone.
Testing the claims on the box:
The box makes some claims about the dough, and I tested them: it didn’t stick to fabric or carpet, unless we got it wet. It really was pretty mess free. Occasionally some dots of dough would make it to the ground, but because they didn’t stick to anything, it was easy to clean up. Definitely easier than play dough! As I said before, we tested the glow-in-the-dark dough and it did lightly glow in our closed pantry. It also says its ages 3+ and my youngest is just under 3 years old, and I think he’s barely old enough to make creations, though I bet younger kids would still enjoy playing with it. The dough did dry overnight, but it still felt soft, though not pliable. It doesn’t harden into a hard clay, which is fine by me because that means the creations are less breakable.
My kids’ reactions:
Me: What did you think of the air dough kit?
Finn (5): It was awesome. Me: What was your favorite part?
Finn: That I got to build with it.
Me: What was your favorite thing to build?
Finn: the kangaroos
Me: Was there anything you didn’t like about it?
Finn: No, not at all.
My almost 3yo said: (It was) “very special” and that he loved “mixing colors.”
Safe to say, the kids loved it!
Summary of Timberdoodle’s Making Animals Air Dough Kit:
This light, airy dough is super fun to play with and kept my kids very engaged for a long time. Making the creations in the book was fun, though our versions didn’t come close to the real ones, but that was perfectly fine by us! My kids had a ton of fun with open play with this dough – just squishing and squashing it, mixing colors, making their own creations, etc. As far as we could test them, the claims on the box were true. For the price ($37.95) I would hope that this kit would give us multiple play sessions, and it certainly did. The book included is beautiful and will last for a long time after the dough is gone – we’ll be able to use it with other dough or even play dough.
This kit would be perfect as an art add-on to your homeschooling curriculum, or as a fun indoor activity for a super hot or rainy day! To learn more about the kit, or to purchase one, click here: Timberdoodle’s Making Animals Air Dough Kit.
If you’re looking for more summer activity ideas, check out these posts:
