Tag Archives: natural

Is Natural Safe?

Because I have a midwife, a doula, and took a natural childbirth class, I hear a lot about alternative/natural/herbal methods for childbirth and child-rearing. Some of these go too far for me – the woman teaching my natural childbirth class wasn’t just into delaying vaccinations, she didn’t seem to want to have them done at all, which is not something I want – but a lot of them are appealing. When almost every medication, painkiller, supplement, or even cream that I want to put on my face has a warning about “check with your healthcare provider before use if pregnant/breastfeeding,” … Continue reading →

Natural Remedies for Colds

As if the stomach flu were not enough, my other daughter has a terrible cold. Perhaps the stomach bug invited more bugs to the party.  It seems this year has been terrible for illness for a lot of families.  Many cannot get rid of one bug fast enough to get a break from the next on their doorstep. If it isn’t one thing it is another.  The worst part is illness will make its way around once again since it is something new.  With everyone coming off the flu we are prime for the next invasion since our defenses are … Continue reading →

Frugal and Natural Home Remedies

I love natural home remedies for everything from coming down with a cold to stomach cramps. These natural remedies can be pretty inexpensive, too. The next time you need to heal, grab the solution right from your own pantry. Chances are that you already have everything that you need on hand. Starting a Cold Who doesn’t dread that classic tickle in your throat, the swollen feeling that tells you that you are about to come down with a cold? To sooth inflamed tissues, loosen mucus before it takes hold and flush out irritants or bacteria that can make you sick, … Continue reading →

Fall and Holiday Centerpiece and Decorating Ideas

Over the summer, Better Homes and Gardens published an idea for a nautical centerpiece that used an old lantern, some sea glass and a lemon. While it wasn’t exactly my style, I though the idea could really be adapted to fall and holiday decorating, especially with a few changes. The concept is very flexible, and you can adapt it to suit your own particular style. For example, why not substitute the nautical lamp for a hurricane lamp? This may give you a more homey, New England or country feel to the decor. Actually, any type of container that has some … Continue reading →

Frugal Decorating with Pine Cones

As you may know from some of my other blogs, our family is in the middle of a move. We found a nice little house in a more rural area. The house comes with two acres of mostly woods. We just can’t wait to move in. Well, yesterday, we drove out to the house to meet with our agent. On the way over to the house, my husband and I discussed holiday decorating. We’ve haven’t really gotten started, because of the move. I started doing a little bit with cranberries, and I liked the warm, natural appeal. While we were … Continue reading →

Great Uses for Toothpaste

Sometimes we wind up with a lot of tubes of toothpaste. For our family, we kept getting free samples in the mail. And then we would purchase one, perhaps a new flavor, and nobody would really like it. So I began researching ways to use toothpaste for other things besides just brushing my teeth. Burns Toothpaste is awesome on a burn. It helps relieve the burning feeling, and it’s like an instant cool. Do not use on open blisters or bad burns. Polisher You can use toothpaste as a silver polisher. It also works to help get scratches off CD’s … Continue reading →

Frugal Uses For Baking Soda

Baking soda is another one of those inexpensive, versatile products. It can be used for so many different things around the house. Being a frugal mom, I’ve found dozens upon dozens of uses for baking soda around the house in every room! These are just a few of my favorite uses. Diaper Rash Soother Put a half cup of baking soda in a warm bath. Soak for around 10-20 minutes. Let the skin air dry after the bath, and the diaper rash is almost better. I bet there is no pain and by the next day, it’s gone! Carpet Deodorizer … Continue reading →

How to Have a Natural Birth

Although natural birth has been done forever, you really need to plan for it. At first, it seems strange to prepare for something natural, but it is necessary. Doctors and hospitals have gradually taken over the birth process. In the process, women have gradually lost control over our own birth experiences. Regaining this control requires planning. One of the most important factors in having a natural birth is the attendant you choose to be with you. This is generally a doctor or a midwife. In many cases, a midwife is more receptive to natural birth. Some doctors are very accepting … Continue reading →

Benefits of a Natural Birth

Natural childbirth, also called an unmedicated birth, refers to delivering your baby without drugs. This method is most often chosen by people who consider birth to be a natural part of life, rather than a medical event. Oddly, this method is often considered radical by both doctors and many women. In fact, this is how women have been birthing babies since babies have been on our planet. There are many advantages to both mother and baby with a natural birth. Mothers who have experienced natural birth often feel a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. They enjoy a natural high … Continue reading →

Communicating With Your Doctor

Communication with your doctor is very important during pregnancy. Having a doctor you can talk to will make all the difference in the world. Discuss your health prior to pregnancy and your philosophy about pregnancy, labor and delivery early in your pregnancy to be sure the provider you’ve chosen is a good match. Begin to open the lines of communication at your very first prenatal visit. Your doctor will take your medical history during this visit. Be open and honest about your history, any chronic conditions you have and lifestyle concerns, such as drinking or smoking, which may affect your … Continue reading →