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News & Updates
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Vanilla Crescents
These are a favourite from our childhood and now of our children. Rolling out and shaping the dough is the perfect task for little hands, and the imperfections only add to the joy! 300 g all purpose flour 200 g unsalted butter 50 g ground almonds 80 g icing sugar Combine all ingredients, mix with hands to a smooth dough. Refrigerate for two hours or up to a week. Remove from fridge, allow to warm slightly. Shape small amounts of dough into long snake shape by rolling on the counter. Cut...
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Solution for Reusable Wipes
It seems as if there is always some sticky or yucky mess to be cleaned off little hands and faces. Making your own wipe solution to use with cloth wipes is cost-effective and kind to the earth. Here are two solutions we like to use - effective, gentle, and easy to customize! Use the following recipe--- 2 parts aloe gel (NOT juice). 1 part distilled water (NOT tap). 1 part grain alcohol-vodka (NOT isopropyl). 4-5 drops essential oil of choice (NOT fragrance oils). Hint: tea tree is a grea...
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The Healing Power of Soup
When our children are ailing, and little tummies are not eager for food, we pull out a few trusted recipes to bring nourishment and comfort to sick little ones. Chamomile tea with honey and lemon is one, and the following recipe for Garlic Soup is another. The ingredients needed for this soup are few (and indeed it was also traditionally a soup made when the pantry was bare . . . ), but the soup gives strength and features the healing and germ-fighting power of garlic. Rest assured, the garlic t...
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Soup Weather
A chilly rain is falling outside. Inside, one sick child is sleeping, and the others, just getting their appetite back, are clamouring for food. What to make that is fast, nourishing and suited for all to eat? Soup, of course! This is an old family recipe that has seen us through many a chilly day - perfect with some crusty bread (warm from the oven, for those days we have the time and motivation!). Quantities of vegetables, water and seasonings can be adjusted according to taste and the number ...
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Wrapping a Wriggler
Let's talk about the dreaded wriggles. No, not THOSE guys. The wriggles! That terrible condition most children get that makes wrapping extra difficult and leaves mama panting and sweaty with a lopsided wrap job. Read on for tips for wrapping a wriggly baby/toddler and The Art of Distraction. A toy or two- Fiddling with a small toy often kept my daughter distracted enough to forget that she was trying to jump off of my back. Snacktime!- A couple... of crackers, a cookie, or another favorit...
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“Brilliant Colours with Natural Dyes”
A little glimpse into how and where natural dyes are derived! All of the information provided below is sourced directly from the book quoted below. The book also includes a very interesting section on "Pioneer Colours", listing the plants and plants parts that were used throughout history for textile colouring. Source: Brilliant Clours with Natural Dyes on Silk and other Natural Textiles by Cheryl Kolander This is a fascinating, inspirational book, available at www.AuroraSilk.com. COCHI...
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Food for Thought – “Milk: It Does the Body Good?”
We hear more and more about severe allergies to many common foods, such as milk and peanut butter. Without pushing an opinion, there are some interesting articles that are worth reading, all on the subject of milk. There is a Raw Milk movement that claims that the enzymes in raw milk are beneficial. I personally agree with this statement but where to get raw milk from a reliable source unless one milks their own Betsy? If one gets enzymes from other sources in their diet, and so opts to drink pa...
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The Importance of Play
Importance of Play "Children need to play – it is part of their world that helps to develop their imagination, communication and understanding." (nursery ed, Dec 2005) This opening sentence says it all. The full article can be read here...The Importance of Play. It is important to allow for playtime during daily routines, when schedules can become very busy with schooling, household chores, and extra-curricular activities. We hope you find these articles encouraging, and we look f...
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Cranberry Sauce
Forget the canned stuff - homemade is best! A yummy condiment for special occasions, or just as a well-received treat with a chicken dinner. Ingredients: - 8 oz bag fresh cranberries (frozen would work as well, I am sure) - 5 tbsp sucanat or rapadura (or more) - 1 tsp lemon rind (optional) Add all ingredients to a saucepan, cover and bring to simmer on a low heat. Shake the pan periodically so the cranberries do not burn to the bottom. Once the berries have burst, taste and add more sug...
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Dragonfly Beginnings
Name: Lise Blackford Location: Oregon, USA Personal Bio: I have always enjoyed fiber arts, from sewing to spinning, knitting, felting and dyeing. I have a passion for helping others to achieve beauty in their lives while maintaining a non-toxic and healthy environment. Being chemically-sensitive myself, I became interested in creating naturally-dyed baby carriers for those that either have sensitivities to chemical dyes or that just love the look of the natural dyes. I love to create custo...
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