Buck Naked by Jessica GELeration
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Easter Nails Done!
Chocolatey Easter nails done, colour looks good enough to eat! They actually are a bit more of a warm brown, but can't for the life of me work out my camera!
Beautiful Cupcake Gallery - Easter
It's Easter weekend and there simply had to be an Easter cupcake gallery!
Easter Medley by the very lovely Lizzie Loves Cakes in Manchester
Pretty painted Easter Egg cupcakes by fab pastry chef Anne Marie at Whisk This
Love the chic on the platform so cute.
Image via Hey There Cupcake
Love the little nests by Jo Takes The Cake. Used to be in the UK but this clever lady moved to Singapore - lucky Singapore!
The Easter basket looks so realistic via http://www.flickriver.com
Ha ha this is fab, cupcakes baked in an egg shell by Cup Cake Project, recipe included!
Not a cupcake, but these Easter basket biscuits are far too pretty to be left out! By Bakerella
Image via Hey There Cupcake
OMG this one has a yolk! How clever is this?!?!?!
I can't resist a chubby baby bot! By Hungry Happenings
Cute Easter bonnet cake pops. Image via Flickr by Baking 911
No Easter is complete without an egg hunt.
By http://www.fun-cupcake-ideas.com
Not a cupcake, but these Easter basket biscuits are far too pretty to be left out! By Bakerella
Happy Easter hope you have a fabulous day x
Friday, 6 April 2012
86 Year Old Gymnast - Amazing
Wow, maybe my life long dream of being a professional gymnast is still possible!
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/86-old-steals-show-top-gymnastics-event-122103910.html
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Looking After Our Precious Teeth!
Today has been a big day for my little family; our 6 year old son had a big tooth removed as it has severe decay. He was extremely brave, bless him and has bounced back fantastically. Don't worry I won't show you his tooth!
We have always prided ourselves on having a healthy, balanced and freshly prepared diet, with the odd treat here and there. So you can imagine we were absolutely mortified when we were told it and the opposite one would have to be removed and that if he was an adult it would require a root canal!!
After chatting to the dentist we were relieved to discover the cause of the decay wasn't through negligence (we were told he has fantastic oral hygiene - phew!!) In fact her daughter had a very similar problem with the same teeth; we then discovered both of our children were raised mainly on Soya Milk and she is convinced that caused the decay.
Once I had stopped breast feeding, he was prescribed a special Hydrolysed formula (partly digested whey proteins) by our GP, as his lil tummy couldn't tolerate the large milk proteins in cow's milk. We then moved him on to mainly Soya Milk, ensuring it was non GM and organic. As the unsweetened variety tastes like cardboard, we decided to opt for the one sweetened with apple juice. He also had a very slow weaning process (nearly 2 years) as his digestive system was so sensitive. He was renowned for being a pained baby.
I'm not berating Soya Milk in any way, but it appears to be the acid in the apple juice that sweetens it that has contributed to the decay, together watered down apple juice (he didn't like water) and healthy snacks; such as raisins and dried fruit bars - which we now understand their sticky texture tends to grip to the teeth! You can't win can you?!? These are great things to give your child and a much better option than sweeties, but following the tips given at the end will help you decide the right time to give them.
Interestingly when we spoke to our family Acupuncturist, he asked which teeth were decayed, when I said the 2nd back bottom teeth on either side, he said "Ah that makes sense, these point to the stomach meridian (energy pathways) and the digestive system" - fascinating!
Image via http://www.forlifeandstyle.com
We have always prided ourselves on having a healthy, balanced and freshly prepared diet, with the odd treat here and there. So you can imagine we were absolutely mortified when we were told it and the opposite one would have to be removed and that if he was an adult it would require a root canal!!
Image via Natural Health Tips
After chatting to the dentist we were relieved to discover the cause of the decay wasn't through negligence (we were told he has fantastic oral hygiene - phew!!) In fact her daughter had a very similar problem with the same teeth; we then discovered both of our children were raised mainly on Soya Milk and she is convinced that caused the decay.
Image via http://lactosefreemilk-s.com
Once I had stopped breast feeding, he was prescribed a special Hydrolysed formula (partly digested whey proteins) by our GP, as his lil tummy couldn't tolerate the large milk proteins in cow's milk. We then moved him on to mainly Soya Milk, ensuring it was non GM and organic. As the unsweetened variety tastes like cardboard, we decided to opt for the one sweetened with apple juice. He also had a very slow weaning process (nearly 2 years) as his digestive system was so sensitive. He was renowned for being a pained baby.
Image via http://www.itsamummyslife.com
I'm not berating Soya Milk in any way, but it appears to be the acid in the apple juice that sweetens it that has contributed to the decay, together watered down apple juice (he didn't like water) and healthy snacks; such as raisins and dried fruit bars - which we now understand their sticky texture tends to grip to the teeth! You can't win can you?!? These are great things to give your child and a much better option than sweeties, but following the tips given at the end will help you decide the right time to give them.
Interestingly when we spoke to our family Acupuncturist, he asked which teeth were decayed, when I said the 2nd back bottom teeth on either side, he said "Ah that makes sense, these point to the stomach meridian (energy pathways) and the digestive system" - fascinating!
Links between the teeth and the body.
So What Causes Tooth Decay?
Your mouth is full of bacteria; this combined with small food particles and saliva form a sticky film - plaque, which builds up on your teeth. When you have food and drink high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy), the bacteria in the plaque turn the carbohydrates into the energy they need and produce acid. And over time, the acid in the plaque starts to break down the surface of your tooth.
Why not change your cane sugar to tooth kind Xylitol like we have? I've written an article about the benefits of this tasty, healthy, natural sugar: Delicious, Healthy and Tooth Friendly Carrot Cake - Yes Really!
Here are some simple tips we've gathered from dentists and my favourite nutritionist, dietician and chef Jane Clarke, to give your whole families toothy pegs the best chance of a long healthy life!
Image via LOC
- Sweet foods aren't just foods containing sugar; they also include fruit, fruit juices, smoothies, sucrose, glucose, honey, maple syrup and starchy foods which convert to sugar (carbohydrates).
- 'No added sugar' doesn't mean it doesn't mean its sugar free!
- Brush teeth before breakfast if having fruit or fruit juice OR wait one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing.
- When brushing spit out the toothpaste, do not rinse out with water; this will wash away the fluoride coating that protects your teeth throughout the day.
- Use a straw when drinking acidic drinks to reduce contact with teeth. We let our son choose his own straws to make it more fun.
- Drink water between meals instead of juice and fizzy drinks
- Diet drinks aren't any better as they, as well as the 'full fat' versions contain acids, which have been said to draw calcium from our bones. Sugar and acid combined give the teeth a double hit.
- Chew sugar-free gum for 10 minutes after meals, this will produce more saliva to help neutralise the acid in the mouth. We use Orbit Complete® with Xylitol.
- Finish a meal with cheese or milk to help neutralise any acids.
- Avoid giving food an hour before going to bed as you don't produce as much saliva when you are asleep.
- Avoid snacking between meals, this limits the times the teeth are under attack from acids.
- If having sweet treats, juice or fizzy drinks, give them with a meal rather than on their own.
Image via kCreative Cake Pops
These were made a dental student Erica Sweet Tooth who has a passion for baking! Don't worry she's not trying to give us all cavities, like me she just believes in everything in moderation.
These were made for a Dental Practice grand opening by Sweet Simplicity Confections
Image via Azucar Con Amor
Cake for her dentist by Jocelyn Cakes
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Chicken Pox - Natural Remedies
Chickenpox is doing the rounds again, one of my clients little girls has it and popped a comment on Facebook asking for advice, which lit the fire for this post!
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It is highly contagious and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, part of the herpes family. It can be very uncomfortable and can vary in its severity. A child or adult can catch chickenpox, which develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that erupt and form a crust.
Baths
Baths are very soothing and should be with luke warm water. For best results, soak for about 15 minutes. Be careful to gently pat the skin dry to avoid lifting the scabs - ouch!
Oatmeal Bath
Give them a Cleopatra style milky bath - take a few handfuls of porridge oats* (rolled oats not the likes of Oats So Simple!) into a sock or muslin cloth and tie. Pop it in when you start running the bath. Oats are soothing, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial. Squeeze it over the body when the bath is ready, you will get a lovely thick milky liquid. You can also add a few tablespoons of healing bicarbonate of soda to the running bath.
* Not to be used for anyone with sensitivity to gluten
Tea Bag Baths!
Pop 2 to 3 tea bags into a running bath:
Chamomile - soothes the skin
Nettle tea - helps relieve itchy skin
Peppermint - calms and cools the skin
Or make a cup of the tea, keep covered and use throughout the day to bathe the affected areas with a cotton pad or muslin.
The above remedies are also great for soothing eczema, psoriasis, prickly heat and sunburn.
Aromatherapy
Add 5 drops of both healing Lavender and anti inflammatory Chamomile German to 100ml of Calamine lotion or cream. Shake/stir well before use.
(Always do a patch test first, on the inner elbow to check there are no sensitivities)
Alternative Therapies
My family and I have found Bach Flower Remedies, Homoeopathy and Acupuncture extremely helpful for all sorts of illnesses and it's reassuring to know there are other options than the conventional drug route.
Bach Flower Remedies
Chicory, Hornbeam or Cherry Plum may help relieve irritation. For more information on remedies visit Bach Original Flower Remedies.
Homoeopathic Remedies
This Homoeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox article from Dana Ullman, M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health, U.C. Berkeley) has some great remedy suggestions. Dana is widely recognized as the foremost spokesperson for homoeopathic medicine in the U.S, author of 10 books and has a regular column at the The Huffington Post internet newspaper.
You can buy Homoeopathic and Bach Flower remedies from Holland and Barrett, Boots and other good health shops or online at Helios. Helios has a fantastic telephone service where you can speak to a qualified Homeopath for free advice. I am never without our Helios Nursery Kit or Basics Kit and I used their amazing Child Birth kit during and after having our son.
Here are some tips from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD. Julian is an experienced practitioner of natural medicines, specialising in herbal remedies and acupuncture. We were given this book as a gift from our family Acupuncturist Ferris Jerjis when our son was born and it has become invaluable to us:
1. During the feverish stage, keep your child quiet, preferably in bed.
2. Cotton gloves tied on the hands will help prevent a baby or young child from scratching the skin.
3. Cotton garments worn next to the skin are the most comfortable. (I still remember insisting on trying my new denim skirt with elasticated waist band and have the scar to prove it!)
4. When temperature starts to fall, start off with simple foods including cereal and porridge* as the digestive system will be weak.
As with all illness it is very important to drink lots of fluids particularly water, to flush the toxins away from the body. Regular drinks of calming Chamomile tea will soothe from the inside and help soothe the digestive system too (if necessary you can sweeten with a little honey it if your child is over 1 year).
I do hope this post helps anyone you know get relief from their pesky Chicken Pox. xx
Image via http://babesabouttown.com
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It is highly contagious and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, part of the herpes family. It can be very uncomfortable and can vary in its severity. A child or adult can catch chickenpox, which develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that erupt and form a crust.
It can be a severe illness, but in Chinese medicine is it seen as eventually bringing benefits to the child, in relation to the process of growing up and expelling poisons from the body - Extract from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD
Baths
Baths are very soothing and should be with luke warm water. For best results, soak for about 15 minutes. Be careful to gently pat the skin dry to avoid lifting the scabs - ouch!
Hee hee this cool bumble bee bath would cheer any poorly kid up!
Image via http://theluxhome.com
Image via http://theluxhome.com
Oatmeal Bath
Give them a Cleopatra style milky bath - take a few handfuls of porridge oats* (rolled oats not the likes of Oats So Simple!) into a sock or muslin cloth and tie. Pop it in when you start running the bath. Oats are soothing, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial. Squeeze it over the body when the bath is ready, you will get a lovely thick milky liquid. You can also add a few tablespoons of healing bicarbonate of soda to the running bath.
* Not to be used for anyone with sensitivity to gluten
Image via http://naturelivings.blogspot.co.uk
Pop 2 to 3 tea bags into a running bath:
Chamomile - soothes the skin
Nettle tea - helps relieve itchy skin
Peppermint - calms and cools the skin
Or make a cup of the tea, keep covered and use throughout the day to bathe the affected areas with a cotton pad or muslin.
Image via http://www.soapdelinews.com
Aromatherapy
Add 5 drops of both healing Lavender and anti inflammatory Chamomile German to 100ml of Calamine lotion or cream. Shake/stir well before use.
(Always do a patch test first, on the inner elbow to check there are no sensitivities)
Image via http://www.nightingalehealth.co.uk
Alternative Therapies
My family and I have found Bach Flower Remedies, Homoeopathy and Acupuncture extremely helpful for all sorts of illnesses and it's reassuring to know there are other options than the conventional drug route.
Bach Flower Remedies
Chicory, Hornbeam or Cherry Plum may help relieve irritation. For more information on remedies visit Bach Original Flower Remedies.
Image via http://www.joanneburrell.com/blog/
Homoeopathic Remedies
This Homoeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox article from Dana Ullman, M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health, U.C. Berkeley) has some great remedy suggestions. Dana is widely recognized as the foremost spokesperson for homoeopathic medicine in the U.S, author of 10 books and has a regular column at the The Huffington Post internet newspaper.
You can buy Homoeopathic and Bach Flower remedies from Holland and Barrett, Boots and other good health shops or online at Helios. Helios has a fantastic telephone service where you can speak to a qualified Homeopath for free advice. I am never without our Helios Nursery Kit or Basics Kit and I used their amazing Child Birth kit during and after having our son.
You can book in for a thorough consultation with a registered Homoeopath to achieve the best results. To find one near you, click here.
Here are some tips from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD. Julian is an experienced practitioner of natural medicines, specialising in herbal remedies and acupuncture. We were given this book as a gift from our family Acupuncturist Ferris Jerjis when our son was born and it has become invaluable to us:
1. During the feverish stage, keep your child quiet, preferably in bed.
2. Cotton gloves tied on the hands will help prevent a baby or young child from scratching the skin.
3. Cotton garments worn next to the skin are the most comfortable. (I still remember insisting on trying my new denim skirt with elasticated waist band and have the scar to prove it!)
4. When temperature starts to fall, start off with simple foods including cereal and porridge* as the digestive system will be weak.
Ahhhh soon your child will be back to this peaceful state of bliss... well I can't guarantee the peaceful bit lol!
Image http://www.sheknows.com/
Image http://www.sheknows.com/
As with all illness it is very important to drink lots of fluids particularly water, to flush the toxins away from the body. Regular drinks of calming Chamomile tea will soothe from the inside and help soothe the digestive system too (if necessary you can sweeten with a little honey it if your child is over 1 year).
Image via http://karenjeffery-acupuncture.com
I do hope this post helps anyone you know get relief from their pesky Chicken Pox. xx
Sunday, 1 April 2012
I Do Love A Sunday Roast
Sunday Dinner has always been well loved tradition in my family and to me, it is the ultimate in comfort food. When I was a kid I wasn't a big fan of food; I wasn't fussy - just wasn't bothered (how things have changed!). But I did look forward to my Mum's, Nan's or Auntie's weekly Sunday Roasts - oooo my mouth is watering as I type!
Whenever I went for Sunday Dinner at a friend's house, the first thing my mum said on my return was "Was their gravy as good as mine?"... The answer was always "No".
Whenever I went for Sunday Dinner at a friend's house, the first thing my mum said on my return was "Was their gravy as good as mine?"... The answer was always "No".
Reminds me of me and my big brother!
Image via http://www.pbase.com
Image via http://www.pbase.com
Believe me, my family make the best gravy and Yorkshire puds ever!! I even managed to marry a man whose father makes equally fantastic gravy.
My favourite is Roast Lamb, mashed swede, mashed and roast potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, the MUST have Yorkshire's all topped with with lashings and lashings and even more lashings of gravy and plenty mint sauce!
My favourite is Roast Lamb, mashed swede, mashed and roast potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, the MUST have Yorkshire's all topped with with lashings and lashings and even more lashings of gravy and plenty mint sauce!
Believe it or not this is a cake - double comfort food yay!
By Mrs Bakers Cakes
By Mrs Bakers Cakes
One day, if you are really good I may even do a post with our family recipe! If my mum will let me that is!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
