Natures juice box

"Kiddos morning juice"

 

My Granddaddy had orange groves, this is how he used to prepare juice for us kids

• Chill navel oranges (you need the thick flesh)
• Using a pairing knife (or a clean pocket knife like he did) peel off the first layer (zest) so the white pith layer is visible but not the juicy membrane.
• Core out a drinking hole in the center where the stem comes out of.
• Give it a squeeze and drink up the natural goodness.

 

 

Our first summer break and no plans

Summer 2013
Originally uploaded by ritualbath

We are rounding out our first month of a true summer break in our house. Oh, we have an active playgroup for fun in the sun and I have the kiddo doing chores and educational things but I've been keeping it a little loose. Mostly because that's what a break is, light on plans, heavy on recharging.

Fun things we've done so far
Build a fairy house or wild animal feeder, everyone has to eat and sometimes it's nice to share.

Dye white flowers, biology we are what we eat (mums didn't seem to work very well and the second after you cut it stick it in the water, I saw a difference in the flowers that I cut then set on the counter waiting to go in the dye water).

Get bored, let them get to the "I'm bored" point and don't fix it for them. This is not to be mean or a reminder of how much you do for them but a chance for their minds to explore, come up with ideas and problem solve. Sometimes life isn't planned.

Clearing

"But I'm not a good writer" I said, to which he replied "yes, you are but fine if you want to think that of yourself"

Our negative inner dialogue is strong, it takes daily practice to work against it sometimes. Like when I haven't slept well or taken my vitamins.

We are really our own worst critics, so today lets get out of our own way. Write, paint, sing, dance, cold call that opportunity, or just let your self sit still and breath in all your accomplishments large and small.

 

Head Bather

 

Auto travel for your family

Summer time is coming, for many that can mean family trips and excursions away from home. This is our last summer before the start of school for our little one and I hope we get good use of it. Here are some tips and games that have gotten us through long car rides (that is if your child or children like the car) and some fairly decent air travel.

Car:
We made up a game called PT Cruiser (instead of punch buggy) fireball, when ever someone sees a PT cruiser on the road or parked the first person to say "PT Cruiser Fireball" gets to choose who they imaginary fire ball gets thrown at, and that person (in a most dramatic way says "NOOooooooooo"). This could be altered for whatever make and model you like (we are just attached to our PT, and there are quite a few of them on the road here). The game keeps the kiddo's eyes active on the world around her and teaches her about good sportsman ship, sometimes you throw the fire ball, some times you don't but we can all have a good time and keep trying.

A small shoe size box with activity/coloring book and some small markers or crayons have helped make a LA commute not so terrible for the kiddo. The box keeps everything from rolling under the seats and accessible by almost everyone.

On long trips the ipod touch has been a life saver! A bit pricey I know but the amount of free PBS kids shows, and app games are that extra little bit of balm for a kid who's been in the car for more than three hours. We even bought a movie we already own and she has watched it off and on for the last two years. I haven't even mentioned how you can use the camera feature yet!

Stay tuned for the Air travel tips!
Head Bather

P.S. While we don't need it anymore one of my friends always has a small travel kiddie toilet in her vehicle. She has plastic baggies or something to deal with the "deposit" and it makes it so much easier on a long trip if your little one has to go NOW! Other tip is "Nature pee", gently stand on their toes and hold their hand while they squat back as you would. They aren't as balanced as we are so from about two to five or so we have used this method while out in "nature" and haven't had a problem.

Foundation that works, with a conscience

I have been on the search for a liquid or cream foundation for a while now, some have been fine but the wrong shade, others didn't agree with my skin. We are all different after all and our skin tends to adjust its needs with the seasons.

While wandering around Sephora on my birthday, just to play with all the pretty colors, a lovely young woman who worked there asked if she could help me. I usually just say "no thank you" but she said the magic words "would you like me to freshen up your makeup for your birthday?".

How could I refuse, I love to feel pretty and pampered.

They were doing a promotion for a new line in their stores by Josie Maran. The tag line is "luxury with a conscience" she uses Argan oil in many of her formulations. Famed for its multiple uses as a skin and hair oil, it is called "liquid gold" and has a very high Vitamin E content.

The foundation she used on my face was a light/medium color matching serum formula that changed from white to the best match for your skin tone. It's SPF 30 and wears like a dream, I have less dry patches and no oil slicks by the end of the day. I tried the pressed powder, concealer, moisturizer, and bronzing oil which were all outstanding.

After my make over (which was pretty and subtle) I though; splurge on foundation or moisturizer (I was in no way compensated for this review, I just wanted to let you know I found something I think is great). I choose the foundation and I have been using it regularly for the last few weeks. My face loves it, less redness and breakouts. Win win.

Head Bather

Re-crafting a tee shirts

I love to sew cloths. I also love a good tutorial. Here is a great one, I just wish I still had some old maternity tees or plain men's tees to use.

Source: sugarbeecrafts.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Head Bather

Fearless

Worldfest 2011
Originally uploaded by ritualbath

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” Helen Keller

Head Bather