Making Sense of It Book Review

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November 25, 2018 By Jennifer 2 Comments

Making Sense of “It” by Alison Macklin is a new guide to help you navigate sex ed with your kids.

Sex is an uncomfortable topic for many and this book offers a great outline of what and how to discuss various topics surrounding sexuality with our children.

My Review

I learned about sex in school. The very basics with a little film strip in 5th grade. And health class in 9th grade—anatomy, STIs, and pregnancy – from the football coach!

Our kids have lots of questions about sex.

It’s up to me as a parent to be available to answer questions and even initiate a conversation about sex.

What about masturbation? Is it ok to have sexual fantasies? What about kissing, blowjobs, or taking The Pill? If you touch someone’s penis, can you get pregnant? If you douche after sex, you won’t get pregnant…right? Is porn ever ok?

Making Sense of “It” goes beyond the basics of the birds and the bees to give teens a realistic, no-holds barred, nonjudgmental guide on everything having to do with sex and sexuality. With this book, teens can learn about “it” all from the best contraception methods to what to expect at a clinic, even to the signs of an unhealthy relationship.

In a world where teens are bombarded with bad information on social media, are meant to feel ashamed of something so natural, Making Sense of “It” counters that with trustworthy, gender-neutral advice on how to be safe, informed, and honest about “it.”

I want my kids to have healthy relationships and that includes a healthy sexuality. We don’t buy into the evangelical purity movement. I want my kids to have real information and I have to feel comfortable talking about it and answering the hard questions. If I don’t help my kids navigate through these waters, they will Google it, ask their peers, or find the information they seek somewhere and it might not be the best answer.

This book may not be for everyone but these topics come up more and more – on social media, in classrooms, at college, in youth group, Sunday school, the playground. I want my kids to have a good, healthy foundation about their personal values before they are bombarded with uncomfortable circumstances.

I like the conversation starters at the end of each chapter. They can be used as an outright script, or as a journaling activity, or as a casual conversation.

The introduction is entitled “Dear Teen” and it is perfect.

Nineteen chapters cover most sexual topics in this 2018 climate. The last chapter offers resources for more info.

I feel this is a book that should be introduced to tweens and revisited often with teens by parents, keeping an open conversation throughout the growing years.

It’s important to discuss healthy relationships when so few of my generation had a model or knows how.

About the Book

Go-to introductory resource on sex ed for teens, college students, parents, educators, social workers, and health professionals.
Can be read separately or together as a family to meet everyone’s different needs.
Includes helpful sections specifically written for parents and teens to help break the ice and foster mutual understanding.
Conversation starters (a list of suggested questions for teens and parents) accompany each chapter to keep the conversation going and to foster connections on a more meaningful level.
Includes “fun facts” throughout the book that delve more deeply into certain topics like average penis sizes, female ejaculation, and the need for regular STI screenings.
Covers many different topics not often covered in health class/sex ed:
- the human brain in relation to sex and puberty,
- defining sexuality,
- the need for human touch,
- sexual identity and orientation,
- gender roles,
- feeling horny,
- various levels of “risk” in sexual behaviors, and
- signs of healthy and negative relationships.
Also touches upon more progressive and sex-positive topics like:
- consent culture,
- sex toys, fetishes, and fantasies,
- pornography,
- choosing when to become sexually active,
- tactics to improve communication with sexual (current or potential) partners,
- how to get help and be an active bystander when witnessing sexual harassment and assault, and
- abortion.

About the Author

Alison Macklin has been with the Responsible Sex Education Institute at the Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM) for over fourteen years and is currently Vice President of Education and Innovation. Macklin is an award-winning, nationally recognized leader in sex education and holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver. She is a mother of two who lives in Colorado.

Praise for the Book

“Kudos to Alison Macklin for creating a book to help parents and teens talk more honestly and frequently about sex and sexuality. This fun, up to date, accurate, and easy-to-understand guide will help families to connect more about these absolutely critical issues.”
— Leslie M. Kantor, PhD, MPH, Vice President, Education, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

“Making Sense if ‘It’ is the Our Bodies, Our Selves for today: comprehensive, unbiased, medically accurate, and respectful. This should be on the bookshelf and nightstand of every household so that caregivers and youth alike can read it, discuss it, and learn from it.”
— Pat Paluzzi, DrPH, CNM, President and CEO Healthy Teen Network

“This book is a must read for all teenagers and parents of teens, about a subject that is often hard to talk about: sex. Author Alison Macklin gives great, practical, actionable advice on how to keep communication open and honest.”
— Jason Woods MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, creator of Little Patients, Big Medicine

“I loved it! Alison Macklin offers teen readers honest, engaging, and at times humorous information about puberty, sex and sexuality. The book is chock-full of useful suggestions for parents as well, providing tips to start conversations with their teens and keep the lines of communication open during the sometimes bumpy road through puberty and adolescence.”
— Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth

“This book provides excellent information about sexual health and important advice for staying healthy and having good relationships. The overview of sex and sexuality will be extremely useful for teens and parents alike.”
— Connie Newman, MD Adjunct Professor of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, and President 2018-2019 American Medical Women’s Association

“In this rapidly changing world of sexuality, gender and relationships Alison Macklin’s new book is just the resource teens need be ready for the wonderful world of sex and relationships. With her smarts, experience, and guidance, teens of all genders and orientations will get just what they need to make great choices.”
— Amy Lang, MA, founder Birds & Bees & Kids and author, Dating Smarts – What Every Teen Needs to Date, Relate or Wait!

Book Trailer:

Buy the book:

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Positive Discipline for Today’s Busy (and Overwhelmed) Parent

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September 2, 2018 By Jennifer 10 Comments

Positive Discipline for Today’s Busy (and Overwhelmed) Modern Parent by Jane Nelson, EDD, Kristina Bill, and Joy Marchese, MA, CPDT

Short Bio

Jane Nelsen, EDD, founder of Positive Discipline and coauthor of the bestselling Positive Discipline series, is a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist and an internationally known speaker. Her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide.
Kristina Bill is active across the fields of business, arts, and personal development. She holds a business degree and is a certified Life Coach and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. She is a highly sought-after corporate coach specializing in leadership and personal impact.
Joy Marchese, MA, CPDT, has worked as a trainer, teacher, and parent educator in various schools and corporate settings for over twenty years. In 2015, she launched Positive Discipline UK, spreading Positive Discipline across Europe and the Middle East.

Interview Q&A with Jennifer Lambert

What are the origins of the Positive Discipline methodology and how you became involved with it?

PD is based on the grounded philosophy of Alfred Adler, the grandfather of Individual Psychology. In a nutshell Adler taught that all human beings (including children) deserve to be treated with human dignity and respect. He taught about the importance of social interest and the need for all human beings to feel belonging (connection) and significance (contribution/purpose).
Joy: I was introduced to PD 13 years ago (8 years into my teaching career). At the time, I was teaching in Rikers Island (a Jail just off Manhattan in NYC). When I say that PD saved my life I mean it. I was teaching felony criminals and I was the only teacher that didn’t have armed guards in her classroom. This was a risk but it was the only way I could establish an environment of mutual respect (connecting before correcting). I was also one of the only teachers that never had a fight break out in her classroom.
Kristina: I was hoping to become a mother and wanted to be the most effective parent I could be. Joy was a long-standing friend and colleague who introduced me to PD. I was already a coach and found that the PD philosophy not only prepared me for motherhood, but also served as a brilliant personal and professional development methodology. When Joy asked me to come onboard to write this book I jumped at the chance, as I believe my organizational training experience gave a valuable perspective to how to apply PD universally for a working parent.

What are the long-term consequences of our parenting choices?

Children are always making decisions about themselves (am I capable or not capable), about others (can I trust them or can I not trust them), about the world (is it safe or is it not safe), and about what they need to do (Can I thrive or just merely survive). From the moment they are born children are forming belief systems and it is these belief systems that they will base their decisions on as an adult. When we are able to use kind AND firm parenting skills, connect with our children to form secure attachments, and use encouragement and problem-solving methods instead of punishment and rewards, we will help them develop the life skills they need to flourish and thrive in the world.

Is Positive Discipline about the parent or the child?

Positive Discipline begins with “you” the parent. Too many parents think PD tools are meant to change the behavior of children–and they can. However, the “tools” are not effective unless parents model what they are trying to teach. For example, too many parents want their children to control their behavior when the parent doesn’t control his or her behavior. They want their children to be perfect, when they are not. And, they want their children to be kind and respectful when they are not.

Is there one overarching thing you would suggest parent’s focus on?

My favorite of all is connection BEFORE correction. If there is one “tool” that would help parents in every situation it’s to connect first. This can be done through validating the child’s feelings, getting down to their level and making eye contact, or even a hug. Then avoid all blame and shame and get your child involved in focusing on solutions

My Review

The book includes 5 parts, 17 chapters, a troubleshooting guide, and mistaken goal chart. All these tools to help parents positively discipline children. An index offers oodles of opportunities to look up issues you may be dealing with in your home, work, or school environment.

It is overwhelming how much parenting advice is out there. And most of it is so very wrong. I’ve overheard well-meaning people at church coach young moms to spank or smack their toddlers. I’ve heard them offer time-outs or “just you wait until we get home.”

Frazzled parents are desperate for answers and solutions for discipline that heals wounds – both theirs and the kids.

The choices we make with our kids matter. The way we speak and deal with difficulties in our families will stay with our kids as their inner voices.

What are the long-term consequences of our parenting choices?

I was raised harshly. I am still overcoming the consequences of my parents’ choices.

I wasn’t a proactive parent in the beginning. I was dealing with my own issues and baggage and that traveled over into my parenting. I did a lot of things wrong, said a lot of mean things, used nasty tones and facial expressions, and even spanked my two oldest daughters.

Thankfully, I found better methods for parenting and apologized to my girls. I did things differently with my third daughter and son.

Emotional intelligence is very important as parents so we can raise our children wisely, to make better choices, to break the cycles of poor parenting or even abuse.

I am healing and choosing gratitude and peace and it shows in all our relationships.

Giveaway!

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Inspired Book Review

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August 2, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans, is a spectacular book for the curious, seeking, injured…if you know and love the Bible or not.

Intelligent but approachable, this book regales well-known Biblical stories and deconstructs them for today’s doubting audiences. We don’t have to dismiss the hard topics. We can embrace them in all their complexity. God can handle our doubt and questions.

I remember my discomfort about some of the Bible stories and issues, but was silenced and never allowed to ask questions. My grandma was gentle with me and explained as best she could. My Bible thumping born again classmates in high school and college couldn’t discuss anything. They were blank-eyed zombies for Jesus. When I tried church after church and denomination after denomination as a young adult, I found that questions were unwanted and I was not befriended.

I’m highlighting all the quotes from Biblical scholars for later research.

Yeah, I’ve been exposed to so much new stuff lately. I guess I wasted all my time in college reading Shakespeare and such. I only took one ancient philosophy class and no religion. I’m making up for it now.

The book is divided into eight sections, each with a little diary synopsis of a Biblical character and then an explanation and various experiences about those stories:

Origin Stories
Deliverance Stories
War Stories
Wisdom Stories
Resistance Stories
Gospel Stories
Fish Stories
Church Stories

This is a great book for a women’s group, college age young adults, or anyone seeking answers.

About the Book:

If the Bible isn’t a science book or an instruction manual, then what is it? What do people mean when they say the Bible is inspired? When Rachel Held Evans found herself asking these questions, she began a quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. What she discovered changed her–and it will change you too.
Drawing on the best in recent scholarship and using her well-honed literary expertise, Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay. Undaunted by the Bible’s most difficult passages, Evans wrestles through the process of doubting, imagining, and debating Scripture’s mysteries. The Bible, she discovers, is not a static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and confounding book that is able to equip us to join God’s loving and redemptive work in the world.

About the Author:

Rachel is an author from the small town of Dayton, Tennessee – home of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925.
Rachel Held Evans is a New York Times bestselling author who writes about faith, doubt, and life in the Bible Belt.

Rachel has been featured in the Washington Post, The Guardian, Christianity Today, Slate, the Huffington Post, and the CNN Belief Blog, and on NPR, BBC, Today, and The View. She served on President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and keeps a busy schedule speaking at churches, conferences, and universities around the country.

Rachel is married to Dan and they have two young children. A lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide fan, Rachel’s preferred writing fuel is animal crackers and red wine.

Her website is https://rachelheldevans.com

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The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy Book Review

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July 5, 2018 By Jennifer 2 Comments

The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy By Abbey Sy is the ultimate reference for lettering and calligraphy!

I love how simply this book breaks down how to hand letter and create beautiful calligraphy.

Handwriting seems to be a dying art. Many schools no longer teach or encourage cursive writing. I think penmanship and lettering is important and a necessary art form.

I purchases some supplies to get started:

The lovely color pages make it look easy and completely possible so even I can create lovely letters.

Chapters:

Tools and Materials
Lettering Primer
Classic Calligraphy
Modern Hand Lettering
Decorative Lettering
Digital Lettering

I love the information about styles and forming letters.

Illustrations remind me of illuminated manuscripts.

Flourishes make it fancy.

Step-by-step projects make great gifts!

Digital lettering is ever so popular now.

Super useful practice sheets at the end!

My kids and I look forward to learning calligraphy and practicing our lettering and making fun projects.

The essential reference for novice and expert letterers and calligraphers!

The book begins with an overview of tools and materials, both traditional (pointed pen and fountain pen) and modern (including brush markers and chalk), then presents a visual glossary of letterforms, highlights the unique characteristics of the featured alphabets, and demonstrates how to draw letterforms to foster an understanding of how they’re created. The core chapters explore traditional, modern, and special effects lettering using a variety of mark-making tools, with in-depth how-to on adding flourishes and other special details, plus creative projects. There’s also an introduction to modifying and creating letterforms digitally, as well as practice sheets for the featured alphabets.

Features:

Instructions on this classic art form that crafters and creatives in a variety of mediums can also engage in.
An easy introduction for complete beginners as well as a comprehensive survey of styles, mediums, and applications.

About the Author:

An expert guide in author Abbey Sy, who inspires and instructs over 100,000 followers on her Instagram page.
Abbey Sy is an artist and designer whose passion for hand lettering and design is inspired by retro advertising, desaturated hues, and vintage labels. She is the author of the bestselling Hand Lettering A to Z (Rockport Publishers). Abbey is also the founder and creative director of ABC Magazine, a publication for artists, crafters, and makers; produces her own merchandise; and teaches art and hand lettering classes. She is based in Manila, Philippines.

Buy the Book:

The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy by Abbey Sy
$22.99 US · $29.99 CAN · 192 pages · Paperback
ISBN: 9781589239630
Creative Publishing International, an imprint of The Quarto Group

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Naked Nutrition Matcha Review

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June 19, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

I LOVE Naked Nutrition’s brand new Matcha Protein Powders!

There are two versions of the product (one made with whey, and the second with vegan pea protein) and all kinds of amazing recipes!

I LOVE that it only has TWO INGREDIENTS!

There’s no odor or aftertaste in either the pea or whey protein powders.

I have a smoothie every morning and often throughout the day.

I’m often vegan/vegetarian until dinnertime. It helps me to maintain a healthy weight and have lots of energy.

Matcha just makes it all better!

My favorite smoothies:

Wonderful Berry Energy Smoothies

Can easily make this vegan without yogurt. Can use any or no plant milk or liquid.

Mango Pina Colada Smoothie

Can easily make this vegan by using the pea protein + matcha powder.

There are A TON of other products from Naked Nutrition and healthy recipe options (like no carb pizza crust, protein packed quiches, and much more) as well if you are looking for additional options for both sweet and savory items with a healthy twist.

In addition to being delicious and a great way to pack lean, clean protein into all kinds of recipes – Naked Nutrition has pledged to donate between 15-100% (yes, you read that right!) of sales from these two products to the ALS Association’s Golden West Chapter/ Team Nanci for the rest of 2018 in an effort to help raise money and awareness for the organization in hopes of helping to find a cure for this awful disease.

Those affected by ALS will very often be robbed of a simple joy that we seem to have in common (eating solid food), so while it certainly may not be as yummy as Matcha Chocolate Chip muffins (recipe below!), these and all of the other pure and additive-free products the brand offers help to make the smoothies and shakes that those with ALS almost exclusively get their nutrition from a little more fun, and a lot more tasty.

“Matcha is known for being an antioxidant powerhouse so we thought it would be a great idea to support another powerhouse – celebrity publicist Nanci Ryder – by helping to raise money for ALS research,” continued Zieminski.

About Naked Pea + Matcha and Whey + Matcha

These first-to-market, non-GMO protein powders feature the superior health benefits of organic Japanese matcha. This ceremonial ground green tea leaf powder is loaded with healthful antioxidants that help boost metabolism, burn calories and detoxify the body.

Naked Pea + Matcha features a vegan protein made exclusively of raw yellow peas sourced from U.S. and Canadian farms, and Naked Whey + Matcha is made using pasture-fed cows’ milk from small, California dairy farms. Naked Nutrition leverages careful manufacturing processes to create a non-denatured whey loaded with essential amino acids, glutathione and clean protein.

The Naked Pea + Matcha Difference:

Vegan, plant-based protein
Pea protein is made exclusively from farms in the United States and Canada
No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
22 grams of protein and 4.9 grams of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) per serving*
Only two ingredients: yellow pea protein and organic Japanese matcha powder
Non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free and gluten-free
Environmentally-friendly farming practices

The Naked Whey + Matcha Difference:

Made from pasture-fed cows’ milk from small dairy farms in California
No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
22 grams of protein and 5.3 grams of BCAA’s Per Serving*
Only two Ingredients: Whey Protein and organic Japanese matcha powder
Non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free
No rBGH or rBST
Cold processed
Acid and bleach-free processing

*Nutritional values are verified by independent third-party testing.

Matcha Muffins with Chocolate Chips

Course Breakfast

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups 1 3/4 cups unbleached flour
1/4 cup Naked Whey + Matcha
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon matcha powder
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar plus 1 Tablespoon
1 1/3 cups almond milk
1 large egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line and grease a muffin pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Naked Whey + Matcha, baking powder, baking soda, salt, matcha powder and 1/2 cup of sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, egg, oil and extracts.
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining tablespoon of sugar.
Bake for 16-18 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned. Let cool slightly in the pan and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Totally Awesome Tie-Dye Book Review

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June 18, 2018 By Jennifer 6 Comments

Looking for a fun event idea this summer? Consider throwing a tie-dye party!

This is great warm-weather fun! Perfect for VBS, birthdays, block parties, anytime.

My three kids have been dying to try tie-dye.

This book offers lots of different techniques that are easy enough for the kids to do on their own!

Why Totally Awesome Tie-Dye book is great:

There are easy tutorials.
There’s a list of all the items you could possibly need to make fun tie-dye creations.
We like the charts of basic methods to help with decisions.
The trouble-shooting guide is important to correct mistakes.
If you want to have a big tie-dye party, there’s a handy guide for that!

We had a little family tie-dye party.

I bought a big tie-dye kit with oodles of colors and plastic gloves.

We used disposable baking pans and did the tie-dye in the driveway to minimize mess.

We pre-washed the shirts so they were damp and then the kids got to work.

My son chose two-tone crumple.

We let the shirts sit overnight with plastic wrap so they would soak in all the dye. Then we washed them.

His favorite colors!

One daughter chose swirls with black spikes.

It turned out perfect!

Another daughter chose to spray dye.

It looks well-saturated.

She wants to redo it a bit with more dye. She was actually cautious for once!

We really love all the fun ideas in Totally Awesome Tie-Dye. There’s a Japanese technique, yarn dying, and lots of other fun projects we plan to try!

About the Author:

Suzanne McNeill is the author of more than 200 craft & hobby books, including Joy of Zentangle®, The Beauty of Zentangle®, the 11-volume Zentangle® series, and Zen Mandalas. Suzanne founded the leading publisher of Zentangle® books, Design Originals (an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing). She was voted Designer of the Year and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Craft & Hobby Association. Suzanne has been called “the trendsetter” of the arts and crafts industry.

Tie-dying is a wonderful way to create dramatic fashion statements without using too many materials or spending a lot of time. “No group is too large for tie-dying,” says author and expert crafter Suzanne McNeill. “It’s a great activity for family reunions, scouting events, parties, and fundraisers.”

Nicknamed “The Trendsetter of the arts and crafts industry,” McNeill is the author of the new book Totally Awesome Tie-Dye: Fun-to-Make Fabric Dyeing Projects for All Ages (Design Originals, May 2018). Filled with stylish projects, McNeill shows step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish ice dyeing, crumple dyeing, resist dyeing, and Shibori—shaping cloth and securing it before dyeing. Everything you can imagine about the art of tie-dying is covered in Totally Awesome Tie-Dye, even tips for tie-dying with children.

McNeill also shares how to tie-dye several items of clothing in her tie-dye manifesto, including fashion designs for t-shirts, dresses, socks, caps, scarves, and even embellishments for home décor. The goal of McNeill’s book is to make this entertaining craft fun for all ages. “The joy of creating art is for everybody,” she says. “I hope to inspire people to discover their own creativity.”

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Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste

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June 2, 2018 By Jennifer 2 Comments

I loved my sample of Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste.

*I received a free sample in exchange for my honest review.*

I haven’t used mainstream brand name toothpastes in years. Our family also hasn’t had a cavity or any oral problems since we went natural.

It’s a challenge finding a natural toothpaste that everyone likes. We’ve experimented over the years and *this one* tastes good or *that one* whitens and cleans the teeth best. Seldom is there an all-around great natural toothpaste that checks off all the necessary boxes on my list.

Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste is one of the best natural toothpastes I’ve tried!

Here’s one of the two samples I received to try:

The texture is smooth and creamy.

Don’t expect a lot of foamy action with natural toothpastes and you don’t need as much as I show here.

Yes, natural toothpastes are usually more expensive and there aren’t coupons in your Sunday paper, but it’s so much healthier and better for you and especially your kids!

The flavor is delicious – sweet and minty from the xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener.

My teeth feel clean and smooth. It’s not abrasive but very gentle!

I feel my breath is fresher than with my regular natural toothpaste.

Ingredients

Coconut Oil Toothpaste: Pure Water, Coconut Oil, Hydrated Silica, Glycerin, Xylitol, Irish Moss, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Aloe Vera Juice, Titanium Dioxide, Natural Mint Flavor.

Have you read the ingredients list on store bought national brand name toothpastes? Do you know what all those things are? Why is there a poison control warning on something you put in your mouth at least twice a day?

I love that Dr. Ginger’s products have NO Sodium Lauryl Sulfate!

It’s often used in soaps, detergents, and toothpastes as a cleaning agent, but it’s also a known irritant because it removes oils from the skin. I have to be really careful reading labels since we have one kiddo who’s really sensitive.

Get the FAQs.

I highly recommend this delicious and natural toothpaste!

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Natural Dental Care

Our Dental Unit

Is Your Family Always Sick?

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An Imperfect Pilgrim Book Review

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May 1, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate Suzanne Ludlum Provides Inspiring Message of Hope and Healing.

As an author and yoga therapist, Suzanne Ludlum shares her compelling story of struggling with mental illness and suicide attempts to help others suffering in silence know they are not alone and to never give up.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and as an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, author Suzanne Ludlum has a message to send: Hope.

Ludlum’s recently released book, An Imperfect Pilgrim – Trauma and Healing on This Side of the Rainbow, is a compelling memoir which chronicles her harrowing experiences with trauma and severe depression to navigating her struggles and finding a pathway to healing and overcoming her demons.

Suzanne Ludlum allows readers into the most intimate and tragic moments of her life while she finds hope in the pathways that were the key to helping her reclaim her lost life. After suffering multiple losses and subsequent abuse at the hands of those very people who were supposed to help her, Ludlum suffered intense mental decline and fell into a darkness that seemed unrecoverable. After years of psychiatric hospitals and various therapists, she began her long climb out. She is now active in spreading her message of hope and healing to those who may still be suffering, teaching them that they are not alone and that help truly is available.

As a yoga therapist and owner of Trinity Yoga Therapy, Ludlum is also involved in her local chapter of Mental Health America. Her inspiring messages and therapeutic practices are helping those who suffer from trauma and mental health issues such as PTSD.

“Suzanne offers us ways we can discover and nourish resources within ourselves that enable us to feel in control, even when life is out of control. Here, she shows us that we don’t have to be defined by our circumstances. We truly can be the master of our own destiny,” said Richard Miller, PhD, founder of the Integrative Restoration Institute and author of The iRest Program for Healing PTSD.

An Imperfect Pilgrim – Trauma and Healing on This Side of the Rainbow By Suzanne Ludlum

About Suzanne Ludlum:

Author Suzanne Ludlum is a Certified Yoga Therapist and holds the highest credentials in her field, including a Master of Science degree in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health, certification through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and ERYT-500 designation (experienced yoga teacher at the highest level) from Yoga Alliance. She also presents at international conferences to audiences of mental health professionals and other yoga therapists. Ludlum resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia with her husband and daughter.

To learn more please visit www.animperfectpilgrim.com and www.trinityyogatherapy.com.

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Unafraid Book Review

This post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure.

April 3, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

A brave new book – Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times by Adam Hamilton

My Review:

Packed with statistics, social studies, and Biblical truth, Adam Hamilton confronts fear and its causes in American during these postmodern times.

He discusses politics, parenting, church efforts and failures…also loneliness, significance, FOMO, finances, and illness.

There’s not really any new information in the book, but it is very attractively packaged into 5 parts, each with 4 chapters. Footnotes provide extra information about sources of info. The appendix includes 31 Days of Scripture Reading on Fear.

Hamilton is unafraid to mention what many of us are feeling in this scary social media-induced dystopia.

We are feeding our fears instead of facing them.

I have liked Hamilton’s other books, and this book is no different. Well-written, including relevant personal stories, facts and statistics for the intellectual in me…It shows fear as the evil it is and how we can still be courageous in spite of fear.

About the Book:

One of the most repeated instructions in the Bible is “Don’t be afraid.” This phrase, in one form or another, appears 140 times in Scripture. It reminds us that ordinary women and men from ancient times struggled with fear. But Scripture also shows us that faith—and paradoxically, a healthy “fear of the Lord”—can be pivotal to overcoming fear and finding peace in uncertain times.

We can hardly overstate the extent to which fear permeates our lives. Most of us have known times when it has robbed us of the life we wanted. Our fears, in the form of insecurity, often wreak havoc on our lives and personal relationships. At times, fear has led us to make bad decisions. At others, it has kept us from taking risks or doing things that would have brought great meaning, fulfillment, and joy to our lives.

But it does not have to control us, says Adam Hamilton in UNAFRAID: LIVING WITH COURAGE AND HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES (Convergent; hardcover; 3/13/18; $24.00).

Hamilton, who was recently interviewed by David Brooks at the Aspen Ideas Festival, has seen the climate of fear up close as the senior pastor of a diverse and dynamic 20,000-member congregation planted squarely in Middle America, the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. He has spent the last thirty years shepherding congregants, and in the process, becoming deeply involved with their struggles with fear. He’s walked them through economic downturns, three wars, terrorist attacks, countless personal tragedies, and, most recently, the current political divide, a topic he spoke about earlier this year with Robert Siegel of NPR’s All Things Considered.

In doing research for a sermon series, Hamilton conducted a survey of his congregation to gain deeper insight into this emotion. Of the 2,400 people who participated, eighty percent reported living with moderate or significant levels of fear. He then analyzed the latest national polls to see what people across the country rank as their top fears, and delved deeper into that research.

UNAFRAID combines thorough research, powerful stories from people Hamilton has pastored, and timeless wisdom from the Scriptures. He helps readers understand some of the most common fears we wrestle with, differentiate between those things we should fear and false or exaggerated fears, and find ways to cope with our fears that lead us to live with hope. The book also helps readers identify and counter their fears in key areas of threat: crime, race, terrorism, politics, failure, disappointing others, insignificance, loneliness, change, and finances, and the perennial fears of growing old and death.

To these near-universal fears, Hamilton brings insights in critical areas, including:

why you will never fully eliminate fear from your life (and why that’s a good thing)
the search for meaning as a fundamental need
how people from time immemorial have addressed their fears
spiritual practices that can bring real peace
cognitive restructuring to identify faulty assumptions and replace them with positive thinking
how appropriate fear plays an important role in our lives

Hamilton draws upon insights from psychology, sociology, and the Scriptures to offer inspiration and help for addressing the most common sources of fear, worry, and anxiety and guides the reader in how to live “unafraid, with courage and hope.”

About the Author:

Adam J. Hamilton, a leading voice for reconciliation and church renewal in mainstream Christianity, is the senior pastor of the 20,000-member Church of the Resurrection, Kansas City, the largest and most influential United Methodist congregation in the United States. He is the author of twenty-five books; his most recent trade release is Making Sense of the Bible.

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Garden Lites Review

This post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure.

March 27, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Celebrate Spring With Good Greens!

Garden Lites® Offers Veggies Made Great Superfood Veggie Cakes, Blueberry Oat Muffins And Ninja Power MuffinsGarden Lites®, the delicious vegetable company and the leader in unique veggie-rich foods, is celebrating spring with a lineup of incredibly “green” products, all offering veggies made great. Consumer demand across the U.S. keeps growing for Garden Lites products, which always have vegetables as the first ingredients. The total line is made with only clean/simple ingredients, is non-GMO certified, gluten free, nut free and always delicious.

Our Review:

I received coupons to try 3 Garden Lites products FREE.

I chose the Blueberry and Chocolate muffins and Chocolate VitaTops.

Here’s the nutrition info for the blueberry muffin.

Here’s the nutrition info for the chocolate muffin.

Here’s the nutrition info for the VitaTops. Other yummy flavors are available that I didn’t find in my local stores.

Pretty good for those with sensitivities, allergies, or concerns. Also, a good choice for those watching calories or points.

There were only instructions on the muffins to thaw for 4 hours to eat room temperature or microwave from thawed or frozen.

I don’t use our microwave and we didn’t even have one for almost 5 years. Our rental house has one but I never use it.

I chose to try to bake the muffins from frozen to see if that worked.

They were warm and crisp on top. Perfect.

I liked the blueberry ok. The texture is a little chewier than I like and they’re very sweet with lots of huge blueberries. Maybe with a streusel topping?

I toasted the VitaTop as per instructions. It wasn’t warm enough in the middle, so I know to toast it longer next time.

Then, my taste tester went to work.

We liked the flavor and texture of the VitaTop, but it needed to be warmer so the chocolate chips would be gooier.

Our first impression of the chocolate muffin wasn’t great. It seemed bland and not sweet enough. The texture is a little tough. But halfway through, we discovered melty chocolate chips that improved the flavor and texture immensely.

He thanked me and Garden Lites for the yummy treats!

I love the Garden Lites Superfood Veggie Cakes, but I can’t find them in any of my local stores anymore. I’m so sad. They are perfect for a small meal or snack.

I was able to find Garden Lites products at Kroger, Walmart, and a local grocery store. I’m sure our local health food stores have them too.

Garden Lites are super quick and easy (if you remember to thaw early or use the microwave)…they’re fine in the oven. The VitaTops are great in the toaster on about setting 2-3. My kids can make these easy treats for a meal or snack or tea time.

This spring, check out these Super Green delicious, nutritious powerhouse foods from Garden Lites, including:

• Garden Lites Blueberry Oat Muffins: You’ll never believe the first ingredient in Garden Lites Blueberry Oat Muffins is zucchini! Heat them in a microwave to enjoy a chocolate lava cake experience or a delightful blueberry packed muffin, both for only 120 calories. All Garden Lites Muffins are Non-GMO and deliciously moist and a great source of fiber. They are also all allergy-friendly, gluten, and nut free.

• Garden Lites Superfood Veggie Cakes: These green veggie cakes are incredibly good for you and packed with nutrient-rich superfood veggies like kale and cauliflower. Each veggie cake is packed with veggies, gluten free, non-gmo and nutritionally smart. Though it may be daunting to eat your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, a great way to accomplish this goal is to make it easy. Garden Lites products are ready in a few minutes, with the muffins ready in 30 seconds, so now you can enjoy the benefits of vegetables with the delicious convenience of our foods.

• Garden Lites Power Ninja Muffins: This wholesome treat will make your kids’ friends “green” with envy! Your child will love the fun characters, you’ll love the fact that zucchini is the first ingredient. Only 80 calories each, Garden Lites Ninja Power Muffins are Allergy-friendly; Gluten, Dairy & Nut Free! Perfect for lunchboxes.

About Garden Lites:

Garden Lites has a variety of products and increased distribution in the freezer section across the country. Some of the best selection can be found at Kroger, Meijer, Target, Costco, Shop Rite, Publix, Stop & Shop, Giant, HEB, Ralph’s, Fry’s, Whole Foods, and many more retailers and online for home delivery at thehealthfoodstore.com The line also has the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Seal of Approval, which is the first health-conscious, lifestyle-aware seal in the food and beverage industry.

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