Blessed Nest Perch

Baby Booty Giveaway and a little something from Blessed Nest

2009-07-10T05:50:03Z

This wonderful Baby Booty Spray from Natural Baby Wool Products is all natural using essential oils and actually works. Ali, started making it for her son who had the worst diaper rash ever & this is all that has ever helped. She even uses it to disinfect her families hands, the room, etc!

Diaper rash be gone! It's all natural & really works. Formulated by a doctor, Baby Booty Spray is all natural & smells great. Use it on your baby's bottom, spray it on their hands or yours. We like to se it with every diaper change to leave baby feeling clean & prevent future rashes. $9.99

Win it here at Blessed Nest Perch!

Another must have is our own Blessed Nest Nest Egg take a long travel pillow!

The little extra something you need to use with your Nesting Pillow or on its own, The Nest Egg gives support for your head, arm, breast, or for a little extra height under baby's head. It's small and lightweight enough to take along for support and comfort on the go!

Enter to win both the Baby Booty spray and a organic Nest Egg! 6 ways to enter!

1) Leave a comment here ~ That's one way.

2) for extra entries do the following:

*visit Natural Baby Wool Products and tell us what you would love to have

*visit Blessed Nest.com and tell us what your favorite print is!

*Twitter this giveaway and tell us here

* Join Blessed Nest on Face Book and tell us you did!

* Follow Blessed Nest on Twitter and tell us you did!

1 winner picked via Random.org

Giveaway closes August 5th 12:00pm EST

Love you to the moon and back

Pump Up the Iron Momma- 3rd Trimester Tips

2009-07-07T05:15:37Z

Today's Post by Jill Houle

With the end of the pregnancy within sight and the excitement and focus turning from the thrill of being pregnant to giving birth and becoming a parent, the efforts to focus on eating well and nutritiously during the third trimester start to take a back seat to things like knitting, nesting and thinking about the birth itself.

But this is not time to give up on eating right for both you and your growing baby. In fact, good nutrition in the third trimester is vital to your body, mind and soul and to your baby’s health as you focus on the end of your pregnancy journey.

This third trimester begins around week 27 of your pregnancy and ends around 38-42 weeks, or when you give birth to your baby. It is a milestone for most pregnant women, as it well should be- all of those early months of simply surviving possibly due to nausea, vomiting and fatigue are now a thing of the past and you’ve got your eyes on the prize… a healthy baby.

A few things to take into consideration are that there may be less room for food to fit into your stomach due to your growing uterus putting pressure on your diaphragm and other organs. Also, many women experience heartburn during this last leg of their pregnancy due to hormonal changes and that same added pressure under your stomach. But do not be discouraged! Eating small, frequent meals can help to solve these both of these challenges. And all it takes is a little planning and a bit of patience.

Here are a few other ideas to take with you as you journey through your third trimester of pregnancy:

*Continue Eating “Food”: This is a reference to one of my favorite quotes by Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food and it is in regards to choosing natural, whole foods instead of prepackaged, processed “food-like substances”. It is so important to choose actual foods that will nourish your and your baby’s body during this third trimester and not to give into convenience and ease during these last few months by taking the fast food or junk food route.

Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, natural dairy products and meats, legumes, nuts, seeds and healthy fats, such as coconut oil and butter from grass-fed cows can significantly increase your energy levels, give an extra boost to your mental and emotional health, help to maintain a healthy weight gain and contribute to your and your baby’s overall health.

Tip: When crunched for time, instead of driving through a fast food drive through or grabbing a quick bite from prepackaged food, head home and choose three or four foods from your cupboard and/or refrigerator that appeal to you at that moment and mix up a quick meal.

[An example would be opening up a can of black beans, sautéing them in a bit of olive oil with some onion and/or garlic along with your favorite spices, adding it over a bed of baby spinach or your favorite leafy green and dicing some fresh mango on top. This will provide you with a filling and healthy meal packed with protein, fiber, folic acid, iron, and loads of vital vitamins and minerals. Simple and delicious. You (and your baby) will thank yourself later!

*Divide Your Plate: The third trimester is no time to skimp on protein or healthy fats. One of the universal truths of eating during pregnancy that I have learned during my ten years of working with thousands of pregnant women is that carbohydrates are the easiest foods to eat. It is easier to eat a bagel, crackers, pasta or other carb instead of making your mini meal complete by adding in the necessary proteins and fats your baby and you are in need of.

Tip: Take your plate and divide it in half. Add your vegetables, salads and/or fruits to one half of the plate. Now divide the other half of your plate into half again and fill ¼ of your plate with your protein (fish, chicken, meat, beans, tofu, egg, etc…) and the other ¼ of your plate with your whole grain (whole wheat pasta, brown rice or other complex carbohydrate). The ratio should look something like this:

2 parts plant: 1 part protein: 1 part carbohydrate

*Don’t Forget the Fats: Fat has been demonized for so long but we must remember that it is a vital nutrient that our bodies need to function properly and our babies are relying on to grow optimally. One group of fats called essential fatty acids are vital to building and maintaining healthy a healthy brain and nervous system for your baby. They can also help mom in many ways such as improving cardiovascular health, reducing risk of cancers, promoting mental and emotional health and boosting the immune system in order to combat autoimmune disease. Our body cannot make these fats, so we must obtain them from the foods we eat. Good sources include fish (especially cold water, oily fish), flax seeds, walnuts, hempseed, omega-3 eggs and meat, milk and butter from grass-fed beef.

Eating healthy fats can also help strengthen cell membranes and increase skin elasticity and health. This will surely make for a better birthing experience as you prepare for your vaginal birth.

Tip: A few simple ways to include these brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids are to eat fish twice a week, keep some walnuts on hand for snacking when out and about or scrambling yourself a few omega-3 eggs for an amazing start to your day!

*Pump Up the Iron: Iron needs during pregnancy nearly double! This extra iron is needed to make the extra blood needed to nourish your baby and to make the billions of red blood cells your baby needs. Missing out on iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, or “tired blood”, and as the name states, tired blood makes for a tired mom.

You can be sure to include enough iron-rich foods in your day by eating foods rich in iron like liver, beef, oysters, sardines, tuna, clams, shrimp, apricots, figs, peaches, raisins, bread, cereals (iron-fortified), bagel, pasta, nuts, lentils, artichoke, peas, potatoes with skin and Brewer's yeast.

You can also boost your body’s ability to absorb this iron by eating foods rich in Vitamin C. Such foods include citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, green pepper and kiwi.

Tip: Have a glass of orange juice with your favorite whole grain, iron-fortified breakfast cereal or make some chicken fajitas and be sure to include lots of tomatoes and peppers!

So be sure to keep good nutrition on your to-do list during the third trimester. Although you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, this is just the beginning of a long, healthy journey that you will take with your family and your baby in the years to come.

Find Jill blogging at Home Grown Life

It's Monday...coffee please

2009-07-06T08:49:18Z

Good morning! It's Monday at the Perch and I had a wonderful giveaway post planned for you! Just as I was saving over an hours worth of work, our blog site decided NOT to save my post. It was gone in a flash. I will be back later with a giveaway! Maybe today, maybe tomorrow!

We love you to the moon and back

We love America!

2009-07-04T06:16:45Z

Happy Independence Day~ Enjoy celebrating freedom in our land of the free and home of the brave~

click, save and printAs I write this post, my six year old Tabitha ( my clingy Mammas girl) is having her first sleep over. She is camping out in the neighbors backyard with her two sweet fiends. Oh, she is growing up. She told me, "OK Mom you can go now." Am I ready to hear that? Sure, I love to see her spread her wings and "fly" knowing Mom is right next door in the nest if she needs me!

Don't worry our neighbor is camping out right in front of the tent and as the sun comes up, he will be making pancakes for the girls. He taught them how to pitch their own tent and now they are enjoying the fruit of their labor. Sleeping under the stars! It's a beautiful night; my heart is all a flutter knowing that this is Tabitha's "best night ever" and a memory she will take with her forever!

Above printable taken from one of my favorite Literature sites Dove Publications

Love To the moon and back

Blessed Nest.com

Blessed Nest BookMarked!

2009-07-03T07:40:55Z

We're always honored when a parenting site decides to highlight our products! Blessed Nest.com as been added to ParentingBookMark.com as a Eco- Friendly product that they recommend for Moms, Dads and caregivers!

If that wasn't enough...we are on the same page as Parenting Bookmarks Green expert, Alan Greene author of Raising Green Baby.

Thank you ~ We love you to the moon and back

Parentingbookmark.com is designed to promote character education and strong social and behavior skills in children. They offer information for parents and teachers on many topics, including bullying, anger management, sibling rivalry, and peacefulness. In addition, ParentingBookMark.com offer expertise on subjects that will be part of a child’s development of a healthy self, including healthy eating, positive interaction with one’s community and environment, special challenges, and important information on how kids are affected by the media. They also offer books and products for parents, teachers and kids, all designed to strengthen character and self esteem in kids.

Love To the moon and back

Blessed Nest.com

Summer Fun with friends

2009-07-01T10:04:53Z

We're having such a fun summer. Early June we had a end of school year celebration with our home school group. The theme was Hawaiian Luau. One of the home school moms is an amazing basket weaver! (One of those creative moms that I envy and wish I was).

She was guiding the kids in a weaving session. She had the kids practice with making a fish. This is my four year olds fish. She sat for a about 20 minutes trying the under, over, under over, and pinching the fish rope. It was hard and really designed for bigger kids but Sophie wanted to do one " all by myself." Here is a fun article on Hawaiian basket weaving. We may add this into our Fall school schedule, now that we have been introduced to the subject we want to master it! Or at least try!

Tabitha, my six year old really enjoyed the cookie decorating class and of course water play and outdoor activities!

Summer has begun! How did you start out this summer? Any activities planned or just running through the sprinklers?

Not so wordless but it is Wednesday! Visit 5 Minutes For Mom.com for more summer stories and fun family photos!

Love To the moon and back

Blessed Nest.com

Starting out this week with a laugh

2009-06-29T06:27:58Z

Last week was filled with a lot of really sad news and we just wanted to start out this week, whatever it has in store, with a good laugh! Now of course the subject on this video is VERY serious but you just might break out in belly aching laughter!

Love To the moon and back

Aged To Perfection

2009-06-27T21:34:50Z

Todays post written by Dr. Joanna

We all know the importance of eating a well balanced diet with a variety of foods. But did you know that certain foods have greater health qualities at earlier or later points in their ripeness? Here are a few foods you want to include in your diet at the ideal time of ripeness!

1) Kiwi fruits or Chinese gooseberries, are full of phytonutrients , flavoniods, and carotenoids. These fruits can help protect against disease, cancer, stroke and even respiratory disorders. Two medium kiwi fruits contain about five grams of fiber and twice as much vitamin C than an orange. They are also considered the lowest sodium fruit and are extremely high in potassium. When selecting kiwi fruits, gently apply pressure; avoid fruits that are very soft, bruised or have damp spots. Kiwis are highest in antioxidants and sweetest when fully ripened almost to the point of spoilage. It is thought that antioxidant levels may actually increase in the later stages of ripeness. So be sure you don't eat them too early!

2) When buying bananas, your selection should be based on when you will be consuming them. The greener bananas will last a bit longer while the yellow and brown spotted bananas will only last a day or two. Bananas are high in potassium and fiber. They are at their freshest when they are firm and bright without dark spots. Once the banana becomes over-ripe or soft sugar content actually increases. For those who are trying to control blood sugar levels overly ripe bananas may end up causing a spike in blood sugar which can be harmful to your cells. Do not store bananas in the refrigerator as this will interrupt the ripening process.

3) Berries are typically small fruits that have a high water content which makes their cell structures easily damaged. Berries are best eaten fresh as they tend to lose their juicy and slightly firm character through the freezing and thawing process. Berries are freshest during the spring and summer months. All berries can vary in the exact amount of nutrients they contain due to how much direct sunlight they had during the ripening process. Try to consume berries within the first two weeks after being picked to ensure the highest quality of nutrients and water content. Therefore, it is best to eat berries that are grown locally as they are more likely to be more recently picked. When choosing berries, look for ones that are uniform in size, plump, and vibrant in color.

4) Green tea is on the top of the list of antioxidant-rich products. The reason why green tea's active compounds are so abundant is because green tea is not fermented, unlike oolong and black tea. Many tea drinkers do not realize that green tea should not be strongly steeped; instead it should be lightly infused. Scolding hot water can burn the tea leaves which not only decreases the level of disease fighting qualities it provides, but may create carcinogenic properties which can cause cell damage in the body. Try pouring boiling water through the tea with a tea strainer to get the most out of each cup.

5) Dark Chocolate has been noted for its health benefits due to its high content of flavonoids. The highest amounts of flavonoids are found in raw cocoa, which makes it a great treat that can reduce the damage oxygen does in the body. Try having dark chocolate as raw cocoa or raw cocoa powder for the highest levels of flavonoids.

GENERAL THOUGHTS:

Try eating foods that are in season and fresh. We are all influenced by climatic changes, whether it is our mood or choice of foods. During the warmer months our natural tendency is to consume lighter and fresher foods. Visit your local fresh produce market for what is in season and freshly picked. This will also allow you to choose foods that are higher in phytonutrients and flavor. Eating fresh whole foods that are closest to its natural state increases digestibility and assimilation of nutrients into the body.

As a quick reference try choosing the following foods with the appropriate season.

Spring: Focus on leafy vegetables that show off its freshness. Include Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, parsley, basil, spinach, kale, and collards.

Summer: Choose light cooling foods. Include summer squash, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, plum, apple, strawberries (or any berry), pear, and cilantro.

Fall: Start choosing warming type foods such as sweet potato (yams), carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, and peppercorns.

Winter: Choose more warming foods with protein. Include root vegetables, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, eggs, corn, nuts, chicken, fish, beef, and lamb.

Be Well,

Joanna Dolgoff, MD
Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh

~Berry Image from this wonderful sustainable artisian farm

HandMade

2009-06-26T04:49:46Z

I just love this. Wonderful reminder of why it's a great idea to buy handmade. Click here to read the 101 great reasons to buy handmade.

We got mail...we love hearing from you and enjoy all the love notes that we receive in our Blessed Nest mail box! Here is a recent note~

Hi Donna,

Although I haven't yet used the Nesting Pillow, I just wanted to email to let you know that I love it! My baby should arrive any day now and i'm looking forward to using it for nursing (I imagine it will also come in handy at other times as well).

The lip balm is my new favorite flavor too! Thank you so much for the nest egg as well - it was an unexpected and delightful surprise!

I love finding women-owned companies to support that make well crafted products right here in the US with eco-friendly materials. I'm very impressed with every detail (including the heart and moon cutouts on the tags for the diaper pins) I am delighted with Blessed Nest!

We are delighted with you too and all of our wonderful, sweet customers we call friends!

Love To the moon and back

SALE Perch Store ONLY~Limited

Podcast with Heather & Graham: parents need nurturing relationships

2009-06-25T08:12:16Z

Originally posted on the Tumblon Blog

by Graham Scharf

Parents need healthy, nurturing relationships with other adults. We often need wisdom, and a listening ear. Yet finding and building those relationships can be a challenge amidst the myriad responsibilities of parenthood. In this podcast, Heather Anderson discusses the importance of those relationships, and how to nurture them. She touches on:

the importance of active listening
the challenge of making time for friends
the rich relationships parents can have with others who don’t have children
suggestions for nurturing long-distance friendships, and
what children learn from seeing their parents in real friendships.

Heather is a designer and the founder of Blessed Nest, a business that creates a line of organic products for families. Her business began in the context of nurturing relationships, and has become a model for building relationships among parents.

You can download the audio (right click, save as), subscribe in iTunes, or listen on this page.

(To hear Heather talk about Blessed Nest, check out this podcast.)

Love To the moon and back