Wellness Mama®
Simple Answers for Healthier Families
Green bean casserole is probably my favorite Thanksgiving dish of all time. Unfortunately, cream-of-mystery-franken-foods-soup is not healthy, nor are the deep fried onions that typically grace the top of this casserole. (Note: real onions do not turn crispy when fried by themselves … I tried … they burn) This was one of my most requested …
Note from Katie: Several years ago I wrote about my own successful VBAC birth, and because of it, I’m often asked by expectant mothers what’s the best way to prepare for a vaginal birth once you’ve had a C-Section. I’ve asked a fellow doula (and student midwife) Jennifer West to write about that today. Jennifer specializes in …
Stuffing is such a part of Thanksgiving for so many people (me included), but I’ve never loved the boxed, processed stuffing mixes that just seem bland and mushy. Sure, there are some decent store-bought options, but they tend to be more pricey and I love creating new takes on classic recipes using seasonal and local ingredients. …
Irish cream always makes me think of the holidays. Be it Christmas or St. Patrick’s day, I want to pour a glass over ice and sip its creamy goodness while I bake and make merry. The only thing that can make Irish cream more enjoyable is making it yourself with coconut milk. As the name …
Petroleum Jelly, the main ingredient in Vaseline®, is often used in beauty products and even on its own to moisturize skin. It’s cheap. It is unscented. It seems to work well for softening skin… what could be the problem? What is Petroleum Jelly? Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil refining process. This means it …
It’s no secret that in recent decades soil minerals have become depleted, and because of this, our food quality has declined. We are seeing record amounts of plastic pollution, chemical exposure, and lower nutrient levels. It is becoming incredibly difficult to find nutrient dense food for our families, and it is debatable whether or not it’s even …
Cream of mushroom soup is a common ingredient in recipes as cooler weather approaches. This healthy comfort food in a bowl deserves its place along with the casseroles (like my favorite green bean casserole) soups, and stews of the season. Will the Real Cream of Mushroom Soup Please Stand Up? Unfortunately, most store-bought cream of …
The cushaw squash is not one that is readily found in the grocery store, but one pass through your local farmer’s market or pumpkin patch and you will likely see one. They are hard to miss with their vibrant green stripes and large size. Because of it’s size, I resisted buying one for quite some …
Winter squash is a wonderfully versatile food that is easy to grow, easy to store and easy to cook. The whole squash can be used, including the seeds, and often winter squashes are available at great prices, making them an amazing budget friendly food. In the Fall, I’ll often plan our family’s meals for the …
I’ve written before about how sleep is the most difficult part of health for me to consistently dial in. I know and understand the importance of getting enough sleep, but actually getting to bed early and sleeping all through the night is a moving target for me, especially since I’ve been pregnant or nursing for most of the last …
Don’t you love when something really simple and inexpensive is actually the most effective option? Like when simple natural ingredients make the best laundry detergent? Or when children ditch the expensive toys and play for hours with a cardboard box or mixing bowl and spoon? Can Eating Dates Shorten Labor? I recently stumbled across a …
It is often said that “the best things in life are free,” which is true about quality time with family and friends, that newborn baby smell, gorgeous Fall leaves and sunsets. Unfortunately, it is not true about many health-supporting things like water filters, organic mattresses, or supplements. Of course, there are ways to save money while …
