Wellness Mama®
Simple Answers for Healthier Families
The Wellness Mama blog provides simple answers for healthier families through research, tutorials, recipes, humor, and living life with lots of kids!
I’ve never been much of a cookie-maker, but one year the kids requested gingerbread cookies. They’d been visiting friends and making gingerbread houses. The result was these chewy molasses cookies that have all the flavors of gingerbread! When I first tried my hand at making these cookies, I liked the idea of including dates as …
Cyber Monday is a day when many online companies offer their best sales of the year. I’ve found some great deals this year! I’m stocking up on pantry essentials, supplements, and some other gifts for everyone on my list. In fact, my Christmas shopping is almost done… now I just have to pull the Advent …
In the midst of holiday gift-giving, I can’t help but think how often well-intentioned gifts eventually lead to more stress. Both for the giver and the receiver. So much so that over time our family decided to give experience gifts instead of material ones as often as we can. After a few years of trial …
I’ve never understood it… the idea of running out early on holiday celebrations with family to go shopping for gifts for those same people! No judgment from me if that’s your thing, but this year, why not have the turkey and eat it too? (Literally and figuratively). I’m doing my early shopping from the comfort …
Over the years I’ve come up with a lot of different lip balm recipes. From this Burt’s Bees dupe to this tinted lip balm with a little shimmer. This DIY lip balm necklace though is an elegant spin on regular lip balm. Before I made my own skincare products I used to have chronically dry …
Thai food has become part of the regular meal rotation at our house. Instead of getting takeout from a Thai restaurant though, it’s easy to whip a recipe up at home. This chicken pad Thai is quick and easy to pull together and it’s bursting with flavor! What is Pad Thai? Authentic pad Thai is …
What is it about a Christmas stocking? Old or young, waking up on Christmas morning to a stocking lumpy with little surprises has its own special joy. These healthy stocking stuffer ideas have something for everyone on your list! It’s always fun pulling the hidden items out to reveal the gifts inside. Even if it’s …
Elderberries are one of my most used go-to remedies for cooler months. The dried berries of the Sambucus nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds that help with colds and flu. They can be used to make a variety of remedies, and my favorite is this simple elderberry syrup. Elderberry: A Natural Remedy for …
While kale is nutritious, it can be a little hard to swallow sometimes. Prepare it right though, and kale is a healthy, delicious dish! This shaved apple and kale salad recipe has crisp yet tender kale. And the sweet and tangy taste appeals even to young taste buds. My kids are fairly adventurous eaters (even the …
As a mom, I’ve been given plenty of gifts over the years. But it can be tricky to find the perfect gifts for the women in your life. This gift guide has holiday gifts for moms, sisters, aunts, wives, BFFs, and every other woman on your list. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get …
I’ve posted before about how to make your own magnesium oil. But I wanted to come up with something that was a little more moisturizing and even more skin nourishing. This magnesium lotion/body butter hydrates skin and is a great way to get more magnesium in your skincare routine. Benefits of Magnesium Our skin absorbs …
Sometimes I like to rub chocolate on my face (as a face mask!), and sometimes I like to eat it too. This chocolate mousse is the perfect yummy chocolate dessert for a dinner party or just an evening with the family. My kids love it too, and I like that it’s packed with protein, healthy …
Natural birth has gotten a lot more popular in recent years. And hypnobirthing is something that women (even celebrities and Duchesses) have used during labor. No, it’s not the same thing as the hypnosis you see on TV. But it can help you have a better birth experience. As a mom of 6, natural birth …
At Christmas time our family focuses on the joy of Christmas and acts of service. But that doesn’t mean we don’t also give holiday gifts! These gift ideas for kids are perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or any other time you need a special kid’s gift. Gift Guide for Kids of All Ages It can be …
Now that fall is officially here, I’ve been making a lot more soups and stews. Whether they’re in the slow cooker, the stovetop, or cooking away in the Instant Pot, there are plenty of different options. This pumpkin chili makes a hearty weeknight meal and it’s packed with fall flavor (and nutrition!). I originally created …
Between friends, family, and employees, I’ve come up with a lot of gift ideas over the years. Christmas gifts for men are some of the trickiest to come up with, but I’ve managed to find plenty of great ones that meet my standards. The following thoughtful gifts are ones he’ll actually use and enjoy! Best …
While I’m no Martha Stewart, I do enjoy crafting and art projects, especially with the kids. I’ve experimented with these cutout burlap wreaths in the past, but I wanted to try something new for fall. These DIY fall wreaths on the front door are a great way to celebrate the season. Fall Decor When we …
Pumpkin is a wonderfully versatile food that’s easy to grow, easy to store, and easy to cook. You can use the whole squash and they’re budget-friendly. One of the most popular ways to use the seeds is to make roasted pumpkin seeds. In the Fall, I’ll often plan our family’s meals for the week around …
While I’ve primarily dedicated this website to the everyday experience of being a mama, not everyone wants a large family. Some women feel their family is complete and it’s not in their plan to become pregnant again (or at all). Here are the non-hormonal birth control options I’ve used in my own family planning. Birth control …
I frequently use my homemade all-purpose spray around the house, but it’s nice to have something a little stronger for the bathroom. Bathrooms are prone to mildew, bacteria, and viruses that aren’t so nice to have hanging around (especially when you have boys whose aim isn’t always the best!). This natural DIY bathroom cleaner is tough …
Ahh, fall… the glorious season of apples, pumpkins, changing leaves, and cooler weather (finally!). I definitely get in on the fall pumpkin craze and start making pumpkin spice everything this time of year. This coconut flour healthy pumpkin muffins (and bread) recipe is the perfect way to ring in the season. Healthy Pumpkin Muffins (and Bread!) …
I made the switch to all organic baby clothing with my youngest years ago for several reasons. I’m careful about where I get my produce and animal products from, so why not the clothes my family wears too? Here are the best healthy sustainable clothing brand options and why you’d want to switch from conventionally …
This natural tinted lip balm is a nourishing part of any skincare routine. Kiss dry lips goodbye and add a little shimmer to your day. This DIY is a great alternative for those (like me) who don’t regularly wear lipstick. But If you’re a lipstick girl, also check out my homemade lipstick. My daughter loves …
I love soup weather. From tomato soup to this roasted red pepper soup, I can’t get enough. A delicious soup makes a great weeknight meal and they’re perfect to reheat on busy days. Here’s my recipe for how to make a flavorful red pepper soup that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy optional. Roasted Red Pepper Soup …
