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!
Humans can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. To say fresh water is important would be an understatement! But as important as it is to drink enough, it’s equally important to drink clean water! Here are the best water filter options for your home. A high-quality water filtration system …
I’m a big fan of diffusing essential oils in our home. And in fact, I’ve tried quite a few different diffusers over the years to make our home smell great. A DIY reed diffuser is one way to get the gentle scent and aromatherapy benefits in a stylish way. Why Use an Essential Oil Reed …
If you tend your own garden, chances are you’ve had your share of zucchini. This flourishing little veggie has an almost magic ability to thrive in nearly any condition, leading to an abundance that can be rather overwhelming. This zucchini bread is a great way to use up the extra, plus it’s gluten-free and grain-free! …
As a mom of 6, I know all too well how tough it can be to have a fussy baby in the house. While it’s normal (and expected!) for babies to cry, sometimes it goes beyond that. As new mothers, we’re especially protective of our children’s health and stay extra vigilant if we think something …
Few things impress a child more than mixing a little of this and that to make one of their favorite toys in minutes. My kids loved playing with playdough when they were younger, and my littlest still does. I came up with this fun gluten-free playdough recipe for squishy sensory play, sans gluten. Why Make …
Butter is a favorite food at our house. It’s packed with fat soluble vitamins and beneficial fats that are great for health. I use butter in cooking, on vegetables, and even in my coffee. One way to really amp up your butter game is with these herb compound butter recipes. Made with fresh herbs and …
While homeschooling looks a little different these days for our family, the Montessori approach still influences our home. Maybe you’re looking into a Montessori school or you just want to include some Montessori principles in your day. You can create a welcoming, child-friendly home environment no matter your teaching style. I received so many requests …
Over the years I’ve adopted a few basic habits that have really helped transform my health. Prioritizing quality sleep is one of those habits. This calming sleep lotion uses the benefits of aromatherapy to help you get a better night’s sleep. What is Sleep Lotion? The name kind of gives it away, but this is …
I’ve sung the praises of Mexican food many times before and these pork carnitas are no different. Made from a slow-cooked pork shoulder simmered in delicious spices it’s a family favorite. My version is a twist on traditional pork carnitas recipes and it’s delicious in tacos, Chipotle-style burrito bowls, and more. What Are Pork Carnitas? …
While I like the good kind of bugs in my GI tract, ticks are one bug I try hard to avoid. Each summer, when the leaves come out and the grass grows tall, many of us worry about tick-borne illness. As Lyme disease continues to rise, it’s crucial to explore natural ways to complement conventional …
Once upon a time, I was a single college student in a one-room dorm and it didn’t take much to keep it clean. Fast forward a few years and I had a few kids who weren’t so neat and orderly! I needed an all-purpose cleaner that worked, STAT! A Natural Way to Clean As a …
Growing up, we didn’t eat out often (like never) so it was always a really special treat to go to any restaurant. When we did go somewhere to eat, we often chose Mexican food. Our whole family enjoyed it and it was pretty much the only non-chain decent restaurant in our small town. I had …
Being a mom can be hard enough but add in the decisions surrounding childbirth and things can get confusing. When to clamp the umbilical cord has been a topic of debate for literally thousands of years. The decision doesn’t have to be complicated though and there are plenty of benefits for baby! Here’s what delayed …
Several years ago I made some reusable produce bags for when I’m at the grocery store or farmer’s market. While they’re great for smaller items I wanted something a little bigger. And they had to be easy to make! Here’s how to make T-shirt bags that you can use while grocery shopping, at the beach, …
Years ago I thought I hated Caesar salads. Before my real food days, I didn’t like salads at all. Now options like this strawberry feta salad make a regular appearance on the meal plan. Caesar salad with homemade dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce is another favorite I’m happy to make! Classic Caesar Salad Caesar salad …
In the world of natural remedies, a rising star is gaining attention for its incredible health benefits: berberine. While most people might assume berberine is an herb, it’s actually a compound present in several herbs. In this article, we’ll delve into the wonders of berberine. We’ll explore what it is, how it works, its potential …
Last week, within the span of one day, three of my kids needed a Band-Aid for some reason. With six kids who like to climb, jump, and live in their treehouse, this is a common occurrence. I decided to find a natural salve option to use instead of conventional ones like Neosporin. How to Use …
I really enjoy red onions, but I absolutely love pickled red onions. If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying some, you owe it to yourself to remedy that asap! Ketchup has nothing on this delicious condiment! Pickled Red Onions So why are pickled red onions so delicious? I’m glad you asked. These have all the …
Ketamine is a remarkable substance that can transform mental health and wellness. Often associated with anesthesia and party scenes, ketamine is now emerging as a potential game-changer for mood, pain, and sleep disorders. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind ketamine, its benefits, and how it’s revolutionizing mental health care. What is Ketamine? According …
Sometimes I’ll whip up a batch of disinfecting reusable wipes for cleaning with. I decided to experiment with making something similar for my facial routine. These DIY face wipes may become one of your new favorite skincare products to remove makeup or just freshen up! DIY Face Wipes It’s rumored that makeup remover wipes and …
I love stuffed mushrooms as a yummy side dish or appetizer. When they’re stuffed with crab meat they can easily double as a main dish too. These stuffed portobello mushrooms feature melted mozzarella cheese and cherry tomatoes for a delicious Caprese version. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms There are so many different filling options when it comes …
If you’ve been trying to switch to more natural products, your toothpaste is an important one to look over. After all, it’s something you use twice a day, every day. Here are some of the best natural toothpaste brands that are not only non-toxic but beneficial to your teeth. What’s Wrong With Conventional Toothpaste? Conventional …
Every year as warmer weather approaches, I make several homemade products for summer. This includes my homemade sunscreen and these natural bug repellent recipes. I don’t use sunscreen often because it limits vitamin D production. I prefer to eat my sunscreen instead. This homemade insect repellent spray recipe, on the other hand, gets daily use where we live (unfortunately!). …
My kids have been begging for ice cream lately. Since many of our family’s summer activities involve getting outside in the heat and humidity, I decided a strawberry ice cream break was in order. This real food ice cream skips the red food coloring version from the grocery store. All you taste are the fresh berries and …
