Don’t be put off by the fact that it looks so vibrantly green. It tastes amazing!
All my ingredients for the Chicken & Broccoli Soup.
Ingredients
1 Teaspoon of vegetable stock powder. ( I used some stock cubes I already had in the cupboard)
300g of Broccoli chopped up
3 Shallots (18g) chopped
50g of Baby Spinach
225g of Grilled lean Chicken Breast – Shredded (I used BBQ Chicken without the skin. I cut it up so that it was like it was shredded)
1 Tablespoon of Basil Pesto (20g)
1 Wholemeal Pita Bread (40g)
My Chicken & Broccoli Soup. Mine had more water in it, so it was not as thick-looking as the recipe. Tastes amazing anyway!
Method
Pour 2 and a half cups or 625ml of water into a saucepan. Bring it to the boil. (I added too much water as I was wanting to feed more people. If I added less the soup would not have been as watery. It did not take away from the taste and I even ended up getting seconds as it was so yummy. )
Add stock powder and broccoli. Cover and return to the boil. Cook for about 3 minutes or until tender.
Add the shallots and spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and blitz with a handheld blender. Once all the ingredients are mixed in and all is smooth then return to the heat.
Add the chicken and pesto.
Season to serve. You could add ground black pepper, crunchy croutons, or as some other readers have done lemon juice was added, just a squeeze to enhance the flavour.
Suggestions
You could add some ravioli to the soup or maybe some noodles.
Maybe some crunchy bacon bits to the top of the soup to add with the texture and give you an added crunch with the soup.
Lillian tried out the Chicken & Broccoli Soup by Voome. She had a bit but not as much as I had hoped. I suppose it is good she gave it a go.The broccoli ready to go into the soup. Broccoli is good for you. It has Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folate, Beta-Carotene that helps the body convert to Vitamin A, it also has Sulforaphane which has been said to help fight cancer.
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Lately I have been at a loss to how to help my hair. It seems to be like straw, falling out and just looking horrible lately. It could be my age (yes well over 40), it could be hormones, or it could be that I am lacking a vitamin or two.
Or it could be just stress and being in desperate need of a holiday (however with the restrictions, lockdowns and border closures a holiday is not going to happen any time soon.
It is not just my hair that is of concern, I am wanting to improve my overall health. Greens, vegetables and fruit offer so many health benefits, and having them everyday will make sure I stay super healthy.
I am hoping that adding this go to green smoothie to my daily routine will make me feel better, have more energy and it will also help my hair and skin too.
Glow from within with Reese Witherspoon’s Green Smoothie
I have tried many things to help me out, vitamins, sunlight (could it be vitamin D?)
So thought why not give this green smoothie that Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon swear by, a good go.
Ingredients
2 heads romaine lettuce (I bought a huge mixed bag of Kale and spinach)
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup coconut water
1 whole banana
1 whole apple (core removed)
1 whole pear (core removed)
1 whole lemon (rind removed)
Celery (optional) ( I purchased the pre-cut celery sticks and added 2 of them)
Almond butter (optional) (I didn’t have almond butter but added 2 tablespoons of Macro Cereal LSA. It has Linseeds (50%), Sunflower Seeds (35%), Almonds (15%)
All the ingredients that I used other than the Macro LSA for the green smoothie
Method
I deviated from the method Reese uses to create her smoothie but rest assured it all ended up blended and mixed so I suppose it really doesn’t matter how you get there, as long as it is all zapped and ready to drink.
I added the coconut water to the blender
Then added half a bag of my kale and spinach leaves
I made sure all was well and truely chopped and all liquid, then added the pear, lemon, banana, 2 sticks of pre-cut celery, an apple sliced (I didn’t take off the skin so had to blend a little longer), and then 2 tablespoons of Macro Cereal LSA
I blended for a little extra time to make sure all ingredients were thoroughly mixed in well and there were no lumps.
Now pour into a glass and add the reminder of the smoothie to the fridge for the next day.
Trying the green smoothie for the first time
“Reese also mentions that she originally heard of this recipe from her Little Fires Everywhere co-star, Kerry Washington, years ago: “I sat next to her at an awards show and I didn’t really know her but I said, ‘Your skin is so beautiful, what do you do?’ And she said, ‘I actually think it’s this drink… it’s just really changed my skin and it makes my hair and nails really strong’, so I was in.” https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7823948/reese-witherspoon-drinks-this-green-smoothie-every-day-heres-the-recipe/
Post Smoothie Review
My first batch was very tasty and rather thick that it was a bit of an effort to drink with my reusable straws. My second batch I used the reminder of the coconut water and added an extra pear to the mixture.
I am only on day four of having this green smoothie daily but I think it is giving me more energy and get up and go. I know it is early days yet and being on it for a month or two you will see more results with your skin, hair and rest of your body.
Are you a fan of green smoothies? Have they helped you? If so let me know.
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Last Thursday (Yes the day before Good Friday) all of us but one is got the flu shot. Our youngest is getting his next week as it is a special free clinic for kids under 5.
So last Monday (30th of March) our little boy fell out of bed and hit his front teeth on the corner of his bed…yep really hard and it has now made some teeth wobbly. At first, it was just a cut lip and sore teeth. I did check and they were not wobbly but he said they were sore. I gave him panadol and thought it would be better soon. A few days later hubby took him to the doctors and to make sure all was okay.
Get your flu shot – make sure the whole family has one!
The doctor confirmed that one front tooth is wobbly but there is not much we can do. It is still in his mouth and doesn’t look like it will fall out, so at least that is good. We were told to give him panadol and for him to take care….hahaha a four-year-old taking care. Really!
Ever since he hurt himself he has been bumping, hitting his head and hurting himself. It seems like every time I turn around he has blood coming from his knee, arm, foot, mouth or face. Danger child is keen to really to have a major injury and of course make us go emergency at the hospital. However, due to COVID-19 we are keen to avoid the hospital if we can.
MUSE HELPS YOU BE CALMER
While hubby was at the doctor’s with Alexander he told him that he wanted all of us to get the flu shot. Hubby was taken back and said that the flu shot cannot help you if you get COVID-19, but then the doctor said this:
“If you have had the flu shot and do get COVID-19 they are seeing that people get a milder version of the virus”
Now we have no idea about this but when a doctor tells you to do this I think you should listen.
“Protecting yourself and your family from the flu with a vaccination now will help reduce the strain on health resources from COVID-19,” said RACGP president Harry Nespolon. The flu vaccine won’t combat COVID-19, but it will help to reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza, which can lower a person’s immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses.” (abc.net.au)
The doctor printed out scripts for all of us except Alexander to get the medication for the flu shot. Hubby went to the chemist and sourced the goods and now today we are off to get the needles. It is not the family outing I had planned and while in lockdown and staying at home the only family outing is a doctor visit so maybe I should just be happy with the fact all of us are getting in a car to go somewhere together.
REGISTER FOR AN AMAZON BABY WISHLIST BOX
Hubby hates needles and fights going to the doctors so for him to embrace what the doctor said was next to amazing. Yep, a doctor told him something and he rushed out to do it. I think it had something to do with the pandemic we are currently facing with coronavirus.
The twins had never had flu shots before and were a bit worried and nervous, we told them that there is nothing to worry about and all will be fine…its just a needle.
One of the girls her arm was a bit sore and then a few days later the same for me. Hubby and my other little girl seemed fine, although the girls and I were a little tired with some symptoms of a cold but on the whole okay.
Now it has been a few days after having the flu shot I must say my arm is better and I am feeling okay rather than under the weather.
One other bonus of having the flu shot is to ensure that after all this COVID-19 is cleared up that we don’t all end up sick with the terrible flu as well.
Plus making sure you don’t get sick with the flu means that you might not be susceptible to get COVID-19, for example, if you have a lower immunity due to getting ill and then you get something else on top of the flu.
It is a horrible time. A time that many are facing uncertainty and one that we are all struggling to hang on until this horrible virus is over or at the very least gone mostly from Australia.
I have read that some develop antibodies and some people don’t. I am not sure the doctors know why this is not happening for all that have recovered. The common belief is that you will get this sickness again and it will not go away.
Many around the world are working away on a vaccine and I hope that this happens sooner rather than later.
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What do you do on your birthday? I suppose the natural thing to do is to celebrate with lunch, dinner or a few drinks.
My birthday was last Monday and I did none of the above. Why do you ask? Well, I organised to get a health check that required me to starve myself and take a horrible concoction to clean my bowel out. Rather yucky to say the least.
I could have moved my appointment to a different day but then I would be waiting longer and worrying about getting it done. I just wanted it all done and over. To not think about it. To have an answer to my concerns.
So what test did I have done? Well, it was a colonoscopy. This is when they put a scope up your bum to look at your bowel to ensure that you don’t have cancer.
When I went to book in at the hospital the lady suddenly went to the month of May. I instantly thought, of course, it has to be around my birthday. I foolishly got the paperwork earlier and was umming and erring if I should do it. Once I decided to get it done I couldn’t find the paperwork, so of course had to get it re-sent. This meant that it ended up being in May and coinciding with my birthday. Not good at all!
Why did I get this horrible thing done to me? Firstly two of my best friends died due to cancer and it started with bowel cancer. For the last three years and while pregnant I noticed some odd things, however, they couldn’t do some tests due to being pregnant.
For example, having 3 months of constant diarrhoea when pregnant was not good. After having my third child I’ve had some odd things occur, not going to the toilet easily, having issues going or still having diarrhoea. I went through a lot of things that it could possibly be.
Am I sick? Am I stressed? (possibly), Is it something I’m eating? Is it IBS? Or something else? Could it be a blockage? Would this be the beginning signs of cancer or something else? Is it polyps? I had no idea! It was driving me crazy.
I did the blood tests, and the poo tests and all came back fine and not abnormal. However, I still had some odd symptoms that were worrying.
I’m a mum to three young children and if god forbid I did have something wrong I hope it was found early. Early detection means that you can get it zapped, cut out and you have the best chance of beating it.
So my birthday as I said was not fun it was rather horrible not eating. Then when the clock hit 5pm I had to take a disgusting and horrible solution called, Glycoprep. Just in case you have no idea what this tastes like, it is super salty and you have to drink 3 litres of this liquid! YEP 3 litres and it made me feel SICK!!!!!!
I was supposed to be finished this fluid by 7pm, but I ended up finishing up at 9.30pm, yep not great but I did drink the whole 3 litres.
If you ever have to drink this horrible salty solution you will find that it is so hard to drink it quickly. Well, it was for me. The more I drank the harder it got.
Fast forward 2-3 hours and I had to urgently go to the bathroom. The idea of the solution is to clean you out, and when I say to clean you out, everything is exiting your body extremely quickly!!!! Not fun and pleasant at all.
Basically, I should have just taken up residence in the bathroom.
With the frequent visits to the bathroom (the bathroom is not heated), not eating, drinking all the fluid I still had to get through I was super cold. In fact, freezing! I ended up with a beanie, scarf, jumper and blanket over me when not in the bathroom.
I ended up finally going to bed around 11pm and had to put on about 100 blankets and the heater on to keep warm. It took me ages to get warm.
Finally, it was the next morning and I could only have water until 8am after 8 I was not allowed anything… yes nothing. I was so tired, hungry and over it all.
Waiting at the hospital
My appointment at the hospital was at 10am, this was not when I went in for the procedure. I went in and got a checkup (blood pressure, questions and answered some questions. Finally got into a stylish gown and paper shoes.
I was then told to wait in a waiting room (there was no clock in this room but it felt like I was there for hours) with a warm blanket and a tv. I was then joined by 3 other ladies. I was the youngest person in the waiting room. One lady asked me why I was getting it done, I told her due to some strange symptoms and my close mates dying, it was my preventive strike to ensure I was okay.
Maybe I didn’t need to do it. I know I didn’t get a test to say that it was needed but after other weird things that I experienced the doctor thought it might be a good idea too.
I also had no idea if my dear friends had any symptoms that they thought were odd. If they did have something did they think it was due to something else? If they did have symptoms if they got them checked out, would they still be here? This is a question I cannot answer or ever know the answer to. They are not here anymore.
I miss my wonderful friends so much. I wish they had done a preventive strike and found it before it was too late.
Finally, it was my turn to go and meet the doctor, all the nurses and of course the anaesthetist. I was worried and nervous. I did have to make sure they knew who I was due to the doctor thinking I was another patient. (Scary) Apparently, the surgery list was mixed up. So glad that I was vocal and told them who I was.
The cannula was super painful and has left a HUGE bruise, I was awake one minute and then waking up in recovery next. The doctor came to see me after I was given sandwiches and 2 cups of orange juice. You have no idea how good it was to eat and drink again.
My huge bruise on my hand from the cannula
The news from the doctor was that there are no signs of cancer and all looked good and normal. Great news. Maybe my issues could be IBS or that I need to have less milk or a food allergy? I have no idea… I am just very happy to know that it is not cancer.
I’m writing this post to urge you to be aware of any changes in your body, any changes to your health. Get checked, stay on top of your yearly checkups, skin checks, blood tests and more.
I know my 46th birthday was not ideal, but I look at it this way. This test is helping me have more birthdays.
Due to the fact that I couldn’t eat or drink on my official birthday, we are having a do-over on the weekend. I’m really looking forward to going out with the family to celebrate. Plus eating some yummy food is a bonus after not eating on my special day.
Image from Bowel Cancer Australia
“15,604 Australians are told they have bowel cancer each year, including 1,413 people under the age of 50.”
Get tested. Be proactive. Be Healthy for you and the family.
Image from Bowel Cancer Australia
I hope sharing this experience helps you get tested and see that it is not something that just affects older people, many people that get diagnosed with bowel cancer are young.
Image from Bowel Cancer Australia
You can find out more about tests on the Bowel Cancer Australia Website and you if you wish you can order a screening test online or by calling 1800 555 494.
“A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day (Wednesday, 19 June 2019), when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities.” (Bowel Cancer Australia Website)
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Food is one of life’s pleasures- perhaps subconsciously to us, food enlightens all our senses to create that pleasure.
You celebrate with food.
Families come together over the dining room table- this social experience is a vital part of our wellbeing.
Friends go out to enjoy meals at new and interesting restaurants/cafes.
Food is also super important for your health. Good quality food is your tool to wellbeing.
It is recommended that you consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily – eating the rainbow is ideal. By this, all colours should make an appearance on your plate.
This passion and enjoyment that food brings does not go away with age.
The Maggie Beer Foundation “was established in 2014 to improve the food experiences for older Australians, particularly those living within aged care homes. In fellowship with her Board of industry leaders, professors and health advisors, Maggie has made it her personal mission to link the latest research of how the food we eat can impact brain health and general wellbeing, with her innate knowledge of what good food can do for everyone’s emotional wellbeing – a truly nourishing mix, so much greater than the sum of its parts.”
How Can You Help?
Donations – Giving money to help the cause is a great way to help.
Corporate Support – If you are a business/corporation you can support The Maggie Beer Foundation.Businesses can support a program or project, become involved with progressing one of our strategic priorities and implement the Maggie Beer Foundation “Appetite for Life” program in an aged care home.
Advocacy – The main focus of The Maggie Beer Foundation is “radically change food practices in aged care, to improve the emotional wellbeing of each and every person.”To make a change, government and aged care facilities need to be on board. It’s a huge job and one that can be done with everyone helping.
Maggie Beer Foundation – Creating An Appetite For Life
You no doubt know someone elderly or in an aged care setting, food is one major thing they have to look forward to in their day. We too are ageing and how nice would it be to have our daily food pleasures available to us as we endure our elder years?
Together let’s get behind Maggie Beer’s mission to improve the food experience in aged care.
“Breakfast is served! “Super” Banana Porridge – this contains approximately 25% more energy and a third more fibre than regular porridge just cooked with milk!” Image from The Maggie Beer Facebook Page
Improving food in aged care facilities will help everyone and one day possibly you. I think that when a relative ends up in aged care it doesn’t dawn on you that one day this could be you.
Food is a vital part of living and one that doesn’t disappear with age, making meals interesting, tasty and healthy is important. Also, it is one thing that can be changed with a lot of support.
Be the change and help The Maggie Beer Foundation get more awareness around food in aged care facilities.
Share your stories of what is working, any changes that you have made that has had a positive impact on residents whether they are living at home or in a supported care environment.
Disclaimer: I love what Maggie Beer’s Foundation is doing for aged care and older Australians. I am a firm believer as we age we should be treated well. Aged care homes or institutions need to ensure that their food is delicious, healthy and interesting. Good food means good health and a better quality of life.
Everyone at some point will come into contact with an aged care home.
You might visit your grandparents, have to put your parents into one, your partner might need some assistance, or eventually, you will need one.
This affects us all.If we all get behind this great mission to ensure that food in all aged care facilities is better, then we would have helped everyone that will need any aged care facilities nationwide. Wouldn’t this be great?
“Food is nutrition not just for the body, but also for the soul. It’s what fires our appetite for life, no matter what age.” Maggie Beer.
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They were sitting at the table behind me and were discussing health matters between them and their families.
One thing that one man said really made me think.
He said, “Women don’t take heart attacks seriously”
I was very close to turning around and joining the conversation, but I didn’t. If you know me, this was hard to do as I had a lot to say but I didn’t. Yes, I was very good.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women are different than men. As a busy woman, mother and person to everyone it is so difficult to keep a check on your health too.
Unexplained fatigue can be a symptom of a heart attack. Might be hard to figure out if you are constantly fatigued as a sleep deprived mum.
I really wanted to tell these men that women generally overlook symptoms as something else. Women are busy and try to power on, and therefore end up having a heart attack when they had no idea.
It’s not that women don’t take heart attacks seriously its the fact that they believe they are too young, it will not happen, they have other symptoms and therefore think that there is no way it could be a heart attack.
Suddenly feeling sick and dizzy you might assume that you are getting the flu, need more sugar, should have drunk more water or not skipped lunch. Experiencing a heart attack if you were suddenly nauseous and dizzy would not be something I would entertain, but these are real symptoms.
In fact, more women die of heart attacks than men.
Some symptoms from WebMD that women having a heart attack can experience:
Yes looking after your health to care for others is super important, actually hugely important. However, mums are usually the last on the list.
Lately, I’ve noticed a few things that I was getting worried about. I made sure to see the doctor, get bloods done, and other things checked.
If you notice anything different please get it checked.
Skin, boobs, lack of vitamins (Being low on vitamin D can make you upset and depressed), diet, oh and get your poo checked to ensure all is good if you notice any difference in your bowel movements.
My tests have come back okay, well the bloods did.
Keep well and look after you.
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I’ve not been able to pinpoint why this is, but feel that it might be due to having too much to do, and little time to do everything.
I suppose three kids don’t help with this feeling of frazzledness. It could also be that I have motherhood stress or otherwise known as being constantly overwhelmed.
Mothers never get breaks, mums do everything and also seem to be the last on any list. Sad but true.
Some things I am doing to overcome feeling stressed out:
Make sure I keep up with my vitamins. Caruso’s Natural Health have wonderful products to help you look and feel amazing. If you are feeling down it could be as simple as you need more vitamin D or B. Even though we live in a country that gets a lot of sunshine many don’t get enough of vitamin D. Or you could need an herbal supplement like Caruso’s Anxiety Aid or Caruso’s Rhodiola to help you reduce nervous tension and stress.
Get some exercise – I really want to do more but at the moment a walk is just what I need.
Meditate – Calm down and just have some time alone. Sitting in silence is great when you have a crazy house full with three kids.
Watch a favourite tv show when kids are at school and care. This way I can finally hear the show and not pause it a million times due to being interrupted.
Get more sleep – I am always feeling tired and exhausted. More rest is ideal and sleep is one thing that is high on my to do list. You cannot function properly if you don’t get enough sleep, you end up grumpy, frustrated and annoyed.
Make a date with friends – A simple catch up with some mates always makes you feel better. You can have a chat, feel better and have some much needed adult conversation. It is hard as a busy mum, but try and book in these times and you will thank yourself for it.
Taking my vitamins for the day – they are helping me feel better.
Some things I am doing to overcome feeling stressed out:
Make sure I keep up with my vitamins. Caruso’s Natural Health have wonderful products to help you look and feel amazing. If you are feeling down it could be as simple as you need more vitamin D or B. Even though we live in a country that gets a lot of sunshine many don’t get enough of vitamin D. Or you could need an herbal supplement like Caruso’s Anxiety Aid or Caruso’s Rhodiola to help you reduce nervous tension and stress.
Get some exercise – I really want to do more but at the moment a walk is just what I need.
Meditate – Calm down and just have some time alone. Sitting in silence is great when you have a crazy house full with three kids.
Watch a favouritetv show when kids are at school and care. This way I can finally hear the show and not pause it a million times due to being interrupted.
Get more sleep – I am always feeling tired and exhausted. More rest is ideal and sleep is one thing that is high on my to do list. You cannot function properly if you don’t get enough sleep, you end up grumpy, frustrated and annoyed.
Make a date with friends – A simple catch up with some mates always makes you feel better. You can have a chat, feel better and have some much-needed adult conversation. It is hard as a busy mum, but try and book in these times and you will thank yourself for it.
More About Caruso’s Natural Health
Caruso’s Natural Health is an Australian, family owned company founded by Frank Caruso, supplying complementary medicines (vitamin, mineral & herbal supplements) and natural foods Range is available in over 3,000 pharmacies and health food stores throughout Australia.
Frank’s philosophy is simple; “Make time for good health and you’ll always have enough health for a good time!”
I love Frank’s health philosophy, as a mum to young kids, I aim to be as healthy as possible. I want to be active, productive and healthy for as long as possible.
If you invest in your health now, it will help you in the years to come.
Caruso’s Natural Health have great products to help if you are feeling stressed out.
• Anxiety Aid – “Caruso’s Anxiety Aid has been formulated to help ease the symptoms associated with mild anxiety, stress and nervous tension.” It is an herbal supplement that has helped me feel calmer and having less nervous energy.
• Brahmi 9000 – Brahmi can help in maintaining healthy brain function, also helps with memory, concentration, focus and learning. Perfect for the working mum.
• Rhodiola – This supplement may help your body with the everyday stress of life. It supports your bodies adrenal gland function, which means that it supports the body’s coping mechanisms and ability to deal with stress and nervous tension.
Caruso’s Natural Health
The wonderful pack that I was sent from Caruso’s Natural Health. Thanks, so much the new products are really helping.
This is the pack of herbal supplements that Caruso’s Natural Health sent me. Just what I needed.
When I am stressed my body hurts.
I suffer from severe tension headaches, I end up with a sore jaw, head, neck and more.
The pain is intense and during these periods I don’t get a lot done.
The housework suffers, my work suffers and all I really want to do is to sleep and be left alone.
I struggle to keep my eyes open due to the intense headaches and feel so exhausted.
The supplements that I received from Caruso’s Natural Health have made me feel calmer very quickly. I was not sure how long it would take for me to feel any difference, but I believe it was noticeable after about a week.
Caruso’s Natural Health sent me Anxiety Aid, Brahmi 9000, Women’s Supplement and Rhodiola.
I feel less stressed and my body is slowly on the mend regarding the tension headaches.
The Caruso’s Naturopath’s are available from 9am – 5pm Sydney time
PH: 1300 304 480 Or you can send them an email via the online form.
It’s a great free service if you have any questions about the Caruso’s products.
If you don’t look after you, you cannot look after others. Simple really, but something that us mums often forget.
Stress and Anxiety its nothing to be worried or upset about, everybody experiences it in some form.
Time for you is important. If you need help you should make sure to ask your partner to give you a break.
The Caruso’s herbal range is a great way to calm your system down in stressful times. Make sure you also integrate some self-care, great food and plenty of rest (well as much as you can if you are busy mum).
Disclaimer: I was sent a pack of Caruso’s Natural Health new herbal range to help with anxiety and stress. Showcasing these new products, I hope gives you some solutions to help you feel less stressed and happier.
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Being active is so important, walking, playing sport and just moving is ideal.
It is said that you should do 10,000 steps each day. I am not sure I get close to that at all times, sometimes close and other times I just try and move and do some exercise every day.
My kids wanted to get a Vívofit Jr. due to other kids at school having them.
It tracks how many steps and minutes of activity you do.
If you do 60 minutes of activity or more you get a certain number of moves in an online game.
You can track chores and assign pocket money or if you don’t wish to pay money you can take kids to an event, movie or special outing.
The kids wanted one so that they could compete with their friends at school.
It’s also to waterproof so kids can wear while swimming or in the shower.
We decided that it the Vivofit was a good idea, and purchased one each for the girls just before they were nine. The girls love their activity watches and find it fun to hit goals.
What the girls have loved about the new vívofit® jr. 2
The new Star Wars themed game and characters on the activity watch.
It has colour now on the screen. The original vívofit jr. the screen is just black and white.
With the new colour screen when you hit a goal you get fabulous fireworks to celebrate.
You can get adjustable bands for your new activity watch so that your child can grow with it.
“The app experience corresponds with the style of band you choose. That means the fun never has to end. Purchase additional vívofit jr. 2 bandsto let your kiddo enter a whole new world of app adventures.”
Having cool characters from Star Wars is a plus, my kids are mad Star Wars fans.
The Garmin Vívofit jr. 2 is so easy to setup and start using.
All you need to do is to download the app from the app store, available for iPhones and on Google Play.
Pair the device and then set it up with name and details for the child that is going to wear it.
You can choose an avatar, pick a name (or nickname) and once done all good to go.
If you already had the original Vivofit Jr. all you have to do is to pair the device and set it up and then it will show up on the app.
The girls called their new trial Jeff, or otherwise known as BB-8 Vívofit jr. 2.
You can set up chores and also reminders for kids that need that extra boost to do a chore.
I just synced the girl’s info from their Garmin Vívofit jr’s to get all the updated info. As you can see Jeff hit 2 goals today.
From the above image, you will see that the number in blue on the far right-hand side is the number of moves each child has in their online game.
Moves in the game are dependent on how much activity you have done.
The BB-8 Star Wars game on the Garmin Vívofit jr. 2
After monitoring the kid’s activity for a while I can clearly see that they go above and beyond 10,000 steps per day.
The kid who was wearing Jeff or otherwise known as the Star Wars BB-8 Garmin vívofit jr. 2 did 13,080 steps on Monday the 2nd of July! Yep, that’s a lot of steps. No wonder the kids are tired after school.
The activity watches also monitor sleep patterns, after a while you can easily see if your kids are getting deep sleep or constantly waking.
The kids are sad that we have to send this tester back to Garmin.
I know you can picture it but I can hear it, the tears and the constant pestering to get the new versions. Maybe we need to get the new Garmin Vívofit jr. 2 for their 10th birthday (I still cannot believe my babies will be 10 soon)
I must say that the version 2 of Garmin’s Vivofit Jr is better than the original, although the kids still love both. I think the introduction of colour and the ability to have bands change the game you play is a fab idea.
If you haven’t it would make an awesome present and help kids be more active.
Kids have iPads, computers and the television to watch and it is all more screens. Having something that helps kids get outdoors and away from screens is fabulous.
Ohhhh and having chores and incentives attached is a plus for any parent.
You can set up chores and also reminders for kids that need that extra boost to do a chore.
We loved testing the new Garmin Vívofit jr. 2. the kids had so much fun with the new BB-8 Star Wars Activity Tracker.
Note: You can get replacement bands and have access to all new games on the Vivofit jr. 2. The girls were so taken with the new version of the Garmin vivofit jr 2’s that I got them a Marvel Avengers one for their birthday this year.
Get a replacement adjustable band that allows you to play new games and have a whole new look. The twins now have the Marvel Avengers Garmin Vivofit jr 2.
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And if it does it is older people that have this happen.
Wrong.
“46% of women affected by incontinence are under 50”
In fact incontinenceand bladder leakage effects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men. These numbers show that there are a lot of people in Australia dealing with this issue.
TENA has created infographics to help simplify your understanding of incontinence and prepare yourself for it.
What is incontinence?
Although there are thousands or possibly millions of people affected, no one seems to discuss this issue.
The idea of bladder leakage seems a taboo subject.
I like others have not liked to discuss it, however it happens. It is real, it is an outcome of life, and an outcome of being a mother.
Pregnancy can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Don’t worry exercise can make it all better.
Incontinence is not all the same, there are different reasons for why it happens.
Below are the main reasons that people would have any form of incontinence.
Stress Incontinence – When you sneeze, cough, jump or laugh and end up having a leak. This is due to having a weakened pelvic floor muscle. Due to the weak pelvic floor muscle the urine cannot be contained and creates a downward pressure. This is mainly an issue for women and the reasons for the weak pelvic floor is pregnancy, childbirth, being overweight could be an issue, if you smoke that could not help and if you have constipation or had issues trying to go to the toilet.
Overflow Incontinence – This is when you have an overwhelming need to urinate and it cannot wait. Sometimes getting the toilet in time is not possible, and must be very upsetting. This could also be a sign of infection and it is best to seek advice from your doctor about this issue. Other causes could be fizzy drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
Overflow Incontinence – Although this can be experienced by anyone it is mainly men that have this issue. Check with your doctor and see if there are any issues with prostrate or maybe a blockage. Once all fixed everything should return to normal.
Functional Incontinence – Physical injury or other health issues might affect a person’s ability to get to the bathroom on time. It might also be neurological, including Alzheimer’s, stroke and head injury, where the messages between brain and bladder aren’t getting through.
Bowel or Faecal Incontinence – Causes of Bowel or faecal incontinence can be a weak pelvic floor due to constipation, poor bowel habits, diarrhoea or maybe bowel surgery. Diseases such as Coeliac and Chrohn’s can impact control over your bowel.
Incontinence is an outcome that I don’t like.
Not only do you carry a baby for nine months or close to it if you have babies early.
Your body changes, you are also dealing with extra weight due to putting it on for the pregnancy and then have limited time to exercise to lose the weight.
Although it is an annoying outcome, it is something that can be fixed or made much better.
Yes you read that right, there are treatments that can help you!
You need to understand what is causing the issue first. Once you know why you are having bladder leakage then you can start to treat the issue.
Pelvic Floor Exercises – This addresses the weakened pelvic floor mostly due to childbirth. One option is to consult a continence physiotherapist who can develop an individually tailored program as well as assist in monitoring progress.
Bladder Retraining– This is done under the supervision of your GP, Gynaecologist, Urologist or Continence Physiotherapist. You retrain your bladder to have longer intervals to the toilet.
Surgery – This is an option if all the other treatments have not worked. Only when your doctor has recommended it is a solution that will correct the issue.
Medication– Before medication is considered doctors try a change to lifestyle, such as reducing coffee, soft drinks and alcohol. A doctor will advise if this is needed and how it can help.
Have you been slack on thekegel exercises? I am, and it is really not hard to fit them in.
TIP to help you exercise
MAKE A TIME EACH DAY WHILE DOING A CHORE: One tip that helps me is to make one time a day or maybe two to do the kegel exercises.
It could be when you are hanging out the clothes, picking kids up from school or driving in the car.
Shhhh….Don’t tell anyone, I like to do them when I am driving back and forth from school. This way they get done in the morning and afternoon.
Having a chore to do with your kegel exercises means that every time you do this chore you will think to do your kegel exercises. A win all round.
Perfecting your kegels
Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women – Continence Foundation of Australia
Now armed with some great techniques, my pelvic floor muscles will be like steel.
Yep, not abs of steel, pelvic floor of steel! Maybe this is a bad visual for you my dear readers.
I have been wanting to get toned, fit and drop some weight, maybe soon I will be a woman of steel! It could happen….given enough time? A personal trainer would help….oh how I wish.
It is best to have more water to reduce the concentration of urine, if you don’t have enough water you can irritate your bladder and aggravate urge incontinence.
Making sure that you look after yourself now, is going to pay off when you get older. Strong muscles will mean that when you are older you can control any leaks and not have accidents.
This helps with quality of life and also confidence. If you are not worried about the possibility of incontinence you can do more and be more active.
While you are exercising and working towards stronger pelvic floor muscles it is advisable to wear protection to allow you go confidently go about your everyday tasks without worry.
TENA is offering customers free samplesto help find the right product for their needs. Fill out the form and get some free samples sent to you, all in discreet packaging. (I’ve signed up for my free samples. Have you??)
Get Free TENA Samples to find out what works best for you.
While you are busy getting pelvic muscles of steel make sure to protect yourself with TENA. It will allow you to have confidence to exercise and enjoying life.
Life is short and it is best to get on with it and participate. If bladder leakage or incontinence is holding you back, get it checked at the doctors, do the exercises and be key to improving your quality of life.
MAKE YOU A PRIORITY!
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with TENA. I was approached to help the awareness of the different causes and treatments for incontinence. It is a fixable issue and one that you should not live with if it is bothering you. Make an appointment with your doctor and get it fixed so that you can start enjoying all the fun things you wish to do again.
I hope this helps you know more about this issue.
Note:I am going to be doing more follow up articles on this issue, so stay tuned.
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I was approached by Healthygumsto test out the Systema and Kodomo toothbrushes.
Oral health is extremely important and impacts your health if you don’t look after your mouth and teeth. I am very conscious of making sure that the family look after our teeth and trying out a new toothbrush was of interest.
I make sure that the family look after our teeth and trying out a new toothbrush was of interest.
These toothbrushes are made in Japan and have been a huge seller. Healthygums is the Australian stockist for everything Systema and Kodomo. Read on to find out more. At first, I thought “isn’t a toothbrush just like every other toothbrush?”
The answer is NO, not all toothbrushes are the same.
Systema toothbrushes are super soft on gums, teeth and have tapered bristles that are 0.02mm at the tip, or 1/10th the diameter of regular toothbrushes. This means that the Systema toothbrush can get into the hard to get areas that other toothbrushes find difficult.According to the healthygums website:“This feature makes it possible to penetrate deep within the narrow crevices of periodontal pocket and between the teeth and gums to effectively remove the grime that causes periodontal disease, delivering a high level of oral cleanliness.”
Did you know?
Dentists recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles and a head size that will allow access to clean the sides and backs of your molars.
Systema has a toothbrush that is right for all different sized mouths. One size toothbrush does not fit all, and it is great to see that you have the option to get a regular, compact or super compact size if needed. Having a toothbrush that is too big for your mouth means that your teeth and gums will not be properly cleaned. The right size brush is needed so that you can access all areas of your mouth for an optimal clean.
“These toothbrushes are so soft and feel great mummy”
See my Review on YouTube
The Systema toothbrushes are also helpful if you have issues with your gums, If you suffer from sensitive, bleeding or receding gums this toothbrush is for you.
Alexander loves his new KODOMO toothbrush. It is so soft and easy to use. He is using the 6mths to 2 years toothbrushes.
KODOMO is the children’s toothbrush range. Did you know that KODOMO is Japanese for child. The kids’ toothbrushes have different characters and are bright colours. To make it more fun for kids Healthy Gums also stock animal toothbrush holders. Nearly all of Healthygums customers are recommended by their dentist to use a Systema or Komodo toothbrush. Once you give them a go, you will want to buy more. If you wish to give these amazing toothbrushes you can purchase via Healthygums is the Australian Stockist. They stock both the Systema and Komodo toothbrushes.
It’s all about the bristles.
SYSTEMA’s bristles are patented and have been around since the 1990’s. They also have a 0.02mm tip for their full range, not just for Gum Care but for Orthodontics, Super Compact and Sonics.Give it a go today, your teeth and gums will thank you!A big thank you to Healthygums for sending myself some toothbrushes to test out and one for the kids too.
Outcome
I have been amazed at how soft the bristles are. It is really like a huge soft pillow cleaning my teeth and gums.
We love them. I cannot recommend a toothbrush more highly than these.
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As a mum, I try my best to get the kids to eat well.
I make fresh food with vegetables and all sorts of healthy things. However this sometimes ends with kids who don’t want to try new things, and this leads to an annoyed mummy.
Although I am fighting the issue of very fussy kids I have found that if they help out with cooking the food, they are more likely to try the food. While cooking I have noticed that the girls like to eat some of the ingredients and therefore get a taste for the new foods.
Nestlé through theirHealthy Active Kids Program is giving away a great prize to the school of your choice and a gift card for you. Read on to see how you can enter.
My lovely veggie hamper from Aussie Farmers Direct and a gift card from Naked Wines Australia. This will come in very handy when cooking some healthy meals for the family. Thanks guys it was amazing to get it on the weekend as well. Brilliant service!
Nestlé Healthy Active Kids have great resources for families and teachers:
“Research has found that less than one in 10 children and adolescents are meeting the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommended serves for vegetables per day. One of the best ways to get children to eat vegetables and try new foods is through involving them in cooking.”
Cook an oat slice today with the kids. Click on image for link to recipe. My girls are now into oat slices and this will be a perfect addition to their school lunches or just for an afternoon snack.
What is the Kitchen Kart?
The Kitchen Kart is a mobile teaching kitchen that comes complete with oven, stovetop and even a kitchen sink.
The Kitchen Kart makes it easy for teachers to deliver cooking classes anywhere – in a hall, covered area, classroom – even wheeled out to cook near the school garden.
Cooking education has curriculum links to health and nutrition, literacy, science and getting kids active!
Nestlé Australia is giving you a chance to win a Kitchen Kartvalued at $25,000 for your nominated school and a $1,000 VISA load & Go card towards keeping your family healthy and active.
All you need to do is to register your details and in 50 words or less: “Tell Nestlé how your nominated school can encourage a healthier generation of kids”
The competition ends on the 1st of September so get your entries in to be in with a chance to win this amazing prize from Nestlé.
Help win this fab Kitchen Kart for your school today. Enter now to be in the running.
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Australian scientists at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute have discovered that if women have Vitamin B3 during pregnancy it can prevent miscarriages and birth defects.
“Every year 7.9 million babies are born with a birth defect worldwide and one in four pregnant women suffer a miscarriage in Australia.”
The study found that a “deficiency in a vital molecule, known as NAD, prevents a baby’s organs from developing correctly in the womb.”
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is one of the most important molecules in all our cells. It is essential for energy production, cell communication and DNA repair.
Vitamin B3 is required and essential to make NAD. This is found in meats and leafy green vegetables, oh and Vegemite.
It is essential to have a good supply of vitamin B3 in the first trimester as this is the critical time for organ development.
New Born Baby
The Victor Chang institute found that at least a third of pregnant women have low levels of vitamin B3 in the first trimester and that is with taking vitamins, also in the third trimester 60% of pregnant women needed more of vitamin B3 as their levels were low also. This would mean that pregnant women would need to boost their intake of this vitamin.
The study found that before the introduction of vitamin B3 into the mothers diet, embryos were lost due to miscarriage and babies were born with a range of severe birth defects. After adding the vitamin to the mothers diet miscarriages and birth defects were prevented and babies were born healthy.
This is a massive breakthrough that will help so many people. It is just like the discovery of of adding folic acid to prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects in babies. Mothers worldwide are all told to take folic acid to help their pregnancy. Adding folate to the food supply and making sure women have a more of this vitamin during pregnancy has led to a 70% decrease in the number of babies born with neural tube defects. The same will now happen with the understanding of Vitamin B3, and in turn lead to less miscarriages and birth defects.
If you are pregnant or want to be soon make sure you get your vitamin B3 to ensure all will be well.
I know things sometimes are not planned when you end up pregnant, but sometimes they are. My pregnancies were all planned and I made sure that I took vitamins well before I conceived and also had a good diet of fresh vegetables, meats, fruit and also exercised.
And sometimes baby number 2 or 3 is a surprise, or you were trying but thought it might take a while and it didn’t so time-frames might not work for all.
If you know you are planning for a baby, my tip is to make sure you focus on your inner health, vitamins and stay well. Having a baby is a huge job for you and your body. Carrying twins or more also puts another strain on vitamin stores. When pregnant with the twins I had to take more vitamins due to extra of an additional baby and their need for more vitamins.
One thing to do is if you are worried about your levels you can always go to a doctor and get them checked. Then you will know what you need to take, plus you can always get the vitamins from food too.
Isn’t it interesting that vitamins play such an essential role in our lives.
I hope this has helped you know more about this new discovery and if you are pregnant or want to be make sure to have a Vegemite sandwich or toast more often. (I love Vegemite and can live off it)
7.9 million babies are born with a serious birth defect worldwide every year
3.3 million children under five die from serious birth defects annually
Congenital heart disease is the most common form of birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 babies
42 babies are born with a heart defect in Australia every week
30 babies will undergo heart surgery in Australia every week
Heart defects account for 30% of deaths in children under five
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Ladies do you find that you come last for everything? I do… and this has to stop. We women need to put our health first!
I like other women find that I look after everyone before I look after myself.
This has not been intentional but due to kids and racing everywhere mummy seems to come last on the list for everything. Sad but true.
The last few months I have felt extremely exhausted. I’ve been so tired that I have fallen asleep in my chair watching a show, fallen asleep with the baby and just felt low.
I thought maybe it was vitamins. Maybe it was exercise or maybe there was something really wrong.
Part of me did think that if I could just have a true break and some good sleep it might all be fine. A break has not happened yet and still waiting on having uninterrupted sleep…. I can only dream about this.
I took myself off to get some sunshine and a walk. I found it so tiring and found it all so hard. Gee I am not that old! I know I might not be that fit but feeling this zapped of energy is not good.
The other day I took myself off to the doctors to get to the bottom of why I am so tired and not feeling good. Blood tests were done and I left with two sore arms as the nurse found it difficult to get a vein… normally this is not an issue. I don’t think I drank much that morning so that might explain the vein issue.
Yesterday the blood had the answers I was after. All good expect a few things. Low on vitamin d mainly and this would explain why I was so tired. I have purchased some vitamin d tablets and will make sure to get more sunshine. Although getting sunshine at the moment is a bit hard due to freezing temperatures and gale force winds, oh and a sick baby does not help.
I can make some changes and get my blood tested in another three months to see how it is all going.
This current issue with my health got me thinking.
As a mum to three young kids and the primary carer I need to look after me. If something happened to me things would be a disaster. I know you cannot future proof everything but you can try and look after your health and be well for you and the family.
Sign Up to Women’s Health Week.
The two barriers that women face are:
Time
Health not being a priority
If you look after you, you can look after the ones you love as well. It all starts with you being well and healthy.
I’ve signed up for Women’s Health Week and I urge you to do so as well.
Get fit in style with this gorgeous slim pink, 22k gold plated smart fitness watch built with revolutionary features including PurePulse® heart rate, connected GPS, on-screen workouts and more.
I’ve signed up to Women’s Health Week. Have you?
So what is Women’s Health Week About?
In 2013 Jean Hailes for Women’s Health ran the first national Women’s Health Week.
Thousands signed up from all over Australia to take part. The event consisted of online activities, resources, information, videos and more.
This event is now in its fifth year and it is “time to put yourself first and get talking about women’s health.”
You can also host an eventfor your friends, workplace or community. If you register before the 31st of July 2017 you get a free elephant stress ball in every gift bag.
NOTE: I was approached by the team at Women’s Health Week to help promote this great initiative for women. As a busy mum I know how easy it is to let things for you slip or get forgotten about altogether. As you know from the first part of this post I am dealing with feeling super tired and was proactive to go to the doctors to get to the bottom of why. I must say I knew that it might be a vitamin d issue before I went but wanted to triple check that there were no underlying issues that I need to be aware of.
Women, and mums out there need to put their health first. Be selfish and care for you so that you can help and care for others as well.
If you take care of your health not only will you feel good you will be more active as well.
You don’t need to just have a family to want to be healthy, feeling well helps you do more and feel better as well.
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Note:I have partnered with Voome. Yes this is very exciting news.
Here is the first of many articles to come. Also with the content partnership my articles will be appearing on the Voome Blog. I am a firm believer in wellness and being healthy and I love sharing great articles and inspiration to be the best you can be. I hope you enjoy these articles from my content partner Voome.
What is Voome?
Voome is a website that designs recipes just for you and workouts as well. Get inspired for meals, have shopping lists easily created and read some motivational articles as well.
Finding the time to exercise can be hard at the best of times. Throw winter into the mix – rainy days, freezing temperatures, layers upon layers of clothing just to leave the house – and this can really bring motivation levels down.
If you’ve ever felt that frustration, heck even guilt, for not getting out and exercising more – stop right there. Know you’re not alone and it is actually a lot harder than you give yourself credit for.
The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity physical exercise per week. Over the course of 7 days, that’s around 20 to 40 minutes per day.
Cue the sound of Mum’s all around the world snorting with indignation at the suggestion of a free half hour each and every day of the week.
However, according to a recent survey by the ABS, 60% of adults do less than 30 minutes a day (you’re not alone!).
So how to fit more in? There are two pretty simple ways to get your body moving, sweat a little and burn a few calories: incidental exercise and express home workouts.
Feeling happy after the low impact workout from Voome. Now to get the shopping for the yummy healthy dinner.
Incidental Exercise
Incidental exercise refers to everyday movement that builds up over the day. Think: taking the stairs, running after the kids, doing all those loads of washing (who knew there could be so much!?).
By upping the ante on this, you can easily lift your heart rate, burn more energy and include this as part of your daily physical activity count.
How to get more incidental exercise
● Lunge your way to the bathroom from wherever you are – even from the back garden. It might look funny, but this will x10 your calorie burn than normal walking. Do this several times a day and you’ve strengthened and toned your butt and thighs, all while increasing your metabolism.
● Set an hourly alarm to do a lap of stairs in your house: Up and down 3x times.
● Plank in ad breaks or while warming something up in the microwave. Particularly during the morning shows as this will support your spine for the rest of your day.
● If you’re working from home at a desk, try a standing desk and march on the spot or squatting every paragraph or page.
Take a walk and feel great. Any time walking is always great.
Express Home Workouts
No, you don’t need a home-gym, or even dumbbells, to get a beneficial workout in. All you need is you.
Find a series of bodyweight routines that don’t require equipment or a lot of space and carve out a block of time (or several mini ones), each day to workout from your living room. Here are a few tips to get started.
● Find express workouts you can do anywhere, even at home in the bedroom. The less barriers (physical and time) there are, the easier it is to get started.
● Break a 20 minute workout into 4x 5 minute exercise circuits or 2 x 10 minutes. Check out these 5 minute mini routines!
● Ease into it. You may not be able to do workout every day, and that’s okay. Even if you don’t exercise for 10 days in a row, that’s okay too. Just don’t give up all together.
● Short on time? Push yourself that little bit harder and get a more intense workout in a smaller timeframe. This could be adding weights to your routine, progressing to the “next level” of a move (think: push ups on knees to push ups on toes) or aiming to fit in more repetitions in. However, ensure you always exercise safely and with proper technique. It’s better to perform a move perfectly than to rush through it to fit more in.
● Try the Low Impact Home Workout below!
The Workout: Voome’s Low Impact Home Workout for Busy Mums
Warmup
● 45 seconds of high knees
– TIP: March on the spot then transition from running to sprinting! Get that heart pumping.
Circuit #1 x 3 repetitions
● 20 x squats (take your bum as low as you can go)
– TIP: Start with your own bodyweight but progressively add weights (think: water bottles, laundry, canned food) as you get better
● 45 seconds of jumping jacks
● 20 x tricep dips
– TIP: Start with legs bent, if this is too easy straighten out your legs
Circuit #2 x 3 repetitions
● 10 x burpees
– As you progress add a push up to each burpee
● 20 x dynamic lunges (10 on each side)
● 45 seconds of mountain climbers
Final Blast
● 1 minute of planking
– Start on knees then progress to toes
Looking for more express workouts? Visit Voome and sign up for aone week free trial to experience 150+ workouts that can be done in less than 30 minutes!
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I recently attendedThe Bloggers Brunchand had the opportunity to listen to Frank Caruso speak about his journey and how he has built such a successful business.
Frank explained how he had teachers that thought he was not bright and would not amount to much. He had doubters but he never kept on giving things a go. Frank Caruso’s talk was very motivational and made me think about my journey so far.
I had very similar things happen to me as a child. I was told that I was stupid. I would not be able to do this or that and I should just get an office job and forget about it.
Thank goodness, I was stubborn and did not listen to the doubters. I kept on plodding along and worked towards my goals.
Slowly but surely, I managed to get into the university I was drooling over. I managed to get in as a mature aged student. According to the universities mature age is from 20 years and older. I started my undergraduate degree at UTS (University of Technology, Sydney) when I was 23 years of age.
Frank invested in his health journey and was so passionate about it, it became a hugely successful family business.
Learning about Frank Caruso’s tips for success. In grade 3 one of his teachers told him he would never succeed at anything. Don’t let other people’s view of you dictate what you will become! This is one of the key points from Frank’s tips.
Hearing Frank talk at The Bloggers Brunch was inspiring and made me think of things I wish to achieve for my business and my family. Frank is contagious regarding motivating people about their dreams and passions.
It got me thinking about my health and wellness after I got home.
Since having kids, I want to make sure I look after myself. I want to be healthy and active for them, oh and myself as well.
I make sure to have good food, some exercise, rest, relaxation (although sometimes hard with a busy family), and time with the family to just be.
Part of looking after myself means that I make sure to get enough vitamins and minerals that my body will need to lead an active life.
Being a mum is tough job. You cannot afford to get sick (no sick leave, no sick pay, or nanny to come help) so being as healthy as you can is very important.
The kids and I in April 2016.
It is even tougher when kids get sick and you are the one that cares for them, dodging coughs, and snotty noses is next to impossible and therefore mum is the next one on the list to get ill.
Since having my last child, Alexander, I have noticed that my hair has been very dry and brittle. I don’t remember this happening after the twins. Maybe it did and I was so tired I never realised.
I mentioned this to the team at Caruso’s Natural Health and they recommended I try Super Collagen Builderfor Hair, Skin and Nails.
Super Collagen Builder for Hair, Skin and Nails from Caruso’s Natural Health.
I’ve been using the Super Collagen Builder for the last month and it seems to have made a difference to my hair. It appears softer, and not as dry. I will be continuing using this product to see what it does over a longer period.
I do eat quite well but like to ensure I’m getting the right vitamins and minerals with a multivitamin. I’ve been taking Women’s Super Multi. This is a multivitamin tailored for women on the go.
Women’s Super Multi by Caruso’s Natural Health
I take one multivitamin a day. I’m sure this has helped me feel better and allowed me to keep going when the kids have been unwell. This multivitamin helps you for all round health, heart, immune support, bone health, energy, stress and loads more.
Meeting Frank has made me see that I too can achieve what I set out to do. I already knew that health was extremely important and as a mum looking after myself is a top priority.
Not only will being healthy in my older years ensure that I am here for my kids but will allow me to lead a happier, and better life.
The inspirational and charming Frank Caruso from Caruso’s Natural Health. It was such a lovely thing to meet the wonderful man himself.
Have you met someone that has motivated you to be a better you? Frank Caruso is defiantly a person that encourages change in people. Frank is also proof that you should follow your passions and invest in you. The more you do this, the more successful you will be.
How do you make time for good health at your place?
Do you exercise with the kids?
Or maybe eating more vegetables and less refined food?
Let us know.
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It is National Nutrition Week – 16th of October to 22nd October, and the aim is to increase the amount of veggies and fruits we eat each day.
Did you know?
“Less than 1% of Australian children and teens get enough veggies each day, yet over 1/3 of their daily energy comes from ‘discretionary foods’ such as biscuits, lollies, fast food and sugary drinks.”
The Teeny Tiny Stevies are the National Nutrition Week Ambassadors that are inspiring kids and also to parents.
“Kids Music That Doesn’t Suck” Zoe Foster-Blake
The sisters behind Teeny Tiny Stevies, Byll and Beth started as a fun project but has become very popular with kids and adults alike. The sisters have been playing Australian Folk Festivals since they were teenagers, including Woodford, Port Fairy, and the National Folk Festival in 2016. Oh and also travelling to Canada for the Folk Festival circuit in 2011.
If you wish to catch the Teen Tiny Stevies live here are their dates throughout Australia:
TEENY TINY STEVIES LIVE DATES
Fri Oct 14th – The Little Bookroom, Carlton Vic (10.30am Musical Storytime!)
Fri Oct 21st – National Nutrition Week Event, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Sat Oct 22nd – Ararat Primary School, Ararat Vic
Sat Oct 29th – The Lost Lands Festival, Werribee Mansion Vic
Sun Nov 6th – Darebin Music Feast Closing Party, Preston Vic
Fri Nov 11th – The Children’s Bookshop, Sydney NSW (9.45am Musical Storytime!)
Sun Nov 13th – Newtown Festival, Sydney NSW
Dec 27th – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
So what can you do to add more colour to your plate?
You should aim to “eat a rainbow”. Add different coloured vegetables and fruits to your meals.
The different varieties gives you a good mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre and phytochemicals.
Another interesting fact:
“The Australian government could save $58 million in health expenditure if only males ate as much vegetables as females.” *Source: http://bit.ly/2dZMJDP
Try for 5
The theme of this years Nutrition Week is to aim to add 5 veggies or fruits to your day. Yes add 5 vegetables of different colours. If you do your body will thank you.
If you consume plenty of fruit and veggies it can help reduce your risk of some cancers, heart disease, stroke and also diabetes.
#TryFor5
Different coloured fruit and veggies ready to eat. Don’t they look yummy!
My aim with the kids is to expose them to more fruits and veggies. They are fussy eaters and it has been a huge challenge. The plan is to have a new food on the plate each night and they have to at least taste it. I hope this goes well… or else I can hide it all again.
What do you do to make sure your kids eat more fruit and veggies?
Have you got a baby or toddler that has digestive issues? Reflux, allergies or an intolerance to cow’s milk maybe? Are you finding it difficult if you are not breastfeeding anymore?
I could only breastfeed my third child for the first three months (I also got mastitis and was very ill. It came back about three times and complicated the issue with breastfeeding) and we did supplement with formula.
Learning how common toddler digestive issues are from Melanie McGrice Accredited Practising Dietitian.
We had issues with Alexander who had silent reflux when he was born and it lasted up until three months of age. He is still rather particular about being upright and of course cannot drink too much as he will then bring it straight back up. He was a very fussy baby and I think he had issues with his belly not handling things in the early days. You can read more about what happened with our little boy here.
After trying to settle the baby and to help him to relieve the wind and the pain in his belly it would all start again. Yes the 3-4 hours it took to settle him then meant that I had to feed him all over again and therefore this horrible issue would come back. I would dread feeding him the bottle due to what would happen afterwards…yes another 4 plus hours with a screaming baby.
Did you know?
“The vast majority (84%) of children 13-24 months have experienced some form of digestive problem with diarrhoea (33%), constipation (30%) and reflux (27%) being among the most common.”
I was wondering what to do. How can I help my little boy feel better and not be in pain? I of course wanted the screaming to stop. Peace and quiet was needed as it would hopefully lead to sleep. Yes the much needed sleep that every new parent needs and wants, but does not get.
I did not know there was goat formula. I also did not know that it could have helped our little baby’s issues. I wish we had tried it earlier.
Oil6 Dairy Goat Formula invited me to learn more about their products for toddlers. I was intrigued and interested due to the difficulties that we had with our son in the early days. I was keen to see if it would help him now as well.
While hearing about the Oli6 Goat Milk I was lucky to be able to drink some lovely coffee and nibble on some yummy snacks. It felt rather calming to be in such relaxing surroundings at The Grounds of the Alexandria and to just sit and be for a bit. Thanks so much for this yummy morning tea it was a great treat.
The lovely flowers plus the nibbles on the table at the Oli6 Goat Formula Morning Tea.
“Toddlers show their digestive distress by struggling to get to sleep (57%), crying (53%) and just being cranky (36%)
Calcium for teeth and bones (10% more than cows milk)
Vitamin A for vision and sight (46% more than cow’s milk)
Magnesium for development and growth (33% more than cow’s milk)
Vitamin C (37% more than cow’s milk)
Naturally occurring prebiotic oligos may assist digestion. Prebiotic oligosaccharides that naturally occur in goat’s milk may aid beneficial bacteria to help stimulate digestive health and help with the growth of the good gut bacteria (these are the ones we want). Studies have shown that goat’s milk contains up to 250-300mg/l which is six times the concentration than found in cow’s milk.
Higher amount of lipids to aid brain development and function
Higher proportion of medium chain fatty acids for colonic health and other benefits; more than normal cow’s milk.
Gentle on tummies – Has easier to digest fatty acids. The size of the fat globules in goat’s milk are smaller to cow’s milk and therefore has been suggested that this makes it easier to digest.
Oli6 is made in Victoria, Australia and adheres to strict Australian guidelines.
The girls and I at the morning tea for Oli6 Goat Formula. We are at the Atrium at The Grounds in Alexandria.
Why should you have a formula high in Oligosaccharides?
Protect against germs or illness
Promote colonic health
Help with the maturation of gut and immune system
Promote and help with healthy gut microflora ( Prebiotic)
Good for brain development
Helps with nutrient absorption
Did you know?
“To date, over 37 oligosaccharides have been identified in goat’s milk. Several of these oligosaccharides are structurally similar to those found in human milk and suggested to have similar beneficial effects.”
I had no idea that goat’s milk might be more similar to breast milk, maybe this is why it is easier to digest for babies? It is more like what mum would be giving the baby.
I only thought that goat’s milk might be a solution if you had an allergy or intolerance, not digestive issues. How wrong was I?
Having experienced a baby with digestive issues and being so unhappy I can see how this would be a good thing to try. Anything for a happy baby and happy parents.
Alexander and I at the Oli6 Goat Formula Morning Tea.
Just in case you wish to give the Oli6 Goat Formula a try you can purchase it from the Oli6 website, Pharmacy Warehouse, Cincotta Discount Chemist, Optimal Pharmacy Plus, Pharmacy 4 Less Discount Chemist, Direct Chemist Outlet – Discount Chemist and You Save Chemist. Oh and if you purchase at any of these pharmacies you get a $10.00 cashback.
Stage 3 – 12 months to 36 months (Toddler Formula) – Oli6 Dairy Goat Formula
“Almost half (46%) of mums changed formula type to try to address their child’s digestive issues and of these, almost half (46%) say it mostly solved the problem and a further 13% saying it somewhat reduced the problem.”
I was invited to an intimate ladies lunch. It sounded nice and lovely. In the city for a lunch all by myself, well with a baby so that was not that bad. However I was at the lunch to talk and to learn about the vagina. Or as some people might refer to as the front bottom, the vajayjay or their bits. I’m sure there is more slang to refer to this amazing body part.
The event was hosted by the charming and delightful Dr Ginni Mansberg and the great team from Vagisil, and also the darling Claire from Birds of Prey in Melbourne. The lunch was to learn about a topic that not many people discuss and to bring real world examples by having a frank discussion with other ladies over brilliantly yummy catered lunch.
I of course thought the lunch sounded fab, but I was rather hesitant in talking about the vagina. Why I thought? I am grown woman. I have now had three kids and of course as anyone can attest that during childbirth everyone seems to want to take a look at your vagina, and it is not something that you wince at like you once did before kids. I still don’t like all the doctors interest but you can understand it as the baby has to get out, and of course it is lovely vagina that gives it a helping hand – See an amazing body part!
My bubbles and lovely flowers at the lunch thanks to Vagisil.
I wondered how intimate this lunch would get? Would there be mirrors passed around so that I and others can look at our own vaginas? Would there be puppets of vaginas so that we can learn about where it all lives and how to care for this brilliant part of the body. I know that sounds very strange but I had no idea what the lunch would be and knew the topic was vaginas so it did get my brain racing.
Look how pretty the table was for our amazing lunch and great company. Thanks to Vagisil for the great event.
As I mentioned I was hesitant to attend, I thought for a long time. Why am I so worried? The vagina is not a bad thing. It is a marvel. Men and boys seem to be super proud of their penis so why shouldn’t girls and women be proud of their vaginas (Maybe there should be a proud vagina movement. If there is one already I had no idea). The more women talk to other women about what is normal and happening to them, the more they will understand it is okay.
In the end the lunch was nice. I met some lovely ladies, had amazing food in a fabulous location (It was at The Grounds in Alexandria, Sydney. If you have never been you will love the place. It was HUGE, a hidden little Mediterranean like farm in the middle of the city. They had farm animals for kids to look at and such an amazing amount of greenery.) All my concern over the topic of the lunch was not to be. It ended up with interesting conversation from Dr Ginni and then others joined in so we all learnt more. Very enjoyable!
Did you know?
“An astonishing 1.8 million Australian women suffer with vaginal dryness. That’s close to 1 in 4 of us.”
Take the quiz to learn more.
I too had to answer these questions while at my lovely lunch. I also learnt that I knew more about the vagina than I thought. Amaze yourself and see how much you already know.
How well do you know the vagina?
Take this quick quiz to learn more about the vagina. Questions are the same ones that I had on my ladies lunch with the lovely Dr Ginni Mansberg and the fabulous team from Vagisil.
The vagina should be acidic?
Yes
No
It’s normal to have a discharge from the vagina?
Yes
No
A smelly vaginal discharge means a STI
Yes
No
Nasty bugs thrive in a moist vagina
Yes
No
Douching is the best way to combat a stinky vagina
Yes
No
The best treatment for a dry vagina is washing with soap
Yes
No
You shouldn’t use hand or body lotion to moisturise the vagina
True
False
Only older women suffer with vaginal dryness
Yes
No
Vaginal dryness can be caused by performance anxiety, stress, menopause, hormonal imbalances, exercise, using perfumed soaps and body wash, wearing certain underwear can cause vaginal dryness.
Yes
No
Have you ever had a dry vagina?
Yes or No – This is a personal question that depends on you.
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For those who said yes, what do you think was the cause? (performance anxiety, stress, menopause, hormonal imbalances including breastfeeding, exercise, using perfumed soaps and body wash, wearing certain underwear)
It could be anyone one or a combination of all of the above.
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Have you ever had bad vaginal discharge?
Yes or No – This is your own personal answer again.
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Australians are having as much sex as they would like.
Yes
No
Half of vaginal dryness sufferers don’t use any products to relieve their dryness
True
False
“A study found that of the 1.8 million women who suffer from dryness…
31% experience it more than once a week
17% experience it every 2 or 3 weeks
51% don’t use any product to treat it”
If you are one of these women that do get vaginal dryness then Vagisil has a solution for you. They have created a new product called Vagisil ProHydrate Plus Internal Hydrating Gel, this new product mimics a woman’s natural moisture and offers relief for up to three days. As you will see from the quiz, vaginal dryness does not have anything to do with age. It affects all ages. It could be as simple as stress, medicines that you are taking that throw off your internal pH levels, soaps, body washes, tight clothing, hormonal imbalances and menopause.
Vagisil have created some fabulous health videos which is a brilliant free resource. They feature Dr Adelaide Nardone who answers your questions about why pH matters, causes and also gives you helpful remedies.
This lunch really made me realise that I too was afraid of talking about the vagina. How do girls and women learn what is supposed to be normal if we never discuss it with our daughters, mums and friends. You can see from the statistics that there is a lot of women out there that are not talking about this issue.
A close up of the pretty flowers at the lunch.
Dr Ginni Mansberg, Kimba from Kimba Likes and of course me at the lunch.
Be kind to you.
Make sure you talk to your friends, your doctor about any changes that you notice.
Don’t suffer in silence.
Don’t be in pain.
Live life well and if you need help get it.
Shelly Horton and Dr Ginni talk about all the things you are worried about.
“Additionally, research shows that vaginal dryness is most likely to affect women during sexual activity. Among the women studied …
76% experienced dryness during sexual activity
69% found dryness most bothersome during intimacy”
The yummy desserts at the lunch. I had to have all 3…. Yes naughty I know.
Do you discuss things with mates? Or family? If not are you more comfortable talking with your local doctor?
Have you noticed that there is a generational change with this topic? Maybe your older relatives will avoid any topic that has vagina in it and the younger ones are not bothered?
Let us know what has happened to you.
Thanks so much to Claire and Vagisil for the invite to this great event. I had a great time and learnt a lot. I hope you have as well.
. Our youngest is getting his next week as it is a special free clinic for kids under 5.
