Nourishing Our Bodies – Simple Ways to Upgrade a Bath

08/18/2011

Just 15 minutes can nurture your Body and your Spirit

We seem to have time to pamper everyone but ourselves. Maybe we shouldn’t think of this as pampering but rather as nourishment or better yet as “no side effect medicine”. For additional enhancement, light a few candles in the bathroom — candles make everything more magical.

Your bath is a place of quiet, a private world where you can gently put aside the demands of your everyday life. Once you are alone, let the burdens of the day lift and empty your mind of all your concerns. Let your body become weightless, your arms float to the surface and your thoughts drift. Have a nice thick towel or robe handy to wrap around yourself when you leave the bath.

I will be blogging on 8 quick & easy recipes for transforming a bath into a Spa experience. Today’s post is about Milk Baths

Milk Baths

Bathing in Milk leaves the skin feeling conditioned and moisturized. Use one cup of powdered milk in the water, and as you are drawing your bath, slowly add it, swirling the powder around to help it  dissolve. Or you can warm fresh milk up in a saucepan and add a little honey. Take if off the heat and if you have a favorite essential oil , you should add 6 drops to the milk. Then pour the milk immediately into a warm bath.

ADD A NATURAL FRAGRANCE : Not everyone enjoys the smell of milk in the bath, so either add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or throw some fresh or dried herbs and flowers such as chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena or rose petals into your bath. Just be sure they weren’t sprayed !

WATER TEMPERATURE MATTERS : Make sure the water isn’t too hot or cold for you. This should be a very pleasant experience not a trial. A warm bath (92 – 100 degrees) has a sedative and relaxing effect. A tepid bath ( 80 – 92 degrees ) is rejuvenating, cooling and anti-inflammatory. I prefer the warm bath since I always take mine in the evening. But if I ever had enough time to take a bath in the morning, it might be nice to have it be a rejuvenating one.

Chocolate Milk Bath Mix  

for when you are very good (or very bad)

2 cups powdered milk
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tablespoons cornstarch (same as corn flour)
optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix together all ingredients and place in a glass jar. Use 1/2 – 1 cup per bath.

Hmmm  I love soaking in chocolate. Enjoy !

By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas, Beauty & Personal Care, How To's, Rachael's Musings, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments off

Wise Tips for New Parents

08/17/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We asked our Sage Mamas and Papas to share one piece of advice out of their experience that they would like to share with others. Here are some excerpts — Enjoy !

• I’m a sage mama and my piece of advice to expecting sage mamas is to enjoy every minute of that pregnancy. Those 40 weeks feel like they take forever but it’s such a blessed time and it may be your only time feeling it!

• Cherish every moment as they are learning experiences for both Mom & babies that you’ll never forget.

• Savor every moment while baby is still a baby. Time flies and baby grows fast!

• I am the mama of 2 baby boys who are 13 months apart. Aaron is now 22 months and Hunter is almost 9 months. One thing I have learned with having 2 babies so close in age is that when they are both having a break down – always go to your older one first. They will remember if you ignore them and they will get jealous of the little one.

copyright   2011 Rachael Flug/SageMamas

By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas, Baby Care, Pregnancy | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments off

Mama expecting her second child and husband is deployed in Afghanistan – She needs our advice

02/08/2011

“I’m expecting my second child in May and my first will be about 20 months when the baby is born. I’m looking for creative ideas to celebrate him being a big brother to minimize the jealousy he will feel over the new baby. Thank you, I’m really looking forward to the feedback since my son is so used to getting all my attention since we are together 24/7, and also my husband is currently deployed in Afghanistan so he won’t have daddy to keep him busy when the new baby comes. It’s going to be interesting getting him to adjust.”

I received this thoughtful email from Michelle M. Although her situation is more challenging than many of us experienced with the birth of our second child , her concerns are universal.

Welcoming our First Born into Sibling-hood. Please join in and share your experiences and helpful suggestions.

I think you have taken the first important step, which is realizing that the excitement we as parents and grandparents feel over the birth of a second child is not exactly the same emotions that the big brother might experience. This kind of sensitivity , in the midst of all that you are carrying (literally) is a profound realization that will lead you to support your little boy in so many wonderful ways. So Congratulations !

As a mother of three I got to celebrate “big brother and big sister” twice. Here are some of the ideas that helped me (not in any specific order). There were four years between my first and second child, so there were some things that I could do with a four year old that isn’t possible with a 20 month old — so I don’t include those.

1) Grandparents can be a great help here. Mine were very careful to embrace the big brother and give him lots of attention instead of just running to gush over our newborn little girl.

2) We made a special little baby shower for the big brother / big sister . Kind of like the baby shower  Mom would get only much simpler, with a few special games and of course a few presents for the them (don’t go overboard on the presents).

3)  After baby was born, we made sure there was a simple activity that he could do for the baby. It could be handing you a diaper or holding baby’s hand , etc.

4)  Try to make going to bed for the big brother a little more special. If you don’t already sing them a song or recite some favorite nursery rhymes or say a prayer together, then you can add one or all of these to your nightly routine.

5)  If there are any changes you need to make , such as where the big brother will be sleeping, do it before the baby is born. But if possible, keep changes to a minimum.

And of course, Patience and Understanding go a long way to helping big brother adjust to the big changes.

Good luck and let me know how it goes for you.



By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas, For Grandparents, How To's, Pregnancy, Rachael's Musings | Tagged , , | Comments off

How “Babies” (2010 Documentary) Reminds Us How Precious the Human Experience Can Be

11/16/2010

I recently watched the 2010 documentary Babies and thought I would share my feedback. This film documents the amazing journey of the first year for 4 babies in 4 different corners of the world: from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo. We see these babies come into the world and how they experience their world as they grow and develop into toddlers.

The film has almost no dialogue, yet it tells a rich and powerful story about how we are all connected no matter how diverse our global community may be. While watching, I felt as if I was seeing the world through the eyes of a newborn developing into an infant, then a crawler, and then taking their first steps. I was reminded how precious the experience of birth and development is…if you have not seen it, you really must!

By admin | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas, General, News and Opinion | Tagged , , , , | Comments off

Newborn Parenting Tips

11/11/2010

Tips for New MomsTalk to other mamas…..they often can give the best advice from an experienced standpoint…..

Nothing is ever “by the book” so it helps to get advice, opinions and ideas from others who have been there. But remember that every baby is unique in their own way. Always listen to your inner wisdom but be awake to the wisdom that others have to share.

With much gratitude to all the Mamas who took the time to care and share …

From our Community of Sage Mamas

  • My advice to expecting mamas… cherish every minute of your new little bundle of joy. Take pictures and write him/her notes before he/she arrives. Keep your camera in your back pocket.. you never know when he/she will do something you’ll wanna catch on camera. They grow so fast so never take a moment for granted!
  • I’m a sage mama and my piece of advice to expecting sage mamas is to enjoy every minute of that pregnancy. Those 40 weeks feel like they take forever but it’s such a blessed time and it may be your only time feeling it!
  • Cherish every moment as they are learning experiences for both Mom & babies that you’ll never forget.
  • Savor every moment while baby is still a baby. Time flies and baby grows fast!
  • I am the mama of 2 baby boys who are 13 months apart. Aaron is now 22 months and Hunter is almost 9 months. One thing I have learned with having 2 babies so close in age is that when they are both having a break down – always go to your older one first. They will remember if you ignore then and they will get jealous of the little one.
  • Don’t be set on parenting in one particular way, each child is so unique you will have to flex to figure out what works best for them. Also, be open to learning new things from other parents. There are a lot of wonderful things we do in our home that I would never have known to try had I not listened to what others shared with me. You might initially disagree with someone only to realize later you changed your mind and now agree! Summed up, be flexible and open to learning. Just like you probably hope your child will be!
  • Seems a little odd for me to say I’m giving advice, as my daughter is about to turn 5 months and I’m reading all the other posts to learn something too! But, my advice is a little different. You CAN successfully cloth diaper and do it from day one! I chose to wait a couple of weeks with my daughter and wish I hadn’t. I could have done it and I could have looked at all those people who smirked when I said I was going to cloth diaper my child and said, “Yes, I am!” Now, they all ask questions and want to learn about my daughter’s cute fluffy bum! Read messageboards, facebooks, etc. and try Sage Diaper! They’re super soft, absorbent, and cute!
  • As an expecting mama and a mama to a 18 month old, my advice is to do what YOU think is right. if it fails, then ask and be willing to accept what others tell you. not everything works for every child so it is trial and error. best of luck!
  • Learn all that you can from the so-called experts and then file all of their information away under “could potentially be useful”. At the end of the day, however, go with your gut. You know your baby, you and everyone’s needs best.
  • My advice would come from something I just did today-NEVER wipe your nose or any part of your face right after changing a poopy diaper that you didn’t get to clean your hands before hand. Gracie was squirming all over so it was a bit hard to change her-I had a massive itch by my nose that my shoulder wasn’t reaching. You get the point I am sure. Enjoy it all-they really do grow up fast!
  • You will come across all kinds of experts, that know what’s best for you’re child. They may have wise words, or helpful advice…but YOU are the expert. They are not the mother, or expert, of your child. Go with your gut. A mother’s instinct, is a powerful thing. People, can always find a way to judge you, or tell you what you’re not doing right. Surround yourself with people, who accept and love you. People who support your choices and parenting style.
  • I just had my 5th baby a few weeks ago, the best advice I can give is DONT try to be a supermom..put off things that can wait, like dishes..mopping the floor, dusting, etc…and REST, try to rest as much as possible, cuz if you dont, it’ll take MUCH longer to recover, and you’ll feel just awful. Get as much sleep as possible, and as much snugglin with your new bundle!
  • My advice to new moms is to remember that everyone has an opinion about how you should raise YOUR child but really, it is only YOUR opinion that matters. Try to listen to yourself. And don’t get upset with other people for giving unwanted advice – most times they don’t even realize what they are saying can be construed as criticism, most of the time they really mean well.
  • My advice to a new mama would be to put money aside for a nice babycarrier. If possible have a friend or someone who works at the store fit you for one. The benefits to both babe and mom are endless. We use our baby carrier every single day – whether we leave the house or not. My youngest daughter (6 months) has severe reflux, we couldn’t make it through the day without one! I definitely do not recommend a snuggli, munchkin or baby bjorn carrier. All are very hard on your back and do not promote good spine growth for your baby. It’s important to be informed on everything. Every baby is different. Good luck, and enjoy!  My daughter was also born with a sacrococcygeal teratoma (a tumor the same size she was) I can help any mom through a NICU stay (ours was 10 weeks) a preemie, or a baby who has delays, syndromes etc! My page is free to message to, I’ve never turned a mom away in need of help!
By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments off

Wise Tips from Other Sage Mamas

11/09/2010

Sage Diaper You may have heard, we recently hosted a fun contest from our Sage Mamas Facebook page (the contest ended 11/5). We asked Sage Mamas and Papas to share one piece of advice they would like to share with an Expecting Mama and/or Papa on our the Sage Mamas Facebook Page

In addition, we have put the call out for Expecting Mamas and/or Papas to leave one question or worry on the Sage Mamas Facebook page that they would love to have some input for a chance to win.

The result so far? Some of the most delightful and smart mama tips I have seen in one place. Here are just a few to share so far.  To see them all- check out the Sage Mamas Facebook page (and be prepared to take notes!).

A Sampling of Sage Mama Tips

  • First – Congratulations! What I’d like to share with you is this: These are the best days of your life. Some days you may cry and feel like you can’t do it, but you will laugh more and love more and cry tears of overwhelming joy, that make up for it all. These days go so quickly and, unfortunately, there is no “pause” button. So, take your time. Slow down. Soak in every moment. Everything else can wait. ♥
  • Be Prepared Ahead of Time! We didn’t have my bags packed yet and I went into labor 3 1/2 weeks early!  Totally unexpected. Also read the book “Happiest Baby on The Block” I didn’t and I ended up trying to read it after I had my baby!
  • My advice is to hold them as much as you can when they are little because it won’t last long. Let the housework slide and stay in your pjs. Baby is worth it.
  • My advice to expecting Mamas – is to take plenty of pictures of your babies. Make sure you record all the sweet memories and those firsts. It all goes by so fast!
  • Expecting Mamas — My advice is to get things ready EARLY, never know when your baby might come or you might be too big, uncomfortable, and tired to get all those last minute projects done!
  • I some advice is to take the time to just be with your child. And the teacher in me says read, read, read to your child from before birth and up. Plus talk with your child.. have conversations. Children have the funnest things to say!
  • I would say, you do not have to be perfect! It is ok to feel overwhelmed or to feel like you don’t know what you are doing. Babies learn thousands of things in the first year of life, but I think mamas learn millions! I enjoyed my second and third so much more because I felt more confidant and I finally realized that me loving them and being their mom is all they need!
  • My advice is to remind yourself (a thousand times a day, if need be) that every phase is temporary and the struggles you are facing now will pass, often sooner than you think. I learned this the first time immediately after my son was born. I was so sleep-deprived and hormonal that I felt like I didn’t know anything, couldn’t do anything right, would never sleep again, and clearly wasn’t cut out for parenthood. By the time he was six weeks old, the world seemed like a completely different (read: better) place. Since then, I’ve found that the easiest way to cope with developmental challenges is to give myself the “wait it out” pep talk and before I know it, he’s moved on to something else. Kids grow and change so fast and, thankfully, their issues do too! :-)
  • Read the book “Happiest Baby on The Block” . It was a tremendous help to me- however I didn’t read it until after the baby was born because I didn’t know about it! It’s much easier to read before the baby is born :) It will give you good advice to keep help you keep your baby calm and comforted
  • I’m expecting my second child in May and my first will be about 20 months when the baby is born. I’m looking for creative ideas to celebrate him being a big brother to minimize the jealousy he will feel over the new baby.
    By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas | Tagged , , , , | Comments off

    Sage Mamas Facebook Giveaway

    10/19/2010

    Calling All Sage Mamas and Papas and Expecting Mamas and Papas! Join The Sage Mamas Facebook Community for a Chance to Win a $50 Sage Diaper Gift Card!

    Sage MamasWe are so excited about our company, we have (not one)- but TWO Facebook Communities!  Last month, we kicked off our brand new Sage Diaper Facebook Page by offering a fun Giveaway- one lucky winner took home a $75 Gift Card!  Now, as promised, we are celebrating our Sage Mamas Facebook community by giving away a $50 Gift Card to SageDiaper.com to 2 winners.

    Who are Sage Mamas?
    This is a community devoted to connecting parents, friends of parents and grandparents.  Sage Mamas Facebook Page will be devoted to growing the wisdom community that lives and thrives when we support each other in the heart changing events that are involved in caring for and welcoming a new life into our world.

    How do you enter Sage Mamas Facebook Giveaway?

    1. Visit http://www.facebook.com/SageMamas and ”Like” our Sage Mamas Facebook page AND do either pt.2 or 3 below -

    2. If you are a Sage Mama or Papa: share one piece of advice you would like to share with an expecting Mama and/or Papa on our wall between now and Friday, November 5. This can be a funny or serious or something in between.

    3. If you are an expecting Mama or Papa: leave one question or worry that you would love to have some input on between now and Friday, November 5.

    We will choose 2 winners and announce on Monday November 8. One $50 gift certificate to SageDiaper.com will go to a Sage Mama (or Papa) and the other $50 gift certificate will go to an expecting Mama (or Papa). Please one entry per person.  All posts must be made on the Sage Mamas facebook page to qualify.

    Extra Credit: Subscribe to our NewsLetter and then announce that you have subscribed on the Sage Mama’s Facebook page that you have subscribed.

    By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas, Sage Diaper Company News | Tagged , , , , | Comments off

    Ask The Sage Mama: How Many Do I Need in my Stash of Cloth Diapers?

    07/09/2010

    Cloth Diaper StashSage Diaper Tip # 1 : Stash Size

    I think that the biggest mistake that parents make when it comes to cloth diapering is their stash size. Regardless of what ‘diapering system’ you are using, you have to have enough diapers or you will end up being frustrated and unhappy. And no one wants an unhappy new mama or papa.

    The big picture is that you are going to be saving a lot of money over what it would cost if you purchased disposable diapers and of course this is so much better for the environment and for baby’s tender skin. So if you buy too few diapers then you will end up having to do laundries way too often and might give up on cloth.

    I noticed that many cloth diapering companies recommend 24-36 diapers. I don’t know why the low number unless they are concerned that you may shy away from making an initial larger purchase. But do it !!!

    A newborn baby pees constantly ( and I mean all the time — but they are so cute nobody minds ).  You will need to change them about every 3 hours . So with 24 diapers you will be doing laundry every other day.

    I recommend a minimum of 48 diapers . This way you will only be doing laundry every 4 or 5 days.

    In terms of covers , if you are using sized covers than 6 per size will keep you and baby happy. If you are using one size covers than you need more than 6 so you can rotate them — unless of course they are made of kryptonite. Otherwise they will not hold up for 2 years. You can start with 12 and then after a year , add some more.

    It’s easy to be confused by diapering terminology. Simply put , there are two parts to a cloth diaper system. The part called the diaper is what absorbs the wetness, the part called the cover is what holds the diaper in place and provides waterproof protection between the diaper and everything else. Sometimes covers are called pocket diapers or one size diapers , but they aren’t actually a diaper they are the waterproof cover . You will still need to buy “diapers” to fit inside them. An All-In-One is a diaper and a cover sewn together.

    By Rachael Flug | Posted in Ask the Sage Mamas, Baby Care, Natural Diapering | Comments off