Moms who want to have direct control over what goes into their baby’s body are turning to homemade baby foods as an option. They enjoy being able to choose their own fruits, vegetables, and other foods for purees, instead of relying on the flavors chosen by manufacturers. For example, moms are not going to find international foods, cantaloupes, tomatoes or avocados in the baby food section of the supermarket. I believe the more choices women have at that fingertips, the better! Moreover, having the ability to make your own baby food can also help transition your baby into eating the same kinds of food as their siblings and or parent(s) — just in puree form.

Making home-made baby food is quite easy, but it requires more time and energy- both of which some of us may not have, specifically those with high demanding jobs or multiple children! That’s ok too because there are many healthy pre-made options, including organic baby foods. There is no one strict way to feed your baby as long as he or she is healthy, happy, safe and surrounded by lots love!

Learn how to make your own baby food as well as a wealth of other related topics at Baby Center

Dealing with hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, adjusting to life changes as well as bodily changes and recuperating from childbirth – all while caring for your newborn is enough to make any new mom a little frantic, but don’t worry, you are not alone. Postpartum depression is experienced by 10% of all women and though symptoms are most commonly seen in the first few weeks after birth, they can occur anytime within the first year. You should seek professional help if the following symptoms persist and yes, you will get through this!

1. • Sleeping a lot
   • Feeling of sadness and anxiety
   • Eating too less or too much
   • Unexplained aches, pain or illness
   • Anxiety, irritation or anger for no reason

1. Banana Strawberry Frozen Yogurt: Surprisingly creamy and smooth, this recipe is 100% healthy and sugar free. With just 3 simple ingredients and no ice cream maker needed, it’s a great alternative to ice cream:

Ingredients
2 bananas, sliced and frozen
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

Instructions
Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. The texture should be like softened ice cream.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for at least 3 hours. Scoop with an ice cream scoop and serve cold.

2. Kale Chips… great alternative to potato chips

Ingredients
Kale, washed and thoroughly dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions : Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Lay on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt. Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 20 minutes. Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Lay on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt. Bake until crisp, turning the leave halfway through, about 20 minutes. Serve as finger food.

Clean Out Your Closet

Moms are constantly donating house-ware, children clothes and toys to the Salvation Army and Thrift stores- both of which are notable, but what about donating to another cause just as worthy. The next time you decide to tackle your closet (some need to purge sooner rather than later), think about donating your new or gently-used professional clothing- suitable for job interviews and the workplace directly to our “sisters” in need: women who are rebuilding their lives after domestic violence or low-income women seeking gainful employment.  After all many of us have clothes/shoes with price tags still hanging on them or garments that we bought 3-5 years ago (yes be ashamed if longer) with no intention of ever wearing or fitting again.  I can’t think of a greater blessing than being a blessing. Here are some women clothing resources to donate your items to:

1. Ready for Success: Please call 612-872-1509 to schedule an appointment to drop off your donation. https://www.readyforsuccessmn.org/
2. The Women’s Alliance: Program Locations Alabama  California  Connecticut District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts,  Maryland,  Michigan,  Mississippi,  Missouri,  New Jersey,  New York, North Carolina,  North Dakota,  Ohio,  Oklahoma,  Pennsylvania,  Texas,  Washington and Wisconsin
3.  Wardrobe for Opportunity: http://wardrobe.org/getInvolved/donateClothing.aspx