Barb Hacker's Blog
Posted by Barb Hacker
I like to have easy access to a play-doh recipe when I need one. I've spent too much time searching through my recipe box only to find that I didn't store it there. I think it's one of those things that I put some place special, thinking it will be easier to find. Of course, that just means I never find it again.
Lucky for me, I stumbled upon this blog called Early Childhood Art and Activities a few weeks ago. The author has posted the play-doh recipe and other neat ideas for getting creative with kids. I knew right away I had to bookmark it and pass the link on to others. Thanks to the author for sharing!
Posted by Barb Hacker
I recently found a link to a website called Nourishing Our Children. I've just begun to read some of the articles and information they have, but so far, I like what I see. The more I know about nutrition and about the dangers of processed foods, the more I am fascinated by the topic.
I've been taking baby steps over the past couple of years in getting and keeping my family on a healthy diet. To be honest, I've learned a lot since then. What I thought was healthy two years ago, like store-bought whole-wheat bread and many, many other things, I now know is not. It has been an eye opening journey that I continue to learn more about.
My family's diet certainly isn't perfect. Far from it. But, the more I learn the easier it gets to say no to the obvious junk food choices and some of the not so obvious ones.
Posted by Barb Hacker
There is nothing simple about parenting, running a household and trying to keep several balls in the air at once. Such is the life of the modern parent. One thing that does make it a little bit easier is the crockpot.
A friend of mine told me about this crockpot recipe blog. I've quickly become hooked on it. I check the site everyday to see the latest recipe. I've made a couple of the meals in my own crockpot and have had great success.
On those busy days when I know we are going to be out of the house around dinner time, I toss something in the crockpot earlier in the day. Then, dinner is ready and waiting for us when we get home. The house smells wonderful from whatever has been cooking and I'm happy that we didn't resort to take-out.
Posted by Barb Hacker
There is a long history of babywearing all over the world. Many people think that wearing a baby in a front carrier, back carrier, sling or wrap is new and modern. But, in reality, it's been done for as long as there have been babies and mothers.
This Celtic Baby Carrying blog has interesting pictures of babywearing in parts of Europe, including some very old pictures of the Welsh Shawl. It's so cool to see some actual photographs of this old method of caring for babies.
I love these pictures. It's a shame that there was such a long break from the wonderful, old tradition of babywearing. I'm glad to see society embracing it again!
Posted by Barb Hacker
Halloween is fast approaching. As you get ready to hand candy out to the neighborhood kids this year, remember that candy with artificial colors and flavors can lead to behavior problems for many of them. Try giving out additive-free candy, like Yummy Earth lollipops. If you don't have a local supplier of Yummy Earth products, they can be ordered from Amazon.com.
If you don't have time to place an order, give out stickers, glow sticks or other interesting and inexpensive trinkets. Check your local Dollar Store for alternatives to candy.
There are many ways to celebrate Halloween without giving away candy that isn't healthy for anyone to eat.
