It Takes A Village: How One Mom is Making Dreams of Community Come True

It Takes A Village: How One Mom is Making Dreams of Community Come True

by Courtney Clay

Most of us have heard the ubiquitous saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  After my son was born, my experience as a mother drove this truth deeply into my awareness. For many years, I have cherished a vision in the deepest places in my heart of living on a beautiful, spacious piece of land with my family and closest friends, surrounded by lush forest gardens, pristine springs, rivers and ponds, diverse wildlife, the best food ever, cozy handmade earth homes, community support, love, laughter, joy, singing, dancing and celebration.  My son was first conceived in my imagination in the midst of this greater vision. Alive in my vision of motherhood was just me, then there were two. My community is coming alive, and it can for you too! Read more »

Natural Parenting: Motherhood and Balance

Natural Parenting: Motherhood and Balance

by Lauren Nastasi

Motherhood and balance seem like two opposite ideas. As a mother of a toddler, I know how hard it is to take time for yourself. I’ve found some balance by letting myself indulge in “me” once in awhile. This means once a month, I leave my daughter with my husband and I either get a massage, a manicure, pedicure, hair cut, facial or I will take a yoga class.

We all need our cup filled, whatever way that may be. Sometimes taking a few minutes to read a chapter of a non children’s book helps, or when (if) my daughter naps, I will journal or meditate. Even enjoying a simple cup of tea fills my soul.

I use to feel guilty doing these things but now I know how important it is and taking time for myself makes me a better mother/wife/sister/daughter/friend.

When you have children, it’s easy to forget ourselves, but when we allow ourselves to relax, we shine!

Happy Mother’s Day!

About Lauren Nastasi

Lauren Nastasi lives and loves in NJ with her husband, two year old daughter and two pugs. She blogs about her healing journey at GingerIsTheNewPink.blogspot.com.

Thai Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Miso Sauce

Thai Spring Rolls With Spicy Peanut Miso Sauce

by Ashley Knight

Are you tired of the same old dinner ideas? Why not try something fun and new! This is a great recipe to get the whole family involved and delight the taste buds with some introductory ethnic flavors. Read more »

How to Plan a Simple Summer Garden

How to Plan a Simple Summer Garden

by Ashley Knight

Summer gardening is right around the corner.  Now is a great time of year to start your garden planning!  Picking seeds and drawing a layout of where you want to plant your little sprouts and seeds is a great way to get ready.  So get out your gardening books, seed catalogs and pencil and paper and start planning! This article will provide you everything you need to get started. Read more »

Raw Food Recipes: 3 Easy Salad Dressings Your Family Will Love

Raw Food Recipes: 3 Easy Salad Dressing Recipes Your Family Will Love

Good ol’ oil and vingear doesn’t always cut it. You need a bit of flare for your leafy meals and a bit of pizazz in your salads! These recipes I’m sharing here were a hit with my family and you will absolutely LOVE then! Let’s start the magic with this dressing that I have been serving almost daily for about a month because my whole family went crazy over it.

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