Guest post from I Don't Go to the Gym!!! :)

I’ve often given out the excuse that “I’m too busy to go to the gym” 90% of the time this is the case but I have made the effort in the last couple of months to make time to work out at home. A big part of this motivation comes from the great ideas and encouragement that come from “I Don’t Go to the Gym!” by Kristen and Jamie.  On their website, Idontgotothegym.com, I have found some easy and fun workouts that I can do at home—and lots of recipes to keep me healthy in between.:)

Looking for some added inspiration, I went to Kristen and Jamie last week and asked if they would be willing to create a workout that my busy Mommas can do before they start their day. These lovely ladies came up with a 10 minute workout that everyone can spare time for! 

Below is their guest post. Happy-healthy living!

 Hi from Kristen & Jamie over at I Don't Go to the Gym!  We are so excited to guest post here on Tips from a Momma.  Our philosphy is to stay fit & skinny by living an active & healthy lifestyle without having to spend hours in the gym.  Because honestly, who has time for that these days?

Today we put together a quick full body workout that is the perfect way to start the day and takes less than 10 minutes.  No excuses!  For this simple workout, you'll need a chair and a pair of handweights (soup cans work too)!

Ready?!  Because the clock starts now ...

 Tone Your Tush

20 chair lunges each leg. Grab a chair and get in position shown above. One leg out in front as far out as possible, other leg out on the chair behind you. Go down as far as you can (when you lunge down, don't let your knee go in front of your toe) and then come straight back up. Repeat 20x both sides

10 jumping jacks to get the heart rate up

20 squats. Stand with legs shoulder width apart, chest up and shoulders back. Bend knees and pretend as if you're sitting in a chair, stand back up and repeat

10 jumping jacks

30 second wall squat. Put back up against wall, feet shoulder width apart. Squat down to a 90 degree angle. Don't let knees go over your toes. Hold for 30 seconds.

Six Pack Abs

30 bicycle crunches (knee to alternate elbow & switch)
30 twist crunches (hold a crunch position and twist from side to side touching the ground with the opposite arm)
30 oblique crunches on each side (bend your knees, rest them to one side & crunch!)
30 scissor kicks (alternate one leg straight & one leg extended out a couple inches off the ground)
30 in & out crunches (crunch in then extend your legs out keeping them a couple inches off the ground)

Tank Top Arms

30 bicep curls
30 hammer curls (rotate your hands so your weights are parallel to your body)
30 tricep extensions
15 push-ups (girl ones are ok!)
15 diamond push-ups (move your hands close together so your fingers make a diamond shape)

Visit us over at IDontGototheGym.com for more quick, at home workouts and delicious & healthy recipes. 

Thanks for having us!

Jamie & Kristen :)

Chil Frozen Yogurt Bar

If you haven’t already, check out Chil Frozen Yogurt bar, located on Richmond St in London,Ontario. This yogurt bar offers certified organic Greek  yogurt, soy yogurt, almond milk yogurt, sugar free options and more!! After filling my cup half way with the delicious almond milk yogurt, I topped it with mangos, raspberries, chocolate chips, almonds, strawberry, coconut and banana chips! There was plenty more to choose from although I was running out of room in my bowl. They even had warm rhubarb pie that I will have to try next time, which will be soon! For more info check them out here: Chilfroyo.com

The Boy That I Love...

His actions speak louder than words,

He picks flowers for me from our garden,

He will fix what need repairing; he is the perfect handyman.

The boy that I love…

Shows me love on a regular basis,

He gives me endless amounts of hugs and kisses.

His smile lights me up

His laugh is infectious

His eyes are kind

He is generous

He is mine,

And I call him, Son.

 Suzanne E. Toth

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, this time if your life is especially important to make healthy choices when it comes to the food that you eat. Choose a variety of foods that are rich in vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Choose foods high in iron, calcium, folic acid, protein and the "good" fats such as nuts or avocado! Choose foods that are high in fiber and drink plenty of water! Also, Ginger had been known to protect from infection, aid in healing and digestion, and helps clear your body of toxins. Ginger has also been known to settle your stomach from nausea.

Foods That Contain the Vitamins Above:

Vitamin C

Green and Red pepper

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Squash

Sweet Potatoes

Oranges

Kiwis 

Vitamin B6

Bananas

Fresh Veggies

Beans (limas, pintos, and chickpeas)

Nuts (Cashews, coconut meat)

Cereals 

Iron

Dark leafy veggies such as spinach or kale

Brewers yeast

Prunes

Raisins

Nuts (Cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds)

tofu

squash

liver

Calcium

Dairy

Leafy greens

whole grains

carrot juice

tofu

nuts

Folic Acid (see previous post for more info)
http://tipsfromamomma.blogspot.ca/2013/05/during-one-of-my-health-classes-our.html

Brocoli

Spinach

Dark green leafy vegetables

Dried Beans

Asparagus

Sunflower seeds

Oranges

Whole grains

Protein

Lean meats

poultry

fish

eggs

soy

milk products

nuts

Good Fats

Nuts

Seeds

Olive oil

Avocado

Fiber 

Whole grains

Prunes

Pear

Mango

Beans

Almonds

Flax seeds

Interested in trying one or all of the teas I've raved about? David’s Tea is having a "Join the Tea Club" promotion that runs until September 2, 2013.  Pick up a Steeper and join the Summer Tea Club.  You can save 15% on 100 g loose leaf tea purchases all summer long!! 

 Looking to try something new?  Beat the heat by enjoying one of David’s Teas--on ice! David’s Tea Summer Collection includes Mango Fruit Punch, Tropicalia, Pink Passionfruit, Mint Julep and Coconut Grove! 

Soo Healthy—Soo Good!!!

 I can’t wait to give these a try, can you? :)

 http://www.davidstea.com/

Check out the sponsor shout out from I Dont Go To The Gym!! :)

Suzanne is the gorgeous mama behind Tips from a Momma.  She's the mom to an adorable 3 year old boy Owen who has inspired much of her blog!  With each new post, she shares tips, personal entries, recipes and products reviews that have helped her in her journey through motherhood.  Oh and she's training to become a childbirth educator, how awesome is that?  Moms & moms-to-be are sure to be inspired by her so be sure to check her out at Tips from a Momma and follow her on Instagram.  And just for fun, here are a couple of our favorite posts of hers -Who Says Fast Food Can't be Healthy?  What is good for you is also good for your skin :)  Tips from a Mom

http://www.idontgotothegym.com

http://www.idontgotothegym.com/2013/05/sponsor-shout-out.html

Birth Observations

This post has been delayed a little, I have been busy working for my friend as he needed some help at his office. I'm also rounding the end of the childbirth education program and will be sitting in on a prenatal series, teaching a prenatal series, and on top of that, creating my own curriculum! It has been a busy month!

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to spend some time at a hospital here in London in the Labor and Delivery unit. I can tell you I feel so grateful for the parents who allowed me to sit in on the births of their children, and to the nurses and doctors that I spent shifts with. Besides the birth of my son, this was the most life-changing and beautiful experience in my life, I will never forget it. 

The miracle of life is such a wonderful thing and I could not be more excited to be able to teach and prepare women for this joyful time in their life.

With hopes of working in our London hospital and starting private classes of my own I could not be more excited to see what the future holds! I will be starting in January 2014 and will be booking around November 2013. 

I look forward to seeing you in class! :)

Folic Acid

During one of my health classes our teacher talked to the women about folic acid and recommended to all the women in her class that as long as we are sexually active that we should be taking folic acid. She explained how important it was for your baby and how it can protect your baby from brain and spine birth defects. Most women, myself included, wont know right away that we are pregnant, most of us find out during our second month of pregnancy, and within that period our baby has done without the folic acid it needs. Not only is folic acid key in your babys healthy development it is beneficial to you as well. Folic acid is good for heart health, keeps your blood healthy, and protects against anemia.

According to womenshealth.gov " Women able to get pregnant need 400 to 800 mcg or micrograms of folic acid every day, even if they are not planning to get pregnant. (This is the same as 0.4 to 0.8 mg or milligrams.) That way, if they do become pregnant, their babies will be less likely to have birth defects."

There are many foods that are rich in folic acid that I have listed below for women wanting to increase their consumption of folic acid, however if you are expecting a little one, taking a supplement insures you are meeting the .4 to .8 mgs. 

Foods that contain high amounts of folic acid

·         Spinach

·         Collard Greens

·         Turnip Greens

·         Romaine Lettuce

·         Asparagus

·         Broccoli

·         Lentils

·         Pinto Beans

·         Garbanzo beans

·         Avocado

·         Okra

·         Peanuts

·         Sunflower seeds

·         Papaya

·         Oranges

Having trouble deciding on a baby Name? Below are some spring inspired baby names from Today's Parent Magazine:

Clover      Navin      Mae      Denver      Chloe      Haruko      Willow      Kelby      Vesna     Aviv

Find a sweet little description of each name at http://www.todaysparent.com/spring-baby-names?p=1

Still having trouble deciding? While you're checking out Today's Parent online you will find baby name tests and popular name trends! 

Picking out baby names was one of my favorite things to do while I was pregnant with Owen. Enjoy it! :)

                                                                           ^^ Owen's little feet ^^ :)

Lets start with solids!

Introducing your baby to solids begins around 6 months of age. Start with baby rice cereal that you can purchase at the grocery store and mix it with breast milk, formula or boiled water, the amount of liquid to add will be listed on the box. The first time you introduce your little one to solids whether it be with cereal, veggies or fruit, always start off with only a few tablespoons, then gradually increase the amount you give your baby. This is also important in case your baby has a reaction or allergy to a new food.

For fruit puree- peel and chop fruit, add a little water, and lightly boil until fruit is tender. Once tender place fruit in a blender and blend until smooth.

For vegetables- steam veggies until tender. Drain (optional) then blend. You can also add breast milk or formula to the veggies before blending.

Owens Favourites when he was a baby

Apple

Peach

Blueberry

Avocado 

Avocado and Apple

Banana and rice cereal 

Carrot

Sweet potato

Zucchini and apple

Broccoli

A little weekend recap

^^Friday, Owen and I had company over for a BBQ. I barbecued, chicken, peppers, and pineapple! For dessert I made homemade almond milk ice cream and for the adults I topped ours with baileys- delicious combinations!^^ 

On Saturday, Owen played soccer, after the game we went out for brunch and then he went to Grandma's for the evening. I took the day to visit with my friend Michelle, we went for a walk, and grabbed lunch at the London Market.  In the evening I visited with my friend Katherine, we filled each other in on our newest adventures and shared stories about our little ones. It is always nice to have that girl time and luckily I have the most incredible girlfriends.

^^Sunday, I went home to pick up Owen from my moms and before we got on the road we stopped to grab some lunch and I took him to the beach. The water was calm, the sun was shining, I was with my little guy- life is perfect. Once we got home we made some dinner, went out for ice cream and ended the night with Curious George the movie. (AGAIN) Owen cannot get enough of this movie!! ^^

Today, Owen is off to his Fathers and I will be playing catch up with homework that I had been putting off all weekend. I managed to squeeze in a walk and some floor exercises this morning- which reminds me! I will be doing a post next week on Jamie and Kristen from http://www.idontgotothegym.com/ Stay tuned for that! 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful long weekend! :)

While I just stepped in from work and await my little one, I wanted to say a little "Thank you" to my lovely readers. I created this blog to share ideas and tips, personal entries of my life. In return, I have gotten to know many of you. I appreciate you taking the time to share some of your stories with me as well. 

I would say that this is the best time in my life but each day is better than the last.

Have a wonderful long weekend everyone! :)

The other night Owen came into my room crying, he had a horrible dream about monsters and asked if he could crawl into bed with me.  I helped him up, tucked him in beside me and wrapped his blanket into his arms.

Now as I lay beside Owen he tells me about his dream and how scary it was. “That does sound like a scary dream” I tell him. As I hold his little hand I ask him if I can tell him a story before bed. I have found this helpful for the few times Owen has had woken up from a bad dream.

“There once was a boy named Owen, and his Mommy named Suzanne….” Owen starts to smile. Then as I tell the story, I let him tell the story too. I start off with Owen and his mommy decided to go to the animal farm, while they were there they saw….(Owen will fill in the blank) Then I will ask him what the cow said to him and what the ducks said to him. Then I will ask him what we ate for a snack while we were at the farm. This helps little ones focus their attention on to something else.

As I finish this story, I tell Owen I love him, and I kiss his forehead. Owen tells me he feels a little bit better, but he still is a little scared. “It’s ok to be scared, but I am here, and I’m beside you if you need me.” Owen sleeps with his little hand on my shoulder for the most part of the night. In the morning, he awakes happy and cheerful. :)

What helps with your children?  Email me here: tipsfromamomma@gmail.com

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! :)

David’s Tea was kind enough to treat me to their Ginseng Oolong tea. I will definitely add it to my must have list of teas. This tea is sweet and clean and wonderful to sip on throughout the day. Besides the delicious taste, this tea has its added benefits. I’ve done some research to please my own curiosity, below is what I’ve found.

This tea is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and C, aids in digestion and has also been effective in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies have shown drinking Ginseng Oolong tea helps boost your metabolism and “has led to sustained weight loss and a smaller waist size” (http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/hidden-health-benefits-tea?page=2)

With the pleasing taste and the added health benefits, this tea is a sure one to try! :)

Captain of the soccer team? Not yet. The cutest little superhero in soccer gear? Absolutely. :)

This past Saturday Owen had his second soccer game and I managed to snap this priceless photo of Owen  “fighting bad guys” on the field. Most of the parents were giggling along with me as Owen flew around the field pretending he was a superhero. “Owen, go get the ball hunny!” I yelled out. “I’m not Owen, I’m ironman!” Says Owen. I reply with “Ironman, go get the ball!” As I start to laugh out loud. Owen started to run after the ball but he got a little discouraged when he couldn’t seem to get close enough to kick the ball. I run out onto the field (Parents are allowed to at this at this age) took his tiny hand in mine and lead my little ironman to the soccer ball.

The opposite team scores a goal and the soccer coach throws the ball into the field. I lead Owen to the ball, “Now kick hunny!” Owen kicks the ball then turns to me, “I kicked it!” As he jumped up and down, arms waving in the air. “You did!! I’m so proud of you!! Now, lets try to get to get the ball again” I say to him. 

This continued for the rest of the game, Owen ran around as Ironman and kicked the ball 4 or 5 more times. Owen was not interested in scoring goals, he was just happy to have made contact with the ball. He was simply doing what children do best, they have fun. :)

Healthy Eating

As a mother I know it is easy to grab something that is QUICK and EASY which is not always healthy; but it can be! For example: I made this salad for lunch and it was ready in less than 5 minutes.  

For this salad you will need:

Pecans

Dried mango

Mixed greens

Red pepper

Granny smith apple

Lemon poppy seed dressing

Note* Use approximately a handful of each

I accompanied this salad with fresh baked 12 grain bread and water with lemon. For a extra protein, add grilled chicken, boiled eggs or tofu. Eating healthy can be quick and easy so plan to have healthy ingredients in your fridge so they are on hand and easily accessible. Enjoy! :)