a blog about faith, family, food, & more written by a wife and stay at home mom of five
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, here are a few links and resources you might appreciate if you are currently breastfeeding or hope to in the future.
–World Breastfeeding Week
–La Leche League International
–Breastfeeding Online
–International Lactation Consultant Association
–Breastfeeding First Aid Kit
–Natural Remedy for Recurring Mastitis
–Natural Thrush Remedies
–Treatment of Sore Nipples
–Free Breastfeeding Cover (limited time offer)
Click here for part 1, here for part 2, and here for part 3.
Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
Lesson: Spanking a child drives out foolishness
Proverbs 23:13-14
Do not hold back discipline from the child,
Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
You shall strike him with the rod
And rescue his soul from Sheol.
Lesson: Discipline with the rod
Proverbs 23:26
Give me your heart, my son,
And let your eyes delight in my ways.
Lesson: Work to earn your child’s heart
Proverbs 28:23
He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
Lesson: Rebuke your children when needed
Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
Lesson: Impart wisdom through the rod and reproof, and do not let your children have their own way
Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also delight your soul.
Lesson: Correct your children
Recently I decided to take some time for a little “pampering”! (This was done at the urging of my sweet husband, who saw how busy I’ve been keeping myself lately!) I’m sharing what I did with you so you can also enjoy an at home spa experience! Even if you don’t have time to do all of these things, you might be able to squeeze a few into your daily routine. Grab some girlfriends, your sisters, or your daughters and enjoy being physically refreshed!
I’m listing the “spa treatments” from head-to-toe, not necessarily in the order in which you would do them. Find a routine that works for you!
Atmosphere
Bring a fan into the bathroom if it’s hot, or a space heater if it’s cold. Play some soft, soothing music. Light a few candles. Bring a chair in the bathroom if you have room so that you have somewhere to sit besides the toilet.
Hydrate and Refresh
Drink a cold glass of water (bonus if you throw in some cucumber slices, mint leaves, or lime wedges). In cooler weather, drink hot tea. Fill a small bowl with frozen raspberries and fresh blueberries for you to enjoy during your time at the spa. Eat a piece or two of dark chocolate as well.
Hair/Body
Take a cool shower (or, in the cooler weather, a hot bath). While in the shower, take time for some things you might not normally, such as using a leave-in conditioner or using the different massage settings on your shower head. Shampoo and condition your hair. Use a yummy body wash. Shave your legs and rub them down with baby oil. Dry off with a fluffy towel. Use an all-over body lotion. Dry hair and style as desired.
Face
Wash your face with your favorite cleanser. Follow with a brown sugar scrub* or an oatmeal mask. Rinse with cool water and splash with toner. Use face lotion. Shape your eyebrows. Lay down and place cucumber slices on your eyelids to reduce redness and puffiness. While you are lying down, breathe deeply (practice Lamaze breathing techniques!).
Hands
Use a lemon sugar hand scrub*. Follow with a good quality hand lotion. Shape your nails. Nourish your cuticles. Paint your nails.
Feet
Soak your feet in cool water (or warm in cooler weather). If desired, throw in a handful of bath salts*. Scrub your feet with a pumice stone to remove callouses. Use lotion. Trim your toenails and paint them.
Take some time at the end to breathe deeply and relax! If you’re doing this with friends, trade foot or back massages!
Recipes
Brown Sugar Scrub
While washing your face with cool water, gently massage 1 to 2 tsp. brown sugar into your skin in a circular direction. Rinse face and pat dry.
Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub
Pour 1 Tbsp. lemon juice into one cupped hand. Add enough granulated sugar to make a paste. Gently rub your hands together for several (3-4) minutes, exfoliating your skin and allowing the mixture to “melt” a bit. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Follow with hand lotion.
Bath Salts
Combine Epsom salts with your favorite essential oils in a bowl and stir. Use in baths and foot soaks.
What are some of your favorite spa treatments?
