Photo by Bob Reck, Flickr

It seems that most parents are afraid of fevers. As soon as one is detected they are quick to “get it down,” call the doctor, or use Tylenol or another fever-reducing medicine.

What is a fever?

A fever isn’t actually an illness. It’s a symptom. It is the body’s ways of “turning up the thermostat” to help the body fight off some sort of “bug” that has infested it. In fact, inflammation and fever help clear the body of unwanted “gunk.” When bad bacteria or a virus has invaded the body, it has done so because the body has provided the right conditions. When those unwelcome guests are detected, the body instinctively knows that a higher temperature will create an inhospitable environment that will kill the bad stuff. Thus the fever is actually the body’s way of healing.

{ read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo: Fuschia Foot, Flickr

I’ve told you how to make your own homemade fabric softener, deodorant, and dish detergent. But today’s homemade recipe is my favorite! I love living the natural life!

Over the past couple years, as my family has tried to cut back on toxic chemicals in our house, I’ve experimented with all sorts of organic and “all natural” shampoos. Sadly, all left me a little closer to broke and with greasy, waxy hair. Not good.

I even tried the whole ‘no poo thing. Hoping to rid myself completely of a need for any sort of “product.” After two months of trying, I learned that with my hard water it just wasn’t going to happen. (Sigh) I was beginning to think I was doomed to harsh chemicals and cleaners in order to feel like I could show my face (or head) in public again. { read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo by ex.libris, Flickr

Preparing for a new baby is exhilarating and sometimes stressful. I remember pouring over books, making sure I had all the important information to help me be the best mom possible. When I started talking to friends and family about what sort of baby “gear” I would need, the answers I received only added to the stress.

There are so many gadgets and gizmos on the market today. It’s hard to know what is really “essential” and what is just more “stuff.” Of course, each parent has their own list of the “must haves”—things that helped them deal with their own children the best. But when it comes down to the real basics, the truth is most babies don’t need that much —particularly during the first few months of life. Baby stuff is big business, not necessarily essential.

So while there are plenty of things not included on this list that may be “nice” to have, these are the bare minimum, truly essential items for welcoming a new born. { read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo by jazzijava, Flickr

As a dance major, I spent a lot of my college days trying to grab a “quick bite” in between classes. Power bars were a tempting solution, as they’re marketed as a “healthy meal” in a bar packed with energy. The only problem is most protein or power bars on the market are full of mystery ingredients, poor quality fats, and not a lot of “yum.” (And let’s be honest, they really are not that healthy.)

I have since moved beyond looking for a “quick meal” that I can eat on the go. I think meals are a chance to slow down, appreciate real food, and focus on nourishment. But during the first few months after my little C was born, I found myself looking for some easy snacks that I could go to when I needed a little “pick me up.” This recipe was my answer. This is a great and healthy snack. It’s easy to make and full of nutritious goodness. Best of all there are no mystery ingredients. { read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo: sdminor81, Flickr

A friend of mine was looking through some photo albums of her and her siblings as children. She noticed that there were a lot of photos of them asleep as babies and toddlers. When they asked their mom why this was, her response was: “That was when I loved you most.”

I think most parents can relate to that sentiment. Naps are important for babies development, but I also think they are God’s way of keeping parents sane.

Some days naptime can’t come soon enough. Those are the days where I find myself wanting to grab a box of chocolates and waste my life away mindlessly on the internet. But there is great potential in those few short hours. Here are some ideas to get the most out of nap time: { read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo by Robert the Noid, FLickr

Make your own deodorant? Check. Replaced your toxic fabric softener with an easy homemade application? Done. Ready for another super simple (and all natural) homemade recipe? Yes!

Homemade Dish Detergent

Seriously, this is about as easy as it gets. Not only is it cheap; it’s all natural, meaning you won’t be ingesting gross, harmful stuff. When you consider that any residue left on your dishes could get into your food and into your body, it’s good to have something that’s natural. Plus, making your own homemade products is fun.

Ready for the complex recipe? { read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

When I was growing up I would hear “horror” stories about labor and the pain associated with childbirth. I remember thinking how wonderful it was to live in a day where drugs are available to dull the pain. I bought into the whole “I’m a wimp” mentality that penetrates in our society, and I thought for sure I would gladly welcome an epidural when it came time to give birth.

Funny how things change.

My desires for a drug-free, home birth first came up when my husband and I talked about starting a family. Thankfully, he was on board. I had lots of reasons why I wanted a drug-free birth. I believe pain is our body’s way of communicating needs — something essential in the birth process. I also try to avoid unnecessary drugs whenever possible. I believe there is a time for them, but in general I think they are abused (and there is plenty of debate on their actual safety for mother and child).

If a drug-free birth is your goal it’s important to have a solid plan. Choosing a midwife instead of a doctor is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary interventions. But with a solid birth-plan, firm mind, and a doctor who understands (and agrees) to your desires you can aim for a drug-free labor.

{ read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo: Jun Aviles, Flickr

Truth be told, I was more afraid of the recovery from labor than the actual labor itself. I hate being in bed, and I hate needing the help of others. I also hate lingering pain and discomfort. The changes with pregnancy are so gradual that I felt I could adapt accordingly. But birth is a drastic and immediate change. Here are some tips for helping with the recovery period.

Get your zzz’s

I know, right? Does anyone else get sick of hearing this advice? I remember getting angry any time someone advised me to get more sleep. Duh. Yes, sleep is important. And getting sleep once a newborn enters your home feels almost impossible. But do what you can to find some time to sleep, nap, or rest. Especially right after giving birth it’s tempting to just stare in awe at your new, little bundle of joy. Take any opportunity for rest. { read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo: Joe Mud, Flickr

Who doesn’t love the feel of fresh, soft, clean laundry? Scenes of cuddly bears, piles of pillow-soft towels, or fields of flowers are often the images sold alongside fabric softener (liquid or dryer sheets). But most people are not aware that these are one of the most toxic products in homes today.

Just take a look at some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:

• Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
• Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
• Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
• Limonene: Known carcinogen
• A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
• Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list
• Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
• Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
• Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
• Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

{ read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)

Photo by Kyle Jones, Flickr

You may be thinking, “why on earth would I want to make my own deodorant”? Well I’m glad you asked! I can think of a few reasons:

1.  Commercial deodorants may be hazardous to your health.

There is all sorts of conflicting research out there linking aluminum (found in most commercial antiperspirants) to Alzheimer’s Disease, breast cancer, and as a common skin irritant. And while you could spend hours upon hours researching the “yes it’s bad” to the “no it’s not,” I figure that it doesn’t take much time or energy to just play it safe.

{ read more }

About Robin Konie

Robin is a dancer, educator, movement therapist, and (most importantly) a nature-lovin'-back-to-basics kind of mom. She has has a passion for play, creativity, and healthy living.

Web | Facebook | More Posts (29)