I love making homemade play dough with my kids. They really enjoy measuring all the ingredients and working with their hands to make the dough.

We had some leftover artificial food dye (we stopped using it for baking years ago and just use it for art projects now) so we used a bit of it for our play dough. But the colors were so strong they stained our hands. And wash after wash, I just couldn’t get the dyes out. It really bothered me. So the dyes are gone for good.

So I started to think about natural dyes. We’ve used spices and fruit juices to naturally dye Easter eggs, so I thought why not for homemade play dough too. I got this recipe from my son’s activity workbook.

Basic Play Dough Recipe

• 2 cups of flour (we used the rest of our wheat flour since we no longer use it for baking/cooking)
• 1 cup of salt
• 1 cup of water

Mix all ingredients together to make the dough. Set aside. There’s no need to cook it, and you can store it for a few days. Separate into 6-8 sections so you can add different natural dyes.

Natural Dyes

• Orange – add 1/2 teaspooon or more of tumeric 
• Blue – crush 1/4 to 1/3 cup of frozen blueberries
• Red – crush 1/4 to 1/3 cup of frozen raspberries or 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• Green – add a few drops of liquid chlorophyll
• Brown – add 1/2 teaspoon or more of instant coffee
• Yellow – add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard or curry powder

Add more or less to get the desired color.

Have you ever tried making your own natural dyes? Share your experience.

Other times it means having the freedom to walk around half naked because there’s no shame in going pantless when you’re a toddler.

Or eating organic apples straight from the tree (or in this case the floor).

Living naturally with kids means getting a little dirty or doing things differently is ok. It means following the child on their path.

Are you a natural parent? Tell me ways you let your kids live naturally.

And, check out these kid-inspired posts from eco-focused blogs in the Village Green Network:

• I absolutely love the photos and tips from Five Little Homesteaders on Creating a Children’s Garden
• My youngest son has a cold. A cold and it’s almost summer. Go figure. This DIY No-Fuss Vapor Rub by Our Nourishing Roots is perfect to soothe his cough.
• If your kids have an ear infection, check out Healthy Roots, Happy Soul’s post on How to Heal Ear Infections Naturally. A lifesaver for many parents, I’m sure.
• To keep kids from getting sick, Health Extremist has a great tutorial on How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer Naturally – ditch the harsh chemicals.
• Shalom Mama has great ideas on How to Get the Support You Need as a Mother.
• Summer is almost here, and I’m already thinking about summer camps and activities for my older boys. Natural Family Today has great ideas for 5 Summertime Activities for Kids.
• Need a new snack idea for your kid’s lunchbox. Check out these Paleo No Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Lara Bars from Homegrown & Healthy.
• Or if your kids need a lunchbox overhaul, Yummy Inspirations has 12 Ways to Make Food Fun for Kids.
• My kids’ favorite afterschool snack is air-popped popcorn. Yet they’ve never had it with coconut oil like this 4-Ingredient, Simple, Delicious Popcorn from Clean Cupcake Crusade.
• Does your kid eat sushi? How about kale chips? If not, Rubies and Radishes has 9 Tips for Raising Adventurous and Mindful Eaters.

I’m a klutz, especially with make-up. As soon as start using a new compact powder, I usually drop it a few times. And I always breathe a sigh of relief when it manages to stay together in once piece. But every once in a while, my compact powder does break and I’m left with bits and pieces.

Now I know I could just break it all down and use it as a loose powder. But I often take my make-up on the go and find it more convenient to use a compact powder.

I’ve read it’s easy to put it back together using a bit of rubbing alcohol in Real Simple. Yes, that’s it – rubbing alcohol. And this can be used for compact eye shadows too.

Tutorial to Fix Broken Compacted Make-Up

1. Don’t throw any of the big pieces away. 
2. Just dump all pieces in a bowl and use a clean knife to break down big pieces until you have a fine loose powder.
3. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to make a paste. Don’t add too much – the paste should be thick, not loose and runny.
4. Put the paste back into the compact and smooth out with a knife.

And voila! Loose powder becomes compact powder again.

Plus, if you have an old eyeshadow compact you can clean it out and fill it in with some of the powder paste to make a mini compact to keep in your purse to use on the go.

It’s been just over two years since I first started blogging. In some ways, it feels like I’ve been doing it forever but in other ways I learn new things every day. It’s been quite a journey and something that I’ve been wanting to do is post more often, but haven’t found the time.

This spring, I joined the Village Green –  a global network for natural and organic food, healthy lifestyles and green living. I felt like I found my tribe, a group of more than 500 blogs with a focus on healthy living. And one thing about Village Green is the community among the participating bloggers – and most recently a challenge to write 60 posts in 60 days.

At first, I thought it was impossible for me. I find I barely have time to take showers and clean up after the kids. But armed with determination and encouragement from my fellow Village Green bloggers, I decided to do it.

So here’s my first post. And what I’d love to know is what you want read here at Don’t Mess with Mama. Do you want more DIY, recipes, green living tips, parenting advice, parenting confessions (tales from the not-so-perfect mom) or musing from my life as an eco mom? Tell me. I’d love to hear from you.

And make sure you sign up for a newsletter or connect with me so you never have to miss out on a post.

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Feature image credit: Leo Reynolds /Flickr Creative Commons

This post is brought to you by Citrus Clear.

I’ve had issues with acne for most of my adult life. But it got really bad about 5 months after the birth of my third son. I chalked it up to hormones and just did what I could to keep the acne at bay. But it didn’t go away, in fact, it got much worse. Until about a month ago, it was really bad. The worst acne of my life.

I was desperate to do something about it, yet I didn’t want to resort to harsh chemicals. Citrus Clear is a natural and holistic skincare line for acne – featuring organic citrus-based ingredients.

I was intrigued in how citrus-based products would help my acne. I’ve never seen any acne product like it. But what I found out was that the compounds in citrus fruits are actually proven to fight bacteria which causes acne (get more information on clinical studies done on citrus oils and acne), and Citrus Clear products feature organic citrus ingredients such as citrus peel, lemon juice extract, orange essential oil – as well as green tea extract, tea trea, aloe vera, vitamin B5 and amino acides. These ingredients help to treat and heal acne without harsh acne abrasives.

Citrus Clear has two product lines so you can customize your treatment. The Control Acne line controls acne, removes oil and clears blemishes. The Sensitive Skin line is great when acne is under control or for those with more sensitive skin.

I tried the Control and Maintain Set, which included:

• Control Acne Wash – I preferred to use this wash at night to get all the daily grime and dirt off my face
• Control Moisturizer – This was great in controlling oil in my T-zone
• Sensitive Acne Wash – I used this formula in the morning to start my day with a gentle wash
• Sensitive Moisturizer – I used this moisturizer for my cheeks and other dry areas of my face
• Tangerine Tingle – This was my favorite product in the line. It’s a scrub that can be used as a mask too. It tingles after 3-4 minutes and helps to renew skin and fade discolorations
• Grapefruit Spot Treatment – I loved this product for spot treating acne. It really did help to keep new acne from fully coming out.

Now you don’t have to use these at the same time like I did. The idea is that you start on the Control line to get acne under control and then to the Sensitive line for maintenance.

In addition to featuring organic ingredients, Citrus Clear products contain no petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, silicone, synthetic fragrances or artificial dyes.

Want to try Citrus Clear for yourself?

Giveaway

One winner will receive either the Citrus Clear Control or Sensitive line ($50 retail value) – winner’s choice. Enter using Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received product samples and was financially compensated to write this review. All opinions are my own. 

Summer vacation planning is in full swing. Have you considered getting down and dirty and booking a farmstay with the family? Agritourism is becoming a large part of the US travel picture, and the local food movement illustrates there’s never been a better time to learn about where our food comes from. Opportunities abound to experience the life of a farmer, show kids that pickles start on vines before they get to jars, and that farm fresh eggs have a taste far different from those most of us are used to. These five spots will have you experiencing life down on the farm.

The Flip Flop Ranch - Lucern Valley, Calif.

Seedling planting via The Flip Flop Ranch

A good antidote to the bright lights of LA is the Flip Flop Ranch, about two hours into the high desert past Big Bear. Sheer a sheep, cuddle a chick and get back to your family heritage at the ranch while reconnecting with nature. This farmstay is a real learncation, where you can get dirt under your nails and learn to garden, build a fire, can your own food and make soap or cheese. Have fun while homesteading becomes a new part of your vocabulary. You have to love a place whose motto is “Helping city slickers survive the Zombie Apocalypse”.  Full kitchen amenities are available and if you have a hidden homesteading talent, you might be able to barter for your stay. Starting at $100.

Trevin Farms – Sudbury, Vt.

Farm chores via Trevin Farms

Nothing says Vermont quite like the rolling hillsides studded with cows, pastures and barns you’ll find throughout the state. Trevin Farms belongs to the Green Hotels in The Green Mountain State, and follows many sustainable practices to make it a unique bed and breakfast. Kids can learn and be a part of farm chores from milking goats to gathering eggs. Their vegetables are garden to plate, and if you’re a cheese lover, there’s a class in Mountain Chevre Cheese making. Located in central Vermont, when you’re ready to hike, bike or kayak, the farm is within an hour of many tourist destinations such as the Teddy Bear Factory, Bromley, Pico and Killington mountains. If you’re worried about the smell of a farm, the owners assure us that they believe cleanliness is next to healthiness. Manure is the main cause of farm odor and it is unhealthy for animals and their guests. Using compost methods to dispose of manure, the farm is kept clean and free of any odor. Prices start at $315 for the Laura Ashley room and the Cheese Making package.

Kinnikinnick Farm - Caledonia, Ill.

Interior of tent via Kinnikinnick Farm

Kinnikinnick Farm, located 85 miles northwest of Chicago, is a small, family owned organic farm. Named for the stream that runs through it, guests stay in wood floored tents that are spacious and comfortable. The enchanting spots have flush toilets, a wood burning stove for cooking and heat, and candles and oil lamps to replace electricity. This is an opportunity for the family to get back to a rural life of years gone by, harvest crops, feed the animals and unplug from the craziness of our data driven worlds. The owners work with you for meal planning before your arrival and provide a well stocked selection of local fare. Make Your Own Pizzas on the farms wood fired grill is a guest favorite. Almost any food restriction can be accommodated. The week before you arrive they will call you to discuss your meal and cooking options. Starting at $200.

Farm Sanctuary - Watkins Glen, N.Y.

The Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Animals have an ability to bring out the best in all of us.  They are a calming force, and used in the treatment of many different types of health issues. The Farm Sanctuary is an 175-acre animal haven that houses rescued animals from industrial farming sites around the country. More than 500 animals now live and roam the beautiful Finger Lakes countryside. The Bed and Breakfast offers visitors the chance to visit a real working farm, get up close and personal with the animals and experience a healthy vegan lifestyle. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a continental vegan breakfast. The adorable red longhouse style cottages look right at home in the setting. Throughout the day guests are welcome to browse the Visitor Center, pitch in with shelter chores, or enjoy the companionship of the farm animal friends. Within minutes of the location are  breathtaking gorges and waterfalls, quaint wineries, miles of hiking trails and lakes, and other attractions. The staff is knowledgeable about vegan dining in the area and provides an updated guide for options close by. Rescue sites are also in Orland and Los Angeles, Calif. Starting at $110.

North Country Farms - Kauai, Hawaii

North Country Farms, Kauai, Hawaii

Most people think of sand and surf when it comes to vacationing on Hawaii, but agriculture is a big part of the overall economy. Located on the north shore of Kauai, North Country Farms has four acres of the best of both worlds. Boogie boards and organic fruits and vegetables sound like a pretty good combination to me! The kitchenettes are included in the farms handcrafted cottages and the tropical setting will have you taking advantage of a hammock siesta in no time. Kids will enjoy learning the ins and outs of farming, and then have an afternoon of surfing the waves. The scent of tropical flowers is everywhere in this eco-destination, slightly off the beaten path, with an endless variety of areas to explore nearby. Starting at $150.

Book a FarmStay

There are farmstays all throughout the US. To book a farmstay or learn more about farmstay vacations, visit FarmStay.

Would you ever consider a farmstay? Or have you taken one in the past? Let us know. We want to hear from you.

Thanks to BabbaCo for sponsoring this post. 

My kids are super crafty. They are constantly digging through my things to look for empty shoeboxes and scraps of clothes to create a project. And the kitchen? They upcycle paper bags, aluminum foil, or whatever else they can find to make puppets, sculptures and other creations. I love that they’re constantly looking for DIY crafts and projects. But sometimes I run out of ideas on what to do.

BabbaBox

BabbaBox by BabbaCo is a monthly subscription of arts, crafts and fun activities for parents to do with their kids. Each box includes a different combination of projects, books, games, science, imaginative play, sensory activities and much more. The BabbaCo team, including early childhood experts, design boxes to help kids develop critical thinking and creative skills while having fun.

BabbaCo was started by mom Jessica Kim who wanted to create a solution for busy parents who need activities to do with kids, but don’t have time to research and assemble it themselves. And each BabbaBox is more than just one activity, there are four different types of activities to work around family routines – including TV-Free Mornings, Sanity Saving Weeknight Activities, Purposeful Weekend Plan and Story Time.

Summer Survival Kit

Not sure what you’re doing yet this summer? Sign up for a Summer Survival Kit from BabbaCo – a three-month BabbaBox subscription, including:

June: Deep Sea
Take a voyage to the bottom of the sea, enjoy a colorful book about some of our favorite creatures, make and plan an adorable fishing game, plus so many oceany activities.

July: Camouflage Animals
Where’d who go? Not only is camouflage on animals totally cool, but it also services a purpose – to help protect them. This month we will learn about all the amazing kinds of camouflage, play a little hide and seek ourselves and other well disguised fun!

August: Pirate Treasure
Bring your sea legs! This will be aarugably our most fun theme yet, as we set out on an adventure, pirate-style. We will sing songs, meet famous pirates through an amazing book and become experts in life on the high seas!

Sign Up for BabbaBox

Get the Summer Survival Kit from BabbaCo for your kids. If you sign up for the BabbaBox email newsletter, you’ll get the Digital subscription for FREE!

Or opt for the BabbaBox ($56.97) or the Premium Pack ($119.97) – both are delivered to your door with all crafts, activities, etc. included. Don’t Mess with Mama readers get 10% off. Just use coupon code SURVIVAL at checkout. Sign up for BabbaBox today.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by BabbaCo.

I’m generally a pretty happy and upbeat person.  Over the years I’ve had people tell me that in the midst of disaster or tragedy, I’m a sense of comfort since I’ve always got a smile on my face and some positive thoughts to offer.  I think it is flattering to be known as that person.

Maybe it’s my honed skills as professional PR gal that I never let them see me sweat. I kind of see it as my own personal superpower. See, if you lose your cool, you lose your power. My philosophy has always been not to sweat the big things, because most times there are many brilliant minds working to get the problem solved, and the problem always find a way to work themselves out (whether good or bad).

This “superpower” carries over into my life as a mom. I’m a pretty good problem solver. When it comes to my anything relating to my family or friends, I can quickly size up a situation and determine what the best option(s) would be.  The bigger and more serious the situation, the more “Zen” I get.

However, when it comes to the small, insignificant things that don’t have any real impact on my life – those are thing that can drive me absolutely crazy. What kinds of things you may be asking?

Here’s a little list of things that “bother” me:

• Chairs left pushed out from tables.

• Cabinets, drawers and closet drawers that are not quite closed all the way or those with “stuff” hanging out.

• That I sound like a broken record every night at dinner telling my kidlets to sit properly at the table and that there is no prize for the person who can shove all the food in their mouth and finish dinner first.

• Leaving the toilet seat up.

• People who do not send thank you notes, cards or letters for anything (even worse, people who don’t have their children send them).

• Empty wrappers, food containers, drink bottles; sheets of old printed directions or toys left in the car.

• People who don’t say “excuse me,” “please” or “thank you.”

I often wonder why these things bother me. I mean, if these are my “big problems” in life, I should really have nothing to complain about, right?

Now I realize that the first two on my list are probably due to my OCD about neatness and organization. The third because I feel like I’m not being listened to since I’m constantly asking them to not do these things. As for the others, well, what I can best conclude is that it is my way to blow off stress – to get aggravated at the small stuff so I can stay calm when the important things hit. I’m not saying that it’s constructive, but I guess it works for me.

Now it’s your turn to share.  What are the little things that bother you most?

Feature image credit: keroro666 / 123RF Stock Photo

This post brought to you by OraMD. 

In my journey to go more green, I never imagined going green with my toothpaste. I never gave it a second thought until my oldest son started brushing my teeth. Then, I started paying attention to everything that went into his  mouth. And that’s when I noticed it – the artificial dyes, the preservatives, the harsh chemicals. I couldn’t believe I had been using it for years.

So after that I slowly transitioned all of us to store-bought, all-natural and flouride-free toothpaste. And that’s what we’ve been using for years now.

Then I had the opportunity to try out OraMD. It’s unlike anything I had ever tried before. First, it’s a liquid toothpaste, mouthwash and breath freshener in one bottle and made with 100% pure ingredients, such as peppermint, spearmint and almond oils. The combination of these oils work to kill bacteria (peppermint oild has anti-bacterial properties and spearmint has anti-inflammatory properties) that can lead to gum disease and common oral health issues. Plus, these essential oils are all-natural and sourced in the US. There’s no alcohol, flouride, silica, GMOs or harsh chemicals in it. They’re safe for braces, veneers, bonds, crowns, fillings and dentures – as well as kids ages 3 years and up. It’s also vegan and not tested on animals.

I admit I was skeptical when I first got it. I followed the directions and brushed twice a day (morning and night) using 2-3 drops on my toothbrush. After rinsing with water, my teeth felt fresh and clean – and surprisingly polished and smooth. But then I really started to love the smooth feeling after each brush.

I also used OraMD as a mouthwash – just 2-5 drops plus and ounce of water to gargle. It was so refreshing. It can be used as a breath freshener with just 2-5 drops on the tip of the tongue and rubbed on the gum line – which is perfect for keeping teeth healthy and fresh on the go.

I can’t wait to try OraMD over the next few months and seeing the results at my dentist’s office. I actually have great teeth, but my husband’s always need work despite his excellent dental care routine.

Try OraMD for Free

Try OraMD by Trusted Health Products for yourself. The folks at OraMD are offering Don’t Mess with Mama readers a free bottle of the Original formula ($22.97 value) and two reports on holistic dental health (The 6 Hidden Dangers In Toothpaste and Why The FDA Requires A Warning Label On Your Toothpaste). Just pay $5.97 shipping and handling. Redeem this offer at OraMD.

Giveaway

I’m giving away three (3) bottles of OraMD Original to three (3) winners with shipping and handling included – so there are no costs to winners. US residents only. Must be 18 years of age or older. Enter using Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a bottle of OraMD to try for this review. I was not otherwise compensated. All opinions are my own. 

Disclaimer: Don’t Mess with Mama is not responsible for prize distribution or for sponsors who do not fulfill their prizes.

Feature image credit: kho / 123RF Stock Photo

Honestly, I wish someone pulled me aside after I had my first son and explained to me that my libido was going to take a nosedive. Or that sex was going to be uncomfortable. Or that laughing too hard would make me pee my pants – literally.

More importantly, I wish someone told me all those things were fixable – and not through surgery. I wish someone told me that just little things could make a big difference in making me feel like, well, me again.

So if you’re struggling with sex after childbirth, keep reading…

Tips for Having Sex After Childbirth

• Get more sleep. Chances are you’re not getting enough sleep with a newborn or infant. Take turns with your husband or partner to get more sleep – and the best advice: sleep when the baby sleeps. There’s no need to be super mom. Rest up to get your energy back.
• Get some exercise. It could be a walk around the neighborhood, yoga, zumba or whatever you like. Just remember to get the green light from your physician before starting. Exercise gives you a chance to get your body back into shape, reduce stress, decrease postpartum depression, and improve your mood and overall well-being.
• Find time for you. Whether it’s sitting in a cafe and enjoying a latte for an hour, going for a run or spending time with friends, it’s important for new moms to have a life outside of their kids. Avoid playing the martyr.
• Find ways to spark the romance. It could be reading romance novels (like me) or watching Jane Austen-inspired movies, whatever it is – go and do it to rekindle the romance in your relationship. Believe me, your partner will thank you for it. If you need some help figuring it out, check out my book recommendations on romance (yes, like Fifty Shades of Grey).
• Start doing kegel strengthening exercises. If you weren’t doing these before childbirth, start now. These are the key muscles that help to birth a baby but also help to get your vaginal muscles and pelvic floor back in shape. It can also help to prevent and reduce incontinence and make sex more enjoyable after childbirth. And consider taking it a step further by using kegel exercisers.

Why Use Kegel Exercisers

I admit that before Fifty Shades of Grey I had never heard of kegel exercisers (silver balls or Ben-Wa balls). But I met the folks from Lelo at the Natural Products Expo a few months ago and was impressed with their line of women’s intimate care products. Now what is an intimate line doing at the Natural Products Expo? Intimina Laselle Kegel Routine by Lelo are reusable and made with 100% body-safe silicone and phthalate free.

You can do kegel exercises on your own, but the Laselle kegel exercise routine is great for the next step in building up your pelvic floor strength. Plus, this kit comes three weighted balls that can be customized from easy to more challenging and a training guide to help you give your kegels a full workout. Read more about the Kegel Routine - the exercisers were really easy to use with the step-by-step directions from the guide.

In addition, I tried several products from the Intimina by Lelo, including feminine wash, accessory cleaner and  the Intimina Celesse Personal Massager (I’m a huge fan of this product and I’m not embarrassed to admit it – and neither should you).

And now you can try the Intimina Laselle Kegel Routine for yourself…

Giveaway

I’m giving away three (3) sets of Intimina Laselle Kegel Routine, Feminine Moisturizer and Accessory Cleaner ($56+ retail value). Three (3) winners will be chosen. US entries only. Must be 18 years of age or older. Enter using Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Don’t Mess with Mama is not responsible for shipping prize to winner, but I will make every effort to ensure the sponsor sends out the prize

Disclosure: I received a sample of the Intimina Kegel Routine and other Intimina products to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated. All opinions are my own.

Feature image credit: logos / 123RF Stock Photo