About Amanda

I'm Amanda. I started Natural Mommie in 2009 and have been turning mommies from eco-weak to eco-chic ever since! Having an intense addiction to sparkly pink strawberry flavored lipgloss and never claiming to be perfectly green I vowed to not give up my hip mama self once I became a mom and wanted to bring a little more organic into my life. My closet still isn’t full of organic cotton and bamboo, but it’s getting there!

cucumber water

It's one thing adding a slice of cucumber to a glass of water you've just poured, but it's quite another waking up to a pitcher of ice cold water that's been infusing for 8 hours in the fridge. What a way to start the morning. My children agree  :) - 1/2 cucumber - 2 liters of water Slice your cucumber. For extra cucumbery-goodness, slice again in halves. Add to a pitcher of 2 liters of filtered water (preferably covered so it doesn't taste like the fridge) and allow to infuse … [Read more...]

8

I think most children are in their element when they're outside, especially when they're with a mama who is equally as excited to be out exploring for worms and ladybugs under mossy logs. Finally, our daily forest walks are back in full swing. We're busy for 2.5 hours each day pounding on logs for ladybugs.... (mama's empty coffee mug makes the perfect home) ...tightrope walking over fallen branches... ...to find the perfect spot to rest for snacks. Cheers to flowery rubber … [Read more...]

granola

I've been working really hard to actually sit down and enjoy my meals and snacks but as a busy mom this isn't always easy. Usually I'm up and down a million times after I sit at the table - someone spills something, throws something, needs something, chokes on something, doesn't like something....you know the drill. But breakfasts have been a little different lately though since we've been trying out some new muesli from Dorset Cereals. The kids LOVE them and actually sit still and eat nicely … [Read more...]

mini garden

I have a lot of dirty little rubber boots lined up on my deck right now but not because we've been busy setting up our garden. Nope. I am really terrible at making things grow. This year when the thought of growing our own garden popped into my head (yet again), I said to myself that I just have to dive right in there, figure it out and see if we can make it work. The boys would love the experience and really it can't be that hard, can it? Since this is all new to me and have no clue where to … [Read more...]

weekend 1

Being active is a huge part of our family life. And really, I have no choice but to keep up since I'm outnumbered by 3 busy boys (husband included since he's really just a big kid). With crazy, loud boys who run full tilt ALL. THE. TIME. it's impossible for me to get anything done during the day, so it's easy to be active and keep going; I have no choice  ;) See? Basketball and bike rides after church? Why not. 3 hour long Sunday afternoon bike ride adventures will be … [Read more...]

birthday gifts

If ever I get a chance to go shopping alone, usually my first stop is Chapters Indigo. It's quiet, tranquil and there are always the most beautiful things to look at -- gorgeous home decor, elegant candles, aromatherapy bath and body products, health and wellness items, yoga accessories and pretty much everything makes the perfect gift for someone. But the areas of the store that I always spend the most time in? The baby section... Since I can always find adorable organic … [Read more...]

vanilla perfume

One of the most searched posts on Natural Mommie is how to make vanilla perfume. Since it's so popular I thought I'd pull it from The Archives and share it with you again today for any new readers who haven't come across it yet. Enjoy! Ever since The Body Shop reformulated their vanilla perfume from smelling like actual vanilla beans that was really lovely and caramelly in the early 90s to their current flowery vanilla that’s on their shelves now, I’ve been on the hunt for a “real” … [Read more...]

madison cowan

It's not everyday I get to interview an Iron Chef America winner, celebrity chef and someone who's currently gracing the screens with a captivating new show (No Kitchen Required) ! So suffice it to say I was beyond thrilled to have a chat with Chef Madison Cowan to discuss cooking! Chef Madison is known for cooking from the soul with love and passion and it shines through each and every one of the meals he creates - especially for his family at home. Madison is a dedicated dad to a beautiful 5 … [Read more...]

earth_day_sale_blog

Mamas! Lavish & Lime is having a sitewide 20% off sale starting today until Sunday night! AND with every purchase you'll receive a free compostable toothbrush (turns into organic soil in 180 days!) Start shopping and use the code #EARTH in the checkout! And don't forget to enter to win a $50 gift certificate here. … [Read more...]

aidan's pants

But why did he have to sneak out with MY boots on when there are 14 pairs of rubber boots to choose from? Oh well, he had fun...he came in smelling like fresh air and a puppy who rolled in mud. My boots were on their way out anyways. Now tell me -- what's your best tip for getting muck stains out of jeans? More life with boys pictures:   wordless wednesday: getting used to my boys being boys (7) around the house with my boys (5.4) i’m a mom of boys {the state of my house} … [Read more...]