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The Mum Life
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detox mums diet

Five Steps To Getting Your Health Back On Track

by TheMumLife July 17, 2020

There is no denying that the recent crisis has been an assault on our physical and mental health. We have been exposed to unprecedented levels of stress that put considerable pressure on the body. Add to this eating and drinking the wrong things, and you start to see how Corona-life has really started to negatively impact our health. It was certainly not what we had planned when we were setting our health goals for 2020!

Stress, toxins and poor nutrition can lead to serious chronic inflammation and stubborn weight gain, and cause even the healthiest immune system to falter. All this at a time when we should be looking after our health more than ever.

As we pass the halfway point of the year, it feels like it’s time to press the reboot button, and move forward into the final months of 2020 with renewed health and vitality.

foods for mums

Here are Mummy Mojo’s five steps to getting your health back on track:

  1. Take preventative measures to manage stress. Stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on our health, particularly our immune system. Use mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety and keep calm. Focus on what you can control in the present moment, and away from worrying about things in the future that you cannot control. Practicing meditation and breathing exercises will help to keep stress hormones in check. There are many mindfulness practices that you can do with your kids or incorporate them into your busy day.

 

  1. Give your gut some love. 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. When your gut microbiome is out of balance your entire system can suffer. Support a healthy gut by taking a good quality probiotic, and eat organic, nutritious food containing lots of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Reduce alcohol, processed foods, sugar, gluten, and other food allergens. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Genzon water filters are particularly beneficial as this system contains colloidal silver stones that help support a healthy immune system.

 

  1. Maintain balance in your life. During this period of lockdowns and restrictions, and with the boundary between work and home life becoming increasingly blurred, it has been hard to stick to any sort of self-care routine. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night, get daily fresh air, and exercise regularly. Set a daily routine that dedicates time to you and your self-care. Think about your physical, spiritual and mental needs, and book an appointment with yourself every day to honour them. All of these will improve overall health and build a strong immune system.

 

  1. Take immune-boosting supplements. Taking certain supplements such as vitamin C (up to 2 grams a day), E and D, Echinacea and zinc can help build a strong immune system. A lack of vitamin C has been known to increase susceptibility to viruses and add to an increased risk of influenza infections. To further increase absorption of vitamin C, including oranges, kiwi fruit, capsicum and pineapple in your diet. These are perfect for smoothies, lunch boxes, and after school snacks. Drinking bone broth is also beneficial to the immune system.

 

  1. Do a detox. A full body detox such as the 30-Day Mojo Detox from Mummy Mojo will clean up every organ in your body, boost your immune system, and help you release stored toxic fat in the process – just what you need to give your health a total reboot and get your weight goals back on track.

mum needs fruit and veg

This special edition winter detox with additional immune-boosting support is filled with delicious and nourishing soups, curries, smoothies and stews that the whole family will love. It comes complete with weekly meal plans, shopping lists, and a recipe book for every breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack, to make life that little bit easier for busy mums.

A clear head, deep, restful sleep, weight loss, glowing skin, a surge of energy and a general feeling of wellbeing are just some of the side effects of doing a full body detox. It is everything you need to reset your metabolism, smash your weight loss goals, and achieve your best health!

The 30-Day Mojo Detox kicks off on 27th July. Pop over to Mummy Mojo to find out more.

Thanks

Debbie X

 

 

Check out Mummy Mojo’s socials below!

https://facebook.com/mummimojo

https://instagram.com/mummy_mojo

 

T

 

 

 

July 17, 2020 0 comment
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Balance Board

The Benefits of a Balance Board

by TheMumLife June 16, 2020

Curved wooden balance boards are believed to have first been used by the children in Waldorf Steiner schools. As the benefits of using these balance boards became more widely known we have seen them grow in popularity and use.

Here are just some of the benefits of using a wooden balance board:

EXERCISE

They provide a great form of exercise as your child rocks, balances and climbs the board. They are particularly useful at increasing strength and core stability, improving balance and reflexes, fostering gross motor coordination and weight distribution, and developing spatial awareness and proprioception. There are even entire kid’s exercise and yoga programs designed around the balance board!

Balance boards are also perfect when the weather means you can’t get outdoors but the kiddies still need to expend some energy.

Several studies have even been conducted looking into the physical benefits of using a balance board. This study on athletes found that using a balance board was effective in the prevention of ankle sprains.

 

BALANCE

As explained by the children’s occupational therapy team at KidSense

“Balance is the ability to maintain a controlled body position during task performance, whether it is sitting at a table, walking the balance beam or stepping up onto a kerb.”

 

They go on to explain that mastering this fundamental skill is important in allowing the child to do such things as participating in sports, moving their body fluidly, riding a bike and performing basic daily tasks.

It makes sense that standing on a moving curved surface would be a great way to help develop balance, and this study conducted on 6-year-olds demonstrated that the use of a balance board has been found to improve static balance in children.

Kinderboard

Kinderboard

ENCOURAGES PLAY

A wooden balance board is a fantastic, open-ended resource that can really inspire all types of imaginative and constructive play. While adults sometimes only see a curved piece of wood, a child will see a:

  • Slide
  • Bridge
  • Tunnel to crawl under
  • Seesaw
  • Boat
  • Bed
  • Rocker
  • Ramp for their cars
  • Wall for their pretend house
  • Mountain to climb
  • Foundation for their block tower
  • Cot for their doll
  • and sooooo much more
wooden balance board

wooden balance board

HELPS CHILDREN TO WIND DOWN

After countless hours of rocking your little one to sleep, I’m sure we can all attest to the soothing power of gentle movement.

The rocking motion of a wooden balance board has a beautifully calming effect and can be used to help children relax and wind down. You can also pop a few cushions and a blanket on the board to create a comfy little nest that your child will enjoy snuggling into with an interesting book or some soothing music to listen to.

Parents, therapists and teachers are even using balance boards in helping to reduce symptoms and improve concentration in children with ADHD.

As you can see, wooden balance boards truly are a wonderful investment for your child. They provide opportunities for both active and quiet play, as well as fostering numerous developmental milestones and skills.

Check out our collection of wooden balance boards here.

 

Do you have a balance board? What is the most creative way you have seen your little ones use it?

 

Christie x

 

EXTERNAL LINKS

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8399887

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329843465

https://childdevelopment.com.au

June 16, 2020 0 comment
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books to read to kids

Why It’s Great To Read With Your Children

by TheMumLife May 23, 2020

Reading with your children from when they are first born (and even earlier) is one of the best ways to expose them to language, and set the foundations for them being able to talk and communicate as they grow.

 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

 

Here are some other reasons why it’s great to read with your children:

IT HELPS THEIR DEVELOPMENT

Countless studies have been done demonstrating the positive effects that taking the time to read with your children can have on their language and brain development. This University of Melbourne study found that reading to children at a young age has a positive effect on their schooling in later life. The study also suggests that reading to your 4-5 year old on a daily basis can accelerate their reading development by almost 12 months. Pretty incredible!

My School Yearbook

My School Yearbook

 

PERFECT FOR BONDING TIME

Some days seem to whizz by in a flurry of doing ‘stuff’, and it’s sometimes easy to feel like you haven’t spent enough time with the kiddies. Slowing down and sitting together for some quiet reading time is a lovely way to reconnect and bond with your little loves after a hectic day.

 

IT’S SIMPLE AND EASY

As parents, sometimes we feel like setting up Pinterest inspired craft activities, creating Instagram worthy ‘invitations to play’ and constructing amazing indoor obstacle courses, and sometimes…. we just don’t. That’s the beauty of reading, it’s so simple and all you need is a book and a peaceful place to sit!

 

Check out our blog post on how to use our fabric canopies to create a gorgeous reading space you will love. 

 

HELPS YOUR CHILD UNDERSTAND THE WORLD

Books can be used as an amazing tool to help children understand important events that may be occurring around them. There are some great books available that deal with everything from a new baby on the way, toilet training, starting school, or losing a pet. Sharing these with your children can be a wonderful way to help them make sense of their world and how they are feeling.

rock n roll abc book

Rock n Roll ABC book


SCREEN FREE TIME

It can sometimes be a bit (or a lot) of a battle to keep our kiddies away from screens. There’s the TV, computer, tablet, and phone, and now with a lot of children attending online classes due to Covid-19, screen time has only increased.

 

Introducing books and reading with your children from an early age is a great way to get them hooked on the joy of reading and encourage them away from being heavily reliant on screens for entertainment.

 

 “So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” – Roald Dahl

 

Now that you know all the fantastic reasons that books are so important. Check out some of my favourites here. 

 

What is your favourite children’s book to read with your children?

 

Christie xx

 

EXTERNAL LINKS 

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/research/readtoyoungchild.pdf

 

May 23, 2020 0 comment
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Lunch Box cookbbok

School Lunches

by TheMumLife May 13, 2020

Get ready for School Lunches

Fruit break / Crunch N Sip whatever your state calls it, this usually needs to a piece of fruit or a small container (snack Size) that will sit on their desk separate to their actual lunchbox.

We like to use the small Tupperware snack cups with the lid, or the Sistema Klip It in 400m; size – these are a better size for carrot & celery sticks

Many schools won’t have cutlery so you will need to supply these as well – or make it fun and use some Food Forks! 

For lunches, I like to be organised and make a few different batches of snacks to freeze. Cooking up big batches of things like scrolls, muffins, and slices will not only save you money but will save you a ton of time in the morning. Plus the added bonus of knowing what’s in them #nonastys

You can also make sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them too (these just need to be glad wrapped individually, before popping into an airtight container. Ham & Cheese freezes really well – TIP – Don’t try lettuce!

If you just take a google search you can look up heaps of recipes for school lunches, or do as I do and grab Kat’s copy of LUNCH BOX RECIPES COOKBOOK. The cookbook includes over 50 freezer-friendly recipes that make for perfect no-fridge, no-heat lunches ideal for school, work, or even picnics!

Click here to go to have a look at the book yourself LUNCH BOX RECIPES COOKBOOK.

If you need to occasionally dress up your vegemite sandwiches then a sandwich cutter comes in really handy! My kids love these!! You can make sandwich shapes from cookie cutters, like stars, or their Initials, or even a dinosaur cutter Rahhhh..

 

 

Most of all – Have fun with School Lunches you may be doing it for 13 years plus!

 

Christie

xx

May 13, 2020 0 comment
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Car mechanic for mums

Six Signs Your Car Needs a Mechanic

by TheMumLife March 12, 2020

As much as you may like driving your car around town, it’s true that it relies on you just as much as you enjoy jumping in behind the wheel.

The question for Aussie mums to answer is how familiar are you with your vehicle? How do you know if your car needs to see a mechanic right now, and what can wait until your next scheduled service?

Here are the six signs to consider:

 

Let’s Start With The Basics

Aussie mum guide to mechanical issues

Dashboard Warning Lights:  Most of us jump in the car, turn the ignition and zoom to school drop off, Saturday sport or the shops without even glancing down besides maybe to make sure we have enough petrol in the tank.

Routinely taking the time to watch the dashboard lights and signals will help you identify what lights are ‘normal’ and what lights haven’t newly appeared.

When you see a warning light of any kind on the dashboard,  consult the owner’s manual first to find out a possible cause and if it’s something you can solve yourself, otherwise you’ll know by the description in the handbook if you need to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic.

TIP: If you have lost the owner’s manual, a quick google search with the make and model of your car can usually find an online pdf version, here is just one example site.

 

Signs of Transmission Trouble:

The following symptoms related to both manual and automatic transmission cars.

Signs to watch, feel and listen out for:

  • Rough shifting between the gears
  • Delayed shifting
  • Burning smell or if the engine revs up and down before you have touched the pedal

Any sign of transmission trouble should be checked immediately. Please note, these are just some basics and other symptoms can appear. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always worth having your usual mechanic check it for you.

 

Smoke or Burning Smells:

Should there be an unusual smoke or burning smell noticeable both inside and outside of your car, you should have this inspected by a professional mechanic immediately. If you’re in Melbourne, Australia for example, you can search for a mechanic here. You can find links to other states and cities there also.

Dark exhaust fumes that are not just condensation on a cooler morning also relates to this point and is another sign that at least a general service is required.

 

Leaning or Pulling:

Most Australian cars will slightly pull or “drift” to the left if you were to loosen your grip and see where your car starts to drift/pull too. However, if your car is pulling to the right or pulls in any direction that would require you to correct it quickly this is a sign that maybe your tyres need more air, or there’s a bigger mechanical issue that needs the attention of wheels and tyre specialist.

Squealing or Grinding Breaks:

This is one of the more noticeable symptoms your car needs attention. When you push the brakes to slow down and you hear a screeching-squealing sound every time, it’s a sign your brakes need attention. This can be temporary if there is a build-up of dust and can go away. However, recurring noise should be checked.

If you hear a metal on metal grinding noise, this is usually more severe and it’s time to take your car mechanic or have a mechanic come to you.

Vibrating or Shaking:

There are numerous causes when it comes to shakes or vibration coming through the steering wheel or across the car in general.

Vibrations can be caused by worn mounts, old or broken suspension, engine timing belts on older cars amongst other possibilities.

A new car should purr like a kitten, while an older car will have more vibrations naturally. If the vibrations are bigger than what you’d expect or suddenly worse, that’s your sign to book in an inspection.

 

Four More (Slightly) Advanced Symptoms to Look Out For:
Does your car need to see a mechanic

1 – Sulfur:
Any smell of Sulfur might indicate battery issues. Have your car battery checked, or if you know it’s been several years you can consider having the battery replaced or along with your next regular service.

2 – Sweet Smell:
Be able to differentiate the smell from a car perfume and an engine coolant. This gives you the advantage of identifying issues concerning radiator leaks and engine coolant. Be sure to check your coolant levels regularly to prevent engine overheating in unnecessary situations.

3 – Steering Feels Loose:  
When you drive your car every day or once a week, you know what your steering feels like to turn when the car is in motion and when the car is stationary.
Any noticeable change to your normal steering could be as simple as you having a flat tyre and it needed to be pumped up or changed. If after walking around your car and finding all the tyres look inflated, drive your car to your local mechanic if it’s safe to do so.
TIP: A screeching sound when turning the steering wheel could be easily fixed by topping up the power steering fluid to the level marked on the container under the bonnet.

4 – Ticking or squealing sounds:
Ticking and squealing sounds are indicators that belts that help run your car engine or different parts of the mechanics need replacing. The rubber belts themselves are not expensive however replacing them will require a mechanic for the average person.

 

These are just a handful of the most common noises, smells and other symptoms you can feel and encounter when driving your car.

It would be impossible to cover everything about every car available for import and sold in Australia. However, common sense will always need to be a factor. If you need to find a trusted mechanic anywhere in Australia you can search on this website.

If there’s a sudden change with your car or anything looks, feels or seems unsafe to you or to other people using our roads, book your car in for an inspection with a nearby and local mechanic.

March 12, 2020 1 comment
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  • Five Steps To Getting Your Health Back On Track

    July 17, 2020
  • The Benefits of a Balance Board

    June 16, 2020
  • Why It’s Great To Read With Your Children

    May 23, 2020
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    May 13, 2020
  • Six Signs Your Car Needs a Mechanic

    March 12, 2020

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