From the Editor:

June is hectic and I'm getting this out at the last minute! I have two birthdays - my big boys have them a week apart. Asher is 6 and Brennan is 4. I really can't believe so much time has flown by. I remember when my Cassidy was just a little toddler and Asher was a newborn. Life had a sweet, peaceful quality in those quiet days when it was just the three of us.

Life now is really not termed "peaceful" - in a house with four children things are always rocking. But we do have a pretty good routine during the school year and I enjoy that time. But summer has come in full swing and peaceful days are long gone - as is most of our schedule.

I'm enjoying being out in the garden, and getting some goals I'd put on hold during the school year accomplished. I've even been contemplating starting another related website to be a sister site to Natural Birth and Baby Care. Scott is encouraging me to go for it, so as long as I finish up some projects for NBBC this month I will - I'll keep you up to date!

Right now I'm working on a special report going over three home-study childbirth courses and how they compare. I'm excited to share that with you. I've also been trying a new baby carrier out so look for a review on that soon. And finally I hope to get some articles on unassisted birth up over the next few weeks. Let me know your feedback on these things - or on anything! I'm always happy to hear from you!

~Kristen

Contact Me

Featured Articles

EC'ing Galen - my 7 month update on EC'ing with my little man.

Feeding Galen - Galen is taking his first tastes of solid foods... based on traditional, nutrient-dense food recommendations!

Trainers - I know you've been waiting for this and I've finally finished Galen's little home-made trainers. Here's the post, with links to free patterns.

Birth Stories - As always, be sure to visit the birth stories. There are a couple of exciting new ones this month (check the bottom of the page). I love getting your birth stories - feel free to send them in.

I'd also love to know your opinion on the birth story page. There are quite a few up there. Do you like how they're sorted? Would it be easier for you if I used some categories (such as hospital, birth center, home, etc?) Let me know what you think!

Product Reviews

As I mentioned above, I have a special report coming where I'm going to give you the info you need to decide which home study childbirth course is the best fit for you. I'm going to profile my top 3 choices in the report - I trust all 3 of them. I've already written a review on 2, and I'm linking those below. You'll have to wait until next month to find out the third - and to see the full special report!

The Pink Kit

Hypnobabies

Book Reviews

I would be lying to say I haven't been reading any books - the truth is I've been reading tons. I've just been reading things that don't directly have to do with pregnancy, birth, and babies.

I've received a couple of books in for review this month, however, so look for some reviews next month. I'm also working through a postpartum fitness book and look for a review on that soon :)

Do you have any books you want me to review for you? I want to hear it!

Featured Recipe

Blackened Chicken Seasoning

This chicken seasoning is so very good. Just sprinkle it on top of your baked chicken (I highly recommend skin-on chicken; it's very good and very good for you). I make this seasoning up in big batches and sprinkle it liberally over our chicken parts.

Serve your chicken with sauerkraut and a green salad to the side - it's delicious!

2 Tablespoons salt 1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground black pepper 1 tablespoon white pepper 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1/2 tablespoon paprika

Mix together and store in a bag or empty spice container. Sprinkle liberally over chicken parts. If you're *not* using chicken with the skin on I recommend melting some butter or coconut oil and pouring it over your chicken, then sprinkle spices on.

In general you can bake chicken parts at 350 degrees for 1 hour. If you're roasting a whole chicken cook it at 425 degrees for 1 hour then check with a meat thermometer!

Featured Links

Well I updated the pictures on my About-Me page so I'll give you a link - click here! ;)

All in all I've spent this month reading more about gardening and household matters than about anything related to baby. So let me ask you - email me if you have a great link you'd like to see featured.

How about a forum you enjoy posting on. Do you have a forum you post on? Or do you feel a need for one that "fits" you more? I like to feature forums where you can get support. One of the big "natural" forums out there is experiencing some problems with rule changes right now and I'd love to hear of other, smaller forums that you feel support you as a mom - or what you'd like to see in a forum.

Let me know your thoughts!

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Send it along to a friend! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions! Have a great month :D

Thanks,

Kristen, Editor