The Nourished Mother In Winter
A final February snow kept premature thoughts of spring away, but then we had a thaw and the sun is shining and 60 degree days are in the forecast. I am definitely feeling the shift. But alas, there will probably be plenty more snow and definitely more cold. There is still a bit of wintering to go here in the midwest.
This last stretch is always the hardest and requires the most intentionality to keep spirits up. I thought I would share some of the things that I have been loving this winter to keep myself nourished both physically and spiritually.
Magnesium Bicarbonate
Mitigate Stress’ Master Mineral Drink is a potent blend of magnesium bicarbonate, potassium, and sodium bicarbonates, enriched with added carbon dioxide for enhanced absorption. It is the most bio-available magnesium and is one of my favorite things I’ve added to my routine especially as a breastfeeding mother that is focusing on minerals & hydration. A serving size (1 tablespoon) in a glass of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice or orange juice is the most delightful winter treat. It makes it fizzy and fun to drink while giving my body important minerals in the most absorbable form, keeping me hydrated and happy. I look forward to this part of my routine every day! Use my code KAETLYN at checkout for 10% off your Mitigate Stress purchase.
Calendula Salve
Calendula is winter skin’s best friend. Or maybe archenemy. What I mean is it is sure to heal all the cracks and crinkles that this dry time of year brings! I use our Homestead Calendula Salve on my face morning and evening (literally the only “skincare” item I use), on dry hands and feet, and I also use it on baby as well. Dry patches, diaper redness, general moisturizer after baths... I love all of our herbal salves but calendula is definitely my most reached-for with it’s anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial, and anti-viral properties.
NORA Tea
NORA = Nettle, Oat straw, Red raspberry leaf, Alfalfa. Four herbs that are rich in minerals and highly nourishing especially when used for women’s health, in many life stages, although it’s most commonly related to pregnancy and postpartum. Even though I’m well out of my fourth trimester, I’m still focusing heavily on replenishing minerals after pregnancy and birth and while breastfeeding. With the addition of lemon and hibiscus, I find myself absolutely craving this tea each afternoon. I make a big pot and sip until dinner time. A true delight! Read about the benefits of each of the herbs here:
Fresh Milled Flour
I’ve had my grain mill for quite a few years now, but I’m finally using it more frequently as I am on a journey to switch to (mostly) fresh milled flour in all my baking. I’ve started with any bread or baked good that isn’t fermented (sourdough) and I’m using either einkorn berries or soft white berries that I purchase from Azure. I’ve been mostly trying to convert recipes I already know and love, but I’m also trying new ones here and there. I made this brownie recipe over the weekend and it’s definitely a keeper! I’m looking forward to seeing the gut-healing benefits of removing white flour from our diets.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Because I try my best to source the highest quality ingredients for our household pantry, I find that what is normally a “treat food” can actually be deeply nourishing. These BBQ Chicken Nachos are AMAZING. I use local pastured chicken, raw cheddar that I buy in bulk, an organic BBQ sauce, seed-oil free corn chips made with organic corn that has been properly prepared (nixtamalization), jalapenos I have in the freezer from last year’s garden…swap the queso for sour cream and top with chopped cilantro and green onions (two things I do buy fresh all winter long). Filling enough that they can be a fun weekend dinner but also easy enough to throw together for a quick weekday lunch. Truly can’t stop thinking about them every time I make them!
Red Light Bulbs
No, not the extremely expensive trendy red lights. Just a simple red incandescent light bulb. Bright enough that I can read by but gentle enough that baby can sleep soundly next to me while I do so. Learning about the body’s circadian rhythm especially in the childbearing years has been my hyperfixation as of late and has connected so many dots between issues both baby and I had during pregnancy & postpartum. Even though I’ve always been a strict no-big-light-lamps-only girly, red light has taken bedtime to another level.
My Utmost for His Highest
For Christmas my husband got me a vintage copy of Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it! It was very straightforward and to-the-point compared to Charles Spurgeon’s flowery and artistic language in Morning & Evening (which is what I’ve been using for quite a few years now.) But I gave it a chance and let me tell you it has been so rich! I loved February’s entries so much and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds. February 9th was particularly encouraging to my motherhood season :) I highly recommend the classic version rather than the updated. It’s easy enough to understand and I truly believe we should honor an author’s original writing, old or not.
So tell me dear readers, what has been nourishing your body & spirit this winter? I’d love to know. Talk soon!
—Kaetlyn 🕊️
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