Child of the Universe Positive Parenting ed 39

*FREE ONLINE MAG *ISSUE 40 *NOVEMBER 2017

Mindfulness IN A BUSY WORLD Watch Nature Grow

Amazing video

Teenage Tips for Single Parents

MILLION TREE CAMPAIGN FOR SCHOOLS

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Much Love

Linda

contents PEACEFUL PARENTING Tips for Single Parents Raising Teens Mindfulness in a Busy World Internet Safety – Are your kids protected?

EDUCATIONAL TOYS AND TRAINING Educational fun toys KIDDIE CARE First Aid and CPR training for everyone Summer is here! Learn to swim NATURAL HEALTH Unburden your Body GREEN LIVING Million Tree Campaign for Schools Watch Nature Grow in ‘Slo-Mo’ on this video clip Feed The Birds in your Garden YUMMY TUMMY Cooking with Kids Recipe for Yummy Cloud Bread OUT & ABOUT Sugar Bay Camps with fun Themes Stage shows for the whole family Holidays around South Africa ANIMAL WORLD What is “Hippotherapy” and Horse Riding for Therapy REACH OUT Time to give a little – Animals and Causes that need your help

Single Parenting: Tips for Managing Back to School with Teenagers

By Renee Brown

All parents love the beginning of summer; no more homework monitoring! No keeping track of band instruments! A break from packing lunches (unless, of course, your kid’s summer activities require that). The switch in routine comes just in time, right after that hectic-as-heck May in which you faithfully attend all those choir and orchestra concerts, and join your teens in stressing over finals.

And then summer rolls in and we soak up the change in routine.

All that brilliant sunlight and fresh air wears everyone out, and the kids’ summer sports and jobs burn up their energy tanks. But before we know it the calendar flips to August, and we feel back to school coming on like a brand-new mosquito bite.

Usually it hits during the part of summer when we parents need it most. My boys would be at the point of being super squirrely from not enough brain stimulation without school and this always thrust sibling rivalry into overdrive. The start of a new school year is super exciting, expensive, and filled with anxiety. Now that my kids are college-aged, I thought about what it was I did as a single mom that helped us transition easier to a new season.

First off, the morning routine is just plain difficult, as a summer of lazy sleeping in is hard to recover from. I tried a lot of things to encourage an earlier bedtime, and found that melatonin, white noise, and no screens an hour before bed helped everyone get to sleep much quicker.

All through my boys’ school years I made a big deal out of the first day of school, which always included orange juice in champagne flutes (the first year I did this, my youngest, beside himself with shock yelled, “You’re giving us WINE?!”) They got the fanciest plates we owned, and I also cooked something extra special and out-of-the-norm for a weekday, such as French toast or breakfast burritos.

At both boys’ place settings, they had a letter waiting for them that I had written the night before. The letter talked about the upcoming school year, and how much they had to look forward to. Of course, I took pictures, including one with them holding their sign declaring what grade they were in. It’s hilarious to see how my sons went from being totally cooperative and holding their signs up high, to the teen years where their expressions clearly noted they were way too cool for mom’s silly routines.

My kids usually ate school lunches, but I always packed one for the first day. It had treats we didn’t normally have in the pantry, such as fruit leather, homemade muffins and Hershey’s Kisses.

That evening we celebrated big time – maybe even with an ice cream cake or takeout pizza.

As teens, the boys were certainly not as verbose as they had been in their younger years, but generally they would be willing to share about their courses, teachers, and which friends they had in their classes. On a good night, I’d successfully talk them into a dance party, or a neighborhood walk, sans phones.

As for the expensive part of back to school— clothes and school supplies—this is definitely tricky. I was fortunate in having two boys who were fine with solid color Mead spiral notebooks and folders versus the fancier supplies. I spent some serious time scouting out the best sales for the must-have items, and ignored the rest. We bought those super expensive graphing calculators used off of Amazon (and sold ours there as well). After some years of experience under my belt, I was able to discern what supplies on the “required” list weren’t needed at all. It helps to talk to parents whose kids are a grade or two higher to learn what you can avoid purchasing.

It’s hilarious to see how my sons went from being totally cooperative and holding their signs up high, to the teen years where their expressions clearly noted they were way too cool for mom’s silly routines.

When it came to buying new clothes, I always got the boys new socks and underwear when they went on sale at Target. We took full advantage of discount shoe stores who ran buy-one-get-one-free sales.

We also patronized the thrift shops that catered to teens; this alone saved me hundreds of dollars in clothes. And I always seemed to have friends with older boys who were happy to bring over a bag of hand-me-downs. All in all, I didn’t go crazy buying a lot of clothes; I got them enough shirts and jeans to get by until their birthdays and Christmas, where grandparents filled in the gaps with clothing items on the boys’ wish lists.

I think if parents show excitement for a new school year, then the kids will pick up on that and share the enthusiasm. I always tried to talk in positive terms; when my boys would express concern over something new and scary, I would tell them “I know you’ll be able to figure it out and do your best.” It is a very hectic time of the year, but investing the extra time and effort to show your kids that school is fun and important will go a long way towards fostering their love of learning.

Renee lives in Minneapolis and has two young adult sons, Sam and Zachary, plus three obstinate felines.

She is a senior account executive in advertising and an avid reader, creative writer, and yoga enthusiast.

By Susanne van Niekerk

Having recently embarked on a course of Mindfulness training to try and find sense in this forever busy and frenetic world, I am struck again and again by the links between our ideal Montessori practice and being mindful.

Mindfulness in itself is generally defined as the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

Mindfulness is also defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.

Consider the first definition - the quality or state of being conscious. The shift in the child from unconscious to conscious learning at the start of the social embryonic stage gives rise to a new dimension of being ‘conscious’ that applies to both the child and the adult. For the child, the increasing awareness of control of body and mind, and the development of the will and selfdiscipline comes with purposeful and mindful activity within a favourable environment.

Anyone observing a three-year-old child working with an activity of everyday living will see the child’s total engagement not just in the activity itself, but also in this present moment. What we as adults see as the analysis of movement (something we were taught to do in teacher training college), the child savours by being totally present in that very moment.

This is the core of mindfulness training!

The child at the moment of purposeful engagement, mindfully engages hand and mind for the purpose of the process. Not the product. The process. No wonder that this ‘work’ releases within the child such peace and calm. The characteristics of the normalised child are very much the characteristics of the state of mindfulness too – the focus of one’s awareness on the present moment, calmly accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. It is fitting therefore that Montessori stated implicitly that the role of the adult included being the guardian angel of the concentrating (engaging) child’s soul!

Montessori also speaks constantly of the spiritual preparation needed by the adult working with children. This is also a form of mindfulness. If we are to be in the present moment, acknowledging and accepting our feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations, what do we need to do?

The Montessori adult needs to firstly be aware. We need to be aware of ourselves. Who are we?

What do we believe in? Where does this belief come from? Are we secure in who and what we actually are, and stand for? Hand in hand with this comes an awareness of others in our environment. Children, parents, peers… This awareness needs to include the awareness of the fact that each of these beings has their own set of beliefs, morals, and traditions. Our awareness of who we are should therefore allow us to see and accept others for who and what they are without having the need to try and change these persons to be who or what we want them to be.

This also does not mean that we necessarily need to change who we are. If improvements to the original can be made, then by all means, we should make them. But, what is more important, is that we are conscious. We need to be conscious of who and what we are. We need to be conscious of our prejudices, of stereotyping, and most certainly of discriminating. By being aware and conscious, the Montessori adult is better equipped to allow the child to be. There is no word missing in the previous sentence – we need to allow the child to BE.

The child comes into the world relatively useless (physically), unintelligent (mentally) and unsympathetic (socially). The child also comes into the world armed with innate ‘tools’ that allow her/him to adapt to the world. As the Montessori adults we therefore need awareness of how this transition happens. We need awareness of the planes of development, sensitive parenting, child development, the importance of play and of supporting the child’s human tendencies and sensitive periods. Only with this awareness can we be truly conscious in being part of the child’s moment. Only with this awareness can we consciously be truly present.

Now, in the 3rd month of 2017, in the midst of country and world turmoil, let us all aim to be more mindful – for ourselves, for the child, and for the Earth.

If You Would Grow - Shine the Light of Loving Self-Care on Yourself If you would grow to your best self Be patient, not demanding Accepting, not condemning Nurturing, not withholding Self-marveling, not belittling Gently guiding, not pushing and punishing For you are more sensitive than you know Mankind is as tough as war yet delicate as flowers We can endure agonies but we open fully only to warmth and light And our need to grow Is as fragile as a fragrance dispersed by storms of will To return only when those storm are still So, accept, respect, and attend your sensitivity A flower cannot be opened with a hammer.

(Daniel F. Mead)

5 Myths and Truths About Kids' Internet Safety Help keep your kids' online experiences positive and productive by learning the truth (and ignoring the rumors) about what really makes them safe.

By Caroline Knorr

If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cyber-corner.

Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there's a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a "techno-panic mindset" that worries parents unnecessarily. The bottom line is that we can't keep our kids safe if we don't know the facts. Here are the five most popular myths about Internet safety -- and the truths that can set your worries free.

Myth: Social media turns kids into cyberbullies.

Truth: There are many reasons why a kid might cyberbully, and social media is just a convenient way to do the dirty work.

The reality is that kids who engage in this behavior typically have something else going on that compels them to act out. They might be in crisis -- at home, at school, or otherwise socially. They may also be bullying in person, or they may have an underdeveloped sense of empathy. Awareness of a cyberbully's circumstances -- though not excusing the behavior -- can help parents and educators recognize the warning signs and potentially intervene before it goes too far.

Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online.

Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances.“ Myth: Social media alienates kids.

Truth: Most kids say social media strengthens their relationships.

Most kids want to have fun, hang out, and socialize normally online -- and in fact, according to the Pew Research Internet Project, that's what the majority is doing.

Check out these comforting stats: • • •

57 percent of all teens have made new friends online 84 percent of boys who play networked games with friends feel more connected when they play online 68 percent of teen social media users have had online friends support them through tough or challenging times

And how about the kids who've fought cyberbullying and used the Internet for a social cause? More and more, kids are harnessing the power of the online world -and busting up a few myths along the way.

Myth: It’s dangerous to post pictures of your kids online.

Truth: If you use privacy settings, limit your audience, and don't ID your kids, it’s pretty safe.

Although it's true that posting anything online invites some risks, there are ways to limit them if you're smart about how you do it.

But don't think they get you off the hook. Continue to discuss responsible, respectful online behavior, set rules and consequences for misbehavior, and train your kid to manage his or her own usage.

•

Educator and Parent of a 18+ year old

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Use privacy settings. Make sure your privacy settings are set so only the closest people in your network can view your posts.

Limit your audience. Only share posts with close family and friends. Or use photo-sharing sites such as Picasa and Flickr that require a log-in to see pics.

Don't rush your kids into social media.

Obey the rules about keeping kids under 13 off social media. Once your kids have an online profile, they can be tagged in photos, which magnifies their online presence. If you're going to upload photos of them, don't identify them and don't tag them -- that way the photo can't be traced back to them.

Myth: Parental controls are the best way to monitor my kids’ online activities.

Truth: Focusing on only one Internet safety method lulls you into a false sense of security.

To keep your kids safe online -- and to raise them to be responsible, respectful digital citizens -- it takes more than installing parental controls. For starters, parental controls can be defeated by determined kids.

They also often catch too much in their filters, rendering any Internet search useless, and they set up a "parent vs. kid" dynamic that could backfire.

By all means, use parental controls to help prevent exposure to ageinappropriate material and to manage time limits.

Meet Caroline Knorr!

As Common Sense Media's parenting editor, Caroline helps parents make sense of what’s going on in their kids' media lives. From games to cell phones to movies and more, if you're wondering "what’s the right age for…?"

Caroline can help you make the decision that works best for your family. She has more than 20 years of editorial and creative marketing writing experience and has held senior-level positions at Walmart.com, Walmart stores, Cnet, and Bay Area Parent magazine. She specializes in translating complex information into bite-sized chunks to help families make informed choices about what their kids watch, play, read, and do. And she's the proud mom of a teenage son whose media passions include Star Wars, StarCraft, graphic novels, and the radio program This American Life. Email Caroline at support@commonsensesupport.deskmail.com

Raising Kids Positively Raising Kids Positively is all about improving your relationship with your children, growing their emotional intelligence, and a balance of kind and firm discipline.

Psychologist Carol Surya makes this easy with her new website www.raisingkidspositively.com and three easy-to-use routes: a children’s self-esteem game, a conscious parenting book and workshops.

InnerMagic Perfect for today’s busy families, is a game to consciously spend more quality time together, without devices or distractions. Expertly designed for selfreflection, self-expression and empowerment, InnerMagic benefits include teaching emotional intelligence while also strengthening all areas of development as you play! Everyone loves it because it gets all players moving, thinking and speaking. Magically encouraging children to talk more easily, develop critical thinking and practice making healthy choices. Ideal for parents, grandparents and educators to play with 5 to 13 year olds.

Order yours today and be reminded of your inner potential. All information available on

www.raisingkidspositively.com Email : info@raisingkidspositively.com Phone: (044) 533-5655 Mobile:: 071 671 6337

The Magic of Mindfulness Author Carmen Clews has found a magical way to bring mindfulness into your home and school! “The Magic Mat and its little secret…” is a delightful children’s book (with free DVD animation) offering fun, physical stretching and calming techniques to develop happy, relaxed, loving and healthy children. Used as a story at bedtime, or done actively with the DVD at home or as a group activity in the classroom - with regular use the benefits are magical. Children relax more, improving in balance and co-ordination, as well as memory, focus, patience and selfcontrol. Readers (age 5 to 12) hop on board their very own Magic Mat, transforming them into animals with various beautiful qualities. Finally, they relax, discovering their own higher selves, learning to feel love, compassion and gratitude. Read what buyers say about this magical tool kit, visit the Facebook page, watch the video clip – or simply order yours today.

The Planting Seeds for Life Education Series, also by Carmen Clews, teaches mindfulness and positive values to children aged 10 to 14 years. Enchanting African stories guide the reader through group discussions, visualizations, songs and other learning activities all aimed at improving well-being. The book’s 25 “seeds”, each written as a lesson plan, include the essential life skills of making wise choices; improving communication; managing emotions; problem solving; forgiveness; positive thinking; self-reliance and environmental conservation. If only we’d all learned these skills at school.

Contact details : Website : www.magicmatsecret.com Email : carmen@magicmatsecret.com Video : http://vimeo.com/100388148 Magic Mat Seeds for Life

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

By Down to Earth Why have health problems escalated so much in recent years? One reason may be due to toxin overload. Our bodies take in more than it can process and eliminate, and the body’s natural filtration system is compromised and burdened.

and avoid the deliberate and accidental ingestion of chemicals. If this is a concern for you, our recommendation is to start small with making changes and adapting your lifestyle (read further for our tips on how to reduce toxins in your life). Choose one area and work on it until it becomes habit, before you move on to the next change. Soon you will regain health and vitality.

Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Autism, autoimmune disorders like arthritis and Lupus – Western diseases are on the rise and a few decades ago you might not even have heard of some of these health problems.

Symptoms of toxin overload

Modern day chemical lifestyle Chemicals are everywhere in our modern day and we are exposed through so many lifestyle areas – we almost cannot get away from it.

We ingest chemicals though our digestive system, respiration system and skin. An estimated 70 000 to 100 000 chemical substances are produced and used in high volumes, over one million tonnes a year, and is rising.

It can be quite overwhelming when you consider how much exposure we go through on a daily basis and what effort it takes to try

The tell-tale signs and symptoms of toxin overload can vary, but a general feeling of unwellness is usually something to take action on. You may experience lethargy, insomnia, headaches or weight fluctuations due to hormone disruption or immune system interference. You could experience bad breath or constipation due to an overworked and slowing digestion (which may be caused by an imbalance in gut microbes). Some experience muscle and joint aches and stiffness from excess toxins in the joint areas. Skin reaction like acne, rashes, eczema and puffiness are experienced by many and could be a sign that your skin is struggling to eliminate toxins.

We discuss the different areas of exposure next and later we provide some quick and easy tips on how you can prevent ingestion and eliminate toxins from your system.

Areas of exposure Food – our fruit and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. Our processed foods contains colourants, preservatives, trans-fats (the worst type of fat you can consume), flavour enhancers, artificial stabilisers, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms sprayed with glyphosate) and hidden artificial sweeteners. Animals are given high doses of antibiotics, given hormones to accelerate growth and fed grains and other foods laden with chemicals – when we eat those meats, those chemicals make it into our systems.

Water – our water is not only treated with chemicals, but industrial waste is often released into our waterways. We wash the residue of cleaning products and personal care products down the drain. The residue of pharmaceutical products also ends up in our water and eventually our oceans.

Air – the fumes from high traffic volumes in many cities is a big contributing factor to pollution. Paint, treated fabrics, deodorants, perfumes all give off chemicals which we breath in and have to process and eliminate though our bodies.

Plastics – plastics leach chemicals and plastic is widely used. Consider the plastic wrap in which our fresh fruit, vegetables and meat is sold, for example.

chemicals which gives off potent smells – makes it an unpleasant experience walking down that supermarket isle! These harsh chemicals not only have an effect on you, but the environment too.

Personal care products – the majority of personal care products and makeup contain chemicals that have been found to be potentially dangerous. These chemicals are absorbed though our skin and considering the number of products we use on a daily basis – toothpaste, shampoo, soaps, moisturisers, etc. – it could be a considerable contributor to toxin overload.

How to eliminate toxins It is necessary to engage in body detoxification through healthy food and pure water, but also though the elimination of toxins from your environment. By cleansing your body on a regular basis, your body can begin to heal itself, prevent disease, and become stronger and more resilient.

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water – One of the most helpful and easiest ways to eliminate toxins is to drink pure, filtered water regularly throughout the day. It helps you get rid of toxins though urine, sweat and tears.

Pharmaceutical products – the status quo these days is to reach for a pharmaceutical quick fix to treat the symptoms of our unhealthy lifestyle. These chemicals could lead to a further compromised system, eventually leading to a cycle of usage.

Furthermore, once we process and eliminate these chemicals, they end up in our waterways, oceans and fish.

Eat healthy and choose organic produce – buy locally grown, organic fruit and vegetables that are in season. That way you will avoid consuming pesticides and herbicides. Visit your local farmer’s market for fresh produce that has not travelled long distances to make it to your plate. Your meat should be hormone and antibiotic free, and pasture fed. Your fish should be wild, not farmed. It might be more expensive, but a reduction of meat consumption in your diet can be beneficial, not to mention the medical expenses you will avoid in the long-run.

Household cleaning products – cleaning products are riddled with strong and abrasive

Eat fermented foods and drinks – prebiotic and probiotic foods like yogurt, sauerkraut,

Kombucha tea, miso soup etc, support healthy gut flora which is essential for good digestion and toxin elimination.

Eliminate sugars and artificial sweeteners – give your blood-sugar-levels a rest and avoid adding anything artificial that may have a disruptive effect on your bodily systems.

Replace with natural alternatives such as Stevia or Xylitol.

Eliminate processed foods – Fast foods and packaged foods are preserved and enhanced with chemicals that sometimes cannot even be considered to be food. Some of these ingredients encourage you to eat more, leading to weight gain and the ingestion of more chemicals. Stay away as far as possible or begin to read your labels so that you can choose the healthier options.

Exercise – getting the blood and sweat flowing opens and promotes healthy elimination pathways, and helps the toxins move along.

Choose natural ways to increase your health and vitality – instead of reaching for that pill to make you feel better, work on improving your lifestyle habits. Get enough sleep, get some sunshine, practise deep-breathing, reduce your stress levels – implement strategies to help you feel better in the longrun.

Start using natural and environmentally friendly household cleaning and personal care products – avoid harmful chemicals by switching to natural alternatives, which are widely available now. Down to Earth products are formulated with care to exclude any suspected harmful chemicals.

Unburden your body by choosing natural!

Find out more about Down to Earth’s products by visiting their website: www.downtoearthcare.co.za/products/

Events & school activities Sign up your school today so that Grow Group can motivate kids to grow indigenous tree seeds.

Each child will receive a grow kit to take home, which encourages your kids to grow trees for years to come. The lesson begins with growing a tree seed, soon after 9 months of patience, persistence and participation; the child plants their baby tree in the ground. To top it off, we ask you to send us the trees co-ordinates. This is how you can become part of the million-tree campaign! Its Grow Groups plan to save Earth.

OUR VISION Grow Group wood like a million people to grow a tree seed, eventually planting the tree in the ground. We started recording all the Co-ordinates of planted trees in 2010 and soon we’ll launch the tree map. This tool will help you view your tree on Google Earth and hopefully you’ll be able to view the time lapse over the years as too how the tree grew.

We are also striving to include the good practice of growing a tree seed in the school education system. Imagine if every Grade 1 learner would grow a tree seed, plant it in grade 2 and by the end of their school career have a decent size tree to call their own.

They Set Up A Camera In The Forest And Captured The Most Incredible Scene Ever Paul Stamets spent his live exploring fungi, their role in enriching the forest soil with nutrients and ultimately in helping our home planet defend itself against us humans. Unfortunately, unless we learn to communicate with Mother Nature and stop killing Her, all of this won’t be enough.

The fungal-fantastical. Emerging from their axial homes, fungi are beginning to be understood as nutrients to the human consciousness and ecological sustainability. Paul explores mycology and compels support for your own good nature and our fungal allies. This is the first in a collaboration of Louie Schwartzberg of Blacklight films http://bit.ly/FantasticFungi ) and Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti http://fungi.net

Flowerpot Bird Feeder Hi I’m Stephanie.

Gardening healed me from a debilitating illness and so I know the power of garden therapy first hand.

Here you will find DIY garden projects and crafts that break down barriers and allow anyone to garden, no matter their ability, knowledge, or even garden size.

Browse through our projects and you will surely find one that will inspire you to get out and get dirty, try a project, and fall in love with the garden! https://gardentherapy.ca/pinecone -bird-feeders/

Cuban Beans and Rice Cuban Beans and Rice Beans and rice can be a simple, satisfying meal for the entire family. In Cuba, beans are often cooked with a seasoning mixture called sofrito, made from garlic, onion, bell pepper, tomato, cumin, and oregano. Try combining this version of Cuban beans and rice with a crisp green salad of lettuce, cabbage, and tomatoes.

Add a little sweetness with fresh pineapple and banana. Serves 4 - 6.

Ingredients

Instructions

• • • • •

Make the beans

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

Cuban Beans 3tbsp vegetable oil ½ red onion cut into ¼-inch pieces 4 garlic cloves minced 1 green or red bell pepper cut into ¼inch pieces 2 tomatoes cut into ½-inch pieces ¾tsp ground cumin ¾tsp dried oregano ¾tsp salt ¼tsp black pepper 3cans (15 oz. ea.) black beans rinsed and drained 1can (15 oz.) red beans rinsed and drained 1cup water 1whole bay leaf ¼cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped lime wedges(optional) Yellow Rice 1tbsp vegetable or olive oil ½tsp turmeric 1½cups long grain white rice 3cups water ½tsp salt

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and bell pepper and continue to cook, stirring often, for several minutes more. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beans, water, and bay leaf, stirring to combine.

Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

Make the rice In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the turmeric and rice and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove from heat. Do not stir the rice. Let the rice sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.

To serve Spoon the beans over the yellow rice and serve with a wedge of fresh lime. Serve pineapplebanana salad and green salad on the side.

Breadsticks Breadsticks It is believed that breadsticks were first made in medieval times. The Italian word for breadsticks is grissini. These crispy breadsticks are fun and easy to make. Makes 32 breadsticks.

Course Side Dish

Ingredients

Instructions

• • • • •

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the water and yeast. Let sit for 2 minutes, until the yeast is dissolved. Add the olive oil, honey, rosemary or peppercorns, salt, and whole wheat flour, stirring well. Add the white flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a stiff dough forms. On a clean, lightly floured work surface knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes, until smooth.

• • •

1¼cups warm water 2tsp baking yeast 2tbsp olive oil 1tbsp honey 1tsp dried rosemary or ½ tsp cracked black peppercorns 1cup whole wheat flour 2½ cups white flour Additional olive oil and kosher salt

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Form each piece into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.

Now divide each piece into 4 equal pieces. You will have 32 pieces in all. Roll each piece of dough into a cylinder about 8 inches long and place on baking sheet.

Lightly brush the breadsticks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt as desired. Bake the breadsticks for about 15 to 18 minutes, turning once during the baking, until lightly browned and almost crisp. Let the breadsticks cool before serving.

Easy Herb Cloud Bread Recipe

By Stephanie Rose

When you are trying to cut out carbs bread is usually the first thing to go.

If you are a carb-aholic like me you know how hard that can be… I mean BREAD is the heart of sandwiches, pizza, toast and all the other delicious things that help bring comfort (and pack on the pounds). Luckily there is this amazing recipe that gives you a similar taste without the carbs and all those unpronounceable ingredients that are in store bought bread. It can be used in the same way that “regular” bread is to give you the texture and flavor you crave and they are good for many ways of eating such as low carb and keto diets. The herbs give this cloud bread a ton of flavor that compliments whatever you throw on it!

Ingredients: 6 eggs 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 tsp. cream of tarter 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. course ground salt

Directions: Preheat the oven to 300.

Spray baking sheet Carefully separate the egg yolk from the egg white, you can purchase a fancy egg separator or use whatever method you are comfortable with. I tip my whites from onehalf of the egg shell into the other as it falls into the bowl until only the yolk is left.

Mix together cream cheese, yolks, s&p, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined, set aside.

Place egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of stand mixer and whip on high until stiff, fluffy peaks are formed.

Carefully fold in the egg yolk mixture until it is JUST mixed in. You want to maintain your fluffy egg whites as much as possible.

Gently spoon your fluffy egg mixture onto your prepared pans and smooth into rounds about 5″ in diameter, they will resemble pancakes.

Bake them for around 30 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden brown color around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before removing gently from the pan. Place in a ziplock bag to store, by the next day your “bread” will have a lovely consistency more like what you are used to.

Your cloud bread makes a great vehicle for grilled cheese, blt's, ham and cheese, chicken salad, mini pizzas and more without delivering a carb overload.

FIND & BOOK ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA lovetostay.co.za is your green heart guide to eco-friendly accommodation throughout beautiful South Africa. We partner with all kinds of accommodation establishments that operate in an eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible way. So whether you opt for a luxury boutique hotel or rustic tree house, you can feel good knowing your holiday supports a place that serves the environment and community in a positive way. To help you make these good choices, we are committed to growing a wonderful selection of urban and country, luxury and rustic green accommodation options where you will love to stay!

Search for your next green getaway on www.lovetostay.co.za by location or type; the Check Availability & Book Online green button will enable you to check real-time availability, make a booking & secure online payment through the Nightsbridge booking system at no extra charge.

WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION? Eco-friendly accommodation is defined as a lodging establishment with structural features that minimize the impact and footprint on the environment; as well as well as those that follow green living, sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

WHAT ARE GREEN HEARTS? Look out for the Green Hearts Seal of each establishment. We are proud to showcase all of our members and love to highlight their specific efforts to protect and conserve the environment. Seals display between 1-5 Green Hearts as awarded to them for their positive Green Acts. Here`s more info!

Conscious Life Magazine

Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding At The Yard on Third

Hippotherapy involves the use of a horse’s movement in therapy. It is a therapy technique that can be used by trained Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists.

How does it work?

The child is mounted on a specially trained therapy horse or pony.

As the horse/pony walks, its movement is translated into the patient.

Through clinical reasoning and evidence based practice, the horse’s movement: Can be guided and changed depending on the client’s needs Is used to get an active response from the client Facilitates functional and more efficient movements in the client’s body The horse or pony used is specifically selected for each client, to make sure it is the right size, gives the desired movement to the client and has the right temperament.

Who can benefit from Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is specifically for clients who have moderate to severe motor and/or sensory disorders.

When a child is referred for Hippotherapy, he/she will be assessed by our Physiotherapist. The assessment will: Determine if Hippotherapy will be beneficial and safe for the child Identify any contra-indications to Hippotherapy Aid in developing individualized therapy goals for the child Aid in selecting the right horse for that child The therapist will then work one-on-one with the child towards achieving their therapy goals.

Why does it work?

Hippotherapy is so effective because it influences, enhances and integrates function in multiple systems, including the Sensory systems Neuro-motor system (muscles) The cognitive system.

Hippotherapy is not intended to be done as a treatment program on its own, but as one part of the client’s plan of care.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The most important thing to consider when doing Hippotherapy is safety. Horses are wonderful and gentle animals, but they are still a live animal and can frighten easily. Hippotherapy will never be conducted if it is considered unsafe for the client, or for the horse.

The horse will always be led by a trained horse expert, who can recognize signs of discomfort or stress in the horse.

The therapist will walk alongside the horse and the client on one side, and there will always be another person, walking alongside the other side of the horse. This can be a family member or a volunteer.

Therapeutic riding: Therapeutic riding is a horse-riding program that enhances and strengthens movement the child already has through exercise and activity on horseback.

• Therapeutic riding • Is appropriate for children who have minimal to moderate motor and/or sensory disorders.

• Can be a progression of Hippotherapy once the child reaches their Hippotherapy goals • Has the same therapeutic benefits of Hippotherapy • Is usually run in small groups by a professional horse riding instructor.

Our therapeutic riding program at The Yard on Third has been developed in conjunction with our Physiotherapist, who is trained in Hippotherapy.

Contact details: Physiotherapist at the Yard on Third: Angela Kruse 076 347 7177 angkruse16@gmail.com

Benefits of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding: Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding can result in improvements in the following areas: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Arousal and attention Balance strategies Bi-lateral integration Body awareness Circulation Dynamic postural stability Endurance Midline orientation Mobility of the pelvis, spine and hip joints Muscle tone Muscle strength Musculoskeletal alignment Neuro-motor dysfunction Posture Problem-solving movement strategies Respiratory function Self confidence Sensorimotor integration Symmetry and alignment Timing and co-ordination

Conscious Life Magazine

EVERY HOME NEEDS A LOVING PET! THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS WAITING TO BE ADOPTED – PLEASE REACH OUT! WE ALSO ENCOCURAGE YOU TO REACH INTO YOUR HEARTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE AND REALLY NEED OUR HELP.

ALONE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON? ADOPT A PET… GO ON – BRING MORE LOVE INTO YOUR HOME This little kitty –and many more animals, dogs and cats – are living out their lives in small cemented cages, hoping that someone will find place in their homes and hearts to give them ‘Forever Homes’.

I know I harp on and on about adopting pets, but there are so many of us who have the room in our lives for a loving animal, and there are so many of our furr-kids, young and old, who would bring loads of fun and joy to your lives.

Just an example: early this year I took on a new-born kitten to hand-rear, bottles, formula and the whole toot. … and the frequent feeds every 3 hours, and the worry when the little one’s tummy doesn’t work. Anyone who has hand-reared kittens and puppies will know how relieved your are when the tummy works – kinda proud!

Anyway, this little kitty got to the point where she needed to homed. My daughter had spent a lot of time helping me with Maxi, so naturally she got fond of the kitten and took her home to join the other 4 ‘rescue cats’ that live with her.

Well, Maxi lit up the lives of these four fairly lazy cats and brought loads of mischievous energy into the house. Somehow she has captured the hearts of all the cats and they cuddle and play with her as much as they can before flopping over and sleeping again.

So my friends, think about the difference adopting an animal will make to not just your life, but to your resident pets and obviously to the animal you give a home to. Call your closest SPCA or look on Facebook for your new family member. Xxx Linda

Grace-rescue, rehab, rehome or retirement of abused, abandoned, ill/elderly animals.

We believe in eradication through education CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!!! đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ đ&#x;šŤ The Police are now saying if you see a dog locked in a car in hot weather, take a picture of the dog and the car.

If someone is with you, get them to bring up the weather for your area on their phone so you can screen shot the temp, then break the car window.

This way, you will not be charged with criminal damage and it gives the police photo evidence to take the dog owners to court.

CONTACT DETAILS Call Caron: 072 844 0250 Email: info.gracesanctuary@gmail.com

CONTACT DETAILS: Email: feralcarefriends@gmail.com www.feralcarefriends.org.za

HUSKY ROMI WOLF SANCTUARY HuskyRomi is a non-profit organization providing a safe haven for abandoned and abused huskies and wolves in South Africa.

We provide a home to all huskies and wolves that can’t be kept as pets because of their complicated nature. Many of the animals arrive in a poor condition, some not even knowing what grass is. They are rehabilitated with loving care by Larry Paul. This website was started to provide support to the HuskyRomi project and to promote the protection of wolves and other wildlife. The sanctuary is open for the public to come and learn about wolves. We do appreciate donations and sponsorship for the buying of food, for veterinary bills and doing maintenance to the enclosures.

We currently take care of more than 200 huskies, wolves and hybrids in 54 enclosures.

Get Involved We are working towards getting a formal volunteer program off the ground at HuskyRomi. This is available to both local (South African) and international volunteers. Should anybody be interested to become a volunteer or to assist with the program please contact Larry on the number or email below.

Sponsorship and Donations Name a Wolf.

Should you wish to name a wolf, for instance in remembrance of a loved one or pet, you may arrange it with Larry. We just request that you then will be prepared to do a full monthly sponsorship of that wolf for a period of at least two years.

Get in Touch: Mobile: 071 679 5141 larry@huskyromi.co.za http://huskyromi.co.za/wp/

Blue Sky News is a kids friendly newsletter (A3 folded to A4 full colour) distributing (personally by each franchisee) on a monthly basis to over 300 schools into school bags, in the Gauteng area.

We currently have franchises covering Midrand/Centurion/Fourways/Houghton/Sandton 40000 copies collectively.

If you interested in becoming part of our team OR if parents/kids/families are your target market & you would be interested in advertising with us OR would like to distribute or subscribe to our newsletters then check out our website www.blueskynews.co.za and/or Facebook page Contact susette@blueskynews.co.za for more info, we would love to hear from you!

with much appreciation to our advertisers, contributors, endorsers and our readers namaste