Back to Basics- Health

Where has 2018 gone? Our daughter brought us so much joy this year. How fascinating it has been to watch all of her first milestones, and seeing her little personality come to life.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him." Samuel 1:27

I will try to write again more soon to recap our year, what we've learned and hard trials we've overcome. But it's been an overwhelmingly beautiful year that we have been blessed with.

Again, I've been at the drawing board about what I would like to focus on in the new year. I have decided on : health.

Though I had no issues getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight. (I know you might hate me, but that's another topic I'll try to write on later. Battling gestational diabetes naturally, limiting what I could eat and lots of exercise, baby with food allergies, etc)

I have barely exercised this past year, I actually don't feel as strong as when I was pregnant, nursing for a year, barely sleeping all year has drained me. I know I need to get back to focusing on my health.

I want to maintain healthy eating and incorporate more fish into our diet, exercise more regularly, go back to church more regularly (it was hard with a colic/allergy baby. But I think going is good for my mental health) get more sleep, and visit my friends more.

Life is so short, even if you get blessed with old age. Babies grow too quickly, sunny days speed away, the clock never pauses...

I wish you and your family health and happiness in whatever you do in 2019!

I'd love to hear your thoughts, goals, and/or word of the year. Please comment below!

Elderberry Syrup

With finicky weather, traveling, and friends and family with the Holidays, it is no wonder that it is flu season. Yes, washing hands, a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep are a must, but I have also found that elderberry syrup helps you recover a bit quicker.

With all of the different articles out there making them, I tried my hand at it last year. The year prior, I bought some expensive but delicious bottles from Mountain Rose Herbs.

My friend Jennifer and I whipped up a batch, check it out here!

http://keepingbackyardbees.com/elderberry-syrup/

I recently made another batch a month ago and grated in some fresh ginger as well. Once my husband was complaining of a bunch of co-workers being sick, I was adamant on both of us taking a tablespoon each night.

Last week, he was getting a tinge of a sore throat. I cooked up my homemade chicken noodle soup, we continued to take the elderberry syrup and got plenty of rest over the weekend. He started Monday feeling great again, so hopefully we can continue to keeps the bugs at bay.

It tastes delicious too, and if my picky husband will take it, good chance kids won't mind taking it too.

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!