5 Simple Techniques for Adding Flavor and Variety to Your Meals

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Eating healthily is essential to building both physical and mental wellbeing, but can sometimes feel like an uphill battle due to bland food options. Luckily, there are ways of making meals healthier without compromising flavor or excitement - here are five techniques for adding variety and zest into your dishes so you don't become bored of repeating recipes!

1. Add Flavor With Herbs and Spices -

Herbs and spices offer the ideal way to enhance flavor without compromising nutrition. By including herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, cilantro and thyme in any dish for an infusion of fresh taste; while chili powder, turmeric black pepper cumin ginger garlic powder provide delicious spice combinations with plenty of antioxidants that help improve immunity and digestion.

2. Experiment With Different Types of Produce -

Produce is essential to maintaining a healthy diet, but sometimes they can get boring. Try purchasing seasonal produce and mixing up what you eat like this smashed potatoes recipe by trying new varieties like apples or oranges with other fruits such as pears, kiwis or mangos as snacks; swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice; this will add variety while still remaining delicious! This will bring variety into your meals while adding nutrients!

3. Integrate Healthy Oils Into Your Meals - 

Healthy oils like olive, avocado and coconut oils are excellent ways of adding flavor without packing on unnecessary calories. You can use these oils when sauteing veggies, drizzling over salads or roasting potatoes - or try pairing it with nut butters such as almond and peanut butters which provide extra body while also adding depth of flavor!

4. Experiment With Recipes From Different Cuisines -

Switching up the flavors in your dishes by trying recipes from various cuisines can add exciting new dimensions. If you're used to creating Italian-themed meals, why not introduce something like Thai red curry or Moroccan tagine into the mix? Incorporating international spices can add dimension and excitement back into even mundane recipes, plus learning new techniques means no repeats in meals every night!

5. Consider Natural Sweeteners -

Looking to add sweetness without upping your caloric intake? Natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup offer great solutions. Use them instead of white sugar in baked goods, drizzle it on fruits, yogurt or oatmeal as an additional sweetener, or use dates as natural sweeteners in energy balls and smoothies - they'll bring an extra sweet touch without adding unnecessary processed sugars to your dish!

Eating healthy doesn't have to mean giving up flavor and variety! By adding these five techniques into your cooking routine, you can easily spice up your meals while keeping them nutritious and delicious. Get creative in trying different flavors and recipes so you never get tired of repeating meals - maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle requires keeping things interesting! 

Discover Your Child's Hidden Talents With Numerology

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As a parent, you have big vision and dreams for your child. You want them to flourish and achieve their full potential, both personally and professionally. But how do you identify their strengths and channel them towards their future success? Numerology, the ancient study of numbers and their relationship with people's lives, can help you get a better understanding of your child's strengths and personality traits. 

By analyzing your child's birth date and name, numerology can reveal their innate talents and abilities. With this knowledge, you can guide them towards activities and career paths that align with their strengths, leading to a more fulfilling life. Here are three most important numerological aspects that will help you better understand your child.

Birthday Numbers

When it comes to understanding your child better through numerology, the birthday number is the first aspect to consider. This number corresponds to the day your child was born, ranging from 1 to 31. By exploring this number, you can gain valuable insights into your child's personality and traits.

For example, children born on the 1st day of any month are said to be natural leaders with strong willpower and creativity. They are independent and ambitious but may struggle with patience and cooperation. Children born on the 2nd are sensitive, intuitive, and diplomatic. They are good at working with others but may struggle with decision-making and assertiveness. Children born on the 3rd are creative, expressive, and sociable. They have a natural talent for communication and may excel in the arts or entertainment industry. They may struggle with discipline and focus. 

To gain a comprehensive understanding of each number, it's crucial to delve into the reading and absorb all the available information regarding it. Every number has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, which can be better comprehended by immersing oneself in the study. It's also important to mention that birthday numbers don't add up like life path numbers. This is a topic we will discuss further below. So, if you were born on the 22nd of any month, your birthday number is 22 and not 4.

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Life Path Numbers

Life path numbers are a fascinating and often misunderstood concept in numerology. In essence, your life path number is a single-digit number that is derived from your birthdate. It is believed to provide insights into your personality, strengths, weaknesses, and life purpose. The only exception is master numbers - 11, 22, and 33.

To calculate your child's life path number, you will need to add up the digits in their birth date until you get a single-digit number. For example, if your daughter or son was born on June 25, 2010, you would add 6 + 2 + 5 + 2 + 0 + 1 + 0 = 16, and then reduce this number further by adding 1 + 6 = 7. So, your child's life path number would be 7.

Once you have identified your child's life path number, you can begin to explore the strengths and characteristics associated with that number. Here are some general insights into each life path number:

• 1 - Life path 1s are leaders with strong independence and self-motivation 

• 2 - Diplomatic and cooperative individuals who excel in partnerships 

• 3 - Creative and expressive people who thrive in social situations 

• 4 - Practical and grounded individuals who work hard to achieve their goals 

• 5 - Adventurous and curious souls who crave variety and change 

• 6 - Nurturing and compassionate people who excel in caregiving roles 

• 7 - A life path 7 child is analytical and intuitive individuals who value knowledge and solitude 

• 8 - Ambitious and driven people who are skilled at managing finances and resources 

• 9 - Compassionate and visionary individuals who seek to make a positive impact on the world

• 11 - Your master number 11 child may exhibit exceptional intelligence and creativity

• 22 - Highly intelligent, wise, and intuitive child

• 33 - A great creative potential and healing abilities

Karmic Numbers

Karmic numbers are special numbers in numerology that are believed to hold significant meaning and impact on an individual's life. These numbers are derived from your date of birth and are considered to be a representation of your past actions and karma. 

To calculate your karmic number, you need to add up the digits of your date of birth. For example, if your son or daughter was born on August 25th, 2015, you would add 8+2+5+2+0+1+5= 23. You then add the digits of the sum together, so 2+3=5. In this case, your child's karmic number would be 5.

Karmic numbers have a powerful influence on our lives and can indicate areas where we need to focus on personal growth and development. For example, if your karmic number is 1, you may have a tendency to be selfish or overly focused on your own desires. In contrast, if your karmic number is 9, you may struggle with letting go of past hurts and forgiving others.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a deeper understanding of your child, their personality and the reasons behind their actions, numerology could be a valuable resource to explore. And in case you're keen on exploring this subject further, you could take a closer look at how your numbers match up with your child's numbers. 

Creating a Nursery That Grows with Your Baby: Tips and Tricks

When designing a nursery for your baby, it's essential to consider their future needs and create a space that can adapt as they grow. By implementing a few key strategies, you can create a nursery that evolves with your child, saving you time, money, and the hassle of frequent redecorating. In this article, we will explore some valuable tips and tricks to help you design a nursery that grows alongside your little one.

1. Choose Versatile Furniture

Invest in versatile furniture pieces that can transition from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond. Opt for a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, and eventually, a full-sized bed. This way, you won't have to replace the entire bed as your child grows older. Look for dressers and storage units that can serve different purposes as well, such as a changing table that can be repurposed into a regular dresser. For example, Baby Bungalow demonstrates different ways to use your nursery furniture to fit your nursery theme. 

2. Opt for Neutral Colors and Themes

Selecting a neutral color palette and theme for the nursery provides a timeless and flexible foundation. Neutral shades like soft grays, beiges, or pastels create a calming atmosphere and allow for easy incorporation of different decor elements as your child's preferences change. By keeping the theme neutral, you can introduce new accessories or accents without having to repaint or redecorate the entire room.

3. Prioritize Functional Storage Solutions

Effective storage solutions are crucial for a nursery that grows with your baby. As your child accumulates toys, books, and clothing, having adequate storage will help keep the room organized and clutter-free. Consider installing wall shelves, cubes, or baskets to hold items at different heights for easy access as your child grows. Opt for storage units with adjustable shelving to accommodate changing needs.

4. Create Zones within the Nursery

Divide the nursery into different zones to cater to your child's evolving activities and interests. For example, designate a cozy reading corner with a comfortable chair or bean bag, a bookshelf, and soft lighting for storytime. Set up a play area with Montessori Baby Toys for interactive learning and a soft rug for an engaging playtime. Having clearly defined zones will help your child associate specific areas with different activities, promoting organization and focus.

5. Incorporate Long-lasting Decor Elements

Select decor elements that can grow with your child and adapt to their changing interests. Avoid overly themed or character-based decor that may become outdated quickly. Instead, choose timeless artwork, wall decals, or removable stickers that can be easily replaced or updated. Use decorative accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains that can be switched out to match your child's evolving tastes.

6. Create an Interactive Wall

Transform one wall of the nursery into an interactive and educational space. Paint it with chalkboard or whiteboard paint to provide a canvas for creativity and learning. You can also install a large magnetic board or corkboard to display your child's artwork, achievements, or inspirational quotes. This interactive wall can be a source of continuous engagement and stimulation as your child grows and help develop their fine motor skills. 

7. Ensure Adequate Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial in a nursery that grows with your baby. Install a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness as needed for different activities, such as feeding, changing diapers, or reading bedtime stories. Consider adding blackout curtains or blinds to control natural light and create a sleep-friendly environment. Incorporate nightlights strategically to provide a soft glow for nighttime comfort and safety.

8. Emphasize Safety

As your child grows and becomes more mobile, safety becomes even more critical. Regularly assess the nursery for potential hazards and make necessary adjustments. Secure furniture to the wall to prevent tipping, cover electrical outlets, and use cordless window coverings to eliminate any strangulation risks. Ensure that the nursery is free of small objects or choking hazards as your child starts exploring and crawling. 

9. Foster Independence

Design the nursery in a way that encourages your child's independence and development. As they grow older, incorporate child-sized furniture, such as a small table and chairs, where they can engage in independent play or arts and crafts. Have low shelves or bins where they can access toys, books, or art supplies on their own. Creating a sense of autonomy in their space promotes confidence and self-sufficiency.

10. Incorporate Learning Opportunities

Introduce educational elements into the nursery to stimulate your child's curiosity and learning. Hang alphabet or number posters on the walls, use interactive toys that encourage problem-solving or fine motor skills, and display age-appropriate books for reading together. As your child grows, you can rotate and update the learning materials to match their developmental stage and interests.

11. Consider Long-Term Flooring

Choose flooring that is durable and easy to clean, as it will withstand the wear and tear of your child's activities. Opt for hardwood or laminate flooring with a protective finish or carpet tiles that can be replaced in case of stains or damage. Consider using area rugs or foam mats in play areas to provide a comfortable and safe surface for your child to crawl, play, and explore.

12. Create a Quiet Corner

Designate a quiet corner in the nursery where your child can relax, read, or engage in quiet activities. This space can feature a comfortable chair or bean bag, soft lighting, and a small bookshelf. Encourage your child to retreat to this cozy corner when they need downtime or a moment of calm.

13. Personalize the Space

Make the nursery feel special and personal by incorporating elements that reflect your child's interests, milestones, and personality. Hang photos, artwork, or framed prints that capture precious moments and memories. Display their artwork or crafts on a designated wall or bulletin board. Including personal touches makes the nursery a unique space that grows with your child's journey.

14. Stay Flexible

Remember that the nursery's needs will change as your child grows, so be prepared to adapt and adjust the space accordingly. One way of easily switching up your nursery is to use peel and stick vinyl wallpaper as it's easy to place on the walls, renter-friendly and non-damaging. Stay open to modifications and reconfigurations as your child's interests, activities, and needs evolve. Regularly reassess the layout, storage, and decor to ensure that the nursery remains functional and suits your child's current stage of development.

15. Involve Your Child

As your child becomes older, involve them in the process of updating and decorating their nursery. Let them express their preferences, choose decor items, or help with organizing and arranging their belongings. By involving them, you foster a sense of ownership and pride in their space while teaching them valuable decision-making skills.

Creating a nursery that grows with your baby is an exciting and practical approach to designing their space. By following these tips and tricks, you can create a versatile and adaptable nursery that accommodates your child's changing needs and interests. Embrace the journey of your child's growth and development, making their nursery a place of comfort, creativity, and love.

How to Prepare for an Outdoor Family Reunion

Family reunions are a time to catch up with people you don't get to see daily and enjoy one another's company. If you have a big family, then it's probably rare that you can all be together, making it extra special when you are there. Planning an outdoor reunion can be stressful, as there's a lot to consider. From choosing the right location, e.g. figuring out where to stay for family reunions in Tucson (if you or some family members are based there), all the way to creating a detailed schedule, prioritizing safety, and delegating tasks. Here are some tips to help make the process run smoothly.

Choose a Good Location

Choosing the right venue is crucial. It needs to be in a location that's easy for everyone to travel to and has enough parking and accommodation for family members, young and old. Look for places with ample space, like public parks or beachfront areas. Consider things that interest your family, like historical sites, picturesque scenery, etc., and incorporate them into the venue. Many places have tourist areas that could be suitable, like Chicago, IL where you can check out the iconic Chicago Blues Festival.

Create a Detailed Schedule

Organization is critical, especially when you're dealing with a big group. Create a schedule that is easy for everyone to follow, including arrival and departure times, games, meals, and anything else you want to do. Share the itinerary with everyone before the event so they know what's happening and feel included in everything.

Cater to All Ages

Children have different needs from seniors, and everyone should be included in the day. Therefore, you should offer games and other forms of entertainment for your younger guests while ensuring that older guests and anyone that needs additional accommodations have everything they need to enjoy the day. Your goal is to ensure nobody feels left out and everyone has fun.

Prioritize Safety

It's easy to forget the importance of keeping an area safe when you have a big group. Make sure there's enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably. You'll need restroom facilities such as porta-potties, ample trash cans, and recycling, and to keep the ground clear of any trip hazards. You also need to provide designated drivers for adults who might want to have a beverage or two. You want to avoid serious injuries, as there were more than 313,000 motor vehicle crashes in 2015.

Delegate Tasks and Ask for Volunteers

You don't have to do all the planning alone, and others would likely be happy to help. An outdoor reunion is a massive undertaking, as you must consider weather conditions, seating, restrooms, shade, cold food, sunscreen, bug spray, and more. Make sure that someone is in charge of ordering water, as the average family of four goes through 400 gallons of water a day, according to Comfy Living. Ask others to help organize parts of the day, like games and meals, and have them help communicate with the rest of the family. That way, you won't be exhausted when the day arrives and can enjoy yourself.

Turn Off Electronic Devices and Have Fun

There are so many distractions in our daily lives that it's hard to enjoy the moment. Put your phone away unless it's an emergency, and be present. You are with family and probably don't get to spend as much time together as you'd like. Although the average American family watches eight hours per day of TV, according to Television History, they often don't get the quality time they need with one another.

An outdoor family reunion is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones in a peaceful setting. With the proper planning, reaching out for help when necessary, and including everyone in the day, you're guaranteed to make memories you'll cherish for many years to come.

The Best Snacks For Energy During Hikes - Frubites

We are such active people and love to get outdoors and have fun with friends and family. We love all the basics, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and chilling with our amazing cat Beans. We are always on the go after work and need to have healthy snacks and grab and go treats for the road. Eating healthy is so important to us for maintaining our energy so we can be as fit and fantastic as we are. 

One of our favourite treats to eat has to be fruit! It can be hard to pack fresh stuff though when your backpacking with fat cats and crazy kids. We like to endings in dried or dehydrated fruits whenever possible mainly because they are so healthy, easy to pack, and lightweight! Frubites has so many amazing options for everyone it’s the perfect snack!

Sun dried mango is an excellent choice if you love tropical fruits. It is popping with flavour and still slightly soft and chewy making it a refreshing snack when your running low on energy! 

Sun dried black raisins  are a terrific addition to granola bars, muffins, trail mixes and just snacking all on their own! These raisins are huge and very plump and juicy! I think they would make a great addition to butter tarts around the holidays too due to their giant size and beautiful flavour. 

We love to eat them on their own and in different trail mixes and baked goods! There are so many ways to incorporate dried fruit into your diet it is almost limitless to what you can create. 

Check out our amazing adventures hiking with our cat Beans in her amazing travel backpack! 

Follow us on Instagram to see how we enjoy life to the fullest even while saving money and being extremely frugal. 

Follow our Pinterest account to learn how to raise an active, healthy family while staying on a budget!  

4 Money Saving Tips for Single Mothers

As a single mother, you may feel as though the odds are stacked against you as you try to keep your family together and thriving. This means that you can use all the help you can get, especially in terms of finances. Take a look below to see four important money-saving tips that single mothers can use to make the most out of what they have, ensuring they keep their families happy and healthy.

1. Track Your Spending and Set a Budget

You need to start by tracking your spending. This is the best way for you to get a solid idea of how much you're making and how much you're spending. This is important to know, and it's something that the roughly 90% of divorced mothers who have custody of their children can benefit immensely from. Once you know this, it's important to set a realistic budget. This budget should allow you to live comfortably, but not extravagantly. If you can manage to set such a budget, you can be sure that your family will have a better chance to thrive.

2. Ensure You Have Emergency Savings

Next, if you don't already have one, it's time for you to open an emergency savings account. This is crucial to do when you consider the fact that you may be the only source of resources for your family. This makes it important for you to stay prepared for whatever may happen. You don't want a single emergency event to leave you in a financial pit that will take years or even decades to climb out of. Nearly 45% of first marriages in the United States end in divorce, meaning that almost half of the couples have to deal with the financial burden of the divorce process. It's important to stay on your feet if you want to have a chance of swimming rather than sinking. Be sure you've got some money in the bank.

3. Always Follow the Law

Another tip that everyone can benefit from when they want to save both time and money is to follow the law. This is important to do in all aspects of your life, from driving to working and everything in between. If you're caught on the wrong side of the law, you may be fined or even have to spend time in jail or doing something like community service. For example, a conviction for something like assault and battery can result in up to 93 days in jail. This is on top of probationary and court costs. As a single mother, you have too much on the line to ever take this risk.

4. Prioritize Free Fun

Finally, remember that children will always need to spend some time having fun. This is important because you may be able to take a much-needed break, which you may manage to get while your children have fun. That said, you need not spend money on tickets to special events and fancy places or spend a fortune on meals and more. You can get creative with the type of fun that you avail for your children. Just remember to keep it safe so that you don't have to deal with hospital bills and similar expenses. Some amazing opportunities for fun that won't break the bank include taking your children for play dates and generally having fun around the house or in public parks.

These four money-saving tips can help you keep your family happy and financially secure. Even if it seems a bit hard learning these habits, with some practice, you'll perfect them. You'll thrive as a single mother and enjoy every moment that you get to spend with your family not having to worry excessively about money.

How Empowered Parents Can Empower Children: Tools To Support Children With Special Needs & Learning Disabilities

As the founder of Hands On Fun Occupational Therapy, for over twenty five years, I have dedicated my personal and professional life to promoting healthy occupational, cognitive, and social development in kids through tailored playtime activities. 

Research has clearly demonstrated the numerous benefits that occupational therapy can have on children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. So, let’s dive into some of the signs that your child may benefit from OT interventions, and talk about how parents can support their children following their diagnosis.

First off, it’s important to keep in mind that autism and other learning disabilities can be diagnosed at any age, but recognizing the signs quickly is incredibly important so that you can seek an early diagnosis and begin interventions as soon as possible.You may already know that, depending on their age, your child might display a variety of atypical behaviors related to their language, communication, and social developments, but let’s break it down a little more. 

Early signs of autism can be difficult to spot; however,I’d advise parents to pay attention to the following things: 

1) Your infant doesn’t responding to his or her name being called, or avoiding using gestures to communicate with you or other toddlers. 

2) Your child avoids making eye contact with people in general. 

3) Your child show preference to doing activities or playing alone. Another big non-social cue is if your child displays an abnormal fixation on OR aversion to certain sensory stimuli, such as intense staring or sniffing and, on the other hand, avoiding touching objects with specific textures or sounds. 

While it's common for your child to receive an accurate diagnosis of autism before age two, it’s possible that you may not identify potential signs of autism until your child starts to become more social and engages in more complex activities. At this age, it's crucial to look out for struggles with social interaction. Particularly, 1) making friends, 2) understanding social cues, and 3) maintaining conversations. At this age, kids are just starting to make connections with the world around them, so it’s common for them to develop specific interests; however, if your child has autism, they may obsess over these interests at the cost of neglecting other important activities. 

Finally, learning disabilities are fairly common in children with autism, and that’s because they often experience difficulty with tasks related to what’s called executive functioning. That’s the part of the brain responsible for things like planning and organization. In school, this can manifest as struggling with reading, writing, and math, as well as trouble with memory, attention, and time management.

Like many parents who seek professional support early on already know, getting a diagnosis for autism or other learning disabilities can take time, and this waiting period can be difficult for parents. Naturally, early intervention from speech, occupational and behavioral therapists will give your child the best chance at overcoming the challenges associated with their diagnosis, but in the meantime, there are still things you can do to support your child's development at school and right at home. 

From an education perspective, parents might find it beneficial to work with their child's school to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These plans outline accommodations and modifications that can help their child succeed in the classroom. This might include them getting access to assistive technology, or having extra time to complete tasks. I have also seen tremendous progress in students where teachers have gone above and beyond to tailor their lessons to suit a child’s learning style, to make lessons more engaging. School is a great space to look for ways to incorporate your child’s interests into their academic work. For example, if your child loves dinosaurs, you could use dinosaur-themed math problems or reading materials to help them practice important skills.

My biggest tip for helping your child with autism thrive at home is to lean into their strengths and interests. Encourage them to engage in hobbies that excite them, and provide opportunities for socialization and play in small groups. Parents can also look for ways to incorporate learning into everyday activities, such as cooking or playing games. Above all, I’d encourage parents to celebrate their child's accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem, and offer support and encouragement during challenging times.

Finally, my last tip to parents is to make time for their own self-care as well. Caring for a child with a disability can be emotionally and physically demanding, so seek support from family, friends, and mental health professionals as needed, and remember to celebrate your own accomplishments as well as your child's. Recognizing signs of autism or other learning disabilities is important for early intervention and support, but with the right support and strategies, you can help your child thrive academically and in life too.

My mission is to empower parents, caregivers and educators alike by equipping them with the necessary tools and activities that will ensure their child meets their developmental trajectory milestones and, above all, thrives at school as well as in life.

Senior Occupational Therapist for the NYC Department of Education and founder of Hands On Fun OT, Kim Cunningham, sharing how she's helping children with early signs of development delays.

Taking Beans on Adventures

We absolutely love our big fat cat named Beans. She is our favourite little fluff ball in the world and we spoil her rotten. You can see by our amazing Instagram posts how much we love her and show her everyday. 

Recently we started taking her out for walks but she isn’t one for walking very far on her own, she gets winded easily due to her large belly dragging her down. So we had started looking into ways to take her with us on adventures where she can be packed around comfortably.

We are hikers rather than walkers so it had to be a backpack for the uphill, over trees, and through the bush, adventures we had planned. The Fat Cat Travel Cat Backpack is perfect for her. It is huge and can hold up to 25 pounds of cat or dog fluffiness. 

I love how supportive it is, the bubble for viewing that you can change to a plastic screen and all the little pockets and zippers for comfort and function. What an amazing way to spend the day with your cat!

Check out our adventures with our wild, frugal family of 5 on our Pinterest & Instagram! 

Healthy Chocolate You Can Feel Good About

The Better Chocolates has created one of the best tasting healthy chocolates I have ever had. I have always dreamed that eating chocolate would be good for me and that dream is now a reality! 

The Better Chocolates makes vitamin enriched chocolates in a variety of flavours. You can choose from Beauty Me, Vitamin Me, Protein Me, and other great flavours with healthy benefits! 

I absolutely love eating them just on their own but you can also use them to create chocolate recipes like hot chocolate, chocolate muffins, and all kinds of other great chocolate treats! 

The creator of this amazing product is Canadian Entrepreneur that started her dream later in life, proving age is just a number and there is nothing holding you back from accomplishing everything you could ever want! 

Please meet Suzie Yorke, a mother of four who, at 51 years of age, took a calculated risk and dipped into her youngest daughter's University fund to found her first brand, Love Good Fats. She took it to 100 million in 3 years and, in doing so, proved to the world that it’s never too late! 

Now at 55, she's started her second brand, The Better Chocolates, the world's first functional chocolate. Suzie, an avid marathoner and sugar-free advocate, saw a gap in the vitamin market - sweet sugar-packed gummies being sold as vitamins with tons of preservatives and colour chemicals. A chocolate lover, she decided to team up with a friend who is an Ecuadorian-Canadian Chocolatier and has created a delicious, decadent and nutrient-laden, sugar-free alternative - what we like to call, Chocolate with Benefits!

Why am I sharing this? Because Suzie not only runs this company, she also started a founders group for others like her, most in mid-life, and now 600+ members strong (it's a free group) who are proving that age is not a barrier to success and you don't have to be an ingenue to impress, ie: it's never too late.

Suzie's story is a great tie-in to mother's day. She is such a multi-faceted and fascinating person: French-Canadian, mother of four, autistic, came out later in life, and unstoppable. She continues to advocate, innovate, and build better brands and opportunities not just for herself but hundreds of others, even helping get the government to create our new Health Canada Supplemented Food Guide that outlines the supplements and nutrients in our food so we know exactly what we're consuming.

She is engaging, fun and would be a motivating force for anyone who feels they might be too old or too late to try to live their dreams, especially women, moms, and those of us whose kids are leaving the roost. 

I love this recipe by Jaja Bakes for double chocolate muffins, I used chopped pieces of healthy chocolate instead of chocolate chips and they turned out amazing! 

Are Your Kids Taking Care of Their Oral Health?

When should you plan your child's first dental appointment? Does your three-year-old need to floss? How can you determine whether your kid needs braces? Many parents struggle to determine how much dental care their children need. Although they are aware of the need to avoid cavities, they are not always aware of the most effective methods. Here are some essential facts regarding your child's oral health that you should keep in mind.

See an Orthodontist Early

Children should receive their initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Even though it seems early, the orthodontist can spot potential problems that call for quick action. In the long term, this can save time and money because some issues can worsen and cost more to treat if left unattended.

Regularly Visit a Dentist

Regular trips to the dentist are essential for maintaining good dental health, in addition to seeing an orthodontist. Over 100,000 general dentists work in the United States. This gives you many choices when selecting a dentist for your family.

Teach Proper Brushing Techniques

Using the right technique when brushing is crucial. Dentists advise holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. This enables the bristles to reach areas where plaque and germs might accumulate, such as the spaces between teeth and the gum line. Additionally, using fluoride toothpaste and brushing for at least two minutes twice daily is essential.

Lead By Example

Young children won't comprehend the significance of brushing their teeth and visiting the dentist regularly. Leading by example is the best way to help your child develop healthy oral hygiene practices. It is crucial to model both the value of routine dental care and the behaviors that will make it happen for children because they will imitate their parents' habits.

Children will pick up the same habits as their parents when they observe them brushing their teeth and attending dental visits. Encourage your children to brush their teeth. In fact, make it mandatory. Children are very inclined to skip brushing if given the option, which could develop into a habit of missing brushings.

Limit Consumption of Acidic Food

Acids typically dissolve important dental minerals like calcium and phosphate. These minerals are essential for the stability and strength of your enamel; if they are compromised, dental issues are more likely to arise. As a result, you should restrict the amount of acidic foods and beverages your family consumes. Soft drinks, coffee, citrus juices, and spicy cuisine are a few examples.

Encourage Them to Floss Every Day

While toothbrushes are useful, some areas such as the spaces between teeth, are challenging to clean. Flossing is useful to get rid of any food debris lodged in these places. Pull the floss gradually away from the gum line. Avoid moving the floss up and down, as it could hurt the gums and cause discomfort.

Remind Them Not to Grind Their Teeth

When they are bored or stressed, most people tend to grind their teeth. Some people can grind their teeth for a long time without realizing it, harming their teeth and degrading them over time. Some people may clench their teeth when they sleep. If you notice that your child may be grinding their teeth, encourage habits that can help them stop.

Your child's general health depends on you ensuring they are taking good care of their dental health. Adhering to these easy tips can help your child form virtuous habits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Remind your child to brush and floss correctly daily and arrange frequent dental appointments. You can play a large role in your family preserving a healthy, radiant smile for years to come with just a little bit of effort.