Amy Rose

Mother of four boys and the wife of a minister in Georgia. The world is full of medical “miracles” but over time and lots of experience, this mom has discovered that raising a natural baby creates the most wonderful bonds and lessons for her children.

Cup of raspberry tea: Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits

Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits: Your Hormones Will Thank You

Red raspberry leaf tea, not to be confused with raspberry tea, has long been used for women’s health. In my doula practice, I see a lot of use and get a lot of questions about Red Raspberry leaf tea. I am no doctor, so I tell clients to check with their doctor before use, but having used it myself and based on all of my research, I do sing its praises. However, it is not just for women. The health benefits extend to everyone. It is also quite tasty when prepared as iced or hot tea…

Mosquito on skin: Zika Virus

Zika Virus: Should I Be Scared for Myself or My Baby?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Zika Virus (also known as the Zika Fever) a global health emergency. The virus was first discovered in the 1940s in Uganda. Since then, cases have been found in warm climates, but this current outbreak is much more widespread with a few cases even popping in areas of the United States (All confirmed cases in the United States were seen in women who had traveled to affected regions). Does that mean you should be scared of the coming warm weather? Should you be scared to get pregnant? A lot depends on where you live and where you travel to. It’s hard to say at this point if that will remain the case or if the risk will spread to the mosquitos in the United States; however, it appears it is definitely something to take seriously and take precautions against, especially if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant…

Healthy Christmas Baking

Healthy Christmas Baking: 4 Recipes to Keep You Jolly And Slim

Holiday temptations are everywhere. I find the best way to stay on track with eating during the holiday is to bring my own healthy treats when I go somewhere where I know I’ll be tempted. I prefer to know exactly what I’m putting in my body. It also helps me maintain my weight and not gain. I hope these well researched healthy Christmas recipes help you stay healthful and happy this holiday season while impressing your guests, friends, co-workers, etc. It was fun, and challenging, trying out so many clean eating dessert recipes! Eat, drink, and be merry with these 4 decadent yet healthful treat recipes…

Person standing on scale

Best Ways to Lose Weight: Food or Exercise?

I’ve read several different percentages regarding exercise, eating right and how the two affect weight loss. I’ve read 75% in the kitchen (what you eat) and 25% through exercise. I’ve read 90% in the kitchen and 10% through exercise. The bottom line is, though, for optimal weight loss, it takes both. How much and the type of calories you eat combined with how many calories you burn will determine how much, and how fast, you lose. It’s important to find a balance that works well for you, but here are a few tips you can keep in mind while searching for your best ways to lose weight and how to feel better in the process….

Guide to Eating Clean

The Dirty Dozen: What to Buy Organic and What Not

I’ve been working on cleaner eating for a while, but because we were still eating out more often than I care to admit, I hadn’t really worked hard to include organics in our budget. I bought organic when the prices weren’t that different (like with carrots), but I, honestly, sort of chose to ignore the dangers lurking on the regular produce shelves. Recently, I started hearing about grapes from a few friends. It’s sort of a no brainer than any fruit or veggie that you eat the skin of is probably best in the organic variety. Twice over the last month, I heard that because grapes skins are so thin, the pesticides can seep all the way through the grape. This is scary since I know pesticides have been linked to many different conditions and even cancer. That’s definitely not ideal…

Plate of chicken and rice

Healthy Family Meal Plan: Week 2

You’ve probably figured out by now that I’m not the absolute best chef, but I do like to eat, so that counts for something. I’m honestly more of a baker, but since I’m still trying hard to keep my sugar addiction from overtaking me, I try to only bake for others. To stay on track with my healthy eating, I really need a healthy meal plan. With a 2 week healthy meal plan, it’s easy to choose your favorites and make them staples in your house. That will make eating healthy on a regular basis much easier. So, try these recipes out, enjoy them, steal them, make them your own with modifications. Eat healthy; be happy…

Healthy eating plan written on notebook

Healthy Eating Plan: Week 1

I find that I am the most successful with eating healthy at home when I come up with a meal plan for the week ahead of time. I’ve tried many online recipes and found some things that have become staples in our house. Often, I tweak recipes I grew up with to make them healthier (or at least less processed!). I’ve been playing a lot with gluten-free recipes lately too and have found a few that are pretty tasty. So, to help you succeed in a healthy eating plan, I figured why not put two weeks of my favorite meals I’ve found in one place so you can have a varied meal plan that will help you eat fresh, non processed food, at home, for two full weeks. I’ll do this in 2 parts so it isn’t insanely long…

Whole30 Meal Plan Review

Whole30: AKA 30 Days Of Torture For A Good Cause

I had several friends who had done (and some continue to live by) Whole30. Whole30 is a 30 day detox diet. It’s Paleo, but even more strict than your typical Paleo diet. It is supposed to reset your body to eliminate cravings and help figure out what your trigger foods are that may cause discomfort, bloating and even illness. You give up all non-naturally occurring sugars, all dairy, legumes, grains, alcohol and preservatives in food for 30 days. That first week or so is brutal though…

Family getting healthy

Get Healthy, Stay Healthy!

Last February, I completed a life changing journey. I carried a baby through surrogacy that wasn’t mine to give away to a family who couldn’t have a baby of their own. It profoundly affected how much I appreciated my own children and how much I took my fertility, and health, for granted. I joined several online support groups and learned that anyone lucky enough to qualify (Yes, lucky in my eyes! Pregnancy will always be my favorite parts of my life! I’m nuts!), you must be a pretty healthy person. Over and over, I saw women struggle with weight, blood pressure, thyroid problems… Women who had assumed they were healthy and would come through with no problems. I also saw the women who did carry and then had complications that were unexpected and changed their lives. I had the easiest pregnancy of all of mine (5) and delivered a perfect, healthy little girl into her mother’s arms. Then my life (and health) changed…

Mom and baby in sling

Baby Carrier Reviews

I am pretty sure I have owned almost every baby wearing device (Baby wearing is strapping your baby into a carrier on your body rather than carrying them in your arms. It leaves your hands free while still keeping your baby close and secure.) out there from an old-fashioned Snugli, to a trendy Baby Bjorn, to a homemade sling. There are so many out there that it’s overwhelming and confusing, so I decided I am going to try to review the ones I have used and give my honest opinions based on fit, ease of use and, the most important aspect, how much my baby liked it…

Kids hands in a circle

Teaching Children Respect: Lessons Learned As A Mom

Respect yourself, respect your family, respect your friends, respect your world… I can remember times when I’ve been angry at my children and I HAVE lost it with them. I will not claim that I am perfect in that regard (or even close). But, over the years I have learned that if I want them to respect and do things for me, I have to first respect them and lead by example.

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