Black Breastfeeding Week-Educate

Breastfeeding is something near and dear to my heart. I never thought I would be as passionate as I am about something so ridiculously natural, and done all over the world, but I am.  I had a Mother who nursed two of her three children. She wasn't able to with me due to birth complications.  I saw the nursing as something "you just did".  I never even wondered about it really.  I've had friends that do it, the generation before me showed examples of it, etc.

What if your culture didn't? If you rarely saw a Mother that breastfed?  If you had people say that it was weird?  What if the hospitals, aides, counselors, representatives of health organizations didn't encourage this in your community?  Would you want to breastfeed, or be like what you saw?  I'm going to bet most women, especially young women that look to others for encouragement as new Mother's, would go with what they're taught.

Black Breastfeeding Week is such an important week to bring to the forefront a need in the community.  Moms in the lower income areas could then be taught how inexpensive, nurturing, and healthy it is for their babies. Black Mother's from all walks of life could get a better sense of community, and common ground.

There obviously have been numerous reports on the benefits of breastfeeding, the black communities could stand more education on the importance of it as well. The bonding with a child, the way it helps prevent disease and illness, the ways it can help prevent things to come in a person's body. There is also always in every community, the almighty dollar being put above human need.  Formula is an amazing thing, and even though I nursed all three of my children, each one of them received a few bottles of the stuff to help me out here and there. I'm not bashing that, what I am saying is the fact that advertisement for it is consistent while something natural like breastfeeding is an afterthought.

Please educate your friends, be an encouragement to others, educate a younger Mother in your community or family.  Breastfeeding is not simply just breastfeeding, it is bringing a community of families together.  Breastfeeding shifts in an entire community, can literally change the future of the community.

*photo borrowed by blackmothersbreastfeeding.org*

Making Tuesday Tasty-Avocado Chicken Salad

I'm not sure that I could love avocado's more!  I love them in all kinds of ways.  Here's a simple, go to recipe for a quick and healthy lunch!

Recipe

2 C shredded chicken

1.5 to 2  avocado's depending on size

1/5 cloved garlic minced

salt and pepper to taste

Juice of half a lime...or more if you like

1 tsp fresh cilantro

1 tbsp chopped red onion...or more if you like

Preparation

Put all ingredients into a single bowl and smash together. Blend well. For best results, let all of the flavors blend together.  The avocado is creamy enough to omit mayo and/or yogurt.  If you like the tang of the Greek yogurt, you could put a dollop of that in as well.

Enjoy on your favorite crackers, pita, bread, whatever you like!

Social Media, Sometimes You're The Worst!

This mama heart, this Christian heart, and this woman's heart is feeling broken this week.  I have often relished in social media. I keep my online friends close, I can keep up with family in another state, and I can talk to like minded mama's in private groups.  I've felt a real connection with moms from many different backgrounds, states, and countries.  I would be wrong if I didn't talk to what social media has done for blogs, and networking.

For all the good social media has brought, it's also shown some true colors of the people that participate.  The constant bashing, the negativity, and barrage of posts can wear anyone down.  I have found myself more often just avoiding Facebook, and taking a breather. I check in periodically to some of my groups, and then get off again.

Sometimes, it just can all be too much!  Too much information weighs us down.  We all need to be sober and vigilant as the scriptures say, but we must also have a down time. My heart needs a chance to feel love and forgiveness, instead of apathy.  Our softened edges turn rough when we are grated on constantly.

Spread some cheer and good will today, instead of posting something in the news that's bad or negative. Talk about the joy your life brings you.  It will not only help you get through the day, it may just help another!


Melanie

I'm Back!!!!!!

Hi everyone!

I'm back after a very long, two and a half year hiatus. I wasn't sure the direction my blog was going, was for me. In that time, I also moved a few times, had another baby, and have been living as a mama of three.

I want to bring you things that you would like to see, products or services, having fun, what's going on today, etc.  Please respond to this post if there are things that you would like to see.  Let's really interact and socialize on a greater level!


Melanie

Tasty Tuesday-Whole 30 Grilled Chicken and Corn with Jalapeno and Lime Dressing

In keeping with my tradition, I am still going to be posting recipes that I figure out and love!  I love to cook, and try out new things. I want to go into some more healthy recipes, things that hopefully will translate with the whole family, and some comfort food too!  Now without further adieu...


I BIG PUFFY HEART Food And Wine Magazine's recipes. I have two of their cookbooks, and use them more than any other I own.  This one is from their Whole 30 recipes link.

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. Jalapeno Lime Dressing
4. 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
5. 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6. 2 tablespoons minced jalapeños (with seeds)
7. 1 1/4 tablespoons kosher salt
8. 1/2 teaspoon pepper

SALAD

1. 4 ears of corn
2. 2 bunches scallions, halved
3. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4. Kosher salt
5. Pepper
6. Four 6-ounce boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
7. 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves, chopped
8. 1 pint Sun Gold tomatoes, halved
9. 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil
10. Chopped chives and finely grated lime zest, for garnish

1. MAKE THE DRESSING In a bowl, whisk all of the ingredients.
2. MAKE THE SALAD Light a grill. Remove all but the last layer of green husk from the corn. In a bowl, soak the corn in water for 10 minutes, then drain.
3.  In a bowl, toss the scallions with 2 tablespoons of the oil; season with salt and pepper. In another bowl, coat the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the rosemary; season with salt and pepper.
4.  Grill the corn, scallions and chicken over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until the corn and scallions are lightly charred and the chicken is cooked through, 5 minutes for the scallions and 15 minutes for the corn and chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice across the grain.
5.  Chop the scallions into 1-inch pieces. Remove the husks and cut the corn kernels off of the cobs. Transfer the scallions and corn to a large bowl; add the tomatoes, basil and half of the dressing and toss. Transfer the salad to a platter. Top with the chicken and garnish with chives and lime zest. Serve the remaining dressing at the table.

*recipe and photo courtesy of foodandwine.com

Making Tuesday Tasty-Crockpot Chicken And Noodles

I like a hearty soup or noodle/potato dish to get through the Winter. I also like something that is low in cost, one dish, and has lots of flavor!  I adapted this recipe from another so, I guess I'm the creator this time. :)

Ingredients

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1 box(32 oz) low sodium chicken broth

24 oz Package of frozen egg noodles

2 ribs of celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

Half an onion(yellow or white)

2 to 3 cloves of garlic, depending on taste

2 Tsp. of your favorite poultry seasoning, herbs de provence, or 1/2 tsp Thyme, 1/2 tsp of Rosemary, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 tsp of parsley.

1/4 C butter

salt, pepper

Preparation

Season chicken breasts with some salt and pepper.  In a pan, sear the chicken breasts on the outside to get a nice golden color.  Once seared, place them in the Crockpot along with the broth, creamed soup, the seasoning, butter, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and broth.  Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.  Remove chicken from liquid and shred. If you don't want the veggie chunks you can strain it from the liquid at this time.  Add liquid and shredded chicken back into the Crockpot. Add egg noodles to the mixture and stir.  Cook 45 mins to an hour on high or two hours on low.  Stir occasionally.  Serve.

Wordless Wednesday-Old School