Category: Family & Parenting

Cradle cap is common in infants, and nothing to worry about! Here are 15 easy and effective natural remedies to treat Cradle Cap in babies.

When your newborn arrives, you can’t help but marvel over how perfect he is. Those tiny fingers and toes, that little mouth – everything is so cute and perfect!

However, once you bring him home, you start noticing little things and start worrying. For instance. what is that patch of crusty skin on your baby’s scalp? Is something wrong with my perfect little baby?

Relax! That crusty skin is just cradle cap, and it doesn’t mean that your little munchkin is anything short of perfect. Here’s everything you need to know about cradle cap in babies, and what you can do about it.

What is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is a skin condition also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. While seborrheic dermatitis appears as dandruff in adolescents and adults, it appears as thick, crusty or flaky skin in babies.

Cradle cap is most commonly found on the scalp, which is why it has the name ‘cap’, but it can also occur on the face, forehead, or anywhere the skin folds or creases, like behind the ears, armpits or the diaper region.

Cradle cap can occur anywhere from 3 weeks onward, and most babies overcome it by their first birthday. Some babies may show symptoms up to the age of four years, although this is rare.

What Causes Cradle Cap?

The exact cause of cradle cap is not known, although experts think there may be a few factors that could cause it:

1. Hormones passed on from the mother, which cause an overproduction of oil in the hair follicles
2. A yeast fungus called malassezia, found when there is excess sebum
3. Extremely dry weather

Contrary to what many people believe, cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene, nor is it caused by allergies. Cradle cap is not contagious or dangerous at all, and it usually clears off by itself. Cradle cap often show up like these:

• Patches of thick crusty or scaly skin on the scalp
• Skin flakes that look like dandruff
• Light redness

The scales may have an oily look to them and may look white or yellow. Sometimes, the skin under the scales may appear pink or reddish if your baby has a light complexion.

Cradle cap is sometimes confused with infantile eczema or atopic dermatitis, but these are completely different medical conditions. Atopic dermatitis and infantile eczema often cause itching, while cradle cap does not.

In fact, cradle cap doesn’t bother babies in the least – although the same cannot be said about parents! While this is something that clears up on its own, you can hasten the process with a few natural remedies.

1. Soft Brush

The easiest way to get rid of cradle cap is to brush using a soft baby brush. You can do this either dry or after a wash. Start by gently massaging baby’s scalp with your fingers – make sure to use your finger pads and not your nails. This will help to loosen the scales.

Then take the brush and brush gently in one direction, moving slowly so you release the flakes as you move. You can do this once a day, but stop if the scalp seems to be getting irritated. Some babies also like the brushing motion as it soothes them and lulls them to sleep.

2. Soft Washcloth

An alternative to using a brush is to use a washcloth. Choose a soft washcloth that’s made specifically for babies, so it’s not too rough on baby’s delicate skin.

Wet the washcloth with warm water and squeeze out any excess. There are two ways you can now use this damp washcloth. You can rub baby’s scalp gently to loosen the scales, ensuring you don’t scrub too hard. Or, you can use it as a warm compress on the scalp, and then follow it up with a soft brush. The warmth and dampness will make the scales easier to remove.

3. Oil Treatment

It is common to give babies an oil massage, especially in the early days, since it has many benefits. One of them is that oil helps in the removal of cradle cap. Use a baby-safe oil like coconut oil and always do a patch test first.

Take a few drops of the oil and gently massage it over the affected areas. Leave it on for about 15 minutes – this should soften the scales and make them easier to remove. Then brush it out with a soft brush and wash out the remaining oil with a mild shampoo.

4. Mild Shampoo

A baby shampoo also works well to get rid of cradle cap. For mild cases, regular baby shampoo will work, but if your baby’s cradle cap is more severe, you may need to get a baby dandruff shampoo. Do not use adult dandruff shampoos on babies – they can be too harsh.

When applying shampoo, gently massage the baby’s scalp, so that the scales soften and loosen up. You can also use a washcloth at this stage to gently rub the shampoo in. Then rinse off with water and you’ll find that most of the cradle cap has cleared up. Try to stick to shampooing not more than thrice a week.

5. Moisturizer

If your baby’s cradle cap is due to extreme dryness, applying moisture will help fix the problem as well as prevent it from reoccurring. Use a gentle natural baby moisturizer and apply it on baby’s scalp right after a bath, while the skin is still a little damp. This will lock the moisture in and soften the scales, making them easier to get rid of with a brush.

6. Baking Soda

For an older baby or a toddler, you can try a baking soda hack. Mix some baking soda in water to create a thin paste and apply it over the scalp. Let it rest for a minute and then wash off with a mild baby shampoo.

Baking soda works because its alkaline pH neutralizes the scalp’s pH. Please do not try this with newborn babies or young infants, and it’s best not to combine this remedy with other remedies like oil treatments.

7. Humidifier

As mentioned earlier, dryness can exacerbate cradle cap, especially dryness in the air. Using humidifiers helps add some moisture to the air, which decreases skin dryness. Some babies have cradle cap due to excess sebum production, and humidifiers help fix this problem. This is particularly true if you use an air conditioner or heater in the room.

8. Essential Oils

Essential oils are used for many home remedies, and they’re a great way to avoid the use of chemicals. However, they are quite potent and have to be used with care on small babies. Always use an essential oil in combination with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and never use an undiluted essential oil on young children.

The common essential oils for cradle cap are lemon oil and geranium oil. Tea tree oil, which is used as a dandruff remedy may also be used. Mix 2 drops of essential oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and massage it on baby’s scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes and then brush off the flakes. Follow up with a mild shampoo. Please remember that this is to be used on babies older than 6 months and always consult your doctor first.

9. Breast Milk

Breast milk has many uses, and it is often considered a magic pill for multiple baby problems. It’s the same with cradle cap – breast milk has long been used as a home remedy for this condition. It is believed that breast milk has many antibodies and nutrients that can soothe sensitive skin.

Simply apply a few drops of breast milk on your baby’s scalp and massage it gently. Leave it on for a few minutes and then brush it off with a soft baby brush.

10. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is generally known for its calming effects that help induce sleep, and these benefits extend to healing cradle cap in babies. The best way to use chamomile tea for cradle cap is to create a rinse of 2 cups of cooled chamomile tea with a tablespoon of coconut oil.

Gently massage some mild shampoo on baby’s scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes. Use a soft brush to release the flakes on the scalp and then rinse it out with the chamomile tea rinse. Make sure it doesn’t get into baby’s eyes. Follow up with plain water – you can try this remedy 2-3 times a week.

11. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a common ingredient in natural moisturizers, making it a great remedy for cradle cap too. Simply apply some shea butter on the affected area and leave it on the scalp for 15-20 minutes. Use a soft brush to brush off the loosened scales and then wipe off the excess shea butter with a soft washcloth. Follow up with a good rinse so you get rid of any residue.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is often used to treat dandruff in adults, and it can also be used on babies for cradle cap. However, ACV is still rather strong, so it’s best to reserve it for older babies and toddlers. The antifungal nature of ACV will help get rid of any fungal infection that may be causing the cradle cap.

Dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water and pour it over baby’s scalp. Take care that nothing gets into your baby’s eyes. Massage baby’s scalp gently and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse out with water and follow up with a mild shampoo if you like.

13. Oatmeal

You’ll have noticed that a lot of the remedies to treat cradle cap deals with scrubbing out the flakes, after softening them with something first. Oatmeal performs the same function, acting as a natural scrub.

Grind oats into a fine powder and mix with enough water to make a thick paste. Apply it all over the affected area, massaging it gently. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then wash off with water.

14. Aloe Gel

Aloe vera is a great alternative to a natural moisturizer, and is quite soothing for skin, considering it is often used to treat sunburn. When using aloe vera gel for cradle cap, be sure to use 100% natural and freshly harvested aloe vera gel, instead of store-bought versions.

Simply apply some fresh aloe vera gel on baby’s scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. Make sure not to leave it for too long since aloe vera has a cooling effect, and it can make baby uncomfortable or ill. Wash it off with a mild shampoo and rinse thoroughly to get rid of any residue.

15. Nutritious Diet

Sometimes the solution to baby’s cradle cap may lie on the breastfeeding Mommy’s plate! Vitamin D, Vitamin B and Omega-3 fats are important for skin health, and can help in keeping cradle cap at bay. Some foods to include are flax seeds, chia seeds, fish and egg yolks. You can also take a supplement if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

Things to remember:

1. When trying out oil treatments, avoid peanut oil since it can trigger allergies
2. Always use soaps or shampoos specifically meant for babies
3. Don’t use your fingers to pick at the scales – it can cause infection
4. Always be gentle, whether brushing, massaging or scrubbing
5. Speak to your doctor before starting any new remedy for your baby

Sometimes natural remedies may not be enough, and in such cases your doctor may recommend a medicated shampoo or a corticosteroid cream. Take your baby to the doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

• Any leaking fluid or bleeding
• Swelling of the skin
• Red, inflamed skin
• Unpleasant smells from the scaly patch
• A warm feeling in the affected area
• Spreading over a larger area of the body
• Persistent cradle cap even after weeks of treatment

References:

“I got a presale code!” my teenage daughter exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of buying concert tickets to see the latest artist du jour.

I smiled and flashed her thumbs up. However, my outward display of enthusiasm did not match how I felt inside. I felt, well, weary. 

After all, it hadn’t been long since being waitlisted for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. My recovery from that rigamarole, plus other recent concert ticket-buying experiences, was ongoing. 

Because from presale codes to Verified Fan status to digital wallets, I’m kinda done with how we go to concerts nowadays. I miss the way we went to concerts in the 80s.

6 ways concert-going was just better in the 80’s

1. No presale

In the 80s, I saw iconic acts like Madonna and Huey Lewis and the News with nary a presale or Verified Fan status in sight. When the TicketMaster phone lines opened at 10 am on a Friday, we called repeatedly until the heavens smiled and a real-life human answered.

Maybe we had a few seconds to ponder where to sit and what price to pay. But you usually grabbed the best available seats, even if those were the second to last row, where I sat for U2’s Joshua Tree tour. But, hey, I was there!

2. No resale sites

And if the busy signal never stopped and we didn’t get seats? We didn’t go. There was no Stubhub or Seatgeek with huge markups and exorbitant fees. I didn’t consider buying from a scalper, aka Mike Damone from Fast Times, either. I’d heard undercover cops posed as scalpers, and there was no internet to debunk that as an urban legend.

3. No VIP experience

The last concert my teenage daughter and I attended sold reserved sections of seats as part of their VIP experience. I think it included a drink and some concert merch, too, all for what seemed like an exorbitant upcharge.

The idea of a VIP experience would be laughable in the 80s. Back then, we made our own VIP experience. I remember when my friends and I snuck down to the eighth row of the A-ha concert and “borrowed” some empty seats. We screamed our heads off for Morten, Paul and Magne until the rightful seat owners showed up, and we retreated to our nosebleed seats. 

But for 30 glorious minutes, we rocked out like VIPs!

4. No selfies

At another recent concert, my daughter and I watched a young woman snap dozens of selfies of herself “enjoying the moment” aka posing for the camera, her back to the band she’d come to see. She checked each shot before she found the perfect one, which I believe was the 42nd take.

Meanwhile, of the two dozen concerts I attended in the ’80s and early ’90s, I have zero pictures of myself before, during, or after the events. (Although I wish I had a picture of me in the stirrup pants and hot pink boots I wore to the Thompson Twins.) Taking my picture before a concert didn’t cross my mind, and during the concert, my friends and I danced and sang our hearts out, lost in the moment and transformed by the beat. 

5. No digital tickets

There was no ocean of technology to navigate when we went to concerts in the 80s. We didn’t add cyber tickets to a digital wallet or scan, swipe, or have them disappear into the ether. No, we carried our prized tickets to the entrance, where the ticket taker ripped them before handing us the stub. That stub became a badge of honor, a treasured souvenir most likely posted on a bedroom wall for perpetuity.

6. No tracking

At concerts in the 80s, we were wild, free, and untracked. Yes, for my first concert in the 7th grade, my friends and I were chaperoned by my friend’s dad, but by 8th grade, we were dropped off to attend the likes of Howard Jones by ourselves.

After the encore, clutching our overpriced concert t-shirts, we navigated to the same spot where we had been dropped off and waited for someone’s mom to pick us up. I don’t recall being frightened; it instilled us resilience and made us feel capable. 

My fellow Gen Xers will agree that concerts in the 80s were amazing. Or should I say, like, totally amazing? Because they were.

I have the memories and the ticket stubs to prove it. 

More Great Reading:

Spring Break in the ’80s Versus My Daughter’s Spring Break

Parents want the best for their children and give them the greatest opportunities to start off their adulthood on the right foot. But that means starting now and not just waiting for the future. As in Aesop’s tale of the ants and the grasshopper, saving up now means that you’ll have what to eat in the future, even if playing is more fun… Saving up for the future is also like gardening. Here’s how.

Now, being thankful for the little you can save is like appreciating the small sprouts in your garden. It might not look like much at first, but each penny is a leaf on the money tree you’re growing for your kids’ future. Feeling grateful keeps you from getting discouraged and reminds you that every little saving is a big deal when it comes to showing your kids how much you care. 

By Louise Kinross

Click here for November’s BLOOM e-letter.

Here are some quotes to draw you into the content:

-From a parent whose baby was losing strength: ‘I knew something neurological was happening, but doctors told me Beau was a big, lazy boy and I was doing too much for him, and that’s why he was losing skills.’ (See Mental Health)

-From a family leader, staff member and co-chair of the transition steering committee: ‘I could see how amazing some of the new resources and supports that we invented are, and I wanted to spread and share them as widely as possible to help as many families as possible.’ (See Evidence To Care)

-From a veteran Holland Bloorview psychologist: ‘I help some parents understand that university may seem like the be-all or end-all, but for some kids that’s not the path, and that’s totally okay. There are other ways to be meaningful members of society.’ (See Staff Stories).

Don’t forget to check out our stats related to disability and food insecurity, and two new kids’ books—one featuring a girl in a wheelchair and the other a boy who uses a prosthetic leg.

Sign up for this monthly BLOOM e-letter. You’ll get family stories and expert advice on raising children with disabilities; interviews with activists, clinicians and researchers; and disability news.

Have you visited Croft State Park? With a wooden dock, a clear lake, tiny minnows sparkling in sunny shallow waters, tall trees, horses, hiking trails, and a playground, it sounds like the perfect place, right?  You’ll want to check out Croft State Park the next time you’re looking for a family adventure!

Spending a Day at Croft State Park

This gorgeous 7,000-acre state park offers miles of hiking, biking, and even equestrian trails.  On our visit, we walked the short Lake Craig connector trail and then enjoyed views of an absolutely beautiful Lake Craig.  We ate snacks we enjoyed them sitting on an adorable little dock watching the tiny minnows in the shallow water around us.  The nearby fishermen were also quite entertaining for my crew.

We enjoyed a very peaceful morning in the park.  My homeschoolers were able to practice making super sentences with quality adjectives about all the things they were noticing from the dock.  “The sun sparkles on the backs of the wiggling minnows.”   The next time we go I will bring sketchbooks and writing paper so they can write down their sentences and illustrate.  There were definitely plenty of places to sit near the lake, and lots of grass for blankets, if that’s your preference.

You will find bathrooms conveniently near the parking lot for Lake Craig, and a short walk up the hill brings you to a nice playground with views of the park’s equestrian facilities.  While there were only a handful of horses and riders when we visited, my children really enjoyed watching as we walked past.  The playground was great for my children (ages 4 through 8), but younger children will need to be watched carefully due to the height of some of the equipment.

Things to Do at Croft State Park

Hiking and Biking Trails

Croft has many hiking trails, including an easy Nature Trail that’s about one and a half miles long.  We went to the park intending to hike this trail, but even with a map, we struggled to find the trailhead.  We gave up and went on our little adventure at the lake and playground instead.  However, as we drove back down the park road headed for home, we noticed work crews clearing a few trees, and their trucks had been parked in front of the trailhead for the nature trail.  We could have driven by 20 times and never seen it!  ‘

Trails at Croft

There are several trails at Croft, with some of the major ones being the Palmetto Trail (Croft Passage), Nature Trail, Foster Mill, Southside Loop, and Rocky Ridge/ Whitestone Springs. You will also find several additional mixed-use trails that are designated for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This park has over 20 miles of mountain biking trails, which is spectacular if you love the sport.

The SC State Park Croft State Park website does a great job detailing what trails are for what, their difficulty, and how long each trail is. The Park Ranger can also help you out, with office hours 11 am to noon and 4 pm to 5 pm daily.

Fortunately, there’s so much to see and enjoy at Croft State Park, that it didn’t matter much to us.  But, do bring a map with you! If you’re looking for the Nature Trail, then you’ll find the trailhead on the right, just before you get to the parking lot for the equestrian facilities.

We love taking a small portion of the Palmetto Trail out to Fairforest Creek in the summer because it is not too difficult of a portion of the trail, so our toddler and four-year-old can come along. It also leads out to the creek, which is a great place to splash in the creek for a little while on hot days.

Camping

Love camping? Then camping at Croft should be on your radar for places to go next time you’re ready to pack up and head to the great outdoors. The park offers both RV camping and tent camping sites, in addition to a primitive group camping site that can accommodate up to 100 people. Camping sites are on packed gravel and come with electrical and water hookups. There are even hot showers, which as a mom with messy kids, makes taking them camping a little easier.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals

One of the great places to do watersports in the area is at Croft. You can bring your own equipment, or you can rent canoes, small boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the state park itself. For Jon boat and canoe rentals, you pay $15 for 4 hours of time or $25 per day. For kayaks and paddleboards, the cost is $10 per hour for the rental. They do not rent after 6 pm, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Want to go to Croft?

Admission for Croft State Park is $3 for adults, and $1 for children 6- 15. Children under 6 are free.

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed.

Park hours are 7 am – 6 pm daily (8 p.m. on Fridays), and 7 am – 9 pm daily during daylight savings time.

Croft State Park Address: 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC

Have you ever been exploring at Croft State Park?

I needed to go clothing shopping and asked in a local Facebook group where I could find a clothing store for fat women. And in addition to a lot of helpful suggestions I got so many comments about my choice of language.

I specifically use the term fat.

I am fat.

At  5’9 and 285 lbs, fat is a perfectly accurate descriptor. I’m fat. I’m tall. I’m blue eyed, straight brown haired, lightly freckled, myopic (need glasses), and a woman. Those describe me. They are all facts. Descriptors. None of them are either positive or negative. They are neutral. 

However, if you say the word with derision, obviously it is problematic, but the derision is the problem, not the word itself. Additionally, if you use the word in conjunction with a negative stereotype about Black people, that would be racist, and then, that word shouldn’t be used. (I’m not going to list racist tropes here, just fill in the blank “Black ____”.)

Disabilities are similar. In the past, many disabled people were locked up in homes, and not allowed to interact with the world. Seen as a burden by society, and talked about only in hushed voices. Disability was seen as a bad thing. People trying to be better people decided that people shouldn’t be described as disabled, but rather as “with a disability”, because disability was still seen as a bad thing, and they were trying to differentiate and show that they see the person as a real person, and not as their “bad thing”, their disability. 

Overall, in more recent history, the disability community (and especially the Autistic community) has stood up and said that they aren’t on board with that. By trying to separate people from their disability, they were still thinking negatively about disabilities, and the issue is with people and how they treat people’s disabilities, not the disabilities themselves. Additionally, it erases how much disabilities can affect someone’s entire life, making it a central part of them. So now the preferred term is disabled people and autistic people.

Religious identities are also just neutral descriptive terms, whether talking about Muslim, Jewish, pagan, etc… (I haven’t heard Christian used as an insult, but perhaps in some circles it would be too.) While there is nothing wrong with using those as descriptors about someone, if linked to a stereotype the group is stigmatized for, then it turns those words negative. 

Ok, for this I am going to use examples, sorry for my inconsistencies within this post. Talking about a domestic violence sitiation and referring to someone as an abusive Muslim man is wrong, and turns Muslim into a negative word, especially since the word Muslim is being used to emphasize how bad it is, since “you all know that Muslims are abusers”. Talking about bargain hunters and mentioning “cheap Jews” is wrong, because it is stereotyping Jews as being greedy money hoarders, and Jew is only brought up to show “just how bad their “cheapness” is. Talking about immoral people and bringing up their paganism is using a negative stereotype that specifically says that pagan people are lacking morals. I hope this explains why the words Muslim, Jew, and pagan, though neutral at their core, still can be seen as an insult, but only are when used as described above.

Back to fatness.

People see fat as a negative thing. Society has stigmatized fat people with so many negative stereotypes. 

People see fat people and think bad things about us. We must be fat because we eat so much. We’re fat because we’re too lazy to exercise and too lazy to make an effort to go on a diet. We are fat and therefore don’t take care of our bodies, so we must smell and be all sorts of gross. Fat people are unattractive and no one wants a fat person, so we’re ugly. We are obviously all unhealthy because we are fat, we make unhealthy life choices, and are obviously all going to die young because of our unhealthy life choices. Our priorities are quite clearly skewed, or we would have done something already about our fatness. And of course, we’re guilty, because being fat is completely our fault.

These are all nasty and untrue myths. There are many reasons why someone can be fat, and how much or what someone eats can have nothing to do with it at all. Medication can make someone fat, so specifically taking care of your health can cause you to be fat. Other health issues can cause someone to gain weight, so fatness can be a symptom of a health issue, not the cause. Fat people often exercise a lot and eat healthier diets than many skinny people. Fat people take care of our bodies and don’t stink, and there are many people attracted to fat people, we aren’t ugly. And of course, many times fatness is something that isn’t in our control, which makes it clearly not our fault. 

When someone thinks using the word fat is offensive, it’s because they think there’s something wrong with being fat. That you shouldn’t use a mean word about someone. Calling someone fat is only offensive if you see fat as a bad thing. By avoiding to use the word fat to describe someone fat, you’re doing the equivalent of people saying “Did you hear about the Smith family? Their son is *whispers* autistic.” Can’t say the word aloud because it’s embarrassing to be that way, so we will use words like “special” instead of disabled, or “pleasantly plump” instead of fat… 

By reclaiming it, we do make people uncomfortable, yes, but this discomfort hopefully will cause people to think about why I, as a fat person, would choose to call myself that. Why a fat person would not be bothered by being called that. Maybe it’ll help them, eventually, come around to accepting that being fat isn’t a bad thing. It just is. It is as neutral as one’s height, eye color, religion, or neurotype.

That doesn’t mean it is cool to use the words like “fat pig” or “fat slob” or other terms that get paired with the word fat which encourage stereotypes about fat people.

But fat people clothing stores? Yup, I’ll call it that. And when I get pushback to that, I’ll keep standing my ground about my usage of the term. 

You have a problem with my calling myself fat? Maybe you need to work on your acceptance of fat people, and on realizing that there isn’t anything negative about being fat. Maybe then you’ll see that fat isn’t a bad word. That it is simply a word.

P.S. Does this mean you should call other women fat who get offended by that word? No. Offending people isn’t nice. It doesn’t matter how neutral a word is, if you know it offends someone else, you don’t use it to describe them. Just be a nice person. But that doesn’t mean at the same time you can’t be part of the movement to change how society sees the word fat.

As the frosty winds and shorter days of winter set in, there’s an innate pull to hibernate and create a sanctuary within our homes. Winter offers a unique opportunity to slow down, restore, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and living spaces. Embracing this season of nesting can bring about a sense of calm and comfort. Here are some winter nesting ideas to revitalize every aspect of your life.

Mind Restoration:

1. Embrace Hygge: Embrace the Danish concept of “hygge” by creating cozy spaces with soft blankets, flickering candles, and warm drinks. This simple practice can instantly uplift your mood.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. These activities cultivate mental clarity and inner peace, ideal for the reflective winter months.
3. Reading Nook: Set up a cozy reading nook with plush pillows and your favorite books. Dive into new worlds and let the imagination wander.
4. Creative Pursuits: Explore creative outlets like painting, writing, or crafting. Engaging in artistic endeavors can be both therapeutic and fulfilling during the winter.

Body Rejuvenation:

1. Warm Baths: Treat yourself to luxurious baths with aromatic oils or bath bombs. Not only do they relax muscles, but they also soothe the mind.
2. Healthy Comfort Food: Experiment with hearty and healthy winter recipes. Warm soups, stews, and herbal teas can nourish the body and soul.
3. Exercise Indoors: Don’t let the cold deter you from staying active. Try indoor workouts or yoga sessions to keep the body energized and flexible.
4. Self-Care Rituals: Pamper yourself with self-care rituals like facials, body scrubs, or moisturizing treatments. Winter is the perfect time to lavish attention on your skin.

Home Restoration:

1. Declutter and Organize: Start the year fresh by decluttering and organizing living spaces. A tidy home promotes a peaceful mind.
2. Winter Decor: Add touches of warmth to your decor with fluffy rugs, rich-colored throws, and seasonal decorations. It instantly transforms the ambiance.
3. Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, or winter flowers to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.
4. Cozy Lighting: Adjust lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft, dim lights or fairy lights can create a magical winter ambiance.

Winter nesting isn’t just about physical comfort; it’s a holistic approach to self-care that encompasses the mind, body, and home. By embracing these ideas, you can cultivate a sanctuary that rejuvenates and restores your well-being during the colder months.

Published: November 26, 2023 | Last Updated on: November 29, 2023
| by Hema

Discover the compelling reasons to incorporate plant-based milk into your lifestyle, accompanied by guidance on selecting a nutritious dairy alternative that aligns with your health goals.

In a world where conscious living is gaining momentum, the choices we make about what we consume have a profound impact on our well-being and the health of our planet. One such choice that has been gaining popularity is the transition to plant-based alternatives, and at the forefront of this shift is the delightful world of homemade plant-based milk.

As more individuals seek sustainable and cruelty-free options, the demand for plant-based milk has soared. While store-bought varieties are readily available, there’s a certain joy in creating your own concoctions right in the heart of your kitchen. Not only does it allow you to tailor the flavors to your liking, but it also empowers you to control the ingredients, ensuring a pure and wholesome sip every time.

Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the art of crafting your own Plant-Based Milk milk at home. From the simplicity of almond milk to the creaminess of oat milk and the nutty richness of cashew milk, we’ll explore various methods that make this process not only easy but also immensely rewarding. Get ready to embrace a new era of sustainable living and indulge in the satisfaction of producing your very own plant-powered elixir.

Have you ever looked at the ingredients list of popular plant-based drinks available at stores?
They’re so full of preservatives, additives and flavoring agents.
Why buy them when Plant-Based Milk are so easy to make at home!

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Milk

These Plant-Based Milk, derived from sources like soy, coconut, peanut, almond, and oat, offer a plethora of health benefits that extend beyond their lactose-free nature. Let’s explore the unique advantages of each:

1. Soy Milk:

• Rich in protein, soy milk is an excellent alternative for those seeking a dairy substitute with comparable nutritional content.
• Packed with essential amino acids, it promotes muscle growth and repair.
• Studies suggest that soy may have heart-healthy effects, contributing to reduced cholesterol levels.

2. Coconut Milk:

• Abundant in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut milk provides a quick and efficient energy source.
• Contains lauric acid, known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• May support weight management due to its potential to increase feelings of fullness.

3. Peanut Milk:

• A notable source of plant-based protein, peanut milk aids in muscle development and repair.
• Rich in monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
• Offers a satisfyingly nutty flavor, enhancing the taste of various dishes.

4. Almond Milk:

• Low in calories, almond milk is a weight-conscious choice that still provides essential nutrients.
• Packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
• Fortified versions contribute to a good calcium source, crucial for bone health.

5. Oat Milk:

• High in fiber, oat milk supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Contains beta-glucans, known for their cholesterol-lowering effects.
• A creamy texture makes it an ideal dairy substitute in various recipes.

Incorporating these plant-based milks into your diet not only caters to diverse nutritional needs but also aligns with ethical and environmental considerations. Experimenting with these alternatives allows you to discover the one that complements your taste preferences while reaping the health rewards of a plant-centric lifestyle.

These are gut friendly options to make smoothies!

Cashew/Almond Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cashews /almonds (or a mix of both)
• 3 cups of water

Method

• Place 1 cup of cashews or almonds in a bowl and cover with water.
• Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften the nuts.
• If using almonds, gently squeeze each almond to remove the skin after soaking.
• In a blender, combine soaked nuts (and peeled almonds if used) with 3 cups of fresh water.
• Blend until smooth for about 1-2 minutes.
• For smoother milk, strain the mixture using a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve.

Optional: Add sweeteners like honey or flavors like vanilla during blending.

Peanut Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• Peanuts – 1 cup
• Water – 2 cups

Method

• Place 1 cup of peanuts in a bowl.
• Cover them with 2 cups of water and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• After soaking, drain and rinse the peanuts under cold running water.
• In a blender, combine the soaked peanuts with 2 cups of fresh water.
• Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother milk, you can strain the mixture using a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh sieve.
• Place the strainer over a large bowl or jug and pour the blended mixture through it, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.

Soy Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• Soybeans – 1 cup
• Water – 2.5 cups

Method

• Place 1 cup of soybeans in a bowl.
• Cover them with 2 cups of water and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Peel the skin by rubbing it between your hands, run it under water and the skin will float and you move the beans around.
• Blend and sieve.
• Sieve again into a pot and cook it on low flame, keep stirring.
• It will catch to the bottom of the pan easily so it’s important to stir.
• Sieve again, you’ll still notice soy pieces.

Oat Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• Oats – 1 cup
• Water – 3.5 cups

Method

• Place 1 cup of oats in a bowl.
• Cover them with 2 cups of water and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Rinse and wash it using a strainer so that it doesn’t feel slimy to touch.
• Blend it in cold water along with ice – this is important to not let the milk slimy (heat makes it slimy, room temperature water will get heated due to blending process)
• Sieve and it’s ready!

Coconut Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• Coconut grated – 1 cup
• Water – 1 cup

Method

• Blend 1 cup of grated coconut and strain to get the first milk.
• With the remaining coconut left in the sieve, add back to blender and blend again with 1 cup water – second milk.
• First milk is always thicker than the second milk, they’re always used at different points in recipes, so store them separately.
• The leftover pulp can be used to make cookies, add into chapati, smoothies, chutneys, Dosa batter etc., you can sneak them into any dish without getting its taste. Please don’t throw them out.

In conclusion, the journey into the realm of plant-based milk at home has been a delightful and rewarding adventure. As we’ve explored the diverse array of options, from almond and oat to soy and coconut, we’ve not only discovered the simplicity of crafting these dairy alternatives in our own kitchens but also uncovered a world of flavors and nutritional benefits.

Homemade plant-based milk stands out not only for its freshness but also for the control it gives us over ingredients, allowing us to tailor our beverages to personal preferences and dietary needs. The process itself is surprisingly easy, often requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients and a blender. By making our plant-based milk, we reduce our reliance on store-bought alternatives that may contain additives, preservatives, and excess sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions