| How long have you been a member of HMN? I just became a member in January 2015.
I am an Holistic Mom because: Over the past several years I have taken a great interest in my own health and been on the search to learn as much as I can in order to live the best, healthy life that I can. When I became pregnant, it was my goal and intention to have a natural birth and bring my baby into the world with the least amount of interventions as possible. Since having my son, we have tried to treat him with natural remedies when he has been ill, and support his immune system with whole foods the best that we can. I joined HMN to learn from other like minded moms in my area. I truly believe that, "It takes a village to raise children," and already in the short time that I have been a member, I have learned so much!
My holistic passions are: Using homeopathics to support my toddler, seeing my chiropractor regularly for myself and my son, making whole food based meals for my family to enjoy, growing my garden, spending as much time in nature and outdoors as the Chicago weather allows for! What inspires you about HMN or holistic living? The support of the moms who are a part of HMN is so wonderful. Everyone is so kind and generous and I love having a network of women to reach out too. When I find myself concerned about something or in search of reputable information, I love that now I have such a large group to reach out to and trust. Over the past several years I have decided to take control of my own health due to some diagnosis that I received in 2011. During that time I was scared into taking a lot of medication in order to "stay healthy" according to my doctor. I felt terrible, and six short months later I found a Natural Pathologist I trusted and started learning so much more about health and holistic living. I had always had a passion for nutrition and exercise, but learning how to treat my body using holistic remedies was fascinating and I began feeling so much better. The fear that was instilled in me prior, was slowly lessoned, and now I feel in control of my health. I want the same for my family, especially my son.
One of my favorite healthy recipes: We make these every weekend!! The BEST Ever Paleo Pancakes gluten-free, dairy-free
Puree in a blender: 1 cup almond milk 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, but helps for rising) 5 large eggs 1/4 cup packed almond flour (any brand) 1/2 cup coconut flour 1/2 cup arrowroot or tapioca flour (see note that follows*) 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoons honey 3/4 teaspoon baking soda To make: Add some coconut oil to a skillet pre-heated over low to medium heat. Drop some of batter into the pan. Swirl the batter out with the back of the spoon to make the pancake larger. (I usually make four pancakes at a time in my largest skillet.)
Cook each side until pancake is cooked through. I have found using a skillet is easy, you can make multiple pancakes at once! I have also made and saved the batter for the weekend, camping, etc. Enjoy! | 
