The benefits of cooking with Organic Coconut oil, using Himalayan salt, Salba seeds and Maca roots

 I was never a bad eater to say..I always liked to eat clean food, once in a while yes I eat fast food, or restaurant food, but 95% of the time I home cook. I prefer a good home cook meal, but I am always trying to improve my cooking by using better healthier ingredients. It has been a week since I have started using Organic Coconut oil. I purchased my Organic Coconut oil at an organic store around my way.The benefits for using this good saturated fat oil is that researchers states is actually good for you and provides a number of profound health benefits, such as:

• Improving your heart health

• Boosting your thyroid.

• Increasing your metabolism.

• Promoting a lean body and weight loss if needed.

• Supporting your immune system.


Coconut oil even benefits your skin when applied topically and has been found to have anti-aging, regenerative effects.

Having a child with Down syndrome that extra chromosome they carry can cause with time, thyroid problems, their prone to quickly gain weight because their metabolism slow down, they can have weak immune system, and some are prone to have Alzheimer disease early as in their teens. Some researchers have stated that using Coconut Oil in their diet daily can slow down the progression of Alzheimer and some testimony state that their love ones have been "cured" from Alzheimer. Since I want my family to be healthy I began using Organic Coconut oil. The great thing about this Coconut oil is that you can substitute butter for coconut oil. I am making sandwiches I use coconut oil as my spread instead of butter, mayonnaise or any other spread used. I cook my rice, beans, chicken, fish, soup, and I even add a teaspoon to my protein shake or smoothie. It does not change the taste of the food at all. I even use it on my hair as a treatments. For my hair which is curly it gives it such a natural shine and it is weightless which it does not make my curls feel heavy, plus it makes my hair smell wonderful. When I purchases the jar it is a white creamy consistent like butter...It can be stores in the refrigerator or in a cool area.

Himalayan crystal salt

    I have been using this product for the last eight months. The director of a daycare/school Ethan was attending mention this product to me. She mention how water and salt regulates all metabolic functions of the body, including functions of the solid matter itself. It is water and salt that energizes and activates our body period; however the Pink Himalayan salt happens to be the best of the best. I was sold when she told me this.. I did some research and found that using this Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

Stabilizes irregular heartbeats

Regulates your blood pressure, in conjunction with water

Extracts excess acidity from your body's cells, particularly the brain cells

Balances the sugar levels in the blood

Generates hydroelectric energy in your body's cells

Increases conductivity in nerve cells for communication and information processing

Enhances absorption of nutrients through the intestinal tract

Clears mucous plugs and sticky phlegm in the lungs, particularly in asthma and cystic fibrosis

Clears up congestion of the sinuses

Provides your body with a strong natural antihistamine

Helps maintain muscle tone and strength

Stops excess saliva production

Strengthens bone structure. Osteoporosis, in many ways, is a result of salt and water shortage in the body

Prevents muscle cramps and many more great health benefit.

More reason for me to use this salt. I found the Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt at an organic store around my way. The cool thing about the salt it comes with a built in grinder so you can grind the salt weather you like the salt to be coarse or fine. I have used both the Pink Himalayan and the Himalayan Sea Salt.. I prefer the Pink Himalayan, I feel it gives the food a better taste. As you can see I ran out of the Pink Salt time to buy more!

Salba Seeds

 This wonderful seed is known to be a super food. It comes from the famous Chia Plant. It is originally from South America, known to be part of the Aztec diet and has been known for its healing properties. This little seeds is awesome. Salba supports:

• The digestive system
• fewer food cravings
• natural energy
• balance blood sugar
• increase joint mobility
• eight times more Omega-3s than Salmon
• 30% more Antioxidant than Blueberries
• 25% more fiber than Flax seeds.

There are two way you can buy Salba: Seeds form or Ground form. I have both. I use the seeds form for my salad or when I am sauteing vegetables. I use ground form for the kids. I use it in their pancake mix, oatmeal, milk, or baking!

Maca Roots

  At the organic store I go to purchase my goodies, they always give out free health magazine. In the month of April of 2013 it talked about Maca roots. Maca is a root for Peru, it is a tuber, like a potato and offers a great energy booster, not to be compared to that of drinking a red bull or those energy drinks,  it is a stress reducer, helps balancing hormones( PMS, Menopause, hot flashes,thyroid, etc)  promotes the growth of healthy hair, bones, teeth and muscle. It is also known to be a fertilizer enhancer and best know for improving libido and sexual function. It comes in a powder form. I use only a half a teaspoon in Amalia's milk or oatmeal before she goes to therapy; since she gets back to back therapy she needs the extra energy. I pour a half a teaspoon in my protein shake after I work out for the quick pick me up...As much as I love to grab a cup of coffee, I am trying to cut down.

 Everything in moderation and we can achieve a healthy family!

A mother instinct never fails.

I am so glad February is the shortest month of the year; really I am because for every single day of the month there was something to experience. It all began February 2, it was the annual Down Syndrome Clinic Day and It was our second year to attend. I was more excited this year than last year because I knew who I really wanted to see and I was looking for second opinion regarding Therapists. As I entered the clinic I was greeted by a good friend who also happen to be a mother of a teenage with Down syndrome. She introduced me to another mother who at the end of the day we befriended each other on facebook and have been chatting ever since. My main focus was to see the Physical Therapist. Amalia has been seeing a PT for three weeks and this PT is persuading me to authorise Amalia to get hip/leg brace along with a walker that I would have to strap her to the metal pole and kind of "make" her walk. Now I have done my research and this particular walker are for children with spinal problem that needs to use this device for a quite a long long time to be more independent and learn how to walk. In case of Amalia she needs to build strength on her legs to be able to walk, not make things easy for her, plus she is a Diva and STUBBORN. This current PT also believes that children should not CRAWL...When I heard all of this, I whisper to myself, "I need to get a second opinion." As I put my name on the waiting list a very well known Geneticist in Central Florida, Dr. Pollock approached me, she just gave a quick glance at Amalia when she tells me to sit down beside her and tells me Amalia has Autism. I could have cried, become very disappointed, probably feel bummed out, but that motherly voice inside of me kept me calm. I gave a smile to Dr. Pollock and said "No, she does not have Autism, she just feel shy since she is not familiar with the place and she seeing many strange faces." Dr. Pollock advice right of way for me to see a Behavioral Therapist. I said to her "She does not require one, she is well behave she has her moment, like we all do, but she does not need one." She still advice is good to just speak to a Behavioral Therapist and I agree to see one, it was a free clinic, so why not?! After our quick conversation I was called to see the Physical Therapist. I informed her what Amalia's current PT is advising for me to do. The PT at the clinic was very honest and said "Amalia needs to work on building strength on her legs, once she master that she will walk, run, jump, etc." She showed me exercise I can do at home for Amalia to build leg muscle strength and she did great, she was standing with support and had her legs straight  "She does not need hip/leg brace and she does not need the walker her PT is mentioning..a word of advice get a new PT." I came out of the room like I was winning "Mom Instinct 1- PT 0." Second on my list was Occupational Therapist walked in there with a list of questions. Amalia's current OT had her practicing taking shape out of the bucket and putting the shape back in the bucket for the last nine months. I always speak to my High School awesome friend Margaret, who happens to be a teacher to special kids and in her school they have PT, OT, Speech Therapist on board and she mention how Amalia's OT should be learning ADL SKILLS (Activity of Daily Living) learning how to feed herself, drink out of her own cup, etc.. The OT at the Clinic advice the same thing and was honest and said Amalia is delayed in OT because she has not been giving the proper exercise and advice to get a new OT. Once again I left the room knowing I was right all along, the place she is attending are not providing the proper therapy for her. The third therapist on my list to see was the Speech Pathologist. Amalia's current Speech Therapist and I have argue often about Oral Motor Therapy, which is a variety of exercises to develop awareness, strength, coordination and mobility of the oral muscles. Her Speech Therapy "believes" she will chew when she wants to....The Speech Pathologist at the clinic could not have stressed enough about how important children with low tones should get Oral Motor Therapy.  After chatting, he also recommended me to seek a speech therapist that performs Oral Motor Therapy.  After seeing PT, OT, and Speech Therapist I went to see Stacey the Behavioral Therapist who was very informative regarding her field. She provided organizations name and contact number that can do home bound Behavior Therapy. My time was up and was headed to Dr. Pollock room to chat with her more about Amalia. She schedule an appointment to see her at her practice because she needs to do some testing to really diagnose her with Autism as well. She did observe her and advice to get a new PT, OT, and Speech Therapist and wrote down Referral to see the new therapists and was going to keep in touch with her Pediatric. It was late in the afternoon and I was feeling exhausted is like my adrenaline was wearing out and I was going to crash. I arrived home, cooked, ate and kind of gave it a thought as I glanced at my daughter and asked myself "Where does she see "Autism" in my daughter?" and then that motherly talks from within kept me calm. The following week I made an appointment with her pediatric so he can referred me to another clinic to take Amalia so she can get the proper therapy. The hard part was telling the therapist to discharge Amalia and of course the million and one questions of Why? How come? Where will she be attending? I answer as honest as I could. I told them that by attending the Down syndrome clinic I realized that Amalia was not getting the proper exercises and as her mother I want was best for her and it does not hurt to try Oral Motor Therapy, to see a Physical Therapist that works with her instead of relying a device that she does not need and she needs an Occupational therapist that will help her with ADL skills. Well let's just say it was not that easy..I had to wait another week for her to be discharge because the administrator who does the discharge always left to do some errands and did not come back for the day; but yes she did get the discharge and I am just waiting for the new clinic to process the paper work and give me a date to start. On Valentine day she had her six months cardiologist appointment and she is doing phenomenal..She does not need to see her cardiologist for the next two years....Fast forward to February 20, 2013 it was my scheduled day to see Dr. Pollock. Walked in and to the Doctor surprise Amalia was not the same child she saw at the clinic. Amalia showed her true colors. She said "Hi," to the doctor ans she waved and blew her a kiss. She saw a picture of an apple and said "Apple." Dr. Pollock was taken by surprise that no matter how many years of experience she has under her belt, she is human and makes mistakes. She observed Amalia and gave a clear diagnose that she does not have Autism. She is a happy baby with a warm infectious smile.!

Beautiful words and comforting!

I am not sure what I was trying to google the other day but I came across the following website: http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com/inspirat.htm...  Childen with Mosaic Down syndrome have two distinct cell groupings. In some cells there is a total of 46 chromosomes, which is the “typical” group. In other cells there is an extra copy of the chromosome #21, making 47 cells total for this group. This website has two poems that touched my heart and I wanted to share.

A Story contributed by Erma Bombeck
This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Somehow I visualize God  hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes,  he instructs his angel to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint, Matthew."
"Smith, Marge, daughter, patron saint, Cecillia."
"Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
Finally he passes a name to the angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child". The angel is curious. "Why  this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly," says God. "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does  not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel."
"I don't want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock  and resentment wear off she'll handle it." "I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence  that is so necessary in a mother. The child I am going to give her has his own world. She has to make it live in  her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you," God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She  has just enough selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods, "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman  who I take for granted a 'spoken word.'   She will never consider a 'step' ordinary.  When her child says  'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it!   I will permit her to see clearly the things  I see...cruelty, ignorance, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her  side every minute of every day, because she is doing my work as surely as if she were here by my side."
"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, pen poised in mid air."
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."         
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Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth,
"It's time again for another birth."
Said the Angels to the Lord above,
"This special child will need much love."

Her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishment she may not show;
And she'll require extra care
From the folks she meets down there.

She may not run or laugh or play.
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways she won't adapt
And she'll be known as handicapped.

Oh let's be careful where she's sent.
We want this life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they are asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for the Gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heavens Very Special Child.

The Magic of turning TWO!

Ever since Amalia  turned two it has been magical, she is reaching her milestone with grace. Some of the milestone she is reaching are: Tummy crawling, holding her standing posture for nine minutes, she is pivoting on her tush, she is grabbing more object and is studying shapes very carefully, she is verbal, she says, Dada, cow, duck, chicken, Si (yes), star, makes the phonics sounds of the letter "f", "e", "h","a", "c", "k" "m" and makes the coolest "oh" face!...She loves songs some of her favorite songs are: the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Patty Cake- Patty Cake Bakers Man, If you are happy and you know it clap your hands, and two spanish song called "Linda Manita" (Beautiful Hands) and PonPon el dedito en el pilon. She says hi, every time she sees someone whom she feels are worth the greeting and when the phone rings she says: hi....She even takes my cell phone and says hi..I love how she is becoming more aware of her surroundings! With the magical two it also comes with TEMPER TANTRUM! Brushing her hair and teeth is like having a wrestling match. If she is not fed quick enough she has a hissy fit. She has food preference..Alfredo sauce is her favorite DO NOT give her Marinara or Meat Sauce she will spit it out and give you a not so happy face. Now with no further a do, here are some of Amalia videos enjoy.

I know with a blink of an eye she will be walking and running and I will be her biggest cheerleader in the crowd!

A Wedding in October.

When my high school girlfriend Margaret Cisneros informed me that she was getting married by church I was thrilled; but when she asked me to create her wedding hair accessories I am not going to lie I was ecstatic and nervous. Nervous? Why? Well Margaret and I were not that close in high school. We had some classes together and she was part of the team in Guys and Dolls where I played the lead role Adelaide and she was working magic behind the curtains. It was not until March 2010 that her and I began chatting in Face book since we were both expecting at the time. She was a couple a month ahead of me in her pregnancy..After a couple of back and forth chatting in face book she gave me her cellphone number and I called her and we have been the bests of friends ever since. After I gave birth to Amalia and was informed that she might have Trisomy 21, she was one of the first person who I called and cried too. Margaret is a special education teacher therefore she gave me then and gives me now the best advice when it comes to my little diva; so for her wedding I wanted to create something beautiful, unique, and elegant. She told me her theme colors which are lavender and gray. Then we began brain storming on the type of decor she wants her wedding to be, was it going to be a rhinestone bling bling kind of wedding, a romantic candle type of wedding, etc. Then an idea came to my mind, I told her what about a feather, pearl kind of old Hollywood type of wedding and she agreed. The name Feather Me Lovely came to mind to represents her wedding hair decors. I wanted their hair decor to tell a story, their life story. A little information about Margaret ( I have her consent on this) and Michael (groom), there first daughter Isabella ( Bella) was delivered early due to some complications and Bella lived on this earth for five months and for those five months this little angel touched the heart of so many, that although she is not here with us physically, she is here with us in our heart and mind always. Therefore as the angel that she was and still is, she is part of her parents wedding by representing the Feathers. After Isabella, Margaret and Michael gave birth to two adorable little girls Katherine (4) and Ava (2), these two little diva represents the Pearls in the wedding decor. I wanted to create something special for the groom as well, a unique boutonniere by using an old skeleton key.

                                                       The Flower Girl hair fascinator:

  Katherine and Ava hair fascinator tells the story of two little girls who are always watched by their older sister Isabella (The Feather). The Pearls a very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable gemstone represents how they are being raised by their parents to become beautiful young ladies. The Net represents the protection they will always have from their parents no matter the age. The Flower is a combination of three colors, Purple, which is a color used for good judgment and to represents royalty (they are princess). Lavender a color of grace and elegance. White a color of innocence and pure. Rhinestone Center represents the girls will always twinkle with a shiny sparks in their parents eyes.

The Groom Boutonniere:

 Michael's the man of the house the one who is responsible to protects his family. I decided to create the boutonniere on an old skeleton key because Michael was raised with the old tradition value of what a man, husband, father is suppose to do. The key says: responsible, knowledge, power and life. The Feather represents his first daughter Isabella the angel she is and always will be. The Gray Color Ribbons with four pearls represents security, maturity and dependability that he provides to his family. The Purple flowers meaning royalty and he is the man of the house! I wanted to add a rhinestone button that represents the bride headpiece; therefore he has one and the bride headpiece has the other similar button.



The Bridal Ceremony head piece:

Margaret's head piece: I used Chiffon because the material says elegance, delicate and strong. White for the pure love she has on her family. The three rosette for her three princess. The feather for her angel Isabella. The pearls because she is a lady of purity, harmony, humility, elegance, and valuable. One of the three center stone share a connection with her groom boutonniere. I also made a birdcage veil for the bride (forgot to take a picture). I chose birdcage because it gives that old vintage glamour look.

The Bride Reception  head clip:

Margaret wanted to wear a different hair piece something lighter for the reception and I had the perfect one in mind. All Feather hair clip with a beautiful star center button with a bit of a net.

Bridal Wedding Garter:

I surprised her with a bridal garter that I created with feather two different fabric flowers using chiffon and a bit of bling on a stretch lace.

Since I would not be able to attend her wedding I wanted to to make sure I packed her wedding accessories very well, also I wanted to make sure she knew which piece was what and to whom it belonged too and send it  via FedEx with a hand written note to the bride and groom.

May the Lord always bless you both! Congratulations! Que Viva  El Amor!   

                    

Fashion Diva!

Amalia received great gifts for her birthday, that I catch myself looking at her gifts and wondering if they make them for adults. Since I can not remember who gave her what, I decided to create this post as a Thank You. I will be adding more from time to time.

To Be Continue.....

This Modeling job is tiring! lolol