Nourished Food Blogger Conference, the recap

A few weeks ago now I drove down to Chicago with some of my local blog friends. We went to Nourished, a conference to learn more about blogging…….food blogging to be exact.

And why would a person want to learn ‘how’ to blog?

Well, if you’ve ever tried to start a blog, you know. It’s a lot harder than you’d think it might be!

Photography, SEO, keywords, trying to write so that you don’t sound like a dufus…….

One of the biggest benefits, besides the learning, is the food. Fantastic food brought in by some of Chicago’s finest gluten free restaurants!

And yes. See that back there by the subs? That’s tofu folks, and you all know how I feel about soy!

I was to busy chatting with a new friend and fellow natural fertility enthusiast, Jennilyn from Eat a Real Meal, to notice.

Being not so lady like, I was shoveling in the fantastic food on my plate until……with food still in my mouth(again, unladylike) “Oh my gosh…that’s not chicken!”

I am sooooooo glad I do not think soy is healthy. I may just starve because of the gross texture.

So there you have it – don’t eat soy or you may gag in public.

It might actually be a good thing we don’t have a place in town that makes these yummy morsels. I might have to start blogging at “Natural Birth Control and How to Shut Down the Ovaries”.

I’ll admit it though – I had two of these mini cupcakes and enjoyed every second of them as I bonded with new blogger friends over lunch.

Speaking of friends……

I got the pleasure of spending my day with (L to R) Katie from Kitchen Stewardship, Kelly from Kelly the Kitchen Kop, (me – seriously, when am I gonna learn to keep my chin up! Though the weight that came on after the miscarriage may be affecting that double chin of mine…..) and Dara from Elysium Naturals.

In the nature of a blog conference, we also got photo bombed.

They took off before I got the chance to ask who they were.

So…..new friends that I don’t know you’re name……let’s meet officially. Hi, I’m Donielle. And you are………..?

I’m so glad I got the opportunity to go to the Nourished Food Blogger Conference this year! I was pleasantly surprised at what I took away to add to my blog, and of course how awesome the SWAG bags were, but also how friendly everyone was – even though we all had different ideals on diet and nutrition. People were very open and honest, but also very open and didn’t look down on anyone else because of the way they ate.

Just as a blog conference should be.

I’ve heard next year that’s it’s in Texas! I should go dig out my boots and cowboy hat now.

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Making Babies Book and DVDs {Giveaway!}

Natural fertility and natural pregnancy tips, herbal suggestions, and whole foods recipes can be found in Shoshanna Easling’s new book and DVD series, Making Babies.

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing this 480 page book and the DVDs over the last month and I absolutely love them! Shoshanna’s upbeat and cheerful attitude makes for the perfect teacher, and her suggestions will help you eat well and live well all while increasing your health. And will leave you thinking “I want what she’s eating/drinking/taking!”

From Shoshanna:

          I got my inspiration for the Making Babies series from the pregnancy and birth of my first child. I loved every stage of my pregnancy and birth! I enjoyed learning and researching when I had morning sickness and when I got indigestion. Every time I was faced with another bridge, I would research, study, learn, apply, and rise to new heights of excitement. I knew everything I did, and did not do, would make a difference with me and my growing baby. It is not always easy finding good food to eat, knowing what exercises to do, and asking the right questions to the right people, but I researched it step by step and enjoyed a healthy pregnancy and birth.

         I grew up in an Amish community. Talk about making babies–whoa, they make a lot! No, I am not Amish, but I am a blood-bought child of God. Twenty-five years ago my parents were artists living in Memphis, Tennessee. They wanted to raise us five children in the country so we could learn the dying art of homemaking and the skills of country living. Hard work, herbal remedies, nutritional health, home births, and common sense were all part of the lifestyle in the Amish community. In November 2004, my husband James and I found out we were pregnant with our first child. I knew I wanted to have my baby in the soothing warmth of my own home, so I went to talk to a midwife. I had assisted in two births before I got married, and knew I wanted my children’s births to be better. With good food, the right exercises, and relaxation, the birth of Jeremiah James was WONDERFUL! The midwife that attended had been to over 350 births and said it was the best she had ever attended. Since my firstborn, I never stopped researching the wonderful world of making babies.

         I have been asked many questions about healthy foods, recipes, exercises, and herbal remedies from family, friends, and customers at Bulk Herb Store. In November 2009, we got pregnant with our second child. I was so excited about my pregnancy journey. I was going to have another baby! I thought about all the horrible births I had heard about, and wanted to show women across the world how beautiful pregnancy and birth can be, so I started the Making Babies series.

         Making Babies is a fresh, organic look at the simplistic beauty of pregnancy and birth. From delectable recipes, superb remedies, must-have tips, birthing exercises, and resources, to relaxing techniques, this is a fun, energetic video and book series.

The Making Babies Book and DVD series follows Shoshanna through her pregnancy, birth, and 6 months postpartum as she stays healthy and strong and builds a baby. The DVD series is packed with over 7 hours of delicious recipes, herbal remedies, pregnancy tips, Shoshanna’s birth experience and interviews with professionals: Dr. Johan Dinkelmann DC, Dr. Nancy Armetta MD, Elaine Wakeland CNM, and Dr. Jay Gordon MD, FAAP. Making Babies Book covers information that is in the Making Babies DVDs volumes 1, 2, and 3, and includes many deliciously healthy recipes, wonderful gluten-free recipes, grandma’s remedies, herbal concoctions, need-to-know facts, and a baby diary to learn and journal about your baby experience. Packed with 480 beautiful pages of research about fertility, conception, morning sickness, pregnancy, birth, nursing, postpartum issues, losing weight, and more!

Her excitement is contagious.

Literally making me want to get into my kitchen and cook as she demonstrated her recipes and herbal concoctions.

When you watch them, make sure to read the subtitles.

Hilarious.

The book is beautiful, the photography captivating. Her attitude completely comes out in the book and it makes you want to read more, learn more, and devour more food.

The DVD and book work so well together, complimenting each other perfectly.

The book is heavy, they weren’t joking when they said it was 480 pages.

It’s like a nutrition and herbal encyclopedia for conception and pregnancy. A book that every woman of childbearing age should own, whether or not your struggle with fertility issues, and I’m happy to add it to my personal library.

Though I have left it out on the kitchen counter as well when I need inspiration for a new recipe. A few of which I’ve already tried and have been huge hits!

I love using other people’s recipes as it gets me out of my own menu rut.

(I’ll share her cashew ranch dressing later this week, and we also loved the chicken pot pie she has in there as well!)

*the photography in the Making Babies book is by Laura Newman Photography, photos used on this post with permission by Bulk Herb Store. Do not copy.

I am also very pleased to say that the Bulk Herb Store is going to be giving away the Making Babies book and DVD set to one of my readers!

A $110.00 value!

To Enter the Giveaway:

• Leave a comment here on this post

Extra Entries:

(must leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Watch an episode of Shoshanna’s Kitchen, a free video series filled with fun how-to’s, recipes, herbal remedy’s, natural body care and more, and let us know in a comment what you learned.
• Sign up for the Bulk Herb Store weekly newsletter (it’s not spammy and I’ve been enjoying learning new tidbits each week)
• “Like” NKU on Facebook
• Share this giveaway post on facebook or twitter

Entries excepted until 11:59PM EST on Saturday, May 5 2012

Giveaway Fine Print

1) giveaway item will be one Making Babies book and the 3 DVD set from Bulk Herb Store. 2)Entrants must be over 18 and have a US mailing address. 3) Giveaway to run from 5/1/12 to 5/5/12 at 11:59PM EST. 4) Entries will be considered when left as a comment, valid e-mail address required, maximum 5 entries per person when using the extra entries. 5) Winner will be chosen via random number by the WP plugin ‘and the winner is….’ and they have 48 hours to claim their prize. 6) Duplicate entries will be deleted if found, contest will be extended is site issues come up. 7 ) giveaway sponsored by Bulk Herb Store No purchase necessary to win. 9) Prize not redeemable for cash. 10)Naturally Knocked Up, LLC is not liable for any injury or damage to persons and/or things as a result of the acceptance of the prize offered. 11) Not affiliated with Facebook or twitter.

All images and content are protected under US copyright laws, please do not copy and paste.

Earth Footwear Giveaway

I remember being in highschool, having to many shoes to fit on the floor of my closet.

I kinda had a thing for shoes.

But then real life happened, the bills needed to be paid which didn’t help, but the biggest issue was I was on my feet. All. Day. Long.

And my normal shoes hurt my feet, as did the many pairs I tried to buy to fix the problem. But it was difficult to find a nice looking pair of shoes that were comfortable.

I worked as a Customer Service Rep at a bank and rarely ever got to sit down. Then I worked as a Head Cashier at one of our local universities where I was also on my feet and walking quite a bit. (Actually, I got to sit down a lot more at that job, but let’s not tell, mmkay? They paid me a lot more so let’s pretend I worked harder.)

And to be honest? I got cheap.

But the cheap shoes I was buying were horribly uncomfortable and ended up falling apart on me. Or squeaking.

And y’all know what a dufus you feel like when you walk around a quiet office with squeaky shoes.

So the last few years I’ve been changing the way I buy my shoes. I buy for quality now, which actually saves me money in the long run, and I also seek out better companies.

Which is why when I was asked at Blissdom this last year if I wanted to review and giveaway a pair of Earth Footwear shoes, a line from Earth Brand, I jumped at the chance!

Aren’t they gorgeous?

I went back and forth on which shoes I wanted to try, something with a heel? Some flats for summer?

I ended up with a high heel shoe, the Banyan, because I have never found one to be comfortable. And I figured that if this company could make a comfy heel, I could be certain that the others were just as fabulous.

Folks, you know I wouldn’t lie to you right?

I love these shoes.

They are actually easy to walk in (which surprised me since I don’t normally wear heels. And when I do I feel like Miss. Klutzy). And comfortable!

I’ve worn them to church a few times, even with a crappy, peeling off pedicure, just because they were so gorgeous I didn’t care what my toes looked like. And I wore them out and about, running errands all day. That my friends led to a bit of soreness.

But nothing that is out of the ordinary when wearing brand new shoes. Especially when your feet are used to winter socks.

I’m an Earth Footwear convert and may just pick up a pair of the negative heel shoes from the Earth Brand Kalso line for this summer as well.

And I love that I get to give one away a pair of the Earth Footwear shoes to one of you.

We’ll have happy feet together!

The winner will get to choose one of the popular styles they have in stock (in their size).

To Enter the Giveaway:

• Leave a comment here on this post

Extra Entries:

(must leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Head over to Earth Footwear and pick out your favorite. Leave a comment here at this post and mention it.
• “Like” Earth Footwear on Facebook
• “Like” NKU on Facebook
• Share this giveaway post on facebook or twitter (easy sharing buttons to the left of the post)

Entries excepted until 11:59PM EST on Saturday, April 28 2012

Giveaway Fine Print

1) giveaway item will be one pair of shoes from Earth Footwear. 2)Entrants must be over 18 and have a US mailing address. 3) Giveaway to run from 4/25/12 to 4/28/12 at 11:59PM EST. 4) Entries will be considered when left as a comment, valid e-mail address required, maximum 5 entries per person when using the extra entires. 5) Winner will be chosen via random number. 6) Duplicate entries will be deleted if found, contest will be extended is site issues come up. 7 ) giveaway sponsored by Earth Footwear No purchase necessary to win. 9) Prize not redeemable for cash. 10)Naturally Knocked Up, LLC is not liable for any injury or damage to persons and/or things as a result of the acceptance of the prize offered.

All images and content are protected under US copyright laws, please do not copy and paste.

Beyond Words Designs {Giveaway}

I introduced you to Stephanie from Beyond Words Designs a few weeks ago and am thrilled to announce that she’s going to be sponsoring a giveaway here at NKU this week!

“I am an artist, mother, wife, writer, amateur photographer, expert gift wrapper, and chocolate connoisseur who loves everything about pregnancy and motherhood!  Honestly, I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than the relationship between mother and child . . . and this has become the subject of my art.  The joy of pregnancy and motherhood.  The grief of pregnancy and infant loss.  I have experienced both and find healing in the painting of each.” ~Stephanie

Stephanie sells prints of her artwork for purchase (I’m still trying to figure out which ones I want for my home) but recently launched these beautiful necklaces, available on sterling silver chains or on a black satin choker.

We’re giving away your choice of necklace on the satin choker!!

Each necklace is a Giclee print from her original artwork finished off with hand painted touches so that each pendant is unique. They also have a lovely weight to them and are beautifully displayed on a 16 inch silk choker with sterling silver clasp.

This piece is truly a keepsake. Stephanie even personally hand makes each pendant.

I have a necklace with her print “Gone to Soon”.

“Loosing a child during any point in pregnancy is devastating. And often women are not allowed to grieve for an early loss ~ a miscarriage. I wanted to honor these women ~ these mothers ~ by creating a piece representing the life ‘Gone Too Soon’ . . . because a mother will always remember her child.

I am keenly aware that there are few appropriate mementos for a mother in grief. I created ‘Gone Too Soon’ in hopes of offering a beautiful image that will speak to a woman’s heart.” ~Stephanie

These necklaces make a wonderful gift to yourself, or friend, as a memorial necklace. And they are also a perfect gift for your doula and midwife friends.

You can also use the code “Mama Love” to get 20% off your order when you spend at least $20.00 on all items (one time use only) .

To Enter the Giveaway:

• Leave a comment here on this post

Extra Entries:

(must leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Head over to Beyond Words Designs and pick out a necklace with the artwork that speaks to you. Leave a comment here at this post and mention your favorite.
• “Like” Beyond Words Designs on Facebook
• “Like” NKU on Facebook
• Share this giveaway post on facebook or twitter (easy sharing buttons to the left of the post)

Entries excepted until 11:59PM EST on Saturday, April 28 2012

Giveaway Fine Print

1) giveaway item will be one necklace on black satin choker from Beyond Words Designs. 2)Entrants must be over 18 and have a US mailing address. 3) Giveaway to run from 4/23/12 to 4/28/12 at 11:59PM EST. 4) Entries will be considered when left as a comment, valid e-mail address required, maximum 5 entries per person when using the extra entires. 5) Winner will be chosen via random number. 6) Duplicate entries will be deleted if found, contest will be extended is site issues come up. 7 ) giveaway sponsored by Beyond Words Designs No purchase necessary to win. 9) Prize not redeemable for cash. 10)Naturally Knocked Up, LLC is not liable for any injury or damage to persons and/or things as a result of the acceptance of the prize offered.

All images and content are protected under US copyright laws, please do not copy and paste.