My New Favorite Author! :)

I am utterly stoked to have the opportunity to review some practical, down-to-earth books by author, Anni Daulter.  I found Anni through one of my favorite blogs, Hip Mountain Mama, and jumped at the chance to get my hands on some of the cutest, family-friendly books I've seen in a while. Cookbooks, how to throw natural parties for kids, and pregnancy info for moms really peaked my interest - I'm all for healthier alternatives, cooking up downright GOOD FOR YOU food, sustainable lifestyles, and healthy pregnancies.

 Sacred Pregnancy - click for link

I started with her pregnancy book, Sacred Pregnancy, and immediately took to her style of writing and the information she provides.  Unlike most pregnancy books I've read that discuss how the baby develops and the days leading up to and from delivery, Anni concentrates her concern on the mamas well-being and her journey towards delivery and the days that follow with baby.  A breath of fresh air from textbook baby books, and it truly is so important for us to reflect on ourselves and our own body as we carry this new life with us.

Anni leads us through the powerful journey of pregnancy week by week with each week focusing on three vital needs: your body, your baby, and your spirit.  She provides journal areas for reflection after many chapters, and the focus remains the same throughout the 40week book - to take the time to nurture all three of these needs on a routine basis.

She leads us through all sorts of great tools for successful pregnancies, and I really enjoyed the discussion of exercise, meditation, romance, and mindful eating.  She asks important questions about eating local (ensuring the freshest foods) and gives website links to help find local co-ops.  She also hones in on the importance to give thanks at mealtimes and eat together as a family to keep mealtime as a special way to connect with your family.  I find that special too.

There are also useful tips on curbing cravings, and since my cravings have been like that of a football player this go round (all boy!), I loved to hear of different ways to squash the cravings such as eating raw chocolate chock full of antioxidants to fix a sweet tooth, and eating kale chips & toasted nuts for a healthier snack.  She also suggested sweetening tea and homemade sorbets with local honey, and I get all excited thinking about local honey too. There's something magical about Ted's Savannah Bee Company that keeps me wanting more! If you're ever in the area, be sure to stop by the Bee Co. where you can taste test them all.

Anni Daulter's Sacred Pregnancy is just what I needed this go round with baby number two on his way.  I baby booked myself sick during the first pregnancy, and as a nice branch away from all of that, I love that Anni urges us pregnant ladies to take the time for ourselves and to reflect on the power and abilities of not only our physical bodies but of our self-awareness too. 

I've yet to get to a few chapters because I don't want to spoil the surprise - I stopped on week 17 and plan to pick up each week from here until July!  If you're interested in Sacred Pregnancy, check out a few of the links I've provided.  Release date of this title isn't until May 1, but reserve yourself (or a friend) a copy today.  You won't be disappointed! I'm excited to have a few of her other books in my possession too, so I will be back with some healthy cookin' and natural party plannin' for the kiddos come soon!  Thanks yall! :)

click here for Anni's adorable website: http://www.annidaulter.com/
other books by Anni: link to Amazon

Anni Daulter's Labor-Ade: (I'm so taking this with me to the hospital!)
Make ahead of time and freeze to use as ice chips or drink the lemonade
to restore electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration:
¹/³ cup lemon juice
¹/³ cup quality local honey
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 calcium tablet
filtered water to make 1 quart
Mix and blend well.