Fact or Myth: Do Teething Necklaces Really Help The Pain?

Raw Round Dark and Light Lemon Necklace from Baltic Creations

Well, I think it is both! Because some of the teething necklaces out there are not the ‘real deal’! Yes, it may be amber, but not all amber is created equal. You have to be careful and know what to look for. The two main things you need to be sure of is: 1. It must be BALTIC amber.  2. The amber must be RAW or UNPOLISHED.  So long as it is these two things it should at least curb the pain. Now, I want to explain why these two things are so important. First, Baltic amber is the most superior amber because of its high succinic acid level. It is the only amber with a succinic acid level high enough to be analgesic. So yes, we want it to actually be an analgesic because we are looking for something to help with the pain of teething. Second it needs to be raw/unpolished because we want that acid to easily be released from the gem onto our little one’s skin so that it can be absorbed. If it is polished, then it has a polish on there to make it shiny; so the polish keeps that acid in the gem. So now the big question is, how do I find a genuine raw Baltic amber necklace? Well, I can vouch for Baltic Creations. (www.balticcreations.net) I ordered a raw necklace for my baby and it has done wonders for us! He is much less cranky during the day and at night he no longer tosses and turns and moans and crawls on me because he cannot sleep. He still wakes up a lot, but at least he goes right back to sleep. Since we received the necklace, he has worn it 24/7 except for one night and that one night he was right back to the restless semi-awake state of misery for both he and I!!  I am sold!! It works for him.  I don’t believe that it takes away every bit of the pain, but it definitely makes it tolerable for him. For more detailed information on Baltic Amber check out the Baltic Creations web site (https://www.balticcreations.net/index.php?main_page=page_2 ) as well as the Amber Artisans web site (http://www.amberartisans.com/articles.html ). I have an adult polished amber necklace from Amber Artisans, and I personally think that it is a lovely piece. But I think that my son’s necklace from Baltic Creations is better made. The beads seem much more closely and tightly tied together. His necklace is just the absolute best quality you could ask for. From here on out, Baltic Creations is our one stop amber shop!  I can’t wait to get more from them.

Salmon Patties

 (makes 8)

6 oz. can of Skinless, Boneless Wild Alaska Salmon

1 egg- beaten

2 T. cornmeal

2 T. flour

4 T. milk

Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.

Heat olive oil in a small frying pan. Place a heaping tablespoon of salmon into hot oil and press down flat with a fork. 

Fry for a couple of minutes until golden brown, flip over to fry other side. 

When golden brown pull out and place on a paper towel covered plate to allow excess oil to drain. Serve while hot. You may like it with ketchup or country gravy. 

How I Make My Wipes Solution- Honey Chunks!!

I love Thirsties Booty Luster. But it is just too expensive for me to use all of the time, so I use Honey Chunks- the Organic Oils. (www.honeychunks.com) Honey Chunks is a WAHM business and they have several different chunks to choose from as well as a foam version. I absolutely love the Honey Chunks. They are super gentle and my little one has very sensitive skin. And of course I love that I can get them in organic!!

        When I make my solution, I like to use 1 chunk per 1 cup of water. (Always remember when making any wipes solution it is best to use filtered water to keep down the possibility to irritations to a minimum. Think of how chlorine feels on broken skin- ouch!!) I found that it helps the chunk to dissolve best if you use HOT water and stir it around. 

       Allow the solution to cool completely before pouring into your spray bottle. Store any extra solution in a covered container. Use as you please. It is great for cleaning any area of your child, not just the diaper area. Oh, and it smells very nice. Not strong or overwhelming, just a light, clean scent. (Not as strong as Thirsties.)

Baked Potato That are Light and Fluffy

 Baking Potatoes- wash, dry, poke with a fork several times

Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Pan and Rack

Take prepared potatoes and brush with olive oil and salt.

Place on a rack over a pan. Bake on 400 until done. Approximately 45-60 minutes.

Enjoy the delicious fluffiness!!

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Taco Seasoning Ingredients

(makes a pint)

9 T. Chili Powder           

3 T. Cumin

3 T. Seasoning Salt

6 T. Minced Onion

3 T. Garlic Powder

3 t. Sea Salt

3 t. Red Pepper

Measure out spices and place in a small mixing bowl. Combine well. Place in a pint sized canning jar, close securely to store. Use as desired.

This is fairly spicy. You could reduce, or omit, the red pepper if you or your family are finicky about spiciness. I would say it is a medium-hot. My husband still adds extra red pepper to his portion! 

Pint of Taco Seasoning