This past week, I had the opportunity by The Profitability Project and The Mama Ladder to enter my business for a grant given to mom entrepreneurs. For my entry, I was asked to share my WHY. The reason I do what I do.
So here goes:
My WHY = creating a brighter, kinder future for our children (and their grownups) through yoga, education and mindfulness.
I’m a firm believer in the Ripple Effect. When you have a positive impact on a child or parent’s life, that good energy pours out into the world ten-fold.
That’s why I’m on a BIG mission to spread mindfulness to as many kids, families and caregivers as possible. After all, studies have shown that mindful activities can improve focus, reduce stress & anxiety, and even boost compassion. And our children deserve a brighter, kinder future!
Thank you to all the families, kids, teachers and special people in my life for joining me on this journey! … Read More!
I love August. It’s that time of summer to slow down a tad, soak up those last beach days and enjoy all the seasonal produce.
I whipped up this gluten free pesto pasta salad the other week (using 100% ingredients from Trader Joe’s) and it was a big hit in our family. It’s easily “deconstructable” so you can leave some plain pasta or veggies on the side for those picky eaters. Not to mention, it’s easy to prep making dinner a breeze.
You can also adjust the recipe to your specific dietary needs such as leaving out the chicken sausage and cheese for a vegan option.
Gluten FreePesto Pasta Salad with Broccoli & Chicken Sausage
Ingredients:
1 lb Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta
1 package chicken sausage of your choice, sliced in wedges
1 bag frozen broccoli
Big handful arugula
1 package heirloom cherry tomatoes
8 oz. mini mozzarella balls (I like the marinated package)
1 cup Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto (regular pesto also works)
1/2 lemon, juiced
Salt & pepper to taste
About 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
Cook the pasta according to directions. In the meantime, steam the broccoli until tender
I kicked off the week back on Great Day at 9A “Mommy Monday” sharing simple ideas to stay cool, calm & collected with your kiddos this summer.
Summer can put a lot of pressure on parents to do everything. And with no school, kids may feel over-stimulated, complain they’re “bored” or even act out. Trust me, I feel your pain!
The good news is, there are simple things we can do as parents to help — and you don’t have to break the bank or lose your cool in the process! In this fun interview, I share:
How to create a calm down box/basket with your children
Summer is here and it’s hot hot hot. When the temperatures rise, I’m all about whatever’s easy, healthy, and doesn’t require a lot of prep (or an oven for that matter).
That’s why it’s officially the summer of salads. And while the Kale Caesar Salad is our go-to, we’ve also been exploring some different recipes…including trying out some lettuce-free salads!
Today on the blog, I’m sharing two easy gluten-free no-lettuce salads perfect for all your summer BBQs, on-the-go lunches and family dinners. The best part: these hold up well in the fridge for munching throughout the week.
I was in charge of preschool snack last week and when I saw the box of ice cream cones hanging around the kitchen, I had the best idea to make these adorable yogurt cones.
A healthy spin on ice cream, the cones are filled with whole milk yogurt, fresh fruit and toppings of your choice for summer fun for the whole family! This festive snack would be perfect for Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July, birthday parties or summer BBQs.
Red, White & Blue Yogurt Parfait Cones
Here’s what you need(12 servings)
Box of organic cake cones
1 container whole milk vanilla yogurt (I used Stonyfield Organic banana vanilla “Banilla”)
Strawberries, blueberries or other fruit of choice
Optional toppings like shredded coconut, granola, or chocolate chips
Fill each cone with yogurt almost to the top.
Add your fruit and optional toppings.
Serve immediately!
Note: Assemble right before serving to prevent cones from becoming soggy!You can also try freezing to create a “frozen yogurt” experience. … Read More!
Let me paint the picture for you. It’s time for bed, you’re at your wits end and your kid(s) are off the walls.
It’s been a long day, and you’re trying hard not to completely lose your sh*t. So you attempt everything in the books, and none of the go-to tricks are working (not even deep breaths and lullabies). “Calm down, it’s time for bed!” “Stop that!” you shout.
But it’s only getting worse, and then the giggles kick in…and your sweet child is turning into a total monster. You’re starting to lose your mind. What’s a parent to do?
Hi, hello this was me the other night. And sometimes, even as a kids yoga & mindfulness teacher, I forget to lean on these tools.
💎 But here’s a lil trick I use in my kids yoga classes too that works like a charm every time: MATCH THEIR ENERGY. 💎
Yup, get kooky with them!
Some ideas to help your child calm down by matching their energy:
If they’re roaring like a lion, go ahead and make silly animal sounds with them.
If they can’t sit still and won’t get in bed, have a mini dance party and shake
Being kind is cool and I always say kindness begins with what you say to yourself. Here’s the thing: kids are listening and kindness is taught, which is a big part of my WHY. How can we speak kinder to one another…to ourselves?
Every kids yoga session I lead, we always incorporate positive affirmations. It’s been magical to watch the children get more confident using their voices and expressing themselves as the weeks go by. And it dawned on me recently, for some, they may not hear those kind words as often. That’s why it’s so freakin’ powerful. It truly is a ripple effect.
This month on the blog, I’m sharing five helpful tools to help foster kindness in children.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
5 Tools to Foster Kindness in Children
“Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck by Healthy Chicks
Positive Affirmation Wall Prints by Healthy Chicks
My Favorite Books About Kindness (various authors)
