A New Year Reflection

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, Mindful Kids /

Happy New Year! I have lots of yoga opportunities coming up this winter (both in-person and virtual) but I first want to take a moment to reflect on the past year…

In 2025, I led 211 kids yoga classes!!!

…including schools and childcare centers, summer camps, play spaces, yoga studios, libraries, virtual, community youth & family, private sessions, birthday parties, and even a big event on stage for CCMC’s Superhero Sunday.

Thank you, thank you, thank you as this growth the past couple years is because of you. 

This past year, I also completed my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training & SEL Certification with Breathe for Change to deepen my education & so I can now lead classes for adults too.

I am so grateful and excited to see what 2026 brings! Some big intentions for this year are to land a publisher for my debut picture book and bring self-care workshops to schools for Professional Development Days so our teachers can enjoy the magic of yoga & mindfulness too.

P.S. Here’s our card of the month from my “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck. Psst: Star Pose is one of my favorite yoga poses for confidence & fun. … Read More!

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Mindfulness is a PRACTICE

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Reminder: Mindfulness is a practice.

You heard that right. Mindfulness and yoga is a PRACTICE, it’s not something you just “get” and that’s it.

Witnessing the kiddos from my weekly fall yoga series grow has been such a joy.

On our first yoga class, I invited the children to come up with a fun word that starts with the letter of their first name (with an option to add in a special “move.”)

A few of them were too shy to share the first week, but by week three all the children proudly said their word loud and proud. And last night, one sweet girl stood up with confidence and said “I’m MYSTICAL [name]!”

It made my week, and of course this song was stuck in my head the rest of class!

For more mindful tips, peek my “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck.

… Read More!

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Summer Chicken Broccoli Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles [Gluten Free]

Leave a Comment / Food & Recipes /

Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, which is why it’s my preferred birthday meal request from my mom year after year (a gluten free version served with chicken parm of course).

This summer, I came up with a healthier twist on this Italian classic — with this low-carb version highlighting seasonal veggies. You’ll love this naturally gluten free Chicken Broccoli Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles for family dinner night.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients

*makes about 4 servings

  • Package of zucchini noodles (or make your own) *I like to salt & let sit on pan with paper towel to reduce water
  • 1 lb chicken breast, grilled or sautéed (I love to marinate with lemon juice, olive oil and Chicken Shit seasoning)
  • Head of broccoli, cut into florets and coated with olive oil & sea salt
  • butter or olive oil for cooking
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk, unsweetened
  • ~1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • cornstarch or gluten free flour for thickening
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • large handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Your Dish

  1. Marinate chicken a few hours before preparing. Cook your
… Read More!

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How to Make Your Own Rainbow Breathing Sticks for Mindful Kids

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rainbow breathing stick craft for kids

I’m always trying new ways to incorporate mindfulness with children — be it with my own kiddos or in my kids yoga classes. One of the biggest takeaways is that kids respond well to visual cues, meaning they tend to learn best being SHOWN vs. being TOLD what to do.

These rainbow breathing sticks (or “wands”) are a wonderful mindfulness tool for kids and they’re super easy to make — requiring just two simple items you likely have around your house.

Make Your Own Rainbow Breathing Stick

I’m not a fan of complex crafts. Lucky for you, rainbow breathing sticks are not only a powerful mindfulness tool for kids, but they’re mess-free and super easy to assemble!

What You Need to Make Rainbow Breathing Sticks

rainbow breathing sticks pipe cleaners and beads

You can grab your supplies at a local craft store, on Amazon or you may even have them already lying around your house.

Here’s what you need to make rainbow breathing sticks:

How to Assemble & Use Your Breathing Stick

How to Make a Rainbow Breathing Wand
  1. Choose a colored pipe cleaner and make a circle around one end by twisting the top of the stick
  2. Pick 7 colored beads, either
… Read More!

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February is for Self-Love: Family-Friendly Ideas

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, Mindful Kids /

The month of February is all about L-O-V-E, but let’s not forget about self-love too. Take a tip from our “Mindful & Magical Me” card of the month “The Bear” and love yourself first. Below I’m sharing some of my favorite kid-friendly ways to practice self-love!

Family-Friendly Ways to Practice Self-Love

  • Self-Love Hugs: Give yourself a big bear hug and notice how it feels. Research even shows self-soothing touch can relieve stress. Win, win!
  • Take a kids or family yoga class together!
  • Make yourself a homemade sweet treat like these Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Bites.
  • Rub your hands together to create feel-good energy. Can you place your hands on your belly or your heart? How does it feel?
  • Practice positive affirmations like “I am smart,” “I am kind,” or “I am strong.” Can you create your own affirmation?
  • Start a family gratitude jar by writing down something you’re grateful each day.
  • Share something you love about yourself. What makes you special and unique?
  • Respect your boundaries and know that it’s OK to say “NO.”
  • Heart breathing: Bring your thumbs and pointer fingers together to create a heart shape. As you take a deep breath in,
… Read More!

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Wanna Date? Valentine’s Day Protein-Packed Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Bites

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I’ve been on a protein kick lately, finding simple ways to sneak more protein into my meals and snacks. Not only has it been fun playing around with new recipes, but protein helps keep you full longer while also supporting muscle growth and repair (a perfect complement to strength training). Win, win!

These chocolate peanut butter date bites were love at first date. 😉 And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, they are the perfect no-frills healthy sweet treat to enjoy with your loved ones (or keep ’em all to yourself)! Bonus: the kids love them too!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Bites

What You Need to Make Chocolate PB Date Bites

  • Pitted dates
  • Natural peanut butter (We like Teddie)
  • Hemp seeds
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Shredded coconut, unsweetened (optional)
  1. Cover each date in about 1 TB of peanut butter. Sprinkle with hemp seeds and optional coconut, then top with a few chocolate chips.
  2. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge in a sealed container!

… Read More!

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Mindful & Magical Me January Card of the Month

Leave a Comment / Mindful Kids /

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you’re able to take some time to slow down and reflect upon the past year. One of my favorite ways to ring in the new year is to choose three words to describe how I want to feel/what I want to focus on for the year ahead.

For 2025, my words are: magnetic, marriage & magic moments.

Without further ado, it’s time for our “Mindful & Magical Me” card of the month!

Our January card of the month is our friend The Penguin, a reminder to be yourself and get your groove on! I hope you enjoy this fun Mindful Moment with your children. Dancing is such a great way to move your body and shift your energy while having fun.

Wishing you a magical 2025!… Read More!

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Healthy Chicks 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, Mindful Kids, Mindful Moms /

It’s officially holiday season, and I put together a little gift guide including some of my favorite holiday gifts for families — featuring mindful kids, moms and even your littlest yogis. Enjoy!

Note: Includes affiliate, where I earn a small commission on some purchases.

Gifts for Mindful Kids

Mindfulness cards, books, breathing tools & more!

(1) “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck by yours truly 

(2) Subscription to Highlights magazine (our kiddos love it)

(3) “Everyday Mindful Mantras for Minis” by Erin Marrazzo

(4) Calm Strips for sensory breathing & calm 

(5) “On the Nature Trail” Nature Activity Book 

(6) Hand2Mind Mindful Maze Set (we take these on all of our road trips)

Gifts for Mindful Mamas

Feel good gifts for moms craving a little wellness, self-care & mindfulness

(1) Spark Your Bliss affirmation card deck be yours truly

(2) “Moon Juice” by Molly Alesch (a sweet story about mama and the magic of the moon)

(3) “Dear Mama, You are Enough” Print by yours truly (scoop it up at a holiday market or grab the 4-pack bundle with kids prints too!)

(4) “The Little Frog’s Guide to Self-Care,” … Read More!

Healthy Chicks 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Read More »

November “Mindful & Magical Me” Card of the Month

Leave a Comment / Mindful Kids /

Our November card of the month from my “Mindful & Magical Me“ Deck is…

[Drumroll please…]

The Maple Leaf.

Here’s your mindful moment to do with your child: Simply trace your hand on a piece of paper to create your own maple leaf! On each of the five lobes (your fingers), write down something or someone you are grateful for. Take time to reflect on what you wrote and share out loud.

I love this mindfulness activity for children ages 3 & up! Fun tip: for those who can’t yet write themselves, you can write for them or even ask them to draw what they’re grateful for. The answers always melt my heart.

What are YOU grateful for today?

Here are some more simple ways to practice gratitude this holiday season!… Read More!

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