My Big Why: A Brighter Kinder Future for Kids

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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!

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Easy Trader Joe’s Dinner: Late Summer Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken Sausage

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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 Free Pesto 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
  1. Cook the pasta according to directions. In the meantime, steam the broccoli until tender
… Read More!

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Mommy Monday: Simple Ways to Stay Cool, Calm & Collected with Your Kids this Summer

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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
  • A fun DIY bubble wand craft you can make at home
  • Why you should go camping in your own backyard
  • Upcoming kids yoga events in Connecticut

Catch the replay here on WFSB!

Looking for more mindful tips? Grab my “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck on Amazon!

… Read More!

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Summer of Salads: Try These Easy No-Lettuce Gluten Free Salads

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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.

Mini Grape Tomato Caprese Salad

  • Grape tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumbers, diced
  • Marinated mini mozzarella balls, halved
  • Olive oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Salt & pepper

Black Bean, Corn & Chickpea Salad

  • Black beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Fresh Corn (off the cob)
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Cucumbers, diced
  • Fresh lime juice (1 whole lime)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

… Read More!

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Healthy Kids Snack: Red, White & Blue Yogurt Cones

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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
  1. Fill each cone with yogurt almost to the top.
  2. Add your fruit and optional toppings.
  3. 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!

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Great Day at 9a Mommy Monday: Mindfulness Exercises for Families

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Did you SEE the news?

This mama was featured on Great Day at 9a local CT news Monday chatting mindfulness tips & yoga poses for families! I had such a great morning sharing my work and greatest passion with the lovely Nicole Nalepa and Scot Haney.

During the segment, we covered:  

  • the benefits of mindfulness exercises for all
  • slowing down and tuning in with flower breathing
  • kids yoga: mountain pose, tree pose & windmill pose for Earth Day
  • creating a sensory snack picnic outside in nature

Catch the replay here, and keep shining bright! Want more mindfulness? Take a peek at the “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck. … Read More!

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Want Your Kids to Calm Down for Bedtime? Try this Quick Mom Hack

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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
… Read More!

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5 Mindfulness Tools to Help Teach Kindness to Kids

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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

  1. “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck by Healthy Chicks
  2. Positive Affirmation Wall Prints by Healthy Chicks
  3. My Favorite Books About Kindness (various authors)
  4. “Every Voice” Album by Kira Wiley
  5. Be Kind Cubes by Learning Resources

1. “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck by Healthy Chicks

As a mom of two and kids yoga teacher, … Read More!

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Shine On: Why You Should Never Dim Your Light

1 Comment / Lifestyle, Mindful Moms /

In my kids yoga classes, I’m always encouraging children to shine bright like a star — to be themselves AND to be proud to be themselves. This concept typically comes natural to children…it’s innately in them…in all of us.

But do you notice as adults, sometimes we dim our light? Whether it’s to make others feel more comfortable, fear of rejection or embarrassment, or not wanting to “be too much,” sometimes it’s easier to hide or turn our light wayyy down low.

Sound familiar? I used to do this too. In fact, I’d get jealous of other women shining in their full power and thought that if I did that, others wouldn’t get me…or I’d lose friends…or people in my industry would “copy” me or the list goes on and on.

A couple years ago I had this vision which shifted the way I think, a vision I’ll never forget. I was standing in a circle with the other women holding a torch…and everyone else had a candle. When I went around the circle to light everyone’s candle, it didn’t burn out. In fact, my torch only kept growing brighter and brighter and brighter (as did everyone else’s).

That’s the … Read More!

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Winter Mindfulness Activities: How to Create a Calm Down Box (for Kids and Their Parents)

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Winter is here and with the cold weather, snow and school vacations, you’re likely spending more time indoors with your children. And soon enough, the cabin fever starts to creep in. After all, there’s only so many Disney movies, toddler tantrums and crafts you can handle. Trust me, I get it!

If you’re looking for a screen-free alternative to entertain your kids (while keeping the house calm), I’ve got you covered.

One of my go-to parenting hacks is creating a “Calm Corner” (also known as a Cozy Corner) in your home — a little space for you or your child to spend some quiet time simply being. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; ours is a small closet-sized corner in our chalkboard room, and sometimes it’s just sitting quietly on the couch.

Once you’ve picked a spot for your “Calm Corner,” you can fill it with mindfulness tools to foster calm in the chaos. Today on the blog, I’m going to show you how to make your own “Calm Down Box” with your child.

How to Make a “Calm Down Box” with Your Kid

“Calm Down” boxes are wonderful to have on hand when you and your child … Read More!

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