Healthy Chicks

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!

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!

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!

Between busy back-to-school schedules and everyday life chaos, you may be craving a sense of calm in your life now more than ever. And even amidst the chaos (think: toddler tantrums and endless piles of laundry), it’s still possible to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet — seriously, I mean it. 

Sound too good to be true? Here are four simple ways to slow down and embrace the moment this fall (with your kiddos). 

1. Practice Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are a wonderful tool to instill self-love and confidence, and it’s never too early to start practicing with your littles. You can start by reciting simple “I Am” affirmations like “I am brave.” Grab the “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck for more kid-friendly prompts.

2. Start a Family Gratitude Jar

There’s no better way to appreciate the now than by practicing gratitude. Get the whole family involved by keeping a gratitude jar — where each family member writes down one thing they’re grateful for at the end of the day and pops it into the jar. This is such a wonderful way to honor all the blessings in your life while making room for more … Read More!

Last Monday was a dream for me. ICYMI, I was on the news! I was featured on WFSB Great Day at 9A for their “Mommy Monday” segment, talking about my new “Mindful & Magical Me” deck and mindfulness for kids.

Catch my interview on WFSB here!

It’s my vision to spread mindful, magical moments to kiddos (and their grownups) all over! 

Fun Fact: I took a tip from one of my cards and shook my sillies out in the waiting room so I could let go of the nerves and ground my energy. And it worked! 

Grab your Mindful & Magical Me Deck here  — it’s for parents, teachers, counselors or anyone who works with children in any capacity.… Read More!

I’ve been brewing up something special the past 9 months and it’s finally here…

I’m over-the-moon excited to introduce you to my newest creation, the “Mindful & Magical Me” Deck. This Inspiration Deck for Kids is packed with 35 colorful cards filled with mindful activities for little ones. 

I had the idea to create this deck in the fall, and then got right to work in collaboration with my amazing “Aunti Di” who made the cards come to life with her watercolor “magic.”

You can grab your deck on Amazon here. Happy news: $1 from every purchase in June goes to Everyone Outside, a CT based nonprofit encouraging connecting people with nature.

It would mean the world to me & my small business for you to buy/share/gift to a friend or even just send some good vibes my way! Hint: they’d make great end of year teacher gifts.

P.S. I’m running an epic “Mama & Me” giveaway this month packed with $100 in goodies (think: affirmation cards, journal, children’s book & more!) Here’s how it works…

1.) Mention the deck and tag me on social media @healthychicks = 1 point
2.) Leave a review on Amazon = 2 … Read More!

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day comes once a year.

In all honesty, this holiday used to kind of annoy me. All the posts, all the pressure, all the “stuff.” Often I’d end up frustrated at my husband for not doing anything “special.”

At the end of the day, what I really wanted — what I needed — was the same thing I want on any other day — time together.

That’s why last year I decided to create our own Valentine’s Day tradition. Seeing as though my love language is quality time (and words of affirmation), I took matters into my own hands by creating a new tradition we can do together as a family: heart-shaped pizza.

This year, we poured red wine and listened to classic oldies love songs while making homemade heart-shaped pizza.

The kids tried to help but mostly ended up just eating all the cheese and bickering with each other. It was perfectly imperfect. It was us.

Here’s your reminder to take the pressure off this holiday (and any holiday for that matter) and do what feels good to you whether that’s doing nothing, making heart-shaped pizza or going all out … Read More!

Baby it’s cold outside, and while I highly dislike being cold, I don’t like stuck, stagnant energy even more. Feeling in a winter slump? Here are 5 quick ways to shift your energy this season!

1. Brisk Walk Outside

Get outside for a brisk walk in the cold! Soak in the sunshine and breathe in that fresh winter air.

2. Meditate Over Coffee

Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa and spend a few minutes in meditation. As you sip your drink, think of how you want to feel and set an intention for your day!

3. Holiday Dance Party

Pop on those holiday jams and shake it out! Dancing is a wonderful way to move stagnant energy through the body.

4. Freshen up Your Wardrobe

Give your winter wardrobe a seasonal refresh by purchasing a new item that feels good (and while you’re at it, toss something old that doesn’t feel good).

5. Play in the Snow

Play outside in the snow! Embrace your inner child by building a snowman, make a snow angel, or catch snowflakes on your tongue. … Read More!