I decided to wear a pedometer two weeks ago to our Holland Park Party to test just how many steps I take on a Thursday afternoon.  I strapped on the pedometer when I got to the station that morning and was up for the challenge.  The hard part was trying to not peak at it until the party was done.  At 2pm, I eagerly looked at my waistband and it said 14,600 steps!  Holy cow!  That is more than the average person takes in an entire day.  I never thought that I was actually getting a workout each Thursday while working.

This leads me to my question, what are some things that you do where there are hidden health benefits?  Power shopping?  Chasing the kids around the playground?  Next time you’re doing these things, strap on a pedometer and see just how much you’re benefiting from it.

Something special that they are doing every Tuesday now through August is Storytime at Sundaes.  Sponsored by Grand Valley State University, all children 12 years old and under can stop by starting at 7pm for a free ice cream cone and a free book.  No strings attached!  What’s better than an evening of free?!?  There are guest readers that read to the kids from 7:15-7:45pm and the evening wraps up around 8pm.  It’s a perfect summer evening activity for the family.

Last night we went for the second time this summer and it was great.  While the ice cream is a hit, the best part is letting Sophia pick out a brand new book each week.  She looks forward to it and can’t wait until we go to bed that night to read it.   I’ve marked my calendar for Tuesdays this summer.  Hopefully we’ll see you there!

Yesterday I headed to Holland for what I heard was “one of the best markets in West Michigan.”  I checked out their website ahead of time, which was awesome, so I had no doubt this was going to be a good one.  The market is located along 8th Street right outside of the Civic Center. 

When I arrived, the first thing I loved is that there is easy and ample parking at the Civic Center and you can walk right over to the vendors.  This market has over 100 vendors and I was amazed and the variety of stuff they were selling.  There was all the traditional produce, but also beautiful bouquets of flowers, homemade breads and granola, meats and cheeses and even fudge.  One thing that they also offer are children’s activities from 10am-Noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Kids can hula-hoop, draw with sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles and learn about nutrition.

When I was done filming, I couldn’t resist snagging some goodies on my way out.  After sampling the strawberries, I had to grab a pint from one of the local growers.  They were so ripe, I needed to use them up ASAP, so last night after dinner I decided to whip up a batch of smoothies.  I just made up the recipie with stuff I already had at home and they turned out really yummy!  The recipie is below.  It was Sophia approved and a refreshing dessert on a warm summer evening.

1 banana
A handful of strawberries
½ cup of low-fat vanilla yogurt
A handful of ice cubes

Put all the ingrediants in the blender and mix for about 30 seconds or until ice is crushed.  Enjoy!

Last weekend we had a birthday party to go to for a friend out along the lakeshore and afterwards decided to head out to Grand Haven for the afternoon.  We parked down at Snug Harbor and decided to venture down the boardwalk to the pier.  Sophia had a blast climbing up and down the rocks and petting every dog in sight (have I mentioned she’s obsessed with dogs?  She must have pet 30 of them that afternoon).  John and I had a great conversation catching up on the past week and really enjoyed watching Sophia have so much fun.  It wasn’t until we were about an hour into the walk that I realized we were doing it!!  Quality time together with no cell phones ringing, no email to check and nothing scheduled later in the day to run off to. 

At one time I thought that I was failing if I actually had to schedule family time into my weekly calendar.  But, for busy families like mine, it’s important and I don’t think we should be embarrassed or ashamed to admit that sometimes we have to make time for it.  So in the next week, I encourage you to unplug a little, leave the cell phones and computers at home, don’t cram a day full of obligations and just spend some time with the family.  I promise it will be one of the most enjoyable days you’ve had in a long time.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pieterouwerkerk/698594611/

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has teamed up with LaFontsee Galleries to create artwork for the new children’s hospital opening in January 2011.  Their goal is to generate enough artwork to fill 13 of the new hospitals 14 floors.  That’s a lot of art!  Through out May and June LaFontesee Galleries is holding free artwork making events for kids in the community.  All you do is call to reserve a spot and show up to be part of something big. 

Saturday, May 8 – Sessions at Noon and 2pm
Saturday, May 22 – Sessions at 1pm and 2pm
Saturday, June 5 – Sessions at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm
Saturday, June 12 – Sessions at 11am, Noon, 1pm and 2pm

Everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.  And in most people’s lifetimes, their kids will be treated there for something.  So, why not step up and have your kids be part of something really cool that will brighten kid’s spirits during their hospital stay.  Call 616-451-9820 to reserve your spot!

Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 2 large salads or you could split into four smaller side salads

Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle of Newman’s Own Lighten Up Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing
1 tsp of black pepper
½ tsp of salt
6 cups of mixed greens (romanine, spinach, whatever kind you like best)
½ cup of raspberries (I substituted strawberries)
1 oz. crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup of chopped walnuts

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place chicken in an oven-safe baking dish.  Whisk together dressing and spices and pour over the chicken, turning a couple of times.  Dressing should cover the bottom of the baking dish.  Bake for 45 minutes.
3. Combine greens, berries, feta, nuts and a small amount of dressing into a large bowl and toss.
4. Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from the over and let rest for three to five minutes.  Slice chicken into strips and serve on top of the salad.

Photo courtesy of : http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielslaughter/4448671996/

I called to set up the shoot and hung up the phone pumped about checking out this class.  I planned to go and flip-cam the class and the instructor told me to bring my tennis shoes and feel free to join in.  Although I don’t consider myself a real outdoorsy girl, I was curious to see what this new craze was all about and thought I’d give it a try!

I woke last Thursday to the sound of rain on my windows and thought, “oh great.”  The instructor told me that the class takes place rain or shine, so I knew I was in for an interesting morning.  I headed out to Townsend Park in Rockford where the NE Grand Rapids session was meeting.  There were about seven people in the class and everyone was very friendly and excited to talk about why they love coming to Eco Trek.  After hiding under my umbrella for most of the interviews, I realized I had to suck it up and embrace the elements like the rest of the group.  So, I ditched the umbrella and headed up the trail to flip-cam the experience.

The 75 minute workout consisted of walking, running or scampering, and strength training with a resistance band.  It was cool to see how things like trees, rocks, park benches and picnic tables were incorporated into the workout.  Don’t be deceived.  I may look fit, but I wouldn’t consider myself “in shape” by any means.  What I liked about Eco Trek is that any fitness levels are welcome in the class and they don’t make you feel bad if you can’t keep up….yes, I was in the back of the pack most of the class.  The instructor explained to me that the class works like an accordion.  Some participants might be at the front of the pack and others at the back, but they are all one unit.

I couldn’t believe how fast the 75 minutes went by and how much fun the class was, even in the rain!  I was sore the next day, which is a good sign and would definitely go back and do the class again.  In fact, I’m trying to get a group of girlfriends together to try it soon.  If you’re looking for something new to change up your workout routine, or just trying to find a form of physical activity that you enjoy, this might be it.  Make sure to watch this weekend’s show to get a look at what you can expect from Eco Trek Fitness.

18 years later times have certainly changed.  In today’s society girls are growing up faster, and girls as young as first grade are reportedly struggling with body image and a distorted perception of beauty.  In my opinion a large part of this is due to what they see in the media.  I want you to take a look at this attached video from Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty.

The first time I saw this video was at a shoot we were on about two years ago.  The video literally took my breath away.  All I could think about was that smiling little girl could easily be my three year old daughter Sophia.  It made me sick to my stomach to think that girls that young are affected by these issues.

The other morning Sophia was getting dressed and she turned to me and said, “Mom, do I look pretty today?”  In that moment my eyes began to well up with tears and I gave her a big hug and said “of course you do.”  The Dove video that I had seen two years earlier immediately popped into my head.  Sadly, I know that she won’t always feel pretty and the messages surrounding her will tell her she’s not good enough, so it’s my job as a mom to tell her otherwise.

Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty has an entire section on their website with helpful teaching tools for moms and mentors.  It empowers moms to talk with their daughters about what real beauty is and gives practical advice on ways to foster a healthy self-esteem and body image.  I encourage moms to check the website out and let me know your thoughts on this issue.

Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/luschei/1075353190/

As a kid I remember those times where you’d head outside in the morning and fill an entire day with exploring your backyard or playing at the local park.  Today I feel like so many kids would rather stay inside and watch television or play video games.  What ever happened to good old fashion outdoor fun? 

It was cool to see these little kids so excited about nature and finding joy in exploring outside.  I hope as they get older their curiosity continues and they don’t get sucked into the world of electronic indoor fun.  This whole concept  is exactly what the Kent Conservation District is all about….connecting families with nature and providing opportunities to get kids outside.  In two weeks (April 2 & 3) Where You Live will be doing an entire show on this their initiative and show you ways to connect your kids with nature.  Make sure to watch for great ideas.

In the meantime, get off the couch, get outside, and make the most of this beautiful spring weather!

I emailed my friends over at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital who connected me with Dr. John Schuen, who board certified doctor who specializes in sleep medicine.  Here are some words of advice he gave me and any parent who is dreading springing forward this year.

• It’s natural for kids to impacted by the light outside. We are impacted by light. Light enters the brain and effect hormones that influence wakefulness or tiredness.

• Children can typically adjust to one hour difference fairly easy. It does take preparation.

• Parents should try to get their little one to bed a little earlier on Saturday night. Start by backing up. Could start a day or two before.  Depends on how well your child deals with change, do it earlier and smaller increments of ½ hour at a time.

• The time change backs up everything you ordinarily do to get ready for bed, including bathtime, reading books, etc.  So, playing the Wii isn’t a good idea.

• Sleep hygiene is very important, especially at times like daylight savings time, the end of summer vacation, etc. Sleep hygiene is his biggest piece of advice for parents, regardless of a child’s age.
 
• Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid extremes on weekends. Having a regular bedtime increases the likelihood that kids, including teens, will get optimal sleep.
 
• Create a sleep environment that is cool, quiet, dimly lit and comfortable.
 
• Keep television, video games and other electronics out of the bedroom. Avoid using them within one hour of bedtime.
 
• Eliminate or reduce caffeine before bedtime and make sure your kids are eating well.

Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/h_is_for_home/2460111952/