Kids and Meditation

More and more lately I have witnessed and felt for myself all the benefits I am reaping from my Meditation practice. Several years in I am still learning, still adjusting, still testing a variety of forms and techniques. Because it is a "practice" you are always learning and one size does not fit all.

With everything in life there are pros and cons but I have found that the pros I witness daily out weigh the cons. Just taking the time to slow myself down and take a few extra breaths when I am dealing with an uneasy matter has helped me diffuse numerous situations over the past few years.

This got me thinking about my own daughter and kids in general. Wouldn't it be great to have them practice some of these principles as well? Turns out that in certain places they are! I started my own little research and found some great stuff. I have never been a fan of "Time Out" I think it only stops the action for the moment it doesn't teach a lesson or bring forth a permanent solution. Not to mention I have to stop what I am doing to monitor you and make sure you are sitting still...No thanks.

illustration by lionsroar.com

So why not try starting today investing a few minutes in silence with our kids? Maybe before bedtime, before dinner? How about when they are in playtime and a tantrum ensues? Why not practice deep breathing while on a walk, in the park or on a car ride?

illustration by pinterest.com

I find my own lil mama in breathing practices often. While she's doing homework on her computer or just before she makes a phone call. While she is working on a painting in her room or just as she is about to answer one of my many silly questions (thanks sunshine :) xo), it is something that I have seen first hand bring a great positive change to her life.

illustration by makesnaturalsense.com

Just start with taking a deep breath. A real deep breath. I know it sounds strange but many of us don't even appreciate taking a deep breath. This will open your mind to perhaps trying other practices. I have included a few links that may help you and your little ones and not so little ones as well. What do you, would this be something you could give a try? Do you already practice some form of Meditation? Do you feel kids just are too young to try it out?

mindful.org

chopra.com

huffingtonpost

mindbodygreen.com

Always stress free xo.

Free New York City

I love my city, The Big Apple. Not really sure still after all these years why it's called that.

I am a New Yorker. I take pride in my birthplace, Brooklyn and I never get tired of the city life.

Though I live now in the borough of Queens there is never a shortage of things to do in my hometown but what there may be a shortage of is Funds.

City life is not cheap and if you have kids you find that out very quickly or your parents already taught you.

I am posting today some great info on how to enjoy my town and perhaps yours as well in a nutshell all inclusive of the five boroughs to some extent...for Free.

Let us begin with the parks:
-Central Park
-Bryant Park
-Astoria Park
-Flushing Meadows Corona Park
-McCarren Park
-Conference House Park
-Prospect Park

These are just a few I am including link to our Parks and Recreations site so you can explore all your options.
Some of these parks offer a variety of activities for a cost as well but if you pack a picnic lunch, prepare well with a few hearty snacks you can invest a few hours of great fun at a low cost.
My family and I love the park option when funds are low!

Museums:
-American Museum of Natural History
-Brooklyn Museum
-Museum of the Moving Image

There is an abundance of Museums and a variety of artifacts in them so keep your eyes open for small spots that don't even resemble a museum setting.
Many offer free entry at specific times and days for example the Natural History museum is free its last hour and "suggested price" the rest of the time. The Moving Image museum is in Queens, New York and offers free entry 4-8pm on Fridays.

Animal attractions:
-Bronx Zoo
-Central Park Zoo
-Prospect Park Wildlife Center
-Staten Island Zoo

These are just a few the link I will share to parks department will have more info.

This is just a small dabble of what my city has to offer that is kid friendly but we also have Broadway shows that offer discount days and children specials.
We have our big toy store FAO Schwarz where the kids can play with all sorts of toys and if you can swing it afterwards, pick them up a small treat.
We have wonderful ice cream shops, skating rinks, bicycle paths, sports arenas and our wonderful amusement park in Coney Island, Brooklyn that has the great Cyclone.

The biggest treat of all is that you have a huge city just to walk around in. We have such a variety of neighborhoods from Spanish Harlem to Greenwich Village, from Little Russia to China Town from Williamsburg to Van Cortlandt. We have so many water views, so many hidden treasures all you have to do is invest the time and have the energy for the walk.

This is what my city has to offer, this is the way I go when I want to have fun but not break the bank. All cities offer amazing treats if you just do a little searching. Check local newsletters, library bulletin boards etc...to find great information.
Have fun exploring with the kids for free. Sit, listen and talk. Play games, throw the ball around, share lots of hugs and kisses. Read a great book.

Have a great Summer.

nycgovparks.org
coneyisland.com
freewilliamsburg.com
amnh.org
nybg.org
lonelyplanet.com
nypl.org

Little hands in the Kitchen

I love food.

Breakfast Lunch or Dinner. Snacks in between you name it I am all for it.

I love it even more when it is made by someone else and all I have to do is sit down and enjoy.

This got me thinking about how I was so over the top when it came to no patience in the kitchen.
When my daughter was younger I never allowed her in the kitchen for too long a period, especially when I was cooking. This went for my nieces and nephews as well. I didn't want to deal with the clean up if they got into anything.

This extreme control may have backfired now because none of my little ones which are all grown up, know how to do much of anything in the kitchen.

I don't want anyone to repeat my mistake so in this post I am sharing links to sites that encourage kids in the kitchen along with recipes and tools for small hands. Perhaps this post can help the next mom or dad get some help in the kitchen and actually enjoy a little mess.

Happy bonding time in the kitchen wink wink!!!

This site has some great tools and kits really adorable!!!
curiouschef.com

These have recipes
marthastewart.com

delish.com

pinterest.com

simplebites.net

kidspot.com.au

realsimple.com

kraftrecipes.com

parentables.howstuffworks.com

babble.com

countryliving.com

Fun in the Kitchen

Today’s post will be sort of a gift.

For those of you who love to try new recipes and enjoy your time in the kitchen.  These are the links to the many wonderful women I have come across in my short time in the “Blog World”. They have some great shares and awesome things for us to try. I have given a few a taste and have come back for more.

Have fun trying some out and remember…Everything in moderation, stress free living!!!

http://therebelchick.com/
http://www.sugarconfetti.com/
http://www.theidearoom.net/
http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/
http://sweetopia.net/
http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/?bloggerURL=/
http://www.hungryhappenings.com/
http://www.cutefoodforkids.com/
http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/
http://www.serenityyou.com/
http://rzacsmom.com/
http://cookingwithcurls.com/
http://thegrantlife.com/
http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/
http://memoriesbythemile.com/
http://doitdelicious.com/
http://www.callmepmc.com/
http://flourishingathome.com/
http://jovinacooksitalian.com/
http://creative-food.blogspot.com/
http://www.keeleymcguire.com/
http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/
http://www.thegunnysack.com/
http://growingupgabel.com/
http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/
http://simplycalledfood.com/
http://www.cleverhousewife.com/
http://life-is-better-in-pink.blogspot.com/
http://www.mamashighstrung.com/
http://www.smartsavvyliving.com/
http://www.tammileetips.com/
http://www.aboutamom.com/
http://mysweetsanity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ATeaSpoonofLove

Money can't Buy

Not everyone of course celebrates Christmas and as my daughter says it’s really just something that has become commercialized. Not many observe the true meaning of this time of year. Even more just get sucked into the quantity of presents.

Today I will share a list of gift ideas that won’t cost you a thing but will last you and the recipient a lifetime. This is my GIFT to you, stress free and priceless.

1- A walk around your favorite park taking all the sights in with deep breaths while holding hands.
2- A day of you stay in bed, or on the couch and I will take care of the rest.
3- An at home mani/pedi. There is nothing like having your hands and or feet massaged.
4- Write a short story or poem expressing the gratitude you feel for this person is in your life.
5- Find that one special song that expresses how you feel about that loved one and play it for them.
6- Sit quietly together and read your favorite passage from your favorite book. Share why it touched you so, it will shine a new light on a part of you they may not be aware of.
7- Go out and volunteer together. Make someone else happy and you will see the joy it brings you as well.
8- Have a new First time moment or activity together. By this I mean, come up with something you have always wanted to do and as of yet haven’t and make it a point of doing it together. Some examples could be:
 A snowball fight
 Whipping something up in the kitchen with just the things you already have
 Slow dance (you would be surprised how many people haven’t done that)
 Finger painting or body painting (depends on the age) 
 Take a free class together (check your local community centers)
The point is to be creative and think outside the box!!!
9- Play “did you know I?” This is something I just thought of! You and your loved one/ones pic k ten (10) things about yourselves and share it. For example: Did you know that in third grade I had to read a passage from the bible to my class during chapel time and I almost passed out. Sharing is caring!
Last idea on my share list but certainly not the least…
10- Look this person or these people in the eye and tell them what a GIFT they have been to you since they came into your life.

These gift ideas are really gender and for the most part age restriction free. They can be for your step mom or dad, your sister or best friend, your husband or your daughter.  The message is about love and connection. I started a book once I found out I was pregnant. A regular five (5) subject notebook, in it there are all sorts of things representing the last eighteen (18) years of my daughters journey and mine. I will present her with it on her nineteenth (19) birthday. That will be a priceless moment (one I will share with you). Again think outside the box.

Happy Holidays to all my fellow mommies and of course to the daddies, to those that just come and take a glance and to those that come and continue to follow. You have given me a priceless gift for which I thank you greatly and that is the gift of reading my words.
Be safe, be well, be happy, be Love!
xoxo
Mari