Make Family Memories This Summer

Summer vacation is almost here. So what are your summer plans?
Family vacations bring families closer together. As young people leave behind TV and texting for natural wonders and cultural diversity, it builds their self-assurance and piques their curiosity about things beyond their usual life. And because we know they enjoy sharing the adventure with other kids their age, we ensure the right mix of families to make a trip fun for everyone. Some companies' groups are so small, you can end up traveling with one other family—not nearly as much fun as having a robust number of kids with like ages. Most importantly, we avoid tourist throngs and "canned" activities. On our Family Trips, you won't breakfast with cartoon characters, and there are no midnight buffets. What you will get is plenty of outdoor activity together while discovering a whole new part of the world—and a whole new side of yourselves.
1. Dude Ranch:A dude ranch is the ideal spot to introduce your family (best for 3-year-olds and up) to serious nature, and an ideal spot for one of your family vacations.Get active with the kids,when you’re not playing Uno on the porch of your log cabin or hiking the open spaces, you'll be exploring it on horseback. Wrangler-led rides (for all levels) can introduce your kids and maybe even you to the thrill of horseback riding. Evening entertainment includes a low-pressure family talent show, singing, square dancing and roasting marshmallows.

To find a Dude Ranch visit:http://www.duderanch.org/

2. Get active with the kids on your rafting vacations: White water rafting can be exciting, it will get your adrenaline pumping.There are six different levels or grades of white water:

Below are the six grades of difficulty in white water rafting. They range from simple to very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries.

Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Skill level: very basic)
Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. (Skill level: basic paddling skill)
Grade 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill level: experienced paddling skills)
Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill level: whitewater experience)
Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering. (Skill level: advanced whitewater experience)
Grade 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous that they are effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. (Skill level: successful completion of a Class 6 rapid without serious injury or death is widely considered to be a matter of great luck or extreme skill and is considered by some as a suicidal venture)

For more information on white water rafting go to: http://www.oars.com/rafting

3.Visit a big city. Cities have so much to offer families. Last year we went to Washington D.C. we visited museums, parks, the White House, walked the streets and saw as many monuments, statues, libraries and historical places we could squeeze in.

To check out big city tours: http://www.hotwire.com/theme/big-city.jsp

4.Get active with the kids during your all inclusive family vacations: There are so many wonderful all inclusive trips to take. We love kid friendly all inclusive resorts. There are so many activities for kids, parents and families to do together such as ,golf, tennis, waterskiing -- mixed with the unexpected, such as archery lessons, flying trapeze, pool games, yoga, hiking, day trips and circus school.

Check out the options at :http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/10-best-all-inclusive-family-resorts/art/

 

Make family memories this summer!

Free Book!

In celebration of spending time together as a family, my latest book FAMILY GAMES. THE BEST IN  FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Is FREE!

Get your copy by going to amazon.com and put my name, Kimberly Wechsler and look for the book to download now, you can be having a ton of fun with your family this weekend. This offer is good May 23- 28.

Thank you to all who have served in our honor and to their families who have given so much for all of us. God Bless America!

Fitness Tag

Fitness Tag: This twist on tag gives a physical boost to the classic game. Instead of standing in place once you’re tagged, think of a challenging but fun physical activity, like jumping jacks or balancing on one foot, and continue to do it until you get untagged.

Daily Decisions Make a Difference

Consuming food has such an enormous ripple effect that making small changes, one meal at a time, can reap big benefits. How you choose to prepare, cook, serve, can improve nutrition, weight loss, cost savings and the environment.

1. Decide what to eat. Plants promote health. By eating more plants, fewer animals and less processed food you can lose weight, and improve your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

2. Grow it yourself. One of the most ecologically conscious things you can do to make a great meal is prepare it with food that you grew yourself. Plant a small vegetable garden and a few fruit tress in your yard. This is a great way to encourage young kids to eat their vegetables too.

3. Drink more water. Cut out sugary drinks and soft drinks. One of my latest books shows you how to naturally infuse water with fruits, kids love the recipes so much they will never miss the soda. click here for more information :http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=why+should+i+drink+more+water

 

Fitness Game of the Week

In celebration of my latest upcoming book : Boot Camp Fitness for Kids I will share with you creative ways of getting your kids to exercise! This weeks exercise is actually a game, kids love it and you can be creative by adding your own variations.

Astronaut
Number of Players:

This exercise/game supports movement patterns and skills: Running & Dodging.
Equipment: One balloon per player.

Purpose: Develop loco-motor and non-loco-motor skills. Develop endurance. Develop group cooperation.
Directions: Four children are selected as astronauts. Each astronaut is given a balloon for air
supply. On a signal the rest of the class (the Martians) chase the astronauts and try to destroy
their air supply (pop the balloons). Once all of the astronauts have their balloons popped, repeat
the game with four new astronauts. Play until everyone has had a chance to be an astronaut.
Teaching Hints: Use a large grassy area for this game. The children can tire quickly, so allow
short periods of rest. Make sure all of the astronauts have balloons popped. Do not allow
children to keep the balloons. A variation would be to use flags; once an astronaut’s flag has
been pulled, they must surrender the balloon to the Martian.

Top 10 Reasons to Shop at a Farmers Market

 

 

What is a farmers market?

A place where local farmers or growers gather to sell their goods directly to the public. It can be held indoors, outside, only during certain months, or year-round. Goods can include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, herbs, baked goods, jams, flowers, and other homemade or hand-crafted items.

Along similar lines, you can also obtain local goods from farm stands, natural foods co-ops, pick-your-own farms, natural foods stores, and farm CSA (community supported agriculture) programs.

Farmers markets are easy to find.

1. Produce at a Farmers Market is fresher due to the fact that most was picked within hours of arriving. Several studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles. In a week-long (or more) delay from harvest to dinner table, sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality. Food at the Market is picked at its height of freshness. It is crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor. Children and adults alike, delight in eating a tree ripened peach or a vine ripened tomato.

2. Studies show that fresh produce loses nutrients quickly. The fresh-picked food that tastes so delicious is more nutritious as well. Freshly picked ripe food is at its peak in flavor and nutrition. Fresh fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

3. SNAP and WIC cards are accepted at most farmers markets.

4. You can try a new fruit or vegetable! Have you ever tasted kohlrabi? Many farmers markets offer lesser known fruits and vegetables, providing a variety that can be both tasty and nutritious. You will find a large selection and unique varieties of foods not found in supermarkets.

5. Farmers often have good recommendations on ways to prepare their products.

6. Eat healthier foods. Create a healthy plate with goodies from your local farmers market. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate

7. You’re investing in and strengthening the economy of your community.The United States is rapidly losing farmland. Shopping at a Farmers Market offers local farmers the opportunity to sell their products directly to the consumer. Buying your food directly from a farmer helps him or her continue to farm. Farmers markets can be important anchors for vibrant communities. Meet your local farmers, learn about foods grown in your area and catch up with friends and neighbors while stocking up with local goods. Supporting your local farmers market strengthens your community. You’re helping to preserve local farms and farmland..

8. It's a great way to get your kids involved. Let them pick out something new to try, then they can help prepare a meal or snack.

9. You’re reducing environmental impact less transportation costs and pollution, little to no packaging, and you’re cutting out the “middlemen”.

10. You should know your food (where it’s from, who grew it, and how).

Farmers markets are (generally) more affordable and/or of higher quality than supermarkets (it’s difficult to compare local food with supermarket food in terms of prices alone—you need to consider quality, nutrient availability, environmental impact, and growing, processing and storing methods).
It is a great learning experience for you and your family (an opportunity to talk to the farmers, learn new recipes or techniques, and try new foods)

Shopping at farmers markets supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend closer to your neighborhood.

 

 

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Never Go Over the Rainbow

 

 

 

 

 

Eat the rainbow of 5 different colors of foods a day.

Vibrant color of foods are rich in antioxidants to help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol by incorporating a rainbow of 5 fruits and vegetables into you diet. By making this simple change to your families diet you can also lower your risk of a heart attack. Each color denotes a specific kind of vitamin and nutrient.

In this weeks meal plan we have

Dark green Kale

Scarlett apples

Flame orange carrots

Deep purple grapes.

Are you one of the few families not signed up for our weekly Healthiest Meal Plan and weekly Family Fitness Activities? Sign up now for The Healthy Lifestyle Package.