Schools Out For Summer

The school year is about to be over. The day has finally come. My kids have been anxiously awaiting the last day of school since the first day of school. Now it is up to me to entertain them for the next two months!

The thought of facing an entire summer without a plan is sure to make any mom quiver in her flipflops. But, this is New York City and the world is our oyster. I can surely fill their days with plenty of education, movement, and Italian ices. 

Mission 1, Day 1: Italian Ice!

An Italian Ice is not a snow cone. Although it does have some similarities. Italian ice is made in a similar process to ice cream. The ingredients are mixed together and frozen like ice cream. It is similar to sorbet. Italian ice does not have any eggs or dairy which makes it a great treat for kiddos with allergies or sensitivities to dairy.
  

History

The history of this delightful desert is not exactly clear. The Arabs, Sicilians, Europeans, Turkish, Chinese, French, and Spanish all claim to be the creators. They are all probably right in some shape or form. Each may have developed it in their own country, sadly we will never know who we can actually give the gold star to. What we do know is that it is an international dessert, enjoyed the world over. The classic ingredients remain the same, however, flavors and textures differ.

Functions

The Italian ice can offer more than just sweet relief. It has also been used to cleanse the palate between meals. The most popular use for the Italian ice is simple, it just cools you off on those hot summer days.

Our Favorite Place

 

So, tomorrow on the last day of school it will be a balmy 79 degrees. We will surely spend the afternoon in our local park, it is my plan to get the kids moving and walk over to our favorite local ice spot Pesso's. The menu is extensive and always changing and they offer a frequent buyer punch card. 

Although I am sure we will make several pilgrimages to our favorite spot this summer, we will also be attempting to make our own. The combinations are endless and it really is easy. This will give my kiddos a new appreciation for their own talents and creativity. I have included this "e-how" video that gives a simple recipe for a delicious dessert. What is great about creating your own dessert is that you control what goes in. You can adjust the amount of sugar that is added, or opt for sugar free juice concentrate. Let your kids have some creative freedom this summer and see what they come up with.

Once the ice's have been eaten, get them back outside to enjoy the summer.

Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion!

You Are What You Eat: 10 Foods Not to Feed Your Kids

Getting your kids up and moving is only half the battle. If you want to teach them to live a healthy lifestyle, then you have to teach them how to eat. They must understand the importance of what goes into their bodies and how it affects them. Am I saying never treat them? Absolutely not, moderation is key. But, if you teach them young about all the amazing goodness that is out there, then they will grow to make healthy positive choices.

I am always searching the web and reading about do's and don'ts and eat this and not that posts and articles. I recently came across an article in Newsweek that offered some information that I thought would be useful to share. I am basing this list from the information that I found in Newsweek, however, I will also be discussing each item further and providing links to further your education. Without further ado, 

10 Foods Not to Feed Your Kids

1.  Apple Juice. This may come across as a surprise, but apple juice is laden with sugar. This is a popular drink among children. Parents buy it because it comes in box form and it is easy to pop a straw in, and hey it comes from apples so it must be good. Not so much. A juice box can contain up to 160 calories most of this coming from fructose. When kids drink apple juice, they are missing out on the fiber that they would usually get from just eating an apple.
2.  Honey. Most parents are aware that honey should not be given to children under a year old. However, Wesley Delbridge, a registered dietitian and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Deietics who specializes in children's nutrition, recommends that you wait until at least 2. Honey can contain a toxic bacteria known as botulism. This bacteria can be deadly. Adults have an immune system that has been built up enough to combat the bacteria, but children 2 and under do not have these same tolerances. 
3.  Soda. No kidding right, but it is best to reiterate this fact. Soda can contain upwards of 60 grams of sugar. This is horrible for the body on all levels. Kids do not need these empty calories.
4.  Boxed Mac and Cheese. I know, this is every parent's go to on hectic days, but it is loaded with highly processed ingredients, full of sodium, and completely lacking in any nutritional value. It's best to let this favorite go and opt for a healthier homemade version. This way you know what you are putting in their bodies. Jessica Seinfeld, has a recipe that sneaks in butternut squash and cauliflower puree.
5.  Fruit Snacks. Not a snack, just candy. These little gummies are also full of sugar. Opt for dried fruit if you want to give the kiddos a chewy healthy snack.
6.  Canned Tuna. No tuna is not all bad. It does provide vitamins and minerals, but, it should be eaten sparingly. The mercury content in tuna can be high, and if eaten everyday this can be damaging to young nervous systems.  
7.  Granola Bars. These too are full of sugar. What is important is to be vigilant and read the ingredients. There are healthier versions out there. 
8.  Sports Drinks. Unless your child is involved in some intense hour long workout, there is no need to give them a sugary sports drink. Give them water instead.
9.  Flash-Fried Frozen Foods. When something is flash-fried, it is done so to make the batter stick. This keeps the fat and calorie content very high. Not to mention that because these foods are processed they are full of sodium and preservatives. Yes, healthier versions are being produced, but if you must serve them to your kids, do so sparingly.
10.  Raw Milk. Milk that hasn't been pasteurized can cause food borne illnesses. This is another case where children's immune systems are not as developed and cannot combat potential threats as well as adult immune systems.

There are always healthier alternatives out there. The web offers a plethora of easy alternatives that will make both you and your children happy. The important thing is that you are teaching them to make healthy choices. Keep their bodies healthy and you will keep them moving. Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion! 

Going to the Beach

On hot days all the kiddos want to do is cool off. Some days the garden hose is just not enough! The easy solution and something that makes everyone happy is a trip to the beach. It doesn't matter which beach we go to, if I want the day to go smoothly, I must come prepared. I have compiled a list of essentials that every parent should have on on hand when going to the beach.

Lindsey's Beach Essentials

• The first item may seem like a no-brainer, but sunscreen is an essential. There are several different types out there, Today.com, offers a list of the best picks for 2016. A common mistake parents make is applying the sunscreen once they arrive at the beach. If you follow the directions on the container, it will say to apply 15-20 minutes prior to exposure. I recommend applying before you leave the house, and then reapplying as necessary throughout the day.
• A fitted sheet. Why you ask? A fitted sheet can provide you a sand free sanctuary when the corners are stretched out and held in place with bags or coolers. 
  
• Assorted beach toys, are always a must. No matter the age, kids love to dig and build in the sand. Parents.com, lists great beach toys for kids of all ages.  
• A ziploc bag will keep your cell phone dry, unless you decide to invest in a LifeProof phone case. 
• Baby powder will save you at the end of the day. It will assist in removing the moisture and sand from your body. The Honest Company has a talcum free baby powder that is both gentle and organic.
• Beach friendly snacks and plenty of water are always a must, but how will you tote all this stuff to your final destination? I suggest investing in a rugged all-terrain wagon. 

Having these items on hand will make your day at the beach a breeze. The best part is that everyone is out of the house together and having a blast. The beach is a great place to get the kids out and moving! 

Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion!

Drill Instructor, Drill Instructor

I am going to venture off topic for this post. Being a role model for my kids is always foremost in my mind. I have mentioned that I am an active duty Marine. Prior to coming to NYC, I was a Senior Drill Instructor on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. This was one of the highlights of my Marine Corps career. I got to train civilians and make them into Marines. It was my responsibility to instill in them a love and a passion for the Marine Corps. They needed to learn that being a Marine was more than a job, it was a life, and an indoctrination to a whole new family. 

Female Marines are sent to Drill Instructor School on Parris Island. For years we have only trained recruits on Parris Island. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about female Marines and the infantry. There have been talks about integrating males and females on the recruit depots. Over the last year the Secretary of the Navy even laid down an ultimatum that called for a plan that would, in fact, integrate training. Since then, the Marine Corps procedures have been reviewed and for now our training will remain as it is. What we have done is send female Drill Instructors to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD).

Before now, male recruits on board MCRD would have little to no exposure to female Marines. There are only a handful of female Drill Instructors serving at MCRD, and they are serving in support roles. They are not pushing entire platoons, instead they are instructing male recruits in areas such as Marine Corps Martial Arts, Marine Corps Water Survival, and other areas of training. 

That being said, I was recently exploring Wikipedia, when I noticed that it was not mentioned that female Drill Instructors have gone bi-coastal. The post reads:

In the U.S. Marine Corps, candidates for Drill Instructor Duty are primarily volunteers. The tour of duty is three years and is widely regarded as one of the most intense, demanding, and important duties in the U.S. Armed Forces. Since the duty is referred to as "Making Marines", it can often be one of the most important duties of a Marine's career because the responsibility is most directly involved with creating the future Marines of the Marine Corps. Marines report to either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina or to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in California, where they are assigned to Drill Instructor School. Upon graduation, they are assigned to one of the Recruit Training Battalions. Female Drill Instructors are only trained and only serve at Parris Island because that is where female Marine Corps recruit training occurs. Service as a Drill Instructor is considered a Special Duty Assignment in the Marine Corps (Or "B" billet), which is factored into consideration of a Marine's eligibility for promotion. A Marine assigned to DI School must have at least a rank of Sergeant (E-5).

There are two points that merit editing. The first is that female Marines only serve on board Parris Island. The second is that the force of Drill Instructors is made up primarily of volunteers. Sadly, most Marines are given orders that require them to report for Duty as a Drill Instructor. The duty of a Drill Instructor is very demanding and takes the Marine away from their family. It is the most demanding yet most rewarding job in the Corps. 

I am making some minor alterations to the above paragraph:

In the U.S. Marine Corps, candidates for Drill Instructor school are both volunteers and designates.  The Head Quarters Marine Corps Special Duty Assignment Team creates a list known as the HSST List. This list will have the names of Marines that have been slotted for the different B-Billets and Special Duty Assignments. Once a Marine's name comes up on this list, they must either serve the duty or prove that they are unfit for the assignment. Drill Instructors are always in high demand. The tour of duty is three years and is widely regarded as one of the most intense, demanding duties in the U.S. Armed Forces. This tour of duty is one that demands an individual of the highest moral character and strength. The individual selected to train recruits should have a love and passion for the corps. It is the job of the Drill Instructor to pass these characteristics on to the future of the Corps. This duty is referred to as "Making Marines", and it will be one of the most important duties of a Marine's career. As a Drill Instructor, you are directly involved in shaping the future of the United States Marine Corps. Marines report to either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina or to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in California, where they are assigned to Drill Instructor School. Upon graduation, they are assigned to one of the Recruit Training Battalions. Female Drill Instructors are only trained at Parris Island because that is where female Marine Corps recruit training occurs. Female Marines may now serve on both depots as Drill Instructors. Female Drill Instructors have begun serving in limited capacity on board Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. This change took place in the Spring of 2016. Service as a Drill Instructor is considered a Special Duty Assignment in the Marine Corps (Or "B" billet), which is factored into consideration of a Marine's eligibility for promotion. A Marine assigned to DI School must have at least a rank of Sergeant (E-5), or have been selected for promotion to Sergeant.

Being a Drill Instructor is an experience that I won't soon forget. It taught me to persevere no matter the challenges that faced me. It showed me the importance of role models in a young person's life. It made my career choice that much more rewarding. Steve Jobs once said:

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.

I have found what I love, but I will never settle . . . after all,

a body in motion . . . stays in motion.

We Didn't Promise You a Rose Garden

Hello and welcome to my blog. 

When I met my husband 15 years ago, I never imagined that we would be blessed with five kids. We are a military family and we have quite literally traveled the world. From California to Japan, there is no where like New York City. NYC has an abundance of activities for families. 

Since the first of my brood entered the world, it has been my goal to instill a love and passion for physical fitness. I have always wanted to ensure that they were active and involved in organized sports. I have lovingly encouraged their passion for whatever drives them.

 

That being said, my blog will be centered on activities that get kids up and moving. From mixed martial arts to color runs, I will offer insight to the different activities and opportunities for kids around NYC. This city has so much to give, and I plan on taking full advantage of it and sharing my spoils with you. 

Remember . . . a body in motion stays in motion!

Bounce!

One of the newest kid crazes are those giant warehouses that have been filled with trampolines and giant foam pits. Well, we JUMPED, on this bandwagon!

Physical activity is important to me, so when I came across Bounce Trampoline Sports in Syosset, New York, I was instantly intrigued.

The Website

The website was bright and engaging. It was easy to navigate and view the different activities offered at the facility. Pricing and hours were clearly delineated. Contact information was given, and when I did call them to inquire further, they were very helpful.  Waivers must be signed prior to jumping at Bounce. The website gives these waivers so that they may be filled out ahead of time. Enough about paperwork, on to the fun stuff.

Commute & Parking

As I mentioned, Bounce Trampoline Sports is in Syosset. This can be a bit of a commute depending on where you are coming from. It is located in a fairly isolated location. The area consists almost entirely of warehouses. The perk, especially for New York, is plenty of free parking. The downside is that unless you are using an Uber or yellow cab, you will not be able to reach this gem via subway or other any other form of mass transportation.
  

Bounce

 

The facility itself is enormous. It is well organized and handles the flow of traffic both kids and adults effectively. There are different areas designated for different age groups. Each area is equipped with one to two supervisors who maintain constant vigilance over their assigned area. There are foam pits they can flip into and ones that have a trapeze like swing launching kids into the pits. There is extreme basketball where kids can live out their slam-dunking LeBron James dreams. There is a concession stand that offers a variety of snacks that are mostly appealing to the kiddos. They did have an espresso machine that I partook in.

 

 For the Grown-Ups

 

If you are a parent, and you don't want to jump, there is a parents' lounge located in the front of the facility. It is placed strategically so that no child can escape the building or his parent's watchful eye. The couches are plenty and comfortable, there are also outlets and charging stations for cell phones, laptops, or what have you.

 

5 Stars

 

I recommend this place to parents who have kiddos aged 4 and up. This place will get the kids moving and sweating. I promise you they won't want to leave! When you are finally able to persuade them into getting back in the car, they will fall blissfully asleep on the return ride with visions of trampolines in their heads. For more information, I am including the following link: Bounce.

Mission Accomplished! Remember . . . a body in motion stays in motion.

CrossFit for Kids

There has always been controversy surrounding children and weightlifting. I have heard everything from "It will stunt their growth!" to "They're just going to hurt themselves!" I happen to be firmly planted on the other side of the fence. I believe that weight training, done in moderation and with proper supervision can be very beneficial to children. 

My daughter Skye doing a back squat.

CrossFit is an excellent way to incorporate weight training into your child's life. CrossFit employs an approach that constantly varies training, functional movements and intensity. It is easily adaptable to all levels of fitness. CrossFit focuses on the core movements of life, and workouts are geared towards functional fitness. I am an avid CrossFit athlete, and I have given my kids the opportunity to participate in this sport as well. It has strengthened their bodies and increased their confidence in their abilities. I have only seen positive results from my kid's involvement in CrossFit.  

My twins age 6 learning ring pulls, a precursor to pull-ups.

I recommend that anyone looking for a platform for functional fitness seriously take a look at CrossFit. It is great for the whole family. The workouts are adaptable for all abilities and skill levels. CrossFit does not ostracize individuals. It may seem that CrossFit is only about the individual, but it is truly about the CrossFit team and family. Every individual accomplishment is also a team accomplishment. Every accomplishment is celebrated no matter how big or small. CrossFit truly fosters camaraderie and a team spirit. This is a sport that truly gets you up and moving. Remember . . . a body in motion stays in motion.

If you can' t beat 'em, join 'em

When we first moved to NYC it became my goal to find an activity that all of my kids could participate in. I wanted a one-stop-shop that could accommodate all 5 kiddos. The thought of running all around the city to 5 different after school activities was making me crazy and I hadn't even got in the car yet. The mission laid out before me was to find something that all 5 could not only participate in, but find something they would all like, and have that activity provide some sort of life skill. I soon found myself looking seriously at mixed martial arts. 

Through my research I found that mixed martial arts increases coordination, body awareness, strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness. It has the capacity to aid in developing a clear, focused mind and an unshakable spirit. Mixed martial arts programs have been specifically designed to build confidence and develop children to their fullest potential. The goal of mixed martial arts is to build a solid foundation in the lives of children by helping them achieve a healthy mind and body through martial arts instruction. This well-being will instill in them the self-confidence, focus and determination necessary to become strong and successful in every aspect of life. 

It is my goal to get kids moving and mixed martial arts does this and more. After all . . . a body in motion stays in motion.