Happymomblogger

 

New Year’s resolutions are a funny thing. They only work if you actually remember them and keep at it. While many adults can try and keep their resolutions, it can be harder for kids to remember to do so or even be willing to make “resolutions”. If you ask any child what their New Year’s resolutions will be, they’ll most likely stare at you like you’ve grown a second head. But making some kind of resolution or goal is a very wise task for children. I like to call it a goal because it puts more of a positive spin to the task or tasks that you set for them.

Every person, whether young or old, should make improvements to their lives. There will always be obstacles or hindrances that enter our lives but teaching children to make goals that are reachable can benefit them in the long term. Children learn about perseverance, responsibility, and determination to complete a task. And they can learn through failure and limitations that will push them to try harder and be better.

If you have a child that hesitates to try something new or doesn’t have a lot of incentive, then have them write down 5 things that they hope to achieve in the new year. It could be anything from learning to ride a skateboard to reading 20 books by the end of the year. Set tasks that are within their age range and ability and then choose the top 2 from their list. Below I’ve included 10 ways of helping children achieve their New Year’s goals.

10 Ways for Getting Your Kids to Keep Their New Year’s Resolutions (Goals):

1. Make a list of goals that your child would like to achieve. Set these goals within their age range and abilities. Ages 4-7 goals can be learning to ride the bike, learning to write a paragraph, or trying to eat 2 new vegetables or fruits. Ages 5-8 goals can be learning to write their names in cursive, reading 2 extra books to what they are currently reading, or starting a vegetable garden in the yard. Ages 9-12 can be learning to write a story on a topic of their own choice, learning a new sport or advancing in a current sport, or even getting straight A’s in school.
2. Have your child write out the steps he thinks it will take to achieve the goal. Depending on the age, you might need to help him do some research. Talk it over with your child to establish if these steps are realistic and attainable within their limits and time frame.
3. Give your child their own calendar and have them write in their goals on the calendar. Select a reasonable schedule for them to work on and eventually accomplish their goal. Have them cross off or mark the date that they completed their goal or task.
4. Start small. Taking small steps in the beginning will help set the pace in achieving the goal. For instance, if your child wants to start a vegetable garden, take him to a garden center to get him acquainted with the type of plants and what is seasonal. Show him the different types of plants that are easier to grow for beginners and have him select a few on his own.
5. Get literature or books on the specific goal. For instance, if it’s learning how to grow a vegetable plant, get books or print out online articles with valuable pictures on gardening and plants. Visuals will help your child establish what the garden might look like once it’s established. If your child wants to improve his basketball skills, buy books from a famous or a favorite basketball player.
6. Encourage your child every step of the way. Sometimes your child will falter and want to stop altogether while other times he just wants to go full steam ahead! Show your child that the goal he’s trying to achieve can be attainable through dedication and hard work and that if he fails a bit then it’s a learning process. If your child wants to give up completely, remind him that he should do his very best and break through the challenges before he decides to call it quits.
7. Reward your child’s effort but don’t overindulge on the praise. Just like you don’t want to put too much attention on a failure nor should you overdo the praise. Your child should learn that hard work in itself, is an instant reward.
8. Find a mentor outside of the family. It could be a friend, a teacher, a coach, or a professional in that particular field of interest. Have your child meet with the mentor in the beginning if it’s possible and throughout the entire time of his goal-setting. Sometimes speaking with another person that’s not in the family can help your child see a different perspective in reaching their goal.
9. Let your child know that it’s okay to take some breaks in between goal-achieving days. Kids can get burned out much quicker than adults and when frustration sets in, children tend to want to stop whatever they’re doing. The trick isn’t to force them to practice or study every single day but to encourage them to practice and work harder with mindfulness.
10. Help your child share his goal achievements or progress with either a video documentary or with photos. This can also help your child look back at these documentaries should he decide to set a new goal after the current one has been achieved.

For more goal-achieving tips, check out these websites:

https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/how-to-teach-kids-perseverance-goal-setting/

http://www.pbs.org/parents/expert-tips-advice/2016/01/how-to-help-your-child-set-and-reach-goals/

 

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Once again, the Cal Water H2O Challenge is inviting schools in California from grades 4-6 to participate in a classroom initiated and developed project that focuses on water. In partnership with NAAEE, the WestEd K-12 Alliance, and Cal Water. The California Water H2O Challenge begins on Dec. 31, 2017 and closes Jan 31,
2018. All submissions are due February 28, 2018.

Here is the info should you choose to accept this mission:

• The students of participating classrooms initiate, develop, and
  implement a 4-8 week-long project (or longer at teacher discretion),
  focusing on caring for water. This class-based project explores water as
  a global resource and as a local resource, while tackling a local water
  problem in an individual and community-based endeavor.
•  A handbook can be found at https://challenge.calwater.com/ resources,
  including a guide for the flow of the project, and sample lesson plans.
  • Upon completion of the project, students create a final portfolio
  documenting their work. This portfolio, along with accompanying
  cover sheets, student reflections, and a teacher reflection, constitute
  the final submission. Sample Portfolios can be found in the resource
  section.
  • Early Registration closes Dec. 31, 2017. Final Registration closes Jan 31,
  2018. Submissions are due February 28, 2018.
  • Curriculum Alignment: Common Core State Standards and is
  complementary to the Next Generation Science Standards. In aligning
  the curriculum, sample lesson plans were developed incorporating
  these guidelines.
  • Project-Based Learning: Developed with the help of the WestEd /
  K-12 Alliance and the North American Association for Environmental
  Education, their project-based learning model offers an effective
  and engaging manner to inspire students to community action while
  achieving curriculum standards.
  • Objective Rubric: Judging of the competition will be conducted by a
  panel of experts working in education and/or an environmental field.
  It will use an objective rubric, developed with the help of the West Ed
  / K-12 Alliance. This rubric evaluates the water topic choice, project
  goals, action plan, and outcomes, long term benefits, integration with
  student learning and curriculum, student participation, impact on
  student learning, presentation, and impact on teacher practice.

And the prizes are:

Grand Prize

Class Celebration: Classroom tent-camping
trip to the Santa Monica Mountains with
NatureBridge
Class Funding: $3,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

2nd Place

Class Celebration: A Pizza Party
Class Funding: $2,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

3rd Place

Class Funding: $2,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

4th Place

Class Funding: $1,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

All Participant Prizes

Student Recognition: An official certificate of
participation for every student
Teacher Recognition: A teacher certificate
Teacher Gift: An AMEX gift card

The Cal Water H2O Challenge is a very important learning lesson for students and teachers. Everyone, not only in California, can learn about water conservation, proper water usage, and helping the environment. The best thing about participating in this classroom-led competition is that everyone in the participating classes can contribute to the projects.

If your school isn’t part of the area that’s serviced by Cal Water, there are still many fun and challenging ways to include your students or your kids at home. Fun ways of learning about water conservation includes using timers for showers and baths, catching rain water or gently used water for watering plants, and growing your fruits and vegetables at home where you can control water usage. Learning about water – one of the most important resources for us – is a crucial step in preserving this most precious resource. Many countries around the world can’t get fresh water but here in the US, water can so easily be wasted and contaminated.

So, check out the website today and consider participating! https://challenge.calwater.com/.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

Now that the presents are opened, stomachs are full, and children are excitedly playing with their new gifts, it’s time to unwind from all the stressful holiday shopping and preparation. This year I actually learned from my previous holiday experiences by shopping early and online. But even with as much preparation as I’d like to think I had, holidays could still be more than we anticipated, so now is the best time to start de-stressing.

Get Stress Relief Naturally:

Eat the Right foods – We all know that having a healthy eating habit is the key to a successful life. When you eat the right types of food with the proper nutrients, your brain and your body will work at their premium levels. But eating certain types of food can also help relieve stress. Eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables is key in getting top notch nutrients into your body. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals to help maintain your health. Eating small amounts of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, also helps release certain brain chemicals that promote relaxation. And try green tea or herbal tea to create more balance in your body. Stay away from sugary food and caffeinated beverages as they provide little if no health benefits.

Calm Environment – stress factors such as loud sounds and anxiety can put a toll on your health and mind. Relax by listening to soothing music or reading a good book. Try not to watch television as the ultraviolet rays can actually overwork your brain rather than calm it.

Aromatherapy – if you’ve ever used essential oils, you’ll know that they smell quite different from artificially scented products. Essential oils are naturally derived from certain plants to be used in almost anything you might want to fragrance. Try putting a few drops of essential oil on your light bulb to create a natural scent for your room. Add some into your bath and let the scent calm and soothe you. You can also carry vials of essential oils by adding a few rock salt into the vial with essential oils. Oils such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are all great mood carriers.

Exercise – exercising isn’t just for adding muscle mass or reducing weight. Depending on the type of exercise such as Taichi, Yoga, or gentle walking, exercising helps increase blood flow to your brain and heart. Slow movement exercises where focused breathing is emphasized can also help with reducing stress. Breathing creates being in the moment and being mindful of what you’re doing, therefore decreasing the need for your brain to think too much.

Earth-Friendly Cleanup Tips:

Whether you’ve already disposed all of your Christmas waste or hid them away into a corner hoping they’ll disappear on their own, there are better and environmentally safer ways to cleaning up your trash. There will most likely be two categories of cleanup – waste from gifts and the gifts themselves – and there are three options you can choose when it comes to disposing them: donate, recycle, or reuse.

What to do with unwanted gifts:

Donating – this is a great way of giving away those gifts that you either don’t want or have more than one of.  Someone out there will appreciate the gift that you dropped off at the donation center. It’s also a great tax write-off if you’re inclined to get a receipt.

Reuse (or re-gifting) – consider that the present you received isn’t one you’re likely to use, it’s okay to re-gift it to someone who you know will appreciate or use it. What if you received two books of the same title? You’re not likely to keep both of them are you? Simply give one away to a friend who you know will enjoy the book or help someone start a new collection of books.

Recycle – recycling unwanted items might sound dodgy, but at least it won’t go to waste or end up in the landfill. Almost anything can be recycled but check to make sure your local recycling center can take them. For recycling items and recycling center, check out Earth911: https://search.earth911.com/.

All that trash!:

It would be so easy to just take a giant trash bag and dump everything in that bag. But wait! Consider that most of the trash can either be recycled, re-purposed (or reused), or upcycled.

Wrapping paraphernalia – wrapping papers, bows, bags, and boxes in good condition can be saved and re-used. Keep them stored in their own bin so you can reuse them throughout the year. Check before you buy any new wrapping items so that you don’t end up with more waste.

Easy and fun crafts – Turn those cardboard boxes and shredded wrapping paper into fun crafts for your kiddos. Wrapping paper can be made into creative bookmarks. Cardboard boxes can be made into secretive forts. And holiday cards can be turned into gift tags.

Leftover food and treats – If you still have a lot of leftover food and sweet treats, consider donating them to a local food shelter. Most food shelters will take unopened food but be sure to call ahead and see what they’ll accept. Untouched food can also be given to a neighbor. Maybe you have extra loaves of cake, cookies, or chocolate and you know that you really shouldn’t eat all of it anyway. Your neighbors might enjoy that homemade cake your aunt made or bring leftover and (clean) treats to your office’s staff lounge.

Getting ready for next year:

So now that you’ve attempted these stress-relieving tips what should you do now? Plan ahead for next year’s holiday season? Well yes and no. Planning early for the next major holiday can help relieve some stress. Just like any major event, planning ahead prevents most major snafus that may arise. If you’re already thinking about next Christmas and you have the time and patience, start shopping the after-Christmas sales. I guarantee you’ll find some excellent deals that you can pat yourself on the back come October or November. Just remember where you put all of those great after-Christmas items so you don’t stress out when you can’t find them next year.

Here’s to a healthy and happy 2018!

*photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Living, Speculoos.net

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

 

 

 

 

You Get A Book! You Get A Book! And You Get A Book! Ah, if I was as rich as Oprah Winfrey, I’d be handing out books to everyone and everywhere I go. A book in itself is priceless, and you really can’t put a price tag on the knowledge you’d receive from that book. But sadly, unless books are on the required reading list at school, there just doesn’t seem to be enough readers anymore. This year, I’ve endeavored myself to give out more book gifts or gifts that inspire reading. Reading a book can transform you to another time and place where magical lands and journeys await you. Books can also get you out of a bad mood or a dreadful funk. And books can inspire you to put your own thoughts and dreams onto paper.

A book gift can be for any age and gender. Books can be for beginner readers, Bibliophiles, or anyone in between. They can be full of imaginative pictures or none at all. They can be any genre and any page length as long as the books you choose could be an interest for the recipient. My favorite people to give books to are children. While not all kids enjoy reading books, there is bound to be at least one subject that a child will like. And the best part of shopping for that particular child is to browse through your local bookstore or even online. You might even find a few new books for yourself!

Below I’ve listed book ideas for different age ranges. These titles have been curated by book professionals but feel free to check out the websites I’ve also included for more inspiration.

Pre-K to Kindergarten:

Uni the Unicorn (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – Uni is a regular unicorn but one thing sets her apart from her friends — she believes with all her heart that little girls are real. It’s a story of true friendship, magic, and happiness. And the sequel, Uni and The Unicorn and The Dream Come True (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE)

Love You Forever (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON)- A story of true and undying love between a mother and his son. This book will put you in tears till the last page. Beautiful illustration and poetic prose that you can read to your child for many years.

Mighty, Mighty Construction Site (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) -Hard work, courage, and friendship sets this book with fun illustrations that any young child will love.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – A clever and easy to understand illustrated book for children, Here We Are, is a wonderful beginning book to teach youngsters about our planet and how to protect it.

Goodnight Little Bear (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE ) (AMAZON) – From the award-winning author, Richard Scarry, Goodnight Little Bear tells an endearing tale of a little bear who refuses to go to bed and the journeys he takes to finally get there. Check out all of Richard Scarry’s books when you pick this one up.

Darth Vader & Son/Vader’s Little Princess (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) -One would think this book is all about darkness and suffering but it’s actually a cute and funny book about the trivial and complicated life of being a parent (albeit a dark one).

Young Readers:

The Magic Misfits (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – If you like reading about magic and learning about the secrets behind it, then this fun book full of treasures and codes is for you. Filled with delight and intrigue, Neil Patrick Harris writes a book that will keep your child’s interests for many years.

Who Was…( BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) -The Who Was books are written in an easier format for young readers to understand the history and life of a past famous person. Great for school reads but also many interesting people for the history lovers!

What Was…(BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – The What Was books are similar to the Who Was books ranging with subjects such as dinosaurs, The Declaration of Independence, and The Great Pyramids.

Older Kids:

Harry Potter (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE ) (AMAZON) – The entire Harry Potter series must be read once you’re past 12 years old. It’s a classic that’s as treasured as well, the old classics. Filled with magic, heartache, and triumph, Harry Potter and his friends journey from childhood to young adults in the entire series.

Legend Series ( BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – A young adult dystopian thriller that keeps you reading till the very end. Filled with action, suspense, and friendship bonds, the Legend series is a wonderful collection for readers of fantasy and futuristic realism.

A Wrinkle In Time (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – Soon to be a major motion picture, A Wrinkle In Time takes the reader on a selfless journey across time and space to find and rescue the main character’s father who is somehow imprisoned between time and space.

Grown-up readers:

Hidden Figures (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON)- An award-winning book, Hidden Figures tell the story of five real life scientists who breaks the ground for women in NASA.

Uncommon  Type: Some Stories (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – From the ultra talented actor and director, Tom Hanks, Uncommon Type: Some Stories is a clever blend of realism and satire. Written throughout the years, Tom Hanks finally puts his masterpiece together in a collection of 17 short stories.

Amy Tan’s Where the Past Begins: A Writer’s Memoir (BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSTORE) (AMAZON) – From best selling author, Amy Tan reveals her life story from childhood to growing up with immigrant Chinese parents. Her painful and triumphant path to becoming one of the most acclaimed authors worldwide is cleverly written through poetic and touching prose.

Have a joyful holiday season and remember that a great book starts with the first page.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

 

 

 

 

If you like adventure filled with fun and danger, then you’d enjoy reading The Chosen Knights by Mary Ting aka M. Clarke. Set in present time with references to the age of the Templar Knights, archangels Lucia, Zachary, and friends are on a mission to prevent an evil being from taking over Earth and dominating over humans. There are demons, angels, and other supernatural beings in this exciting book and every step of the way some type of surprise gets thrown in.

Lucia, Zachary, and their uncle are sent to the “human” world to find some missing teenagers. Thinking it’s just a typical angel mission, the team finds themselves involved more than originally planned. Along the way the meet a human teenage boy, Jack who tells them he is descended from the Templar Knights. As the mystery slowly unfolds itself, Lucia and her team of friends find themselves transported to another era in order to find the missing pieces of an ancient book that can bring back the ages of darkness and evil. With the help of some not so angelic beings, Lucia makes discoveries of herself as well and finds that falling in love with a powerful demon may be her ultimate downfall.

Synopsis:

When teens go missing in Hawaii, a group of demon-hunters—half human and half angel—disguised as high school students, must leave Crossroads, the place where they reside. In a race against time, they uncover the mystery connecting the missing teens, which dates back to the era of the Knights Templar. However, when they discover one of the Templars passed down a book containing all the secrets and codes to finding a particular treasure, they soon realize this forbidden treasure needs to be found before Cyrus, the lord of the possessor demons, acquires it—a treasure which been safeguarded and hidden from him.

There is only one problem: the pages containing the clues leading to the treasure is missing. When the first page is found, Cyrus threatens to kill more descendants of the Knights Templar if it is not given to him by Friday the thirteenth. In the midst of threats and discovery, the demon-hunting angels find they are not alone when supernatural beings begin to reveal themselves. Can they put their differences aside and work together to solve the Knights Templars’ cipher? As they astral travel to the past, they witness a lot more than they have bargained for. And some things are better left unseen.

 

You can read The Chosen Knights on its own or read the prequel, Angel Knights where it tells the beginning of Lucia and Zachary. The Chosen Knights is the first book in The Secret Knights series and it is a book filled with incredible descriptions of angels, demons, monsters, and astral projection. There is some light comedy, some very sweet romance, and adventurous fighting among the angels and supernatural monsters. Great for young adults and teens with clean language and no explicit content.

For more info about The Chosen Knights, please visit Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28266640-the-chosen-knights?ac=1&from_search=true) and Amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Knights-Secret-Book-ebook/dp/B01D744ITE)

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

 

 

 

As 2017 is winding down (still can’t believe how times flies by!) let’s refresh our memories of all the important things we must do for our health. If you’ve accomplished any of the healthy goals you set out for yourself this year then congratulations. If not, then it’s never too late to start!

We talked about starting the year off right with cleaning up your health, your home, and your life.

Clear out the clutter in your mind and life. Most of us nowadays have either more than one job or are working parents or stay at home parents with several kids. No matter what, we all have some kind of clutter lingering in our minds and lives. Ask yourself is it necessary to hold on to damaging thoughts and feelings. Think about what those detrimental thoughts are doing to your health and to your life. Are they affecting your way of living or your loved ones? Do they cause you so much stress that you barely have time for doing anything relaxing? Find healthier solutions to resolving these harmful lingering thoughts in your head and move on. Even a little bit of stress can cause health problems later on in life.

We also talked about eating more super seeds and berries and how they greatly benefit children.

Seeds and berries have been eaten for many centuries and are often used to boost health and increase longevity. Some are also used as medicinal purposes and most are easy to add into our daily meals. I’ve been eating certain types of seeds and berries since I was a child and started giving my son the same type of seeds and berries when he was younger as well. Our favorite health-boosting berry is the Goji berry, which originated in China and have an awesome amount of health benefits. Goji berries were used in ancient times to increase one’s overall immunity as they contain high levels of antioxidants. They’re naturally sweet and versatile and make a great snack for adults and children.

And we talked about boosting our nutrition intake by finding out what’s making us tired or cranky or not be at full potential.

Determine the type of nutrients your body is lacking.We all fall short to eating unhealthy now and then but we don’t have to let our bad food choices define who we are and what we want to achieve. If your body is lacking in certain types of nutrients, be it Vitamin D or Magnesium, determine what causes you certain illnesses or imbalance in your life. Do you feel fatigued all of the time? Perhaps your body lacks enough B complex vitamins which includes B1, B2, B6, and B12. B vitamins are known for a multitude of benefits for the body and B5 and B12 helps convert carbohydrates into glucose which gives your body the “fuel” it needs to thrive. The best ways in getting more proper nutrients into your body is of course through natural foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats. But if you don’t have enough time to consume all the necessary nutrients your body needs on a daily basis, then adding in supplements is important. Take vitamins and supplements from reputable brands that can trace their source materials and offer you a complete spectrum of supplements to choose from.

We also talked about reducing food waste and teaching our kids the importance of not being wasteful.

Reduce at the Grocery Stores – Some may live on very limited monetary budgets while others have more money than they can use. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful when we’re grocery shopping. Grocery stores need to make money off of us therefore stores will line their shelves with thousands of types of food that we don’t really need. Factor in the food they place at checkout counters and stands, it’s no wonder that America waste so much food every year and gain unnecessary weight. Do we really need that extra pack of chips or cookies? Most likely not if you’re just buying for the sake of buying. In order to reduce waste in grocery store shopping, make a list of what you plan to buy based on what you want to cook during the week. Find creative recipes if you’re stuck on what to make for dinner. Don’t buy groceries on an empty stomach as feeling hungry can send visual signals from your sight to your brains leading you to want to buy more food. Turn on your “blinders” so that you are only buying what is on your list and what your family truly needs. Consider how much money you can save by only buying what you need and not what looks good at the moment in the grocery stores.

And another important topic is about reducing sugar intake. This is especially important for children as having too much sugar at an early age can lead to bad food choices and later on major health problems.

It is hard to stop having sugar altogether, but there are ways to limit our daily intake of it. According to the American Heart Association, women should consume no more than 100 calories of added sugar and men consume no more than 150 calories of added sugar. Preschoolers should not consume more than 170 calories of added sugar a day (or 4 teaspoons), children ages 4-8 consume no more than 130 calories of added sugar ( or 3 teaspoons), and pre-teens to teens should consume no more than 5-8 teaspoons of added sugar. Children under the age of 2 years old should not be given added sugar at all because the calorie needs of children in this age group are lower than older children and adults, so there is little room for food and beverages containing added sugars that don’t provide them with good nutrition. In addition, taste preferences begin early in life, so limiting added sugars may help children develop a life-long preference for healthier foods.

As the months went by, we also talked about eating a spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Engage your kids to make healthier food choices by having them pick out a few of their favorite Crayon colors. If they don’t have crayons, then bring along colored pencils or even markers, just as long as the colors are an equal assortment – blue, green, red, orange, etc. Then have them go around the produce aisle and compare the colors to the various fruits and vegetables. They will have so much fun and be amazed at how colors are important in nutrients and taste. Try this when your kids are young so that you can do this for at least a couple of years until they grasp the concept of buying fruits and vegetables in an assortment of colors.

We then talked about buying organic versus non-GMO products.

So what exactly does non-GMO infer? GMO, or genetically modified organisms, refers to plants, animals, and other organisms whose genetic material has been changed in ways that do not occur naturally. Such instances would be products that have been manufactured in a “lab” rather than from traditionally-grown seeds from original crops. In order for food to be labeled as “non-GMO”, the food must be made without ingredients that derived from genetically altered or manufactured organisms. For meat, poultry, dairy and eggs, the “non-GMO” labeling indicates animals were not fed a diet containing genetically engineered crops.

And we rounded off our 2017 Health Start posts with choosing smart foods for smarter students.

In a perfect world our kids would do exactly what we tell them and eat wholesome, nutritious food all the time. But, the reality is that most kids don’t really know the difference between an artificially-colored cereal with 30 grams of sugar per tablespoon and one sweetened only with natural fruit juices. Eating well means eating food that are rich in vitamins, wholesome nutrients, and less artificial flavors and colors. But to help little minds grow exponentially, kids need to eat certain types of food found to have targeted benefits for the mind and body. Below I’ve listed a few that can be beneficial as well as fun for kids to eat.

And then, tips on preventing and reducing stress for both adults and children. I suggested 10 ways of reducing stress:

1 -Write Things Down. Write about your thoughts, feelings, triumphs, and fears.

2. Make a List. Lists help you stay in focus and centered.

3. Go outside. Being with nature helps us see the bigger picture.

4. Read a Book. Books can temporarily take us to another place in time and forget about everything else.

5. Dance. Dancing can help release happy emotions.

6. Sing. Singing a happy tune lifts our mood.

7. Talk. Talk to someone who can help you see a brighter future. Listen to your kids and allow them to let their feelings out without judgement.

8. Volunteer. Helping someone else makes you think of another person instead of yourself at the moment.

9. Garden. Flowers and plants bring joy in our lives. Dig your hands into the soil and let your emotions pour out into the earth.

10. Sleep. Sleep replenishes our body and our mind and puts us in a better mood.

So there you have it. The year 2017 is rounding off pretty quickly so take extra time to care about your health. Nothing is as precious as your well being so find ways to eat healthier, think healthier, and act healthier.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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