Through most of my life, I’ve been an optimist. I’ve always chosen to find joy in the little things…a scribbled picture from a loved one, an episode of Days of Our Lives or a goofy gesture from a friend. It was these simple items or acts that originally helped me be present, smile and find the calmness in my life. When my cancer returned, filling days with stress and uncertainty, I sought out Zen practices. I thought about how I needed to find peace from within, rather than relying on these acts/items to provide it. In the last few years, I’ve found small tools that not only increase positivity; they have also helped me find peace and calm during stressful situations. Yesterday, I spoke about this and my favorite smartphone apps that focus on mindfulness on WTNH-TV’s CT Style.
Healthy Gadget Girl: Mindfulness Apps
Healthy Gadget Girl: Tools for Holiday Zen
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…insert music and bright flashing lights here. Then pull the curtain back and you see reality. Rushing from urgent work meetings to children’s holiday concerts, then to festive parties and last-minute bargain shopping events, this season is filled with joy and plenty of stress. Being an achiever, I’ve always tried to get it all done with a smile. Though, no matter how many errands I delegate or projects I put off until next year, I still feel a little anxious in the scurry to get it all done. This year, I put my super healthy gadget girl powers to the test and tried a few devices to help de-stress. I even spoke about this, finding a little zen during the holiday season, on CT Style our local ABC affiliate award-winning lifestyle morning show. Below are some of my favorites gadgets and tools.
2015 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is well under way. If you haven’t started shopping, there’s still time to buy online or run to the mall to beat the crowds and out-of-stock shelves. Knowing many parents start shopping first with kids in mind, we premiered our 2015 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide for Kids last week. Now, we’re releasing the grown-up version, the 2015 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide. As I mentioned in last year’s feature, since I’ve embraced an organic, low-toxin lifestyle, I always investigate and experiment with new products and services that focus on health and wellness. I’ve attended seminars, events, and researched the latest guides in search of unique gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Here are some of my favorite items that focus on wellness.
KIDS: Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2015
How do you holiday shop for your kids?
Do you urge them to create a list and then shop-til-you-drop searching for those top items?
Or, do you look for the hottest sales and find toys that you know your child will love?
I’ve found a middle of the road approach. I, too, love providing my son with what he really wants. I’m sure this year the holiday ninjas will be dropping a few Ninjago Legos upon our door. However, I’m also on a quest for presents that educate and inspire him to understand healthy living – think toys, games and other kiddie activities that teach a lesson, while focusing on fun. We shared our ideas last year on PrettyWellness.com with our first Healthy Holiday Gift Guide for Kids. Since it was a success, we’re making this an annual feature.
50 Children’s Books that Promote Fitness
I was a horrible child athlete, the second to worst player on my elementary school softball team. During a 6th grade basketball game, I think I made a basket for the other team, too. Despite my lack of talent with hand-eye coordination, I was an active child. I spent many years participating in track-and-field and dance lessons. Though decades have passed since my childhood, I’m still excited to run races and take dance classes. Knowing that kids today are often immersed in video games and constantly connected to gadgets, I hope to instill my life-long love of fitness to my son. Being a role model is key, so I do my best to create family fun and fit opportunities throughout the year. Also, a wonderful way to reinforce a world filled with personal interaction and teamwork is by surrounding him with stories of exercise, activities and team sports so that he can make his own connections. Below is my list of children’s books with a focus on an active lifestyle. I’ve read most of these and received recommendations for the others from my favorite local librarian.
Health & Wellness News & Info Recap, 6/9
There’s still a few weeks until summer. Many of us are enjoying the seasonal mentality: free play, later bedtimes and cold, refreshing treats daily. It’s always challenging to stay healthy when busy, whether it’s a hectic work schedule or managing kids throughout the day. So, starting next week, this Health & Wellness News & Info recap will add “Healthy Summer of Fun” content for kids.
This week on the web stories include Beyoncé’s plant eating diet, Jennifer Aniston’s thoughts on natural beauty and an inspirational gesture from American Pharaoh’s jockey, Victor Espinoza.