Navigation

Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Bonding Trip: Circus Training

September 7, 2012 0

Eben is finishing up his third week of middle school! And I just remembered that I never told you about circus training. The first week of school, Eben’s teacher focuses on bonding the class through conversations, group activities, and closes the week with a bonding trip. This year, the bonding trip was circus training at the South Florida Circus Arts School. The children spent the day learning performing acts – both aerial and ground. I think the trip was really fantastic for Eben – he even tried the trapeze!

I love the idea of bonding with my classmates and teachers in middle school – especially if it involves circus training.

Does your child’s school take bonding trips?

photo via South Florida Circus Art School

Coral Reef: Sombrero Key, Florida

September 6, 2012 0

Note from Sweet Greens: The following post was written by Jenn Mueller, who will be a regular contributor here at Sweet Greens. Jenn also lives in Florida (very close to me!) with her husband, adorable seven year old daughter and a Siamese cat. Jenn writes Organic Cents a blog which focuses on the best organic and eco-friendly deals! 

Over the weekend we visited Sombrero Reef off Marathon, Florida in the Florida Keys. Sombrero Reef is a marine sanctuary which means that it is a protected area that can not be fished or disturbed. I thought it would be fun to share some important information about our reefs and photos from our trip.

Coral Reefs are as spectacular as they are fragile. They take up less than 1% of the ocean floor but support an estimated 25% of all marine life. Pretty amazing! To me reefs are like a bustling city underwater.

Did you know these facts about our reefs?

  • Many reefs provide barriers to the coast against incoming waves.
  • Without the reefs, shorelines would erode more quickly.
  • Many drugs and medicines have been developed from substances collected from coral reefs.
  • If the reefs disappear, we will lose a very important medical resource.

Have you visited a reef lately?
What is your favorite reef? 

photo credits Jenn Mueller

How to Pack a Healthy, Organic Lunch that Your Child will Devour

September 4, 2012 0

If you send your child to school with a packed lunch each day, you know what a challenge it can be to pack a lunch that is organic, and nutritious. As a parent, finding a lunch solution that is easy to put together each morning, friendly on the environment and your budget is also a major bonus. However, it doesn’t matter how healthy and nutritious the lunch that you pack every day is or how organized you are in packing a whole balanced lunch, if your child doesn’t eat it. The key is to make the meal so delicious that nothing but an empty lunch box comes home each afternoon. Getting your children involved in eating healthy, can also have a make a huge impact. Jump over to Applegate to check out my five favorite ways to pack a healthy, organic lunch that your child will devour.

photo credit via Applegate

How to Make a Cup of Simple Organic Applesauce in Your Blender

September 4, 2012 0

Eben had braces put on his teeth a few weeks ago, which has made eating apples, his favorite fruit, a tall order. Last night, he was especially craving the apple sweetness, so I whipped up a quick cup of organic applesauce in my blender. I wasn’t sure if it would turn out – but to our surprise it turned out brilliantly, and it was delicious! The best part, it only takes a minute or two and can be made fresh right before you serve it. Jump over to Inhabitots to learn how to make simple organic applesauce using your blender.

Gluten Free? How Children with Food Sensitivities Can Still Have Fun

August 31, 2012 0

If you have a child who suffers from Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance or wheat allergies, you may be concerned that you may not be able to provide them with a healthy, well-rounded diet. On the other hand, your child may worry that others may view them as being different. However, neither of these things needs to be an issue, not only can you provide a healthy, nutritious gluten-free diet for your child – it can be delicious and fun too. Being a gluten-free kid in today’s world with its fantastic support via websites, books, support groups, recipes, and products, being gluten-free is much easier than you would think. The key to a gluten-free yet fun and delicious diet is creativity – that and being prepared. Jump over to Applegate to read my favorite ways to raise a gluten-free kid without missing out on any of the fun.

photo credit via Applegate

Older posts Newer posts