The 413 Mom

Finding balance during the year end rush

How do you keep balance during the holiday season? Not just with the potential financial stress and the overcrowded calendar that can result this time of year, but in terms of all the food temptations that appear between Halloween and Valentine's Day. I never met a Christmas cookie or slice of pumpkin pie that I didn't like, so this year I was looking for some inspiration to battle the holiday bulge. I initially signed up for the Runner's World 39 Days of Awesome Streak -- to run at least one mile every day between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. It all started out well, but then we got a few days of rain, the temperature dropped, and I took on a part-time holiday job. None of these worked in favor of my motivation to pull a mile every day. 

So I modified -- I'm still on a good streak -- I've just brought it inside. I've gotten in 20 minutes of exercise every day since Thanksgiving even if it meant brushing the dust off some of my old favorite 20-minute aerobics videos. So far, so good. Committing to doing some form of exercise every day has also helped me combat some of the usual cravings. (I'm not kidding. There is a box of Lindt truffle balls in the cabinet and I have not touched a single one.) I love the idea of starting the new year feeling in control rather than scrambling to make up for lost time during the busy holiday season. With only 20 minutes a day, I'm feeling so ready to take 2017 head on and continue with my daily commitment.

The health professionals at ChildObesity180, a group working out of Tufts University to reverse the trend of childhood obesity, have some more simple reminders for keeping balance as we head into 2017:

• Plan ahead to make sure healthy choices are always on-hand. Meal planning for the week ahead will not only ensure that you set up healthier options for day-to-day choices, but can also become a creative outlet for families to plan together. Try a “Meatless Monday” or similar theme night to simplify planning even more.
• Build a better lunch (together). Involving kids in the cooking process can get them more excited about what’s in their lunchbox and help you avoid calorie-dense fare in favor of more wholesome options. Try packing lunch-sized portions of fruits and veggies over the weekend to streamline lunchbox prep on cold winter school mornings.
• Join the “balanced plate” club. Instead of focusing on the “clean plate club”, which can send the message that portions don’t matter, talk to kids about how to set up a balanced plate. 
• Eat the rainbow. Foods that are (naturally) brightly colored are full of different antioxidants, vitamins and minerals—and they tend to be fruits and veggies. If you and your family “eat the rainbow” by including seasonal foods of every color between breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll be sure to get a mix of these essential nutrients. 
• Move more by making family activities physical activities. It’s easy to incorporate meaningful movement into typically sedentary activities. Try doing jumping jacks, pushups, or wall sits during TV time, especially in the commercial breaks. Make household chores a game, race, or obstacle course that encourages extra steps. 
• Get out of the house to limit screen time. Especially in wintertime, the snow and cold can persuade us to keep warm indoors with our favorite shows. We all know it’s important to limit screen time, but it can be hard to cut back on a habit without building a new one. Making a rule to spend more time outside as a family – even just 20 minutes each day – can give you the extra push to stick with it. 

There's that 20 minutes again! Most anyone can find 20 minutes to exercise -- even if it's while you're waiting to switch the laundry, waiting for Netflix to load, or catching up on the phone. Give it a try. Get the kids involved. Little changes add up to big changes. And that's a great way to start a new year.

Gotta Go: Murder Mystery Company Dinner Theater (Agawam)

Are you stuck in a date night drought but the budget limits your options? Or maybe you're looking for the prefect way to celebrate a benchmark birthday. Then you've go to check out the Murder Mystery Company Dinner Theater. I had no idea what I was getting into when they offered me the chance to experience their venue at Chez Josef in Agawam but I'm SO glad I said yes!

The Murder Mystery Dinner Theater is exactly what it sounds like -- enjoying a nice meal while trying to solve a mystery story. However, the most important thing to note: this is an interactive experience. You don't just sit and watch. You can definitely get up and get involved in the show. (Introverts beware: you don't HAVE to get up and get involved. Just say no thank you if you are offered a part to play). 

The show we attended took place in the 1920s -- there were many twists and turns and many suspects (one of whom was my character!) We. Laughed. So. Much. I was definitely out of my comfort zone while playing my part in the show; however, sometimes it's good to be pushed out of your zone. It was the most memorable night out we've had in a while. I'm glad I agreed to play along.  

The evening lasts about 2 hours. You'll have a nice meal and will be given clues throughout the evening. You'll have the opportunity to move around the room and interview suspects as you try to find out "whodunit." It's very interactive and fun. That being said, if you'd rather just sit and enjoy your meal and let someone else on your team do the interacting that's fine as well. You'll still enjoy the show. 

No complaints on the dinner itself: we enjoyed salad, chicken, baked potato, and some seasonal veggies (there is a vegetarian option as well). The meal included a bread basket, hot coffee and dessert. Cash bar was available too. 

According to Tom Zelinsky, Digital Marketing Associate for the Murder Mystery Company, the shows are held in 24 states. The company was started in 2002 and all the scripts are originally written. So you're not buying a ticket to an amateur performance here. Each troupe is made up of local actors and each dinner experience is unique. The show we saw was incredibly well written -- we were kept guessing until the very end. 

The company has several storylines to offer: Midnight at the Masquerade, Totally 80s Murder, A Dance with Death, and more. It's the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, retirement or other special event. The company will also host private viewings for special events and can even create personalized shows. 

A few important notes: The mystery was really difficult to solve! If you like a good game and want to be challenged, this is the place. One of our table mates actually figured out the culprit which was impressive. The whole evening was a great time of teamwork and collaboration. The experience is kin to lucking out with being seated at the most fun table at your coworkers' wedding.

You are also welcome to dress to match the theme of the show and you can even earn bragging rites if you're chosen as the award winner for period costume! The show was a little risque but still family friendly. It would be OK to include an older child or teenager. 

Also, as part of your admission, you have to chance to participate in a fun photo shoot using some of the show's props:

The Western Mass troupe has been performing at Chez Josef monthly for about a year so they've got this down. It's a very professionally run show. Visit their their website for their complete schedule. The show scheduled for this Saturday is already sold out; however you can get your next chance on Friday November 11 or Saturday December 11 .

You can also save 50% off tickets using this link. There is also a regular Groupon offer to save over 50%. That's less than $30 for dinner and the show! Murder Mystery Dinner Theater tickets would also make a great holiday gift -- you can't be disappointed with this. I hope you take the leap and check it out. You won't regret it!  

 

Get Your Pick on 2016! Where to PYO Apples this season!

 

It's a hit or miss apple season this year folks. (BOO for the cold spring and dry summer). Some farms do not even have an apple crop this year. Here's a rundown of some of the best local orchards to claim your pecks and bushels:

Apex Orchards (Shelburne) - Open seven days through end of October, Gala available now, all varieties expected to be available for PYO by September 10, beautiful views, combine apple picking with a hike on the nearby Mohawk Trail. 

Bashista Orchards & Cider Mill (Southampton) - PYO seven days, macs available now, more varieties available in the coming weeks, amazing farm stand, bakery, and fresh, local cider. 

Bear Swamp Orchard & Cidery (Ashfield) - PYO Sept. 16- mid October, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., certified organic, baked goods, organic cider and hard ciders.

Cook's Farm Orchard (Brimfield) - Apple Fest September 24-25, PYO daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bakery, farm stand. 

Echo Hill Orchards (Monson) - Open seven days for PYO (apples and pumpkins), weekdays noon - 5 p.m. (walk out only), weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (wagon rides available), macs now, macoun available soon. 

Hilltop Orchards (Richmond) - Open daily for picking, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., hayrides, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., beautiful Berkshire views, farm store, hiking trails, winery.

Johnny Appleseed Farm (Ellington, CT) - Our family's tradition, open for picking seven days, credit/debit accepted. Great variety to chose from and beautiful views from the top of the orchard. Wagon rides on weekends.

Lakeview Orchard (Lanesborough) - PYO snappy macs now, more to follow, daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., bakery, farm market, beautiful views, can watch cider being made. 

Park Hill Orchard (Easthampton) - PYO Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., macs, farm stand, cider donuts and slushies. 

Pine Hill Orchards (Colrain) - PYO Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m. -5 p.m., large variety available, wagon rides, farm animals, restaurant on site serves breakfast and lunch, beautiful farm market. 

The BEST way to sweeten someone's day on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!

Did you guys even see this flash sale being offered at Big Y on August 4, 2016 in honor of National Chocolate Chip cookie day: 

 

This is the big tub (24-count) of their fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies for only $1.99. You have to show the Big Y Facebook page message to receive this price. Limit two per customer. This price is good for one day ONLY: Thursday, AUGUST 4. While supplies last. 

Coincidentally, there is another food-related message circulating on Facebook, that the Springfield Rescue Mission is in need of butter:

I don't know about you but while I would definitely enjoy having one tub of cookies in my house, I do NOT need two of them! (TOOOO much temptation). 

My plan is to visit Big Y in the morning, pick up my allotted two tubs of super delicious, super bargain cookies and also pick up some butter (Cabot butter is on sale for $3.99 this week). Then we'll swing by the Springfield Rescue Mission at 10 Mill Street in Springfield and drop off a donation of a tub of cookies and a few pounds of butter. Of course -- they would not say no to additional items in the grocery bag if you feel so moved. You can drop off anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

So -- what do you say? Anyone with me?? Anyone else want to sweeten someone's day with cookies and butter? (Please say yes!)

Help Wanted: Zucchini Pusher Seeks New Tactics

Yep, so I'm one of those folks who grow zucchini cause it's good for the gardening ego -- you get an abundant yield with very little effort. And every year (every, single, year) I'm scrambling to find good uses for my crop. My usual tactics:

• Feeding it to my family in various forms until they beg for mercy
• Zucchini muffins
• Zucchini bread
• Chocolate zucchini muffins
• Freezing sliced zucchini
• Freezing shredded zucchini
• Letting Faith carry the zucchini around the house and treat it as a pet
• Setting out a tray of zucchini at the end of the driveway with a sign that reads "FREE -- please take me"
• Pawning it off on all of the relatives and neighbors
• Sneaking one into the purse of any visitor
• Sneaking one into any car that graces my driveway 
• Giving it away at work

I've got quite a good yield this year and I'm afraid some of my previous tactics may have become stale (OK -- downright annoying). So....any advice? How do you use up your stash? 

TIA! (And please don't come visit unless you're willing to take home some squash!) 

'You're the Mom' campaign premiers in Springfield

Has anyone noticed this amazing mural that popped up recently in Springfield? It can be found on the side of the Imperial Grocery at 1072 State Street. 

The mural was installed as part of the new You're The Mom public awareness campaign -- an initiative that recognizes the fact that moms are the number one influence on how well kids eat. According to You're The Mom:

"In the growing fight against childhood obesity (among many other areas!), moms are on the front lines—they’re arguably the single greatest influencers on their family’s health. But with so much to juggle, many moms take the path of least resistance when dinner rolls around. Making sure their children eat healthy becomes a chore, and fast food is an easy option. An upcoming public art installation in downtown Springfield is part of a new campaign to help moms make small changes in what they feed their kids and reverse the obesity epidemic."

This mural features Natalie Parrish, 30, a life-long Springfield resident. She is mom to seven-year-old Trenton Johnson who attends Sabis International Charter School in the city. Parrish knows a thing or two about the urge to seek quick meals -- in addition to caring for her son, she not only works full-time as a personal care assistant, she is also pursuing a BA in Healthcare Administration with a full course load, and is active in her church. 

"It's a struggle to prepare meals that are healthy and affordable," Parrish said. 

She said she encourages her son to make small changes to be healthier, for example, to eat the apples in his fast food meal instead of the french fries. She also tries to frequent the mobile farmers market in her neighborhood and tries to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies into every meal.

Parrish said she also tries to cook with more of an international flavor instead of relying on quick packaged meals and she is always encouraging her son to actually eat what she makes.

"He's picky," she said. "Of course he likes fast food -- all kids do -- but I encourage him to eat the meal I cook because there is nothing better he can do than put healthy food in his body."

Other simple and healthy swaps recommended by You're The Mom:

• Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages
• Boost movement and physical activity
• Fuel up on fruits and vegetables

Natalie Parrish of Springfield meeting Marka27, the artist who painted her mural.

Parrish was overcome when she got her first glimpse of the mural, which was painted by Victor "Marka27" Quinonez of Brooklyn, NY. (Check out more of his work at Marka27.com -- so beautiful!) 

"I struggled with image issues when I was younger so this is overwhelming," she said. "I hope this mural inspires people to be great."

A second mural will be installed this weekend -- July 9 & 10 -- at 461 Main Street in Springfield. Stop by if you have a chance -- it's fascinating to watch!

You're The Mom is being piloted in Springfield through the summer, and a national launch is planned for next year. You can find out more at yourethemom.org, or on their Facebook page.  The campaign is being launched by ChildObesity180 at Tufts University Friedman School with assistance from community organizations including Partners for a Healthier Community, Square One, and Springfield Food Policy Council. The campaign includes a digital resource hub at YoureTheMom and public art installations portraying real local moms, as well as billboards, radio spots, bus advertisements, and social media.

And of course Parrish credits her own mom for helping her be the best mom she can be. 

"My mom inspires me. She is my A1-Day 1. I have the tools necessary to be a good mom because of my mom. Communities are stronger when moms are stronger." 

Amen to that, Sister! #YoureTheMom

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to make a weekday Dinner

So happy to welcome back guest writer, Holly Moren Cilley (Mom of 3, Wife of 1, English teacher of 70) from Agawam. Some real inspiration here as we approach Hump Day Dinnertime. Sound familiar, anyone? 

How to make a weekday dinner:

-Stick 3 yo in front of iPad.

-Send 1 yo off to play with something typically off limits so you can get a head start in the kitchen.

-Take out chicken, eggs, flour, bread crumbs, lemon, butter.

-Pour flour and bread crumbs into two bowls.

-Explain to 11 yo definition of homework vocabulary words five grades too difficult for him.

-Mix eggs in bowl.

-Dredge chicken strip, egg it, crumb it.

-Dredge next chicken strip standing two feet away from kitchen counter bc 1 yo has wedged himself in between and has his arms up in the "pick me up now btch" stance.

-Ignore toddler and dredge, egg, and crumb faster.

-Calculate how many chicken strips you can prepare before toddler goes from zero to Adele and the situation becomes unrecoverable.

-See 1 yo making the ugly cry face - pick him up with fingers so nicely breaded they look like real food.

-Bounce 1 yo around and beg 11 yo to entertain him for 5 mins.

-Refuse 3 yo request for Popsicle.

-Diffuse 3 yo tantrum.

-Good - 1 yo found something to do.

-Oh shit - he's emptying the pots and pans out of the cabinets (oh well).

-Peel and cut carrots.

-Put carrots in pot of water, turn stove on.

-Remind 11 yo to finish a chore.

-Reprimand 11 yo for sass.

-Begin clearing off kitchen table.

-Never mind, we'll eat around the mess.

-Grease the pan and heat it up.

-Get ready to fry the chicken.

-1 yo bored and whiny again.

-Prepare sippy cup w milk for 1 yo.

-Begin frying chicken.

-1 yo pitched sippy cup clear across room and top came off.

-Clean up spilled milk.

-Don't cry.

-3 yo demands sippy cup of milk.

-Return to hot stove - continue frying chicken.

-Place tiny pads of butter on each chicken strip.

-Squeeze fresh lemon on chicken - enjoy the sizzle.

-Swat 1 yo hands away from stove and yell NO - OUCHIE - DANGER.

-Look at clock - husband almost home!

-Pick up 1 yo and strap into high chair to contain him.

-Check on carrots - shit, forgot a second vegetable.

-Cut up wilted asparagus you've been keeping fresh in a small bowl of water.

-Toss with olive oil and garlic chips in frying pan.

-Give screaming 1 yo toy to keep him occupied.

-1 yo pitches toy Pick it up and give it back

-1 yo pitches toy.

-Pick it up and give it back.

-1 yo pitches toy.

-Pick it up and give it back.

-Give 1 yo something off limits to play with - an adult sized brand new toothbrush will do.

Image by Dave Cilley

-Return to stove to peel burned chicken off the pan.

-distraught 3 yo figure out how to unpause her trashy Anna/Elsa Kids YouTube video.

-Begin placing kid food onto plates.

-Spend 15 mins making it bite sized and choke-free.

-Kiss husband hello.

-Sit down to eat.

-Get up - someone needs something.

-Sit down to eat.

-Get up - someone needs something.

-Sit down to eat.

-Get up - someone needs something.

-Sit down to eat.

-Get up - someone needs something.

-11 yo won't eat - insulted by chicken.

-3 yo took two bites - saving room for ice cream.

-1 yo threw food all over the floor.

-Husband too busy with kids to eat.

-Throw head down on kitchen table in defeat.

-Repeat tomorrow night.

Stamp Out Hunger This Saturday! (May 14)

The easiest way to give back is coming up this Saturday with the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. All you have to do is load your mailbox with non-perishable food items. Or place a bag or box of items near your mailbox. Your mail carrier will collect the food while delivering your mail and all items will be donated to local food pantries.

Big Y has you covered with great sales on non-perishables this week: canned veggies (even the no-salt-added kind) are 5/$4, Ronzoni pasta is $1/box, and Big Y pasta sauce is $1/jar. I loaded up my cart as pasta with veggies and sauce is our go-to meal a few times a week. 

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is the largest food drive in the country. According to the National Association of Letter Carriers: 

Last year’s drive collected approximately 71 million pounds of non-perishable food that was left in bags next to postal customers’ mailboxes. It was the 12th consecutive year that letter carriers have collected more than 70 million pounds of food, and it brought the drive’s grand total to more than 1.4 billion pounds of food collected.

A gallon of Big Y milk is also on sale for $2.50, and the Big Y ice cream is $1.99/carton. Be sure to grab a few items for your mailbox when you make your milk run and we can all help #StampOutHunger on Saturday, May 14. 

 

 

Why I host the holidays (Hint: it's the leftovers)

Why do I volunteer to host all the holidays? Because I love having my home full of all the people I love the most? Yes! Because it means that if I'm intentional with the leftovers I don't have to food shop or think too hard about meal planning for the next few days? YES! #Iloveleftovers

Gotta Go: Big Y Grocery Store Tour

Are you looking for some inspiration to eat a little healthier? (Who isn't?) Or maybe learn more about eating Gluten free? Or how about cooking for diabetic needs? Let me tell you about a great FREE resource right here in Western Mass for all of these needs and more. Your local Big Y store.

Big Y offers grocery store tours led by a registered dietitian on different nutritional topics each week. Eden and I recently attended a "Kid's Plate" store tour with Sue Mazrolle, MSRD, LDN at the East Longmeadow location. All tours meet in the store cafe and last about an hour. We started off playing a nutritional guessing game, had a lesson in the new My Plate food guide (like the old food pyramid), and then headed off on our tour. Sue gave us some great tips on how to incorporate more produce into our meals, how to compare nutrition labels on cereal boxes and yogurt containers, and how to fill our grocery cart with lower sodium products. Then we returned back to the cafe to make and enjoy a small snack and collect some recipe cards, coloring pages, and coupons from Sue before departing.

We had a lot of fun and I actually learned a lot during the hour, even though this particular tour was geared toward children. Eden enjoyed herself as well. Being an allergic family, I pride myself on being a champion label reader, but Sue taught me to go beyond the ingredients list to compare protein counts, sugar amounts, and the amount of dietary fiber between products in order to make the healthiest choice. She answered all of our questions and somehow kept my nine-year-old entertained the entire time we were in the grocery store -- something I've never been able to achieve.

You can find a list of upcoming grocery store tours on the Living Well Eating Smart section of the Big Y website. The tour schedule varies monthly at locations in Western Mass and Northern Connecticut. Sue is also available to lead tours for scout troops and civic organizations. If you'd like to find out more, you can reach her at (413) 531-3490 or [email protected].