Mark Your Calendar…Kids Consignment Sales Coming Up

Looking for gently used kids clothes, gear and toys?  You’re in luck! There are 3 HUGE kids’ consignment sales happening next weekend May 2-5. Details on each sale are listed below.  Some still have space to consign if you are looking to get rid of some of your kids things.  More info below!

Got Kids? Sale
Frear Park Ice Rink, Frear Park Rd. Troy, NY 12180
May 2nd: 10:00am – 7:00pm
May 3rd: 10:30am – 6:30pm
May 4th: 9:00am – 1:00pm  1/2 price sale on marked items
http://www.gotkidssale.com/index.htm

Encore Kids Consignment Sale
Halfmoon Sportsplex, 6 Corporate Drive, Halfmoon, NY
May 4th: 9:00am – 6:00pm
May 5th: 9:00am – Noon  Half-price sale (most items)
http://www.encorekidssale.com/index.shtml

Kids’ Exchange Spring  Consignment Sale
Adirondack Sports Complex, 326 Sherman Ave. Queensbury, NY, 12804
May 4th: 9am – 1pm
1:00-1:30pm Sale Closed
1:30pm – 3pm  half price sale
www.exchange-foundation.org.

Posted in Activities, Deals & Steals, Events, Events, Local Scoop, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

On The Go Breakfast Ideas

Mornings can become very hectic with the kiddos, and there isn’t always time for a nutritious breakfast. These quick and easy breakfast ideas will help you get the energy you need without taking up all your time. Recipes from Parenting.com

Kicked-Up Quesadilla
Ingredients:
2 flour tortillas (regular or whole-wheat)
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
several thin slices of a Granny Smith apple
Directions:
Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over one tortilla. Scatter the apple slices on top of the cheese and top with the remaining tortilla. Microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts. For a crisper tortilla, use a large skillet and crisp for 1-2 minutes on both sides, until the cheese is melted. Cut into 6-8 wedges.

Dressed-up Yogurt
Ingredients:
7 oz container plain yogurt (I recommend Greek yogurt)
1 Tbsp. raspberry jam (or any other favorite)
1 tsp. honey
2 Tbsp. toasted almonds, roughly chopped
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in the yogurt container. Grab a spoon and go!

Frozen Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen berries or fruit
2 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate (or 1/2 cup orange juice)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup yogurt
1 frozen banana
1 Tbsp. honey
Directions:
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until completely smooth.

Pop-Toast
Ingredients:
2 pieces of whole wheat bread
1 tsp butter, softened
1-1/2 Tbsp. jam
Directions:
Lightly butter both pieces of bread. Spread the jam over the butter onto just one piece of bread leaving 1/2 inch border around the edges. Top with the remaining slice of bread. Cut off the crust and seal the two pieces of bread together using the tines of a fork. Slide into the toaster; then *pop*, breakfast is ready.
Optional: Add thinly sliced fresh fruit such as bananas or strawberries for a fresh flavor. Try adding peanut butter or cream cheese for an added boost of protein. Chocolate fiends could even try a teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut spread instead of butter.

Morning Milkshake
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 banana, frozen
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
If you don’t have frozen bananas on hand, you can use fresh bananas and add a handful of ice cubes.

Tortilla Wrap
Ingredients:
1 egg, cooked any way you like it
1 Tbsp. shredded cheese
Diced avocado and tomato
1 flour tortilla
Directions:
Place egg, cheese, avocado and tomato into the tortilla. Wrap as you would a burrito. Serve with fresh salsa if you wish.

Posted in Balancing Act, Chef I'm Not, Easy Recipes | Leave a comment

Inspiring Stories for Austim Awareness Month

In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, we found a great article from Parenting.com that shares 50 amazing stories from families dealing with autism.

Entitled ‘I am 1 in 50′ these stories are written by the brave moms, dads, and children with autism, giving us a new point of view on what autism really looks like.

After reading these incredible stories you will gain a new appreciation for the families that live life with an autistic child. Through the many struggles and joys these families embrace every aspect of autism one day at a time.

Take the time to read these stories and gain a new perspective on life with autism. ‘I am 1 in 50

Posted in Local Scoop, Mommy Memos | Leave a comment

Kids Kamp Challenge…a Fun New Way to Promote Exercise and Heatlhy Eating

Have you heard of Kids Kamp Challenge brought to you by the acclaimed owner of the popular Boot Camp Challenge?  Melissa Grattan, of Make It Fit, LLC and licensee of Boot Camp Challenge, is the mastermind behind this new kids program. Kids Kamp Challenge is an 8 week program for kids age 5- 12. The program meets once a week for 45 minutes, and focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance and teaching them the importance of nutrition.  The last trial sessions starts on April 20th.

Let’s learn more about Make It Fit and Kids Kamp Challenge…

Tell me about you…how did you start Make It Fit?
“I started MIF in 2003 when I found out I was pregnant with my second son.  I was working a full-time office job with one child in daycare. When I found out I was pregnant with my second son, I decided that my goal would be to put my kids on the bus every day and get them off the bus every day from Kindergarten through graduation, so I started my own business where I could set my own hours doing something I loved.”

Did you always want to be a personal trainer?
“Heck no. I was not athletic at all growing up.  I was the girl that would wear her mini skirt and pumps to gym class on “run the mile” day so I wouldn’t have to run. I only started exercising in college when I gained the freshman “15”.  I started jogging to lose weight and immediately fell in love with many different types of exercise.  After becoming healthier, I decided I wanted to teach others how to become healthy and fit.”

How long have you been in business and how many different classes do you offer?
“I have been in business since 2003. When I started MIF, I taught a few group fitness classes locally, but mostly focused on in-home personal training.  Since then, I have expanded my company offering several different programs including Boot Camp Challenge® and Kids Kamp Challenge® and I have a team of 7 trainers.  We run programs throughout the Capital District year round.”

Congrats on starting Kids Kamp!  What made you decide to expand to a kids program?
“Childhood obesity is an epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. It is crucial that we get our kids away from the smart phones, video games and computers and get them MOVING!”

Tell us a little about Kids Kamp…what do the kids do?
“KKC is a 45 minute class and we keep them moving the entire time. They may warm up with a military cadence or with a game of some sort. The meat of the workout may consist of relays to build cardiovascular endurance and team camaraderie, muscular strengthening exercises such as basic pushups, sit ups, squats, and balance, agility and coordination exercises and games. After we cool down, we always talk with them during their stretch about their nutrition.”

Why is it important for kids to be a part of this?  
“Our children need to learn healthy, life-long exercise and nutrition habits at a young age so we can beat the obesity epidemic for kids and adults.  If we teach them healthy habits now, they can pass it on to future generations.”

Do you teach the kids about nutrition during the program?
“Yes, they keep a food journal and their coach reviews them each week giving positive reinforcement and encouragement. They also receive handouts each week with nutrition tips that they can bring home to implement immediately with their families.”

What age does the program target and how often does it meet?
“We meet once per week for 8 weeks and we have a session for 5-9 years of age and 9-12 years of age.”

When does the next session start and how can parents sign their kids up?
“We are running our last trial session (4 weeks) starting on April 20th and parents can sign up by visiting www.makeitfittraining.com or by calling Julie Pascazio, Kids Kamp Challenge Program Manager at 810-3350.”

 

Melissa Grattan, owner of Make It Fit, LLC and licensee of Boot Camp Challenge, is an internationally certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Counselor through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as well as a certified Primary Group Fitness Instructor and Indoor Cycling Instructor. She has also trained in Nutrition Counseling, Prenatal Fitness, Cardio Kickboxing, Mat Science, and the Stability Ball. Besides being a personal trainer and business owner, Melissa is also a wife and mother of two young children, who understands the hectic life of motherhood and the challenge it brings to fitting exercise into her schedule.

(518) 366-1901
makefit@nycap.rr.com
http://makeitfittraining.com/

Posted in Family Time, Local Scoop, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Healthy Snack Ideas

Looking for healthy snack ideas? Here are some quick and easy recipes from Skinnytaste.com.

Zucchini Pizza Bites
Ingredients:
4 slices large zucchini 1/4″ thick (or 1 medium zucchini cut on diagonal)
Spray olive oil
2 tbsp pizza sauce
1/4 cup part skim mozzarella
salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Cut zucchini about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spray both side lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Broil or grill for about 2 minute on each side.
4. Top with sauce and cheese and broil for an additional minute or two.

Healthy Roasted Chickpea Snack
Ingredients:
15 oz can chickpeas, drained
olive oil spray
salt
1 tsp chili pepper powder (to taste)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Drain chickpeas in a colander and let them dry completely. Pat dry with a paper towel if needed.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 30-35 minutes, shaking the pan every ten minutes. All ovens are different so make sure they don’t burn. They will be golden brown and crunchy on the inside when done, not moist.
4. In a medium bowl, combine all the spices.
5. Remove chickpeas from oven when done and spray with olive oil spray. Immediately toss with spices while hot. Eat at room temperature.

Baked Zucchini Sticks
Ingredients:
3 medium zucchini sliced into 3″ x 1/2″ sticks
1 large egg white
1/3 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
2 tbsp grated Pecorino Romano cheese
cooking spray
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt
fresh pepper
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, beat egg whites and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a ziplock bag, place breadcrumbs, garlic powder and cheese and shake well.
3. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
4. Dip zucchini sticks into eggs then into bread crumb and cheese mixture, a few at a time and shake to coat.
5. Place the breaded zucchini in a single layer and spray more cooking spray on top. Bake at 425° for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Baked Eggplant Sticks
Ingredients:
10 oz eggplant
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
1/2 cup Italian Seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 large egg white
oil spray
1 cup quick marinara sauce for dipping
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
2. Cut ends off the eggplant. Slice eggplant in half, then into 1/4 inch thick slices. Lay each slice on the cutting board and cut into 1/4 inch strips. Be sure to cut all the strips the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Place eggplant strips in a bowl and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl, and egg whites in another.
5. Dip a few strips of eggplant at a time into the egg whites, then into the breadcrumbs. Using a fork, remove eggplant from crumbs and place on the baking sheets. Spray with more oil and bake 10 minutes in the middle rack.
6. Turn over and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
12 sticks part-skim, reduced sodium mozzarella string cheese (Sargento)
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp flour
5 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
5 tbsp panko crumbs
2 tsp parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley
olive oil cooking spray (I used my misto)
Directions:
1. Cut cheese in half to give you 24 pieces. Place cheese in the freezer until cheese is frozen.
2. In small bowl, whisk the egg. Place the flour on another small dish. In separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, panko, parmesan cheese and dried parsley.
3. Dip the frozen sticks in flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, then coat with the crumbs.
Repeat this process with the remaining cheese placing them on a tray with wax paper. Place cheese back into the freezer until ready to bake (this is a must or they will melt before the crumbs get golden).
4. When ready to bake preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with oil.
5. Place frozen cheese sticks on baking sheet. Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with a little more oil and bake in the bottom third of your oven until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and bake an additional 4 – 5 minutes watching them closely so they don’t melt.

Zucchini Tots
Ingredients:
1 cup zucchini, grated
1 large egg
1/4 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel.  Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini.
4. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fill each muffin section to the top, pushing down on the filling with your spoon so it’s nice and compacted so they don’t fall apart when you take them out of the tin.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden.

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp garlic powder
22 oz (6 1/2 cups) cauliflower florets
3/4 cup Franks Hot Sauce
1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly spray a large non-stick baking sheet with oil.
2. Combine the water, flour, and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.
3. Coat the cauliflower pieces with the flour mixture and place on the baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes.
4. While the cauliflower is baking, combine the hot sauce and butter in a small bowl.
5. Pour the hot sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with blue cheese dressing if desired and celery sticks.

 

Posted in Chef I'm Not, Easy Recipes, Snack Favorites, Uncategorized | Leave a comment