Sorry Boy Scouts…Being Prepared Sometimes Doesn’t Matter!

The last 48 hours have given me quite the yoga lesson. Yoga teaches us to be present…no regrets about the past, no worries about the future.  Learn to let go of the control, and let life happen. Of the hundreds of thousands of us affected by Thursday night’s storm here in the Northeast, who really [...]

Running on Empty

As usual, I was trying to fit it all in. Church service and meetings, grocery shopping, writing, and playing with my kids.   I was running from the minute I woke up, which is sad for a Sunday, the day once known as the day of rest.  Still, I refused to give up my workout. [...]

Eating Healthy on a Budget

A few months ago, our friend, Tracey Miller of Tracey Miller Wellness gave us some great advice on eating healthy while staying within the family food budget.  Thanks to Yogamint.com, here is a great 5-minute video with more helpful tips on the subject.   It’s important information as so many of us moms struggle to [...]

Train for your First 5K (About.com Guide Christine Luff)

Thank goodness for Google.  Last year when I got serious about running, I was a total beginner.  I had no idea where to go for training plans, advice on gear, or friendly support.  I googled “train 5k beginner” or something to that effect, and this plan popped up.  I followed it religiously and completed my [...]

Stress Prevention & Relief: The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise (FindCounseling.com)

“Many people exercise to boost confidence along with reducing anxiety and stress, all of which contribute to psychological health and well-being.  So, exercise can be viewed as a preventative or wellness activity that may actually help prevent physical and emotional conditions.  By the way, even short bursts of activity help individuals feel better, which means [...]

Fitness Tips for Families (Active.com)

The family that plays together stays together!  This brief video gives some good ideas for families, especially those with older kids.  Fitness Tips for Families (Active.com)

Sneaky Vegetables: Helpful or Harmful?

Tonight was leftover night in my house.  Because Sundays are usually my menu-planning and grocery shopping day, we try to wing it on Saturdays, cleaning out the refrigerator and making the meal more laid back.   Since I had some leftover macaroni and cheese (which by the way is the easiest thing on earth to [...]

Happy, Helpful or Just Plain Hilarious!

If only I had several more hours in a day…I might stand a chance at getting through the stack of new books I’ve ordered or received as gifts through the holidays.    Currently I have a New Year’s Resolution bet with my husband to lose ten pounds.  If I win, (and I will!), the prize [...]

In 2010, Listen to your Inner Child

It’s a new year.  A new beginning.  Time to reflect on your past and make plans for the future.  2009 brought The PranaMama to life, as I began to listen to my heart and do more for myself than ever before.   As a result, I am a happier mother than I was one year [...]

Off the Mat Moms-Lesson 5: SAUCHA

We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are. – Nutritionist & Author Adelle Davis Being a mom is much harder than I ever expected.  One day it’s figuring out how to keep a kid in bed (when you [...]

Off the Mat Moms-Lesson 4: Tapas (Discipline)

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it’s time to get down to business.  Although I try to avoid thinking about the holidays until after the four-day weekend is over, I admit, in recent days I’ve made mental gift lists, touched base with relatives to plan get-togethers, volunteered for the school’s Christmas craft fair and attended [...]

Eating Local Tips for Busy Moms on a Budget

I recently asked Tracey Miller, of Tracey Miller Wellness, what a busy mom on a budget can do when she wants to eat locally and minimize packaged foods.  Tracey, a holistic health counselor, health and wellness educator, cooking instructor,  and a freelance journalist, not to mention a busy mom herself, had some great ideas to share, [...]

What’s an iPhone got to do with Brussels Sprouts, anyway?

I’m a self-professed geek.  I love gadgets and computers.  I was the first of my family or friends to own an iPod back in 2003, I am the one in our house who made it my personal mission to hook up the T.V., Cable Box, V.C.R. and D.V.D. player in the playroom, and I’m always [...]

In Search of the Forgotten Backrub

I was at my gym’s outdoor, family-friendly pool yesterday for one of the last times this summer, having a fabulous time people-watching as my kids splashed and played in the walk-in shallow end for a change.  I couldn’t help but notice this crazy glow coming from every direction!  As I sat there on the water’s [...]

And Miles to Go Before We Sleep…

Ahhhhhh.  I am sitting down for what could honestly be the first time in three days.  It’s been one of those non-stop social weeks, the kind that makes for great memories but can totally wipe you out.   This has been the first stretch of sunny summer weather we’ve had all season, so naturally, we [...]

A Fitness Challenge boosts Physical and Mental Health

For busy moms, it’s hard to make time for exercise.  We are exhausted by our daily routines and caregiving, and if anyone has a toddler, you know you get your heart rate up several times per day without even trying!  But physical exercise, especially when done by yourself or with friends, is not only beneficial [...]