Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

It's that Time Again- Holiday Helper


Every year I adopt a family or child over the holidays. I'm focusing on giving back in my locally again this year and would love for you to join me! I will be donating unwrapped gifts to the Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program from now until December 14th. (More details below) Make a donation and you will receive $10 off any of my single services or packages of $30 or more as an added bonus!   *Scheduling a service is not required in order to make a donation! CLICK HERE to view the services I offer. 


Holiday Helper Program 2018

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program supports families who access our services during the winter season of giving.  Gifts received from the Holiday Helper Program are distributed to families based on their specific needs and what has been donated. Gifts are given to families beginning on Monday, November 19th, 2018 - Monday, December 17th, 2018.


Wish List for Families:


New Toys: For children newborn - 6 years (no toys that require batteries)

*Educational activities
*Games/puzzles
*Sports balls
*Books

*They are especially in need of toys and gifts for older kids ages 5-6 years.

Gift Items for Parents:

*Personal care items (lotion,
bath salts)
* Journal and pen
*Winter accessories
*Kitchen items

Gift Cards Amounts of $25 or More: Retails stores

*Target, Kohl’s, etc.
* Amazon

Gift Wrap:

*Wrapping paper
*Scotch tape
*Bows and ribbon
*Large black trash bags
(for transporting gifts)


Items they CANNOT accept:

*Used items

*Items that promote violence (toy weapons or cartoon characters with weapons)

* Items that require batteries (many families cannot afford to replace batteries)

* Religious themed items (including gift wrap featuring Christmas, Santa, etc.)

* Pre-wrapped gifts (The families are grateful when they are able to give their children gifts.
It’s important that the families have the opportunity to wrap their gift so they are an active part of the gift giving process.) 



Important Information:

Nearly 90% of the families are of minority status.

Items that promote cultural diversity are encouraged.




CONTACT ME with questions or to schedule a time to drop off your donations! Thank you! 



Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

Chefs in Training


Since I do not have children of my own yet, I've been offering children's cooking classes in Iowa and Minnesota the past few years!  My four-year-old twin niece and nephew have also been acquiring some cooking skills from me! They love helping in the kitchen and can even crack eggs! When you have children help choose and prepare meals it's educational, fun, and great for their long-term health.  Kids who help with meal preparation are more likely to eat the food! 

Here are the best ways to involve kids in in meal prep based on their age and ability: 

Preschoolers:

Set the table
Stir batter
Kneading dough
Assemble pizza
Peeling oranges, bananas, or hard-boiled eggs
Toss a salad


5-8 Years Old: 

Cut soft fruits with a dull knife
Measuring liquids
Scrubbing potatoes
Grating cheese
Peeling onions
Cracking raw eggs
Loading the dishwasher


Preteens: 

Using a food processor 
Opening cans
Cutting with a chef's knife
Cooking in the oven
Baking breads


Teenagers: 

Using all appliances
Cooking on an outdoor grill
Purchasing groceries


Please request to join my private Facebook group: Wellness Warriors   This is where I post all my most valuable content and upcoming classes and events! 



Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.








#1 Thing You Can Do for Your Child's Health



Cooking with your kids is a great way to talk about their health! Experts say that the single most important thing you can do for your health is to cook at home. Inviting children into the kitchen and involving them at a very young age fosters a habit that will have lifelong benefits. Also, it gives you an opportunity to discuss with a 3-year-old how fish can help make you smart (fatty acids), how “eating a rainbow” ensures that you get a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, and how eating plenty of fresh vegetables and drinking lots of water will “make your dump truck easier to empty!" 

CLICK HERE to check out my upcoming online children's cooking classes! 




Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.






Have Kids?



Something fun for your kiddos to do in February! These classes will be held at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.  Registration is required! See below on how to register. 


February 17  |  10 – 11:15 am  |  $35: Heart-Healthy Snacks (Children’s Cooking Class)

Join Jackie for this children’s hands-on cooking class focusing on heart-healthy foods! We will be making a few after-school snacks they can easily make on their own! All supplies are included.

On the Menu:

Strawberry Coconut and Nut Parfait
Tuna, Black Bean and Spinach Lettuce Wraps
Blueberry Avocado Pudding

*This class is suitable for children ages 6 – 10 years old. Space is limited to 10 attendees.



February 24  |  10 – 11 am  |  $35: DIY Dog Treats (Children’s Cooking Class)

Your 4-legged friends deserve some treats every now and again too! Join Jackie as we whip up some grain-free goodies to take home for your favorite furry BFF! All supplies are included.

*This class is suitable for children ages 6 – 12 years old. Space is limited to 10 attendees.



*Please contact the Pearson Lakes Art Center for more information on these classes or to register: education@lakesart.org or 712.332.7013




Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

Holiday Helper



Every year I adopt a family or child over the holidays. I'm focusing on giving back in my local neighborhood again this year and would love for you to join me! I will be donating unwrapped gifts to the Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program from now until December 17th. (More details below) Make a donation and you will receive $10 off any of my single services or packages as an added bonus!   *Scheduling a service is not required in order to make a donation! CLICK HERE to view the services I offer. 


Holiday Helper Program 2017

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program supports families who access our services during the winter season of giving.  Gifts received from the Holiday Helper Program are distributed to families based on their specific needs and what has been donated. Gifts are given to families beginning on Friday, November 24th, 2017 - Friday, December 22nd, 2017.


Wish List for Families:


New Toys: For children newborn - 6 years
*Educational activities
*Games

Gift Items for Parents:

*Personal care items (lotion,
bath salts)
*Winter accessories
*Kitchen items

Gift Cards Amounts of $25 or More: Retails stores

*Target, Kohl’s, etc.
* Amazon

Gift Wrap:

*Wrapping paper
*Scotch tape
*Bows and ribbon
*Large black trash bags
(for transporting gifts)


Items they CANNOT accept:

*Used items

*Items that promote violence (toy weapons or cartoon characters with weapons)

* Items that require batteries (many families cannot afford to replace batteries)

* Religious themed items (including gift wrap featuring Christmas, Santa, etc.)

* Pre-wrapped gifts (The families are grateful when they are able to give their children gifts.
It’s important that the families have the opportunity to wrap their gift so they are an active part of the gift giving process.) 



Important Information:


Nearly 90% of the families are of minority status.

Items that promote cultural diversity are encouraged.





CONTACT ME with questions or to schedule a time to drop off your donations! Thank you! 



Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com


Chill Out



I taught another children's cooking class last week at the co-op and wanted to share one of the recipes with you! 


BERRIES AND CREAM POPSICLES    
                                                              
INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible) 

3 Cups organic strawberries 
1 Can full fat coconut milk (from the can)  
1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract  

DIRECTIONS:  

  1. Puree strawberries in a blender or food processor. Set aside. 

  1. In a separate bowl mix coconut milk and vanilla extract together. Mix until combined thoroughly. 

  1. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry puree into each Popsicle mold. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of coconut mix into each mold. Continue to switch between the berry puree and the coconut mixture until Popsicle molds are filled. Place molds in freezer. 

  1. Allow popsicles to freeze completely before serving, about 5-8 hours. Once your popsicles are ready to serve, run the bottom of the Popsicle molds under warm water to help release them from the molds. Serve and enjoy! 



CLICK HERE for more clean eating recipes!


Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.