March is National Nutrition Month! Can you make one change for the health of your family?

So, we all know we should be eating nutritiously... but are we?  I was just commenting to my husband a few days ago about things I swore I'd never do as a mom I've slacked on SIGNIFICANTLY.  I think I need to use March's National Nutrition Month to get back on track!  Even just at a quick glace below at the AMA's recommendations, I can see I'm falling short (e.g. only 2 processed servings of meat per week... my kids LOVE processed meat; 2 servings of fish per week... we're lucky if I serve 2 per month, and the list goes on).  It was a lot easier when my kids were babies and ate everything I put in front of them... now that they're in the picky toddler stage giving them healthy choices they'll eat is a lot more difficult.  Summertime is a bit easier with so many fresh fruits & veggies around, but this past winter I've gotten LAZY, and it needs to stop! 

Is there one change you can make this month for the health of your family?  As referenced below, 83% of coronary events can be elminated with good nutrition, exercise and not smoking.  83%!!! 


The following is from the American Heart Association.

March is National Nutrition Month!


National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign held annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The American Heart Association encourages making heart-smart choices during Nutrition Month – and every month! At the heart of health is good nutrition.

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons in the fight against heart disease - the No. 1 killer of Americans. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. One study (NEJM 2000) found that by adhering to five lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise, and non-smoking, 83% of coronary events may be prevented.

When it comes to diet, making smart choices will benefit heart health and overall health. Incorporating even simple, small changes can make a big difference in living a healthier life and can help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods daily.

The American Heart Association recommends:

• Fruits and vegetables: At least 4.5 cups a day

• Fish (preferably oily fish): At least two 3.5-ounce servings a week

• Fiber-rich whole grains: At least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings a day

• Sodium: Less than 1,500 mg a day

• Sugar-sweetened beverages: No more than 450 calories (36 ounces) a week



Other Dietary Measures:

• Nuts, legumes and seeds: At least 4 servings a week

• Processed meats: No more than 2 servings a week

• Saturated fat: Less than 7% of total energy intake

KIDSIGNMENTS Sale - April 13 & 14 at Grant County Fairgrounds

If you live in Grant County and you haven't heard... the next Kidsignments Sale is coming up April 13 & 14!  

For those of you who have been to this sale, you know what this means.... time to start going through and organizing the stuff you kids don't need/want/fit into any more.  Go to the Kidsignments website ASAP to check out the requirements for electronic tagging.  Note:  ALL items will have to be electronically tagged this sale, so start organizing and entering your items SOON so you don't run out of time! 

For those of you who haven't been to this sale... YOU ARE MISSING OUT!  This is the greatest kids sale - a chance for moms to get rid of what they don't need anymore and to get new kids clothes/toys/furniture/books/maternity clothes/anything related to kids for GREAT prices!  Essentially, this is an extremely organized, well thought out garage sale (with all kids stuff) with all items in good condition.  


I LOVE THIS SALE!  It is twice a year, in the fall and in the spring, and gives me a chance to get organized & purge.  Actually, my kids love this sale too, as I've convinced them that if they help me find things we don't use/need anymore they can get NEW things... they love that (and I love decluttering my house!)!


I've spent the last two weekends going through my house, my attic, and my kids' room to collect what we can sell, and have used this as an opportunity for some spring cleaning.  Remember, while you're at it, make sure to find out what they need for the summer and in what sizes, so you're ready & armed when you hit the sale!


Hope to see you there!

Kidsignments - Next Sale: April 13th & 14th, 2012
The children's consignment sale is an organized and advertised large group sale, in order to sell gently used children's items: including clothing from newborn to pre-teen, maternity clothing, toys, baby equipment, books, videos, outdoor play equipment. Prices are reasonable but higher than garage sales.

In the mood to paint? FREE Valspar sample kit and $5 off coupon!

Spring is the perfect time to transform your home. And Valspar® is helping by giving away up to 750 free paint kits every day during March.

Simply 'like" the Valspar Facebook page to receive a "Connect to the Power in Color Starter Kit," with your choice of any Valspar paint color. If you're already a fan, simply visit our Facebook page and click on the link to the Connect to the Power in Color giveaway.

Your free kit, normally $5.95 + shipping, contains:

- One 8 oz. paint sample, in your choice of Valspar color - A single-use paint roller - Paint tray - Coordinating paint chips, to help you choose complementary colors

You also receive a coupon for $5 off a gallon of Valspar paint at Lowe's®.

There's no better time to experience fresh color in your home, and painting a sample on the wall is the best way to give new colors a try. But hurry – the sample store opens at 10:00 am EST every morning, and the kits are free to only the first 750 orders. If you aren't one of the first 750 lucky recipients today. try again tomorrow. This giveaway continues through March 31, 2012. Limit one kit per household. Colorfully Yours, The Valspar Team

A different way of focusing on the season of Lent - Splurgeit.org

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday - the first day of the Lent Season.  The season of Lent is a time to reflect on Christ's sacrifice at Easter, by preparing for the death of Christ.  "Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter." (Catholic Education - History of Lent Website)

Growing up I never really paid attention to Lent - I always thought of it as "something that my Catholic friends did", as I'd hear of them giving up desserts or soda pop for the season.  Then, before I knew it would be Good Friday and Easter, and I remember wishing I'd spent more time to think about the significance of Easter before it was all over. 

As an adult, I'm learning more about what it means to be purposeful spending time reflecting on Christ's sacrifice in the 40  days BEFORE Easter.  It really makes the Easter season much more meaningful as you spend time 40 days leading up, rather than thinking about it for the first time on Good Friday and the days after. 

As my husband and I were discussing what we should "give up" for Lent, as a small token of reminding us of the sacrifice Christ made for us, I came across an idea a local church in my area has for a different way of celebrating Lent - SPLURGEIT.ORG. 

Splurgeit.org recommends a different way to celebrate Lent - by splurging on the resources we do have so that others may have more.  Intrigued?  I was.  I suggest checking out their website.  Click on their HOME page, and then for each daily suggestion of how to splurgeit, go to the Experience page.  Click on the day of Lent (starting on Ash Wednesday to find out what day we're on.  i.e. if you're reading this post the same day I post it (Feb 28), then you are on day 7)

Haven't started thinking about Lent?  It isn't too late - check out splurgeit.org, or start preparing your mind & your heart in another way.... Easter is coming soon - don't "miss" it. 

National Pancake Day 2012- Tues, Feb 28 (Free Pancakes & Supporting a Good Cause)

Ready to celebrate National Pancake Day?

Tuesday, Feb 28 you can celebrate by getting a free Short Stack at iHOP.  In return, they ask you consider making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network, which supports local children's hospitals.

Who doesn't love pancakes? :)

Lowes Free Kids Clinic Tomorrow at 10am ("Cool Race Car")

Tomorrow, Feb 25th is the next FREE Lowes Build & Grow Kids Clinic.  These are NATIONWIDE - so wherever you are, you can do it.  You must register for these - see link below.

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

Some of these clinics are more popular than others - this one WILL BE popular, so get there before 10am when it starts.  Even if you've registered, they can run out of kids, so don't miss it!  I showed my boys the picture of the car this morning, and they're quite excited to build a "cool race car"!

10 for $10 at Meijer Again This Week! (Walmart will match prices)

Meijer is having their 10 items for $10 sale again this week..... each item is $1, and when you purchase 10 you get the 11th free!

On the list:  bags of organic baby carrots, 1lb containers of fresh strawberries, red/yellow/orange peppers, and bags Dole lettuce kits! 

Remember, if you're a Walmart shopper, they will match Meijer's Sale prices, so get the same items that are on sale at Meijer at Walmart, but when you check-out at Walmart just tell them that each of these items is on sale at Meijer for $1!